Me,Cool?!

You know as a young Christian I find it hard sometimes to mix Christianity and being cool! Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think for a second that it’s boring to be a Christian but sometimes the avenue to be cool is not very ”Christian”.

For (a very mild) instance, is it alright to appreciate and make comments about hot guys? Is the word hot/sexy appropriate in describing someone of the opposite sex?? Don’t think I’m being extreme, picture this – you’re in church, the pastor looks really nice and you’re like “oh my, you look HOT!!” lol… On the other hand, if you were talking to your non-christian friend and you say the same it’s not that bad and then you feel bad cause it’s a bit hypocritical! lol…I know my imagination runs random sometimes!! But, I still wonder…

How do I dress up without mis-representing my belief?? You see I love short skirts, shorts.. and erhmm I don’t know, I don’t wear them to seduce any ‘brother’ but I love the way it fits….

How do you proclaim your faith with punctuating most of your words and actions like “by the grace of God”, ”it is well” without seeming like a fanatic??
I know sometimes the answer seems pretty straight forward but in practice it’s not as easy as it seems..

You know how it is when you are chatting with your friends at school/work or someone you just met and they are talking about things you have strong views about such as sex before marriage (yeah, that sensitive subject!) drinking, clubbing, abortion(trust me, it is becoming quite the norm, ask Marie Stopes!) etc etc.. It’s you against like 5 to 10 people and you are like erhmmm…. lol

Just to encourage you, you are not the only one who struggles with it, even the best of us find it difficult! I mean I wanna be ”cool” too, say ”cool” words, act ”cool”, do ”cool” things… I put the word cool in quotation marks cause it’s quite relative. It has been quite misused over the years and the wrong things have become the new”cool” but I encourage you to remember that the bible says in Romans12v2 that we should not be conformed to this world… Don’t do things because everyone is doing it, you have to draw the line sometimes and stand for what you believe in! It’s hard but by the grace of God (yeah, that phrase it is very possible.. Remember you are not in it alone, God would give you the grace and the strength to do it!!!

That’s not to say for you to completely let go and become frumpy!! NOPE! Be a pacesetter, fashion-wise and in other areas, endeavor to look gooood, I mean you have a beautiful God clothed in majesty, REPRESENT!! There are many ways to be cool without compromising!! You don’t have to look or act dry to be a bona fide Christian lol..

Develop a good sense of humour, be charming, charismatic… Walk with a swagger (it’s not a sin Be polite and nice to people..that’s cool! Learn how to dance well. Harness whatever skill you have, be it dancing, singing, poetry, rapping, comedy….anything! Explore all your potentials… Let others see you and envy you!! REPRESENT!!!

God bless xxxx

LOVE SO DEEP!

I want to experience Love so deep that it overwhelms me.

At first I thought it had to do with finding a man that will love me so deeply, but then I figured that will never be enough.

How limited a man’s Love is anyway… I need God’s Deep, Pure, Divine Love so desperately.

I want that Love that cuts so deep that it runs through my blood streams, that feels like it chokes (even in a food-way..lol); You know that kind that gives Confidence, Security, Boldness and you just know its alright.

I want men to see me and think “Mehn….She knows her God”. I want My Man to see me and think…..Darn…”She Love God..” lol.

I wanna get a piano in my home as a single Lady, and just Worship everyday after work and its the thing that I look foward to at the end of a work day, not party or visiting, just Worship the Lover of my soul…Jesus!!!

Just My Thots…..Isioma

Colour-blocking Part 1

Hi again!

This entry sees us experiment once more with a verycurrent trend, hehehe! It’s called PORANGE! It’s quite simple really, just wearing purple and orange items. But tastefully, mind. Cheryl Cole started it, but Nicole Scherzinger popularised it. Here are two of my humble interpretations. Enjoy!

Yours truly,

Bim-J The Art of Style :)

Porange Look 1

Tip:

Earrings: Miss Selfridge £5 (On sale)
Dress: Zara £19.99 (On sale)
Skinny belt: Primark £2 for a pack of two
Scarf: (Stylist's own)
Charm bracelet: (As before)
Purse: H&M £14.99
Shoes: (As before)

Porange Look 2

Tip:

Earrings: New Look £4
Jacket: New Look £24.99
Bag: Louis Vuitton
Skinny belt: Primark £2 for a pack of two
Hareem Pants: New Look (Stylist's own)
Charm bracelet: River Island (Stylist's own)
Shoes: (As before)

Events this weekend…

Hiya Clay CLadies!

