THE KIDS EXPERIENCE AT THEIR FIRST VACATION BIBLE STUDY

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. Hope this post meets you well.
 Today is a beautiful day and I'm coming to your screens a little late. Although it's been a very hot day in Hampton, Georgia, we are so thankful we get to experience another beautiful day😊.

So, the kids participated in Vacation Bible School this year and I was one big proud mama. Le'Veon was so well-behaved, that he was commended as the most well-behaved kid at VBS😊. Zoe on the other hand, was the most interested in joining the choir😅.

One very notable experience during the kid's VBS is when Le'Veon refused to say this particular line the pastor taught them. After every "God is good," they were asked to say "Yee Haw." Le'Veon said "no," that he it's wrong to say  "Yee Haw," because that's what a Donkey says and he didn't see a Donkey but a pig and a cow behind the pastor. That was his reasoning for refusing to say it. I tried to convince him that it's a different sound but that didn't work. My kid was over there correcting me and refusing to follow everyone else. It was so funny and amazing at the same time. My kid is very smart and won't follow what the crowd is doing, if he believes what's been said or done is wrong. I LOVE THAT! It makes me so happy that I am doing something right.

I participated in all of the activities with them and it was so much fun.  You know, I kind of think that I had more fun than the kids did 😬😬.
They learned about Jesus,  and what He suffered to bring us salvation. They also learned a few new songs and did some crafts.

It was such a blessing watching my kids learn about God in a Cowboy themed VBS, alongside other kids. My heart was so full of joy and gratitude to watch my son; Le'Veon, act in such a well-mannered way. It was so awesome that I almost shed a tear of joy😇. Zoe was so into the music, so much so that she was dancing and choreographing along with the choir and everyone else. It was such a beautiful sight to see.

I can't thank the church crew at Lovejoy Family Church enough, for organizing such an amazing event that my kids got to be a part of. It was truly a blessing to experience with my kids.

I filmed a little bit during the weekend. Here's the video:

Thank you for reading this to the end. I hope you made some fun memories with your kids also.
I have added a few more pictures from the event below.
Thank you for being a part of my world,

Sincerely,
Maryam

MARYAM'S WHOLESOME POTATO SOUP WITH SAUSAGE

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are you all doing today? I hope you're all having a great day and not allowing anyone steal your joy😊. Welcome to Maryam's Joyful World.

I am so excited to be sharing a new recipe with you all today. This particular recipe is one I just thought of and it came together as I moved around in my kitchen. It was delicious too😋.

So, I got up that day thinking about what delicacy I could put together in the kitchen that everyone would love. A different recipe that has vegetables and very nutritious content for the kids and us(me and my sweet man) to enjoy. It was then, that this delicious soup made it's grand entry via my kitchen recipe experimentation😁. Well, everyone my kitchen is my laboratory😂😂. I love coming up with different recipes that I and my family will enjoy and that I could share with you all. I strongly believe in sharing every new hack I find or come up with because there are moms or dads who may need it.

Okay, enough with all the smooth talking😂😂😂, let's get into the recipe.

What You Will Need

- 4 Medium Russet or regular white or red potatoes

- 1/2 A cup chopped onions

- 1 Teaspoon Knorr Beef

- 1/2 Teaspoon salt

- A Tablespoon olive oil

- 5 pieces fried boneless, skinless chicken strips

- 1 Pack Breakfast Sausage cooked and chopped

-  4 fresh medium tomatoes or a can of diced tomatoes

- 1 1/2 cups frozen green peas

- 1/2 frozen yellow corn

- 4 cups of water

- A soup pot

DIRECTION:

-Peel potatoes and chop them into small cube sizes

- Add 2 1/2 cups of water into pot 

-Place pot on stove at medium high

-Let water boil

-Add potatoes and cook until very soft(15 mins)

- Get a masher

-Mash potatoes but leave little chunks still

-Take pot off stove

-Turn off heat

-Get a bowl

-Empty pot content into bowl and set aside

-Rinse pot

- Set aside

- Get a blender or food processor

-Throw tomatoes, chicken strips, peas and corn into it

- Blend using the puree option

-Set aside when done

-Turn on stove to medium heat

-Place pot back on stove

-Heat up for 2 mins

-Add oil

- Throw chopped onions into oil

-Cook until translucent

- Add puree

-Stir in spices 

- Stir until pot content is one beautifully united symphony

- Add 1/2 cup of water and let boil

- Stir in potatoes and cooked chopped sausages 

-Cook at medium heat for about 10-12 mins

-Turn off stove and let simmer for another 5-8 mins

-Serve yourself a wholesome plate and enjoy!

