One Day Millionaire

Becoming a millionaire - Yesterday, an elderly man from Nigeria called me. During our conversation, I mentioned the giveaway I’m hosting on my blog. To my surprise, he told me he has never had one million naira in his life and that his wish is to hold one million naira in cash. I responded, saying, 'Oh sir, that’s a good desire; you just want to be a millionaire.' He agreed, and we ended our call. I started reflecting on our discussion and realized I should have asked him what he planned to do with the one million naira. He also pointed out that one million naira isn’t much in Nigeria today. I have friends who asked me for ten million naira when I first arrived in Europe, even though I didn’t have a single cent in my account. One of them owns a shop in Abuja where she claims to sell gold. She seems to have more money than I do, but the common belief in Africa is that anyone who has traveled abroad is wealthier, leading them to seek financial help from those abroad. The irony is that many Africans living in Europe are just as poor as those back home if they don’t work hard. The jobs available to Africans in Europe are often ones that many in Africa wouldn’t consider doing, even if they are in dire poverty. My dear brother Ademola taught me about the principles of giving, saying, 'Don’t wait until you’re a millionaire to start giving; give in your small ways.' He then asked if I understood why he said that, and I replied no. He explained that if you wait until you’re a millionaire to give, you might never give at all. It’s important to give from what you have. Now, after many years, I realize that giving is a grace because it takes grace to share with others when you have little. Don't hold any resentment towards those who don't give you money, as it's not a wrongdoing even if they have the means. I recall a boss of mine in Nigeria, the son of a former governor of Lagos state. His family is wealthy, with properties in Ikoyi, Lekki, and even abroad. He would often invite me for dinner, and afterward, he would give me money for my taxi ride from Lagos Island to the mainland. One evening, I was invited for dinner again, but I arrived very late due to the heavy traffic in Lagos. When I got there, my boss, Mr. O, was waiting outside their gate, about to get into his car. He approached me and said, "You are truly a Queen." He noted the time of my arrival and mentioned that they had already finished dinner and he was heading to the casino. He opened his briefcase to show me it was filled with dollars, explaining that he planned to use all that money to gamble that night. I told him I wanted to head home, and he gave me my taxi fare. I didn't feel upset that he didn't share any of the dollars with me; I understood he had his own plans for his money. Just being able to dine with the wealthy was an honor and a privilege. The last time I was with them, I enjoyed the finest red wine and delicious egusi soup with pounded yam. It truly takes grace to give. Everyone should strive to earn their own money.

There Shall Be No Poor: for a Better Society

End Poverty- I never truly hated poverty until recently. Years ago, as a teenager, I went to a church crusade organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, led by Evangelist J.T., who was a regional pastor at that time. While he preached, he stated, "I can give you 1500 reasons why poverty will lead you to hell." My young mind didn’t fully grasp it then, but his message stuck with me. Later, during college, one of our lecturers entered the classroom and said, "If you don’t have money and you don’t know God, who are you?" I reflected on his words and realized that knowing God is essential, but having money is also crucial in life. Many people in underdeveloped countries like Africa suffer from poverty because they view money as a luxury or a matter of luck. Some even think that money can lead them to hell, choosing to stay poor instead. I heard about a place in the world where the locals are not allowed to become wealthy; they must remain in poverty. The Bible refers to money as a necessity, stating, "Money answers all things." In my view and experience, poverty is like a disease that needs to be tackled and eliminated. While the poor will always be among us, poverty can be linked to various other factors. As the wealthy dine with golden spoons, the poor struggle to survive. Some can afford to eat whatever they want, while others are limited to what they can find. For instance, how does a family with no income manage to survive? This is the reality for many people in Nigeria, who lack means and receive no government assistance. Some even blame their creators for their poverty. Everyone comes into this world with nothing and will leave the same way. If those in power choose to address poverty, they can, and if we as individuals decide to fight against poverty, we can too. Provide food instead of weapons Someone once mentioned that I should refrain from giving money to individuals in Africa. He went on to say that the wealthy remain rich because they do not share their money. Similarly, it has been said that wealthy Africans are not assisting their own people. I question whether they realize that even the richest person in Africa is still considered poor compared to the wealthiest individuals in the Western world. Those who claim that Africa does not require assistance should reconsider their viewpoint. Africa needs support in numerous areas. I recently read a book by Femi Otedola, where he recounted how his late father was given counterfeit aspirin to control his high blood pressure. This same issue persists in Nigeria today, where people are succumbing to their illnesses due to fake medications. They are dying from poor food, contaminated water, and a low quality of life. Instead of European leaders providing aid to these self-serving leaders, they should invest directly in the impoverished individuals they aim to assist.

