A gift is more than a wrapped box or a thoughtful gesture. It's a symbol of love, a token of appreciation, and a reflection of the heart. When we give, we share a part of ourselves, showing others they matter, they're seen, and they're loved. The true gift lies not in the price tag, but in the thought, the love, and the kindness behind it.

Christmas story



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### **The Christmas Star**

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled at the foot of a mountain, there lived a young girl named Clara. Clara was known for her kindness and bright smile, but her family had fallen on hard times. Her father was a woodcutter, but with the winter chill making it difficult to work, they didn’t have much to celebrate for Christmas that year.

One cold evening, as Clara helped her mother prepare a simple meal, she overheard a conversation. "We don’t have enough for presents or a feast this year," her father said quietly, his voice filled with worry. Clara’s heart sank. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she knew her family was struggling.

Later that night, Clara decided to do something special. She didn’t have money to buy gifts, but she knew that the spirit of Christmas was about more than things—it was about love, kindness, and sharing what you could with others.

Clara went out into the snowy forest and searched for the perfect tree. It wasn’t as grand as the one in the village square, but it was beautiful in its own way. With her small hands, she decorated it with candles, a few ribbons, and sprigs of holly she had gathered. She then tied a simple note to the tree’s trunk: "To the one who needs a little light, may this tree bring warmth to your heart."

The next morning, as the sun began to rise, Clara’s family noticed something extraordinary. From their window, they saw a soft, glowing light in the distance. It wasn’t the typical Christmas morning sunrise—it was something magical, like a star had descended from the heavens. The light led them to Clara’s tree, where they found a group of villagers gathered around it. Each had brought something small—an apple, a scarf, a loaf of bread—gifts meant for those who needed them most.

The village had come together, united by Clara’s simple act of kindness. It turned out that her tree had not only been a beacon for her family but for everyone in the village who needed hope, warmth, and light.

That Christmas, Clara’s family shared a meal with their neighbors, and the village, once quiet and uncertain, was filled with laughter and love. The Christmas Star, Clara’s humble tree, reminded everyone that the greatest gifts aren’t the ones wrapped in paper, but the love we share with one another.

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Merry Christmas!

Ayy, it's a sad song, but I gotta let it out
My heart's in pieces, tears won't stop comin' down
Sorrow's got me wrapped, like a deadly vow
This lullaby's for the pain, that I know

I thought we had love, but it's all a lie
Now I'm left with nothin', but this lonely sky
I'm tryna find solace, in this cold world
But sorrow's the only thing, that's real
My heart's in shackles, my soul's on fire
Tryna break free, but I'm stuck in desire

Sorrow's lullaby, singin' me to sleep
Tryna drown my pain, but it's all I can keep
Sorrow's lullaby, echoes in my mind
Lost in the darkness, leave me behind

I see the shadows, they're callin' me
Tryna escape, but they're surroundin' me
I thought I had you, but you slipped away
Now I'm left with nothin', but this fade
My heart's in pieces, my love's in vain
Tryna put the puzzle back, but it's all in vain

Sorrow's lullaby, singin' me to sleep
Tryna drown my pain, but it's all I can keep
Sorrow's lullaby, echoes in my mind
Lost in the darkness, leave me behind

Can't nobody understand, the tears I cry
Lost in my thoughts, I'm askin' why
Pain's the only thing, that I can rely
Sorrow's my solace, my lullaby

(Melodic, emotive instrumental)
Sorrow's lullaby, that's my reality
Tryna find solace, in this cold society.

A high-value woman is not defined by her appearance, her style, or her level of education.

She is distinguished by her personal boundaries.

Recognize her by her strength in saying “no,” and her ability to walk away from any place or relationship where she is not valued for who she truly is.

A woman worthy of admiration does not beg for appreciation. She commands it through her actions, because she is confident and holds herself in high regard.

You won’t find in her life people who joke with poor manners or belittle her. She doesn’t tolerate negativity and removes toxic individuals from her circle without hesitation.

Her life is one of quality—defined by respect and integrity, not wealth. She lives by standards that reflect her true worth.

A high-value woman does not justify staying in a toxic or unfulfilling relationship due to emotions, needs, or a “need for support.”

She does not need brands, titles, a husband, or certifications to prove her value. She knows and feels her worth so deeply that it requires no validation from others.

She will walk away from anything that threatens to poison her soul, just as she would from anything harmful to her body.

A high-value woman believes in her worth and maintains the purity of her essence, never compromising or negotiating it.

She knows that no matter what beautiful additions life brings her, her pure essence remains the most valuable, profound, and beautiful part of who she is.

Be a High valued woman.
Woman you are wrapped in strength.

Shawarma (Middle Eastern): Juicy lamb or chicken, wrapped in warm pita, with creamy tahini sauce

#dandiron

My Time is Coming:

An elephant and a dog became pregnant at same time.

Three months down the line the dog gave birth to six puppies.

Six months later the dog was pregnant again.

And nine months on it gave birth to another dozen puppies.

The pattern continued.

On the eighteenth month the dog approached the elephant questioning.

"Are you sure that you are pregnant? We became pregnant on the same date. I have given birth three times to a dozen puppies and they are now grown to become big dogs. Yet you are still pregnant. What’s going on?"

The elephant replied.

"There is something I want you to understand. What I am carrying is not a puppy but an elephant. I only give birth to one in two years. When my baby hits the ground, the earth feels it. When my baby crosses the road, human beings stop and watch in admiration. What I carry draws attention. So what I'm carrying is mighty and great."

LESSON : Don't lose faith when you see others receive answers to their prayers.

LESSON : If you haven't received your own blessings, don't despair.

