Just like any other trade, blogging has acceptable practices. The key to owning a successful blog starts with you, recognizing that blogging is not a joke. Coming to this realization will further make you grounded as you work towards hitting new milestones. 

To be successful in blogging, you must be ready to strictly adhere to the advice I will be sharing with you. They are few but very important. I have also linked some useful posts at the end of this article.

BE CONSISTENT

Being consistent in blogging puts you in a position to be seen often by your readers, sincerely, this should be the utmost priority of bloggers. Making your readers smile and having Google on your side is the first step in securing your bag when blogging. 

Bloggers aren't trying to be broke out here! Continually posting once a month can't help in increasing your numbers. 

Being consistent in blogging goes towards the line of publishing posts regularly. Maintain your blog's relevance by regularly posting what your readers are there for. 

Finally, maintain your brand and those unique features that keep your readers coming back.

QUALITY CONTENT

Blogs with poor content are no place to be.

In blogging, your content's quality is measured by different factors that I will discuss with you in a bit.

Unlike what you might think, your fancy website is not capable of keeping your readers. However, the product manufactured through your blog will keep your readers coming back. It will make search engines smile and can make your pocket smile also. 

Below are the essential ingredients for writing quality content.

• KEEP IT 100!

Being original in your content is simply you presenting your discussion with a sense of you. It does not include you copying other people's work.

Blogging about what a gazillion other people have or are writing about is a standard in blogging. But your authenticity comes from writing through your lens. It might include you disagreeing with what everyone is applauding. It can also involve giving your perspective and trying to make your readers fall in love with your thought process.

• MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUR READERS

People read blogs for a variety of reasons. For the most part, they want to learn something new that can help them. 

A post can change a reader's mind about an issue, inspire them to try something new, or teach them how to do something better. 

Whatever you write about has to be exciting and meaningful to the blog's readers.

• POLISH YOUR WORK

Putting your ideas on paper is a super easy process. As creators, we feel like nothing is wrong with our work, behold, it is perfect in our eyes! 

It is okay to be sure about your writing abilities. Yet, you can't go wrong with hiring or compelling another look to scan through your work. 

It is super important to keep your content readable. This will further help in building your credibility as a writer.

• HELP YOURSELF

In most cases, the only reason posts are not crawled through by search engines is the creator. 

In blogging, there is something called optimizing your blog for search engines. Properly doing this can change your blogging game positively.

Optimizing your blog post for search engines is merely positioning yourself correctly to be seen. 

Positioning yourself correctly makes it easier for crawlers to see your posts and present them to readers as one of the most relevant posts. 

This has proven to be a way through which many have gotten tons of traffic to their site.

Interestingly, you have direct control over making this work for you. The process of optimizing your blog for search engines includes:;

Determine targeted keywords.

Write strong meta titles and descriptions.

Internal and external links.

Use of  H1 and H2 tags.

Use of transition words, among others 

YOU NEED SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media contributes significantly to exposing your work to the world. It is advisable to be present on relevant social media platforms to create awareness about you and your blog.

Social media is a great way to get followers. It helps new readers find your blog. 

Any blogger looking to succeed needs to have an active social media presence.

Want more help on how to be a successful blogger? Check out the link below for help.

10 Reasons You Should Consider Blogging

Top tips for a successful blog

A love story about second chances by Deb Palmer and Sandy Palmer. They are a couple who shared their relationship journey, growth and struggles in this book. 

It is not just a story of redemption and a second chance. I saw it as a story of a couple who needs their relationship to survive, even if different forces were tiring them apart.

For me, Deb's little desire for a positive change in her life made it easy for God to work on her. It is indeed a beautiful story. 

However, I could not bring myself to finish reading this material. The only reason is that the situation and struggles that led to these couples' redemption cause me pain.

Thankfully, I have never dealt with someone with Deb's kind of issue, but hearing her story did not just melt my heart but destroyed my willingness to complete the book. 

I learned that Deb and Sandy made it; I know everything worked out for their good from what I read in other reviews. 

