Tech: Apple Reportedly Pulled Down 58,000 Apps From China App Store, Includes 33% Cloned Gaming Apps

Apple has been on its App Store clean up act since October last year, where it suddenly pulled down 50,000 apps at the time. This time the focus is on China as Apple has reportedly pulled down an even bigger chunk of apps, totalling 58,000, from its Chinese App Store.


While Apple seems to be on a spree against developers, the Cupertino giant is basically taking down clone and unsupported apps from its App Store as part of a much-awaited hygiene process.

According to People.cn, Apple pulled down 58,000 apps in just two weeks. While the move appears to be one related to hygiene, Chinese app developers claim otherwise.

33.5 percent of the apps removed were games. This isn’t surprising, given the high number of clone apps or template apps on the App Store. These would be apps that were be apps built using set templates.

On 15 June this year, Apple pulled down 22,000 apps from its crowded Chinese App Store. While users will be more than happy to see fewer sub-par apps show up in their search results, it’s the developers in China who are unhappy at the moment. They see the move as a counterattack by Apple on Tencent, where Apple came under fire for taking 30 percent of donations from Chinese social network apps, including WeChat, which is owned by Tencent. ASO 100, a Chinese data analytics company dismissed those claims that Apple did not take down any of these apps, nor targeted them in particular during the last purge. The company said that it was routine for Apple to do the same.

The need for the removal of apps from the App Store came from the fact that there are thousands of clone apps, abandoned apps and even problematic ones that make their way into search results, reducing the overall quality of apps available. An earlier report by TechCrunch, revealed renewed guidelines with a focus on abandoned apps that have not been updated for years. There are some apps that have never been downloaded in years. Adding to this, a number of apps will soon be taken down due to the lack of 64-bit support, those that have been ignored by developers for years. The lack of 64-bit support is indeed a big deal for Apple as the company’s OS 11 mobile software will see an App Store devoid of 32-bit apps. Apple has been sending out subtle warnings in the past coaxing developers to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit instruction sets to avoid being taken down in the near future.

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"These are What I Would Focus On In The Next 2 Years" - Ambode

Governor Ambode of Lagos state is Working no doubt because Lagos state stands out better than some states where the governors are Noise makers.

Ambode,Whilst addressing reporters on Monday has said his administration will focus on the state’s power, environment and transportation sectors in the next two years.

According to him, the sectors were crucial to driving social infrastructure in the state.

According to dailypost “There is nothing we can do in the next two years that is ever going to be enough. There are three things I want people to watch out for in the next 12 to 18 months, the issue of power, environment and the sanitation as well as transportation.

“I believe those three sectors are the key sectors that can drive every other social infrastructure that we will be dealing with in Lagos.”

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Check Out These 5 Surprising Importance Of Playing Chess Game

The game of chess is often described as problem solving at its finest. It’s a game that requires strategic thinking, creativity, determination and even the ability to properly analyze body language. It’s a game that exercises the mind and is highly beneficial to mental and intellectual development.


Here are some 5 surprising importance of playing chess game.

1). Exercises Both Sides of the Brain
Studies have shown that playing chess involves the use of the brain’s left hemisphere (which deals with object recognition) and the brain’s right hemisphere (which deals with pattern recognition). Mainly because of the rules and techniques of the chess game, you end up effectively exercising and developing both sides of your brain over time.

2). Improves Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
Especially in children, learning and playing chess helps to significantly improve thinking, problem-solving and reading skills. The game’s complexity and the fact that problem-solving is foundational for tackling this complexity and winning the game, eventually helps to improve and develop the brain’s capacity and capability for thinking and problem solving overtime.

3). Improves the Brain’s Performance
Learning and playing a game like chess actually helps to stimulate the growth of dendrites (an extension of a nerve cell that conducts signals from the neuron cells in your brain to the neuron they are attached to).

The growth of these dendrites in turn helps increase the speed and improves the quality of neural communications throughout the brain. This increased processing power ultimately improves the brain’s performance.

