Today's Reminder...

I will just leave this right here...

On Replay...

Like continuously on replay this evening. I love! I love!! I love!!! So lifting.... Thank you Lord for your son..

Joke of the day!- An Economical Christmas

When you are a child, you spend Christmas with family by default in the ideal world. However as everyone grows and launches out to pursue dreams, career or even marriage, it becomes luxury to bring the entire family together at Christmas. This year, I am enjoying having the entire family together at this time of the year. My siblings and I have mapped out things to do with the parents over the period. However Sky news/TBN tends to be the 2 channels tuned when my dad is in the living room and of course with the repeat news, you can't miss any information especially the incidence in Berlin. Now the following conversation ensued..






Me: Dad/Mum, we are all going to(spells out the plans)

Parents: Elly we are going nowhere until we understand what these terrorists are on about. We should avoid every public gathering with high numbers as it is not safe(Now dad starts giving me this long chronology of all the misfortunes that has happened at this time of the year since 1900s)

Brother: Okay guys, lets stay positive, lets do this(spells out plans). There is no crowd this time its just a serene place, good ambiance and personalized service.

Parents: We are going nowhere, what ever you guys need to do, plan it in this house. You guys can do your thing or rather you guys please be careful and avoid crowded environments.

So now all plans are on hold and at least, the bank accounts should be happy with us all hahahaha.

Now I flip to Netflix, its 10pm and I am the only one in the living room and I decide to watch Focus because I have been meaning to see it but I have not had the time.  Few minutes into the movie, my mum joins me on the couch and we are both watching the movie. Now some hot steamy scene comes up and we are both watching. I do not fast forward and I do not leave the room, we both watch it in silence hahahahaha. How old am I again??? Please she can say nothing. However I am praying there are not many more scenes like these I have to endure.

Todays Thoughts...

I said my prayers, studied God's word, meditated on the word I read, prophesied into my future, thought about my goals and finally I went on my twitter account because I follow some sensible people and then of everything I saw, this stayed with me "The basis of transformation has always been self -awareness"- Frank Powell . God speaks in a variety of ways, Be still & listen...

It's a known fact but sometimes, we just need that reminder. You want to follow me on twitter? Its ellyeleanor1 and on Instagram, its ellyeleanor_foundation we are changing the world, "one life at a time" have a peek into what we do...

On Replay...

"Stop Hiding, Start Living"

I intentionally do not listen to a lot of preachers for obvious reasons. I am content with daily study and meditation of God's word and the more I study, the more the Holy Spirit inspires me and gives me rhema. However with this man here Jentezen Franklin, I just love and respect him and its always uplifting listening to him rightly dividing the word of truth. I have been a christian for quite some time and had no issues fasting for any length of time. But in 2009, I read his book on fasting and it changed my whole understanding till date. I recommend it for anyone especially if you are planning on starting 2017 with a spiritual exercise. I am presently listening to this and its such a blessing. Hope it blesses someone out there!

The Act Of Learning!

Its was quite a rainy Saturday yesterday and as I got ready to go do groceries I noticed the bananas were quite overripe. Scratch that, I noticed it a couple days earlier actually. I don't really like bananas but every now and again I end up buying them because I choose to have them in my porridge rather than having to add processed sugar. I will rather having naturally occurring sugars. I also use them to sweeten my smoothies in the summer but I am not doing any cold drinks in this cold and flu season hahaha.

 I follow this healthy food/snack blog and I coincidentally saw how overripe bananas were used to make banana chocolate muffin and the recipe seemed quite easy so I decided to try my hands  on it and this is what I ended up with. It was not bad at all you know hahaha

This year, I had a target of making a new dish every month, I think I only achieved 45% of that target. Anyways I am having the entire family over so I might just bump that up to 60% before the clocks tick midnight on the 31st of December hahaha.

The summary of all of this is, challenge yourself to learn. Learn something new everyday if you can, no knowledge is insignificant and don't just learn via 'hear say', learn through research, experiment, questioning, comparing and contrasting and by listening to the right people...

This week make sure you learn at least "ONE" thing!

On Replay...

Todays Reminder....

