A good friend of mine once told me of a man he knows who brought himself up from rags to riches.  Living paycheck to paycheck was a luxury for this man, and he decided that he was tired of being trapped by his own life. The poor man looked around at his friends, and noticed that one of them – who wasn’t particularly smart or more talented – had become quite wealthy. He asked this man how he accrued this wealth, how he was able to become a millionaire. The wealthy man’s response was simple: “keep the right company.”

The man took that advice to heart. He quickly noticed that all of the otherfriends he had hated hard work and had no desire to improve themselves. So he sought out new friends, he went around to conventions and seminars to connect with people who had made something of themselves. After he had completely replaced the people in his network, he decided to make a list. This list was simple. It had a column for people who would improve his life, and a column for people who would drag him down. If someone could improve his life, he spent as much time around them as possible. If someone could drag him down, he never spent more than five minutes around them. After following his “make or break” list, the man was able to become a millionaire within three years.       

The five-minute rule may be a little extreme, but there is an important lesson to learn from it: if you surround yourself with positive people who build you up, the sky is the limit.

Please note: The pictures used have nothing to do with the moral of the story…….That’s my cutest, smart  babysister  Blessing!…….. I personally wrote something similar to this last year. Click here to read it.

Credit: addictedtosuccess.com

“Life is already too complicated ,so don’t complicate it more by allowing people to hang their monkeys on your back, shake off the monkeys before they turn into a gorilla , you won’t be able to fight it ooh, # sweetlove off for the weekend, Oyoo na Ojwang mtajisort” ~~ ~ ~ ~ Akothee Akothee 

Nimependa sana picha hii kutoka Facebook. Uzuri na urembo wa asili. Ngozi nzuri sana. Vile vile nimependa sana hair style yake. Kapendeza sana. Be blessed Ms. Kateti.

? ????…….. Mtu chake apendacho hakina hila machoni uridhika kuwa nacho japo hakina thamani eee ?? mapenzi nayo hayafichiki mapenzi yako moyoni mwangu??? mwenye mapenzi haoni iii ingawa macho anayo!!………………. nyie mtakazana kusema ooh!  Bibi kizee, sijui anawatoto 7, kaachika mara 5; wenzenu ndio kwanza mapenzi moto moto wako busy wanatafuta pesa ?? Anyway, nimependa sana hizi picha nikaamua kushare humu! Huu si ndio ule mwezi wa “mahaba” ?? basi nitajaribu kuwaletea picha za couples zaidi. Halafu endelea kutembelea hii blog tarehe 14 siku ya Valentine Day nitawaletea couple ambayo nitaona inafaa kuwa the best for 2016.  Kama hukuona nani alitwaa taji mwaka jana basi chungulia hapa shukran!

Happy Law Day to my cousin-brother Advocate Richard Opiyo Makopolo (right-side), your colleague and friends in a law field! Happy Law Day to my babysister Advocate Janeth O.O. Igogo Happy Law Day my cousin-sister Honorable, Madam, Judge Dr. Modesta Opiyo Makopolo Happy Law Day my babysister Advocate Magreth O.O IgogoHappy Law Day to my best friend Mwl., Advocate Casmir Nkuba   Happy Law Day to my cousin-brother Advocate Richard Opiyo Makopolo and my sister-in-law Advocate Opiyo  (Mrs)   Happy Law Day to my baba mdogo Advocate George Matara.  Happy Law Day to all Lawyers in the making including my sweet cousin-sister Sophia Makoyo. Happy Law Day to all Lawyers and all policy makers in the family, friends, and around the globe! 

Me, myself, and I #TBT #2008 Lansing, Michigan ??