4). It Helps Creativity
Mainly because playing chess exercises the right side of brain, it helps to enhance creativity and originality. The game greatly enhances creative abilities as it makes the player consider, analyze and prioritize a wide variety of possibilities.

Playing chess contributes significantly to growth and development in creative thinking.

5). It Improves Memory
The rules of the game that have to be remembered, alongside the memory recall needed to avoid mistakes and remember the specific opponent’s playing style, contribute to the memory improvement and optimization that playing chess offers. Playing chess largely helps to enhance memory performance and recall.

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Sport: Bale Faces Critical Summer as Real Madrid Explore Choice

The summer transfer market formally opens for business July 1 and the pieces are in place for a domino effect of moves that would alter the landscape of European football. The future of Monaco's Kylian Mbappe appears to be the starting tile that will determine where and when the rest of the set will fall, but it may be time for Madrid to review the slamming of one of their prized assets on the line.


Rumours surrounding Gareth Bale's Bernabeu career are a constant and several of Europe's top clubs are regularly credited with an interest in the Wales international.

However, that interest carries a sell-by date and last season was not the greatest advertisement for Bale's longevity as he approaches his 28th birthday. Injuries restricted Bale to fewer than 2,000 minutes over 27 appearances in 2016-17 and he chipped in just nine goals and three assists -- fewer than Marco Asensio, James Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata, all of whom were used more sparingly by Zinedine Zidane. Bale's nadir came in April's Clasico when, not for the first time since he arrived in Madrid, he rushed back from injury only to limp off 39 minutes into the game, having aggravated a calf muscle problem that would rule him out for the rest of the season.

That particular injury has flared up on several occasions during his time at Real Madrid and contributed to his unavailability for roughly 80 fixtures in four seasons at the Bernabeu, although that total was exacerbated by a serious ankle injury that ruled him out for 17 games last campaign.

Still, the niggling feeling persists that Bale's muscle injuries are verging on chronic and given his reliance on explosive speed, it's unlikely to improve without an adjustment in his playing style.

In view of Isco's scintillating late-season form once Zidane shifted him into a more central role, and the Real manager's willingness to operate with either a single striker or two up front in the latter stages of the campaign (particularly in the Champions League), question marks over Bale's long-term viability as an automatic starter are uncomfortable but necessary.

Florentino Perez made a huge investment in Bale in 2013 with a long-term succession for Cristiano Ronaldo in the forefront of his mind. An instant impact was guaranteed in such a game-turning individual but suspicions still linger over his team ethic; the Bernabeu crowd is always quick to jeer every shot into the side netting when a colleague is free in a better position.

That is hardly a singular reaction from Real's home crowd, mind you. Similarly, another player who has laboured under their merciless glare is reportedly considering his future though the likelihood of Cristiano Ronaldo jumping ship recedes over the horizon with every passing day.

Perez may have earmarked Bale as Ronaldo's heir but the Real president has since unearthed Marco Asensio, who has perhaps already usurped the Welshman in that regard. This summer's transfer market could prove to be record-breaking, as several clubs are intent on strengthening their hands ahead of next season.

The Premier League will lead the way and both Manchester clubs have the means to set the wheels of a billion-euro merry-go-round in motion. Jose Mourinho is in the market for at least one marquee forward, possibly two, and Pep Guardiola has been getting some tidy business out of the way early.

Liverpool and Arsenal are positioning themselves to be involved in any negotiations for Mbappe -- even if economics will ultimately leave them in the wake of their domestic rivals -- while PSG are keen to flex their financial muscle.


Even if Mbappe remains in Monaco, Dortmund have intimated they will entertain offers for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (for a set fee) while Romelu Lukaku, Robert Lewandowski, Paulo Dybala and Eden Hazard are all accessible targets for the biggest spenders; the latter's ankle injury is unlikely to put off any serious suitors.

