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Essentials

  • From Overwhelm to overflow: Lessons from a stretching season

    Over the past few days, I have felt tired. Not just physically, but emotionally stretched – like life was pressing in from all sides. I knew it wasn’t just busyness. It was deeper. A spiritual nudge. A season of Jehovah stretching me, especially in my character.

    I’ve always believed that growth rarely happens in comfort. But this season is different. It’s not about doing more, it’s about becoming more. More surrendered. More grace-dependent. More aware of the places I thought I had mastered, only to realise I still need His help.

    This morning, in the quiet place of prayer and worship, I poured out my heart to God. I didn’t have fancy words. Just honesty. Weariness. Worship. And then, a gentle nudge in my spirit: “Respond to those who’ve reached out.”

    I picked up my phone and began leaving voice notes – messages of love, joy, and hope to people I hadn’t replied to. And something beautiful happened. As I encouraged others, joy welled up in me. I laughed between messages. My overwhelm turned into overflow. I was being an extension of God’s love, even while navigating my own stretch.

    Have I ever told you? I’m a passionate encourager 😊. It’s one of my happy places. And today reminded me: encouragement isn’t just a gift we give, it’s a river we step into. As Jehovah encourages me, I get to pour that same hope into others.

    💡 What this season is teaching me 💡

    • Stretching reveals where we’ve relied on self instead of grace. I’m learning to lean, not just on what I know, but on Who I know.

    • Encouragement is a spiritual strategy. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s possible.

    • Joy often shows up when we serve others. Even when we feel empty, giving can unlock divine replenishment.

    • Obedience opens joy. That nudge to respond wasn’t just about courtesy – it was about connection, healing, and overflow.

    So if you are in a stretching season too, I see you. You are most definitely not alone. Let God stretch you, shape you, and surprise you. And while you’re at it, encourage someone. You might just find your own joy waiting in the sound of your laughter.

    With love and grace from a fellow stretcher,
    Michelle Omiyale

  • A Room Worth Crossing Continents For: My Smart Stewards 10th Anniversary Summit Experience

    Last month, I boarded a flight from the UK to Lagos, Nigeria – not for a vacation, but for transformation.

    The Smart Stewards 10th Anniversary Summit wasn’t just another event on my calendar. It was a divine appointment. As I scanned the speaker line-up, something stirred in me. I knew this was a room I needed to be in. My coach, Sola Adesakin CPA, FCA, FCCA, MBA, CFEI, once told me, “The best and greatest investment you can ever make is in yourself.” That wisdom echoed in my spirit as I packed my bags. I was ready.

    The Power of Proximity

    One of the most profound moments for me was sitting in on the prophetic panel. These weren’t just speakers – they were vessels whose lives and ministries had shaped mine over the years:

    Pastor Ayodeji Megbope: Her journey from humble beginnings to global impact continues to inspire me to embrace purpose with boldness.

    Pastor Debola Deji – Kurunmi: Her prophetic insight and leadership have been a guiding light in my own spiritual and professional growth.

    Pastor Mayokun Oreofe: Her depth and authenticity reminded me of the power of walking in divine alignment.

    And of course, Sola Adesakin CPA, FCA, FCCA, MBA, CFEI, my coach and mentor, whose voice has consistently called me higher.

    I didn’t need a selfie or a handshake. Just being in the same room was enough. Enough to tap into the grace they carried. Enough to receive impartation by proximity and to sit and soak in the wisdom being dished out. It was a feast fit for a king (or a queen as the case may be).

    Community, Connection, and Grace

    The summit was also a beautiful reunion. I met Smart Stewards community members I’d connected with virtually during the course of the year – now face to face. There’s something powerful about meeting likeminded individuals who share your values, your hunger, and your pursuit of purpose. The atmosphere was charged with authenticity, wisdom, and divine alignment.

    I also made new connections, bonding over our thirst for growth and the determination not to leave the event the same way we came… something had to shift. We sat paying rapt attention and soaking in all the wisdom being shared and taking our own portions.

    I didn’t come to the summit casually. I came ready. Ready to learn. Ready to grow. Ready to shift. Ready to move forward. Ready for new levels and next levels. And now, with my notebook full and my heart stirred, it’s time to take action. The seeds have been sown – now it’s time to water them with discipline, strategy, and faith.