Je unaishi ndani ya jiji la Atlanta na ungependa kupendeza zaidi kwa kupakwa makeup nzuri na mpambaji aliyebobea? Basi Ascala ndiyo jibu lako. Ascala anajua anachokifanya habahatishi! Huduma zake zinapendwa na kusifiwa na kila mteja aliye mtumia! Japo ameanza muda siyo mwingi sana (karibia mwaka sasa) lakini jina lake kwa watu wa Atlanta linazidi kuvuma na kukua siku hadi siku. Si tuu kwa Watanzania bali hata mataifa mengine. Anafanya kazi ki-professional zaidi. Anapamba maharusi, watu mashuhuli, pia watu binafsi. Ukiwa na tukio au mtoko wowote usisite kumtafuta kwani matokea yake ni mazuri amini utampenda ?Ascala ana lugha nzuri kwa wateja wake, anakupa uhuru wa kuchagua lakini anakuelekeza nini ni muhimu kwa ngozi na rangi yako. Yeye ukimwambia ulipo na muda unao mtaka basi utampata bila shida. Si unamuona Neema Huckins alivyo pendeza siku ya harusi yake? Hii yote ni kazi ya Ascala. Si wakaida  ati! Simply beautiful! Basi kwa wale mnaoishi Atlanta, Georgia kama unataka kupambwa ukapambika vizuri bila kuwa kichekesho mbele za watu basi usisite kumuita Ascala ndio mambo yote. Ubarikiwe sana!

Our 1st lady! Mrs Janet Magufuli. Hapa ni jana akitia signature kwenye kitabu cha wageni katika kambi ya kulea wazee huko Nungu, Kigamboni. Nimependa jinsi alivyo simple, inaelekea ni liberal-conservative fulani hii, hivyo nafikiri mavazi yake mengi yatakuwa kama ya mama yangu mzazi ?? more of traditional look but in a classy way! I love her, as well as my mother ?? ubarikiwe sana 1st lady wetu……..btw mimi napenda sana watu wanao andikia “mashoto” huwa wanasema wanakuwa na akili na busara nyingi!

As women, we grow up dreaming about whom we’ll someday marry. We watch countless romantic movies and read fairy tales about Prince Charming. We have Pinterest boards for planning the big wedding day. We make lists of traits we’d love to see in a future husband, longing for Mr. Right. Often our expectations loom big. And in our quest for the happily ever after, we may start to feel like we have to settle.

Often when our interests are sparked and feelings are flowing, we can get swept away and even lose sight of what is true. Yet, love doesn’t have to be blind. There’s no reason to settle for relationships that are unhealthy or even harmful. God cares about you. He cares about the one you marry. And you can trust He will give guidance or even some red flags to be aware of along the way.

10 Characteristics that Should Raise a Red Flag:

1. The Unbeliever – Marriage can be hard enough at times, add to that the pressure of deeper spiritual disconnect, and you may be in big trouble when the normal stressors of life occur. Missionary dating and marriage will be a road of extra struggle. If you hold vastly different spiritual beliefs now, don’t falsely assume you’ll get him to “turn around,” or change his ways later. It may happen, but it may not. Be careful not to settle for less than what God would want for the spiritual health and care of your marriage. 2 Cor. 6:14

2. The Abuser – You are worth far too much to be abused by anyone. Ever. Move quickly away from anyone who brings you physical, verbal, or deep emotional harm. It’s not worth it to attach yourself to one who desperately needs help and freedom himself. You are not his saving grace. That is God’s work. Marriage is built on deep love and respect and this is most certainly no way to begin. See the warning signs for what they are. Believe you are valuable and precious to God. Say “no more” and move on. Ps. 11:5

3. The Addict – This man needs freedom that can only come by admitting there’s a problem and seeking counseling, professional help, and the strength that God can bring. Addiction to alcohol, drugs, or pornography will lead to destruction. And though your relationship may seem to challenge him in the right direction, don’t be fooled that he’ll so quickly “give it all up for you,” without the aid and accountability of professional help. You are not the one to set him free and your role is not to try to change him. Only God can. 1 Cor. 6:12

4. The Narcissist – If your boyfriend cares more about what he looks like in the mirror on any given day, than what you do, or can’t seem to get enough of his “greatness,” you may have trouble ahead. No matter how handsome, talented, and charming one may seem, marriage is built on the word “together.” If the relationship before marriage seems a bit one-sided, emphasis on “his side,” it may be destined for struggle. Your life should be greatly cherished by the man who calls you his wife. Humility, compassion, love, and respect towards others are much more admirable characteristics than simply the externals. 2 Tim. 3:2-5

