Few Things You Need To Know About Pastor Joel Osteen; His Life And Ministry.

Joel Scott Osteen ^{(born March 5, 1963) is an American Pastor, Televangelist, and Author, based in Houston, Texas. Osteen’s televised sermons are seen by over 7 million viewers weekly and over 20 million monthly in over 100 countries.}
Joel Osteen was born into a nuclear family of eight (8) in Houston. His Father, a former Southern Baptist Pastor, founded Lakewood Church (of Which Osteen is the Current Pastor) behind an old feed Store. Osteen Attended Humble High School, a public high School in the City of Humble, Texas, graduated in 1981 and furthered his education at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he studied radio and television communications, but for some reason unknown to the public, he never graduated; a degree wasn’t given from a divinity School. He returned to houston in 1982 and founded Lakewood’s Television Program, where he produced his father’s televised sermons for 17 years until January 1999, when his father kicked the bucket (died) unexpectedly from Myocardial infarction (heart attack).

He was encouraged by his father to preach for many years but his quest to work behind the scenes, he declined until January 17, 1999 when he accepted his father’s proposal/counsel and preached his first sermon. Two (2) weeks after his father’s death, he began preaching regularly and was installed as the new Senior Pastor of Lakewood church later that year – October 3, 1999. Since then, Church attendance grew from 5,000 to 43,000.
Lakewood Church later acquired the NBA Houston Rockets’ former home, Compaq Center in 2003 which was renovated at the cost of $105 million. ^{The renovations took over 15 months to complete, and included the addition of five stories to add more capacity. Lakewood’s 2005 grand opening was attended by an estimated} 56,000 people, including Texas Governor Rick Perry and Speaker of the House ^{Nancy Pelosi.}

Lakewood Church ^{services are seen in over 100 countries.} Osteen was selected by Barbara Walters ^{as one of her 10 Most Fascinating People of 2006. Former presidential candidate} John McCain described Osteen ^{as his favorite inspirational author. The} Osteen family attended Easter breakfast hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House in 2010.

I Survived Food Poisoning And Nearly Gave Up On Everything. Business Coach and Founder of IAES Africa, Caroline Esinam Adzogble Shares!!

Caroline Esinam Adzogble is a profound Entrepreneur, Educationist, Business Coach, Diversity maverick, an advocate for women and girls in technology and the founder of IAES Africa, Potters International College, Admission in 30 Minutes, Everyday Travels and Tours, Caroline Technology Solutions, President of Caroline University and the Mercy Heart Foundation.
Madam Caroline recently revealed some shocking challenges she faced on her Journey to be Successful. I pray and hope this Story inspires/motivates You. Regardless of the Problems/Challenges you encounter on your path, make sure you don’t quit. Remember, “So long as there’s Life, There’s Hope”. You will Succeed if You Dont Quit.
This is what she posted on her Instagram Page.
“My crime in 2019 was that I surrounded myself with people who didn’t want me to be who God says I needed to be. I met my previous chef the other day and he told me ‘Caroline I happened to be in a meeting where they plotted, I knew everything that was going to happen, I didn’t tell you about it because I wanted you to go through it’ then I asked him *who’s call was it to decide what I had to go through* This was because I was a happy little girl😂. I nearly gave up on everything. I nearly killed myself but anytime I tried someone walked in on me. I survived food poisoning. I escaped car chases. I have overstepped all the traps set for me. But the Gag is, God showed up and showed out as always. I cannot actually count my blessings. Maybe I should produce a documentary about my 2019. This is to say I MADE IT. I SURVIVED IT. I actually still can’t believe that I did. I look into the future with a lot of hope. God is good. Help me thank him. Trust me when I say We aren’t ready for 2020.”

5 Things To Do To Stay Out Comfort Zones!

What are the things you need to do to stay out your comfort zone? Do you feel stacked in your own body? Have you been experiencing the feeling of inferiority? Well, I think, comfort zones maybe nice places but they are waste lands where nothing grows. Oh yes! Get out. Go out there and do what you detest doing. Below are few things that I know, will help you get out from your comfort zone and be the best you. Enjoy Reading!!

