It's my party...

and I'm partying!!! This has been a great day with so much luuuuuuuvvvv all around. one of the highlights of the day was dancing to the Bola Are VCD with my favorite peoples.
Thaank you Jesus!

My prayer for this new year of my life is to become more like Christ (John 13) in understanding who I am in God, stepping away from the meal, girding myself, getting the water, bowing down, and washing the feet of the ones he has sent to me. So help me God.

Happy Birthday to moi!

Celebrate

As the thanksgiving holiday approaches, I cannot but say I'm thankful for the opportunity to be alive and well. There is something about the warm mittens, falling leaves, and gray skies that gets me excited. My whole being is filled with anticipation of the celebrations ahead.

Talking about celebrations, my birthday is almost here! November 13th to be precise. As I celebrate in my 30's (and I love being in my 30's) I also celebrate having lost 30lbs and some so far. I am determined, God being my helper to keep the scale looking balanced. The fun of having to get a smaller size is limitless but my sustaining joy continues to be my Lord and savior.

http://www.freethejena6.org/

I signed my petition.

God is on the Throne. Life is Gooood.

<20lbs lighter

Yeah baby.....its been tough at times and the scale uncooperative...but this is good news and encouragement for the journey ahead. I just got the motivation to toss the famous Angus Barn pound cake smiling at me from my kitchen table. I'm smiling baby.....Thank you Jesus!

Prayer: Lord keep me focused and trusting YOU to the end and beyond.

I can't believe it!

My little angel got in and is starting school this Fall! You know, I heard it right and left that they grow up fast but nothing could have prepared me for the dawning of this stage in his life. It all started sinking in with the protocol of the application process, what with the references and interviews and all! You would think it was his application to Oxford....well, that is somewhere down the road. I called my hubby a few hours back to tell him, "our baby got in..." and the truth kicked in - my baby is not such a baby anymore.

ok, I'm getting teary eyed and believe me I'm not one of those! Congratulations baby may this be the beginning of many journeys of divinely opened doors in your life in Jesus name. You will not miss it in life. O o ni s'aseti l'oruko Jesu. O ku orire o..wa fi se nkan ire (Amin). Anywho, we give God all the glory.

Prayer: Father, let no man defile the youth of your son. Let him grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with you and God. I hide him in the ark of God which is Christ Jesus. Teach his dad and I how to guide him in your perfect purpose for his life

A tribute to Ruth and Billy Graham

www.thankyoubilly.com

Celebrating Fathers

Happy Fathers day to my DH. hAPPY fATHER's day Daddy! same to you Bro T
Its been a great day celebrating the wonderful men in my life. Greetings to all fathers out there.
To Father and God, thank you for being my rock.

Goodnight Mrs Graham

Mrs Ruth Bell Graham - a legendary woman of God and wife to Billy Graham has gone home to be with the Lord, she was 87 years old. Her passing brings so much to my mind.....she has lived and left a legacy of faith, what legacy am I living? what lives am I touching or influencing with kindness and love. In what ways is my life reflective of the true character of my Lord and savior. Ms. Ruth lived a remarkable life and has gone to rest, in what ways can I make marks or better put is the Lord requiring me to make marks? Lord open my eyes! and give me the courage, faith, and boldness to follow the path you lead me on.

Sun re o Iya rere - may the Lod keep your husband, children, and legacy.



Question: what marks are you making?

HA! Lord God

Thou has made the heavens and the earth
by thy great power
Ha! Lord God, thou has made
the heavens and the earth by thy outstretched arms
Nothing is too difficult for thee
Great and Mighty God
Great in counsel, Mighty in deeds
Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing
Nothing is too difficult for thee

A promotion and total reclassification of position under 5 months at a new job? it is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in my eyes. A personal call for from the Assistant Vice President of student affairs to congratulate me? favor from God and man.

Prayer: Father, I offer my life to you...use it here and now and forever for your glory.