This was very delicious. I hope you are able to recreate this recipe and enjoy it like my family and I did😍.

Thank you for stopping by today. It was my joy sharing this new recipe with you today.

Until next time,

Stay blessed!

Maryam💕

A WELL DESERVED HONOR FOR A GOOD MAN|| COL. SAMUEL AHMEDU(RTD)

Col. Sam is pictured above after signing his re-election agreement.

What's up wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. I hope y'all are having an amazing day and are not letting anyone steal your joy. Welcome to Maryam's Joyful World! Today is a beautiful day and I come with another exciting blog post.
Today's post is dedicated to a man I've known for years. His name is Colonel Samuel Ahmedu(RTD).
Col. Sam; as everyone respectfully calls him 😊, is a good man, who has been a pioneering philanthropist and support to young and promising athletes in Nigeria for my years. He has helped many athletes in Nigeria and around Africa achieve their basketball dream of either going to the U.S to play in college or Europe to play pro-basketball.

Col. Sam is pictured in white kaftan above.

He runs two basketball clubs called Dodan Warriors and Dodan Amazons. His clubs have helped men and women become part of something bigger than themselves. He sponsors them to local and international events where they compete and are given the opportunity to get college scholarships or pro deals.

For those of you, who are not familiar with the economic situation in Nigeria; it is hard for a lot of people to make ends meet. For some, even to afford one meal a day, is nearly impossible. Col. Sam uses his organization and resources to meet many needs. His dedication to helping the needy has helped propel many to achieve their dreams.

Col. Sam pictured in white kaftan above.

Col. Sam is a good man. I have great admiration for him and the work he's committed to doing. In ensuring that young and aspiring athletes in Nigeria and across Africa have a chance, at achieving their dreams, he's inspired many to not give up. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to me that He's been re-elected FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, for the third time. This means that the next four years, FIBA Africa will get to enjoy his distinguished leadership, in representing the Continent of Africa at different world events, while presenting the needs of African athletes to those who matter.

Congratulations Colonel Samuel Ahmedu! May this be the beginning of many more blessings to come in Jesus Name. Amen!!!
Thank you for giving me the permission to write about you on my blog😇.

With utmost respect and admiration,

Maryam

MY FAVORITE HOMEMADE CHILI RECIPE

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely friends. Thank you so much for joining me today. I'm staying true to my goals of posting regularly.
So, I wanted to share a fun summer recipe with you all. It's my favorite way to make homemade chili.

I have shown you the steps and how to get the best tasting chili on my channel today.
Watch this video to learn more:

You will notice that I used more Walmart spices in this particular recipe. You can buy the same or go for something that works for you.
If you desire a more detailed list of recipes, make sure to get a copy of my recipes e-cookbook on the right side of my blog. You will love the recipes I have added.

As always, thank you for being a part of my world. You're awesome!
Sincerely,
Maryam

MEET MY FRIEND NIKKI OYEGBAMI|| MTG HEALTH AND WELLNESS INC

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. Hope you are all doing great. It is a beautiful day in Hampton, Georgia. It rained and thundered this morning. The thunder was very loud but we survived ☺️.

Anyways, It's my pleasure to tell you all about my sweet friend, Nikki Oyegbami. She's inspiring and helping the needy through her organization MTG Health And Wellness Inc; a 501c3 tax exempt non-profit.

Nikki is  a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She's been in the Nursing profession for over a decade.

"I have been in the Nursing profession for over a decade. My educational and professional backgrounds and experiences are in Medicine, Medical -Surgical Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Family Practice, and Geriatrics. I have a great passion for the Nursing profession and anything that has to do with technology in the healthcare industry. I developed  this website to discuss various health issues and also create awareness of the various technological innovations in healthcare which have proven to reduce hospital readmission rates  and improve patients quality of life and health outcomes. The knowledge of these innovations could save you or a loved one's life and you get to read about them all, in one place. Finally, my passion for Nursing has driven me to set up a non-profit in order to provide health and wellness services to the less privileged. I hope you will take a moment to check it out while you are here and support in anyway you can. This is totally voluntary," said Nikki.