It might be Friday, but don't forget to give the same level if not double dose of your efficiency, dedication, hard work, effort and just be absolutely awesome and be the light that sparks the hope across as many people as you come across. Let today be a fantastic Friday for not just you, but for everyone around you...

On Replay...

I was done with my prayers this morning and couldn't get this song out of my head. I have been having a conversation with a friend and most of the time its been centered on working in Gods will, fulfilling purpose and living a fully blessed life where I am not just blessed but everyone around me benefits from being blessed. I was recalling how for every job I have been in, I have referred a minimum of one person who got taken on due to my referral. I have been in a new role/career for barely ten weeks, and I have also referred someone on who got taken on two weeks ago and it came with a package that no other recruiter has been able to do for her since she's been job hunting for the past one year. I don't have mansions and a jaw dropping bank account or investments in every continent in the world, but I can refer to many lives and say I have been responsible for their spiritual, physical, emotional, financial and even career development and for me, that is more than enough. I have been able to do this, because I submitted to God's will and leading. How are you "LIVING" today? Don't forget to be a blessing....

Cous cous for the win!

First stage but I felt it was too bland. It still tasted nice though.

I have been trying to cut down a couple calories especially at lunch time so my meals have consisted of mainly home made salads, or home made sandwiches just 2 slices(lol). However last week I tried  out making a different kind of soup HERE which turned out really nice. Today I tried making my own cous cous from the scratch for the very first time.

Aftermath! My love for veggies made me do this! hahaha

It looks a bit complicated but took me less than 15mins. And no worries, not starting out a food blog yet but just get excited when I do something new and I share it to inspire "You".

Enjoy the rest of the week guys!

When God sends someone to help you

‘May the Kind One correct me.’

Psalm 141:5

The greatest indictment against not knowing is not learning. If you look at it the right way every experience in life is a school, and every new acquaintance is a teacher. So seize every opportunity to learn. Just make sure you pick the right teachers: those who’ve earned the right to come alongside, and when appropriate ask the hard questions, bring perspective, and keep you on track. Solomon said, ‘Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring’ (Proverbs 25:11-12 NLT). When God sends someone to help you: 1) Show your appreciation. Never take others for granted and never forget to say thank you. An attitude of ‘I don’t expect appreciation so I don’t give it’ will hurt you and close doors to your future. 2) Pull your weight. Don’t be self-serving and opportunistic. Look for ways to make your presence an asset, not a liability. Life owes you nothing except an opportunity to grow. 3) Understand the boundaries. Other people may know someone well enough to address them by their first name, but that doesn’t mean you should - especially not a potential mentor. If someone says, ‘Hello, my name is Charles,’ don’t come back with, ‘What’s up, Charlie!’ Show respect, and don’t try to change the protocol to suit the environment you’re used to. Observe boundaries, respect others, listen, and you’ll always have people willing to help you get where you need to go.

(http://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today.html)

Elly's Thoughts...

I hear so many people rant feminism!feminism! Unfortunately when I try to listen to the point they are trying to make, its just a complete display of ignorance. For the past three years I have been doing an academic research which has a lot to do with feminism and it has nothing to do with what I hear all over the place. I feel like pulling my hair anytime I hear all these rants on feminism! Pheww!

Today's Reminder...

Intelligence is really a big turn on for me, and when its combined with humility, Oh My! I could let the individual get away with murder hahaha. Hehehe just kidding, my personality has zero tolerance for BS but I am intentionally training myself to be a bit more patient with people for the sole purpose that things are not always as it seems at first and most importantly, we never understand it all because we will never have all the details because we are human. Anyways really getting inspired listening to a smart successful man and what he said is summed up in the pic I created. You have a vision? Nurture it, consistently develop it, sell it, and most importantly give it time.... It will fall in place. I am not there yet but I can see that it really works and already reaping the benefit. But I am not stopping, I am going all out for the kill! Are you Living or just Existing?

On Replay...

Thankful....