I would recommend this book, especially to people struggling with their demons. Sometimes it feels like there's no hope. 

For one second, I forgot Deb wrote this book alongside her sweetheart. I have concluded she would die in the end if she did not quit. But, you know, God's thoughts for us are of good and not of evil.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I am glad that Deb Palmer and Sandy Palmer are experiencing their future together.

Buy now 

Leftovers are not everyone's favorite. Children run away from them, and some adults don't want to see them.

What if I told you there's a way to make your jollof rice leftover fun? People will beg you for more instead of frowning at your plate of leftovers.

Food brings out all kinds of happy emotions in people, and I bet this recipe will bring out lots of happy emotions at your dining table.

Warning, this dish is full of flavor. One can get addicted.

NOTE 

• One bowl of jollof rice refers to the quantity of jollof rice leftovers you have. 
• 1 large egg for every 300 grams of jollof rice leftovers.
• Use enough Parmigiano cheese to cover the rice.
• Examples of smoked cheese that can be used include Scamorza, smoked cheddar, Provola, e.t.c.
• You can use chicken leftovers if you want and as much as you want.
• If you do not digest garlic, simply remove the garlic's stem or soul before using it.
•  Either fresh dried or frozen porcini will work.

INGREDIENTS NEED FOR BAKED JOLLOF RICE

1 bowl of jollof rice leftovers 

1 large egg 

1 tablespoon of oil 

1 tablespoon of Parmigiano cheese 

1 smoked cheese

1 garlic clove

200 grams of chicken breast 

200 grams of porcini mushrooms.

Salt to taste

Black pepper

PROCEDURE FOR MAKING BAKED JOLLOF RICE

• In a pot, heat oil, add garlic, and stir-fry for 2 minutes. 
• Add chicken breast in thin slices. Once it starts to release liquid, let it cook for 4 extra minutes.
• Add some properly cleaned mushroom. Stir and let cook till the liquid evaporates. (If you have chicken leftovers,  add mushrooms first. Once it starts to release liquid, add shredded chicken leftovers. Allow cooking till liquid evaporates.)
• Add salt to taste.
• In a bowl, add the jollof rice leftovers and eggs in the right quantity. Check the note for more explanation. Divide into two equal parts. 
• Place one part of Jollof Rice leftover in a baking pan or hardware, then flatten.
• Add all the chicken and mushroom made in stages 2-3 and 4.
• Slice smoked cheese thinly. Place on the chicken and mushroom mix to make a good layer.
• Add the second batch of jollof rice leftovers. Make sure to cover the cheese with rice.
• Use a spoon or spatula to flatten the rice.
• Add Parmigiano cheese on top to cover the rice; this will help with some crunch.
• Place in the oven at 150°C; cook for 35 mins.
• Allow resting for 10 minutes before serving.

I have had my fair share of evangelizing, and I know it was a struggle for me. I know many people have this same struggle; it is fair to say you are not alone. In as much as this is true for many, some things can make it less challenging. 

At age 18, I joined my church's evangelism team. Looking back, I would say most of my unpreparedness came from not fully understanding what I was doing and why I was doing it. Even if my motives were not wrong, it would have helped to know in advance what I was doing and why in preparing me for the journey.

"Make sure to invite your friend and family to church next Sunday." "Make sure to come with at least one person next Sunday." These statements were what we were asked to do regularly. I remember there were times when references were made to different parts of the Bible to encourage us. But still, I didn't get it.

So when I am out there, more concentration was placed on getting people to fill the remaining 50 seats in the church. Filling the seats in the church was my only motivation, and I did it with joy. In my head, my job was to get people to church; then the pastors could do their magic.

This means if you are unfortunate to cross my part when I was out evangelizing, you would get approached and convinced to come to MY CHURCH because that's the headquarters of Jesus.

