Simply Jesus

I was able to mail out christmas cards this year after a couple of years of unexplainable leave from sending and spreading christmas jolly all around. I am so glad that I made my trip to Hallmark and left with a armful of christmas cards. A set of my selection read "simply Jesus" on its cover and those two words speaks volumes in our present culture. Its speaks to the commercialization and general handling of the season. It reminds me that Christmas is not about shopping nd running around like a scared hen.
It reminds me that it is not about the presents,
it is not about the carols,
it is not about the tinsels and lights,
it is not about the shopping and the sales,
it is not about good food or sweets,
it is not about any of these or more,

but simply about Jesus.

I look all around on this beautiful and blessed christmas day. It has been a wonderful day and I am thankful that for me and my house, Jesus stands at the center of it all. Without Him everything is meaningless. Lord, I am most thankful for your gift of reconciliation and salvation. I thank you for coming in simple human form so that I might become a royal priesthood. I love you Jesus, thanks for being my all in all.

I love my country I no go lie

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth;
and he determined the times set for them [to be born, raised, and nurtured]
and the exact places where they should live. Acts 17:26

I get bitten by the bug of noblogging every once in a while. There has been a couple of times that I have started off a post without being able to go past the first line. No, it is neither writer's block nor busy-ness, it is just some sort of withdrawal beyond me. I have enjoyed playing catch up with my favorite bloggers, and I must say that I feel blessed to be a Nigerian. I am always proud of the spirit and fervor with which some of my fellow bloggers write. The intelligence and wittiness of some of the writers I have encountered is quite commendable.

I am a firm believer in the notion that we are all born into a particular heritage for a purpose. I feel blessed and fortunate to be born into my Nigerian heritage, the richness of the culture, the depth and diversity of her languages, the beauty and intelligence of her sons and daughters, the spiritual consciouness of the people, the pride of her daughters, the vastness of her resources, and so on and so on.

However, it is these same blessings that plagues Nigeria. The rich culture at times becomes an affliction in its bid to "keep things the way they are", or "protect one another" and so we repress good change and keep the potbellied and greedy politicians from the 1900s who fail to do us any good. We "protect" corruption and greediness in the name of not "washing our dirty laundry outside" hence we propagate the unending cycle of stagnancy. We misuse our intelligence to get "quick" money and we have turned ourselves into walking red flags instead of the lush green and spotless white flags our fathers envisioned. We use spirituality to promote subjugation, poverty, and oppresion and we move even the Almighty himself to ponder in soberness at our inability to truly love and care for one another as He does for us. Our leaders refuse to love by forgetting the poor, the fatherless, the widow, the old, and the foreigners among us. I remember when we were chasing Ghanians out, look what Ghanians have done for their country now. The reason why America is the most powerful country in the world is because it opened its doors to all peoples thereby gaining different skills and labor for its development. Our pride causes us to look down on one another, the "owambe syndrome" the I am better than you and I can outdo you mentality. It is a shame really.

Nonetheless, I am a proud Nigerian and I will hold my head UP anywhere and anytime to engage others in my God given heritage. Like Ayoke brilliantly said in one of her posts, the perpetrators of shameful acts shouls be ashamed, not her. Not me either, I will not be ashamed of who I am, Nigerian, American, female, born of spirit, no I will not be ashamed. I refuse to deny my heritage because of stupid 419ers who dupe people all over or cower in shame because of the state of the country. Let the perpetrators be ashamed...not me. I felt the strong urge to make this declaration after an encounter I had with a fellow Nigerian this past weekend. We were engaging in general conversation about Nigeria when this individual felt the need to make known her shame for the country. She made clear how she always made sure to always steer clear of disclosing her Nigerian identity. I was shocked, troubled, baffled, upset, and concerned...for her, her children. The situation was made worse by the fact that I couldn't respond to her the way I would have wanted to being that we were not alone...there were other people like me in the conversation who looked up to her. I am talking about someone who is well learned and highly respected. Somehow, I think that exaggerated the shock for me. I think it is sad when we have to deny a portion of our identity because of what others think. I strongly believe that is unhealthy and it propagates prejudice and inferiority complex.

