WHEN BEING TRUTHFUL TURNS SOUR

I can remember from one of my few Sunday school sessions' teachings telling us when we were young to always uphold the case of truthfulness.

The good book as well admonished each and every one to speak the truth at all times and the truth shall set us free.

This in some cases doesn't bind considering the human facet of life where at certain points, the lie will rather exonerate you out of a situation that should have been worse if the truth had been said.

Life as always has it's own way of teaching is lessons to build our stature as human beings. Experiences on the other hand, is the documentary tool for which we fall on when we need some form of reference.

I am sure you'll be wondering what I am driving at at all? Well full details to me won't be of much relevance to this post.

One will then ask, what then is the relevance for this post? BE TRUTHFUL in all dealings even if it'll cost you your job, salary, etc. especially when there is a clear conscience towards what you're doing or who you're dealing with.

Another experience of life made me to appreciate life in another state. I helped a friend and something arose, in reporting, I chose the truth for which superiors escalated what wasn't supposed to be an issue in the first place to be a third world war brouhaha.

Sometime down the line, I was vindicated and all along, the friend who actually lost it all because of me choosing the truth, was actually backing me and was wishing I wasn't affected in anyway.

Immediately I arranged a meet up, and we reconnected. We have been more closer than before and life goes on.

I know I hardly share personal digs of my life around but I thought I shared this to I hope inspire someone.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. See you later when I have another thing interesting to post.

A very lazy blogger like me so kindly bare with me. Lol !!!

Cheers!!

I CELEBRATE NANA KOFI ACQUAH

There is always that one person who stands out in a park. Day in day out our country Ghana is blessed with gifted folks from all walks of life as well as their chosen trade for either their livelihood or for the pleasure of it.

I met him at one of Blogging Ghana's premium event, #Blogcamp Ghana after a few interactions online. I had always closely followed his works and admired it. With my little passion for arts and photography, he came in handy and very resourceful after the few minutes chat were had after his break-out session during the event.

I even went ahead to tell him about a plan I had in mind, and he was thrilled and encouraged me to pursue it if I wanted to do that. Within minutes he had suggested a few things that i should look at and then assured me of his doors being open anytime I needed his input. One thing he said under that session for which I remember a lot till this day : "If you want me to shoot your wedding then be ready to pay me a $1000 for each photograph". This was to confirm his decision not to do wedding shoots.

The years went by and I realised most of his works were drifted towards Development Photography. With his poetry background, the grammar that went with the photographs that he posted ( and still does) on all his platforms, were worth reading and taking a look at the photos. I remember being a part of a twitter chat initiated by The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) where himself and other talented photographers moderated on Development Photography (#DEVPIX) and the messages photos posted sold. Such great insight and valuable information shared by him till this day, I documented.

I am sure for those of you that know him, are very familiar to his works and accolades so i won't bug you much. This post is to actually celebrate him. And what are we celebrating?

Last week he was honoured to become the first recipient of the World Press Photo and  Tim Hetherington Fellowship Award. This is no doubt a big feat in his chosen career and as a Ghanaian, I feel so proud. Congratulations no doubt are in order and a big salute from me to this wonderful personality is being sent to him via this blog post.

In his response to the honour, this is what he had to say ;

"I hope that my work can help create the Africa that Tim worked so hard and died for, and the World Press Photo envisions.

In my short life, I have been helped and favoured by so many people over the years and all over the world; and I cannot say Thank You enough".

 Prior to this honour, he had had one of his photos featured in a book chronicling 10 historic moments showed to the Pope.

Do you know, Nana Kofi is also a self-declared male feminist and he has stated that he is driven to change the narrative around African women where they are sometimes portrayed as vulnerable and subdued.

He has been featured on BBC and Reuters in his capacity as an African Male Feminist and on CNN’s African Voices for attempting to redefine the perceptions on Africa through his photographs and writings.

Why won't I celebrate such a person.

Get to know him more and his works;

NANA KOFI ACQUAH'S BLOG

NANA KOFI ACQUAH'S INSTAGRAM

 NANA KOFI ACQUAH'S TUMBLR

Another Year, Another birthday!!!

And it was another September 30th in the year 2014. I was gateful to be among the living souls to see this day.
Yes it was , my birthday and yes I became a year older than the previous day. Wanna know how old I am, checkout this post  last year and youll be spot on on how much I turned on September 30.

And to be counted among the living, I was blessed with tons of love from all walks of life from people i relate and have a relationship with. Just check out the messages that came through on my birthday. What more could I have asked for.

Bless you sir.
On this day may the rest of yo life be as smooth as baby bottom..
(But remember baby shall grow)
Happy birthday.
Honor to know you Kofi

God bless u my dear lovely Bra Quophi, I'm glad and honored to know u. May all you wish for be a reality and may you reap all the good seeds you sow in hundred folds. Happy Earth Day

Happy birthday my brother.
The man who chill without alcohol

Happy Birthday Kofi! May the Good Lord grant you ur heart desires....decide when u want to die!

