MY GREEN 2013 Book 1

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MY GREEN 2013

A Series of 52 Lush & Inspiring Notes in 4 VolumesThis is the First Volume

By Ifeoma Akobi (Iddiva)

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MY GREEN 2013

A Series of 52 Lush & Inspiring Notes in 4 VolumesThis is the First VolumeBy Ifeoma Akobi (Iddiva)

Published by Iddiva Impressions

An Iddiva Company

VOLUME 1

All rights reserved in accordance with international copyright laws.Reproduction in any form without the permission of the publisher isprohibited.

Ifeoma Akobi reserves the moral right to be identified as the author of thiswork.

©2013 Ifeoma C. Akobi

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WHAT YOU WILL FIND INSIDE (CONTENTS)

Why I Wrote This Book Pg 4

The Other Side Pg 6

The Spirit of Crossover Pg 8

Moving Forward Pg 10

Enjoy the Ride! Pg 12

Tomorrow Came Today Pg 14

Candles in the Sun Pg 16

Made for More 1 Pg 18

Made for More 2 Pg 19

The Greatness Within Pg 21

Blessed and More Blessed Pg 23

Inspired by the Gambler 1 Pg 25

Inspired by the Gambler 2 Pg 27

Hold Your Peace Pg 29

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The Next Big Thing Pg 31

About the Author Pg 32

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WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK

Speaking for myself, I know there are times I have shortchanged myself bynot reaching for the best because I feared the feelings of failure that couldcome with not getting it. With time, it dawned on me that at the veryleast; reaching for the best will stretch me and increase my capacity forgreatness and at most, would give me access to something better thanwhat I had initially.

I understand the fears, doubts, confusion and concerns that come withreaching for the best. I am no stranger to the self- imposed exposure toridicule, criticism, envy, and flattery that come with reaching for the best.These are just some of the things that one must overcome in thefulfillment of destiny and pursuit of purpose which is what “the best”means to me.

Reaching for the best aka pursuing purpose is a journey in transition.There are periods of uncertainty and there are moments of clarity. Inreaching for purpose, you learn patience, build strength, developcharacter, form alliances, fight enemies, define boundaries, and taketerritories.

2013 begins that kind of season when you need to get going and reach forsomething amazing. Like I said in the note titled Candles in the Sun, youmight have dreams that are not flashy or flamboyant but the importantthing is to reach out and act on them.

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Let me set the ball rolling by congratulating you on getting a copy of MyGreen 2013. This is a fresh collection of 52 lush and inspiring notes towater your year and ensure that it yields the fruits you desire.

Each volume has 13 notes which you can read weekly or as preferred. Ilook forward to hearing reports about ways this book has impacted you,your loved ones and your world.

This book is lovingly dedicated to you.

Happy Green 2013!

IFEOMA AKOBI (IDDIVA)

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1

THE OTHER SIDE

Every coin has two sides- and a rim – Ifeoma Akobi, quote from InspiredImprints

2012 was a year of mixed emotions for most people I know. It was anunusual mix of high highs and low lows with some plateaus in between.There were experiences that brought tears of joy to our eyes and therewere others that brought sorrowful tears. While I do not deny the painfulrealities, I have discovered that an attitude of gratitude can makeeverything better. I have also learnt that there is always something to bethankful for.

Finding reasons to be thankful can sometimes feel like searching for losttreasure in a dark cave or solving a jigsaw puzzle. Nevertheless it iscomforting to know that every step and every piece is worth our time.Gratitude makes the bright days brighter and makes the dark days lessgloomy. It flips the coin in your favor. It attracts more blessings into yourlife and gives you strength in difficult times. Another side benefit ofgratitude is that it keeps God in your thoughts and helps you see thebigger picture.

It is said that things are often easier said than done. One of the ways I havechosen to make an attitude of gratitude habitual is to tweet thanksgivingregularly. I have started a praise party on twitter where we can celebrate

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in everything. I encourage you to join in and be thankful for somethingno matter how small or insignificant.

The handle to follow is @IfeomaAkobi and we would express gratitudefour or more times every week and even if you are in a different timezone, you are welcome to join in when you see reminders on your timeline. In addition a great accessory for thanksgiving is to keep a journal. Geta notebook, diary or even create a file on your phone, laptop or any otherdevice where you can record things you are grateful for. This helps inmaintaining an attitude of thanksgiving in good or bad times.