In the spirit of the American thanksgiving, I am posting this picture of me strolling down the streets of Boston without a care in the world last September hahaha. Everyday for me is thanksgiving actually and again I will tell the entire story on the EllyEleanor show!  Yes I know some are tired of waiting but be patient, its sooner than you think hahaha. The past year has taught me that peace is a gift that God gives to ONLY his children and I won't trade the world for that peace. I am thankful for quite a lot I cant start to mention it all but today I just choose to say I am indeed very thankful for PEACE(Isa 26:3)

In between though, my legs are straight, I don't understand that convex or concave bend hahaha. Have a fabulous weekend guys. From the innermost part of my heart, I pray you experience God's peace and it actually starts from having a meaningful relationship with him and by this, I don't mean Religion!
Bisous
X

Todays Reminder.....

Most times when I need God to intervene in a particular area of my life, and I am focused and engage in various spiritual activities ie fasting, intercession etc the devil just reminds me of a lot of good Christians I know who are either barren, dead, plagued with diseases or undergoing one challenge or the other. He reminds us of all of these to dampen our faith and feel that our prayers might not get answered. Remember however that "The devil is a liar" and your case is different. So go in faith! All things are possible to him that believes!

Current State!

When the temperature has dropped to single figures and I climb the scale and its progressively going in the clockwise direction, I have got no other choice but to dust up my culinary skills and do something different. Its soup all the way.... And if you are bred in Africa, you will understand that this type of soup is way different and very less interesting in comparison to what we call soup hahaha. Anyways, I have had a couple visitors which means I have been making those fancy 'rich' meals and now its time to 'pay the piper'. Wish me luck as I enjoy my vegetable soup! lol! (made from the scratch by me hehehe. Celery, carrots, butternut squash, bits of potatoes, cos I just love meat its got strips of chicken, leeks, a bit of coconut milk, lots of water and vegetable stock.) Its not bad at all.

I'm not your friend, kid!

First time I heard a parent refer to her child who was under ten as her best friend, I actually thought it was a typo. However every now and again I keep seeing parents referring to their really young children as best friends. I had a conversation with a lady from a different race and she told me I quote "My kids know I am not their 'mate', they know I am there for them and they feel secure to share absolutely everything they are going through with me. However they know I am 'Mum' not 'Mate'. Its really funny that you might be in your 20s, 30s or even 40s and you refer to 5,8, or even 10 year old as your best friend! Like seriously?? Then some even call their parents by their first names, my mum sees nothing wrong in it, funny enough she actually likes it. However any child of mine that refers to me as 'Elly' will see different shades of lightning before they are done lol. I could be that traditional and for Pete's sake 'Mom'is just three letters hahaha(save calling mommy for the grandparents) Well good thing I stumbled on Kristina Kuzmic as she equally shares same views as me. Careful though, she does this crazy thing at the end of the video. Hahaha








 

Humility.....

Recently in my study time, I have been studying the book of 2Kings in the old testament. Something stands out for me in all the characters though. Firstly, I can relate to them because they all had temptations which are similar to the temptations we encounter today. They were either filled with pride, disobedient, drawn to women, made foolish decisions to their own hurt and that of Israel/Judah, rejected the warnings of the prophets sent to straighten them up and the list goes on. But in all one thing stood out! God's love...

Now anytime God was about to destroy them, they were forewarned, now that's mercy at work because going by the sins they committed, if I were God, I will send a tornado to wipe them all out and I will do it unannounced (hahaha). But thank God that I am not God.....

However whenever they were forewarned, some went in sackcloth and ashes and repented of their sins.... Check them out from Ahab, Hezekiah, Josiah, Manasseh, Jehoahaz etc. In fact Manasseh was described as the worst/most wicked king but when he was chastised he was humble enough to go on his knees and ask God for forgiveness. The question is are you humble?

I was chatting with a young man yesterday and while he was mentioning his accomplishments, I saw so much humility because humility/pride are so transparent and humans don't need bifocals to differentiate between the two. And I told him, its your humility that makes you endearing.

For some of the kings in the old testament however, they were neck deep in arrogance and wickedness and their end leaves nothing to be desired.

If you have an issue with pride, ask the holy spirit for help. Start practising humility today and improve on it, also have a constant reminder of death.... Yes death has the power to keep us in check!

Have a fab week.
X

On Replay...

Today's Reminder....