5. The Controller – What seems to be disguised early on as “I’m only trying to help,” can really be a deep need for control and a heart of jealousy. This man will dominate and strive to make every decision for you, decide who you should spend time or who you should no longer see. The one driven by control needs will have continual issues with whether he can “trust you.” Often, under the grasp of the controller, you may start to feel like you can hardly breath. It’s suffocating. It’s supposed to be, that’s how he holds you in his grasp. Be free. This is not your problem to fix. It’s God’s. James 3:16

6. The Angry, Hot-tempered Man – A man who cannot control his temper before you’re married, will most certainly be a man who cannot control his temper after you’re married. In most cases, it will worsen. No matter what our personality type, it still doesn’t give us room to plow over anyone in our pathway with harsh words and rants. Take time in different scenarios to see how he responds, especially under pressure. How does he act on the ball field? In traffic? When the waiter gets the order messed up? When the pressures mount at work? When you’re running late? The key is – does he realize it’s an area of weakness that he desires for God to help him change? If the answer is “no,” steer clear. Prov. 22:24

7. The Man Still Tied to Mama – We all love a man who loves his Mom. There is deep respect for those who care for and show love to their parents. Yet sometimes the lines get blurred. When the guy you’re dating still has every bill paid by his parents, they control every decision he makes, and he cares more about what Mama thinks than what you think – newsflash – struggle is ahead. One of the number one causes of divorce is relationship difficulty with in-laws. No family is perfect, but be sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to leaving, cleaving, and uniting as one. If there is trouble with drawing healthy boundaries before you’re married, there most definitely will be trouble later. Matt. 19:5

8. The Flirt, Cheat, Tempter – Behaviors established before marriage are not going to magically go away once you say “I do.” Sexual sin can be a deep trap of the enemy and once ensnared in these destructive patterns, they are difficult to break. The mistakes of the past should hold no control over our present and future. Watch for behaviors that signal trouble. Is he respectful to women? Does he flirt with your best friend or the waitress at dinner? Is he begging you to sleep with him? Red flag. Be careful that you have wisdom to see the true heart before you enter covenant relationship with one entrenched in sexual sin. You are worthy of respect, the one who loves you, will wait for you. 1 Cor. 6:18

9. The Liar – Every marriage must be built on trust. Without this as a firm foundation, you’re in for trouble from the beginning. So what about those “little white lies” you started noticing along the way? In reality, there’s no such thing as little white lies. Any lie is meant to hide, deceive, or manipulate truth. There is no room for dishonesty in a healthy, loving relationship. It’s a dangerous trap and you will always be left wondering what he’s hiding. Prov. 19:9

10. The One with Destructive Money or Work Habits – If you’re supporting your boyfriend and paying for everything now – this may not change much later. Is he a hard worker? Does he have a job? Is he a workaholic? Does he have secretive spending habits? Addiction to gambling? Insurmountable debt? Once married, these patterns can worsen when the stressors of family life and responsibilities mount high. Money problems and financial struggles are one of the main causes of divorce. Have the discussions before you’re married. Decide upfront if the two of you can agree on the big issues. Prov. 13:20

One truth – Nothing is impossible with God. Absolutely nothing. If you find these traits in one you love, or even in yourself, the hope is that He doesn’t leave us on our own to try to figure it all out. He brings help and healing for any situation. There is no pit too deep, no road too far traveled that His love can’t reach us still. There are no bags from the past too big for Him to shoulder, and help us to unpack, one small piece at a time. He will not grow weary. He will never give up on us.

While You Are Waiting:

– Pray that God will guide and give you wisdom. Ask for His protection and help in making the best choices about any relationship. Pray for His truth to bring freedom.

-Believe the best about yourself. You are valuable, you are treasured by God. Do not believe the lies that you are “less than,” or need to settle for one you can’t fully trust, or may not treat you respectfully or lovingly.

-Trust Him with your future. We may not have it all figured out or be able to see what, or who, is ahead. But He knows. His timing is perfect. His ways are good. He’s often at work behind the scenes where we can’t see. Don’t think for a minute He’s forgotten you. He cares. And He has the power to do great things.

Debbie McDaniel is a pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids and a few too many pets, dramatist and writer. She has a heart to communicate God’s hope though the everyday moments of life – the good, the bad, the ugly, and the ones that take your breath away.  A lover of every sunrise, forever needy of His grace, this Texas girl finds joy in the simple gift of each new day.