That leaves Real with a decision to make on Bale. As things stand the Welshman remains an attractive target for a club wishing to make a statement signing. Manchester United and PSG will head the queue if Perez decides to cash in, but the Real president will not have infinite opportunities to recoup the bulk of a then-world-record €101 million fee he splashed out four years ago

Another season beset by injuries or a slide down the pecking order at the Bernabeu, which is a more considerable possibility now than it was 12 months ago, and Bale's value could seriously plummet. Real are likely to pursue Mbappe if Monaco indicate they are willing to listen to offers and the 18-year-old's arrival would further undermine Bale's status at the club.

 Even if that potential move is put off for another year, Perez is unlikely to ignore any indication that doing the same in Bale's case could really hit the club in the wallet.

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Some Easy Ways To Discover Your Talent

Talent is natural aptitude or skill. This is the simple and precise result you will get when you Google talent. It is something that you can do effortlessly. While some people have discovered their talent at an early age, others are still struggling to find what they are good at. Even though it is important to uncover your talent from the onset, it is never too late.


Here are some ways to discover your talent and brings it up to the world.

1). Meditate
You have to take time out to meditate and open your mind to all paths. This is because talent comes in usual and unusual forms. Hence, you are likely to be blind to what some of your talents really are. A nice place to start when evaluating your talents is to meditate.

 2). Listen to others
Your friends or family members are usually aware of your talents even if you don’t. They must have told and complimented you about what you are great at. Try to listen to them more.

3). What do you find easy
There are things that you do with little or no stress that others find very difficult. That is probably your talent. You should grab it with both hands and try to hone it.

4). What you enjoy most
Your talents may be displaying itself in other ways. It may come in the form of what you love or enjoy doing especially during your free time. If you are attracted to it, it is your natural talent. You just need to be self-conscious.

5). Analyse times you were successful
Look back on your life and analyse the times you were successful. Sometimes what you are successful at can actually be your talent.

6). Subjects you are passionate about
Like earlier stated, talent comes in various form. So, ask yourself, is there a specific subject that you love to talk about to the extent that your friends tell you to shut up or keep quiet? Consider that subject, perhaps it may be one of your hidden talents.

7). Just ask your friends
Do not be ashamed to ask your close friends you know that will give you an honest answer about what they think your talents are. There is no need for them to talk about your flaws. Allow them to share the few things that they think you are good at.

8). Know what you spend your money on
Your values are connected with what you spend your money and time on. Look closer at what this can tell you about yourself. Remember, it must be something good and positive.

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Nigerian Notorious Kidnapper, Evans Is Also 'Asare Nelson' In Ghana

The kidnapper was on his way to Canada when he was Arrested! A breakthrough by detectives has brought a fresh twist to the unfurling saga of captured Nigeria’s billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans.


Recent discoveries indicated the infamous kidnapper is as much connected to Ghana as he is to Nigeria in his nefarious activities, throwing up a shocking portrait of a transnational criminal. Latest findings of investigations into the robbery/kidnap kingpin’s crime-ridden life suggest that Evans and his entire family hold dual citizenship of both Nigeria and Ghana, which he made his second home and to which, he normally escaped to hide from the arms of the law, whenever the heat was turned on after his many dare-devil operations.

 Searchlight on the crime baron by detectives unearthed four Ghanaian passports belonging to him, his wife and two of their children.

Sleuths waddling through documents found during a search that the man identified by a Nigerian passport (No.A0500083) as Onwuamadike Chukwudumeme Somto, 37, is the same person as Asare Nelson, 39, according to Ghanaian passport (No.G0456327). His wife, known as Uchenna Precious Onwuamadike to Nigerians, is Precious Asare by her Ghanaian passport.

The Accra Passport Office of Ghana Immigration Service issued the couple’s Ghanaian passports and those of their two children, Sussan and Emmanuel Asare.

How they acquired Ghana passports The big question is: How did the family procure the foreign passports? Saturday Sun learnt that although the issuance of Ghanaian passport is also porous and susceptible to corruption and touting like Nigeria’s, the strict enforcement of criminal justice system in the West African country discourages many Ghanaians and Immigration officials from indulging in the practice.

This, however, does not stop some from taking the risk. On a typical day, the passport office located at Ridge, a stone throw from Ghana Parliament and near Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), is a beehive, brimming with passport applicants and others wishing to have the traveling documents renewed or reissued.