1: Face Your Fears: So what exactly do we mean by the word “Fear”? Well, I think “Fear” as we all know is “False Evidence Appearing Real”. So then, why must one give in to fear when there is so much to live for; I mean the unachieved dreams and the untapped potentials stacked within? One of the ways by which one can get out his/her comfort zone is by facing their fears. So you ask, how? Apparently, many people all around the world, tend to act on fear, overlooking the fact that, acting on fear makes your fears come true but acting on faith and the zeal to succeed, makes your dreams come true. Regardless of your status/position at work or even at home; you need to stand up for yourself. Be it, public speaking etc. Take control of your destiny. The fear of the unknown makes life much stressful. Don’t let it serve as a destructive tool, to get you off your path of success. Don’t let it be a setback. Chase fear into a room and be fear’s friend. Go out your comfort zone; do the things you have difficulties doing. Being indolent, will only render you poor. Remember if you don’t fight for what you want, don’t cry for what you lost.

2: Set Small Achievable Goals: Ever heard of the old adage that goes like “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step” Oh yes, it does! No idea is too little as you might think sometimes. Regardless of how small you see it, just work on it and I assure you, it will become something you least expected. Remember, you don’t have to be great to start but you have to start to be great. Get uncomfortable with yourself and reach out for more. There is always a lot more to learn/achieve. Refuse to stay small.

3: Change your comfort to discomfort: By changing your comfort to discomfort, I mean, doing the things that makes you uncomfortable. You need to forget about whatever people say about you. The perception people have about you, doesn’t define you. It is what you perceive about yourself that works. It is how you see yourself that determines how you will fight the giants in your life. Don’t pay heed to their negative comments about your life. You own your happiness. Choose to stay positive-minded every day regardless of the circumstances at hand and the situation you find yourself in.

4: Envisage the person you want to be: How do you view yourself now? What about in the next 5years? What do you want to do in future? Some people tend to under-estimate themselves because they failed to visualize who they want to become in life. You need to understand that, whatever work you set your eyes on, to be in life, requires hard work and determination. Be encouraged, see yourself doing it. You need to form a clear mental image of the person you want to become. Break out your comfort zone; there is absolutely nothing special in there. Remember, your memory improves when you imagine yourself doing something. If you aspire to be a Doctor, visualize yourself doing it and work towards it. Fight towards your set goals.
5: Becoming more Persistent: Once you have come out of your self-defeating comfort zone, you still have the mission of staying out of it. You have to be persistent in doing the things you feel so uncomfortable doing, to help achieve your Goals/Objectives in life. You have what it takes. You only need to avail yourself. Strive for success. You can’t be successful whiles living in your comfort zone. Come out of it and make your world a wonderful one. You can. You Will. Make it happen. Be a Comfort killer.
-Written By: Sammy the Author

When All Hope Is Lost!

Who do you call a Friend? Who do you call unto, when all hell is breaking loose? Who responds to you when you call? Have you ever found yourself in a worst situation and the only thought that came in mind was Committing Suicide? Here, I have discovered some solutions to your problem. Enjoy Reading!!!

Your purpose for living is not determined by your failures in life. We are all unique in our own special way. No one is exempted. We were all made to use the tear ducts given to us by our Maker; you have to go through PAIN to experience PROGRESS. Such is life. Life is a journey full of uncertainties and we are all bound to go through it. And yes, some were born with a silver spoon in their mouth and others, were to suffer to gain. Regardless of your background and whatsoever situation you are going through; bear in mind that, there will always be a light at the end of every tunnel. Quit self-doubt and strive hard to achieve greatness. There came a time in my life, that I thought it was all over but with Prayer, Hardwork and Determination, I was able to achieve greatness. Remember, people for that matter, will come at you with all sort of let downs, words of discouragement just because Success isn’t reflecting in the work that you do but pay no heed to what they say; it is not necessarily about them, it is about you. The Perception some people have about you, does not make you a loser, it is you that makes you a loser; it’s a Choice. Love what you do, it will surely pay off one day. Going through Challenges/Difficulties in life is a sure thing. Below are few solutions I discovered in my quest to be successful:

