Stephanie Linus Daily

Author: stephanielinusdaily

Finding Freedom Through Forgiveness

He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over
which he himself must pass if he would ever reach
heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven.
– George Herbert

Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. These feelings of hurt can burrow deep into one’s heart, causing lasting resentment and anger. But if you don’t practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly.

It’s amazing how much power the word ‘Forgiveness’ holds. It has the power to release freedom and happiness. It has the power to allow us to move forward without ever having to focus on the past.

Forgiveness is a great purifier. It matters not how long you have hated or how deep the hurt runs. A room can be dark for ten seconds or ten years; the moment that light floods the room, the darkness disappears as though it had never been.

Are you very bitter and depressed towards a certain person who hurt you in the past? I urge you today to forgive and let go. If you do not forgive, you are bound to the person who injured you as surely as if you were handcuffed together.

We forgive by faith, out of obedience. Since forgiveness goes against our nature, we must forgive by faith, whether we feel like it or not. We must trust God to do the work in us that needs to be done so that the forgiveness will be complete.

I hope that we find that faith to forgive anyone who might have hurt us, and therefore find freedom and peace in our lives.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

March 22, 2015
It’s All About Marriage Proposals!

I just heard that yesterday – March 20, 2015 – was the National Proposal Day. I didn’t even know a day like that existed!

It was created by a guy named John Michael O’Loughlin to dedicate a day for men to propose marriage. He invented the holiday after his cousin’s boyfriend wouldn’t pop the question after years of dating. Learning from his cousin’s experience, he thought of this day to urge lovers to take the plunge.

One of the most unforgettable moments in someone’s life is when a person receives a marriage proposal from someone she loves. For those who have received one already, it is a moment to remember with fondness. For those who haven’t, it is a hopeful dream.

So, in the spirit of the National Proposal Day, let’s talk about marriage proposals. Those who are engaged or married, recount how it all went down. And for those who aren’t, what is your dream proposal?

I can’t wait to read your stories 🙂

March 21, 2015
Fun Time!!! Joke Of The Day

Another weekend is here and I decided to have a good start of my weekend by reading one of Akpos crazy jokes. This made me laugh out loud and I hope you’ll enjoy it too.

“After writing a maths examination, a fight ensued between Musa and Akpos. Classmates gathered around to watch the the two students exhibit their boxing skills. A teacher separated them and asked them why them were fighting…

AKPOS: This idiot copied me during the maths exam!

MUSA: Copy? He’s lying! I didn’t write anything! My answer booklet was blank before I submitted!

AKPOS: You copied my blank answers! Because I didn’t write anything on my answer booklet too before I submitted!”

March 21, 2015
Girl With Down Syndrome Rescued From Bullies

Today 21st March marks the 10th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and each year the voice of people with Down Syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder.

I was so touched when I watched this story of three young boys, raising their voices to protect a young girl.

People with Down Syndrome face many challenges as children and adults which may prevent them enjoying their basic human rights. Many people often fail to understand that people with Down Syndrome are people first, who may require additional support, but should be recognised by society on an equal basis with others, without discrimination on the basis of disability.

Desiree was cheering at a basketball game when some bullies from the other team stared making fun of her because she has Down Syndrome.That’s when the players from her team did something truly noble to defend her.

Well done boys! You did the right thing. God bless you all for helping that precious sweet girl.

Watch the touching video:

March 21, 2015
11 Amazing Facts About Dogs
I discover new things about my dogs everyday that makes me feel so proud of them. Here are 11 amazing facts I’ve discovered about dogs:
1. If you leave your dog a piece of clothing that smells like you, the scent will comfort them and it can help curb their separation anxiety.
2. Unlike humans who sweat everywhere, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet. Dogs have sweat glands in between their paws.
3. Dogs’ sense of smell is 10,000 times stronger than humans’.
4. They empathize with human pain. Goldsmiths College released a study that showed more dogs will approach someone who’s crying or in distress than someone who is not. This shows that dogs are empathetic and are eager to help comfort humans in pain.
5. Puppies are sometimes rejected by their mother if they are born by cesarean and cleaned up before being given back to her.
6. They help you stay in shape. A study from the University Of London has determined that kids with dogs are more active, and exercise more often, than kids without dogs.
7. Day-to-day depression, or even more serious chronic depression, is easier to handle with the love of a dog, studies show. Simply by having them around, and knowing that even at our worst, somebody loves us unconditionally and is eager to see us happy again, we’re given a reason to get up and keep going.
8. Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
9. Dogs curl up in a ball when they sleep due to an age-old instinct to keep themselves warm and protect their abdomen and vital organs from predators.
10. In a study done by scholars at the University of California, it was found that dogs can get jealous if they see their humans displaying affection toward something or someone else.
11. Dogs are capable of understanding up to 250 words and gestures, can count up to five and can perform simple mathematical calculations. The average dog is as intelligent as a two-year-old child.
Amazing right? I’m glad I have some of them around. What is the most interesting fact about dogs on this list?

