The Parable Of The Pencil

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the
box. “There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I
send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and
you will become the best pencil you can be.”

“One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow
yourself to be held in Someone's hand.”

“Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but
you'll need it to become a better pencil.”

“Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.”

“Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.”

“And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No
matter what the condition, you must continue to write.”

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with
purpose in its heart.


Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and
never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow
yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access
you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going
through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
 

Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No
matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this
earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.

Author Unknown

Allow the Lord to write through your life things that will never be erased.
Each pencil has the potential to write the greatest of stories, but it
first must be held in the writers hand and so it is with us. We have the
potential to do so many great things if only we submit to the Master's
Hand and let God have His way

The 7 C's of Success by Brian Tracy

After having studied top achievers and peak performers over the past 25 years, I've concluded that these unique men and women, have in most cases, mastered what I call the Seven C's of Success.

Clarity
Eighty percent of success comes from being clear on who you are, what you believe in and what you want.

Competence
You can't climb to the next rung on the ladder until you are excellent at what you do now.

Constraints
Eighty percent of all obstacles to success come from within. Find out what is constraining in you or your company and deal with it.

Concentration
The ability to focus on one thing single-mindedly and see it through until it's done takes more character than anything else.

Creativity
Flood your life with ideas from many sources. Creativity needs to be exercised like a muscle, if you don't use it you'll lose it.

Courage
Most in demand and least in supply, courage is the willingness to do the things you know are right.

Continuous learning
Read, at the very least, one book a week on business to keep you miles ahead of the competition. And just as you eat and bathe, organize your time so you spend 30 minutes a day exploring e-mail, sending messages, going through web sites, because like exercise, it's the only way you can keep on top of technology. If you get away from it, you'll lose your edge.

TIPS TO IMPROVE RELATIONSHIP WITH LOVED ONES

Give them the freedom to ask you questions without reacting or becoming defensive

Seek to hear their real inner feelings without ridiculing them

Freely express your own inner feelings & thoughts. Watch your tone of voice

Know clearly their ideas and plans for the future

Plan your schedule to include time with them

“Light up” when they return from a trip

Say “I love you” regularly & without conditions. Avoid using negative nicknames

Share your personal problems & victories

Act cheerful & encouraging. Smile toward them and laugh with (not at) them regularly

Actively attend or support their hobbies.

Seek & value their opinions

Pray with and for them regularly. Attend church together when possible

Build their trust by being consistently honest with them. Keep their secrets. Keep your promises

Actively listen to them by putting down the paper or turning down the television

Allow them to borrow your things

Seek their forgiveness immediately when you’ve offended them

Show an honest interest in their friends

Make a genuine effort to be on time

Do your fair share of shared responsibilities

Respect their property

*Adapted from the Smally-Trent Distance-Closeness Survey

A WORTHWHILE CREED

MY CREED by Dean Alfange

 I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon.
 I seek opportunity—not security.
I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.
 I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.
I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout.
 I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations,
and to face the world boldly and say, with God's help, this I have done.

Originally published in This Week Magazine. Later reprinted in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952, p. 10, and January 1954, p. 122

A Short Course on Leadership

The Adair short course on leadership

The six most important words: ‘I admit I made a mistake.’

The five most important words: ‘I am proud of you.’

The four most important words: ‘What is your opinion?’

The three most important words: ‘If you please.’

The two most important words: ‘Thank you.’

The one most important word: ‘We.’

And the one least important word: ‘I.’

BEFORE YOU CALL IT LUCK...

 Chelsea Football Club won the prestigious Uefa Champions League trophy and a lot of people called it luck. Before you conclude that the victory was luck, consider the various definitions and see if you were right. Don't hesitate to rescind your judgement

Luck/lək/ Noun:
1. Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.  (oxforddictionaries.com)

2. Success that you have by chance and not because of anything that you do (macmillandictionary.com)

3. An influence that seems to make things, especially good things, happen to people for no particular reason (macmillandictionary.com)

4.  An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that leads to a favorable outcome. (LearnThatWord.com)


5. Events that are beyond control and seem subject to chance; fortune (collinsdictionary.com)



They called it luck


He worked by day
and toiled by night.