1: Prayer – Prayer is and will always be the only means by which Humanity links up with Divinity. Without Prayer, our success is temporal. Whatever situation you find yourself in, just pray about it.
“Proverbs 10:22 – It is the blessings of the Lord that brings wealth, without painful toil for it”
Weeping and feeling all moody won’t solve the problems, it will make them worst. Therefore make Prayer your priority in every aspect of your life and you will see greatness happening all around you.
2: Be Optimistic – The only thing that keeps us going in life and wanting to do more is Hope. Never Lose Hope in anything you do. Being optimistic has saved lots of lives and restored lots of properties. Some people end up committing suicide when there is lack of hope. Some people lost their lives because they felt there was no need to live. And yes, it very painful to lose a loved one when all he/she did was pray and believe God for a miracle but sometimes we need to have the spirit to wait on God; I call that “Firm Faith”. Don’t give up and never give in, because you will surely make it. God’s time is the best.
Keep Praying and keep believing God for a miracle. You Can. Make it Happen.

What Life Presents to the Table!

Going through Challenges and Difficulties in “Life” is an assurance and no one is exempted from it. Life is a Journey with one road connecting to the other; the narrow road (Wrong) and the one that leads to eternal life (Right). Have you ever, for once, asked yourself, the purpose for which you are here on earth? A Motivational Speaker and a Great Man of God, Dr. Myles Munroe said in one of his quotes that”The Greatest tragedy in Life is not death but a life without a Purpose”. Re-examination is the Key.

So therefore, day in day out, each and every one of us, ought to re-examine ourselves and know what’s really going wrong in our lives and find solutions to it. Sometimes, the people we even claim to love so dearly are the ones wishing for our downfall. There’s nothing new under the sun, you know; it happens. You tend to give your all to a friend or even a relative, but all you get in return is HATRED. Remember, we are all going to use the tear ducts given to us by God; no one is exempted from it. Crying doesn’t solve our problems, it only worsens it. This piece was actually inspired by a pathetic movie I watched a week ago and this said movie, was very touching and I had no option than to write about it and to inspire the hopeless to keep on working hard in life. You see, “nothing good comes easily” says an old adage. Whatever you plan on achieving in life, comes along with regrets, obstacles, complications and Challenges; that I assure you! But you can only overcome these challenges, when you are focused and determined to get to your final destination. And bear in mind, those who were able to achieve and accomplish their mission/dreams in this life, were once nobody but all they had was just a “DREAM” and ways on how to achieve those dreams. They encountered so many obstacles on their way to be successful but they never gave up, they stood firm and decided to make it, regardless of the challenges they are bound to face in achieving those dreams. You see, whenever you encounter problems in your life, the only solution/option you have is God. Never rely on your strength, for all you have is Weaknesses. Nothing can be done in your life without the help of our Maker.

“Life” is good.
“Life” is full of Uncertainties.
“Life has a way of knocking us down to the point where we can’t even pray for ourselves”.

Keep your head up. Don’t allow the perception of people drown out your inner voice. Keep working hard, rise up after every fall. Failure is never the end of your life. Give it a second try anytime you fail. Success is just a stone-throw from where you are. Go get it. You Can. You Will. Make it Happen.

Time Zone

Have you ever, for once in your lifetime felt like the world’s biggest failure? Do you think you have nothing left inside of you? Regardless of who you think you are, there is something lurking. The reality is that, there is something you have to do; dreams to achieve and a purpose to live for. If you have ever felt this way, then I guess this message is for YOU. Enjoy Reading…!!!

 

Life as we all know, has got pathways, you either go the right way or the wrong way; it’s your choice. Life will always present us with new ways or strategies to help us achieve our goals/ambitions but, to what time can we wait for that? “Time” they say alters appearance. The fact that everything isn’t going the way we want it to go, doesn’t mean we are the world’s biggest failure. Some friends succeed whiles others fail; that’s just how far the world has come. The word “FAITH’ has been taken out, our Christian life and has been replaced with “Fear”. We have given in to what the world present to the table.