You Are a Pinky

You are fiercely independent, and possibly downright weird.A great communicator, you can get along with almost anyone.You are kind and sympathetic. You support all your friends - and love them for who they are. You get along well with: The Ring Finger Stay away from: The Thumb

What Finger Are You?

some true some not true. Got this courtesy of EverChange

Happy Mother's Day

I was appreciating my children this evening and a prayer came through me. I prayed that I will raise them with patience, prayers, and persistent. I need patience to be understanding, tolerant, and give a hearing ear to my children. I need to be prayerful and learn to fight their battles on my knees - my mother's practical living. I need to be persistent in teaching them and showing them the ways of God.

I count to it a privilege to have my kind of mother. I am blessed and privileged to be a mother. I pray for everyone desiring to be a mother that your answers will come and that God himself will comfort you.

To Miriam in Tanzania, its a privilege to be a part of your life...thanks to 10 full years of fulfilled dreams! many more to come!

Marking the Finish Line - The Red Belt

So yesterday I went shopping and there was this lovely black top with a red belt that really caught my eye. Instead of purchasing the top, I felt led to buy a medium sized red belt that fit better upon arriving at my desired weight. I bought the slim red belt and I am looking forward to wearing it.

These days I am learning a lot about letting go and making room for better things. A few weeks back I felt a strong urge to get rid of all my designer skirt suits that I have collected over the years in my plus size. The rationale? why hang on to the old while working hard to attain the new? It felt good cleaning my closets of clothes and accessories alike. Infact, I felt some weight lifted.

It has been wonderful to see the scale read back to me in decreasing numbers. I have heartily wrote, "Thank you Jesus" beside each decreasing weight log. It has been wonderful slipping into formerly tight pants with ease. I have celebrated being able to shun cakes and pastries and have reprimanded myself whenever I gave in to the ever lingering temptation of almond cookies and the likes. Nonetheless, I am thankful that I have been able to pick up from wherever I find myself and moreso because God has really helped me to take one day at a time.

I look forward to working out every morning because I do different things, from the elliptical to the 3-2-1 circuits to walk the walk. The variation in exercises has kept the monotony out of my workout sessions and made them rather enjoyable. I have my days, my really low days, but so far I am just taking it one day at a time to the finish line.

Prayer: So help me Father

World Laughter Day

Today is World Laughter Day. Make everyday a laughter day - rejoice and again I say rejoice! may you find joy always!

Renewing FAITH

Years back a good friend of mine, who is currently a missionary in Israel, gave me a precious etched painting of the Noah's ark and the Lord categorically used the painting to minister to me about building His kingdom on earth. This is why it is interesting to read about Johan Huibers. He is a man from Schagen, Netherlands who has finished building a smaller version of the original Noah's ark.

His reason? To resucitate Holland's dying faith - give 'em somethin' to talk about.

In our times when folks are wary of proclaiming the gospel of Christ, this is quite commendable. You and I can build our own ark by proclaiming Christ and the eternal REFUGE we have in Him when he died on the cross. Like the Ark in the days of Noah, Jesus is our refuge from the storm and a shelter from the rain. If we make Him the captain of our ship, He will bring us to a place of rest and promise. He is our Present Help.

Prayer: Lord, in these last days give me the faith, boldness, courage, and strength of Noah..to stand and proclaim you in the face of a laughing, mocking , and unbelieving crowd. And Lord, touch the laughing, mocking, and unbelieving crowd and turn every heart of stone into hearts of flesh. Give me a compassionate heart to reach and touch and be an extension of your love in all I do and say. I will not be ashamed of the Gospel because it is Your power to save. Lord, make my life a testament of your goodness and love. Help me to fulfil my assignment in you.

Photo: AP

$60 Million raised last night from the Idol Gives Back!

Choir Peforms on Idol Gives Back

According to the African Children Choir website,

Choir Peforms on Idol Gives Back

"The African Children's Choir will perform with Josh Groban as part of "IDOL GIVES BACK" two-night special to benefit children and young people in need in America and Africa.

