CHIBUIKE OKEY

Jan   Feb   March   April   May   June   July   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec July 28th is National Milk Chocolate Day Posted on July 28, 2016 High-res version Five Facts about Chocolate: More than 50 percent of adults in the US prefer chocolate to any other flavor. Americans eat 2.8 billion pounds of candy annually. About half of it is chocolate.The word chocolate comes from “Xocolatl,” the Aztec word that means “bitter water.”Eating chocolate can help prevent tooth decay and works as an anti-bacterial agent.The Ivory Coast produces more cocoa than any country in the world which makes for 37 percent of it. Today’s Food History on this day in… 1586  The potato was introduced to England. It is claimed that Sir Thomas Harriot introduced potatoes to England on this day. (Some sources give December 3 as the date). 1852  Andrew Jackson Downing died. An American horticulturist, he was the author of  ‘The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America’ (1845) and editor of the  ‘Horticulturist’ pe

Today we are one week away from departure for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.  Competition starts in eighteen days; and in twenty-two days I will have completed the final race of my career.  Rio will be my third Olympic Team after walking on to my college rowing team in 2002 with no knowledge or background in the sport.  Rio will be my first trip to South America. My family and friends are planning on being there to support me for my last-ever attempt to make the podium while representing the United States in rowing competition.  I will be traveling to Rio as part of one of the most talented and decorated women’s rowing squads in history.  I am incredibly excited for this trip, and this opportunity.  I have worked for ten years to get to this point and will continue to work as hard as I can over the next few weeks to make the most of this very special and unique opportunity. But all you want to do is talk about shit in the water. My request to everyone who is fixated on shit in the wa

As we gathered here God is moving everywhere. Souls are desperate Spirit of the Lord is in this place. As we gathered here God is moving everywhere. Souls are desperate Spirit of the Lord is in this place To head the sick… Mend broken hearts… Wipe your tears… He’s touching you with Healing Wings. So lift your hands… Receive your sights… Rice and walk… He’s touching you with Healing Wings Holy Ghost(3x) For the Spirit of God is here (2x) I believe it… I receive it… Lift my hands… I’m made whole… Holy Ghost… Receive your healing right now Receive your touch For the Power of God is on you The presence of God is all over this place. Receive it!!! (2x) Your healing! Your deliverance! His presence is all over this place.

As we gathered here God is moving everywhere. Souls are desperate Spirit of the Lord is in this place. As we gathered here God is moving everywhere. Souls are desperate Spirit of the Lord is in this place To head the sick… Mend broken hearts… Wipe your tears… He’s touching you with Healing Wings. So lift your hands… Receive your sights… Rice and walk… He’s touching you with Healing Wings Holy Ghost(3x) For the Spirit of God is here (2x) I believe it… I receive it… Lift my hands… I’m made whole… Holy Ghost… Receive your healing right now Receive your touch For the Power of God is on you The presence of God is all over this place. Receive it!!! (2x) Your healing! Your deliverance! His presence is all over this place.

LyricS  Casting crowns, lifting hands, bowing hearts Is all we’ve come to do (Repeat) Refrain: Adonai! Adonai! Adonai! You reign on high We will rise in your Name Adonai, you reign on high You reign on high (From the top) Listen Below

LyricS  Casting crowns, lifting hands, bowing hearts Is all we’ve come to do (Repeat) Refrain: Adonai! Adonai! Adonai! You reign on high We will rise in your Name Adonai, you reign on high You reign on high (From the top) Listen Below

You're the reason I live You're the air that I breath Your spirit covers all the earth With power In your word We exalt thee in our worship God of all the earth Alpha omega Adonai we bow before thee Chukwu nwanile Onyezoputa eh You're the God of all the earth You're awesome. Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto From the ends of the earth To the depth of the seas Your spirit covers all the earth You are mighty in your works We exalt thee in our worship God of all the earth Alpha omega “Imela naraekele naotuto— Steve Crown Chukwu nwanile Onyezoputa eh you're the God of all the earth Your awesome. Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Imela. .odironyedikagi Im

