JACKIE TRAVELS

Friday, 3 January 2014

Spirit & Life Devotional: LOVING LIKE ABRAHAM

Genesis 14:14 NKJV "Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan."

We often hear and talk about the faith and the blessings of Abraham; rarely do we talk about the other things that made him the man he was: for instance, his faithfulness, his courage, his strength, his capabilities, his holiness and his love for both God and men. It is the desire of God that as we seek to enjoy the blessings of Abraham which are ours by faith in Christ, we also seek to love one another as our father Abraham did.

Pastor Tries To Walk On Water Like Jesus And Drowns In Front Of Horrified Congregation

Walking on water is not easy. Not too many people have the ability. Let’s see, there’s Jesus, and well, that’s about it.

Unfortunately for one pastor in Gabon, his attempt to become the second man to make this impossible feat a reality cost him his life.

Pastor Franck Kabele, 35, told his congregation that he was capable of reenacting the very miracles of Jesus Christ. He decided to make it clear through way of demonstration on Gabon’s beach in the capital city of Libreville.

Referencing Matthew 14:22-33, Kabele said that he received a revelation which told him that with enough faith he could achieve what Jesus was able to.

Walking on water is not easy. Not too many people have the ability. Let’s see, there’s Jesus, and well, that’s about it.

Unfortunately for one pastor in Gabon, his attempt to become the second man to make this impossible feat a reality cost him his life.

Referencing Matthew 14:22-33, Kabele said that he received a revelation which told him that with enough faith he could achieve what Jesus was able to.

by Jim & Carrie Gordon

Use this handy cheat sheet to expand your romantic vocabulary!

Marriage and relationship experts agree on the importance of communicating love to our partners often and in a variety of forms. In his New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman makes a strong case for spouses learning to communicate love to one another in many forms. Not the least of these is through the spoken and written word.

“I love you.” It’s vital these three important words be conveyed regularly and often to keep a relationship healthy and strong. How To Say “I Love You” Without Words

Throughout the almost 30 years of their marriage, Jim and Carrie Gordon — authors of The Intimate Couple and The Romantic Couple websites — have given and received hundreds of love letters and romantic cards to and from each other. Carrie asserts that Jim is a true romantic and has a keen ability to include romantic phrases in the love letters and greeting cards he gives to her. His use of romantic expressionsclearly communicates “I love you” to Carrie!

by Alice Langholt

Are you wondering how to tell if a girl likes you? Some girls will be harder to read than others, but there are some signs and signals you can use to find out. Here are some of the behaviors to look when you’re trying to determine if a girl likes you in that special way.

1. Look at Her Face
A girl who likes you will often look at you more than usual. She might look away quickly if she catches you looking back, making a game of it. She may turn red when you walk by or if she is caught looking at you. She may laugh with her friends if she sees you looking at her.

2. Is She Around You Often?
You may find that she is showing up in many places that you go, to be around you more often. It may seem accidental, but it’s actually carefully planned. She may be trying to find out if you like her too. If you talk to her or give her some attention, you’ll send signals that you are interested.

Chris Brown spent the New Year with his girlfriend Karrueche Tran at clinic of the singers rehabilitation programme in Malibu.

25-year-old Tran tweeted a photo of them frolicking in the grass outside the facility wearing the traditional New Year’s crown.

The aspiring model was locked in the 24-year-old singers arms as she sucks on his tongue.

‘Getting chrae on New Years Day haha #Corny #Ha#HappyNewYears,’ captioned Brown’s girlfriend.

Tran also visited her beau on Christmas day, and shared a photo. Continue...

(From left to right: Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Margarat Idahosa, Bishop David Oyedepo, Faith Oyedepo)

Archbishop Benson Idahosa is pictured above with Bishop David Oyedepo with their wives beside them.

Idahosa called PAPA or BA by his followers, was a Charismatic Pentecostal preacher, and founder of the Church of God Mission International with headquarters in Benin City, Nigeria. He died on March 12 1998.

The photo was shared on a twitter handle created for Idahosa.