As you go through the year, remember that each day is a new beginningwith better things in store and regardless of how you feel…

2013 is green!


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2

THE SPIRIT OF CROSSOVER

2013 is here and I am so thankful.

The New Year is a few days old and there has been so much joy, hope,cheer and good will in the air. There has been so much love from myfamily and friends and I am still awed at the sheer beauty of it all.

2013 is definitely an amazing year and as I plan and work towards themanifestation of God’s dreams and my desires, I am convinced beyond ashred of doubt of the great potential that will unfold with each day of thisgreat and glorious year. The transition to 2013 is not just about crossingover or passing through the days as they come. It is about a consciousness,an attitude, a mindset, a way of life, a pattern of behavior, a mentality, anessence, in a nutshell it is about carrying the spirit of crossover.

The spirit of crossover goes beyond the new dates on your devices or thepretty picture in a new calendar. It is more than a new entry in your diaryor grabbing a pen and doodling in your journal. It is more than statusupdates on social media. The spirit of crossover begins with anunderstanding of change and what it entails. Change must be a dailydecision backed by daily action. Change is a deliberate choice that thenbecomes a daily experience.

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To be successful in 2013 and beyond we must move from the realm ofNew Year Resolutions to daily convictions and actions. Every day, everyhour, every minute and every moment is a crossover in itself. So keepcrossing over. Drop the old habits, lifestyle, thoughts, attitudes andchoices that did not help you in 2012 and embrace new ways of doingthings.

The beauty of crossing over this way is that you constantly set yourself upfor success in all you do. If you make a mistake, you don’t need to give upin despair or wait for 2014 to get it right. The spirit of crossover helps youto recognize your mistake, correct it and move on to greater heights inthat moment. It reinforces your best intentions and keeps that sense ofnewness and freshness all through the year.

So let nothing dim your shine or ‘dull’ your swag. Crossover 13 timesdaily if you have to but remain fresh, fly and flourishing! It is all in thespirit of crossover.

Stay Green in 2013!


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3

MOVING FORWARD

In Matthew 9:17 Jesus talked about the futility of storing new wine in oldwineskins or cracked bottles. He said that new wine has to be put intonew containers to ensure that both are preserved.

As we take on 2013 and all its risks, rewards and responsibilities, we needto be conscious of our physical content and containers. It is imperativethat we prepare our minds and bodies for 2013.

A great way to do this is by doing a detoxification or detox for short. Adetox helps cleanse the body of accumulated toxins, renews our cells andreduces unhealthy stress levels. There are different kinds of detox and ithelps to seek professional advice (available [email protected]) on the type best suited to your needs andlifestyle.

A general rule is to drink lots of water and eat more fruits and vegetables.It also helps to reduce pastries and fizzy drinks. This is also a good time toadd some exercise to your daily routine even if it’s movement as simple aswalking, skipping and running. And take quality time to rest too.

2013 promises to be a great year and our work at IBI Specialties willensure that it is also a healthy year for you and your family. You arewelcome to join us for 5 rewarding weeks of detoxification, refreshing

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and renewal. There will be mild and well supervised cleanses, vitaminenrichment, dietary adjustments, exercises and rest.

Wouldn’t it be great to join in with your friends and family? We definitelythink so. After all the not so healthy food during the festivities, it’sreally cool to begin (and continue) the year on a nourishing note. Therewill be five detox sessions this year and we’re available [email protected] to help you book the session most suitable foryou.

I look forward to the progress we will make this year and beyond.

Have a Green healthy 2013!


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4

ENJOY THE RIDE!

Have you ever travelled by road? I’m sure everyone reading this note hasdone so before; even if it was just a short ride within town. The story istold of a woman who boarded a bus with a very heavy bag in her hand. Inthe course of the journey, a concerned passenger sitting beside her advisedher to keep the bag in the luggage section of the bus so that she could bemore comfortable. “No, thanks” the weary woman replied. “I’m in ahurry.” Some of the other passengers who overheard the conversationstared at her in mild amazement while others just smiled.