Nimetumiwa hii picha na msomaji wangu amesema anaomba niweke kama “hot shot of the day” Haya nimeweka……….nami nimependa sana “The Dangotes!” Very beautiful!

Neema naomba unisaidie kutafsiri kwa shemeji yangu, lugha za wenyewe ngumu #MimiMaimuna ??? …………..haya mabibi na mabwana hiyo ndiyo ilikuwa kadi ya mnuso kwa walio alikwa. Jamani, walipendeza sana hata mwenyewe si unawaona?! Mtoto “cheusi mangala” toka Magu, Mwanza, Tanzania amefanikiwa kuuteka moyo wa “mzungu” kwa maisha ya umilele, simchezo! Lakini sifa na utukufu zote zimwendee Mungu wa Mbinguni ? hapa bibi harusi wetu akifanyiwa urembo wa mwisho mwisho na mpambaji anayechipukia na anakuja juu sana kutoka huko Atlanta, Georgia. Nitawaletea post juu yake ili mumjuwe ni nani. Binti yake Neema anamuangali mama yake kama kila kitu kipo sawa na yupo teyari kukutana na mfalme wa siku hiyo ambaye ni baba yake. Raha sana. Upendo wa dhati!?? anameremeta….anameremete….anawakawaa …..anawakawaka ??? ulipendeza sana Neema. Yani makeup zilikuwa za ukweli na nguo ilikukaa vizuri sanaaaaaa ?? Mrembo wetu akiwa na kaka yake kipenzi aitwaye Meki. Kwa upendo na furaha nyingi anamsindikiza dada yake na kukabidhi kwa shemeji yake Huckins. Ubarikiwe sana kaka Meki.Hapa naona bibi harusi wetu akionyesha tabasamu lenye furaha nafikiri ni baada ya kuona sura ya ‘mfalme’ wake ikimngojea kwa hamu nyingi. Vile vile ukimwangali kaka Meki utaona “kahuzuni” fulani usoni kwani ni zile saa za makabidhiano zimefika, na punde atakuwa si wakwao tena ?? To honor, to cherish, and to love; Yes I do! Alicho kiunganisha Mungu mwanadamu asikitenganishe! Ngoja niweke msisitizo, mnasikia nyie “wadada wa mujini” nyie “wazungu weusi” Ni hivi……… What God has joined together let no man put asunder!!  and let wasomaji wangu wote say Amen! It’s official! Mr and Mrs Huckins ????Ooh nakupenda  siyo siri nakuhusudu ooh ni wanguuu…….awwh! Too cute!wow! Neema ulipendeza sanaaaaaa! Nguo zuri, imekukaa vizuri sana, makeup safi kabisa. Mungu akuongoze ndoa yako idumu milele! Our “foreigner” shemeji ?? shemeji yetu wa kimataifa ati! Katoka kwa Obama mpaka Magu kwa ndugu zake na Dr. Magufuli kumchukua mrembo wetu na kufanya awe “pambo” la nyumba yake mpaka kifo kitakapo watenganisha. Jamani embu mpigie makofi na vigere gere vya nguvu popote pale ulipo shemeji yetu wa haja! ????????????  Welcome to Lake Zone Region our beloved brother in law! Jamani wamependeza sanaaaaaa! Watu wenye upendo wa kweli utawaona tuu, huwa wanafurahishwa na kupendezwa  na mambo ya wengine. Nyuso zao huwa na furaha kwenye shughuli za watu, si mnawaona hawa?!! Mbarikiwe sana wapendwa. Ukumbi umepambwa ukapambika, watu walipendeza sana Kiti cha mfalme na malkia wake, Mr and Mrs Huckins, safi sana mapambo ya uwakika kabisa, viwango na ubora ulizingatiwa sana! …….Mama mama mamaaa  mama huyo mamaaa……. mama mzaa chema akifurahi kwa hisia zote binti kapata  mwenza, tena mzungu wa U.S.A aaah! Si utani ati ?? (just kidding). Hongera sana mama mzaa chema kwa kuozesha binti. Lakini ni kama lilivyo jina lake ni kwa neema tuu! Hahah! Safi sanaa! Hongereni mama na binti yake.  Nani kama MAMA?????!!!Siku kama hii ni vizuri kuwa na watu ambao kweli wanaumuhimu na wanakupenda kwa moyo wote. Harusi ni tukio la furaha na upendo hivyo ni vyema kujua wanao kuja kushuhudia ni watu watakao kuwa na furaha na upendo wa kweli nanyi nyote. Inaelekea shemeji yetu anapenda sana kuyarudi, natamani nijuwe kama ilikuwa ni ngoma za kilugha au za kikwao ??   Wadada wa wazuri wenye nyuso za furaha na kupendeza sana. Mbarikiwe sana wapendwa   Once again, Congratulations Mr &Mrs Huckins. May the love of God dwell within you forever! ??