So I call you today sons and daughters of my father's land

Raise up your head
Brace yourselves
Speak out in humble pride
Of the land that bore you
That nurtured you
That shapes your faces and laughter

Speak of your mother's land with joy
Sing her praises
Applaud her achievements
Deny her not
For though she falls
She will rise again
Oh yes she will

She will rise above her past
Over her scars she will soar
For the Almighty will bear
The moans and cries of her daughters
The anguish of her sons
The dreams of her unborn children

Moans and cries for freedom
For freedom will come
Scars of wars
For she will win the battle
Anguish of poverty
For she is blessed
Dreams of greatness
For she is great

Rise Nigeria
Rise my land
Rise and shine
For your light is come
And His glory is risen upon thee

--------------original writings of songreach 2006

I love my country I no go lie.........no I will not!

happy Thanksgiving!

It is good to give thanks unto the Lord!

SIGNS OF THE TIMES


The obsessions of our times are really eating deep into the society and biting hard at the body of christ right now. There was a recent poll that showed how much the number of Americans that believe in God's existence has dropped. Not that God needs Americans or any one per se to believe that HE is, "for even the demons know HE is and tremble" and, "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. "Colossians 1:16 So God does not need our affirmation, He is already affirmed.

And so it bothers me that the world is in such an unfortunate state of unbelief right now. This is not about unbelievers or unchurched folks alone but also about tongue-speaking and spirit-filled children of the Most High God. It seems that lately there has been more and more blurs about a carefree world filled regular and a spirit filled believer. There are NO longer striking differences between the church and the world like the days of the first christians it seems. The obsessions and addictions of the last days seems to be crawling up on all of us like 2 Tim 3 clearly says:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth--men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. 2 Tim 3:1-9

I pray that the body of Christ will wake up and be alert, understanding that the days are evil and treacherous. I read with sadness and soberness about Rev. Ted Haggard this morning. Even though I did not really know who he was up till now, credible reports show that he is quite influential in the American christian community being the head of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and all. I hope we will all stand up to raise those that our down especially our leaders. It is a wake up call to understand that the devil is trying to make a mockery, but thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Jesus name! And so I ask that we all keep guard and STAND.

It is obvious that the press will grind this scandal to the last, trying to throw it all in the face of the church. But then again, no man or organization can throw God's name in the mud and I hope no one will start trying to defend God or His work. Rev Haggard is a man and God is God and God will settle all there is betwwen the two of them. To Mrs. Haggard, I pray you find solace and strength in the unchanging character of the Father. To the rest of us, let us not become weary in constantly praying for our leaders. More importantly I pray that we will all be kept pure and blameless till the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (Amen)

My girl is getting her groove back

Yeah baby, can't tell you how much good it felt to read about what Whitney Houston is up to these days. I am soooooooo happy for Whitney. She's born to shine and I pray her light never goes dim. shine on sista!

85

things about me

(part one)

