Monday, March 5, 2018

Women of the Word - Ngina Otiende

I became familiar with Ngina (pronounced Ngay-na) through a popular marriage blogger. Ngina is a marriage blogger and author with a niche geared to newlyweds for whom the ideal of marriage does not live up to their reality. She provides practical, actionable resources to help the newlywed wife draw closer to God and her husband, one intentional choice at a time. Because she is from the continent of Africa, I also appreciated how her cultural background was interspersed in her writing since many things are written from a vanilla perspective. Meet this month's Woman of the Word - Ngina Otiende.

Ngina Otiende



1. As someone who studies the Bible, what are your favorite tools and resources?
NO: I love online Bible tools and resources. Favorite resources include Biblehub.com, NIV Study Bible, Blue Letter Bible - all online tools.

2. Old Testament, New Testament or both?
NO: Both!

3. Why do you study the Bible? What was your initial motivation?
NO: I didn't start out studying/learning the Bible. When I got saved, I just wanted to read my Bible and know God. Over the years though, I learned God not only wants to speak to me but also through me. So it helps to have a better understanding of Scripture so I can share more accurately. But studying is not just for others; it's fun to begin to see the Bible come alive as you study characters and places and history. P.S. I am not a scholar, in the broad sense of the word but in my daily life and ministry, I do dig a little deeper than I used to.

4. How does inspiration work for you? How do you know that what you're writing or understanding is as if God is moving the pen and you're just the vehicle?
NO: Good question (smile).  I have instances when God drops a word in my spirit, and I know it's Him for sure. Then there are times when something stands out, and I share it but still, none of the "fuzz." Regardless of how inspiration comes, I have found that simply staying in God's presence - being connected, obedient, submissive, aware - in my everyday life is how God intended me to live and operate. When I abide in Him, the path/inspiration is more apparent.

5. How do you handle complex topics that may not align with popular views? Can you give an example?
NO: Hmm. Not always nicely...haha. In the beginning, I really wrestled with what people thought about me. I still wrestle because I don't like being disliked! But back then I got very hurt when people left nasty comments or made fun of me. Over time God has helped me see that people are people - He loves us all! I can't control others, what they feel or what they do, but I can control me. That, plus I am imperfect too, so I need as much forgiving as others do. My purpose is not to get everyone on my side; it's to become less so that God can become significant in my life and hopefully others can see Him.

6. When confronted by the truth of scripture, even for difficult topics, how does it re-orient you?
NO: A while back, I used to feel guilty, like a failure. I didn't really understand the difference between conviction and guilt. I am still growing but nowadays, for the most part, I feel the open arms of God, calling me to change. Telling me that He pointed out the issue out of love and is available to help me change. Nothing beats that feeling of acceptance.

7. Who is your target audience and what is your overriding message?
NO: Well, the message is that of hope - that God has a good plan for us and no matter how bad things have been in the past He is for us. I write to wives in the early years of marriage, specifically those who have had a less-than-lovely start to their marriage. I want them to know that God can help them design a marriage that honors Him and makes Him known - because that's the path to our happily-ever-after.

8. Tell us a little bit about yourself, current projects you are working on and where you can be found.
NO: So my husband and I grew up in Kenya. We moved to the United States a few years ago and currently live in the beautiful wide spaces of North Texas. He's in sales, and I am a full-time writer and author and I blog at IntentionalToday.com. I have authored two books (Blues to Bliss: Creating Your Happily Ever after In the Early Years and The Wedding Night: Embracing Sexual Intimacy as a New Bride) and several eBooks. I am currently working on a course to help women who feel called to start an online ministry/business - it's one of the things I am often asked about, so I am putting all I know into a course and hoping to launch before the middle of the year. I have a ton of free resources on my blog, too, including a popular 49 Things Every Newlywed Couple Should Know, which I give free when you join my email community. Anyone interested can sign up here. (Once you sign up, you also get access to my Marriage Library)

9. How do you deal with discouragement and doubt? (Bonus question)
NO: Through the Word of God. Years ago, I used to think it was unchristian to feel discouraged. Technically, we shouldn't stay discouraged because we can take our cares to God but back then I would stuff my feelings and be in denial instead of recognizing them for what they were: cares that needed to be handed over to God. So God's word is my go-to because it's alive and active. His Word is not merely words on a page but something that comes alive and moves in my heart and life, changing my thinking, lifting my spirit, giving me a new vision, healing my soul.

If you were encouraged by what you read, please take a moment to comment and encourage this month's Woman of the Word.

--Nylse

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13 comments:

  1. Great information - The Word of God has been my passion for 48 years. Studying His word is and has been my instrument for navigating life.

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  2. What a lovely way to get to know a fellow faith-based blogger! It's nice to meet other women with a strong desire to learn the Word and a deep love for God.
    Visiting from Trekking Thru.

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  3. My youngest daughter got married last weekend. I am going to recommend your blog to her. Bless you my sister. You have a word in due season for me.

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    1. Congratulations on your daughter's wedding! And thank you for recommending my blog to her. So glad this was encouraging to you.

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  4. You beautiful women of God! Thanks for being faithful and true to God and his word. I thank God for you and ask him to bless you both richly.

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  5. Thank you for sharing your passion!

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  6. May both of you continue to offer encouragement and hope to other women. I enjoyed reading this post! Blessings!

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  7. Thank you, Ngina, for sharing how God's word impacts your life, writing and ministry for Him. It's always fascinating to hear how God works in our lives and how the faith journey differs for all of us. This was such an inspiring read! Thank you, too, Nylse, for asking the probing questions and inviting strong women of faith to share their stories here. Blessings to both of you! :)

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    1. Blessings to you too, Joy! And thank you for reading. It was a wonderful honor to be hosted by Nylse.

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  8. I love to know of the person behind a blog. God's Word is powerful and the ways we each receive God's Truth is also powerful. Thank you to both of you women of the Word.

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  9. Wow, great questions and thoughtful answers. We really do need one another in this blogging life.

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  10. Nina loved reading over your answers. Great questions Nylse.

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