Most times when people speak to me about their situation, they end up using the same phrase "there are bigger issues". This usually happens when we try to play God, when we approach life based on what we think we know or what is right/acceptable by human standards. The real question is are you led by God??  We are in a constant battle and the enemy uses the same old tricks. There is really nothing new....

On Replay...

Free to be Yourself

‘If the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.’

John 8:36

We live in a world of peer pressure. Others set the standard and we wear it, drive it, quote it, or do it. In some cases that’s okay, but not when it comes to your life’s direction. Jesus said, ‘If the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.’ That means you’re free from the pressures others try to put on you; free to be the person God called you to be; free to look to Him for answers instead of always looking to other people. The Bible says, ‘A man must be content to receive the gift which is given him from heaven’ (John 3:27 AMP Classic Edition). When you scratch the surface, you discover that deep down many of us struggle with insecurity. We’re competitive, always comparing ourselves to others. We’re envious of their possessions, abilities, and accomplishments. We find ourselves trying to keep up with certain people, or be just like them. And as a result we get frustrated because we’re operating outside of what God called us to be. In other words, we’re not being ourselves! Understand this: the Christian life is a race, and you must run on your own track. You’ll never enjoy the fullness of God’s blessing until you commit to being the person He created you to be. So look in the mirror today and announce, ‘I am what I am. I can’t be anything other than what God has called me to be. So I’m going to concentrate on being the best me I can be - and celebrate every moment of it.’

(http://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today-41609.html). Looking for a devotional to read? I suggest you subscribe to UCB. I have used these devotionals for over 15 years and its been a blessing all the way.

On Replay...

Real Vs Steal...

People take their time to plan spectacular proposals and jaw-dropping weddings, but when it comes to the 'real deal' ie the marriage, they are very quick to back out and look for other options.... Are you someone's option??

Humility..

I read a bit of this in my daily devotional few days ago  and I couldn't agree less. We act like its all well and good with us and have other people believe we are super human and have it all figured out which is actually far from reality. We forget that its in telling the story of our struggles that  the hopeless become hopeful. If you missed a miracle today, you can be someone else's miracle. Stay  humble!

America Decides....

When it comes to politics, I get so intrigued.  I have followed the stats for Hilary and Trump right from the primaries. I have a friend who calls me a news junkie as I start my day with the news and actually end my day with the news channel. I am so bad that I actually have three news channels I listen to. I am so boring right hahaha. As I had Sky news on not long ago and picked up my ipad, it popped up with this. I cant believe its over a year ago I was in NYC with Obama as president and in less than 24hrs, there will be a different commander in chief. God help our world and if you are a christian, remember its your responsibility to pray for those in authority.  

On Replay...

Today...

Pornography From The Expert...

I sat down with her and as I had soft conversations with her, she poured out her heart to me. I have come to understand that people reveal their true personalities to me at two stages of their lives. One is when they feel so broken and just need someone to listen to their pain and the 2nd time they pour out their hearts to me is when they buy into me and feel a sense of comfort to be just 'who they are', and most fall under this category.

Her Story:
Intimacy between her and her husband had vanished from their relationship because her husband had found a new love which he was addicted to.... "Pornography". And he preferred to watch series of porn and satisfy his sexual needs without her help. He did not need her for what he could achieve himself literally.

Photocredit:joydigitals.com

Pornography is believed to be for adults, but I say Pornography is not meant for humans, the thinking behind the production of pornography is just Vile & Flawed. I was having a conversation with a young man who saw no harm in watching pornography as it helped his realtionships. I asked him this question "If you knew the acts behind the pornography you watched or rightly put, if a member of the cast was your daughter, mum or sister will it still interest you/turn you on"?

Pornography is the main reason why so many couples are having unsatisfying relationships because expectations are unrealistic. Pornography is not love and does not depict anything of beauty that is to be desired. Its the devil's tool to subtly warm its way into the hearts of men/women and in turn make humans his slaves through addiction to porn.

Today children as young as 8 years of age are exposed to explicit sexual image and we wonder why the increase in rape, sexual violence, insecurity and all forms of sexual toxicity not to mention other negative effects are constantly making headlines.