Fulda Maritim Hotel

I am grateful to my friends and family! Yesterday is a day I will always cherish. It was the baptism of a friend's son, and I felt honored to discuss my book with the distinguished guests at the ceremony. It truly is a timeless experience. What stood out to me was how she summarized my book after reading it. The success of a book or an author is often measured by how well readers grasp their work. I was amazed to see that some had read Mélange A Two-fold Memoir even more than I have. In that moment, I realized that I had indeed accomplished something significant. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Editor who helped elevate my book to a world-class standard as a novel. I also want to thank the publisher for showcasing the elegance of my book to the world, and of course, my dear friend Jennifer, who envisioned the cover design. Everyone who has read Mélange loves it. I met people yesterday who were eager for me to share the summary of my book. While preparing my daughter's meal this afternoon, three words came to my heart that encapsulate the essence of my book: Mélange is my story, your story, and our story. There is something for everyone within its pages, and Mélange is a unique novel that can be enjoyed at any time.

Vanity And Me

I'm considering reopening my fashion blog or finishing my next book. I also want to add to my profile that I am a memoir writer. If you're interested in writing your own story, please reach out to me. Writing my book took years, and I learned that creating a good book is not easy, even after decades of writing. By the way, this Louis Vuitton Sac LV Biker MM is stunning, and the pearl accessories enhance the bag's beauty. Oh, I almost forgot, my birthday is in a few days, and this year there won't be a celebration because of my new book. I would really appreciate anyone who orders a copy of my book as a birthday gift. Please show your support. No gifts, just buy my book and give it as a present to bless someone. Mélange, a two-fold memoir, is a gift to this generation and the ones to come. We are planning to launch Mélange via Zoom for a global audience, and I will send out the link in the coming weeks. Thank you all for your support and kindness.

MÉLANGE: A Heartfelt Note of Thanks

Oh my, what a journey it has been! From dreams to reality, wishes to possibilities, hope to achievement, and from mere conversations to tangible actions—this is the story of my book, "MÉLANGE: A TWO-FOLD MEMOIR”. Writing this book took years of dedication, and the path to publishing it spanned several months. My manuscript underwent numerous rewrites because I was determined to create something truly satisfying. I must extend my deepest gratitude to my dear friend, Jennifer, whose honest critiques were invaluable in shaping the final version of my manuscript. Thank you, Jennifer, for your support! The editing journey for "MÉLANGE A TWO-FOLD MEMOIR" was a global endeavour— I had the privilege of working with a British award-winning author in London, receiving further editing in Canada, proofreading in America, and additional editing in Germany. I am especially grateful to Dr. Omojuyigbe in Nigeria, whose expert touch brought my book to its polished final form. Thank you, sir, for your professional guidance and dedication! I also want to express my sincere appreciation to my publisher and the entire Glory Publishers team. Your graphic design team did a fantastic job capturing the essence of what Jennifer envisioned for the cover. To my publisher, Pastor Mrs. Yinka Oloyede, I cannot thank you enough for your remarkable patience. There were times I submitted my manuscript only to request changes, and yet you stood by me, encouraging me to keep refining my work. Your support inspired me to pen additional poems for "MÉLANGE," and I am so thankful for that. To everyone who has purchased my book, "MÉLANGE: A TWO-FOLD MEMOIR," I want to express a huge thank you! A special shoutout to my American family and friends—thanks a million for leading the charge in purchases; you are the best! I'm also grateful to my adorable godmother, Jacquelyn. To my wonderful friends and family in Germany, (danke schön) for your support—you are incredible! And to my beautiful doctor, whose interview features in my book, I was so touched that you bought a copy instead of waiting for a gift! To my UK family and friends, thank you for your support as well, especially to Prince Paul Manuwa and everyone else in the UK. We're still awaiting orders from France, Australia, Canada, and I'm working on how to get my book to friends and family in Nigeria. The good news is that Nigerians can indeed order on Amazon, and I’ll provide the details in my next blog! To all the medical professionals who contributed to "MÉLANGE," thank you a million times over. Your insights have enriched this journey! To all the readers around the globe, I am forever grateful to you. Your support means the world to me. Lastly, a special shoutout to my dear brother and friend, Nuru Owoduni, for your insightful words that have come to fruition. Becoming an author and novelist has been a transformative journey for me, and I am truly grateful for everyone who has believed in me as a writer. Thank you all for being part of this incredible adventure! “MÉLANGE A TWO-FOLD MEMOIR by Queendaline O.Schneider