The special two-hour results show on Wednesday, April 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) will be a star-studded evening featuring world-renowned artists and celebrities, including Bono, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban and the African Children's Choir, Pink, Michael Bublé, Annie Lennox, Il Divo and popular Kazakhstan journalist Borat Sagdiyev (Sacha Baron Cohen) among many others who will take the AMERICAN IDOL stage.

During the Wednesday event, adding to the corporate contributions, viewers will be able to make their own donations via toll-free lines and the Internet.The money raised by the two shows will equally benefit the U.S. and Africa. In the U.S., the money will be distributed via CPEF to Save the Children and other U.S. organizations working to deliver programs to children living in extreme conditions in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country.

In Africa, the money will be dedicated to delivering health and education programs and will be distributed via CPEF to a number of organizations, including U.S. Fund for UNICEF, The Global Fund, Save the Children, Nothing but Nets and Malaria No More."

---- African Children Choir website

Hope some of you will make effort to see how you can be a part of these wonderful cause.

Nigeria declares winner in flawed elections - MSNBC

Promise

He will not let your foot slip
He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel (you) will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
Lord will keep you from all harm
He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen

Psalm 121:3-7

The Virginia Tech massacre has left me restless and troubled since yesterday. What a crazy insane incident. May God grant peace, rest, and comfort to us all especially the families, friends, associates, and community members directly involved.

Father! have mercy.

**Update**

I saw the African Children's Choir in concert with my 4yr old on Saturday, April 14. It was quite an experience! moving, inspiring, entertaining, encouraging, powerful, and reassuring. The concert revived hope for Africa's children and the motherland herself. Given the controversy surrounding the elections in Nigeria, the children's message was a voice from God reassuring me that Africa is neither forgotten nor forsaken. God bless Africa.


**************************************************************************************




I was basically drawn to tears this afternoon listening to the voices of two members of the African Children's Choir, ages 10? and 11 on my local NPR affliate station -WUNC. I'm aiming towards sseing them in concert on Saturday at a local church I used to attend. It is exhilarating to know that these children are having so much fun and more so that they have a hope to dream. Now I'm very curious about ways to be involved in this wonderful establishment.

Woulda've been a pitiful shabby life

You did not wait for me
to draw near to you
But you clothe yourself in frail humanity
You did not wait for me
to cry out to you
But you let me hear your voice calling me
And I'm forever grateful to you
I'm forever grateful for the cross
I'm forever grateful to you
That You came
to seek and save the lost
--Mark Altrogge, 1985

I had always known about you but I did not come to know the intriguing gist of what you generously did for me until one quiet afternoon in 1988. I had gotten on my sister's nerves as usual and I thought she was going to go on in her usual rant but instead she sat me down and told me about you. She introduced you so convincingly and with so much passion infact it was written all over her face that she knew something that I didn't know. It was clear that she was tired of fighting me and picking unnecessary battles..it seemed so unreal! what has come over my sister? I thought. but the more she talked about you the more my heart opened. I wanted the peace written all over my sister, the calm, the joy, the different person seperate from the wicked witch that always got in my way.

And though I was the most religious fan you ever had, I was suprised to learn that you did not want a fan of me but a friend. Me? your friend? how come? you said it was simple...that it is because you love me. I couldn't resist the power of your love through your words and actions and so I succombed. I said yes to you. Our journey started, the more time I spent with you the harder I fell for you. I longed for you, your company, your encouragement, your embrace, your gentleness, and warmth. You became my essence...my living bread. You showed me what I am and discarded the lies around me. You assured me that I could be all that my heart desires in you, that I could move mountains! YOU BELIEVED IN ME and destroyed the chains of inadequacies and doubt. Before I called you you answered and while I was still speaking you heard me. You are my dearest and best friend. My glory and the lifter up of my head. You chide me when needed and correct me firmly in love. You never shy away from telling me the truth