Is there any dog owner here? What are some of the most interesting things your dog has done? If you don’t have a dog, would you like to have one?

Sources: Distractify.com, Petfinder.com, Buzzfeed.com, Randomhistory.com, Telegraph.co.uk
March 21, 2015
Be Inspired! 10 Lifetime Quotes By Albert Einstein

The late great physicist, Albert Einstein, was one who often shared his thoughts or opinion about life and its environs. He was a theoretical physicist, author and a philosopher. I bet only geniuses can do this.

He has been an iconic role model for many people while he was alive and even after his death. It touches the deepest part of my heart and motivates me a lot every time I read his quotes. I’d like to share 10 of them with you today:

1. “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

2. “I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious.”

3.”Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions. Imagination is more important than knowledge”

4. “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”

5. “The only source of knowledge is experience.”

6. “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

7. “Anger dwells only in the bosom of fools.”

8. “I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.”

9. “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

10. “I never think of the future, it comes soon enough. But, be prepared”

Which one is your favourite quote?

March 21, 2015
Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Using Home Remedies

Many people see stretch marks as a sign of obesity. But I actually have to dispute that because I’ve seen stretch marks on slim people.

Stretch marks occur as a result of the elasticity of the skin when you gain weight real quick, especially during puberty or pregnancy stage.

When stretch marks are too much and in very visible parts of the body, they can make one really uncomfortable. But to get rid of them, you really don’t have to spend so much. Natural methods are cheap and safe.

Here are a few:

1. Aloe Vera.
This is the most effective homeopathic remedy for curing, not only stretch marks, but other skin related problems. Aloe Vera is known for its healing and regenerating properties. You can apply it directly on stretch mark one time a day or make a paste by mixing the Aloe Vera gel with olive oil. Then, use warm water to rinse the skin.

2. White Sugar
Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin. Take a tablespoon of sugar. Add some drops of almond oil and lemon juice in it. Stir it well and apply directly on the stretch marks. Rub it for 8-10 minutes and then, take a shower. Do this repeatedly for one month until the stretch marks fade away.

3. Lemon Juice
The alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and vitamin C in lemons can efficienty remove the dead skin and make your stretch marks disappear fast. Slice up lemon and rub it over stretch marks in a circular motion for 10 minutes. Then clean it with warm water. You can also create a mixture of lemon juice and cucumber juice and apply this mixture on stretch mark.

4. Potato Juice
Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells. Cut thick slices of a medium-sized potato. Take one of the potato slices and rub gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. When the juice gets dried, wash the affected area with lukewarm water.

5. Egg Whites
Egg whites are full of proteins and amino acid. They are likewise rich in collagen and vitamin A and along these lines can treat scars or blazes excessively effected. Separate egg whites of two eggs and whip them. Clean affected stretch marks with fresh water and apply a layer of whipped egg whites. Let them dry and wash it with cold water. After, use olive oil as moisturizer. Use this method daily for at least two weeks.

6. Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter
Cocoa butter is best known for enhancing the blood circulation and anti-ageing properties and anti-wrinkling properties. While Shea butter melts on your skin at body temperature and so can be ingested fast. Mix these two with a little Vitamin E oil which is a compelling antioxidant that will penetrate through the layers of your skin and help its natural wound mending procedure while removing the scars on it. Store in a cool place. The cream will become strong again once it chills off. Apply this twice daily.

Remember, whatever remedy you choose to use, you have to be consistent with it over some weeks for best results.

SL Fabz, do you know of any other methods of getting rid of stretch marks through natural remedies?

March 20, 2015
When Should The Genotype Question Be Asked?

I was inspired to ask this question when I saw the issues raised on the last Talk To Steph post about Tayo’s Genotype Dilemma. She had been in a relationship with someone she loved dearly and fond out in the 10th month of their relationship that they both had the AS Genotype.

You see, there is no specific length of time a couple must date before getting married. Some people have a two-month courtship, some have two years, while some date for even as long as twelve years.

My question however is this: At what point in the relationship should couples begin to ask each other serious questions such as their Genotype? Also, apart from the Genotype question, what other important questions should couples ask each other as their relationship gets serious?

Let’s discuss.

March 20, 2015
Book Excerpt: Forever There For You by Chioma Nnani

I got to know about the Nigerian writer Chioma Nnani some few months back and have been impressed by her fiesty attitude which I see reflected clearly through her writings. She is the author of ‘Forever There For You‘ a Christian Fiction novel and holds a Law (LLB) degree from the University of Kent.

