Her name is Cathy Chisuse (nee Chibale), a mother of two who comes from Manjawira Village in Traditional Authority Makwangwala's area in Ntcheu district. Born on 13th September, 1977, Chisuse's story is worth emulating as she asserts that she has never been a beggar in her life.

Her name is Agness Chimbiri and she does not hide the fact that she is proud of her achievements. She has seen her hard work and drive push her to where her parents always wanted their children to be. Assistant Resident Representative Responsible for Growth and MDG Achievement Programmes for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malawi. She had this to narrate to reporter SAM BANDA JR.

If one ever thinks that life is not a journey or that journalism is not a world on its own, They haven't lived yet...or made the journey. Tamara Mkandawire – Chafunya is one lady that knows the road through media very well and this is the story she has to share with OTULI MUNLO.

It has not been that easy to be where she is today, she has met challenges but through hard work and God's blessings she has made progress. That's Pamela Msukwa, Population Services International (PSI) Malawi Program Manager.

Rose Kumwenda-Ng'oma is Executive Director for Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM). CHAM is a coordinating agency for Church owned Health facilities. It is owned by the churches in Malawi through the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and Malawi Council for Churches.

Heather Katsonga-Woodward. Well those I know are certainly talking about her. And hey, young talent is what we keep seeing lately. Recently promoted to Associated Director in a not so small banking entity in the United Kingdom. feMAIL caught up with her to see if a tad of brilliance could rub off on reporter OTULI MUNLO.

It's been a long journey for one Temwachi Elizabeth Changwa to rise to where she is today, holding the top position of Acting Commercial Director for the national flag carrier, Air Malawi. She shares her life story with reporter Sam Banda Jnr.

Rosebill Satha-Sambo

Owner Jard Furniture

2011 has been a bitter-sweet year for me, my business was officially registered and has had a wonderful time yet but my father passed away in October and that hit me hard. It seems like 2011 came to reinforce certain things namely that I must enjoy and cherish what I have when I have it for I might not have it tomorrow. One major resolution I have come up with out of it all is to learn to rely on others. I like to see myself as a strong person who can do it all by herself but I now realize that there is only so much I can do. So I am learning to delegate more in my business so that in my absence it can still succeed.

LILLY ALFONSO

Fashion designer, business woman

It's been a great and exciting year. Ups and downs included I have been involved in events that have allowed me to explore my talent, myself, Malawi and the world and be imaginative; I have worked with quite a hand-full of renowned companies as well as individuals. Through experiences like FAME which took place this year I have learned how to multi-task. Time management is crucial and this -is what I am taking with me into 2012.

MARTHA KHUNGWA

Program Officer for the Malawi Knowledge Network for Policy Research and Development (MAKNET)

My highlight of 2011 is qualifying as a Knowledge Manager. Knowledge management is very critical for effective delivery of services in institutions. It makes availability of information easier hence bringing effectiveness to organisations.

As we go into 2012 I would say the time has come to be focused. There are so many distractions in the modern world but one needs to be patient. All the good things we want are there. But one should not trade a lifetime happiness with today's short lived good life.

Martha Kwataine , Activist

Eish 2011! Hehehe. I would say 2011 has been the most hectic politically, economically, socially and otherwise. It is a year where the health sector has faced so many setbacks due to shortages. A year where as an activist I have seen freedoms questioned and challenged and basically a year of many lessons. I cannot imagine how we have managed to pull through but I trust that God has been there throughout and will ensure our victory in 2012.

The year 2011 is coming to an end. We have passed all these months, from the first day of January until today.

I know that the talk around town is that 2011 is practically the worst year Malawians have ever seen but I choose to dwell on the fact that God has something wonderful planned for you in 2012! And to experience it, there's one thing you'll need to leave behind...your past!

Throughout the year several days related to our health are celebrated. As we enter the New Year, I thought it wise to give you a breakdown of the key ones; so that as the days come by you may also be prepared for them should you want to participate in the events to commemorate them.

I am sure most of us had fun during this festive season which unfortunately in a few days' time will come to an end.

Christmas is here again, and for most of us it means a few weeks of holiday with its many implied travels and activities. Sadly research has shown that it is also the time we most often neglect our health and end up starting the New Year with the consequences of our holiday.

While these tips are familiar it is worthwhile to emphasize them again, with the hope that we will all make it to the New Year - healthy, fit and strong.

1. Don't neglect your exercise regime – most of us will be away from our home, gyms etc however incorporate some form of exercise to compensate e.g. Jogging or walking. Keep active.

2. Beware of too much alcohol – apart from its obvious effects on mental and cognitive abilities, the majority of people don't realize that alcohol actually contains a lot of calories. A single night of binge drinking can undo a whole week of exercise.

3. Keep yourself safe from illness:

• If going outdoors- Carry insecticide repellent, mosquito nets and avoid staying in the open till late.

• Heading to the lake – our lake is a Bilharzia zone, ask your doctor for prophylaxis and avoid long periods in the lake water especially at beaches where the water is obviously dirty.

• This is also cholera season – avoid drinking water that is not bottled or straight from the tap, otherwise BOIL your drinking water or use Waterguard. Wash your hands before/ after meals and wash all fruits before eating.

4. Most black people think they don't need sunscreen, but with prolonged periods in the sun even the darkest of skin will eventually get sunburn. The good thing is the darker you are the lower SPF you will need. Main areas to protect are your nose, arms and any parts that will not be covered.