You might say, "Please Elly, you are being dramatic about this, its really no big deal" but I am happy, its not just my point of view as a born again child of God but even a lady who has first hand involvement has raised an outcry against the pornographic industry which for your information makes billions of profit.

From the viewer statistics/site entry, I have some individuals view the blog from a pornographic site which I feel good about because when the individual logs on this site, I believe and hope they receive inspiration that brings about deliverance. The sad thing about pornography is that it has many captives, christians/ priests/pastors/bishops and a lot of individuals we least expect to be enslaved to the grip of porn. Today however if you are reading this and struggling with pornography, I speak deliverance in the name of Jesus and I declare you free from this addiction.

Anyways read what Pamela Anderson has to say:

Pamela Anderson Photocredit: London Metro

Pamela Anderson has hit out against the porn industry and its portrayals of sex in an impassioned and personal lecture to Oxford students.

The 49-year-old former Baywatch star says the vast majority of porn shows sex that is ‘demeaning and hurtful’, and all too often involves violence against women.

She added that being ‘treated like a porn star’ in bed left her feeling ‘worthless’, and called for a greater focus on loving sex rather the kind that apparently necessitates women being ‘slapped, called a whore and spat on’.

Pamela Anderson had some strong words to say against the porn industry

‘I’m romantic. I am afraid that the world might forget how to make love,’ she said.

‘I’m not a prude and there lays the frustration. Great sex is not porn and when you’re treated like a porn star it’s not fun.’

The Canadian-American, who has been the subject of two high-profile sex tapes in her lifetime, added: ‘I was told due to my background I had no right to privacy. It made me feel worthless.’

The Baywatch icon says she has been treated like a porn star 

Turning to what exactly she thinks is harmful about porn in 2016, Pamela laid down some truths about its all-too-common depictions of violence against women.

‘It is not fine to be slapped, called a whore and spat on – it’s sick, it’s hurtful, it’s demeaning and it’s terrible, terrible sex,’ she said.

Pamela Anderson

Women are clearly the victims in most porn according to Pamela 

‘It’s not the titillating images [that are problematic]. It is getting violent. I’m worried about violence against women.’

Asked about the recent scandal over Donald Trump saying he could ‘grab women by the p***y’ in 2005, Pamela added that she believes remark was not merely ‘locker room talk’, but evidence of the kind of sexist attitude that’s still endemic to society.

‘It’s terrible and I’ve heard other men speak that way, even about me. It cannot be swept under the rug because how we deal with it – how he is… it’s not okay,’ she mused.

‘So I was completely offended, like everybody else, and I don’t like the way he said it was just locker room behaviour, because I don’t believe that’s true of the men who do speak that way.

‘It’s got to stop, you’ve got to have respect for women, behind closed doors, around women and around men,’ she concluded.

Pamela, who is also a vegan and an animal rights activist,  will be making an appearance in the upcoming Baywatch movie, 20 years after she last appeared on the TV show.

She joined the iconic soap in 1992 at the age of 25 after modelling for Playboy and starring in sitcom Home Improvement.

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2016/10/17/pamela-anderson-lays-down-some-truths-about-porn-during-lecture-at-oxford-university-6196260/#ixzz4NROreybb

On Replay...

Truth Fm! The Launch!!

If you follow my post on the blog, it wont take you long to figure that I have this 'Thing' for really smart individuals. I seem to fall in love with them instantly and when they love the Lord..... Oh my! I am screaming the roof down! Yassss! The motivation they give me is really spontaneous. And today, I am inviting you to join me as I celebrate the birth of  Truth FM!



My darling here Dr Ebere Sonoiki is the host of the show! In 3 words... "She Loves God".
In this day and age that values are going down the drain and passion for Christ is becoming more and more unpopular, Ebere has stood for the God she loves proclaiming His Love, Generosity, Peace & Warmth.
I can remember feeling so overwhelmed with doing my PhD research, and after I spoke with her, in her calm nature she smiled and goes "You will be fine! doing my PhD wasn't equally a bed of roses but I completed and so will you". I am not the only one but Ebere and her hubby Deji have equally been a strong pillar behind a couple undergoing really challenging times in their marriage, they run a charity that provides health care for the less privileged in Sub Saharan Africa, and much more. They spare at nothing to show Gods love. They invest their finances, time and every available resource to see that the light of Jesus shines even "brighter than a diamond"( rephrasing Rihana's song there lol)