Happy birthday Qwophi my love
Alomo 4 shots for u. I wish u good health,  wealth and greatest of joy in life

Happy birthday Qwophi, have a bomb blast!!

Wishing  you  the treasure of happy yesterdays   and  the gift of bright  tomorrow. Happy  birthday  Kofi Cedi

Happy birthday brov
Have a blast and enjoy the rest of your day!!!

Happy birthday sweedy. . Wishin u long life nd prosperity wat ya father nd mother cld nut do, u go do nd better go conquer d world hun...
Av a blast no forget ma own share of d cake wai

Happy bday to the guy with the cutest smile. Wishing u God's blessings and guidance. Njoy

Happy birthday Kofi, wishing u God's speed in all u do. Have a blast and stay blessed

Happy new birthday to miiiaaaa me kofi cedi3 N may God richly bless you paaaaaaa. Have a glorious day 

Bra John...Wish you a memorable day. God bless and continue to direct your steps to success. Cheers!

Happy birthday Kofi Cedi, pls ibeg u get laid wai, ibeg!!

Happy birthday bro!!! Forgelt all negativity and live well wai

The man of the moment
The son of the Earth
The calm demeanor
The passionate dedicated and loyal friend …
You're the man!
Happy birthday Kofi!

Feliz Compleanos Kofi

Happy birthday Kofi Cedi. Keep being awesome. Bless You man.

To think that that was enough, my bankers also sent me both an email and a text wishing me well on my birthday. Here is their massage;
Happy birthday!
My full account name
GTBank wishes you another year if accomplishment,
Opportunities and personal  growth!

And the photo below was an attachment to the email. Liking my bank.

In all it was a day to behold to have friends and loved ones wishing me well and dropping in messages of all sorts to enrich my day.

To each and everyone of you who called me, sent me a mesages on all the various platforms I am on, I really from the bottom of my heart appreciate the love. May the almighty grant to you peace of mind, good health and may He prosper your ways in every endeavour you decide to take up. 

And yes, to that sweet lady who baked me that cake, well I save all the love for you it was and is still cherished.

SHALOM!!

Confidence Is All That Matters

Even when you're not talking, your brain is chattering away with inner dialogue. Often the conversation is harmless, more a running commentary than a voice of influence.

But when you run into a challenge, the tone shifts. That innocent self-talk, if uncontrolled, can talk you out of doing things that push you past your comfort zone.

To save you from yourself, listen to these thoughts.

Consciously put a stop to unreasonable worries and replace them with thoughts that embolden and uplift.

When a Song Gives You a Second Look at LIFE.

Music they say is the food to the soul. Well for me I think it goes even further.

I am a big fan of music where my interests spans very wide. It'll shock you the kind of music tunes I would die to have and listen to. Personally I am a big fan of listening to full albums than singles. I have mostly discovered much better tunes on albums than the very popular ones that might be running wild on the airwaves.

As a background to his post, I will attempt to lay out how two tunes gave me hope and the mindset to take a second look at life and how it could play out with a new framed mentality.

I had been involved in a trust and failure issue one afternoon and was very dejected. Trying to cut myself out, I launched my tunein app on my tablet to listen to some hard music, no matter the genre. I just needed something to fill up my mind for that moment. So randomly, I chose a station from the favorites and with my headphones on, a song being played was just about ending. A few tunes came by and the tune which I think did the trick for me was from Coldplay titled LOST. I had always known this song but never knew the title. Actually there is a rendition of this from BOB and its the tune that drew me to the original. I did a few searches online and I got the title and the lyrics. It has also been downloaded.
 


It ends and the very next tune that comes on was the tune from Labrinth feat Emile Sande and guess the title, BENEATH YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Initially I didn't know who did the tune so I recede out for my soundcloud application to track who did that tune. I later downloaded it and have been enjoying it. 

After these two particular tunes I was really motivated to take another step and push further no matter what had happened. I got these tunes for myself and the next morning, there were on my playlist for the whole day. I am sure when I put down the lyrics of the two tunes you'll get to understand what I am driving at.

Motivation and upliftment can come in various forms, it could be from a speaker, your pastor, life lessons, friend, or even yourself. This time round I got it from the tunes of the music artists. No matter the genre of music they do, those tunes gave me some hope. I have always said this, I appreciate Life and I will cherish it in any form it comes.