THE COMPLEXITY OF CREATION

All of Creation is complex. Society as we know it is complex. Some scientists perceive the universe as chaos—hence the “Chaos Theory.” It is because they don’t take the time to analyze the complexities of the universe. God created order in everything He created, and ALL THINGS have been created by Him. Babel, Babylon, Baal, Bel, all of these depict a lot of talking but saying nothing. Worshippers of Baal are worshipping a thing that has failed—a big nothing! Let’s look at the complexities of the Machinery Era. Keep in mind, man created them; guided missiles, spacecraft, submarines, nuclear warheads, even the most sophisticated computers! Yet, a newborn baby is more complex and intelligent than any of these. Men have invented devices to detect all types of minerals and metals in the earth—even water. But think about it; the most sophisticated detector is mankind. We don’t have to think hard about finding a pair of navy-blue shoes in a size 6. We simply go in and out of stores and find the shoe. It doesn’t take much concentration. We can just as easily detect oil and water and minerals in the earth. Amazingly, our nervous systems are the greatest detectors. Our nervous system, if stretched out, would be 45 miles long. Forty-five! If you break down our DNA and stacked it on top of each other, it would reach the sun not just once, but SEVERAL TIMES! Every cell in our body is formed and motivated by energy. Our energy is dependent upon the Source, Father God, the Creator of all that is created, and our capacity is fashioned to contain this Energy. The magnetic force is what keeps our universe in order—thereby producing energy wherewith comes LIFE! Underwater streams can actually CREATE electric power on the earth’s surface—thus generating radioactive power at times when the negative and positive currents come together. As humans, we must be proper conductors of this power so as not to cause an area that will cause an arc, thus negating the power which can quickly alter the cell reproduction, causing it to go defunct—i.e. the manifestation of cancer, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, manic depression, insanity, even constant fatigue syndrome. All matter is actually only 10% density—the rest is empty space. Wow. Imagine, ten percent matter in everything we touch, even humankind. That is how Jesus was able to perform miracles, walk through walls, and walk on water. Matter is irrelevant when operating in energy (power.) God’s power will always supersede matter. God declared ‘Let there be light’ and there was light; ‘Let there be darkness’ and the earth became dark. So, as believers, children of God, followers of Christ, what do we do with our matter? Where do we go with this power? How do we use it to bring glory to Him and expand His Kingdom on this earth? We just simply let go of the 90% that we feel we must have to function. We let the Holy Spirit of God become our hands, our feet, our voice, even our hearts. Through Him we love the unlovable. Through Him we speak to the deaf and they hear. Through Him we open blinded eyes, and they see His love and their lives are changed. Through Him we bring the Word of God to the hungry and satisfy them for eternity. Satan has mastered the game of pointing out our faults and shortcomings and stupidity. He is the Father of Lies who deceives and distorts without end. That is where the Holy Spirit takes control and reassures us, we are in Him. We are loved. We are blessed. We have a future and a hope. We have gifts and callings. That 90% can be magnificent under the hand of the Lord when we give Him control and trust Him. It is beautiful. It is called walking in the Spirit. It is a place of identifying as a Child of the Most High God. This Most High God is the One Who said we can speak to a mountain to be removed and cast into the sea, and it would have to obey us. Moses took up a staff and the waters of the Red Sea parted and not only did the children of Israel cross the sea, they walked upon DRY GROUND! Miracles haven’t ceased; men have ceased in believing they are possible. Our God has never changed. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Today, we serve the same God as Peter who walked on the water, as Moses who parted the sea, and Jesus who open blinded eyes and healed the sick. The complexity of Creation actually becomes very simple--let’s empty out that 90% of doubt and fear and lies and allow the Holy Spirit of God to take over and bring about change on this earth through US! Let the power of God flow through YOU! What does the song say, “There’s a River of Life flowing out of me. Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see. Opens prison doors, sets the captives free. There’s a River of Life flowing out of me! Spring up oh well, down in my soul. Spring up oh well and make me whole.” One of my favorite prayers is from the famed American evangelist, Kathryn Kuhlman, who saw stadiums filled with people. She would be behind a curtain with her hands uplifted crying out over and over, “God if you can take nothing and use it, use me!” Signs and wonders took place in her meetings all over this country. Let that be our prayer, Church. The Power is there. It is time for the Church to BELIEVE IT! God is ready to release this Power. It is time for YOU the individual to believe it; it is time the Church to BELIEVE IT! By Jacquelyn K. Heasley

Goodness: Lydia’s Birthday Reflections on Gratitude

I didn't realize how important it is to do good until today. Kindness and true love are what humanity needs to thrive. A few months ago, we celebrated our daughter's birthday and chose to give back to those who contributed to her happiness while growing up. Today, I visited the pediatrician's in our neighbourhood where our child is registered. I was amazed at how the doctor appreciated our small gesture of gratitude towards the staff. It truly moved me because I felt we had done so little compared to what this wonderful doctor and his team have done for our little girl.

As I left the office, I understood that being good is important , doing good is important, and being nice is important. It's essential to show love and respect to everyone we encounter, regardless of their status-whether they are poor or rich, privileged or underprivileged, known or unknown, beautiful or not, whole or broken, homeless or lonely. Just be good to anyone who crosses your path. My moral is that I don't aspire to be anything grand; I simply want to be good, and I hope my goodness positively impacts my generation and those yet to come.

To everyone who has shown love to me and my family over the past years, months, and days, I say thank you, and may God bless your soul.