With her kind permission, today, I’d like to share an excerpt from her book which recounts a young woman’s struggles through a failed marriage, her faith, friendships and success.

That shame was all-consuming when Tony urinated on her. She returned from the Refuge meeting a bit later than she had anticipated. He was already in a mood and she tried not to antagonise him further. But he went berserk when he searched her bags and saw the Refuge letter-headed papers. He asked her who she thought she was and why she thought she could get away from him. When she said she had only gone to volunteer and showed him a print-out of the email Mrs Troy sent her, he hadn’t believed her. He slapped her, pushed her to the ground and kicked her. When she grabbed his leg instead of just shielding herself from the blows, as he was accustomed to, he was even more irate. He said that she now thought she could fight back so he would show her. He raped her, and when he stood up, she thought that was all he had in mind. Until he urinated on her and called her a ‘filthy, disgusting, foolish creature’.

This new act of degradation made Nadine feel even more broken. She knew this had to be how Kiranjit Ahluwalia felt. But the erstwhile insignificant, little woman had gone on to gain her freedom and make legal history. No, she hadn’t done it alone and she had the power of sisterhood behind her, there for her and working for her. Nadine wondered how liberated and vindicated she must have felt. To say she hated Tony was an understatement. She wanted to hurt him, not out of revenge – she had no compulsion for vengeance. All she wanted was freedom. When her husband sat down to breakfast alone the following morning, she wondered what would happen if she poured his morning tea over him. Or if she mixed anti-freeze with his cereal. Or rat poison in his dinner that evening. She would watch him squirm and hurt. He would die a painful death. She would probably go to jail, but he would never hurt her again. She wasn’t sure that even then she would be able to bring herself to admit the incident or the extent of the abuse, so if she ever got caught, they might think she did it for financial reasons. That the treatment she would receive would be very harsh, was almost guaranteed. But if she was a man … It was almost unbelievable, the discrepancies in the treatments given to men and women, even in this century. Even in this country that was supposed to be civilised.

Chioma Nnani is an Award-winning Author, BEFFTA-nominated Writer, Presenter and Producer.

Remember, this is an excerpt of a book, so there is more to this story. However, what are your thoughts on this excerpt?

March 20, 2015
10 Beauty Tools Every Woman Should Have

Every woman, and I don’t just mean the makeup pros, should have some basic tools that would make her look her best always.

Here are 10 essential things I think every woman should have:

1. Red Lipstick: Just like your signature scent, every girl needs the perfect shade of red lipstick for her skin colour or dress. It brings out that glam in your look, everytime.

2. Brow & Lash Comb: You don’t want to go around having a set of occasionally unruly brows. The brow brush is so convenient to tame and brush your eyebrows and the comb is great to comb out any clumps in your mascara or to comb your lashes into place.

3. Blow Dryer or Hair Dryer: Whether its to dry your wet hair or to set your curls in place, a blow dryer can produce sleek, polished hair styles for almost any hair texture. It is especially great for home use and a quick fix when you need one.

4. Makeup Brushes: Having the right makeup with poor tools for apply them on is a recipe for disaster. It is worth the investment to purchase a high-quality set of makeup brushes. A basic makeup brush kit includes a narrow brush for eyeliner, broad brushes for eye shadow and blush and a brush with an angled tip for your lips.

5. Beauty Sponge: If what you need is a smooth finish and even application of your make up, then the Beauty Sponge also known as the Beauty Blender is just perfect for you. The teardrop shape of the sponge also makes it easy to really get into the nooks and crannies and get uniform coverage. It’s not very commonly used but I recommend them if you have never tried it.

6. Tweezers: You never know when you need to do a little grooming and plucking on your brows. Tweezers always come in handy to help set your false lashes on your lash line and, of course, keep stray, unwanted hairs away.

7. Face Wipes: Sleeping in your makeup is absolutely terrible for your skin’s health and appearance, so before you drift off to sleep, you can quickly take off your makeup with a moist face wipe.

8. Curling Iron or Flat Iron: Whether you want a sleek straight look or a wavy curly look, this electric tool will make set you on the right path. This is great for both your real hair and hair extensions.

9. Cotton Swabs: The best way to remove makeup from your delicate eye area is with cotton balls soaked in makeup remover. They can also be used to clean up accidents with eye makeup, to apply skin care products you don’t want to contaminate or to clean up nail polish that’s gone astray. I always have cotton swabs and cotton balls in my makeup purse just in case.

10. Bobby Pins: Bobby pins are a beauty accessory that’s been around for ages and are still very useful to this day. Whether you want to put your updo in place or you’re in a hurry and you really need your hair to look good, this could come in handy. It’s great for both short and long hair too.

Ladies, which of these tools do you not have or don’t think is necessary? What is your most important beauty tool?

March 19, 2015