You're the reason I live You're the air that I breath Your spirit covers all the earth With power In your word We exalt thee in our worship God of all the earth Alpha omega Adonai we bow before thee Chukwu nwanile Onyezoputa eh You're the God of all the earth You're awesome. Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto From the ends of the earth To the depth of the seas Your spirit covers all the earth You are mighty in your works We exalt thee in our worship God of all the earth Alpha omega “Imela naraekele naotuto— Steve Crown Chukwu nwanile Onyezoputa eh you're the God of all the earth Your awesome. Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Imela. .odironyedikagi Imela naraekele naotuto Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Imela. .odironyedikagi

Lyrics Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence We wait on you Lord we wait on you We wait on you Lord we wait on you Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence We wait on you Lord we wait on you We wait on you lord we wait on you Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence We wait on you Lord we wait on you We wait on you Lord we wait on you Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence We wait on you Lord we wait on you We wait on you lord we wait on you

Lyrics Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence We wait on you Lord we wait on you We wait on you Lord we wait on you Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence We wait on you Lord we wait on you We wait on you lord we wait on you Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence We wait on you Lord we wait on you We wait on you Lord we wait on you Holy Spirit you are welcome FIll this temple with your presence We wait on you Lord we wait on you We wait on you lord we wait on you

INTRO : VERSE 1: you are great, yes you are, holy one, Walked upon the sea, rise the dead. Reign in majesty, mighty God, Everything written about you, is great (repeat) CHORUS: you are great (Respond) you are great (Respond) you are great (Respond) you are great!!! (Repeat) Everything written about you, is great (REPEAT CHORUS) INTERLUDE Worship you today! Give you all the praise, eeeh!!!. Mighty mighty God, worship you today, give you all the praise, as we lift our hands to you, with pleasure in our heart, we raise our voice to say, everything written about you, is great isi ike’ndu worship you today, give you all the praise, as we lift our hands to you with pleasure in our heart raise our voice to say everything written about you, is great REFRAIN: Demon trembles at your presence what a mighty God we serve glory, glory Alleluia, Everything written about you, is great (Repeat) (Repeat chorus) you are great, so great. we worship you lord, king of kings, and lord of lords oh so great yo

INTRO : VERSE 1: you are great, yes you are, holy one, Walked upon the sea, rise the dead. Reign in majesty, mighty God, Everything written about you, is great (repeat) CHORUS: you are great (Respond) you are great (Respond) you are great (Respond) you are great!!! (Repeat) Everything written about you, is great (REPEAT CHORUS) INTERLUDE Worship you today! Give you all the praise, eeeh!!!. Mighty mighty God, worship you today, give you all the praise, as we lift our hands to you, with pleasure in our heart, we raise our voice to say, everything written about you, is great isi ike’ndu worship you today, give you all the praise, as we lift our hands to you with pleasure in our heart raise our voice to say everything written about you, is great REFRAIN: Demon trembles at your presence what a mighty God we serve glory, glory Alleluia, Everything written about you, is great (Repeat) (Repeat chorus) you are great, so great. we worship you lord, kin

Tough conversations are like riding an elevator. There comes a point, if you don’t speak, talking is nearly impossible. 7 elevator conversations: Performance issues. (Especially with higher ups.)Changes that impact status within organizations.Disappointment with new hires.Processes that have outlived their usefulness.Interpersonal tensions.Disagreement with higher ups.Follow up that falls through. Deadlines that come and go. Leaders who can’t have tough conversations stagnate in frustration. 7 ways to solve the elevator problem: #1. Bring up tough issues with compassion. Don’t use anger as courage. #2. Bring up tough issues quickly. One way to solve the elevator problem is to start talking when you step in. #3. Let go the need to have a solution  before having conversations. Negative situations drag on, when leaders need to know-all and decide-all. Adopt a “find a solution” approach. #4. State the “better”. Leaders fall short when they focus on things they don’t want. Spend 30% of your

Tough conversations are like riding an elevator. There comes a point, if you don’t speak, talking is nearly impossible. 7 elevator conversations: Performance issues. (Especially with higher ups.)Changes that impact status within organizations.Disappointment with new hires.Processes that have outlived their usefulness.Interpersonal tensions.Disagreement with higher ups.Follow up that falls through. Deadlines that come and go. Leaders who can’t have tough conversations stagnate in frustration. 7 ways to solve the elevator problem: #1. Bring up tough issues with compassion. Don’t use anger as courage. #2. Bring up tough issues quickly. One way to solve the elevator problem is to start talking when you step in. #3. Let go the need to have a solution  before having conversations. Negative situations drag on, when leaders need to know-all and decide-all. Adopt a “find a solution” approach. #4. State the “better”. Leaders fall short when they focus on things they don’t want.