    To everyone who made the Smart Stewards 10th Anniversary Summit what it was – thank you. You created a space where destiny could be activated. And to anyone wondering if it’s worth investing in yourself, traveling for growth, or stepping into rooms that stretch you: It absolutely is.

    Here’s to stewarding what we’ve received. Here’s to smart moves, bold faith, and unstoppable progress.

  • When Plans Fall Apart

    I’ve been spending time in Nigeria recently – a vibrant country full of life, but also one where systems can be… unpredictable. What I planned to resolve in a day has stretched into multiple days. Schedules shift, processes stall, and the structure I usually rely on feels out of reach.

    As someone who thrives on routine, order, and control, this has been deeply uncomfortable.

    But during my morning devotion, I paused.
    I came across a simple but powerful reminder:
    “God is more interested in my character than in my comfort.”

    That stopped me in my tracks.

    The question that followed was even more confronting:
    Can I still retain my joy and peace when things don’t go as planned?

    In this season, I’ve realised that I need strength beyond myself. Not just to get things done, but to show up in the rooms and spaces God has called me to, still representing Him with grace, peace, and purpose.

    That’s when I was reminded of this verse:

    “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
    – 2 Corinthians 12:9

    It’s not about having everything under control.
    It’s about trusting the One who does.

    So I’m learning to lean into grace.
    To let go of rigid expectations.
    To embrace the stretch, knowing it’s shaping me – not breaking me.

    If you are in a season where things feel messy, delayed, or out of sync, I want to encourage you:

    🌟 Pause.
    🌟Reflect.
    🌟Ask what this moment is building in you.

    Because sometimes, the greatest growth happens in the most uncomfortable places.

    Let’s choose character over comfort.
    Let’s choose grace over control.
    Let’s keep showing up – with joy, with peace, and with purpose.

    #GraceInTheStretch
    hashtag#CharacterOverComfort
    hashtag#FaithInUncertainty
    hashtag#GrowthSeason
    hashtag#PurposeDriven
    hashtag#LeadershipJourney
    hashtag#SpiritualGrowth
    hashtag#NavigatingChange
    hashtag#JoyInTheProcess
    hashtag#PeaceInTheStorm
    hashtag#NigeriaExperience
    hashtag#TrustTheProcess
    hashtag#DivineStrength
    hashtag#MorningDevotion
    hashtag#FaithAndWork

  • Start now. Don’t wait.

    Don’t wait for things to settle.

    Don’t wait for more time, more energy, or the perfect moment.

    Don’t wait for the promotion, the green light, or the applause.

    Start where you are.

    Move with what you’ve got.

    Because waiting doesn’t build momentum – action does.

    #StartNow #MoveWithPurpose #NoPerfectMoment #OneGoalChallenge #LeadFromWithin #FaithInAction #WorkplaceWisdom

  • Faith in Motion: Leading with Every Gift God Gave Me

    Movement has become more than a fitness habit – it is a daily act of worship. A declaration of gratitude to the One who gave me breath. I don’t ask my body if it feels like moving. I tell it, “We are up. We are going. We’ve got purpose to fulfil today.”

    As an Expert leader in my field, Accountability Coach, Mentor and Author, I have come to see that every skill, every talent, every ounce of energy is a seed to be planted. And I am committed to sowing it well.

    Each year, I have had the privilege of leading the “Fitness for All” session at our church’s Family Fun Day. It’s just 15 minutes – but it’s packed with joy, skipping ropes, gospel beats, and laughter. This isn’t just exercise. It’s ministry. It’s community. It’s a living example that faith can move us – literally 😊.

    I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be called upon to use my love for movement as a blessing to others. That love wasn’t born in ease – it was forged in grief.

    Over six years ago, after the loss of my husband, movement became one of the tools God used to lift me out of a deep funk. It helped me breathe again. It helped me hope again. It helped me live again.

    I share more of that journey in my book Anchored on the Faithfulness of God – a testimony of healing, resilience, and divine restoration.