Archbishop Benson Idahosa, @MargaretIdahosa @DrDavidOyedepo & @FaithOyedepo pic.twitter.com/qN6Xjqi3eL
— Archbishop Idahosa (@BensonIdahosa) January 2, 2014

Spirit And Life Devotional: Having Boldness In The Day Of Judgement

I John 4:17 NKJV "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world."

The day is coming when we will all be judged for everything we have done: with every new second, every new hour, every new day, every new month and every new year, we are closer and closer to that day. And when that day finally comes, what will matter is that we must have done and lived well.

So Sad: Selfie Taken Minutes Before Bomb Blast Shows Slain Lebanese Teen’s Last Moments (DISTURBING IMAGE)

It’s a happy moment, a selfie taken by a group of teenagers on a sunny day in downtown Beirut. Mohammed Shaar sits among his friends in a red hoodie and his dark-framed glasses.

The next photos, captured by journalists only moments later, are tragic. The 16-year-old Shaar lies mortally wounded, his red hoodie and his blood forming a scarlet blur on the pavement — an anonymous civilian casualty of a car bomb that killed a prominent politician.

Chemistry is usually the first thing that draws you to someone new and then you build a deeper relationship from there (if you click on multiple levels). But once you’ve been together for a while, that elusive chemistry can fade.

If you’re feeling like the spark is on its way out, don’t panic. We’re here to help you get it back.

1. Stay curious

One thing that helps to create chemistry is that element of the unknown that comes with meeting and getting to know someone new. Every day is an adventure in learning about this new person you’re spending time with. Once you’ve been together for a while, there’s less and less to learn. Or at least that’s how it seems. Keep chemistry going strong by staying curious about each other. Continue asking questions and making an effort to find out new things about one another.

Reality TV star Beverly Osu sent a Thank You message to her fans on her Instagram page on Wednesday January 1st 2014.

The Big Brother Africa – The Chase finalist, model and video vixen begins the year 2014 by thanking her lovers and haters, pledging not to disappoint them.

Read her message:

Dear Friends of Beverly Osu: As I look back and reflect on 2013, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you, our loyal fans, for your support of Beverly Osu during the past year. Whether it was through financial means, words of encouragement, volunteerism,critics or prayer. This past years I ve gotten the platform to use emerging media to entertain , inform and inspire the people of Africa. My vision still holds true today. I am a young lady ahead of time , Thanks to everyone who was touched my incredible life. To my lovers: I will never disappoint , u’ve encouraged me and made me strong to keep moving #kisses. To my Haters: thanks for making my life in 2013 something to reflect on ..(silence is golden but a duct tape is silver) … U guys ve been my entertainment..#kisses

Taking that step in your relationship is a big deal, but there are a few things to consider before saying I love you in your relationship. Saying I love you is more than just saying a sentence. It is a declaration and a promise, and you need to make sure you are ready for that promise when you say it. You may think you are ready, it is the right time, or that you two are destined to be together, but it can’t hurt to consider these things before saying I love you.

1. IS IT THE RIGHT SETTING

While you might feel the timing is right, think about if the setting is right before saying I love you. We all dream of this fairy tale romance with our significant other. While we might not get that fairy tale all of the time, if you are ready to say I love you, you can create your own fairy tale setting. You don’t have to plan something big if you are getting ready to say it, but make it a special moment between you two. It seems a lot more romantic if you say it at a spontaneous moment between the two of you rather than just throwing it out there while watching TV.

James Avery who played Uncle Phil in the hit TV sitcom ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ has passed away at the age of 65.

Avery died on Wednesday January 1st 2014 following complications connected with open-heart surgery, said his manager, Toni Benson.

Co star, Alfonso Ribeiro who played Jame’s son Carlton Banks broke the news via his Facebook and Twitter page.

“I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly”, Ribiero wrote.

I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/UrW0EeBFbO
— Alfonso Ribeiro (@alfonso_ribeiro) January 1, 2014

Avery is also known for his appearances in CSI, Greys’ Anatomy and The Closer.