However we choose to react, it is very easy to see how unnecessary heractions were. Holding on to her bag in hopes of making the bus movefaster seems like self inflicted punishment to me. Thinking through thisstory, I see wider applications in the journey of life and destiny. Don’t weknow people who hold on to unhelpful baggage like bitterness,resentment, abusive relationships, doubt, hate, malice, poor self esteem,negative mindsets, violent anger, disrespect etc? Haven’t we done thesame at one time or the other? At least the lady in our story was holdingon to something useful.

Going forward in 2013, let us critically examine our luggage. Is there stuffyou need to throw away? Some of it may not necessarily be bad stuff butthen, they are not so good either. Maybe they are beliefs that have kept

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you in an average existence when you could have a better quality of life.Or some habits like fears of failure or criticism that have trapped you inmediocre mode when you could be basking in abundance.

I want you to enjoy the ride today and every other day in 2013 by lettinggo of unnecessary luggage. Let me tell you about a practical way to leaveyour load. Take a clean sheet of paper and write down the stuff that’spreventing you from enjoying the ride of life then read them out loud andsay “God, I give this to you”. You do not need to be a religious person todo this simple exercise. Then take a deep breath, exhale and tear the paperinto little bits or burn it if you prefer. Believe that all that stuff are notyours anymore and let God take it from there.

Over the course of the next few days, you will be amazed at how life oryour perception about life will change for the better…

In your green 2013!


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5

TOMORROW CAME TODAY

Towards the end of 2012, I remember having a conversation with a friendabout some things I wanted to do in the near future, “I will do it soon,really soon” I said emphatically. “How soon?” he replied, I mentallyrolled my eyes as a temporary opportunity to be let off the hook slippedout of my reach. “I will start something tomorrow…”

Going about my business for the day I realized that I couldn’t get thatconversation out of my head. How many times had I promised myself orsomeone else tomorrow as if I knew exactly what tomorrow held or I hadtotal control over the billion variables that could tilt the equation of mylife in directions I never saw coming?

Thankfully, I know someone (Jesus) who knows tomorrow and itsrelevance and relationship to my today. Furthermore, my purposeguarantees my place and position in this earth, so I can plan and executeby faith. And like the old song says, ‘ Because He lives, I can facetomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone, Because I know He holdsmy future, my life is worth living just because He lives.’

So though we only have the promise of today, we can live for tomorrowby faith. We can seize the moments and make room for more movement.

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We can give our best and live life with confidence. After all today is thetomorrow we looked forward to yesterday.

Enjoy every moment of your green 2013 and beyond!


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6

CANDLES IN THE SUN

It is still a new year and we all have expectations of what we hope the yearwill bring. It really doesn’t matter how grandiose or modest theseexpectations are. The most important thing is that they must matter toyou. It must be something for which you are willing to do the workrequired. Like the lead character in Walt Disney’s Hercules, you need tobe ready to “go the distance”.

Now not all dreams are flashy or flamboyant, and some actions do notcommand global attention or national recognition. Nevertheless theseseemingly unimportant deeds carry seeds of greatness. Like tiny hinges ona huge door, many world changing events are influenced by seeminglyinsignificant occurrences in history.

This is a year to shine your light and work what you’ve got. This is notime to feel envious of the gifts or talents of others. Do not feelintimidated into dimming your candle because of the intensity of the sun’srays. A time will come when the sun will go down and your “little light”will become a sought after source of illumination. So do what you can, “Ifyou cannot do great things, do small things in a great way” says NapoleonHill. The interesting thing about doing this is that you may never knowthe magnitude of events that your simple acts can set off.

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So once again, I welcome you to 2013; a year unlike any other you and Ihave ever seen. It’s time to be amazing, be epic and be strong.

Live your dream in your green 2013 and beyond!


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MADE FOR MORE 1

The title of this note is inspired by a song I am working on so keep itlocked on www.diaryofadivinediva.com for more information. Was it justyesterday we wished each other Happy New year? And voila! The end ofanother month stares us in the face.

How has it been?

And before you think or say anything may I remind you that this is a trickquestion. (Hint: the answer is a word that rhymes with ‘been’ and beginswith ‘g’)

I’m glad I made you smile.

Regardless of how it’s been, it can only get better.

Believe.

That’s the first step to discovering the unique ‘more’ or purpose for whichyou were specially made.

I believe in the reality of your green 2013!


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MADE FOR MORE 2

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Hmmm

What do you think?

How far does wishing really go?