Hope you are all well!! Sorry for the brief hiatus We love you still hehehe…

Just a brief rundown of events happening this weekend (a new feature we hope to bring to you on Clayladies! Please email us at clayladies@gmail.com if you would like to publicize your event, It could be anywhere in the world! )

**SWANSEA**

POV BEACH FEST – Swansea bay Beach, Sunday 14th of August, 12noon

This weekend, there’s only ONE major event you just have to be a part of! Yup, you got it right! POV Beach Fest 2011!!! We are soo glad it’s finally here and we are grateful to God to be a part of it! If you are in Swansea (actually anywhere) get down to Swansea Bay Beach at 12noon for a time of your life! There would be a band, games, drama, steel band, dance, J2N gospel choir, the fabulous POV choir (quite frankly the best choir in the world and of course FREE food! (Yup, you read that right! Somebody say BAR-BE-QUE!). Amazingly, entry is free.. so get your beach swag on and come party with us, it would be grand!

If for some reason, you’re unable to attend, we are thinking of you and you can be a part of the event via LIVE broadcast @ www.placeofvictory.org.uk tomorrow. (Unfortunately though, you would not be able to partake of the delicious and sumptuous menu that has been prepared…. sowwie).

SUMMER PRAISE PARTY – The City Temple, Dyfatty Road, Sunday 14th of August, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

In continuation of its Summer Sizzler events throughout the month of August, Elim Swansea will be having a Summer Praise Party tomorrow evening! (We’re loving the Summer parties ladies … Last week Sunday was lovely with a nice barbeque and tomorrow evening, there will be High Praise in the house.. Let’s come and LIFT JESUS HIGHER! Entry is free.

www.elimswansea.org.uk

**MANCHESTER**

RCCG Strongtower Parish’s Friend’s Day – 923-929 Oldham Way, Manchester. Sunday 14th of August, 10am

A family day of fun, laughter, games, plenty to eat, drink and lots more!!

www.strongtoweruk.org

**LONDON**

Oasis Picnic – Claremont Road, Brent Cross. Sunday 14th of August, 2o11, 2pm – 6pm

Oasis is the ministry for single parents in and outside Jesus House (JH), London.

The group meets on a regular basis for fellowship.

The next meeting is on Sunday August 14th, after JH’s 2nd service from 2 – 6pm.
They will be having a picnic in the local park off Claremont Road, Brent Cross.

If you would like to attend please confirm via text to Jay Atie 07772 615542 or emailjayatie@hotmail.co.uk
Alternatively you can call Sade Olatunji on 07961 719368      

The meeting point will be at the Front of House in Jesus House on Sunday, August 14th at 2pm.

http://www.jesushouse.org.uk/event/oasis-picnic

SOUL SECRETS OF A WOMAN WHO NEEDS A FATHER!

Lord, I am feeling lonely and vulnerable and scared and confused. There is nothing I need more right now than a Daddy. I need strength and wisdom and direction. I need a protector and a provider. I have tried to control my own life and I have ended up in a mess. I need help. I have wandered long, and I am ready to come home to You. It is good to know that I have a Father, even if I’ve never had one before. It is so good to know that You are a Father who will love me, nurture me, bring me peace. It is so good to know that the Creator of the Universe is the Father of my heart.

Make me like CLAY in Your hands. Make me the woman You can easily mold into exactly the person You want me to be – Pure, Strong, Gracious, Whole, Faithful, Steadfast. Thank you that I can never be too old to become your daughter.

 

By  T.D. Jakes

Clay Camp Trends

Hiya all!

Here are just a few of the on-point trends I noticed during our ‘glamping’! So girls, never let your fashion guard down…even when you’re camping! Hehehe!

Enjoy!

Yours truely,

Bim-J The Art of Style  

Hats, hats, and more hats!

Floppy hats

Straw Panama Hat

Oyinkan's spotty hat

Head band galore

Alice band, Bandana, Scarf

Pink alice band and blue top (y)

Daisy chain head band

Checks

Isioma rocking a plaid dress

Plaid shirts on denim, lush!

White

Sheer white top & hareem pants (y)

Mrs Ashaka rocking a frilly white top

Jeweled Sandals

Funke & her glamtastic sandals

What Happens when Ladies Go….. GL-AMPING!!!!!

