Thursday, January 19, 2017

This Was Meant to Be

Source: Google


From that moment on, the good news began to spread rapidly. The news was met with a number of reactions from various people.  I was welcomed with open arms by his fellow colleagues at church. It felt good, although a part of me felt a little shy... I never subscribed to being the center of attention. Apparently the attention came with my new “title”; along with other responsibilities.  

The good thing was that after the news broke, I was finally able to speak with my mentor. We met up at a church celebration and she told me to meet her in her car. She was overjoyed and asked me how I knew that he was my husband. I shared the number of instances that led to my discovery. She also stated that she had a revelation about us being a couple on the first day she met me. It was surreal; I was amazed at how everything played out. Who would have thought that this was one of the reasons why God sent me to Nigeria?  As I’d come to find out, it was a major piece of the puzzle.

As expected, a few church members were not feeling the idea of a flashy dressing-makeup wearing-stranger from America being in a relationship with their dearly beloved pastor. Boy did I hear some things: “How can she come from nowhere and get engaged to him? She hasn’t been in church for long enough!”; “How can she marry him? I saw wearing a backless dress one day (which was absolutely false). I’m pretty sure that much more was said; because some of the looks that I got spoke volumes.

I let it get to me a bit; I started to feel self-conscious and started reconsidering my wardrobe among other things. I wanted to look, talk and act like “a pastor’s wife”. However, I was able to snap out of it before it got too far. My sweetheart encouraged me, he told me that I was perfect just the way I was. He told me that my flashy dressing/make-up wearing ways reminded him of his mom and sister; he had absolutely no issues with it.

At this time, I also remembered a word that God gave me when I first arrived in Ife. After surveying the environment, I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb. I always got attention, everyone knew that I wasn’t from there…they knew that I wasn’t from Nigeria. I didn’t even have to utter a word; forget it when I actually spoke….all heads turned and all eyes were on me. I didn’t like it one bit and I contemplated ways in which I could fit in. But God spoke these words to my heart one day “You are light, light cannot be hidden.” So I made up my mind to be unapologetic about being myself.

Shortly after, I was officially introduced to the stewards (volunteers) of the church. Boy was I embarrassed/shy/nervous! I wasn’t even hinted to the announcement prior to it being done. I was just told to wait behind the service to see one of the pastors. Before, I knew it I was on the spotlight. My mentor informed them that I was engaged to one of the pastors and asked me when they wedding was on the spot. Wedding date??? I smiled to hide my shock and quickly said June. June!!! That was 5 months away, what was I thinking???

Shortly afterwards, I met some members of his family. His parents stopped over in a town close by on their way to a wedding. We met up with them there and eventually went to the wedding also. His sister was also in Ife for some time; she came for a school program. I got to know her a bit, she was amazing. I loved his family from the first day that I met them. They were all sweet; they welcomed me with open arms. I felt loved and accepted.
Things were looking good…everything was falling into place…this was meant to be…  


To be continued...

          

You are blessed!


- Bunmi


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1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


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Saturday, January 07, 2017

2*0*1*7

Source: Google


2017 is here!

Many people enter into the New Year with a number of emotions or feelings. These emotions range from good to bad…from excitement to regret. Some people have good emotions because 2016 was filled with many accomplishments, good times, etc. And other people enter the new with bad emotions because 2016 may have been filled with unaccomplished goals, disappointments, heart breaks, etc.; while some people may have a mixture of both emotions.

I choose the good…to me a new year provides a fresh clean slate. Yeah I made a number of annoying mistakes in 2016. There were a number of “coulda-shoulda-woulda(s)”. There were a number of times that I surprised myself with my behaviors, thoughts and words. 2016 was tough on me…God pruned me and showed me myself…my flaws glared at me and I couldn’t stand to look at myself. Situations and circumstances bombarded me and hurled various questions at me “Who are you?” “Where is your faith?” “Do you believe what you say?”

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
{1 Peter 1:7 KJV}

“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”               {Hebrews 12:5-6}

The good news is that I made it! I came out stronger, better and wiser. By God’s grace, there is still room for growth…but the bottom of the line is that I made progress. On that note, it is a new year! Don’t start it off by beating yourself up. God has given you a blank check; take it and fill it up with your desires. God is ready to lead you into greener pastures. There is more! More than your dreams! More than you can pray for! More than your imaginations! More than your past and present successes! More than you’ve heard of or seen!

It is time for us believers to take our place. In this year 2017, God is calling us higher; he is calling us deeper; he is calling us to his secret place. He has treasures stored up for us and he is ready to unleash them. This year he wants to give us things on the bill of his grace and favor…free gifts. He wants to show us what appears like mysteries to others. He wants to reveal his glory through us. He was to place us on pedestals and show us off to the world. There is a KING in you and it is time to unleash him! No more laying low, no more hiding behind the scenes, no more taking cover backstage…you were created to ARISE and SHINE; it is time to take center stage, God has placed something in you that is unique. You are the solution to the problems of nations. You are the answer to the prayer of multitudes. Christ in you is the hope of GLORY!

So, shake the bad of the past off and embrace the future! God is about to blow your mind in 2017!!! You just have to relax and trust him. Believe and receive all that he has said to you. See yourself in the light of the Words that God has spoken concerning you and run with it!!! Yes there is work to be done, but let God lead you and your efforts will never be in vain. It is going to cost you to walk according to God’s Will; it will cost you time, dedication and consistency. You have to master the art of being still and sitting at his feet. At this place, you will find your rest, answers to all your questions and guidance along the path that he has paved for you.

Have a blessed, joyous, rewarding, wonderful, celebration-filled, prosperous 2017! See you at the TOP!


You are BLESSED!


- Bunmi



Wait before you go:




1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!



3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.


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