Mingling with this crowd, of course, are also touts. The newspaper gathered that a regular Ghanaian passport officially costs GHc50, while those who wish to expedite the process pay GHc100.

But, there are under dealings, which make it easy for a non-Ghanaian to obtain one, as long as he is prepared to pay the exorbitant unofficial fee, a source told Saturday Sun. Said he: “You pay Goro boys GHc1000 and you get it in a week.” Goro boys refer to the swarm of touts who hang outside the passport office.

 The source explains that ordinarily: “You have to go to the passport office for your biometrics, because your picture has to be captured via camera, not scanned passport.

But there is nothing to fear, as the go-between would have greased the palms of those in charge.” Evans probably acquired the passport for himself and his family this dubious way.

Paying GHc1000 (about N85, 000 by the current exchange rate) per passport would be no big deal for a man like the notorious criminal, who rakes in $1m from a single kidnap operation.

 The smart crook that he is, Evans, in choosing nomenclatures avoided the generic day names––such as Kofi, Kojo, Kwabena Kwesi or Kwame, which are common to some nationals of Cote D’Ivoire and Togo and could deny the family the much prized Caanadian visa that he sought.

Instead, he opted for Asare, an Akan name common to Southwestern part of Ghana, which, therefore, could raise no suspicion as to the genuineness of his family’s Ghanaian roots. With the name he could pass for an Ashanti, Akyem or a Fante.

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Prayer Of The Day!

Amen!

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5 Ways To Know A Evil and Wicked Person

As Christian counselors, pastors and people helpers we often have a hard time discerning between an evil heart and an ordinary sinner who messes up, who isn’t perfect, and full of weakness and sin.


I think one of the reasons we don’t “see” evil is because we find it so difficult to believe that evil individuals actually exist. We can’t imagine someone deceiving us with no conscience, hurting others with no remorse, spinning outrageous fabrications to ruin someone’s reputation, or pretending he or she is spiritually committed yet has no fear of God before his or her eyes.

The Bible clearly tells us that among God’s people there are wolves that wear sheep’s clothing (Jeremiah 23:14; Titus 1:10; Revelations 2:2).

 It’s true that every human heart is inclined toward sin (Romans 3:23), and that includes evil (Genesis 8:21; James 1:4).

We all miss God’ mark of moral perfection. However, most ordinary sinners do not happily indulge evil urges, nor do we feel good about having them. We feel ashamed and guilty, rightly so (Romans 7:19–21).

These things are not true of the evil heart. Here are 5 Things with an evil heart rather than an ordinary sinful heart and how to differently treat them

  1). Evil hearts are experts at creating confusion and contention.
They twist the facts, mislead, lie, avoid taking responsibility, deny reality, make up stories, and withhold information. (Psalms 5:8; 10:7).

2). Evil hearts are experts at fooling others.
But if you look at the fruit of their lives or the follow through of their words, you will find no real evidence of godly growth or change. It’s all smoke and mirrors. (Psalms 50:19; 52:2,3).

  3). Evil hearts crave and demand control.
They reject feedback, real accountability, and make up their own rules to live by. They use Scripture to their own advantage but ignore and reject passages that might require self-correction and repentance. (Romans 2:8; Psalms 10).

4). Evil hearts play on the sympathies of good-willed people.
 They demand mercy but give none themselves. They demand warmth, forgiveness, and intimacy from those they have harmed with no empathy for the pain they have caused and no real intention of making amends or working hard to rebuild broken trust. (Proverbs 21:10; 1 Peter 2:16; Jude 1:4).

5). Evil hearts have no conscience, no remorse.
They do not struggle against sin or evil—they delight in it—all the while masquerading as someone of noble character. (Proverbs 2:14–15; 10:23). If you are relating with anyone exhibiting these traits, be very careful. They try to pretend like Their actions have no serious consequences.

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[MUSIC] Sweetkiz - Tatie {Prod. by Mr.Mezz}

LESTAT recording artist, Sweetkiz whose growth has depended less on hype, but mostly on his God given talent and ability to deliver HIT Songs, Now presents his New track, Titled Tatie, Produced By Mr. Mezz, which is now available on Teelamford.com

Download and enjoy!