I borrowed this idea from Vixen

1. I was the only person at my sec. skool with my first name for a couple of years or so
2. I wrote my first song @ 9yrs old
3. My immediate senior sister is 9yrs my senior
4. She's my closest friend and confidant
5. She led me to Christ
6. I learnt how to bake from her....and some other very important things too
7. I like Italian cuisine
8. My maiden name could be Italian, Spanish, Hausa, or French
9. I have never been to Italy
10. I like shoes, Italian shoes
11. My mom loves shoes.... and bags to match
12. I love hanging out with my mom
13. I am a mom myself
14. I am blessed with three sons
15. Two of which are twins, identical
16. my voice is identical with my sister's...pple mixes us up on the phone a lot!
17. I use my voice to glorify God...I lead Praise & Worship at my church
18. God is my father....He calls me by name
19. My full name was usually first on class rosters growing up
20. I loved sitting on the first row in class
21. I like sitting by the aisle at church
22. I like sitting by the window on planes
23. I had to take 3 plane flights to get married
24. I am married to my best friend...who so happens to be a Pastor
25. I am also married to a lawyer...who likes to debate a lot
26. I love to debate too
27. In 1997, I won a second place prize for a county debate
28. I represented my Rhetoric class group in a debate that we won my senior yr in coll
29. I studied Rhetoric, Mass Media, and Audio Production for my Bachelor's degree
30. I was at home in my audio production classes...otherwise known as studio
31. I hope to record in a studio one day
32. I have written copyrighted songs for this purpose
33. I still write, and always will by God's grace
34. Writing releases my emotions
35. My father and mother have written me some profound letters
36. Letter writing is a tradition in my family
37. God uses letters to communicate with me
38. The letter God wrote to me is always relevant..it has brought me comfort, direction..strength, courage, faith, hope, reproof, encouragement, solution, joy....and I haven't even read the whole thing!
39. I don't think I ever finished Little Women either
40. I read Little Women several times to fall asleep during mandated siestas in secondary school
41. I have watched all the movie versions of Little Women

42. Watching Nigerian movies are one of my favorite past times

43. I like the idea of a good movie and junk food on a friday nite

44. I go to practise on fridays

45. my twins were born on a friday

46. my first son was born on a sunday, it was the first day of Fall that year

47. I love Fall, the breeze, the colors, and thanksgiving!

48. thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, used to be christmas

49. I have golden memories of christmases growing

50. I miss those times..the neighbors, the friends, the food, the new outfits and shoes, the carols, father christmas, the parties, the cousins,the harmattan, the siblings arriving..

51. My siblings are all much older than me

52. so they were mostly away while I was growing up

53. No wonder I talked to myself a lot

54. and read a lot

55. and still enjoy time alone

56. I like the Holiday movie, Home Alone

57. I like christmas movies period.

58. They called class sessions class periods in my secondary school

59. I went to an all girls catholic boarding school

60. My oldest sister went to the same school

61. This sister of mine is one of the most generous people I know

62. I don't buy gold jewelry, my sister gives me all the nice ones I have

63. I like beads, I've always liked beads...so interesting they are now in vogue

64. My favorite set of beads right now are brown

65. Brown is one of my fav colors

65. my most fav color is showcased as you read

66. moss green, dark browns, cream, dark deep reds are all shades in my bedroom

67. to me, nothing beats reading a good book curled up on a bench by a window in a cozy room on a rainy day

68. Having grown up in a tropical rainforest, i lke storms with thunders and all...but only when I'm in the comfort of my house.

69. I have an evergreen tree behind my house

70. My house has brown shutters

71. I have an array of wall colors in different brown coordinates in the house: rust, gold, green etc

72. I was in orange house in boarding school

73. I won the competition as the most beautiful girl in the same house in my forth form

74. I cried when I saw La Vita e Bella aka Life is Beautiful

75. I watched the director of the movie, Roberto Benigni receive his Oscar award, it was hilariously belle!

76. I never use to miss any award show on TV, you name it I had it down

77. Times have changed and I barely have time for TV these days

78. My new fav TV channel is HGTV

79. I would like living without a TV for some time

80. We did not own a TV for a considerable portion of my growing up years

81. It is one of the best things that can be done for a young mind

82. We had a family library instead, and I consumed everything

83. There's a pleasure I get from being around books

84. My current favorite writer is Francine Rivers

85. My name is Opeyemi and I am grateful to God for His daily mercies

Who Knows This Song?

Greetings to everyone. I hope you are all having a fabulous week so far. Usually when I feel burnt out or unmotivated, I retreat to the Lord for fuel. I just shut the door for a couple of hours or so and pour out to Him......telling Him everything in a pure, unpretentious way. He knows everything already, and yet He listens to my babblings and whinings. I'm not quick on picking up the phone and calling a best friend somewhere, I usually ring up buddy Jesus and empty out myself....I've found this the most rewarding way of therapy in my little experience.