Today at 6AM-8AM(PST), download the App and listen to Ebere take us into Gods presence as the Holy Spirit inspires her. And if you are in the Bay area, you can join the prayers for the Bay area. Check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TruthfmNorthAmerica/?fref=ts (Truth FM North America) for more information





Congratulations Deji & Ebere as you take bold steps to do Gods will. May the Holy Spirit inspire you and use you as change agents in this hurting generation. May you speak Gods world fearlessly with an undertone of love & compassion and may Heaven pour out more than enough resource you need to see this vision bloom. Truth FM! it Is!!

This Week....

Go into the new week believing that 'You Can' because 'You Can'. Remember all things are possible, the impossible only takes a bit longer....

Start because Procrastination is the killer of dreams....

Entrepreneur Minds...

Sometimes in the path to our dream, we pause to question ourselves. I have realised that 'OUR' response to the questions we ask, determines to a large extent if we press our foot harder on the accelerator or if we change our gears to reverse or just decide to altogether park.

Recently I took on a new role in an entirely different field which is actually geared towards the bigger picture as the decision towards being an entrepreneur is almost here. However one of these evenings as I got in and collapsed on my sofa,  I asked myself "Elly are you sure this role is for you"?






At that point, I just heard a voice say, its not about the job being for you or not, its about what you need to learn and how quick you have to learn it. Instantly, that changed my perception because really I need all the training I can get from this new role, if I want to be successful at running mine in the future. We give up too early most times, but IMPLEMENTATION can be easy if we have subjected ourselves to learn all that we can.

The word for today is Learn! Learn!! & just keep Learning!

Ciao!

Word....

It might be Friday, but some things still remain constant.... Be the best you can!

On Replay...

Fertility & The Future...

Few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with my mum and as some issues came up, I excitedly told her I was really excited my generation has conquered infertility I believe. I grew up in a culture that infertility was looked at and still considered as an "Abomination"  with the woman considered to be the sole cause of the condition. With improvements in science however, what we need now is to make it affordable to  couples struggling with several infertility issues.



But again I ask myself, what limits are we going to push.... " I wonder if my children/grandchildren are going to feel intimidated because they have "picture-perfect" friends whose features were carefully selected by their parents because they could afford it?? And now I see this a couple days ago. A baby with DNA from 3 parents..... well that is still unsettling for me. What are your views?

www.eduvee.com

The first baby with DNA from three parents was born in New York, the result of a procedure performed by an American team working in Mexico because the procedure is banned in the U.S.

Experts used the words "huge" and "revolutionary" to describe the birth, which came in the spring but was first reported last week inNew Scientist.

The child's Jordanian parents sought out the controversial technique because the mother carries the genes that cause Leigh Syndrome. As a result, she suffered four miscarriages and her first two children died, at 6 years old and 8 months.

So the egg of a third donor parent was spliced together with the mother's egg and fertilized with the father's sperm. Only 1 percent of the baby's mitochondria carry the disease, making it unlikely the boy will ever develop the condition. Because the procedure hasn't been approved in the U.S., Dr. John Zhang from New Hope Fertility Center did the job in Mexico, where he says "there are no rules."

"To save lives is the ethical thing to do," Zhang told Jessica Hamzelou of New Scientist.

Just don't call the 5-month-old a "three-parent baby," warns specialists who blame the "caustic" term for the U.S. ban, which they say is not based on scientific evidence.

(http://www.dallasnews.com/news/science-medicine/2016/10/02/baby-makes-4-first-child-dna-3-parents-born-thanks-procedure-banned-us)

Entrepreneur Minds....

Building a business is not as tedious as building the personality of the brain behind the business. A lot of people have good ideas, but like I always say, good ideas are not enough.... You need much more, & it starts not from when you take the decision to start your own business but way before that dream is borne. The little things that form the "YOU" we refer to as character.

Found myself reading SWOT analysis. Last time I read SWOT analysis, I read it to pass my MBA exams, but this time, I am reading it for a different purpose, with more understanding, more reflections & evaluations.... Same person different times.... Life!