Nikki is not only kind-hearted, she's also smart, gorgeous, god-fearing and with a heart of gold. She's the type of friend I want around always.

Nikki and I have been friends for a while now and I have seen her passion grow tremendously over the years. I encourage you to support her, in whatever way you can today. Nikki also has another chapter of her non-profit operating in Nigeria. It's called MTG Health and Wellness Foundation a Non-governmental Organization that is helping the less privileged with basic and essential needs. Please support her today! Thank you!

It is always my privilege to collaborate or cooperate with individuals who are doing the most good for those in need in their various communities. I feel so honored to be associated with life-changers such as my friend, Nikki. Thank you so much Nikki for what you do for the needy in the United States and Nigeria. May the Lord reward your good works with good health, peace, joy and wealth in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen!!

I believe in helping those in need and it is always my joy to offer assistance to those in need. I strongly encourage you to lend a helping hand to someone in need today. It will make you feel good.

Find out more about Nikki here: https://www.mtghealthcareinnovations.com/about-me 

Thank you for stopping by today. You're amazing!

Until next time.

Maryam

xoxo

SUMMER FASHION CLOTHING HAUL|| NADINE WEST

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are you all doing today? I hope you're all having a great day today and I hope you're not allowing anybody steal your joy, welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life!

Today is a  beautiful day and I am super excited to be making a post about fashion today. I like clothes and get very excited when I get to tell you about my new finds in my Nadine West Styles package.

I really liked this particular package because all of the pieces in them were very nice and I am going to enjoy every one of them this summer.

Remember you can sign up today on https://www.nadinewest.com/ to get your personalized styles curated for you by one of their amazing stylists.
I hope you give them a try and enjoy opening your package as I do☺️.
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog today. I hope you have an amazing summer and an even more amazing life!

Love,
Maryam
xoxo

MY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP REMIX

Hello sweet, amazing and lovely friends. I hope this meets you well.
If you're a mama and you have picky kids; especially in regards to vegetables, this recipe is your new best friend. I figured my kids would eat their vegetables because they eat everything else, but I was kidding myself.
I noticed that whenever I would cut their vegetables into chunks and feed it to them, they'd make a sour face and gag. The first time they pulled this trick, I started praying over them and almost got ready to take them to the hospital. It was very funny, because my husband kinda figured the kids(3 &1 years old) were pretending, because they didn't want to eat their vegetables.
It made me start thinking about how to beat my witty kids at their own game. That's where this recipes was born out of.  I figured if I blended the vegetables and added them to the noodles, the kids would eat it without knowing they are eating veggies.
You try it with your witty picky eaters and see how it would work wonders!

What You Need:

- Egg Noodles(I crushed lasagna noodles for this particular one because I was out of egg noodles)

-Chicken broth

-A medium sized onion and a medium size garlic clove(chopped)

-3 celery sticks

- 2 carrots(chop the carrots into small pieces)

-2 medium sized roasted chicken breasts

- 1/2 a yellow, orange and green bell peppers each

- 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper

- A teaspoon of salt

-4 cups water

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 cubes of knorr chicken

Directions:

- In a blender that has the chop veggies option, chop celery and bell peppers until they liquified

In a medium sized pot

Add 3 cups of water

Turn on stove to medium high heat

Place pot on the stove and let boil

Add pasta

Cook pasta for 9 minutes covered(make sure to stay close to take it lead off when it starts boiling over)

Drain pasta

Set aside

Set the empty pot back on the stove 

Turn oven to medium heat

Add your olive oil

Let heat for 3 minutes

Add chopped onion and garlic

Let cook until onion is translucent

Add chopped carrots

Add liquified veggies and stir

Add salt and pepper

Add knorr chicken cubes

Stir content

Add chicken broth and let cook for 5 minutes

In a separate bowl, shred or chop chicken breasts about bite sized.

Add chicken to broth content

Let boil(about 6 mins)

Add your pasta and stir

Let cook for 25 minutes medium low

Turn off stove and let cool for 5-10 minutes

You're ready to enjoy your hearty homemade chicken noodle soup with your babies.