He gave up play
and much delight.


Dry books he read,
new things to learn.


And forged ahead,
success to earn.


He plodded on,
with faith and pluck.


And when he won,
they called it luck.


- Author Unknown -


If you win a game, that's what your opponent will call you  -fun.chessdom.com/chess-dictionary

DISCIPLINE

“Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.” -Roy L. Smith

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” -Zig Ziglar

"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.” -George Washington

T.H.I.N.K

Before you say anything ask yourself:

T – Is it true?

H – Is it helpful?

I – Is it inspiring?

N – Is it necessary?

K – Is it kind?

Apostle Paul wrote, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

Your words really matter to others and yourself. So T.H.I.N.K before you speak…(or post or text or email…)

ANSWERS TO FRESHERS’ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 By Olawale Ayodele

Hello dear freshman, congratulations on your admission to this great citadel of learning. It is with warm delight that I welcome you. May your stay on this campus be absolutely fulfilling. I have no doubts that your mind is full of questions, some of which you would asked returning undergraduates that are around. Well, just in case you still some unanswered questions in your heart, this article attempt to answer some of the questions that are frequently asked by freshmen. If you are a returning undergraduate, you would have been asked some of these questions. Getting the right answers to these questions can save the freshmen a lot of stress.

1.   SHOULD I GET ACCOMMODATION IN TOWN?

There are several reasons why you may be considering accommodation in town.  Perhaps you were not given accommodation on campus or simply because you think hostel accommodation is not conducive enough. As a freshman, accommodation in town is not the best for you. This is so because you need to familiarize yourself with the school environment. Also, when you are in town, information and course materials cannot reach you quickly. Not only will you have to spend extra money on transportation, you will also have to endure long queues and at times rushing. Your movement is also restricted when you are in town. Stay on campus and enjoy unrestricted movement all around the clock.

2.   MUST I ATTEND ELECTIVE CLASSES?

Electives are a major requirement for your graduation, though they do not add to your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).  So try your best to attend the classes when they do not clash with your core courses. This will save the stress of cramming one or two days to the exams. Also know that it is not an impossible thing to fail an elective and that all elective registered will appear on your transcripts (result).

3.   HOW LONG SHOULD I READ?

When it comes to reading, it is not the number of hours that matter but what you are actually able to assimilate. The best way to understand what you are being taught is to read and practice them the very day you were taught. Ask a friend for clarification and consult textbooks for more explanation and exercises. Draw up a reading timetable so as to track your performance and do away with various forms of distractions when you read.

4.   SHOULD I ATTEND TUTORIALS?

Tutorials are not meant to replace your personal reading. I believe tutorials are especially meant for those whose background in core subjects is not that sound. So check yourself to see if you need one and when you register ensure that you are no merely wasting your time and money. Be wise!

5.   SHOULD I BUY NEW BOOKS OR MAKE PHOTOCOPIES?

Before you buy a book, try to see if you can get such book from a senior colleague. If you are unable to get then you decide whether to buy or make a copy. Note that photocopies are uneasy to read. So let them be your last option. If you have a personal computer, you can source for various e-books some of which may not be available in the bookshop.

6.   HOW CAN I GET SCHOLARSHIPS?

Most scholarships are applicable to part 2 students and higher. You can, however, familiarize yourself with the available scholarships by making notice boards, newspapers and the Internet  your best friends.  And when you get the information, act very fast. Don’t wait till the deadline. Also, avoid any scholarship asking you to pay a certain amount of money whatsoever. Ensure that you apply for scholarships yourself, never pay anyone to do it for you. No one can be so concern as you.  So be diligent!

7.   DO I NEED TO CELEBRATE MY MATRICULATION?

A lot of people place little or no importance on matriculation. However, there can be no ending without a beginning. In essence, the beginning as important as the end. So if you have the means of celebrating go ahead and celebrate. Tell your family members to come if they can spare the time. And why would you want to deny several returning undergraduates who are willing to celebrate with you?