 

Each and every individual on this earth works based on their TIMEZONE. People around you may be ahead of you but this shouldn’t be a big deal and never waste much time and energy thinking about why you are not making progress in everything you do; just remember, some friends you started with, might also be behind you. At least this should motivate you to keep moving in your chosen field. Failure is not death. For me, I think, failure is more or less a stepping stone to GREATNESS. When you fail, it’s an opportunity to get back up and excel in all your endeavors. Strive for success. Never allow the success of others bring you down. Get your spirit up and start moving. Remember there is time for everything. Make good use of your time. “Procrastination is a thief of time” as the adage goes.

Quit Postponing, Start Working towards your set goals. Life is too short to waste it on some unnecessary stuffs, which is of no benefit to your life. You Can.. You Will.. Make it Happen!!!

All you need to know about the Advance Youth Group.

The Advance Youth Group is a Non-Governmental Organization created by Grey Owusu Agyarko, a level 200 student of the University of Ghana, legon, studying Sociology and Information Studies. The Main purpose of the Organization is to Educate, Inspire and Empower the Youth to become what they are really purposed to be, because looking at the rate at which some youth of today go about life, and even their way of approaching certain issues that confront them, is very appalling. So this Initiative, is aimed at eradicating or rectifying some issues/challenges that come their way. Each and every individual has got his/her own flaws and this flaws makes us unique. Building a Happy and a Successful life entails a lot; it requires Self-Love, Self-Motivation, Hardwork and Determination. This Initiative seeks to provide resources to each and every individual who is willing to make a change in his/her life. It will also serve as a go-to-source for other NGO’s/Organizations.

 

Our Objectives

1: To Educate the Youth on various pressing issues and matters such as “Health, Education etc.

2: To Empower the youth to come up with ideas and also establish their own business.

3: To Inspire the Youth to be responsible Men and Woman they are meant to be.

4: To Create a Platform for the voices of the poor and needy to be heard and taken into consideration.

5: To Give hope to the Hopeless.

 

Mission

Our mission is to ensure the Youth are well educated on some hidden truth about what life really entails. Empowering the Youth is our primary goal and it’s also our aim to set the pace for other organizations to follow.

 

Vision

A Global Organization that has positive impact on the youth.

 

#AYG…It’s All About Change!

#AYG…Inspiring the Youth!!

Who You Are!!!

What do you see when you look at yourself in a mirror? What reflection do you get? Regardless of who you think you are. You have a mission to accomplish, dreams to achieve and a purpose to live for. Never underestimate the power instilled in you by the Maker of all things. You have what it takes to make your world a better place. Quit doubting and get started. Enjoy reading!!

 

In our walks of life, we tend to meet people of different self-belief and way of thinking. The way you perceive yourself to be, goes a long way to either shape your future or break you. You are who you perceive yourself to be not what others think of you. Our thought life makes us unique and sometimes makes us turn our back on the dreams we are optimistic about. You are what you think. Take hold of your destiny. Never allow a mere criticism drown out your inner voice. Take hold of inspiration. There is so much inside of you. Get rid of the doubt and get started. Life will always present to you, opportunities to make you doubt the potentials stacked within. Each and every one of us are bound to meet the 3 D’s of Life, which is Difficulties, Discouragement and Disappointments, but if you know who you are in Christ Jesus, nothing is impossible. You can do all things through Him that strengthens you- Philippians 4:13. He has instilled in us the power to do the impossible. One of the ways by which, one can do the impossible or achieve one’s set goals is by self-belief. Believing in one’s self, goes a long way to shape one’s future. You are Strong, Fit, Courageous, Wonderful, Powerful and an Overcomer. That is who you are in Christ and that is how He sees you to be. Never underestimate yourself, because if indeed we were created in God’s own image, then the probability that we are able to do the impossible is very high. So why look down on yourself when you have everything at your disposal? Keep pressing on and you will surely get to your final destination. Remember, believing in one’s self paves a half way through every situation. And yes, I know sometimes life has a way of knocking us down to the point where, we can’t even pray for ourselves but with Prayers and Faith in Christ, everything will come to a successful end. Below are few ways on how to know yourself.