You aren’t doing much if you don’t grapple with uncertainty. Complex issues have many solutions. Thinking otherwise closes minds. Closed minds damage organizations and limit leaders. Avoid the appeal of first suggestions. “One solution” leaders: Elevate stress. If there is only one right solution, everything else is wrong.Increase defensiveness.Inspire adversarial relationships that end with winners and losers.Waste energy creating perfection.  The pursuit of perfection is noble; waiting for perfection is sabotage. Make either/or decisions, when “and” serves better. 5 ways to come out ahead in complex situations: The first sign of wisdom is the pursuit of wisdom. Wise leaders deal with uncertainty by actively seeking alternatives. #1. Acknowledge the tendency to fall into intellectual ditches. Old patterns become habits. Habits become easy answers. Easy answers feel comfortable.  New ideas always feel uncomfortable to ditch-dwelling leaders. If it feels safe, it’s not new. (“New” alway

You aren’t doing much if you don’t grapple with uncertainty. Complex issues have many solutions. Thinking otherwise closes minds. Closed minds damage organizations and limit leaders. Avoid the appeal of first suggestions. “One solution” leaders: Elevate stress. If there is only one right solution, everything else is wrong.Increase defensiveness.Inspire adversarial relationships that end with winners and losers.Waste energy creating perfection.  The pursuit of perfection is noble; waiting for perfection is sabotage. Make either/or decisions, when “and” serves better. 5 ways to come out ahead in complex situations: The first sign of wisdom is the pursuit of wisdom. Wise leaders deal with uncertainty by actively seeking alternatives. #1. Acknowledge the tendency to fall into intellectual ditches. Old patterns become habits. Habits become easy answers. Easy answers feel comfortable.  New ideas always feel uncomfortable to ditch-dwelling leaders. If it feels safe, it’s not

Dear Dan, Our leader made a really bad decision. Now he isn’t making it right because he’s afraid of losing face. I’m planning to tell the boss he made a bad decision that is turning into a fiasco. If he would have consulted with the people impacted by his decision, he wouldn’t be in this situation. How can I tell the boss he made a bad decision? Thank you for any advice, Concerned in the Middle Dear Concerned, I don’t know much about this situation and I’m glad I don’t. I’ll offer some broad suggestions that might help you think your own thoughts. First, some bosses enjoy receiving tough feedback. It seems like yours doesn’t. I’m responding with that in mind. My typical advice on issues like this includes: Adopt a learner’s attitude. It’s too easy to know what others should do.Clarify issues. Make sure everyone is talking about the same concern.Reject tendencies to focus on things you don’t want and don’t like.Give voice to positive intentions.Focus on the purpose of the decision, mor

Dear Dan, Our leader made a really bad decision. Now he isn’t making it right because he’s afraid of losing face. I’m planning to tell the boss he made a bad decision that is turning into a fiasco. If he would have consulted with the people impacted by his decision, he wouldn’t be in this situation. How can I tell the boss he made a bad decision? Thank you for any advice, Concerned in the Middle Dear Concerned, I don’t know much about this situation and I’m glad I don’t. I’ll offer some broad suggestions that might help you think your own thoughts. First, some bosses enjoy receiving tough feedback. It seems like yours doesn’t. I’m responding with that in mind. My typical advice on issues like this includes: Adopt a learner’s attitude. It’s too easy to know what others should do.Clarify issues. Make sure everyone is talking about the same concern.Reject tendencies to focus on things you don’t want and don’t like.Give voice to positive intentions.Focus on the purpose of the de