You are my LIFE, MY LOVE, MY JOY. You brought me out of the miry clay - a sinking hole, a mess, a dangerous path, the lies and pretenses and you planted my feet upon the ROCK. You are my ROCK, my eternal ROCK! You have been there through the thick and thin. You have been closer and more real than my husband, children, father, mother, brother, or sisters. You know me inside out. Your light illuminates my life, your laughter warms my life, your word anchors my boat. You have become my all in all. Some pride in riches and fame, and mark their success by tangible achievements but through the years I have come to glory only in your presence...my desire is that I am walking with you, rising and laying in your path...in this journey of love that continues....thank you for being my world and the reason I journey on the way to my promised land.


Prayer: One thing I ask for that I will seek as long as I live is to dwell in your presence all the days of my life and to be never parted from the beauty of all that you are about.
original writings of SongReach 2007

Weightloss Essentials

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength -Phillipians 4:13

My tools for the weight loss journey
Portion control - Paying attention to what I put on my plate.
Prevention's 3-2-1 Circuits DVD - love 'em! I'm using this twice a week

Elliptical - at least twice a week
In-Home Walking DVDs - once a week for 30 mins
Water - my favorite drink always
Accountability - to the Holy Spirit, my self, to co-workers (thanks Lisa for snatching that hot plate of tempting shortbreads from me this afternoon)
Trust in God - Not by power or might...I know now is the time and I'm excited coz I can do anything with you on my side Papa
Activity Log - loving this already...I keep a log of my daily exercise and it's quite rewarding to look back on a week. Nonetheless, I'm still taking it one day at a time
Weekly weigh-ins - It was nice to weigh in midweek and see some decrease already -
Wheat! Whole Grains, Yum Yum - I tried whole wheat Pasta and loveee the texture.. 6grams of fiber to the 1g of bleached wheat's brand...can't beat that!
My son's new Fav song - by Nicole C. Mullen
When I call on Jesus on things are possible,
I can mount up wings like eagles and fly,
when I call on Jesus mountains are gonna move

Tipping the Scales

A few weeks ago I promised to write about an area of my life where I crawling.

I have always enjoyed exercising - "working out" I call it. I'd been exposed to fitness since I moved to the US, bikes, treadmills, gliders, steppers...you name it. Even after I left the comfort of a home gym to campus living I would find my way to the gym. I was also very conscious of what I ate, balancing my meals - knowing how to splurge and how to stop. I maintained a good weight until I started working. I became less active, less accountable, more junk food *proned* and so on and so forth. And so begins the pound piling cycle. After marriage, I got on the pill and I can honestly say that I noticed significant *pillage* once I got on the pill. A couple of years later I had my son and lost a lot of weight during the pregnancy (I was sick some) and a lost a little bit more after his birth. Instead of keeping focus and working hard to get back on track to a healthy weight, I resumed the junk food bandwagon. I must have used food to adapt to married life and motherhood even though God helped me to take some significant steps towards pursuing my life goals. Shortly before my son turned a year old I started doing in-home walking

I enjoyed the program a lot because Leslie Sansone is i. a christian and ii. such a positive force iii. i could work out anytime inside the comfort of my own home iv. my son could watch with me and it was fun for both of us. After doing it for a few months I started noticing some change in my physique and energy albeit slowly. I am not sure what happened after that to get me back in the rut but I came back to my senses and started working out again. Before that I'd joined weight watchers but my weight didn't bulge. I decide to invest more money and we bought an elliptical machine - a very big expense for us because ellipticals especially the brand we bought are not cheap. I'm glad that I use it, but not as consistently as I would like. I've always talked about loosing weight and being fit but I've become more and more complacent with it. And so, I started noticing a trend of lack of energy as well as some snugness with my clothes. I decided to weigh myself to see (I've not weighed myself or owned a *working* scale in years) where I was on the scales. Friends, oro di wo mi n wo e (I was speechless). I couldn't believe I was up there because I'd been wearing the same dress size for a while. I couldn't believe how much I've allowed myself to be deceived by thinking that I was getting away with my late night domes of rice and quick runs to coldstone.