Click here to DOWNLOAD

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Consequences of Too Much Sugar In Woman

A nutritionist, Michele Chevalley Hedge, has warned that uncontrolled sugar consumption can lead to a series of complicated health problems that can culminate in infertility among women.


She says one of the diagnosis that women struggling to get pregnant could receive is that they have Polycystic ovarian syndrome.

She warns that in a lot of cases, affected women struggle to fall pregnant without knowing the cause, and are usually later given an upsetting PCOS diagnosis by their doctors.

She said this condition is present in up to 21 per cent of women diagnosed in her clinic, while about 70 per cent of women with the condition remain undiagnosed in the general population.

“The condition (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) can present a number of symptoms — from reduced fertility or absent ovulation to mood changes, obesity and/or acne.

“And despite it being increasingly common, doctors are still unsure of the exact cause,” she notes.

She adds that while there are some cases with unknown causes, some are thought to be linked to sugar consumption.

“I’ll tell you what’s happening and what we see often in our clinical practices. Women between the ages 27 and maybe 37… and these women can often be slim women.

“They might be slender and they may have been able to get away with eating lots of junk food and hidden sugars.

“They’re not thinking about their hormones; all they’re thinking about is contraception.

“And then, all of a sudden, they start to think about coming off it and thinking about having a baby.”

Michele says that in a lot of cases, these women struggle to fall pregnant and are later given an upsetting PCOS diagnosis from their doctors.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome can, however, be corrected just through the use of food, she says.

“Sugar is a culprit in many disease processes and conditions, we know that. It’s not the natural sugars, it’s the hidden sugars in some so-called healthy foods.”

The nutritionist also reveals that the blood work done on many women with PCOS also shows abnormal blood glucose which, she also says, can be corrected.

She warns, however, “I’m not saying every woman with PCOS can be cured from food, but what I am saying is people need to be investigating;” adding that she believes at least half of cases could stem from too much sugar and be eased through a diet change.

“Lifestyle changes — such as eating a healthy, balanced diet and introducing regular physical activity into your weekly routine — can have a positive effect on your health in so many ways.

“For women who have PCOS, a healthy lifestyle can lead to an improvement in symptoms, particularly if your new lifestyle helps you to lose weight,” the specialist counsels.

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See New Stunning Photos of Popular Actress, Anita Joseph

Anita Joseph is wearing a new look and she released these photos yesterday.

Seriously, the actress is cute..

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Prayer of The Day!

Amen..

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Check Out The 5 Reasons Why Self Talking Is Not a Significant of Madness

It has long been described as a sign of madness, before scientists found that it was far from it. Talking to yourself or self-talk is an action that not only helps you materialize your thoughts, but also helps you make better sense of things.


Here are 5 reasons why talking to yourself is anything to be call craziness.

1). It Speeds Up Your Brain
Talking to yourself can actually help you complete tasks faster and helps improve your accuracy and performance. Repeating to yourself what you need to find or accomplish helps spark your memory and speeds up the rate at which your brain works in helping to accomplish the task. Talking to yourself also helps improve your self-control, reduces impulsive behavior and even helps improve your decision making.

2). It Helps You Organize Your Thoughts
When you’re confused or when it seems like your thoughts are running rampant through your mind, talking to yourself help you organize these wild and confusing thoughts. Conversing with yourself, especially when there’s no one around to really talk to, help you get a grip and clarify your thoughts enough to tend to what’s important and make decisions on whatever you’re contemplating.

3). It Helps To Improve Focus and Behaviour
Talking yourself through tasks helps improve your focus and helps you to better adjust your behavior to suit the work at hand. Verbally announcing each step of a task to yourself can actually help you perform much better at it because of improved focus, and it also makes it easier for you to set goals for yourself. So, next time you need to carry out a tasking, tricky or confusing project, try giving yourself verbal directions (in other words, try talking yourself through it). You’ll notice that your spoken statements actually help you determine what your next move should be, and what behavior you will need to complete the project.