Mckinsey research* suggests 4 leadership behaviors make the difference between strong and weak leadership. Top 20 Leadership Behaviors: Be supportive.Champion desired change.Clarify objectives, rewards, and consequences.Communicate prolifically and enthusiastically.Develop others.Develop and share a collective mission.Differentiate among followers.Facilitate group collaboration.Foster mutual respect.Give praise.Keep groups organized and on task.Make quality decisions.Motivate and bring out the best in others.Offer a critical perspective.Operate with a strong results orientation.Recover positively from failure.Remain composed and confident in uncertainty.Role model organizational values.Seek different perspectives.Solve problems effectively. Successful leaders engage in all 20 leadership behaviors, but four make the biggest difference in effectiveness.  4 Behaviors Account for 89% of Leadership Effectiveness: #1. Be supportive. Show authentic interest.Build trust.Help team members overc

Mckinsey research* suggests 4 leadership behaviors make the difference between strong and weak leadership. Top 20 Leadership Behaviors: Be supportive.Champion desired change.Clarify objectives, rewards, and consequences.Communicate prolifically and enthusiastically.Develop others.Develop and share a collective mission.Differentiate among followers.Facilitate group collaboration.Foster mutual respect.Give praise.Keep groups organized and on task.Make quality decisions.Motivate and bring out the best in others.Offer a critical perspective.Operate with a strong results orientation.Recover positively from failure.Remain composed and confident in uncertainty.Role model organizational values.Seek different perspectives.Solve problems effectively. Successful leaders engage in all 20 leadership behaviors, but four make the biggest difference in effectiveness.  4 Behaviors Account for 89% of Leadership Effectiveness: #1. Be supportive. Show authentic interest.Build trust.Help team member

bloggers to share their wisdom with Leadership Freak readers. Thanks to  John C. Maxwell  for contributing this insightful post on saying things others won’t say. One of the hardest things about leadership is when you not only have to make the tough call, but also must speak a tough truth. Saying things that people don’t want to hear is never easy. It’s never fun. It’s one of those things that many leaders wish they could delegate. But because tough news should come from the leader, it’s a weight you have to carry. If you find yourself in a position where you have to say some hard things, take heart. Just remember: 1. It’s better for you to say it than for someone else to whisper it.  Addressing tough topics on the front end helps eliminate the uncertainty and speculation that fuel destructive gossip. 2. People respect leaders who see reality clearly. When you can speak openly and honestly on difficult subjects, you show your people you understand what’s going on. Denial is never a lea

bloggers to share their wisdom with Leadership Freak readers. Thanks to  John C. Maxwell  for contributing this insightful post on saying things others won’t say. One of the hardest things about leadership is when you not only have to make the tough call, but also must speak a tough truth. Saying things that people don’t want to hear is never easy. It’s never fun. It’s one of those things that many leaders wish they could delegate. But because tough news should come from the leader, it’s a weight you have to carry. If you find yourself in a position where you have to say some hard things, take heart. Just remember: 1. It’s better for you to say it than for someone else to whisper it.  Addressing tough topics on the front end helps eliminate the uncertainty and speculation that fuel destructive gossip. 2. People respect leaders who see reality clearly. When you can speak openly and honestly on difficult subjects, you show your people you understand what’s going on. Denial is never

I invited several top leaders, authors, and bloggers to share their wisdom with Leadership Freak readers. Thanks to Douglas R. Conant for contributing this insightful post on bringing goals to life. Many leaders understand the importance of designing a strategy and setting goals. But bringing those goals to life can be challenging. when you take the word or out of your vocabulary To practice leadership that works — ask these 5 questions to ensure strong execution of key goals. 1. Are we starting with an abundance mentality?     When you take the word “or” out of your vocabulary, and embrace the word “and” instead, the possibilities become limitless.     Be tough minded on standards and tender-hearted with people.     Wisely attend to the near-term and the long-term.     Remain both disciplined and flexible as you work towards the extraordinary.     Create systems to drive efficiency and celebrate community to build unity. 2. Are we pursuing a worthy purpose? When you understand the “wh