If wishing could provide a horse, would it also promise a pleasant ride?

I believe that anyone can wish for anything, but it is preparation that gives‘beggars’ a decent aim at progress.

If wishes were horses, of what use would they be to someone who didn’tknow how to ride?

If wishes were horses, wouldn’t they be a liability to someone whocouldn’t afford horse feed, horse shoes and a stable?

If wishes were horses, how would someone with an aversion to horsemanure cope with the stench?

Let me go further with a serious thought on the question that had to dowith someone who didn’t know how to ride.

Are you ready for this?

Here goes:

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If wishes were horses, unskilled riders could die.

Like they say, ‘Be careful what you wish for’.

Better still, I would say

Prepare diligently for what you wish for.

You have what it takes.

Don’t go about wishing emptily.

Learn; ask for help.

Work; build foundations for your castles in the air.

Do your part; Make it happen.

With me (www.diaryofadivinediva.com) in your green 2013!


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9

THE GREATNESS WITHIN

You are...

My Deepest Desire

My Greatest Good

My Highest Hope

My Sweetest Song

My Noblest Notion

My Perfect Peace

My Forever Friend

My Bosom Buddy

My Prized Possession

My Faithful Father

My Loyal Lover

My Merciful Maker

My Trusted Teacher

My Creative Consultant

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My Accurate Adviser

My Gentle Guide

My Strong Shield

My Powerful Pillar

My Living Lord

My Great God!

I LOVE this poem which is culled from one of my collections. Beyondthe beauty of the words, they represent the very best of who God is,especially to me.

Yes! He is all this and more…

He is greatness, grace, glory and all good things personified in our green2013 and beyond!


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BLESSED AND MORE BLESSED

The most blessed form of giving is when the act of giving brings pleasureto both the giver and the receiver. A cheerful giver and cheerless receivercould mean ingratitude, sufficiency or pride. A cheerful receiver andcheerless giver could mean compulsion, manipulation or sacrifice.

Mutual pleasure is found in acts of giving that are touched by love fromboth the giver and the given. If those that go forth bearing precious seedand weeping will doubtless return rejoicing (Psalm 126:6), how muchmore would their joy and harvest be if they went forth bearing preciousseed and rejoicing?

In the words of the Christ, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts20:35). This then implies that both acts are blessed; though to differentdegrees. Can you think of something you’ve received lately? It could be agift, a greeting, a gesture of love and friendship, a compliment, or maybeattention, recognition for a job well done, forgiveness, mercy or evenresponsibility. This means you are blessed, irrespective of what is going onor how things of your life look. Consider Joseph in the pit, Potiphar’shouse and prison; how he was blessed as a result of the responsibility hereceived. And of course the story continues as he gave of his talent andskill to the butler, baker and eventually Pharaoh which totally transformed

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his life and brought him to the position of being more blessed (Genesis 37,39 to 41).

So keep receiving and keep giving, always remembering that you areblessed and more blessed beyond what can be seen with physical sight.Amen.

And of course have a green 2013!


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11

INSPIRED BY ‘THE GAMBLER’ 1

You got to know when to hold ‘em (them)

Know when to fold ‘em (them)

Know when to walk away and

Know when to run

You never count your money when you’re sittin’ (g) at the table

There’ll be time enough for countin’ (g) when the dealin’ (g) is done.

These are the words of a song by Kenny Rogers aptly titled ‘TheGambler’. You will notice the letters in brackets, I added them to makethe lyrics easier to read and understand.

Although this song is about gambling, I get this vibe that tells me thatthere is more to the words than cards, roulette, lotteries, sports bets andother forms of gambling I may never hear about.

I find life lessons that all of us can apply no matter what our opinions ongambling are. Moreover, in view of the fact that one of the nouns used indescribing life is a ‘game’ then you and I need to play it right.

Here begins my thoughts (arranges papers and adjusts mike):

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Know when to hold them-

Don’t take things for granted, more importantly; do not take people forgranted. Respect their time, emotions, dreams and aspirations.

Also hold your own by working hard; don’t lose out on opportunitiesbecause you are unwilling or unprepared to make some sacrifices for theGreater Good.

Know when to fold them-

Prioritize. Let everything and everyone have their place. Listen toopinions but choose your convictions. Mutual respect is also importantbecause as they say, ‘respect is reciprocal.’