…....PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANY PICTURE FROM THIS POST. THIS POST SHOULD ONLY BE SEEN IN THIS BLOG AND NOT SOMEWHERE ELSE. KINDLY RESPECT THIS FAMILY THEIR RIGHT TO PRIVACY.  THANKS

Mtu na daddy yake. Huyu ni mdogo wangu anaitwa Isaka. Ni mtoto wa marehemu baba yangu mkubwa lakini amelelewa na kukulia kwetu toka akiwa na umri wa miaka mitano (5 yrs) mpaka sasa anakwenda 27. Kwahiyo hapa yupo na baba yake mlezi ambaye ni baba yangu mzazi. Huyu mdogo wangu ni mtaalam wa IT. Amesomea Nairobi, Kenya hivyo anafanya kazi Utegi Technical Enterprises Ltd. Yeye alizaliwa na matatizo ya kusikia na kuzungumza yani ni Bubu na pia ni Kiziwi. Na ndio maana tulimchukua kuishi naye ili apate elimu nzuri. Sasa jana baba alimkabidhi nyumba yake (ndio hii hapo juu ☝☝) ambayo ipo ndani la plot ya familia hapo Segerea. Ni nyumba iliyo kamilika yenye vyumba vitatu (3 bedrooms). Kijana kakuwa teyari kwa kujitegemea sasa. Hongera sana mdogo wangu Isaka kwa kupata nyumba nzuri sana. Asante baba kwa moyo wa upendo na ukarimu. Na sifa na utukufu zote zimwendee Mungu wa Mbinguni ??

Wapendwa wasomaji wangu, naomba mniwiye radhi. Hili tukio lilitokea mwaka jana November 20-15. Lakini kutoka na sababu ambazo zilikuwa nje ya uwezo wangu naomba niziweke hapa siku ya leo kwa heshima ya Neema, mumewe, ndugu, jamaa, na marafiki wote.  Here comes the soon to be Mrs Huckins and our beloved “Foreigner” brother-in-law  Mr. Huckins ??  You  both were stunning in those African attires. The color was super, the design was so simple but catchy details! This unforgettable event took place in Atlanta, Georgia, USA where by then ‘bride’ to be  resides. Neema’s best friends, relatives and her mother flew-in, were there to witness, cheer, and celebrate with her! Everyone was at his / her best look. Glittering and glamouring  from head to toe of-couse with the girl (Neema) herself who was like a big brighten shiny star in the dark! In the picture, along with Neema is Itika Mwakasula and Ascala both are Neema’s best friends.

The visitors were from almost all over United States of America such as Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia itself and other places. People were in from different countries like Ivory Coast, Cameron, Liberia, Canada, Togo, Nigeria, Tanzania without forgetting USA where the husband and his family coming from. Everyone looks good! People were happy, and cheerful Beautiful people with beautiful soul! What a privilege to see your beloved dad getting married! Mr. Huckins and his daughter looking happy ready to add a new family member all the way from Tanzania. Neema, her step-daughter, and the flowergirl the daughter of Itika MwakasulaIn times like these emotions must kick in. Just a way of telling how awesome God is! Too cute for a word! Sorrounded herself with people who truly love and wish her the best! Let’s dance my “African Queen” Cute to say the least! Lovely! Job well done!