Well it is time for balance. The scales need to stop tipping when I get on them. This is March 2007 and this day marks a record of where I will be in a year's time.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to help my self to get rid of the sins of inactiveness and overeating that easily besets me.

il mio viaggio

my life
my passion
my dream
my word
my world
my focus
my rock
my truth - in picture
thanx Ore

EASY ON THE EYES...

This picture of Katie Holmes, Rosario Dawson and Sierra Leone survivor Margaret Jayah is such a huge departure from the regular boring Hollywood show and tell pictures. The three pose at the V-Day and Glamour Magazine Present "Stories of Women in Conflict/Women Of Peace" event in Beverly Hills on Feb 22, 2007. The pre-Oscar event supported V-Day's global movement to end violence against women and girls.

To my Mom, I am blessed to be born of you and raised by you.
To my sisters..there is nothing like the power we hold in unity.
To my sons, may you celebrate and love the women in your life
and those to come.
To my friends, you have been my oars through the journey
To all women of every nation, tribe, and tongue.
Happy International Women's Day to every woman born of a woman

Fire

It is unfortunate what happened overnight to the Bronx, NY family from Mali. I read about the incident with sadness and concern this morning. As a mother, I cannot imagine the pain and agony of helplessly watching a child die. I guess what makes it harder is the reality of the conditions these immigrants lived under. It angers me that 22 people lived under a roof....a situation that they might have gladly embraced as an escape from the debilitating state of Mali's economy. Ironically, the heavenly American dream they sought has become a living hell(fire). My heart goes out to the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, other family members and friends.

Prayer: I pray that God will comfort the family. I pray that all they have lost and more will be restored. Even though this could have happened to anyone, I pray that God will have mercy on the continent called Africa and restore us. I pray that the lot of African immigrants in America will be good and that we will have divine wisdom to follow prosperous paths (Amen)

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord cause His face to shine towards you
and be gracious unto you
The Lord turn towards you
and give you peace
Amen.

Numbers 6:24-26

And the Oscar goes to...

I saw the Oscars last night and I have to say the biggest suprise of the night was when Alan Arkin won the best supporting actor Oscar for his role as Grandpa in Little Miss Sunshine. All awards through to the Oscars Eddie Murphy had been on a winning streak for that category for his role in Dreamgirls. Considering that it was the first Oscar win for the 72-year-old veteran Alan Arkin. ..it wasn't such an intolerable suprise.

Ellen DeGeneres hosted this year and I wished she had opted out of her choice of footwear..sneakers just seem so unfitting for the Oscars. I thought she hosted well but somehow I couldn't get past her casual dressing and how it didn't match the spirit of the night. Jennifer Hudson shined as she picked up for Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls and Forest Whitaker gave the winning speech of an accomplisher.

Martin Sorcese finally won Best Director for Departed five nominations and several snobs through the years.

New look

I changed my template yet again! I wish I apportion time to do more with my blog. Right now, I think I want a clean linen look with plenty of colorful inks scribbled all over. Yay! the joy of creating and recreating. I am especially glad that I discovered the *stretch* look, I'd been wanting something like this from the beginning. Here is to a beautiful weekend of wonderful discoveries to all!

Stages of Life

I saw Kehinde crawl for the first time the other day and soon my delight turned into soberness. Yeah, I'm his mother and I am thrilled and thankful that he's crawling - a remarkable milestone in the life of any baby. All be it, it was hard that my little one (he was the littlest twin) is beginning to show signs of independence already. Such is life. Kehinde (the twin that is born second) in Yoruba legend is the egbon (senior) because he sent his twin (Taye) to go and see the world first. My Kehinde did show traits of an egbon right from the womb. He was in the most uncomfortable position and was smaller in size..it almost seemed like he sought the comfort of his twin above his own. Taye had a perfect position in the womb and has always been bigger, still is....hence my bond and protectiveness of Kehinde. Taye has this loud and dramatic way of demanding attention that makes me think he can take care of himself while in all honesty its his brother's leeway (subtleness and quietness) that gives such room. Kehinde was so small that I tended to him more, hoping that love, cuddles, and pampering will turn into layers of chubbiness..no luck there.Hence its humbling to see how far they have come and the miracle of it all..with the realization of needing to let go already!