Spirit & Life Devotional: The Journey Begins

Ezra 7:9 NKJV "On the first day of the first month he began his journey..."

As I closed my eyes to begin to pray and worship in church sometime in December last year, I was shown a vision of open doors. There were so many open doors before me than I could count. The verse that came to mind right after the vision was Revelations 3:8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name."

Spirit & Life Devotional: Crossing Over On Dry Ground

Joshua 3:17 NKJV "Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan."

And finally, we are here! We are at the end of a journey; we are at the end of a chapter of our lives; like warriors, we fought valiantly, we won our battles, we are victorious, we overcame all the hurdles in 2013, we fought our fights of faith and we emerged the winners because God was with us! The devil has been put to shame; our enemies and haters are terribly bruised and disappointed! I congratulate you!

Reno Omokri: Time For An Ethical Revolution On Social Media

Social media and the technologies that drive it were intended to be a force for social good that expanded the individual’s reach beyond his physical proximity. However, over the years since the emergence of the medium many of its users are beginning to see a negative side of its use amongst young people which must be addressed otherwise it will lead to an erosion of core societal values.

As a youth and young adult, many of those in my age bracket learnt the art of reading people’s non-verbal communications or body language by practising whole body listening and it helped us grow from self awareness to awareness of others and from self management to relationship management. But today, many young adults are unable to develop these vital skills because more of their communication are done over social media. Youths have learnt the art of reading the keypads of an iPhone or blackberry device without looking at it and can even Instant Message a friend while driving without looking at the keypad. The non-verbal language they read meanings to are emoticons.

by Chris Rawstern

When looking at recipes for cookies, there is always the thought of the baking time. If you do not have a convection oven, it usually means baking in many batches, so the oven is on for long periods. What if baking was not necessary? When a busy Mom is on the go, anything that is quick and easy is going to be the first option. These recipes have been made many times over my years as a Mom, and I hope to pass along these recipes for everyone with time at a premium.

No Bake Caramel Cookies
In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup butter and 2/3 cup evaporated milk. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, stirring often. Remove the pan from the heat and add in one small package of instant butterscotch pudding mix and 3 1/2 cups of quick cooking rolled oats. Mix this together thoroughly and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Drop the dough from a teaspoon onto waxed paper. This will make about 5 dozen cookies.

Counterfeit designer goods are a thorn in the fashion industry’s side, touching everyone from the luxury companies that find their brands diluted to the consignment shops that find themselves faced with inauthentic stock. Just last year, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized about $1.26 billion of counterfeit goods from overseas.

The stats are staggering enough to give fashion lovers pause. Plenty of women want the latest Celine bag or Louboutin shoes, but they want them at a good price. So how can you tell if your shiny new purchase is the real thing?

Laura Fluhr and Tammy Fluhr-Gates of Michael’s, a longtime consignment shop on New York’s Upper East Side, walked us through what we need to know. “The fakes have gotten so good,” Fluhr-Gates told us. But there are some tips you can know.

He is head of the world’s biggest family – and says he is ‘blessed’ to have his 39 wives.
Ziona Chana also has 94 children, 14-daughters-in-law and 33 grandchildren.
They live in a 100-room, four storey house set amidst the hills of Baktwang village in the Indian state of Mizoram, where the wives sleep in giant communal dormitories.

Lamentations 5:19 NKJV "You, O Lord, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation."

Days come and go, seasons change, years come to an end. People die, people leave, people change, people fail. We relocate, we change, we grow, we repent (change our minds). There will always be new policies, new ways, new ideas, new thoughts, and so on. Nothing remains the same after a while.

The future is unpredictable; man's knowledge and revelation is limited: how often we wish we knew what tomorrow would be!

But change, for the believer, should never be a cause for concern because we know who knows tomorrow! Every other thing may change, even the earth upon which we live may change, but God never changes; He has and will always be: and because He lives, we can march boldly into the tomorrow's of our various lives! Hallelujah!