I am not sure how badly you've felt unmotivated lately or how lonely you feel. I want you to know that you are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. I want to assure you that there is a friend that will never leave or forsake you. I am confident that he is not particular about your height, size, accent, eloquence, qualification, color, or intelligence....He's only asking you to come as you are with all the burdens, weights, anxieties, worries, and troubles. You don't need to be a hero, He just wants you to be his own. He wants to take care of you.

Have you talked to the Lord today? have you read His word? what is He saying to you or perphaps you were in too much of a hurry to hear Him. We are created to commune with the Lord. Life has too many hurdles, let Him carry you through them. Life is a song, and at times we hit the wrong notes, God's love is the music that guides us through the song. Who better to help you through the song than the writer of the song and its music? Sing this song with me

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Perhaps you don't know the Lord or you've simply let the relationship you once shared with him slip...say this prayer with me

Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a tired and lonely sinner

I confess you as the Son of the Most High God

I realize my need of your love and redemption

Please come into my life and make me whole

Thank you Lord Jesus for saving my soul

God bless you, and keep you through this day and the next, and the next. I care for you and I am praying for you. If you confess the above prayer please leave a comment and a way to get in touch with you...or simply send a private message to oadeyem@ncsu.edu

Lesson Learned: Nobody does me like Jesus!

LA LA LA LA La La la la la

School here I am again. I reapplied to become a continuing student and my application went through yesterday! yay!! This time, I am going back to school for FUN self development..I am going to register to take a Beginning Piano class and I am so excited! Years back I registered with a private Piano teacher, but it didn't work out so well because I wasn't mobile then and I transferred to another University soon after. I have also taken Guitar classes, and I haven't fully gone through with that either. I ran into one of my senior year communication classmates a couple of years back who was telling me that she still had the lyrics of the songs I'd played in class.....hmmm...a story for another day.

But hey! the journey continues! I have been blessed to use that aspect (singing, songwriting, arranging, etc) of my life for God and I am sure that in His time He will bring all things to fruition. In the meantime, I am looking forward to refreshing my piano skills and continuing on to master them by God's grace. The class meeting time is very conducive and I am gee!!

I am a hopeless school pupil for life...I just love the school environment...thanks to my retired loving parents who were dedicated teachers.

Lesson Learned: here, here, and here.

Get back to reading

Note to self, some of the books I need to read or finishing reading over the next few years are noted here. As noted by the article cited, the listed 50 books have affected christians over the years. I have read some of the books, some of them I never finished, while I merely browsed some of them. I read The Hiding Place, Christy, The Act of Marriage, and The Present Darkness. I need to finish The Purpose Driven Life, Operation World, and Knowing God. I am currently reading the 21 laws of leadership by John C. Maxwell and getting ready to read Understanding Your Man by Tim LaHaye. Tim Lahaye is the co-author of The Act of Marriage, he is also the popular co-authors of the Left Behind Series (none of which I've read).

I am suprised that the classic In His Steps by Charles Sheldon did not make the cut. I enjoyed the practicality and simplicity of that book. It left a mark with me.

The Next Level

Happy new month to the road! A new month brings new expectations, dreams, goals, and deadlines. We celebrated our 6th year anniversary at church this past weekend and it was a call to attain the next level spiritually, financially, maritally, professionally, physically, and in all other areas of life. I sensed the urgent call of the Most High for us to step up so that He can thoroughly do and accomplish His purpose in us and through us.

My desires to move up are particularly:

• Spritually: To be more aware in my calling. To spend more time with the Father, fellowshipping with Him in adoration, worship, and praise. To spend quality time devouring the Word and living it. To love others and show more love. To be more tolerant and less judgemental


• Financially: To open an auto-debit savings account, not the regular ones we have that are easily delved into. To be more responsible with money. To give more. To ask God before spending.