My 4'11 pounder is growing and finding his way in the world on his hands and knees.

Pretty soon he will be on his two feet and running around with his brothers. Yesterday I was calling a daycare to inquire about spaces for them for 2008. Its hard to believe the pace of life at times so I am learning to enjoy and savor every moment with them. Morever, I'm learning from my boys about physical and mental growth everyday and I pray that the Almighty will help me to depend on Him in my own life for growth. More often than not, it is easy to believe that standing on ones own two feet is the highest achievement. Standing on two feet mean different things for different people...for some it is buying a house, for others it might mean making their first million, for a pastor it may be a congregation of 5,000. However I hope I never nurse the feeling or think that I have attained or that I am good but that while I may *stand on my two feet* in some areas I also pay attention to other areas where I am crawling. There are so many areas of my life where I am crawling right now, but I am ready to start walking, running, and achieving. Next time I will write on one of those things.




Beautiful Day

The weather today is an exception in a looong time. It is a nice break from the windy cold days that has plagued us for the past month or so.


Lesson Learned: Everything must come to pass, a season to be held and a season to crawl. A season of chilly winds and a season of gay sunshine!

Hands and Knees before Feet and Speed

This year is already rolling by with good things on all sides. One of the nicest things was the privilege to roll into the new Year celebrating in God's presence and testifying to His goodness and faithfulness.

It has been very nice starting in my career and finally being in a profession instead of being a jack of all master of none. The past is all behind me now, but it was my passage to my present and I am thankful for every lesson that I have learned. I am grateful for the opportunities my old job availed me to push through with my studies. I appreciated the seasons of my life that perhaps could have been harder if not for the nature of the old job.

It has been really nice having my bestest buddies, my sisters close by enough to talk to them for hours nonstop. It has been a blessing to share joys, pains, and just ordinary events of the day. It has been nice reminiscing about the past, laughing hard and pondering on some of the puzzles of our childhood. It has been empowering connecting to the bond of sisterhood and womanhood alike. It is humbling to realize that we are all connected by the perseverance and prayers of a godly matriarch as daughters, wives, and mothers.

I have been encouraged by my ministerial work and finally seeing some things work after 6years. The enthusiasm and the energy of the group has been infectious! For this, I am so thankful...for it shows that God does answers prayers. I am thankful for my church family and the progress and growth of the body. I am excited about the relationships that have sharpened me on all sides, I am learning that all experiences (both good and bad) are beneficial even though it is easier said than tolerated. I have come to realise that God does fight my battles and He does a better job than I could EVER manage. He is my defense.

I have enjoyed having my 4year old correct my pronunciation! (yeah, of his friends' names) and argue with me shaking his fingers...it's humbling! considering I remember so well the morning I first met the naked bundle of joy. It has been fun watching the twins bouncing on a spot hand and knees trying to move forward. It has been amazing watching them move backwards first, knowing fully well they will move forward very soon. It is has been a lesson to understand that these same ones will generate speed soon turning the house on its head (and learning to pick up after themselves by the way!) It is reassuring to know that at timeS to move forward we might first find ourselves backwards.

I hope that regardless of how 2007 has dealt you so far, that you will move forward. If you have taken one or two steps backwards when you had hoped to move forward..don't fret! It comes with the territory..just keep on and you will move forward. Keep the knees and hands (prayer and humility) exercise for your breaking through. Keep your eye on the goal and cheers to 2007, a year to moving forward and advancing with speed!