12 Proven Tips To Look Good Naked

Whether you’re annoyed by acne, shy about the chest you think is too flat or are holding onto five (or even 15) stubborn pounds, don’t despair. We’ve got a few tricks to help you look better naked without ever having to hit the gym or resorting to plastic surgery or other painful procedures!

1. Exfoliate!

Exfoliate, exfoliate: especially in the wintertime, skin tends to be dry and flaky, so it’s important to scrub off dead skin cells in order to look radiant in the buff. Make sure that what he touches is perfectly soft so that he’ll want to do it more… and more! After exfoliating, try substituting your regular moisturizer for one with a sexy sheen or, better yet, for baby oil.

2. Catch the wave

Try not to wash your hair, if possible. Styling is easier to do on day-old hair — and tousled, wavy hair can be sexy. Leave it down so it falls at your shoulders for a natural look, which will also give him something to run his fingers through. Skip the product and extra hairspray too — if his fingers get stuck, your scalp may get an unexpected (and not-so-sexy) yank!

Stress? There’s no time for that. After all, ’tis the season to be jolly right? Getting yourself in the holiday spirit is all part of the merriment. You already do this getting dolled up for a lineup of holiday parties: the glam dress, the glitzy jewelry, the heartbreaker heels and gorgeous, luscious locks. But now it’s time to spread a little bit of that cheer with someone you love. We suggest a cozy, holiday-themed date night at home … with a naughty twist.

To put you in the mood, we’re giving naughty makeovers to seven wholesome holiday traditions to help you not just face but embrace the season with your special someone. Here’s your sexy seasonal guide to set the tone and entice your partner from that kiss under the mistletoe straight into the bedroom.

1. Deck The Halls In The Nude

Wole Soyinka and dauhter Iyetade Soyinka.

Daughter of Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka, Iyetade Soyinka has passed on at the age of 48.
48-year-old Soyinka died at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. Jahman Anikulapo, an aide to Wole Soyinka, made this known in a statement released on behalf of the family.

Anikulapo’s statement described the deceased as “affable, intelligent and sometimes capricious,” adding that she “struggled with her health in recent years.” Despite her health woes, the late Iyetade Soyinka “greeted every day with a smile and doted on her two children.”

Soyinka is survived by two children, both parents, numerous siblings, nieces and nephews.

May her soul rest in peace.

5 Drinks You Should Avoid [WATCH]

Revealed: Top 10 Myths About Marriage

The most recent U.S. Census figures confirm what most everyone already knows — divorce rates, indeed, are on the rise.

With nearly half of all marriages ending in divorce, many couples are starting to re-evaluate their relationships.

But before you start any heady analysis, it’s important to know the facts from the myths when it comes to marriage.

#1 Myth: Because of the high divorce rate, which weeds out the unhappy marriages, people who stay married have happier marriages than people did in the past when everyone stuck it out, no matter how bad the marriage.

Fact: According to what people have reported in several large national surveys, the general level of happiness in marriages has not increased and probably has declined slightly. Some studies have found in recent marriages, compared to those of 20 or 30 years ago, significantly more work-related stress, more marital conflict and less marital interaction.

I John 5:4 NKJV "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

In a few hours 2013 will be over! It's been a memorable year, fraught with quite a lot of events, both good and bad. There were earthquakes, terrorist attacks, and many natural and human disasters; there were wars, countless deaths, accidents, sicknesses, heartbreaks, hardships and mishaps.

Photos From Calabar Carnival 2013 [SEE]

The biggest street party to hit Africa and of course Nigeria took place on Friday December 27th 2013 in the ancient city of Calabar, Cross River state.

The annual "Carnival Calabar" had displays from all the Carnival bands comprising Master Blaster, Bayside, Seagull, Freedom and Passion 4 Bands.

The 2013 edition themed "Ain't No Stopping Us", converged revellers from all over the world to be a part of the spectacle.

In case you missed it, see photos from the event below;

James 4:3 NKJV "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

As years end, we make plans for the new one; we also begin to make our requests known to God in prayer. I hope you have begun to do that: don't start the year without plans and expectations; start now if you haven't.