NOTE: I blended my roasted chicken breasts with my veggies. It made a really great combination. You don't have to follow this step. It's totally up to you.

Thank for stopping by again. You are all amazing!

Come back again for more exciting recipes.

Sincerely,
Maryam

A HEARTY MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are you all doing today? I hope y'all are having an amazing day today and you're not letting anyone steal your joy.
Thank you for being here.
Here's the recipes from my Memorial Day Weekend cooking. I hope you enjoyed spending time with your family during the weekend.

Ingredients You Will Need:

- A box of Barilla elbow pasta or any kind you can get

- A tablespoon of olive oil

- A teaspoon of salt

- 31/2 cups of mild cheddar cheese or any cheese of your choice

-  1 Quart of heavy cream(946ml)

-Water

-A soup pot

-A wooden pot spoon

-Ground black pepper

Directions:

Turn on stove to medium high heat

Add 4 cups of water to your soup pot

Place pot on stove

When water starts bubbling up

Add pasta

Add olive oil

Add a sprinkle of salt

Let cook covered for 9 minutes

When pasta is fluffy

Drain water from pasta

Turn down your stove to medium heat

Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the pasta

Place pot on the stove

Add your heavy cream

Let cook uncovered for about 2 mins

Add your cheese

Stir until cheese has saturated the pot content

Sprinkle some salt 

Add 1 teaspoon of ground dried black pepper

Stir content lightly

Cover the pot

Let cook until cheese has melted(about 10 minutes)

Turn off stove

Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving

Now you're ready to enjoy your yummy hearty Mac and Cheese!

I hope these recipes are helping you out.
Thank you for being a part of my joyful world.

Many blessings you!
Sincerely,
Maryam

MENDING THE BROKEN PIECES

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely friends.

Hope this meets you in great spirits. Yesterday, I did a live broadcast and the message was written before the broadcast. I wanted to share it here with you. I believe it would benefit you.

The Book of Genesis 1:1-3 says:

"1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."

No matter how chaotic, dark and empty your life may be right now, God can and will make a way for you out of it. In fact, He's already made a way!

Have you ever been in a place of total shutdown due to a dashed hope, an unexpected disappointment? Or has someone you gave your heart ever lied about you and left you for the dogs? Have you or are you currently in a place of abandonment, a place where it seems like you are isolated, feeling broken, rejected and in complete despair?

Has something ever happened to you, that spiralled into multiple negative things happening all at once, that it left you feeling helpless, alone and like giving up on yourself?
If you have experienced any one of the above mentioned, you are in great company. It's time to let it all go!
 The Book of Romans 12:1-2 says:

"1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

The above scripture tells us to offer our bodies as living sacrifice to God. It encourages us to renew our minds daily in order to be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.
What you may currently be going through, is not God's will for your life. God's will is for you to prosper even as your soul prospers(3 John 2). You've got to shift your focus from looking at your struggles to looking at what you desire.
You may be feeling rejected, alone and disappointed right now, but please, DON'T YOU DARE GIVE UP!
Don't give up on yourself or on God. Someone once said "as long as you've got a pulse, God's got a plan!" You matter to God and you matter to me. As someone who has always been a spiritual warfare fighter, I encourage to hold on to God. You already have the victory!

The Book of Psalms 34:19 says "many are the afflictions of the righteous but God delivers him out of all of them." God's got a plan to deliver you. In fact, your deliverance is already established but you've got to take it!
You need to know that each time you dwell on your hurt and pain, you're giving it power to multiply and increase. I want to encourage to stop showing love to your pain and hurt. Start looking up. Start by focusing on what you desire and I promise you, that your life will change dramatically for good!

You may be experiencing an illness today, I want you to start focusing on good health. You may be lonely and desire to be married, I want you to start acting like you're planning your wedding.
Make a decision today to put the enemy to shame by rising above his tricks. The pain, rejection and despair you feel are all his tricks.

Start speaking life into yourself and your situation and watch your life change right before your eyes.

Here's my encouragement list:
1. Start your day praying to God. Thanking Him for the good in your life and asking for those things that you desire. Study the word of God and memorize it!
2. Reject what you don't want.
3. Speak and prophesy what you desire into your life.
4. Get up and go for a walk or take a shower or watch a feel-good movie. Whatever you do, don't look at the problems long enough to lose hope. Introduce your BIG GOD to your problems through prayer and speaking the word!
Research shows that whatever you get emotionally involved with will begin to manifest itself in your life. Be determined to be happy and live life to the fullest. Stop watching scary movies and negative media. 

