LESSON FROM A VEGETABLE VENDOR.

Today, I strolled through the market, seeking to buy some essentials. A woman’s stall of fresh vegetables caught my eye. From a distance, the woman looked up from her work and smiled at me, as if she recognized me. I approached the stall, picked up two small assortments of vegetables, and we began to haggle over the price, trying to stay within my budget. After some negotiation, I found the price too high and decided to leave without buying. Later, after purchasing other items, I decided to return to her stall for the vegetables I had previously priced.

As I approached the stall again, she spotted me, recognized me, and smiled warmly. “Welcome back!” she said. Her smile and words provided me with a sense of relief. I told her, “Your price is not fair, and there are others that are cheaper.” She explained why her prices were set that way, and I ended up buying the vegetables. She appreciated my return, which meant a lot to me

While the vegetable seller’s price was not the lowest, her genuine smile and personal touch made the transaction feel more like a friendly exchange than a mere business deal. Her smile left a lasting impression. She didn’t take my initial leaving personal, she didn’t insult or abuse me for leaving and didn’t take my return for granted, unlike some other traders.

ADVICE TO BUSINESS OWNERS

She taught me a valuable lesson: despite inflation and economic challenges, we should not let these issues affect our emotions.

We are in a country (Nigeria) where the economy has taken a harsh turn. Market prices are shocking, traders are angry and many people are burdened by recent financial struggles.

In a country facing economic difficulties, your smile and words can become a beacon of hope and solidarity, reminding everyone that compassion can bridge even the toughest times. Bitterness or anger towards clients or customers will not make you richer; it will only make you less appealing, as my husband always says. A smile and a helping hand can make a significant difference.
In the business realm, the way we communicate with our customers can influence their perceptions. Your aggressive words or anger toward them can be detrimental, not only damaging relationships but also harming the long-term success of your business.

(Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bible.kingjamesbiblelite

Remember, we need one another to grow our businesses. Our price may not be the most favourable, but our words can encourage people to return.

EFFECT OF BITTERNESS AND ANGER

I recently read that chronic bitterness and anger can contribute to health issues such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. So, don’t let business challenges or economic crises affect your well-being.https://dailypastor.com/the-danger-of-bitterness/

Written and illustrated by Omolola Funmilayo Edokpayi

The post HOW TO RELATE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS DURING ECONOMIC CRISES (1). first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

The post HOW TO RELATE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS DURING ECONOMIC CRISES (1). appeared first on ArtPreachiate.

As a Christian, here are 15 important things you need to focus on in this new month.

1. GOD: You should strive to spend quality time in worship, prayer, and studying the scriptures. Seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in the new month. Meditate on God’s word and allow it to shape your thoughts and actions. Also, reflect on personal spiritual growth.

(Colossians 3:16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2. ATTENDING CHURCH SERVICES: Strive to participate in corporate worship. Do not neglect the fellowship of the brethren as this can grow your faith and encourage one another.

(Hebrews 10:25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.

3. PRACTICING LOVE AND KINDNESS: Strive to follow Christ’s example by showing love, kindness, and compassion to humanity. Look for opportunities to help the needy, lend a listening ear, and share God’s word. Furthermore, use your skills to benefit others.

(Colossians 3:14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

4. SEEKING HOLINESS: Strive to live a life that honours God in all areas (your thoughts, words, actions, and relationships). Rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to help you overcome sin and pursue righteousness with peace.

(Colossians 3:8) But now ye also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

In addition, there are other things you may want to consider focusing on. These things cannot be neglected in our lives, but we need to seek first the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33)

8. GOAL SETTING: Take some time to reflect on your goals for the month. Identify what you want to achieve and break it down into actionable steps. Also, rely on God’s power to help you.

9. PRIORITIZATION: Consider the important tasks and prioritize them accordingly. Focus on the high-impact tasks that align with your goals.

10. TIME MANAGEMENT: Cultivate a schedule to effectively utilize your time. Allocate specific time for different tasks to ensure you stay organized and productive.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1) To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

11. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Invest in your personal growth by reading books, taking online courses, or attending programs related to your interests or career. Seek opportunities to enhance your skills or knowledge. You can also take on projects to further your career development.

12. HEALTH AND FITNESS: Make conscious efforts to take care of your physical and mental health. Set time for exercise, sleep, practice mindfulness, and eat a balanced diet. Prioritize self-care activities that help reduce stress and engage in activities that bring you joy.

13. RELATIONSHIPS: Nurture your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Plan activities or quality time together to maintain strong connections.

14. FINANCIAL PLANNING: Review your financial situation and develop a budget for the month ahead. Set savings goals, track your expenses, and make necessary adjustments.

15. EVALUATION: Take time to reflect on your progress at the end of each week or month. Examine what worked well and what could be improved, and make necessary adjustments for the next month.

Remember, personal circumstances and priorities may differ, but every day is an opportunity to grow. Let these areas listed above guide and motivate you. But in all your doings, acknowledge God. Happy New Month.