• Maritally: To honor and respect DH more. To say more "thank yous" To listen more. To pray together more. To plan more time together


• Professionally: to not wait for the dream job before I start to "do with all my heart whatever my hands find to do" to be the best


• Physically: to exercise everyday and fuel my body with healthy foods.

Lesson Learned: Jesus came the night He was due despite the scarcity of Inns and delivery rooms...He was born in a manger, hence room or no room...my potentials must come forth. I must attain the next level

The Pain of JOY

My oldest son turned 4 this past Friday. We had loads of fun! He took favors to school for his classmates. He left school early to go have fun at Frankies with myself and aunty Ade. We came home to a pizza party organized by aunty Remi with some of his friends and most of his "aunties" in tow. It was a joy to see the light in his eyes...it was obvious he was having a blast. My oh my the unyielding faithfulness of the Father...it all takes me back to the weekend of September 20, 2002...

...how time flies! I remember so well the weekend of his birth. I worked up till the Friday of that Sunday...crouching for my tummy at irregular intervals due to funny cramps. The following day, a Saturday, we went to the hospital because the cramps had increased and were more painful. The doctor sent me back home saying I wasn't in labor. What?! no labor? with all this pain?...I decided to venture out from the hospital..I remembered their was a children's tag sale organized by my local la leche league that I had to attend. Of course I was a sight at the sale to say the least, constantly stopping to hold my belly. Several fellow shoppers expressed concern and wanted to make sure I needed nothing, my husband was besides himself thinking I was out of mind for shopping at my state and mad at himself for agreeing to bring me there. Albeit, I found some good deals at that sale.

We went home and my mom wouldn't let me sit...she put in a praise CD and we danced all the way. By evening time, the cramps had become full fledged contractions and later sharp pains through the back. A little after midnight, I asked my husband to call the practise and he was a little hesistant because of our experience the day before but he grabbed the phone and made the call when I gave him the eye. A couple of hours later we were on our way to the hospital again, with my mom in tow this time comforting and praying! DH was at the wheel, trying hard to keep his focus.

At the hospital, I was already 4cm dilated..."oh yeah, you are in labor" the nurse says. I thought to myself, "tell me that again!" When they asked me if I needed something for the pain I told them YEAH BABY, BRING IT ON. Praise Jesus for epidural...the pressure of labor continued..but "Miracle" came forth 7 mins before noon on a beautiful Sunday morning. It was also the first of Fall (autumn).

Lesson Learned: Weeping may last through the night, but JOY sure comes in the morning!

May you today Rejoice!

I wrote the letter below to my team members in the music ministry today. I hope it sparks a fire in you. May you today Rejoice!

Jubilanees -

I trust the Almighty that your week is progressing fabulously well. I had in my heart to encourage you today to live your life well, to live your life with purpose, to live your life with conviction.

I was dwelling on our anniversary preparations on my way to work this morning...you know, pondering on our conversations after service on Sunday and a picture came to my mind. I want you to take a minute....now think of a major event coming up in your life, a job interview....your best friends' wedding.....or perhaps a big date (if you are in a God ordained your Pastor aware relationship/courtship).

What things would you do to prepare for the occassion? would you anticipate? would you plan? would you have expectations? would you spend resources for proper grooming? would seek the Lord's counsel? would you ask questions? what is it that you will do? what? Do you realize that every new given day is another date with the Almighty?....Tha Psalmist knows this when he said, "this is the day that the Lord has made, I will Rejoice! and be Glad! in it! How excited do you get about each day? Do you know that gladness and joy reflects in your tone...the conversations you carry with people....gladness and joy reflects in your attitude and perceptions....did you know that it could even be represented in your dressing? Rejoicing.......Rejoicing...Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say Rejoice!

I want you to begin to rejoice about your ministry....I want you to have a rejoicing attitude...infact, how can we be ministers of faith if we cannot rejoice? How about we modify our vision to: WE ARE A REJOICING TEAM......ALLELUIA!