4). It Helps You Feel Less Anxious
Giving yourself a quick talk out loud when you need to calm your nerves helps relax you, makes you less anxious and actually increases your chances of performing better. Talking or conversing with yourself before a stressful event can help you relax. Using second person phrases or pronouns during your ‘self-talk’ does a lot in helping you build confidence; this is because talking to yourself with second person pronouns helps create a psychological distance from the event, which allows you manage your nervous and anxious emotions much better.

5). It Can Improve Your Success Rate
Encouraging yourself out loud increases your chances of succeeding. Speaking positive and encouraging words to yourself especially when working to complete a task or achieve a goal, increases your chances of overall success in the task. Of course, this does not take the place of actual knowledge, hard work and effort, but it does make your odds of success a tad better. In addition, encouraging yourself is not enough; you have to take note of the pronouns you use to encourage yourself. Studies show that encouraging yourself with second person pronouns actually has greater benefit than first-person pronouns. Second person pronouns reminds you of not only of yourselves but of those who believed or believe in you, and this in turn gives you an ego boost as well motivates you and grows your confidence to keep pushing.

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Some Senseless Things Most Nigerians Do After An Accident Occur

Having an accident, fatal or not, is not something that anyone wants to encounter. Regardless, when it happens, you have to look for ways to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. This said, you expect some sane and normal actions taken by the people at the accident spot. However, for some Nigerians, it is different.


They completely do the opposite of what you expect and it can be very annoying.

Here are some of the seriously annoying and senseless things some Nigerians do after an accident.

1). They leave their car on the road
When you bashed another person's car, you find them arguing and exchanging angry words right in the middle of the road. They do not really care if their actions result in a long traffic or notorious queue. Why can't both of you get off the road and find a solution? In other cases, when a car has an accident, you still find it at that same spot for weeks.

2). Crowd the scene as if they are watching a movie
Imagine an accident scene and people simply gather round shouting, some crying, while others just watch what is happening like a movie. They will not allow the emergency services to work and in some circumstances, the police have to shoot in the air to disperse the crowd.

3). As an opportunity for some to "steal"
In a crowd, you find the good, the bad and the ugly. The mission of certain people is just to steal. They steal phones, wallets, and other valuables. They do not even care if it is the properties of the person involved in the accident. Unfortunate!

4). They started taking pictures
The technology age is here. The urge to take selfies and pictures have made some people become uncaring and unconcerned about others. At an accident scene, you find people taking pictures to post on social media just to get likes and comments. Meanwhile, an individual is lying there in a pool of blood.

5). They refuse to help the victims
This is probably the worse of all. You just wring in pain when you see people around you but they refuse to ferry you to the hospital or offer first aid. Sometimes, it is not their fault because the police may just come around and accuse you of something you do not know anything about. Nigerians prefer to wait until the emergency services and police arrive. But at that short time, a precious life may be lost. Let us lend a helping hand.

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Check Out This 5 Things Most Couples Get Wrong About Money And Possible Solution's To It

“Want to head to the mall with me?” my friend asked one Friday evening.

“Actually, I do need stuff for the kids,” I said. “Great sales are going on.”

I hopped in her car and she began, “I’m so mad at Jim. I’m actually furious. Ignoring my point of view, with most of our credit cards maxed out, he put a down payment on a boat. He knows how I feel about that. But he did what he wanted.”


My friend’s money disagreements were as familiar to me as our shopping trips. Gene and I had the same misalignments of our priorities. I was the saver and he the spender. And we, too, had the same arguments.

“So,” my friend continued, “I think I’ll show him that I can also spend money. In fact, I will get that ring I’ve been wanting for a long time. If he can do what he wants, so can I.”

Should a financial counselor have been riding in the back seat, no doubt, he would have given his professional assessment. And the truth about relationships and money would have been echoing loudly.

So often, as experts agree, money is often misused, abused and used to accuse. In the case of my friend, the boat and the ring were weapons to be used against each other.