I invited several top leaders, authors, and bloggers to share their wisdom with Leadership Freak readers. Thanks to Douglas R. Conant for contributing this insightful post on bringing goals to life. Many leaders understand the importance of designing a strategy and setting goals. But bringing those goals to life can be challenging. when you take the word or out of your vocabulary To practice leadership that works — ask these 5 questions to ensure strong execution of key goals. 1. Are we starting with an abundance mentality?     When you take the word “or” out of your vocabulary, and embrace the word “and” instead, the possibilities become limitless.     Be tough minded on standards and tender-hearted with people.     Wisely attend to the near-term and the long-term.     Remain both disciplined and flexible as you work towards the extraordinary.     Create systems to drive efficiency and celebrate community to build unity. 2. Are we pursuing a worthy purpose? When you underst

Day of Birth 04:45 She had taken the day off work but forgot to turn off her usual alarm. All hopes of a lie-in were demolished. She was not ready to turn 29. “Let’s call the whole thing off.” 05:22 She wondered if the ravens knew that their continuous cawing is the most consistent, reliable thing in her life. 05:23 A murder of crows. An ostentation of peacocks. A parliament of owls. She had no collective. She just was. 06:42 She buried her phone under her mattress so she didn’t have to face life just yet. She began to read The Glass Bead Game for the fourth time. And for the fourth time she didn’t make it past page 28. Having said that, she hadn’t expected to make it past year 28, but she’s only bloody gone and done it. 10:08 She never opens it in front of her, but she receives a card from her mother every year. If she shakes it hard enough, the hollow words fall out of the envelope like dirty feathers so that by the time she’s gathered the strength to read it, the inside is blank. It

maxresdefault Day of Birth 04:45 She had taken the day off work but forgot to turn off her usual alarm. All hopes of a lie-in were demolished. She was not ready to turn 29. “Let’s call the whole thing off.” 05:22 She wondered if the ravens knew that their continuous cawing is the most consistent, reliable thing in her life. 05:23 A murder of crows. An ostentation of peacocks. A parliament of owls. She had no collective. She just was. 06:42 She buried her phone under her mattress so she didn’t have to face life just yet. She began to read The Glass Bead Game for the fourth time. And for the fourth time she didn’t make it past page 28. Having said that, she hadn’t expected to make it past year 28, but she’s only bloody gone and done it. 10:08 She never opens it in front of her, but she receives a card from her mother every year. If she shakes it hard enough, the hollow words fall out of the envelope like dirty feathers so that by the time she’s gathered the strength to read i

Dear Matthew, I keep being reminded that things could have been different. We spent Sunday morning, July 3 in the Maternity Trauma Center. Again. For concerns over decreased fetal movement. Again. It was our third trip that week, our second for concerns over decreased fetal movement. And the other time we were concerned over… Get this… Increased fetal movement. (The sideways glances we received upon expressing this particular concern were definitely amusing, to say the least.) Lately the triage nurses have remembered us. For the worst reasons possible. We’re the couple who lost their baby almost exactly one year ago after an overnight hospital stay. Some of these nurses, I’ve discovered, took care of me. And you. And they remember you and how beautiful you were. It’s both upsetting and comforting to have reconnected with them. But mostly I’m thankful for these reunions, because these nurses are some of only a few who ever got to meet you. On Sunday your brother started the day a bit sl

Dear Matthew, I keep being reminded that things could have been different. We spent Sunday morning, July 3 in the Maternity Trauma Center. Again. For concerns over decreased fetal movement. Again. It was our third trip that week, our second for concerns over decreased fetal movement. And the other time we were concerned over… Get this… Increased fetal movement. (The sideways glances we received upon expressing this particular concern were definitely amusing, to say the least.) Lately the triage nurses have remembered us. For the worst reasons possible. We’re the couple who lost their baby almost exactly one year ago after an overnight hospital stay. Some of these nurses, I’ve discovered, took care of me. And you. And they remember you and how beautiful you were. It’s both upsetting and comforting to have reconnected with them. But mostly I’m thankful for these reunions, because these nurses are some of only a few who ever got to meet you. On Sunday your brother started the day a bi