Start Rejoicing now...for this moment was intricately created with you in mind by the Almighty....yeah brethren...he sees, knows (mine oh mine does he know?) hears, understands everything that is going on within and around you....so, Rejoice! Come Rejoicing on Friday....joyfully plan and prepare for the Anniversary weekend. PRAY hard, PRAISE hard, PREPARE hard (sing Friend, All things are possible around the house and memorize the verses....refresh on Days of Elijah) When people are rejoicing they don't wear their shabbiest outfits, on the other hand they wear their best....decide to always look your best FOR THE LORD at all times.....come apraising looking sharp and ready for business both physically and spiritually.

May the Lord ignite His joy upon your soul....May your eyes be opened today to see! and know! and understand! that no one created this day but JEHOVAH! and of course with you in mind. May you increase in wisdom and strength in the way and things of God. I love you and rejoice to have you in my life....thank you for being a part of me!

Rejoicingly,
MaPraise.

My life (name, identity, future) is hid in Christ Jesus

It will be six years since I got married in Dec. and I just finally went through with changing my last name last week. For me, it has been a journey....filled with questions, reasonings, and growth. I have always struggled with the issue of name change...why do women have to change their names after they marry....my guidebook of life, the Bible says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."Gen 2:24 See? hence my rationale has always been that if there be need for name change at all...it should be on the man's part.

I love my name. My first name is loaded as a way of giving thanks to the Almighty. My maiden last name is hyphenated....with the first part being my Dad's first name, his name signifies "my worthiness of the crown" and the second part is a universal name that could have belonged to an Italian, Portugese, French, or Spanish family....in spanish it means beautiful! my older brother was besides himself the last time he was in Italy seeing his name on every other major business establishment. I was brought up to be proud of my name, my heritage, my identity.

However, at this point in my life....I am learning to embrace my whole identity...I am learning that as I grow so does my understanding of life and personal convictions....I am learning that what I lay down does not deprive me as long as I am in the will of my Lord and Savior....who laid down His life for me. Before arriving at this junction, my husband and I have argued about changing my name numerous times...then his family started pressuring and that made me even more unyielding...if I was thinking of changing my name before, their interference made me totally unwilling. The more my husband talked about it the more I justified my decision. If anyone is married, they would understand how turbulent a marriage could be at the beginning and unfortunately I nursed terrible strategies about saving one headache or two if our marriage went kaput..........my thought was, "at least I wouldn't need a name change"....can you imagine? oh the sure mercies of God....

It has been quite a journey...people would make comments here and there... "oh you have different last names" and most recently at the hospital after we had our twins...they would refer to the babies by my maiden name...assuming that it was my married name and of course their last name. On one of such instances, my husband was there...and he just kept his peace...I saw it...his reaction showed that he had settled the matter within himself....His reaction spoke volumes......also by then, I had made my peace with the Almighty to change my last name to my husbands'

So what made me change my mind? hmmmm....I came to a place where I wanted to embrace my husband totally...reverence him, prefer him....we have been through a lot together and I love him as he loves me both in word and deeds (he still looked at me this morning and winked at me) .... he really really desires that we have the same name....and most importantly...it was my decision through the help of the Holy Spirit...not shoved down my throat without reason by some unexplainable tradition, system, or culture. I am most thankful to the i.) Almighty for His sure mercies and not allowing me to be consumed by my ignorance
ii.) to my husband for loving me unconditionally and letting me grow and fly at my pace
iii.) to my parents and siblings for their PRAYERS!!, patience, and support
iv.) to my Pastors for speaking out and making me think...

So my husband and I now have the same last name....may our journey continue with the mercies and sustenance of the Father.


Lesson Learned: I am my Father's daughter and I bear His name alone!

Whitney, I pray you WIN!!

One of my favorite artists of all time is Whitney Houston because she sings with her soul...i'm a somewhat hard critic when it comes to music because I write and sing myself, but Whitney has a way to my soul.

Her Preacher's Wife movie soundtrack was my anthem for years and I still pop in a dose of the songs from time to time. Whitney has a beautiful God given talent, she truly ministers to me.