Gene and I had to work hard to overcome that struggle and set up a budget. But sadly, my friend’s marriage ended in divorce before the last payment on the boat was made.

Unchecked differences in handling money that lead to discord are Satan’s effective weapons. They cause emotional separation from the one to whom we said “I do.”

But what we do instead is bring our relationship in the red when we do these five things:

1). Being Convinced Money Means Security
That was me. I had come from Bolivia. And with scarcity of every aspect, money to buy food had been a priority. Therefore, making sure we had a nice savings cushion was vital for me. And when Gene wanted to invest our savings in a business venture, I cringed at the risk. I resisted and he felt stifled by my lack of vision.

Fights and more fights dampened our romance. He was unhappy because I put a stop to his seemingly sound financial decisions. And I felt dismissed because he didn’t heed my warnings.

Solution:
I changed. My eyes had to be focused on God as my true provider and source of my security. And I began seeking His wisdom to guide Gene’s financial decisions. I trusted more in God to shield us as we remained true to our tithing commitment.

2). Choosing to Have Separate Accounts
Today more than ever, assertions of our own individuality are encouraged and keeping his and hers accounts is a popular concept. But does this separation truly reflect the union God instructs in marriage?

Popular author and radio host, Dave Ramsey writes, “Marriage is a partnership. The preacher said, ‘and now you are one.’ Both parties need to be involved in the finances. Separating the money and splitting the bills is a bad idea.”

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

Solution:
Realize that it’s illogical to be one flesh, one heart, and one in goals, but two in finances.

3). Using Money as a Symbol of Status, Prestige, or Success
Wayne and Mary* had returned from a counselor session. Their problem that had separated them for over a year had surged because of Wayne’s drive to create a specific status.

The relentless climb to the top of his company had blinded him from seeing how he had neglected his family. His frequent business trips and long hours in the office created distance between he and Mary. The more she expressed the need to have him home and be part of the children’s lives, the more he resisted.

His goal was to become a successful executive and thus, be a better provider for the family. And for the children, he would set an example of hard work needed to succeed.

Solution:
They both came to a point of reconciliation when God became their focus. They made Him the Lord of their lives. Wayne recognized his mistaken values and goals. Mary realized the demands she made upon him without first seeking God’s intervention.

4). Avoiding Discussing the Topic
No spouse enjoys tension, fights, or disagreements. And to stay away from the unpleasant encounters, couples have chosen to ignore the elephant in the room. Often it’s so big others notice it, but they choose to overlook it. Couples who avoid confrontation often end up with resentment stored inside until it leads to financial ruin or emotional disaster.

Solution:
The Bible says in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

Many times, in order to “make” peace, issues need to be aired out, details analyzed, emotions and feelings shared. Peace cannot reign when emotions of resentment, worry, and fear rumble inside. Peace brushes a relationship when open communication, kind understanding, and committed obedience to God’s ways rule in a marriage.

5). Placing Blame
How good it feels to put the blame on the other spouse because in a distorted sort of way, it gives us a way out. Blaming the other sets us free to say, “It’s not me; it’s you who’s the problem.” And in doing so, the real “us” is revealed.

“How couples handle money says a lot about how they see themselves,” says Joan Atwood, a New York marriage and family therapist and professor of counseling and mental health professions at Hofstra University.

Blaming our spouse speaks of our own anxiety and inability to be open to a reasonable solution.

And to make it worse, “…opposites often attract. Spenders attract hoarders, and worriers attract avoiders,” Dr. Atwood said.

“Even in relationships where styles are similar, one partner may push the other into change. Spenders will fight to be the super-spender, thus forcing the other to become more of a hoarder in order to set a boundary,” she said.

Then blame fuels the flame that turns into the fire of resentment.

Solution:
No one but God can change a person. And He begins that change when we choose to apply love, the genuine love outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.”

- In our 40 years of marriage, at one time or another, Gene and I have fallen in each of these five traps. But when investing in our relationship, we bought stock in God’s Word. We receive dividends of His provision. We consistently deposit our tithes. And each month, we count on a large balance of God’s grace to carry us.

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