1: Know Your Worth: One of the most essential ways to know your worth is by Valuing one’s self. Valuing one’s self goes a long way to shape one’s future. Many are those who underestimate themselves because of past hurts, disappointment, failures in life. What every individual ought to know is that, as humans, living in this crazy world, we are bound to go through some challenges but in the midst of all the adversities, God has given us the power and strength to overcome every temptations that come our way. You have the ability and capacity to do the impossible. You only need to take a step of faith and reach out to that, which is missing in your life. You can if only you persist.

2: Self-Examination:  There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to sit himself down and examine some happenings and make a decision to change. Knowing your strength and weaknesses can help you know the steps to take in order to achieve your set goals. Each and every individual ought to know that achieving the maximum level of success in life, is by Self-Examination.

 

3: Self-Belief: Believing in one’s self paves a half way through every situation. One of the ways by which one can do the impossible is by self-belief. Never concede to your failures in life. Create your set goals, believe you can, nothing becomes impossible when self-belief sets in. Never rely on your weakness, thinking nothing is achievable.  Keep your head up and reach out to that which is lost in your life, and start fighting for it. Don’t let your weaknesses overshadow or overwhelm you. Know your strength and set your paths right. Everything is achievable with self-belief. Everything that happens, happens at the time God choses.

Get rid of the doubts and get started. You Can!!

Fear; the Powerful Destructive tool to Failure.

What are you afraid of? Have you given “Fear” the best part of you? What room does fear have? Fear as we might know is, “False Evidence Appearing Real”. Fear is more equivalent to self-imprisonment. If you have ever found yourself in such situation, then this message is for you. Enjoy reading!

 

 

Life as we all know is full of uncertainties. We are meant to face challenges on our way to be successful.  In our walk of life, we are bound to come across so many obstacles or hindrances that may prevent or serve as a destructive tool to our path of Success. One of the obstacles is “Fear”. It may either be as a result of past hurts, bitterness, disappointment or put downs that fear may arise but that should not be the end of the road. Fear has no power or dominion over you. It is when you allow yourself to be overwhelmed by fear. Just know that, acting on fear makes your fear come true but acting on Faith makes your dreams come to pass. God in His own infinite wisdom has given each and every one of us, a gift that will help us in achieving our set goals or objectives in life. Moreover, fear is just a feeling that induces an individual to be scared of the unknown. Never forget that, the fear of the unknown makes life stressful. One of the ways in which one can defeat or eradicate the spirit of fear is by facing them. So you ask, how can one face his/her fears? Well, by doing the things that makes him/her feel uncomfortable and scared. Fear does a lot of harm to the body and this can cause so many damages to the brain.

 

Upon all the research I did on “Fear”, I realized that, fear can impair formation of long-term memories and cause damage to certain parts of the brain, such as the hippocampus(The major component of the Brain of Humans and other Vertebrates- It belongs to the Limbic system(is a set of brain structures located on both sides of the thalamus, immediately beneath the cerebrum) and plays a vital role in the consolidation of information from the short-term memory to the Long-term memory). This can make it even more difficult to regulate fear and can leave a person anxious most of the time. To someone in chronic fear, the world looks scary and their memories confirm that. You are what you think. So gain control over your fears. Don’t let fear take the best of you.

 

Why You Should Not Be Afraid

As Humans, we have all the power given to us by the Most High God, to take dominion over all Earthly things. So why should you be afraid when everything is at your disposal. Below are scriptures on how to overcome your fears and step into a life of Faith.

1: Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” (Isaiah 35:4).

2: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27).

3: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.(Joshua 1:9).

4: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and your staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4).

5: When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:19).

 

Finally, learn to chase fear out of your life. There is more to live for, than to risk it living a fearful life. You Can. You Will. Make it Happen.

 

                                    

The Life Of A Fighter-Sam Berns.