Check out the Lyrics to Coldplay's - Lost below;

Just because I'm losing 
Doesn't mean I'm lost 
Doesn't mean I'll stop 
Doesn't mean I would cross 

Just because I'm hurting 
Doesn't mean I'm hurt 
Doesn't mean I didn't get 
What I deserved 
No better and no worse 

I just got lost 
Every river that I tried to cross 
Every door I ever tried was locked 
Ohhh and I'm... 
Just waiting 'til the shine wears off 

You might be a big fish 
In a little pond 
Doesn't mean you've won 
'Cause along may come 
A bigger one 

And you'll be lost 
Every river that you tried to cross 
Every gun you ever held went off 
Ohhh and I'm... 
Just waiting until the firing stopped 
Ohhh and I'm... 
Just waiting 'til the shine wears off 

[piano solo]

Ohhh and I... 
Just waiting 'til the shine wears off 
Ohhh and I.. 
Just waiting 'til the shine wears off

This song gave me an opportunity to take a second look at Life after my ordeal. I am motivated and encouraged to go on and make it work.

I hope you also don't give up and push on. Maybe this tune and post might help you take a second look at life as it helped me do.

Credits:

Lyrics: AZLyrics

Video : Coldplay Youtube Channel 

Download Coldplay - Lost EP: Download on iTunes
Download Labrinth - Beneath Your Beautiful - iTunes Download

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You Are Greater Than What You Think - FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!

Ponder over these few words that will follow the introduction to this blog. I woke up and decided to have a devotion. One thing I often don't do in as mush as I should be doing regularly as a Christian. I took to my devotional and Bible and at the end of it, I realised these words you are about to read made perfect sense.

I took my pen to write down lessons I learnt from the devotion. I felt so inspired and decided to share with you my regular readers from all over the globe. I hope it makes  sense to you also, as well as give you all a reason to take a second look at life and be appreciative. Call it FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!

A few of the words were rephrased from the devotional material to suit my writing style.

LIFE IS EITHER A DARING ADVENTURE OR NOTHING

It is not hard to find someone who will give support to the powerful, attention to the famous, notice to the remarkable, or recognition to the accomplished. Virtually everyone is willing to jump on the bandwagon of some well-known, talented, or beautiful person.

But God gives encouragement to the faint. He gives strength to the exhausted. He does not join the crowds hurrying after celebrities; he seeks out the broken-hearted and the overlooked and gives them the greatest honor imaginable -- his attention and his love.

This is not because God is a cosmic talent-scout, finding the individual diamonds in the many roughs throughout the world. It is to those who truly have no merit, who can stake no claim to his assets, who have no might that he sends reinforcements of strength and provision. It is God's grace, not our value, that draws him to hurting, helpless humanity.

While this is humbling -- even humiliating -- to realize, it is also liberating and invigorating. We can let all our collected claims of good works and inherent worth fall around our feet as we reach out to a God who only heals the sick, who only mends the broken, who only gives strength to the powerless.

How do you see yourself? It doesn't matter how others might describe you; perhaps they even consider you among the great, the mighty, the successful. But are you broken-hearted and helpless before the Lord?

If so, then prepare for a strength infusion from the most High himself.

As I always say, Positivity Rules!! 

Appreciation of LIFE worth Expressing

Follow @Qwophicedi

In the early hours of Tuesday 11th March, 2014, I woke up having a lot to do spanning various things I was working on.

One of these duties was going through my old stuff checking up for some documents to be used for some applications for an Msc program.

In going through all those files and brown envelopes that contained most of my papers, I chanced on my hospital cards.

One thing that immediately struck me was the dates on those cards. The year in question was in 2008. The first card indicated 4/1/2008 which if I can recollect, was when I felt sick from some stomach upset from an out eating I had the day before. The second hospital card's date was 28/4/2008. This second card was issued at Hohoe Government hospital after I been involved in an accident a day before on the Kpando- Hohoe link steel bridge. Our car veered of the steel bridge somersaulting twice heading into the river the bridge was over. What happened next?....... The Grace of God I Believe. 

Neither myself nor my boss I was driving with sustained any major injury and that was the my reason for the check up the following day for a thorough examination. The car though wasn't useable again as it was sold to scrubs a few weeks after.

As I have always insisted and expressed, I am an Appreciator of Life not because I am lucky, but I am blessed. I personally Believe it wasn't my time and still my time to leave the face of this earth till I fulfil what I am to do. Be dedicated to whatever faith you find yourself and be strong. Have the utmost faith and be steadfast. I am a Christian and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ghana Health Service

Before I go I will leave you with this food for thought : 

Certainly, we cannot contend the reality of our thoughts and utterances working for or against us. In Swami Vivekananda’s words “Never think there is anything impossible…it is the greatest heresy to think so.”

I believe words have magical powers to heal and hurt… like the hands of our imaginations they have the ability to create memories for the events of our lives…while the hands of time cannot be turned.

With words we are able to exalt emotions and ridicule feelings. Maybe we would begin to appreciate the impact therein contains and begin to build where ruins have been made.

GREEN IS LIFE

More importantly never say to yourself its impossible; just when you are about to give up understand that impossible… with a change of mindset… can mean I'M POSSIBLE!!

Let LOVE reign. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Credits:

Food for Thought : Esme Hooper

She blogs here : www.inspredigest.wordpress.com

Photo : Google Search.