Haven.inc

Once there lived a king named Saul in the ancient kingdom of Israel. He was the tallest and most handsome man in the land. A man of regal bearing, most fitting to be a king the people wanted.  You see, the Israelites were the people most closest to God, and he went with them wherever. God was always with them, leading them by the hand and speaking his holy oracles through his servants the prophets, till one day when every changed. The Israelites told God they wanted to be like other nations who had a visible king who rode before them and led them out in battles. In a way, they rejected the lordship of God, but he chose a king for them anyways and sent his Prophet Samuel to anoint Saul, son of Kish. Saul became king by God's power, yet Samuel remained God's mouthpiece in the land. But this is not the focus of our story.  And Saul was instructed to war against the Amalekites, to defeat the land and destroy everything in sight, both good and bad, worthy ...

I'll take a moment to talk about someone who means a lot to me, and from whom I've learnt that manliness isn't always about being macho; that love, care, respect and humility are a great part of what makes a man, part of what makes us human. You see, I remember the first time I met Tyla, well over 16 years ago. I was to write my common entrance exam in my elder brother's school, they were in need of students. You see, Tyla was a friend of my brother's, though separated by one class. Don't know if I remember right, but I remember rain falling and the roads being blocked. We (my brother, myself and sister, I think) waded through water to get to Tyla's place, cause he was more familiar with the terrain. So we passed different routes, treading water but avoiding worse to get to the school with his expert guidance. One thing that remains with me over the years was his general availability and good-natured helpfulness, this man was genuinely happy to help, no fril...

Book Title: 12 Pillars Authors: Jim Rohn & Chris Wilder Book Reviewer: Tokede Kolawole Pillars are very important in holding up great structures. Without Pillars, even the most magnificent structure will collapse under the weight of a breath.  Jim Rohn and Chris Widener in this excellent book shares with the reader 12 Pillars Success rests upon. They do this with storytelling which makes the reader immersed and able to relate it with everyday living.  1. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT  Investing in personal development is a must in order to have the life you envision and desire.  2. LIVE A LIFE OF HEALTH Health is wealth. Taking care of the body is important because it is with a healthy body that you can do other things.  3. THE GIFT OF RELATIONSHIPS Investing in valuable relationships is the back bone of our existence. That which is valuable is hard to get. It takes time, effort and imagination. In other words, anything valuable is a hard target. It is ha...

LABEL OF HER HEART Her presence so tender, like the label on her heart She flows with grace, yet firm of heart Heart so innocent, yet so wild Her touch as gentle, yet stings so bad Experience didn't teach her Knowledge exposed her to evil A mind so pure, yet filled with desires.. Written by Frances Adaku 24th January, 2022. This is Frances' first foray into the world of writing poetry. In her words, she says, there must be a first time for everything. Don't bother rating, she said, just read. But it's a beautiful work of art, Frances has a subtle touch. And I'm glad I was able to read and receive the honour of posting her first piece on this blog. Cheers to more. Frances is dear friend and neighbour, and our paths intertwine in more ways than one. She's currently a final-year student of the Lagos State University. (Painting by Lamees Alhassar) (Photo by Canaan)

The hope of a nation Inflated in leather balls The joys we feel  That have no meaning Pride in colours that fly To earth comes crashing down Anger and emotion All the rage pouring out Dreams ended early Doors showing us out Beauty and then the beast But at least we believed Yes, at least we believed... © el-iyanu

Saw you the other night and couldn't recognise Till you said hello and called out hi It's true, your manners haven't failed  And I hear how hard you work But perhaps the world may have failed you But I still call out for you to hear me Why it happened this way, I still ask how Sometimes, I wonder who to blame The home, or the church values gone lame Cause things are not the same Who chose what we became? You've come into your own like a ripe flower You see the changes how they look at you You feel the power you hold over men You're happy how you lord over them You expose yourself and look at the floor There you go acting all demure You're strong like freshly baked flour You revel in the love they shower on you But we can't be beautiful forever in the flesh It's our virtue that lives forever after You're the queen that men adore They're all busy knocking on your door Each one professing candor Don't become too open a door You skulk and hide li...

She was a woman to make men lose their heads Even a priest reconsider his vows But what is beauty without discretion? I know life was hard I watched you grow Didn't expect to see you so See you now, all grown up Now I understand why the men chase younger  It's an instinct that grows stronger, It's an instinct that needs fighting First off, they fall for protection But something else calls out to them Woe is the one who thinks above temptation I'll humble myself for God to save. to be continued..

Jesus, a Name to call Delivering us before we fall I felt the evil hands crushing me Blocking my escape, choking me To take me with violence against my will But the name of Jesus did I call Right at the end I didn't fall I felt God's power pierce the clouds The saving grace of God's plan The name of Jesus did I call The name of Jesus did I call I felt the enemy lose his hold Indeed God's power made me bold The name of Jesus did I call The name of Jesus did I call Amen © el-iyanu Sometimes in life, we go through certain situations we can't fight through, but at the end of the day, God comes through. When pressed down by enemy hands, the name of Jesus does save. Not by how loud we call, but simply because we believe, and so we see the trouble melt away. Why? Because of the special grace of the Name of Jesus. I'm a testimony, I'm a living witness, just this midnight..

Found strength in great rejection But hoping I don't run out of time All my needs does God provide Of his blessings, I don't deny Poverty so deep, I can't afford, I'll rather pay the price of Life I saw life from the end of the world Walked through the eye of the storm What is man if not a worm? Blessings like the rising sun Head in the clouds like a spoilt brat Joy-seeking the thrill of the next chat Going through the "time" like a zombie Walking down the road in my device Say I found strength in great rejection Hoping I don't run out of time All my needs does God provide Of his blessings, I don't deny.. ©el iyanu

Omo, you dey make my heart dey beat Thinking of you, my mind dey sweet Like Chike I wan dey run to you Dem say life na suru But for you I be eran nuru I still smile when I think of you Revisit talks I had with you I dey bless God because of you Like which material he use make you? Not perfect but we need to be In case you're wondering, same applies for me But I know enough to not judge me Like I wouldn't want to judge me You're like a dream come true Everyday I wanna shout out to you You remind me of Queen Esther You're one great queen, remember! That mercy and dear compassion You are my friend, my dear companion Relating don't have to be romantic Forgive me my dear antics But it's good to know I've got you Someone brave and down-earth humble You no dey do gra gra, you no dey fumble See how freely I speak with you? Means the world to me, true! You're a woman but you are my bro And I respect you kindly, aburo.. ©el-iyanu, 7th of November, 2021. For a very...