On Replay...

Psalm 119 vs165

Chastity....

I am a pretty young lady, who works and lives in one of the busiest cities in the world. I get to see quite some fabulous, breathtaking men, I get to travel to even busier cities and see more men. Some have become colleagues along the way, acquaintances, neighbours and even friends. But when it comes to the issue of sex outside of marriage, my view has not shifted despite my exposure & independence. In this day & age, these values/beliefs are considered to be quite obsolete but for me, when it comes to this, you can keep any contrary opinion to yourself. Anyways today is not about me, my story will come later in the "EllyEleanor Show". However its quite interesting to know that quite a number of people are of similar ilk. I was quite intrigued by Kates story....  Read below!

My name is Kate. I’m 32 years old. I’ve never had sex.

When I was young, I always imagined I would be married by 25 and have a brood of kids. I wanted enough kids to fill a baseball team, a hockey bench and a big house full of love.

That obviously didn’t happen. Or it hasn’t happened yet. But I love my life. I spent last weekend learning how to scull on the Potomac River. I have good friends, a great family, hobbies and one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.

Do I feel a void because I’m not married and I don’t have children yet? Sure. Do I wish I were having sex? Of course.

But I believe that I’m living a fuller, better life because of my commitment to sexual integrity. I spend all day, every day doing the things that I want to do, because I’m not wasting my time worrying about waking up next to a stranger, contracting a sexually transmitted infection or missing a period.

The truth is, I’m able to live the feminist dream because I’m not stressing over the things that sex outside of marriage often brings.

A recent study in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior showed that young people — specifically millennials — are now more than twice as likely to be sexually inactive than the previous generation. Although there are many possible causes for this shift, it’s quite reasonable to believe that this generation doesn’t want the stresses that sex outside of marriage brings.

Maybe they realize that a condom doesn’t protect the heart, and that true love is something worth waiting for and fighting for.

Celibacy and chastity, as I have come to understand as a Catholic, are virtues that are practiced with a purpose. Chastity isn’t simply the restraining of one’s desires, nor is it something you just practice before marriage and then disregard after the wedding. Chastity is a lifestyle, centred on freedom and love, that challenges all people to love themselves and to love others in the most perfect way possible.

As a teenager, I read Joshua Harris’s book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I was enthralled by the view of purity that Harris proposed, and decided I would save every act of affection, including kissing, until my wedding day.

Then when this interpretation of chastity was challenged in a Christian marriage course I took in college, I began to understand that chastity goes much deeper than a long list of dos and don’ts. I started researching the topic in more depth. The result was my college thesis, Chastity in the Modern World and the Fulfillment of Chastity Within the Catholic Church.

My thesis was based on the book Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla, who would later become Saint John Paul II. In this book, Wojtyla explained that every human being is a sexual being, but that we’re also rational — which means we don’t have to be mastered by our physical desires.

In the case of the single person, chastity means not having sex before marriage, but it also means striving toward the perfection of love. We must all aim to love ourselves and to love others in the most perfect way possible — this is chastity in its fullness.

Virtues, including chastity, must be practiced like a new sport or skill. I didn’t just decide to be a master rower and naturally row down the Potomac. I took an intense sculling course and then spent hours upon hours practicing on the water — and I’m still only in the beginner stages. There wasn’t a single Olympian who simply showed up in Rio and won gold. Like sports, virtue takes practice, failure and perseverance.

With chastity, there are days you will struggle and fail. Some days, it will seem simply impossible. But you must always remain faithful and persevere, especially in the difficult moments.

As a Christian, I believe that all things are possible with God, and that has been the bedrock of my journey with chastity. I’ve also surrounded myself with good friends who support me and my beliefs, which has made my journey easier.

While I didn’t get my early marriage or my 12 kids or my big house with a white picket fence, my commitment to sexual integrity has allowed me the freedom to live the life that I want. I am living the life that feminists throughout history fought for.

Through the virtue of chastity — true freedom and the perfection of love — I am living the feminist dream.

Kate Bryan lives in Washington, D.C. Follow her on Twitter @katembryan

Entrepreneur Minds......Our Girl....