The post 15 Crucial Areas to Focus on for a Successful New Month. first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

The post 15 Crucial Areas to Focus on for a Successful New Month. appeared first on ArtPreachiate.

APPRECIATION TO ALL MOTHERS

We appreciate your first lullaby sung to us, the daily forgiveness, and the unwavering love. We applaud your melodies and your dance. Today, we shine a light on the unsung heroes in our midst. The mothers who silently toil behind the scenes, shaping the future with their love and sacrifice.

ADVICE TO MOTHERS

Mother! Sing your song and dance your dance. Do not let anyone take your joy, do not stop expressing it to the world you belong. You are a blessing to many generations.

ADVICE TO THE CHILDREN.

Let us join them on the dance floor of life, following their lead as they guide us with their gentle steps, words, and steady presence.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers all over the world.

By Omolola. F. Edokpayi.

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The post MOTHER: SING YOUR SONG AND DANCE YOUR DANCE. appeared first on ArtPreachiate.

Lent is a period of 40 days (excluding Sundays) observed by many Christian denominations. It begins on Ash Wednesday (a ritual that reminds us of our mortality) and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. It is a time of preparation and reflection leading up to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter.

During Lent, Christians often engage in practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

FASTING
Fasting typically involves abstaining from foods or activities as a way of self-discipline and drawing closer to God. (Mark 9:29)

PRAYER
Prayer is emphasized as a way to seek guidance, repent, and deepen one’s relationship with God.

ALMSGIVING
Almsgiving encourages acts of compassion, charity and generosity towards those in need.

The 40-day period symbolizes the 40 days and nights Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. It is seen as a time of spiritual purification, and self-examination.

Lent also focuses on the themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and mercy as Christians reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is a time to repent for one’s sins, seek forgiveness, and strive for personal growth and renewal.https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/lent/what-is-lent-about-and-why-is-it-important.html

Futhermore, Lent is a solemn and significant period in the Christian calendar that provides an opportunity for believers to deepen their faith, self-discipline, and spiritual growth in preparation for Easter.

Lenten season is not a lengthy season. All you need is for God to strengthen you and stay away from things that can entangle you. Look up to God for help and make the most use of this season.

By Omolola F. Edokpayi

The post Things to know about Lent (I) first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

The post Things to know about Lent (I) appeared first on ArtPreachiate.

The world is noisy, and the significance of silence often goes unnoticed. Nevertheless, beneath the surface of our noisy existence lies a deep force—the power of silence. Silence, far from being a mere absence of sound, holds the possibility of transforming our lives. It serves as a sanctuary for reflection, allowing individuals to delve deep into their thoughts and emotions. In this calmness, the mind finds clarity, enabling self-awareness and a heightened sense of mindfulness. One amazing aspect of silence is its ability to communicate without words. In quiet realms, silence echoes unspoken words, yet is deeply heard. There is power in stillness. The world may abuse your moment of silence; however, there is power in it. http://medium.comh/the-value-of-silence-165f624a4672

“A time to keep silent, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7b).

Speak when it is necessary.

VALUE TIME

To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

WHAT IS TIME?

Time is one of the concepts that govern life, dictating when people wake up, go to work, relax, and so on. It is a measure providing structure to our days. Time is a continuous flow that cannot be manipulated or controlled. Time serves as life currency, and its value cannot be overstated. It is a valuable resource, once spent, it cannot be regained. Moreover, it serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of life. https://www.goneminimal.com/value-of-time/

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU VALUE TIME?

Time allows us to create meaningful connections and memories, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Efficient time management enables productivity and a fulfilling life. The value of time empowers individuals to make conscious choices. So, value time this year and make the most of every moment. Appreciate the present by living with purpose and intention.

VALUE PRAYER

Prayer holds a profound power that extends into the realms of personal growth, resilience, and interconnectedness. It is a dialogue with the divine, a personal conversation that allows individuals to express gratitude, seek guidance, and find solace in moments of happiness or discomfort. Prayer is a source of strength in times of adversity. Whether facing personal challenges, illness, or societal turmoil, the act of prayer allows individuals to tap into a reservoir of stability and strength.

Amidst the chaos of daily life, cultivate a sense of inner peace, and take a moment to engage in prayer. Give time for reflection and stillness; it will become a refuge for you in due time. Furthermore, do not forsake the fellowship of the brethren because communal prayers serve as a shared heartbeat. In times of crisis, the unifying power of communal prayer often manifests as a force for positive change and solidarity.

Moreover, giving your life to Christ, walking with and working for Him daily, can positively affect your life because that is when our prayers can be fully answered.

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

1 Peter 3:12

Finally, the year is still young, so embrace the power of silence, value time, and find strength in prayer because these three things will help you in the journey of life.

By Omolola. F. Edokpayi

The post A Journey to Mindfulness and Purpose. first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

The post A Journey to Mindfulness and Purpose. appeared first on ArtPreachiate.