Looking back, I feel sorry for those people who said, "Hmmm, I already have a church I attend." My move was to make you see the possibility of leaving your church to come to mine, as my church was better than yours. My pastor had the best suit and the right words to make you stay. Let's not forget you were not a true Christian if you didn't come to my church, period.

I worked like this for years. I am happy I did. It was an experience and one that gave me the possibility to grow. I firmly believe it is okay to do wrong or fail than to do absolutely nothing. My wrongs and failures were a journey that led to my wins and success stories.

From my experience, I firmly believe dealing with the principal enemy of evangelism will help overcome other evangelizing challenges. The primary issue that interfered with my success in my early days of evangelism was ignorance.

Ignorance

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."- James 1:5

Not knowing what to say or handle what will be told to you, either good or bad, can make evangelizing difficult. Not knowing why you are doing what you do is another level of ignorance. Not to talk about doing it for the wrong reasons, just like I did. 

To evangelize successfully, you need to be informed and convinced about what you are marketing. 

Yes, I see evangelism as advertising Jesus. Regardless of if you agree with me or not, one thing we can't deny is that adequate information, tools, and resources are needed to represent a brand or product effectively. It is impossible to convince others to join your team when you can't efficiently persuade yourself.

So, if I was to counsel my 18-year-old self on evangelism, these are the questions I would ask:

Why have you chosen to evangelize?

What do you know about the God you announce?

Who is your target audience?

Why have you chosen to evangelize?

There is always a reason why you do what you do. Unfortunately, many are oblivious to the importance of identifying, recognizing, and owning their "why." This is an issue on its own.

Take a step back and think about it for a minute. Why are you doing this? Is it because your parents or church are forcing you? Or you just want to make new friends? Do you just like having your church filled to the brim? Or you want to be seen as someone active in the church? Perhaps, you just love God.

None of these reasons is harmful. This is not to say some people do not have hidden agendas when it comes to doing things that seem to be right in others' eyes. Now that you have identified your why, look yourself in the face to recognize if it aligns with the word of God. To further help you, at the end of this post, I have linked some useful resources.

What do you know about the God you speak about?

I watched a YouTube video one time, and the lady was ranting about an MLM program I was looking to join. One thing that stood out to me was when she said, "I don't feel comfortable convincing people to join my team if I am yet to see that this system works."

Some Christians struggle with the idea of evangelism because they can't picture themselves facing a person and starting a conversation that involves Jesus. I know because I have been there.

What would I say? What if I was asked a question I know nothing about. What if the person rejects or disgraces me? Oh, I don't know enough scriptures? We all know those things make us want to quit evangelism.

As much as all Christians or disciples of Jesus Christ are mandated to evangelize, I firmly stand by being prepared before giving it a go.  My advice also includes those who have the gift of evangelism.

I know! There Christians who have the gift of evangelizing. How cool is that? Notwithstanding, don't be on your high horse or feel you do not need to be prepared for the task. Even Jesus prepared his disciples before mandating them to go to share the gospel. 

Preparation should go towards studying, praying, and asking the right question to the right people. Over time, you will gain confidence in what you know about the God you serve, and this will, in turn, make representing him easier.

Who is your target audience?

Unlike me in the early days of my evangelism quest, one who is out to evangelize should know who the target is. Back to Matthew 28:19–20.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Target 1 - All nations
Target 2 - The unpurified

All looks and cranny should be your focus, regardless of whether you are in Africa, Europe, or  Antarctica. Our target is further narrowed to the unpurified. As seen in Matthew 28: 19-20, we were asked to purify people in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not say go to refine the already purified. 

I won't be surprised if you are like, "Hmmm, how can you differentiate the purified from the unpurified?" After all, it is not written on a person’s face. Very correct! This is why we need the leading of the Holy Spirit. You can't see them, but he can. Just let him lead.

If your ministry of evangelism does not involve going out on the street with a speaker to share the word of God, but to a one-on-one conversation with people about God you target, your target should be God's target. Just watch, pray, and listen.  There is always that soul that needs redemption and is ready for a change.