LESSON : Say to yourself - My Time is Coming. My blessings are being processed, prepared, packaged and wrapped up in God's glory.

13 Most Commonly Consumed Igbo Foods:

The Igbo people of Nigeria are known for their numerous traditional foods. Undoubtedly, Igbo land is home to many popular Nigerian cuisines, as most of the dishes Nigeria is renowned for have their origins in Igbo land.

Below Are 13 Most Commonly Consumed Igbo Foods:

1. Utara/ Akpụ na Ofe:

Utara na ofe, commonly known as swallow and soup, is the most popular and commonly consumed Igbo food. Utara, also called Nri Onuno, can either be Akpu, Utara Ji, or Nri Ji (pounded yam), Nni Ede (pounded cocoyam), or any form of swallow like Garri, corn swallow (Nni Oka), semo, or guinea corn swallow. Utara can be eaten with different kinds of Igbo soups, ranging from Oha, Egusi, and others. Click here to see the Top 10 Popular Igbo Soups or a List of All Igbo Soups.

2. Ji (Yam):

Ji (yam) is one of the most consumed and most important foods among the Igbos. It is cooked and eaten in various ways, but the most common preparation involves cooking it with vegetables. This process is called Igwo Ji or Ibio Ji, and vegetable yam is referred to as Ji Agworo Agwo. Other ways the Igbo prepare yam include Ji Ahuru Ahu, Ji Olulu/Orulu, Ji Abubo, and Ji Mmanu.

3. Osikapa (Rice):

Osikapa, popularly known as rice, is one of the many foods eaten by the Igbo. It can be prepared in various ways, but the most common include Osikapa Ocha na Ofe (white rice and stew), Osikapa Agworoagwo (jollof rice), and Osikapa na Agwa (rice and beans). Interestingly, rice is mostly eaten on Sundays for reasons still debated.

4. Abacha
:
Abacha is made from cassava and can be served as an appetizer or a main meal. It is mostly used to welcome visitors before serving them the main dish. Abacha preparation varies depending on the community or household. No event in Enugu or Isuochi is complete without Abacha on the menu. It is best served with fresh palm wine.

5. Okpa:

Okpa, also referred to as the king’s meal or lion’s food, is a popular Igbo dish that originated in Enugu. It is made from bambara nut flour and is easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and about 45–50 minutes to cook. Okpa, usually wrapped in banana leaves or thin nylon bags, is widely sold in Enugu at joints and parks. It can be enjoyed with Coke, pap, soaked garri, or tea.

6. Nkwobi:

Nkwobi is a much-loved delicacy in the eastern part of Nigeria. It comes in various varieties and can be prepared with cow meat, goat meat, stockfish, or chicken. The most popular version is Isi Ewu or Kpomo Nkwobi. Nkwobi is commonly found in beer parlors, as its preparation at home is time-consuming. It is best enjoyed with palm wine, beer, or any preferred drink.

7. Ji Mmiri Oku:

Ji Mmiri Oku is yam and dried fish pepper soup porridge, native to the Igbo people. Traditionally prepared for new mothers during the Omugwo period, it is often loaded with hot pepper, believed to aid faster healing after childbirth.

8. Ukwa :

Ukwa is a popular Igbo dish made from fresh breadfruit. The seeds are shelled, washed, and cooked with crystal soda (akanwu) and water until soft. It can also be cooked with rice.

9. Akidi:

Akidi is a small bean seed, reddish or black in color, primarily found in the northern part of Igbo land, especially in Enugu State. Known for its high protein content, Akidi is a favorite in many households. It can be prepared with Ugba, yam, or Abacha.

10. Ede (Cocoyam):

Ede is another staple food among the Igbo. It can be cooked and eaten in various ways, but the most common preparations include Ede Agworoagwo or Ede Obibo (cocoyam with vegetables), Ede Nsuru (boiled cocoyam), and Ede Mmanu (cocoyam with oil). It is also used in soups (Ede Ofe/Ede Ohe).

11. Ono/Ona/ Una:

Ono/Ona/ una is a highly nutritious yam species rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is often cooked and consumed with oil, Ugba, or native sauces like potash sauce. It is also used in herbal treatments for diabetes and other ailments.

12. Agidi (Cornmeal):

Agidi is a beloved Igbo dish made from corn flour. It is prepared in two ways: plain white Agidi or Agidi Jollof. Agidi Jollof is often eaten as a snack or served as a light lunch or dinner.

13. Agbala Atui:

Agbala Atui, also known as Iho in some parts of Igbo land, is a special delicacy made from melon seeds (Egusi). The seeds are ground, mixed with other ingredients, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked.

Which of these is your favorite Igbo food? Feel free to share even if it's not listed here!

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A Rich Man and His Son:

A rich man's son was graduating college.

For months, the son was asking his father for a new car, knowing that his father had more than enough money.

When graduation day came, the young man's father called him into the study. The father handed him a wrapped gift and congratulated the new about to be graduated on his achievement.

Looking disappointed, the son opened the gift to find a lovely, leather bound journal, with the young man's name embossed on the cover. He angrily raised his voice, threw down the journal and stormed out.

The young man had not seen his father since graduation day. He became successful and was wealthy like his father, with a beautiful home and family. He came to realize his father was aging and it may be time to put the past behind them.

Just then, he received a message that his father had passed, and he had to return home to take care of the estate.

As the mourning son regretfully returned home, he began searching through his father's important papers and saw that still new journal, just as he had left it.

He opened it, and as he flipped through the pages a car key dropped from the back of the journal.

A dealer tag was attached to the key that read "Paid in full. Wherever this car takes you, write about it to remember it forever. Love, Dad"

No matter what you expect, be grateful for what you are given. It may be more of a blessing than you think.