Jackie Reports Weddings: Osezua Osi Ikhuoria & Utibe Inyangabia Wed In Calabar

Tiffany Blue and Yellow; Peach, Teal and Gorgeous Gold! Uty and Osi's wedding was lush, luxe and full of love as the décor and ambience enveloped the couple and their closest in romance.

Uty and Osi tied the knot on Saturday December 7th 2013 at the Chapel of Redemption, Calabar, Cross River State.

The romantic reception held at Monty Suites.

The traditional ceremony took place a day before at the Inyangabia's family country home in Ikot Andem Itam, Akwa Ibom State.

Family, friends and well wishers converged in the ancient city of Calabar to share in their joy.

See more photos from the event below;

by Diana Vilibert

Want to spice things up in the bedroom? Make his night and drive him crazy with these sex positions that men love. Ultimately, sex is about love and intimacy, so while the positions are part of the fun, the real payoff is the way various maneuvers allow you to connect and explore each other in different ways.

1. Woman on Top: Ask your guy what drives him crazy in the bedroom, and we’re betting he’ll say it’s pleasing you. This sexy position puts you in the driver’s seat, and that’s exactly where he wants you. Take advantage of being in control and set the pace according to what you like, leaving his hands free to roam. The bonus? He loves having your curves in full view…so flip on the lights and give him a show.

New Video: Jujumpe - Clubstar ft Nnena [Watch + Download]

After the success of his massive single “What You Say”, Rapper Clubstar is back with another hit song.

This time he teams up with veteran singer Nnena to create this unique sound. Here is the amazingly unique video for “Jujumpe” by Clubstar ft Nnena.

Watch the video above, and click the link HERE to download.

Photos From The Headies 2013 [SEE]

Here are first photos from The Headies 2013 which held in Lagos on Thursday December 26th 2013.

Olamide stole the show winning 4 awards.

Also winning at the Hip Hop World Awards were Waje, 2face, Iyanya, Davido, and Kcee.

See the photos below;

The Hip Hop World Awards known as The Headies 2013 held on Thursday December 26th 2013 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The highly anticipated event which gathered the biggest names in the Nigerian Music industrywas hosted by Mavin Records artistes Tiwa Savage and Dr Sid.

Olamide was the king of the night; bagging 4 awards including for his collaboration with Phyno on Ghost Mode. Afro pop star Sean Tizzle won the Next Rated award which came with a Hyundai Tucson SUV.

Artiste of the Year went to Iyanya.

See the full list of winners below;

The Hip Hop World Awards known as The Headies 2013 held on Thursday December 26th 2013 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The highly anticipated event which gathered the biggest names in the Nigerian Music industrywas hosted by Mavin Records artistes Tiwa Savage and Dr Sid.

Olamide was the king of the night; bagging 4 awards including for his collaboration with Phyno on Ghost Mode. Afro pop star Sean Tizzle won the Next Rated award which came with a Hyundai Tucson SUV.

Artiste of the Year went to Iyanya.

See the full list of winners below;

The Hip Hop World Awards known as The Headies 2013 held on Thursday December 26th 2013 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The highly anticipated event which gathered the biggest names in the Nigerian Music industrywas hosted by Mavin Records artistes Tiwa Savage and Dr Sid.

Olamide was the king of the night; bagging 4 awards including for his collaboration with Phyno on Ghost Mode. Afro pop star Sean Tizzle won the Next Rated award which came with a Hyundai Tucson SUV.

Artiste of the Year went to Iyanya.

See the full list of winners below;

Friday, 3 January 2014

Thursday, 2 January 2014

Wednesday, 1 January 2014

1. Stay curious

1. IS IT THE RIGHT SETTING

Tuesday, 31 December 2013

Monday, 30 December 2013

Sunday, 29 December 2013

1. Exfoliate!

2. Catch the wave

Saturday, 28 December 2013

Friday, 27 December 2013