Therefore you can understand why I've mourned how things have been with her for the past few years...the mockery of the press, the unstable relationships,
her alliances with questionable sects, her drug addiction, and her poor daughter! I read about her proposed split from Bobby Brown this morning and I wonder....how unfortunate things have become...I can only pray that Whitney will come back fully restored by God's grace. I pray you win at the end. Godspeed girl!

Lesson Learned: Pray for those that touch your life through choice, design, or by accident.

my evidence away from blogville

Father, I just want to say that you alone deserve ALL the glory!!

Yipeee!! Graduation is saturday

p.s I'm finally filling in this post since its original posting of 5/11/06


I finally completed my graduate studies! I can truly say that "it is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in my eyes" You should have seen how my classmates cheered me upon my entrance to the departmental ceremony hall....I came proudly fitted into my gown with my big belly. It was a great day with my sons (born and unborn), hubby, parents, brother and his crew.

Daddy and Mommy gave a "we are so proud of you speech" sniff...sniff

Carlene...a dear family friend was also in town for the celebration...bless her heart, she made lasagna and other side dishes (I had planned on us all going out to eat to save time and energy, but Carlene volunteered to cook). Another dear friend brought different Nigerian dishes. Everything was still low key as I wanted...but with plenty of food.

Lesson Learned: With God all things are possible!

The fire got killed

".......and my mommy cried, and she cried, and killed the fire, and said Praise come, and the policemen came and......." that's my 3yr old relating the recent fire episode we had at our house to some of our family friends.

I had never seen anything like it..it brings to mind Isaiah 43:2, "When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you."

It was a saturday afternoon about two weeks ago. I decided to make some food for the week and everything was progressing well except I felt I did not add the palm oil to the Egusi early enough, so I decided to bleach the palm oil to make up time to avoid some extra cooking time. I put the oil in a small saucepan on the backburner and exited to the living room to give it some time to bleach. After what seemed like a few minutes I came back to a smoke filled room and a naked fire climbing up on to my range/mounted microwave and spreading!

Jesus!! what is this?! looking back now...I can boldly say with an angel's guidance and the Lord's protection, I grabbed the pot and slammed it into the sink, splattering hot oil all the the place. Right before my eyes, the fake plant on my sink sill caught fire and I started dumping water and then I remembered water doesn't help fire...i remembered salt! I poured some on the fire, "killed it" and realized I was shaking all over. There was smoke everywhere, still shaking and with a shaking voice, I scrambled and called for my son who had been napping. At the same time the smoke alarm was screeching plus the security fire alarm I pressed to alert firefighters plus the weird noise the burning microwave was making (To God's glory that fire somehow got "killed" without any human intervention)

And so.. Praise and I made out the back door to the deck...without shoes (but socks) by then the firemen had made it to us and I tell you seeing them walking in with their uniforms was like watching a movie scene unfold. They walked through the house witch such command and I swear they were very "serious" until they had made sure everything was fine. After a thorough inspection or what seemed like it, they became friendlier with Praise and I.

Shortly after they left, MCL (my husband) arrived from the meeting I had scared him out of...our pastor followed shortly after...he prayed with us...and we just gave thanks....

Lesson Learned: Thanks, thanks
We give you thanks
For all you have done
We are so blessed
Our hearts have found rest
Oh Lord
We give you thanks

Pissed

Geeez..you know when you've been at a job for so long you wonder what you are still doing there? Yes, I know God has used this job to shape and bless my path...but honestly some ugly incidents happen at times that just makes me mad!

Lord, I pray you open a door unto me
I pray you promote me in the eyes of these people
I pray you glorify your name and make a way for me

I'm finishing graduate school in about three months and keeping things in perspective, God has used this job to help me achieve my academic goals...but now it is time to move on!