    Why do I show up with energy, creativity, and a speaker blasting gospel beats? Because I believe in trading with the talents I have been given. Just like the servant in Matthew 25 who doubled what his master gave him, I want to return everything God placed in me, with interest.

    “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – the words I live to hear someday.

    This is what I call dying empty. Leaving nothing buried. Using everything… my voice, my faith, my creativity, my legs – to bless others, build legacy, and reflect the joy of living on purpose.

    So whether you’re a runner, dancer, writer, teacher, or just discovering your gifts, don’t hold back. Trade with what you’ve got. Move with purpose. Die empty.

    And above all, move your body in whatever way you see fit. You were created to move. Whether it’s a walk, a stretch, a dance, or a joyful jump, let it be an act of gratitude.

    “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

    “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1

    How are you using your gifts to move with purpose?
    Let’s encourage one another to live fully, lead boldly, and die empty.

    Grab a copy of Anchored on the Faithfulness of God to read more about my journey of healing and hope @ http://www.michelleomiyale.com

    hashtag#FaithInMotion hashtag#DieEmpty hashtag#PurposeDriven hashtag#ChristianLeadership hashtag#Gratitude hashtag#AnchoredFaith hashtag#MoveWithPurpose hashtag#AccountabilityCoach hashtag#SpeakerLife hashtag#LegacyBuilder hashtag#FitnessForAll hashtag#HealingThroughMovement

  • To Live Your Dream: Focus on What You CAN Do

    We all have dreams. Some are loud and ambitious, others quiet and sacred. I most certainly have mine ☺️, both big and small.

    But one thing is true for all of them: they won’t come to life by accident.
    I have learnt – through ministry, mentorship, and even the occasional tech hiccup – that living your dream requires more than vision boards and prayer journals. It demands ownership. It demands responsibility.

    🎯 The shift that changed everything for me

    Years ago, I had a dream to create a resource that would encourage people daily with scripture and motivation. I saw it clearly. I even declared it. But for a while, I waited, hoping the right collaborator, the right timing, or the right “sign” would show up.

    Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Instead, what showed up was a quiet nudge from God: “What’s in your hand?”

    So I took ownership. I learned new tools. I designed the pages. I wrote the content. I asked for help when I needed it. And today, 365 Scriptural Motivations is not just a dream – it’s a reality that is blessing others. I have since published a few other books as well to be a blessing to my generation.

    🚫 Stop waiting for luck, start working with purpose.

    It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking success depends on someone else’s approval, a lucky break, or divine intervention that doesn’t require our effort.

    But scripture reminds us: 📖 “Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:26

    God partners with our movement. He honours our steps. And when we focus on what we can do – what’s in our control, we begin to see doors open that we didn’t even know existed.

    ✅ What You CAN Do Today

    🖋️ Write the vision down (even if it’s messy).
    🗣️ Speak life over it daily.
    🚶 Take one small action – send the email, sketch the idea, record the voice note.
    🪴 Sow a seed: invest time, energy, or resources toward it.
    💡 Surround yourself with accountability and encouragement.

    💬 My challenge to you today…

    What dream have you been waiting on?
    What would shift if you stopped waiting for fate and started walking in faith?

    Take responsibility… Take ownership… Stay accountable…

    Have a winning week ahead 🏆

  • From Fear to Focus – 5 mindset shifts to elevate your week

    In the fast-paced constant motion of work and life – meetings, deadlines and responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Whether you are leading a team, building a dream, or navigating change, clarity and courage are essential. This week, I have been reflecting on five mindset shifts that help us move from hesitation to bold action – and stay aligned with our purpose.

    1. Live Beyond Fear

    Fear may knock, but faith must answer. In leadership and in life, fear often shows up as hesitation, self-doubt, or overthinking. But fear doesn’t have to lead. When we choose courage, even in uncertainty, we unlock new possibilities. You were built to rise, not retreat.

    Choose courage today. Choose to live beyond fear.

    2. Do It Afraid

    Waiting to feel ready or brave before you act? You might wait forever. Growth often begins with discomfort.

    Growth happens outside the comfort zone.

    The key is to move forward even when fear is present.

    Your dreams are worth the risk. Pay the price… take the step.