As you do these, I pray that the Lord causes His face to shine upon you and your household. I pray He elevates you above and beyond your biggest dreams in Jesus Name. Amen!!!

To your peace and prosperity,

Maryam

PEANUT BUTTER SCOTCH CHIP COOKIE RECIPE

Hello wonderful, amazing sweet and lovely friends. I hope this message meets you well.

As promised, here's the recipe to the most recent baking video I posted.

You may watch the video to see how to mix the ingredients together. Learning to bake takes interest and passion. You've got to have fun with it. You may fail but don't give up. Practice makes perfect. Until you truly start enjoying it, you won't continue long enough to master it.

Here's the list of ingredients you will need:

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour(you can use all purpose flour but make sure to add baking soda about 1 tsp)

1 cup white sugar(granulated)

A sprinkle or 1/4  tsp of salt

1 stick of butter

1 large egg

1/2 a cup butterscotch chips

3 tbps peanut butter

Oven at 350

Vanilla extract(a splash or a tsp)

Timer 12 mins

A regular baking pan

Baking sheet

An Ice cream scoop

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, combine egg, butter, and vanilla extract. With a hand mixer or tool I used in the video, stir until all ingredients are one smoothe paste.

Get your flour, add the salt and mix with a fork.

Add flour to paste.

Mix until you form a mound of caramel colored dough

Add your chips and spread them until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

You're ready to cut your dough into serving size cooking to be baked.

Cut dough with ice cream scoop

Mold into balls with your palm(you don't have to do this part, it's how I did. Do what's best for you).

Get your baking sheet out

Press dough down with ice cream scoop

Place dough about an inch apart from one another

Preheat oven at 350

When oven is ready, place your cookie sheet on the lower rack

Set timer for 12 minutes

When timer goes off,

Get your cookie out and let cool for 5-8 mins

Now you're ready to serve!

Enjoy!

Seal dough that is left with a plastic wrap of aluminum foil. Refrigerate until when needed.

Thanks for checking my blog out today. You're awesome!
Sincerely,

Sweet Maryam

MY NEW VEGGIE RICE RECIPE

Hello there! You sweet, lovely and amazing person. You guys are so amazing and I'm so glad to be back with fire.

Here's the list of recipe for today's video:

3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
A dash of salt(about a teaspoon)
A full onion and 3 lovely garlic cloves(chop onion and garlic cloves)
Half of a bell pepper(red, yellow and orange)
3 hearty stalks of celery
A roll of knorr(two cubes)
2 cups of rice
Two yummy cuts of skinless boneless chicken breasts(chop or slice into tiny bits)
3 Sticks of yummy carrots
3 cups of water
Old bay seasoning
Season your chicken as seen in the video
A 1 gallon pot(whatever pot you have that can carry food for 8 people)
A wooden spoon or whatever kind you have

Directions:

Turn on your stove to medium high heat
Get your pot
Set it on the stove
Add your oil
Let oil sit for 2 minutes
Add your onions and garlic cloves
Stir lightly for about 60-90 seconds

Add seasoned chicken to the onion-garlic mixture
Let chicken sit for about 3 mins in oil browning
Flip it so the other side can cook about 3 mins also
Stir mixture
After about 5 mins
Add your chopped carrots, celery, and peppers
Add your Knorr, salt and black pepper(if you like it)
Let cook for about 5 minutes
Add your dry clean rice
Stir to combine all pot content together
 Add about 4 cups of water(make sure water level is about an inch above rice)
Cover your pot
Let cook for about 20-25 minutes
Check it every 5-6 mins to make sure the water is being absorbed and your rice is not burning
When the rice is softened and steamy(20-25 minutes later)
Turn off stove
Get yourself a bowl and serve some
Let sit for 5-10 minutes or until cool enough for you
Then proceed to enjoy your MASTERPIECE!

I hope this was an easy enough explanation for you. Please come back later for more fun and yummy recipes.
Until next time,
I love you for reading!
Yours sweet and lovely friend,
Maryam