Yesterday I was interviewed for a show, and one of the questions I was asked was what my advise was for anyone trying to start up a business/pursue their dreams? My response... "Just go for it! Don't procrastinate, don't wait for the timing to be right because there might never be a "right time" in all honesty, the more you delay, the more your passion wanes.

Today on "Entrepreneur Minds", I am proud to present this gorgeous smart cookie, She's not just on a journey to become an Architect, but as an undergraduate, shes pursuing her passion and doing a fabulous job as "The hairchitect". Tell me about passion, time management, creativity & resilience and I will mention Sophia! Shes indeed "Our Girl". Watch out for  her...

Facebook  page: https://www.facebook.com/GHABpro-264397290252864/?fref=ts

IG : The Hairchitect.

Who is Sophia? 

Sophia is first and foremost a child of God , a real.. Reeaaaaal product of grace . A content creator who tries in her own little way to emulate the creativity of her Father !! A daughter! A big sister to two younger girls , A worship leader , A student , the hairchitect ! Someone passionate about creativity!

What do you do? 

As mentioned above , I do a lot of things ! I minister in song , I style hair , I do makeup , I study architecture .

 How did you get into hair/makeup?

I've grown up around creativity . I studied art for 6 years of my life . When I was younger my mum would create dresses for myself and my sisters .. And our dolls ! She also ran a successful hairdressing business , so I was privileged to get some first hand exposure to the trade . I've always been an inquisitive person , so I would sit for hours watching my mum braid hair or sew in a weave and try to replicate what I'd seen on my dolls. I started this at age 10, however there was no real pressure to get serious with it until I reached age 15 and wanted to wear weaves and fit in with my peers ! I begged and begged my mum to sew in a weave for me but she was NOT having it !  Her 15 year old daughter with weave ? No way !  So the rebel in me decided to learn how to do weaves on myself ! Simple !! Lol ! From then on , my business took off ! As of recent ( just over 1 year ago ) , I've started to venture into the field of hairstyling ( not just sewing in weaves/ doing braids etc ) . I

Love the challenges it presents me with and the art produced at the end .

 Did you attend any formal training?

No not yet , but I have shadowed a few industry professionals and there is so much information out there in the form of video tutorials , blogs , online content  etc Self - teaching is now easier than ever!

How do you combine Architecture(study) with work?

In a few ways , I find similarities between architecture and hairstyling , hence the term I use to describe myself - the hairchitect . Both are about forming something out of nothing . Something with endless possibilities, that can be informed by a range of social , cultural and even economic factors . Both fields are about the way elements are able to exist in harmony to produce beauty . Both fields deal with human ideals of beauty . Hairstyling informs my architectural design     and has taught me the importance of process and creative thinking .

While at school , I try to limit my hairstyling work to weekends only . This gives me enough time to focus on my studies . The goal however is to get to a place where I'm able to think in both the language of architecture and hairstyling

 How did you come about the name GHABpro?

The name stands for Governor Hair and Beauty professionals!  The term Governor was something I used to go by when I was younger ! It's an accurate description of how I want my brand to be perceived in an already saturated market - as a leading force .

 Where do you see GHABpro in the future?

I see many things for GHABpro , but one of the main things is to have a positive impact on other people's lives in the same/an even better way that people have had an impact on mine . Whether it's using GHABpro's funds to finance large projects or passing on my skills to others , I'm blessed to be a blessing !

 What is your advice to anyone planning a start up business out there?

- Define your market niche -this will inform many of your processes .

- Be intentional with your money . Find a way to invest . Whether it be in your self , or others , view your money as a seed that will germinate and bring forth positive fruit

- Network - being friendly and appreciating the gifts in others will provide so many opportunities for you !

- Learn from others

- Define your brand - how do you want to be perceived . Understand how what you do or don't do will impact your brand .

- Have a vision , a goal . It will keep you grounded and dictate the way you do things .

- Identify your supporters and keep them close .. Also a be a supporter of others .

- You and your brand won't always be everyone's cup of tea .. That's fine . There are over 7 billion people in the world and at least one of them will like you !

- Don't be afraid to fall. True failure is not in merely falling and getting something wrong , but in accepting defeat and wearing it like a badge .