Sampson Gordon “Sam” Berns was an American boy who suffered from progeria and helped raise awareness about the disease. Born on October 23, 1996 and died on January 10, 2014. He was the subject of the HBO documentary Life According to Sam, which was first screened in January 2013. He died one year later, after appearing in a TEDx Talks video titled “My philosophy for a happy life. His parents, Scott Berns and Leslie Gordon, both pediatricians, received their son’s diagnosis when he was less than two years of age. Coarsely a year later, they established the Progeria Research Foundation in an exertion to increase awareness of the condition, to promote research into the underlying causes of and possible treatments for the disease, and to offer resources for the support of sufferers and their families.

 

Honors

Boston Bruins

On November 9, 2013, the Boston Bruins welcomed Berns to drop the ceremonial first puck for a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He helped host Progeria Awareness Night at the TD Garden in Boston, dropping the ceremonial puck, serving as Assistant Equipment Manager for the team, and watching their warm ups from the team’s bench. Berns and Zdeno Chára, the Bruins captain, had been strong friends since 2006, when Berns attended a Bruins game and met Chára afterwards. Chára had scored in that game and Berns blurted out “You’re the hero!” Chára responded: “No, no, you’re my hero, our hero.”

Before the puck dropped on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, the Bruins honored their special friend, Sam Berns, with a moment of silence and video tribute.

 

 

 

New England Patriots

The plan was that Berns was going to be an honorary captain when the New England Patriots hosted the Indianapolis Colts in a divisional playoff game in January 2014.

Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft issued a statement on the news of the passing of Berns.

 

                       His Philosophy Of A Happy Life

 

(1) “Be OK with what you ultimately can’t do, because there is so much you CAN do.“
 Sam said he is very much aware of the things he can’t do, like ride a roller coaster, but instead of focusing on that he instead focuses on the things he can do, and the things he is passionate about. Sam said you can put somethings that were impossible or out of reach before in the “can-do category” by making adjustments. To illustrate this point with an example he plays a clip of himself with the marching band, the story he opened with, which further illuminates his theme or his core message.

(2) “Surround yourself with people you want to be around.” Sam talked about the importance of having high-quality people and great friends in your life, and a close family. “We see each other for who we are on the inside,” Sam said of his friends and loved ones. You can see Sam gets choked up when talking about how the relationships in his life supersedes even all the other positive aspects of his life. Our friends, our families, our communities, Sam said, are really the things that can make a huge difference in our lives.

(3) Keep moving forward. Here Sam quotes Walt Disney: “Around here…we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things.” Sam said he was able to get through difficult times by always having something in the future to look forward to, even if it was just a small thing like a new comic book or a football game. “This mentality includes staying in a forward-thinking state of mind. I try hard not to waste energy feeling badly about myself, Sam said, because when I do I get stuck in a paradox where there is no room for happiness or any other emotion.”

Sam was so positive and so optimistic about his future. “No matter what I choose to become, I believe I can change the world. And as I am striving to change the world, I will be happy.” He showed a clip from the film which he said embodied his philosophy. Even though he had change in four years, he said, his philosophy had not. Sam told a story at the end of being very sick. It was a time he had to use all his strength and put his philosophy to the challenge. It was the three keys above that saw him through the roughest times, he said. “Being brave isn’t supposed to be easy,” Sam said. “But it’s the key to moving forward.”

“Being brave isn’t supposed to be easy, but it’s the key to moving forward.”

Sam’s talk is a beautiful thing. It is positive, authentic, and from the heart. His presentation is a wonderful contribution that is continuing to touch people, and inspire them to live life as fully as they can.

 

                       A Word From Me.

Life as we all know, is full of uncertainties. In our walks of life, we come across many people who tend to under-estimate the less privileged around them. But have you for once sat yourself down and examined, what gives your life a meaning? Well, it doesn’t matter your looks, how you perceive yourself to be and even your family background, whether you are disabled or not. Just understand that “Disability is not Inability” what matters is, you have a lot to bless the world with; the hidden potentials stacked inside of you. Never in your life, allow the opinions of critics or even the influences from friends, drown out your inner voice. After reading the story of Sam Berns, I realized that, irrespective of who you think you are and where you originate from, there’s so much responsibility to live for; you can make it, regardless of the perception people have about you. Live a happy Life. Success Awaits Us All.

Source: Wikipedia-Sam Berns