You have no business with those who are not ready to receive what you are giving to them. The only way you can identify the ready soul is when God tells you.

A short prayer like the one at the end of this post can help you make the most of your time to the glory of God's name.

With the right knowledge in place, tackling other challenges that come with evangelism becomes easier.

Lord Jesus, I thank you for another opportunity to announce and celebrate you to the world. I ask you to teach me, direct me, and speak through me, to the right person, at the right place. Holy Spirit, take the wheel and drive me as you will. Thank you, Jesus, thank you, Lord.

Articles On Evangelism

Should all believers take part in evangelism?

New beginning

Seven reasons why evangelism should be a priority of your church

Prayer for wisdom

What does the bible say about evangelism?

Prayer for the grace to make better decisions (2 Corinthians 6:14)

There are tons of reasons you should consider blogging. It is no news that people get money, a career, flexibility, and opportunities for just being a blogger. Bloggers get countless opportunities if they make the right moves. 

That said, now and then, we hear that blogging is dead. I can't confirm this to be true because I am yet to see an obituary, and I have not gone to its funeral. Jokes aside, blogging remains relevant to the point where many are still searching for ways to be part of it.

Nobody speaks on how blogging helps you develop yourself intellectually and contributes to a person's well-being.

Blogging has helped mold me to be who I am 4 years after starting. As a housewife who once had a career or is used to working, blogging has helped me fill that void. 

It has exposed me to different people around the world, even if I am an introvert. And for some weird reason, it fulfills me. And I will share with you how, together with other perks that come with blogging.

Here are the reasons you should consider blogging:

IT GIVES YOU EXPOSURE

Blogging is a lucrative act and art to be a part of; it bestows its creators the ability to speak to billions of people worldwide. Just by moving your fingers. 

Not very different from standing in the presence of billions of people to give a speech. The catch is that you don't have to deal with stage fright, anxiety, or an inferiority complex. And if you have to face people, it will no longer be as exhausting as zero exposure.

You get access to countless people from across the world. This makes sharing your story, experience, and training very easy.

JOB FLEXIBILITY

Blogging allows you to work from the comfort of your home. Blogging is an excellent alternative to the typical nine-to-five work schedule.

As much as I will not encourage you to quit your day job because you have decided to start telecommuting, blogging gives you a better balance between work and life. 

Meaning, you are your boss. You can spend time with your family and friends. Take out time for yourself and plan your work schedules as you desire. I guess this is everyone's dream job.

FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

One important reason you should consider blogging is that it can gain you the financial independence you desire.

Consistent and hard-working bloggers have been able to build their careers and empires through blogging. It has contributed to sustaining people and has helped them live their best life.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE BLOGOSPHERE  

Google is super happy with bloggers, and our innovativeness is appreciated. Let's leave it as we make their market boom. 

The beauty of this is you are adding value to the blogging industry. Ultimately, blogging brings a smile to you, Google, and those for whom you provide a solution.

YOU GET A SENSE OF FULFILMENT

It is exciting and fulfilling when my blog visitors commend my work. It makes me feel special. It makes me check and recheck everything I put out. Above all, knowing I am adding value to someone somewhere makes me feel at the top of my game.

Blogging has improved my confidence, and I wouldn't trade this for anything except Jesus.

I have touched lives, blessed many, and been a source of inspiration for many. 

YOU BECOME A STAR

Have you ever thought of being a star? This is another reason you should consider blogging. Blogging gives you a platform to share yourself with the world. In return, people, brands, and companies could consider working with you. 

Working with brands could get you free items, sponsorships, monetary rewards, among others. You could appear on media or get partnership opportunities. Just put in the work and build your authority in your niche.

Checking my email and finding collaboration requests is everything! I know I would reject some offers and say no to some suggestions, but having them contact me makes me feel like I am doing the right thing, and I am being noticed.

To sum up, blogging can open diverse doors of opportunity for you.

CONNECTING WITH NEW PEOPLE

Blogging has helped me dynamically connect with readers. It gives room for meaningful feedback, which is very important. Frankly, it makes the whole process fun.