… So 29th/30th of July has come and gone but not without the pizazz and fabulousness that was expected!! Yes, you guessed right… CLAY CAMPING or as we love to refer to it CLAY GL-AMPING, (liberally amalgamating the words glam and camping to describe how we planned to roll lol)

The day started on a very high note with all those who were going confessing that they had little or no sleep.. Some ladies dreamt about it! hahaha.. We certainly love DRAMA .. We actually sympathised with those who had to go to work cause we couldn’t imagine how they would concentrate! 4.30pm couldn’t come any sooner…

Prior to the day, the Clay steering team had met, planned and prayed and fasted. All hands were on deck and they were not leaving any stones unturned. At 3.30pm, ladies started turning up in all their fineries and their camping gears in tow.

At this juncture, before we proceed any further, we must give thanks, praise and honour to our darling Father, Potter, Lover and Friend who made it all possible – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.. THANK YOU, WE LOVE YOU!! The testimonies were immense and pouring in from the moment (we dare say even before) we decided to go camping.. Whilst waiting for the bus to arrive to take us there, we took the opportunity to reflect on the amazing favour of God towards us and in ensuring that the trip was a resounding success. From how we got the tents, to the heavily discounted price of the over-night stay, from people’s kind donations and helping hands to the huge support from our Pastor, from the weather to the number of ladies who turned up, God was certainly at work and we just want to appreciate Him so much.. Lord, we couldn’t have done it without you.

.. At about 6pm (1 and a half hours behind schedule but thank God for His mercies), we began THE journey to Oxwich.. The ride itself was fantastic, we dug deep into our childhood memories to play some games and the bus was agog with ladies screeching with laughter and having FUN! “I spy with my little eye…”, “Name of boys, name of boys..”.. “10 questions”.. It set the tone for what was going to be a memorable time away.

We arrived at Oxwich Camp…. and unfortunately that’s how far I can tell cause as we say in Clay meetings, “Whatever happens/is said in here stays in here” .. Nevertheless, we asked some ladies to tell us what they thought about the experience and they had a lot to say! (They may be kind enough to reveal a little of what happened hehe..

 ”I heard about the camping trip at the CLAY meeting. For me, the meeting was the taste of a different fashion, a blend of formal with the informal and an opportunity to get to know people with different ideas and experiences. I enjoyed getting into platoons to plan a presentation.

I got first hand, true deals of marriage and practical steps to avoid strains in marriage, I also committed myself through the discussions and expositions to abstinence until marriage as I feel more than ever that I’ve got people watching my back and there to encourage me.

Iron sharpeneth Iron, so if you’re looking for where to draw strength for this heavenly race, find CLAY ladies cos they know the God you need” – Isioma Ikediashi

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“Oxwich Camp was the best

I heard of the inspiring camping trip in Church, RCCG Place of Victory for all Nations (Swansea).

It was an exact experience, absolutely accurate and was correct in every detail. I had so much fun with everyone present, the platoon group was awesome, the one family spirit was the best thing that happened to me.

The barbecue and bonfire by the beach was brilliant.

I learnt how to mount and dismantle the Vango camping tent. (Clay says: “Check you out! )

I learnt so many things, one of which was the experience we shared at the camp.

“Do not miss the next meeting”.- Becky Mama Jibo (Becky won the Clay award for Best Platoon leader! Congratulations Becks! xx)

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“When I heard about the camping trip in church, I was not sure I would be going. I later decided to and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed the nostalgia of playing ‘sillygirlie’ games on the road to Oxwich. I loved the idea that we were segregated into platoons and asked to work together. This built unity and a sense of positive/healthy competition.

The ride to the beach, the hunting for sticks , smokes from trying to light the fire, warmth from the bonfire, the hot barbecue, snacks and drinks, the deep down to earth truth sharing and worded talks, I just loved as the breeze from the beach caressed us and we snuggled closer, wrapped in blankets, warming ourselves, I remember the ‘sister feeling’. The walk from the beach back to the camp at 2am, silent ‘hushes’ not to awake the villagers, the stars smiling down; a confirmation that God approved of us. I shared my room self contained with Bim-j and we gisted and shared secrets as though we had known each other for years, when we checked the time and realised it was 4.am, we had to goad ourselves to sleep.