5. Appropriate attire e.g. if heading to mountainous zones – wear protective clothing, especially to cover your arms and legs, our mountains are notorious for insect bites.

6. Stay hydrated - the hot weather and long trips can leave our bodies dehydrated – always travel with enough water to drink along the way.

7. Have a basic first aid kit – painkillers, bandages, ointments for minor ailments, and wherever you travel find out where the nearest hospital or medical services are, in case of an emergency.

8. When travelling - pack your own food and drinks, this avoids buying food on the way that may not be hygienically prepared and also means you can plan for healthier snacks for your trip

9. Mealtimes – many diets fall apart at Christmas parties/meals, while a guest who won't eat anything is every host's nightmare – don't abandon your normal eating habits completely. Taking small portions at a buffet and pacing yourself as you eat go a long way.

10. Stay safe - Inevitably holiday season also means holiday romance, whatever you do, don't forget to protect yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, always carry condoms with you.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Christmas.

This Christmas let me share with you an article I wrote almost two years ago:

How wonderful the God we serve is! Let His glory fill our hearts forever as He reigns in us. The last minute with God will thrill and encourage those who think that God has failed or forgotten to do what He promise His people. Now we are coming to the end of the year. If you can look back on the word of prophecy at the beginning of this year, 2011 was the year of milk and honey. Also one of restoration. You may find that some things are not yet restored in various areas of your lives and ask: Has God lied? But you will find that not at all! God never lies and will never break His promises for He is holy. What you must know is that what the Lord speaks happens straight away in the spiritual realm and manifests later in the flesh or physical world.

Restoration

Therefore your restoration and great success already took place in the spirit and will soon appear before your very eyes. We still have some days to go before we enter 2012. Today can be your day. But if it disappears without any sign, wait for tomorrow. If tomorrow does not bring results wait for the other day. Eventually, you will have all that you have been expecting from God. 1 Samuel 13: 5 – 13.

Everything has its appointed time. From the above reading of the scripture, we see king Saul offering a burnt offering instead of the prophet Samuel because of panic, due to the increasing intimidation brought about by the Philistine armies. His troops too were trembling wit fear. The time set by the man of God was seven days. Saul and the men with Him had to wait until the final day of sacrifice no matter how tough it was. When Samuel was nowhere to be seen and when the soldiers of Saul were scattering, the king opted to enter Samuel's office to sacrifice the burnt offering. Oh God forbid! The king forgot the number of God, seven. It means completion. In this case, the seventh day was the day of completion.

The king had forgotten about previous victories the Lord had granted the armies of Israel and could not count how many times God had saved them from the sword of the enemy. You know what? The size of the army of the Philistines outnumbered that tiny and timid army of Israel but the Lord was with Israel. Therefore listen to me child of God: the lord has set a time for you.

If it did not happen in the first month, second month, third, fourth or up to now, don't be moved. I understand that when God has spoken, it si went e Tsunami rises as it has never done before and the devil's fire burns to an extreme degree. If you do not discern in your spirit you can offer a sacrifice of fools as Saul did.

Waiting upon God

After waiting upon the Lord for children in your family and seeing that you are not bearing them, you will end up going to the sorcerers or witchdoctors only to miss that appointed time of God's and offer such a sacrifice. You have a case in court, you have been waiting for god's intervention to get things back on track, you decide to offer a bribe. O what a sacrifice of fools. God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. Does HE speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil? Numbers 23:19.

You have been praying for a life partner. And because no faithful man is coming to you, being desperate for a man, you go out with another woman's husband. How foolish and unheard of in a Christian. Challenges will not cease but do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. We need to preserver so that when we have done the will of God, we will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10: 35 - 38

We need to be patient before God and at the same time walk in accordance with His will, if we are to receive the promise. We have to be faithful and blameless before God. He is a last minute God. Things may not seem to happen after fervent prayers. This does not mean that He does not listen to prayer but as a plan to come to your rescue. You need to preserver. Matthew 25: 1 –

From the above reading we can without hesitation say that the bridegroom came at an hour which they were not aware of. Unexpectedly and suddenly at midnight. The Bible says that the wise took their lamps and oil jars just in case but the foolish ones did not. They paid the price for their negligence. Cling to the promise of God and keep on waiting upon Him without wavering in faith, for he will surely come without delay. Remember, he is the last minute God. Oh how wonderful is your name, Lord.

Prayer: Lord Jesus grant me your strength as I travel along this road of faith waiting upon your promises. Let me not faint on the way, in your name i pray. Amen

Christmas, Christmas Chistmas! It's here again.

At only 23, Emma Thokozire Kalea has been entrusted with the task of establishing the Young Women Can Do It Clubs (YWCDI) across the country.

To God be the glory. He is the one that has granted us all this day.

I cannot believe that 12 months have passed. They have been too fast I guess. Maybe it was hard to notice because of lots of things that have happened both good and bad. I can account for only two months of it. As for the rest I have no idea where they went.

Her fascination with the dokotala wa mkulu (senior doctor) phenomenon, when growing up, inspired her to pursue medicine. Now she is not just an ordinary senior doctor but runs her own clinic as Executive Director in Lilongwe. Dr Grace Chiudzu relates her journey in this interview with Femail editor, Grace Thipha.

Living in ignorance ofwho and what you are is the major syndrome that has to be dealt with if one is to excel and overcome in life. Ignorance is incurable unless the revealed knowledge of one’s hidden personality shows up.