    3. Get Clear on What You Want

    One reason people don’t get what they want? They haven’t defined it. Clarity is the first step to progress. Take time to reflect: What do you truly want? And is it aligned with your values and long-term vision?

    4. Make Your Vision Plain

    A vague goal or dream won’t carry you far – but a clear one can change everything. Whether it’s a career milestone, a personal breakthrough, or a creative pursuit – write it down. Be specific. Let clarity fuel your momentum.

    5. Keep Your Vision in View

    It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of the big picture. But your goals still matter. Keep your vision visible. Revisit it often. Your purpose is too important to be buried under busyness.

    This week, let clarity guide your decisions. Let courage shape your actions. And let your vision stay front and center. You don’t need perfect conditions to move forward – you just need a clear direction and the willingness to begin.

    Happy New Week

  • The Best Investment Strategy I Know: Me

    Let’s talk ROI – but not in stocks, crypto, or property. I am talking Return on Intention.

    Every day, I choose to invest in the one asset I will carry for life: me. Not in a selfish way, but in a faith-fuelled, purpose-powered way.

    My daily routine is more than habit – it’s a spiritual strategy:

    • I read to grow. Whether it’s scripture or motivation, I fuel my mind with truth.
    •  I listen to messages that build faith and stir purpose.
    •  I move—not just for fitness, but as a thank-you to God for this body and breath.
    •  I journal my gratitude—because thankfulness is fertilizer for joy.
    •  I pray, I praise, and I speak life. I declare God’s promises over my day and my destiny.

    This is Investing in Me™. Not a checklist, but a lifestyle of stewardship.

    Just like the servants in Matthew 25 who were given talents, I don’t want to bury mine – I want to multiply them and return with impact.

    Because when I show up full – spiritually fed, emotionally balanced, physically energised – I serve better, love stronger, and live louder.

    So here’s my encouragement to you:

    Before you chase every to-do, every deadline, every obligation… pause.

    • Invest in yourself.
    • Plant joy.
    • Water growth.
    • Shine light.

    The harvest will bless not just you – but everyone connected to you.

    And that, my friend, is a legacy worth building.

  • Growth Requires Empty Hands 

    “Growth can’t happen if your hands are full of yesterday.”

    After my 50th birthday a few years back, I received a word that stirred something deep in me: 

    “Behold, I am doing a new thing…” – Isaiah 43:18-19

    At first, I was nervous. Unsure. But also deeply curious. That word marked the beginning of a journey, one that has been anything but ordinary.

    Since then, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and into a season of discovery. I have met parts of myself I didn’t even know existed. It’s been a journey of growth, grace, and unexpected adventure.

    And just this week, I heard that same word again.

    A divine reminder: new beginnings require open hands.

    In leadership, in parenting, in purpose… we can’t move forward while holding on tight to what’s behind.

    Guilt. Old patterns. Past disappointments. Even past successes.

    Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It means making space.

    • Space for growth.
    • Space for healing.
    • Space for the “new thing” God is doing.

     So here’s my encouragement to you this week:

    • Be alert.
    • Be present.
    • Be willing to release.

    Because the miracle might not look like what you expected.

    But it’s coming.
    And it’s good.

    What are you releasing to grow this season?

    Let’s reflect together as we start this amazing new week.

     

  • Legacy Is Built Today

    As we start this new week, let me ask you a question that I asked myself over the weekend…

    What do you want to be remembered for?

    This weekend marked what would have been my husband’s 54th birthday. As I reflected on his life and the journey we walked with our young royals – who at the time of his passing were vulnerable teenagers, now thriving young adults – I was reminded of this truth:

    “Legacy isn’t just what we leave behind – it’s what we build into others while we are still here.”

    Legacy is not just about wealth or titles. It’s about impact.
    💡 It’s the encouragement we give.
    💡 The values we model.
    💡 The stories we share.
    💡 The love we plant in the hearts of others

    Whether you are a parent, mentor, leader, or creative – your daily choices shape the next generation.

    So today, I invite you to pause and ask:
    What kind of legacy am I building?

    🔑 Let’s live with the future in mind.
    🔑 Let’s lead with purpose.
    🔑 Let’s leave something that lasts.

     What legacy are you working on?

    I would love to hear your thoughts.