Today I have friends from all walks of life. We have never met, but I feel connected, loved, and respected by these people. 

I have gotten gifts and have had chats that have contributed significantly to how I see and perceive people. As one who likes to keep to myself, this has helped me a lot.

IT CHALLENGES YOU

If for nothing at all, a huge reason you should consider blogging is it challenges you to be the best you can.

Blogging puts you in a position where you are always looking for the best way to improve yourself. 

For instance, I have discovered that my writing style has evolved. Looking back at my old posts makes me question my serenity and my ability to write. I have grown so much over time.

Also, my desire for committee tasks has increased. My communication skills have also evolved for the best.

Strangely, I am now addicted to writing, and I consider that a good thing. I prefer to be addicted to an act that secures my bag than a habit that could ruin me.

In summary, blogging can be a creative outlet.

BLOGGING IS NOTHING CONVOLUTED

Blogging has a more flexible mechanism. Writing a blog has its own rules, but it is not as complicated.

This is to say, you can freestyle via your blog. You can choose to go professional, informal, or conversational; pick what works for you.

With tools and resources all over the internet, you can start your blog with the two shakes of a dog's tail. You can also check below for articles that can help you create your blogging quest.

Start from where you are. As you progress, you must consider growing and improving yourself.

YOU CAN LEVERAGE YOUR THIS OPPORTUNITY

Another top reason you should consider blogging is to leverage your love for blogging into other arts. 

Thanks to blogging, I have written five books and published two. I have gotten the opportunity to feature amazing people in the business. I have sold my services to those who are interested.

Because of the brand and voice, I have created through my blog, people are most likely to do business with me instead of working with zero presence online. Except, of course, they can get the needs done by someone offline.

TIPS ON HOW TO START A BLOG

Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign is a book I was eager to read. I have not had the best experiences with science fiction novels; however, I got drawn to this book because it has good ratings. I found this book to be paranormal, romantic, and mysterious. Most young adults are likely to appreciate this book, but I can't say the same for me.

The story is about 16-year-old Adam Caspian. He has everything an average child needs to survive; however, he cannot seem to fit into the society he finds himself in. His only comfort is his mother; strangely, he is sexually attracted to her. Adam has some demons in him, and this darkness is about to eat him when he meets a girl his age who changes his world.

This story was good; however, I found some things confusing.

Some of the things I love about this book include the creative imagination of the writer. The story was rich, and I could tell that the author researched well. The characters were well developed, and I love the way Adam's character evolved. This material was flawless.

As one who has little to no history with science fiction books, this material has me considering reading more science fiction novels. Not all science fiction novels are bad, after all.

The author did well to share the story behind this creation. I found this fact exciting, and it made me eager to read this material.

Unfortunately, I got confused at the beginning. This book came with different emotions, which I was not expecting. The description said it was a science fiction novel. I expected the story to be along that line. 

In the beginning, I got some paranormal vibes. While trying to get my head around it, the story went all lovey-dovey, and finally, we got into the science fiction part.

 I think there could have been a better way of arranging this book. I am in no position to tell an author how to tell their story; nevertheless, I think a reader is likely to be put off because the science fiction aspect started at about 60% into the book. 

This fact made the book's start very slow, and Adam’s attitude made it difficult to like him and harder to learn his story.

There were lots of ups and downs that got me exhausted. It started at a slow pace; at 40%, the pace picked up, at 50%, it came back down, and after 60%, it became medium-paced, which transitioned once more into a fast-paced. Whew!

Carly is a sweet and likable character, but one decision she made changed everything for me. This event made the whole book unrealistic. Carly is ready to go to war because her father got kidnapped, yet she is quick to wave Adams's secrets, one of which got an innocent girl killed. This story must be a joke!

I like this story, and I would not mind reading the next book.

Jollof rice is a popular dish in West Africa. It is loved and enjoyed by both young and old, in families and parties, with friends and frenemies. 