And watch your money too, spend and invest wisely.

Get more inspiration and ideas at www.diaryofadivinediva.com.

And keep things fresh and green in 2013!


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12

INSPIRED BY THE ‘GAMBLER’ 2

A time to walk away…

There are times you need to carefully and prayerfully evaluate a situationand take the decision to get out or cut off. This is not an easy decision tomake and a listening ear, counseling or professional advice can be helpful.You can also get in touch with me at [email protected] or visit myblog.

… And a time to run!

This action is similar to walking away, but with over three or more timesthe energy and speed. LOL

… Counting money

Have you ever watched a race where the winner was decided at thebeginning or in the middle? I think not. That’s why you are advisedwhere and when to count your money. In other words we should notjudge things prematurely. Give things the benefit of time and watch forconsistent patterns.

There will be enough time to count when the deal is done.

The force of time has a way of revealing the true nature of things and theintents of people. In one of my poetry collections I wrote a poem titled

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Patience. Without patience and discretion we might rejoice prematurelyor give up just before the tables turn. “Those who laugh last laugh best”and “Those who laugh, last” are two popular sayings that we will do wellto remember.

So that’s it; some inspiration from the gambler.

Keep tending your dreams, keep watering your seeds. (Keep rolling yourdice?? LOL)

Let’s do our part to keep 2013 and the years beyond it green!


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HOLD YOUR PEACE

I am listening to a lovely song titled In the Middle by Isaac Carree. It talksabout maintaining an attitude of praise even in the most unpleasant ofsituations. Let’s continue to establish a tradition of thanksgiving in Marchand the months ahead. Let us maintain an attitude of gratitude as wemarch into some cool stuff.

March is a verb, an action word and by extension an action month.Marching requires effort, movement, direction and discipline. Marchingrequires practice and out of practice comes perfection. It sometimesinvolves doing stuff we would rather not do, waking up at times when wewould rather sleep and working our wealth even the odds are against us(www.workwealth.wordpress.com soon to be www.workwealth.net ).

In addition, there are times in our journey when we face opposition fromexternal forces. It reminds me of Moses at the Red sea in Exodus 14. Heand the Israelites were sandwiched between the Red sea and the hostileEgyptian army. Moses inspired by God, told the Israelites to ‘hold theirpeace’ among other things (Vs 13-14).

This is a relevant lesson for us. Distractions dissipate energy whenentertained. March is a month for marching forwards not a time to engagein fruitless discussions or debates. Look at the goals you set at the

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beginning of the year and push forward. Remember the promises of Godwhich you received at the beginning of the year and push past obstacles,ridicule and failure.

Hold your peace. Know what to say, when to say it and why.

Hold your peace. The greater One is on your side.

Hold your peace. The storms of life will subside.

Hold your peace. Let God be your grace, glory and guide.

Hold your peace.

And keep moving forward in your green 2013!


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THE NEXT BIG THING

If you have been reading each note weekly, you will realize that we are inthe second quarter of the year 2013. Wow! Feels like yesterday right? Aswe move through the second quarter, I want you to know that the nextbig thing is here!

The next big thing is a revealed secret, a key insight you will need tounlock the door to a higher dimension in living the abundant life in Apriland the second quarter of the year. It is relevant wisdom needed for thenext steps in your green 2013 and it is in the Volume 2 of My Green2013!

So order your copies via [email protected]

Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ifeoma.divinediva

And Twitter @IfeomaAkobi

See you in the next Green season!


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ifeoma Akobi (Iddiva) is the maven at Iddiva Group. She is a beautiful,stylish woman of industrious spirit, intelligent mind and incredible heart.She is a pharmacist by training and a poet by talent. She is a professionaland creative business woman with interests in wealth creation, health,beauty and wellness products and services. She is also a businessconsultant, published author, speaker and singer-songwriter. She possessesa great work ethic, a delightful sense of humor and a rich store of wit. Sheis passionate about life, economic empowerment, and building healthyfamilies and societies.

Get more information on her resources, events, training and speakingschedule as well as information on Iddiva Group [email protected]

Also connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ifeoma.divinediva

And twitter @IfeomaAkobi

Published by Iddiva Impressions

An Iddiva Company

Documents

MY GREEN 2013 Book 1