Breakfast at sunrise, the talks afterwards, jokes, packing up, I’ll say the camping was a salad of experience for me, a 100GBP worth of one day fun. Hanging out with the ladies is a most refreshing opportunity, you don’t want to miss out on it, next time.” – Ireti Oladapo (Ireti won the award for the ‘Most Enthusiastic Camper! Congratulations Ireti! xx)

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Other award categories and recipients:

Miss Congeniality – Nancy Buka

Miss Down to Earth – Nike Shoremekun

Miss ‘I may never go camping again’ – Miss Funmi Olatoye (Funmi would take the glamorous and leave the camping lol)

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In Swansea in August? You don’t wanna miss the next Clay meeting, get involved! Email clayladies@gmail.com.

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Special shout out to the Pastor with the most Holy Swag; Pastor Felix Makanjuola Jnr (PFMJ), Tracy Owamagbe (You rock girl and we missed you!), Mrs Alaba Ajanuku (God bless you loads!) and Serge Engamba (Chale, you’re a STAR!)

God bless you xx

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The Pink Dress

I watched her as she took out the 6 yard pieces of fine fabric and laid it on the table. I stood by to admire the piece of art in front of me. Stretched my hand and ran my fingers across the delicate texture, feeling the finesse of the immaculately dyed colours.

And then she brought out a scissors and started to shred the fabric, I watched on in horror as the disfiguring process continued. Why? I asked, but she smiled at me coolly, and said just watch…

So the pieces lay strewed hopelessly on the tailors table. They seemed irreparably scattered to me, my heart sank at what looked like the waste of such beauty.

Well, she picked up a round piece and sewed it on a square one, a rose on this and a ribbon on that.

Stunning enough, the messy pieces started making perfect sense, one or two frills, a couple of velvety buttons,

Voila; little by little, gradually and slowly, an attractive pink dress came out of the once pitiable pieces.

Now hear this; in situations when it appears as though you are being burnt and baked, remember gold must always pass through fire to be refined.

By Ireti Oladapo, friend of God

A woman’s Heart

I saw this quote a few days back on someone’s blog and I absolutely loved it and I leave you with the thought!..

“A woman’s heart should be so lost in God that a man has to seek Him in order to find her”

Isn’t that just profound? Ever since I saw this quote, I have been ruminating it (hope that was properly phrased, lol) in my head. I would LOVE to be that kind of woman!!! One thing I wouldn’t compromise in finding the ideal man is that he must have a PASSION for God. Infact that quality is a top pre-requisite!!

The beauty of such a man is that the fear of God would make him unable to do some certain things. Just like the song that says “when a man loves a woman….”, “when a man loves his God!” he would find it difficult to lie/cheat/hit his girl. He would treat her with so much love and respect for the sake of God.. Why wouldn’t I want a guy like that?? I have always believed that once a man is right with God, other (good) things would surely follow.

I am not talking about a man who proclaims he is a christian and does everything to negate that fact but a man who truly loves God. There is a big difference!
May God help us to wait patiently for His best for us!

 

Welcome The Fash Pack!

Hello everyone!

We’re livening things up on the blog with a fashion section!Yay!!  :) As Christians, we don’t have to be drab.  We CAN be stylish and keep up with the current trends. By God’s grace, we’ll go on this journey together and learn that we don’t have to break the bank to be fashionable! I hope you will be encouraged to use pieces you already have in your wardrobe and just re-work them to update your looks.

As we all know it’s summer, so naturally, we’ll start off with summer looks. A big trend this summer is WHITE. Yes, white! But first, a few things: I’ll start with myself to start us off, but I’ll be out and about with my camera to spot you clay ladies who’ve hit the mark. You could be featured on our prestigious blog! So please have as much information on your outfit as possible, like I’ve shown below. Enjoy!

Yours truely,

Bim-J The Art of Style

TWO WAYS TO WEAR WHITE

White & Tan:

Tip: wear with tan accessories, but keep it fresh with your crisp white dress

Glasses: Oscar de La Renta (Stylist's own)
Earrings: Arndale Market £6
Dress: TK Maxx £10
Belt: New Look (Stylist's own)
Tights:  Primark (Stylist's own)
Stack of wooden & gold bangles: Primark £5
Diva Knuckle-duster Ring: Miss Selfridge £3 (on sale)
Bag: Zara £79.99
Shoes: Primark £16

With One Bright Colour:

Tip: Stick to one bright colour and minimal accessories

Glasses: Ray Ban (Stylist's own)
Chunky necklace: Primark £4
Jacket: Primark (Stylist's own)
Mono-strap top: Select (Stylist's own)
Charm Bracelet: Primark £2 (On sale)
Denim Pants: Zara £19.99 (On sale)
Shoes: River Island £20 (On sale)