:………….Stay tuned for Mr and Mrs Huckins big day pictures

:………….PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANY PICTURE FROM THIS POST. THIS POST SHOULD ONLY BE SEEN IN THIS BLOG AND NOT SOMEWHERE ELSE. KINDLY RESPECT THIS FAMILY THEIR RIGHT TO PRIVACY.  THANKS 

Mdogo wangu, kipenzi cha roho yangu, wajina wa bibi na shangazi yangu, nakutakia kheri ya siku ya kuzaliwa kwao.Mwenyezi Mungu mwenye wingi wa rehema na upendo azidi kumbariki, kulinda, akupe maisha marefu yaliyojaa afya tele, furaha, amani, na upendo mwingi sana. Ukusaidie uweze kuendelea kufikia malengo na mipango yako yote uliyokuwa nayo na unayo tamani kuwanayo. Unajua wewe ni mdogo wangu ninaye kupenda sana kuliko wadogo zangu wote eee ??? I know mzee William won’t like this ?? but hey! That’s the truth and they all know it ?? Nakupendaga sana wewe mdogo wangu kwani ni mtu ambaye hauna makuu, una upendo wa kweli, mcheshi, mkarimu, mpole na mnyenyekevu, uliyejawa na hofu ya Mungu. Na unamaakili sana na uwelewa wa hali ya juu. Just love you baby gal!  Nani kama mama?! Wewe mdogo wangu na ulikuwa unapenda sana kunisaidia kumuhudumia mwanangu wakati yupo mdogo. Ulinisaidi kubadilisha nepi, kucheza naye ili niweze kufanya homework zangu, na pia kunisaidia kumbembeleleza pale nilipo hitaji msaada wako. Leo hii nafurahia sana ninapo kuona mmekuwa Best Friends wanguvu! Mimi sana cha kukulipa chenye thamani ya uliyonifanyia kwani hakuna zaidi ya kusema asante sina mdogo wangu na nakuombea kheri na baraka nyingi sana hapa duniani. Hii ni moja ya matukio ambayo nitayapenda, nitayaenzi, na kukumbuka daima. Just three of us on your birthday!! Natamani itokee tena birthday yako ukiwa USA, will spoil you like tomorrow is end of the world???Awwih! How do I miss you young lady, bowling is no longer funny without you my game-mate!! Your presence in Kalamazoo made a whole new world to us, and we’ll forever count and cherish those blessed moments! Indeed we are ready for the “re-do!” Tunakupenda, tunakukumbuka, na tunakungojea tena for the tour across America ??? Happy birthday my darling babysister and my Lawyer, Advocate Magreth O.O. Igogo. I love you more that you can ever imagine ?❤❤❤

#TBT January 30th 2013, my darling daughter  (with black jacket) my babysister Lawyer Magreth Igogo and I. Kalamazoo, Michigan. ……❤❤❤

Wapendwa wasomaji wangu haswa mlipo Bongoland je umepata kusikia hii habari njema? Kuna mtandao mpya kabisaaaa ambao sasa ndio gumzo la mujini na vijijini kote! Halotel kwa matumizi ya mawasilino yenye uwakika, na Internet yenye ubora wa hali ya juu. Jiunge sasa na Halotel na wala hutojutia ??

Mr and Mrs Nyagilo from Bongoland ??Huyu ni mdogo wangu anaye nifuata, Advocate Janeth Igogo na huyu ni shemeji yangu wa “kimataifa” lol! The son of Jomo Kenyata, and a nephew to Raila Odinga ?? mmependeza sanaaaaaa , mbarikiwe.

We Diamond wee ee! Haya “matusi” yako ni makubwa sana lakini mimi sikubali lazima ni “revenge” tuu sikumoja ?? yani nitabeba “mabox” mpaka kieleweke tuu ?? Wow! Wapendwa haya ndiyo mambo ya kuiga na kushindania  (kwa jasho halali). Nani alijua?!! who knew folks?!!Let God be called God!! Sikuzote mtoaji ni Mungu lakini lazima uvitafute kwa bidii na kwa njia halali halafu yeye “anajazilizia’ tuu!! Hongera sanaaaaaa Mtoto wa Tandale umetisha sana ?? mama naona jinsi gani alivyo na furaha moyoni, but let all the glory and honor be to God!