From my research, not only West Africans enjoy the goodness of jollof rice. Over the years, Africans have introduced this delicacy to non-Africans. I am yet to see one who has frowned at this dish.

I have a well-traveled Singaporean friend who continually sings the praises of jollof rice. 

Even my Italian husband confessed jollof rice is one of the African dishes he can eat for a week straight without getting tired.

A standard Nigerian jollof rice a made with long-grain rice, a spiced stew made out of  tatase (bell pepper), ata rodo (Scotch bonnet), tomato, onion, chilly, garlic, and ginger, chicken or beef broth,  and seasoning with curry and dried thyme. 

In Nigeria, jollof rice is served with fried or baked beef or chicken, dodo (fried plantains), and coleslaw. Depending on your eating pattern, this might be too much. So you might need to cut down on some of the things served with jollof rice.

Are you interested in trying out jollof rice? Or are you interested in surprising someone with your yummy jollof rice dish?

To make the perfect jollof rice, you need to have the ideal jollof rice sauce, chicken or beef broth, and long-grain rice.

NOTE

This recipe is based on long-grain rice, not thin long-grain rice, like basmati rice or scented rice.

This recipe is perfect for three people.

Rice must be adequately rinsed to get out excess starch.

You can replace the broth with water. Just add all the spices and herbs in the stew instead of meat broth.

Make sure not to burn your onion when stir-frying. If it happens, please discard the onion and start new.

 Don't worry that there isn’t much liquid and the rice is not cooked at the final stage. At a low temperature, and foil seal to seal the pot will help cook the rice by steaming.

INGREDIENTS NEED FOR MAKING JOLLOF RICE

300 grams of long-grain rice

3 medium-sized fresh plum tomatoes

1 large red bell peppers

1/2 medium-sized red onions

1/2 Scotch bonnets

1 tablespoon tomato concentrate

2 tablespoons oil (vegetable/canola/coconut, olive oil not (extra virgin olive oil)

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 small-sized fresh or dried bay leaf

1 cups broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef) or only water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon unsalted butter, optional

PROCEDURE FOR MAKING JOLLOF RICE

• Chicken or meat broth: In a pot, place your meat or chicken, add garlic and ginger paste, curry and thyme, salt, one stock cube (optional), and enough water to cover the meat. Place on the stove and allow to cook till the liquid is half the quantity initially added.
• Once it is ready to separate the broth from the meat, give your meat a deep-fry or place on a baking tray, add 1 tablespoon of oil, then bake till evenly brown. 
• Jollof rice sauce: In a pot, combine tomatoes, red bell peppers, 1/2 chopped onions, and Scotch bonnets. Add enough water to cover the vegetables. Cook till the liquid evaporates. Please make sure not to burn them. If you have a heat-resistant blender, go ahead and blend the vegetables till they become smooth. If not, wait till the vegetables are cold before blending. Measure out 300 grams of sauce.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the pot you will use to cook your jollof rice. If you have fried your meat, take out 2 tablespoons from the oil used in frying the meat. It will help with more flavour. 
• Add sliced onions, stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the bay leaves, stir-fry for 2 minutes on medium heat. Then add the tomato paste or tomato concentrate, stir for another 2 minutes. Add the jollof rice sauce and stir fry for extra 7 minutes on medium heat. 
• Add 250 grams of your properly rinsed long-grain rice into the stew. Mix thoroughly before adding your chicken or meat broth. If you don't have enough broth to cover the rice, add some water, then cook on medium heat with the lid on. Make sure to keep an eye on your jollof rice. 
• Once the liquid is reduced in quantity, reduce your stove to the lowest setting. First, cover the pot with foil/baking or parchment paper, then put a lid on the pot. Cook on low heat for 15 minutes before lifting the lid.
• Stir, taste, and add salt if required.
• Finally, take off the heat and add butter.  Stir till the butter fully melts.
• Leave the lid on to "rest" for around 20 minutes before serving.

Jollof Rice Recipes