Moving on to better and greater things
Moving to greener and lusher pastures
Moving to where my Father has prepared for me

However, Lord while I remain here
Help me to stay true to your course
I know my days here are numbered
Please help me to use them with your grace and honor
Cover me with your favor
And give me strength to gracious in all I say and do
In Jesus' name. Amen

Time and folks

Life is full of so many changes

Things are never the same...

copyright songreach

My parents are vacationing with me right now (actually shuttling back and forth between my place and my brother's) and it is such a big blessing to have them. I often pause to think about the sacrifices they've made to make sure we all have a footing in life..spiritually, morally, emotionally, academically, finacially, etc I am humbled by their philosophy of life. Their simplicity and discipline really challenges me to live life with the big picture in mind. What's more suprising is how they've changed!

My Dad, who was the tough disciplinarian is now a softie (or at least appears and acts like one) honestly i can't believe how easygoing the old man seems these days. The other day I was giving my three year old the look and he was besides himself begging for the poor innocent child to be spared any discipline...i'm thinking, is this my pop or some stranger...coz if i have any streak of a toughie/disciplinarian, i learnt it from the chief! my pop that is..hence it suprises me that 11yrs down the road my pop has metamorphosized into a softie. However, God bless my dear father...he's the original Nigerian godfather...he can't seem to even get himself an ordinary cup of water...mommy (my parents call themselves Daddy & Mommy) e jo e ba mi bomi...mommy this..mommy that..and it's not that there's anything wrong with my dear father (infact, he looks 30yrs younger than his actual age) he's just used to being waited on and boy do I have a problem with that

My mom on the other hand remains relatively the same...she remains her calm self...she has always been...but she seems to be becoming repulsive of Daddy's needy ways at times...who wouldn't be? infact i'm amazed at how she has handled it for so long (but again what do I know?) the truth is that she is a nurturer..mommy that is..hence if care is not taken..people could be spoilt around her...she gives relentlessly...love, prayers, time, food, energy, money...good Lord! she gives! look..i've been called "spoilt" myself....and I've been warning her against spoiling my husband..before the poor guy gets used to being spoilt and start saying and expecting unrealistic stuff. However, mommy seems to be giving everyone the warning signs these days...she seems to be telling us all to grow up a bit...like the usual "talks" she holds with me...but the whole thing is like young branches growing from a solid oak...mama we are blessed to have you. papa and all yr babies say..gracias!

lesson learned: parents are a blessing...their love is characterized in different ways...and it is a privilege to have parents that put GOD first in ALL they do.

Double Portions

I have not written in a while because....well, I could go on and on about my busy life but nothing should have kept me from writing. The good thing is that I am writing today and regardless of how much break there is, I know that I will always write.

I found out in November that I was pregnant with twins. On my way to the Doctor's, I had his preparation that I was in for a suprise....somehow the Lord hinted me...because I started having flashes of all the people I know that have had twins...so when the ultrasound technician confirmed it I cried more in awe of God and His Fatherly ways. I cried at the miracle of two people growing inside of me. I cried at the greatness of creation and the power of the Creator. I cried in innocent wonder and subtle suprise. I cried with the rush of love I felt. I cried because at the moment the technician said, "oh you've got two" I sensed a wide smile from above tending to the beauty of the moment and wrapping us all three in jealous embrace of protection. I cried because I felt loved.

Hence its been an interesting ride. My husband was in a daze for a week...but now he seems to be glowing with the realization of the magnitude of our blessings albeit I think he's in denial of how his life is gonna change (or maybe not). You have to understand that my husband is a big optimist...uhm...i'm not a pessimist...but i don't think I live in his dreamieworld (that's what i call his viewpoints at times). All the same, I feel blessed to have such a huge heart as my husband.

Like this morning, I came down to a table of roses, red velvety faux fur pillow (how romantic is that!), a bucket of bath supplies, and a beautiful gold wristwatch. Thanks sweetie for making my Valentines' day beautiful...you have been an extension of the Father's love.

God is loVE
His eyes are never closed
His arms are never folded
His ears are never shut
To our cries
He reaches out with LOVE
GOD is LOVE copyright songreach productions 1998


HAPPY VALENTINES' DAY!!!