8.   WHICH FELLOWSHIP SHOULD I ATTEND?

If you do not make a choice of a fellowship to attend early, you may end up moving from one place to another. Your relationship with God is a very important part of your life and the way you handle it goes a long way in affecting other areas of your life. Choosing the right fellowship for yourself will be a catalyst in strengthening your relationship with God. You need a place where the Word of God is preached with all sincerity, and place where you can serve and in which they care.

9.   HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GO HOME?

Going home frequently can be a distraction to your studies especially if you come from a far place. While those who come from Ife or any other place in Osun state can manage to go home once in a while, those whose come from Lagos and other far places should get this out of their minds and should have whatever they need sent to them. During semester breaks you can go home and do all you wish. Be focused!

10.      SHOULD I JOIN SO, SO OR SO GROUP?

Joining a group or an organization can be a great way for you utilize your skills and learn new ones. For you to excel in your academics and also function well in such groups, you have to be able to manage your time well. Do not be in a hurry to join a group for now. Weigh your options considerably and if you find yourself in a group that you don’t like or one that is not adding to you, do not hesitate to leave such groups. The choice is always yours. So choose wisely!

GOT MORE QUESTIONS?

If you have other questions burning in your heart, endeavor to keep asking until you get the right answers. On facebook, you post your question on La Charla Editorial Board Page (facebook.com/lacharlaeb) and the Great Ife Student Union Group or tweet your questions to me on twitter @lahwahleh.

I wish the very best of your stay in OAU.

Friendship Tonic by Olu. Ayodolapo Ajao

To a friend,
Do you know the relationship
between your 2 eyes?
They blink together,
They move together,
They cry together,
They see things together
and even,
They even sleep together.
Even though they never see each other
Friendship should be just like that...
Life is like hell without FRIENDS........
I have a testimony that i have never lost a friend ,
how do i do it?
Just like Abraham......Gen.13:7-10.
The mature one reconcile first even when he is right,
this is not British,but Biblical.
Choose one.
People are precious,you cant afford to loss a friend.
learn to apologise,even when you are right but a friend is offended in you.
Now to everyone friend offended or disappointed in me.......do pardon me,lets be friends again.
Ayodolapo is my name.........i am your friend.

EXPERIENCING GOD

A – Z Bible Verse Memorization from Psalm 119

A

All your words are true.

Psalm 119:160

B

Blessed are those who live without

blame. They live in keeping with

the law of the LORD.

Psalm 119:1

C

Conceited people sneer at me,

but I obey your Law.

Psalm 119:51

D

Direct me by your commands!

I love to do what you say.

Psalm 119:35

E

Even before sunrise, I pray

for your help, and I put my hope

in what you have said.

Psalm 119:147

Time Is Precious!

I read this poem by Dr. John C. Maxwell in the book Today Matters and what a way to underscore the point that time is indeed precious. Read it and be blessed!

To know the value of one year -
ask the students who failed their final.

To know the value of one month -
ask the mother of a premature baby.

To know the value of one week -
ask the editor of a weekly magazine.

To know the value of one day -
ask the wage earner with six children.

To know the value of one hour -
ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To know the value of one minute -
ask the person who missed the plane.

To know the value of one second -
ask the person who survived the accident.

To know the value of one millisecond -
ask the Olympic silver medalist.

 —John Maxwell

You Lazy (Intellectual) African Scum! by Field Ruwe

So I got this in my email this morning…

They call the Third World the lazy man’s purview; the sluggishly slothful and languorous prefecture. In this realm people are sleepy, dreamy, torpid, lethargic, and therefore indigent—totally penniless, needy, destitute, poverty-stricken, disfavored, and impoverished. In this demesne, as they call it, there are hardly any discoveries, inventions, and innovations. Africa is the trailblazer. Some still call it “the dark continent” for the light that flickers under the tunnel is not that of hope, but an approaching train. And because countless keep waiting in the way of the train, millions die and many more remain decapitated by the day.
“It’s amazing how you all sit there and watch yourselves die,” the man next to me said. “Get up and do something about it.”

Brawny, fully bald-headed, with intense, steely eyes, he was as cold as they come. When I first discovered I was going to spend my New Year’s Eve next to him on a non-stop JetBlue flight from Los Angeles to Boston I was angst-ridden. I associate marble-shaven Caucasians with iconoclastic skin-heads, most of who are racist.