Great Decade! Great Year

2000 has been a great decade!
2009 has been a great year!

I completed high school & college and next year I will get my JD and my Masters by the Grace of God. I have grown so much in this past year.

I give God all the Glory! Thank you Abba Father!

In 2010, my mouth will be filled with laughter & my tongue with singing because The Lord hath done great things for me. Psalm 126.

~2010 - Year of Enlargement~

Catch 22 - Forgiving

You want to forgive. You may even want to forget.

Forgiving is necessary. Forgetting helps with forgiving. Forgetting is not all the way realistic though. Especially when something happens again. It’s inevitable that you remember the past. Propensity.

My question is what’s the line between Forgiving and Faking?

If you are only forgiving because it’s mandatory, not because you really want to, after a while, to an extent, that could be faking.

Hypotheticals:

• Can you say you've truly forgiven someone when you’d rather not have any interaction with this person and want nothing to do with them? 
• Or when you happen to see someone you have forgiven, you act in a civil manner, as a Christian ought to, but quickly attempt to escape their presence.

– Is that forgiving or faking? Can it be both? Or is it something different altogether?

Catch 22 - Dating in the Church

You want to “date” someone you know but you don’t want to ruin your friendship.

• so don’t date just talk – red flag for confusion.

You want to “talk to” someone in your religious gathering (i.e. church or fellowship) but then everyone is monitoring your relationship.

• So just get to know them – hang out – red flag for confusion again.

You “hang out” but then you’re creating an image or an atmosphere.

• So hang out in groups only – that’s not all the way realistic. – and the red flag is bound to go up again…Reading more into innocent actions.
  

Must everything be defined to avoid the red flags? Doesn’t that create awkward flags and take away from the naturalness?

Talking to some friends: I am leaning more towards the anti dating-someone-from-my-church or fellowship. There are just too many circles.

But at the same time you want to talk to someone you know well enough and have enough people to give you character references on this person. The people I hang out with the most, are from church and fellowship. Therefore, the people I see and would consider dating are naturally within the same spheres.

Moreover, when I try the date-someone-not-from-my-church or fellowship route that turns out to be mmm a “lesson learned.” Surprisingly, the only two people I’ve dated have now become/becoming friends to people that I grew up with. I don’t know how I feel about that (smh!) lol – but if it’s bettering them as a person then, what’s my own?

My own is another lesson which could lead to: Do not bring this person around your friends and family until it is really serious. But then there’s another catch 22 because you would want to see how well they mesh with your friends and family.

Regardless, I don’t really see the point in dating. There is no ex if there is no dating right? I’m doing God and me until God tells me what’s up or who is up – then it’ll be all three. However, I’m not in a rush I’m on God’s time because I know He makes everything beautiful in His time.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, I still think (for now) I’ll stick to the anti dating-someone-from-my-church or fellowship rule. I won’t let some God-fearing man with apparently player-like tendencies make me feel uncomfortable in my church, once he is on to the next one. Fall back players. :-) What is meant to be will be.
~Eyes Wide Open~

Hmmm.

Goodbye Fall 2009

But first I want to say whoever said 3L year - you are bored to death is a LIE if I ever saw one. This was such a busy semester like omg! But His grace was more than sufficient. Like Thank You G(OD)! so much!

"You will be excellent like Daniel!" -Grandma oh wait and the "Gbemisola say Amen!" Amen! Grandma AMEN!!

She ain't lying. This has been a great end to the semester.

I got nominated for an excellence in trial advocacy award - was not expecting that at all! Three hours every Wednesday night at the Champaign Courthouse. After 8am class --eww gross not since high school-- and a 3 hour class with a no laptop policy. --omg you won't let me use my laptop for 3 hours?-- lol but I actually liked that class, and even that day as my busiest day. Partly due to my section mates. Shoutout to Section I - thee best section hands down. We had some good laughs! BANG BANG! lol.

I really have to enlarge His territory and take the limits off. 2010 is my Year of Enlargement - JHC proclaimed via Pastor Bayo. Im claiming it alllllready.

Two graduations, milestone birthday, and my internship in a new city which I am so excited to go to!

2010 is going to be so different; as in better different greater different excellent different. Exciting.

That's because I serve an Everlasting, Faithful, Merciful God!

El Olam

"...You cannot go out of existence for You were not brought into existence..."

What He was yesterday, He is today, and He will be for ever more.

The promises He has made concerning your future will stand because He is always watching over His word to perform it. Faithful God!


Up Up Jesus!

He is fulfilling my dreams and moving mountains!

I'm going Closer to my dreams I’m moving upward and onward and beyond all I can see

Closer to my dreams

Feel it all over my being

Close your eyes and see what you believe.

-Goapele 

Favor Isn't Fair

Wow. Serendipity. (just got some good news) God's time is definitely The Best time.

Thank you Jesus. Thank you College of Law.

Xtina is having the best week ever and it's just Tuesday! VH1 Holler at me.

Furthermore, God is blessing those around me too! Case in point Julie and Laolu! Hollllllllerrrrrrrrrrrr (I said I was in good company!) In the midst of rejoicing with those who were rejoicing, He was doing something for me too.

Favor isn't fair and I'm not mad at that!

Thank you Jesus. I'm not ashamed!!!!!

I passed the MPRE!

This is part two of the other testimony, a part three is coming, when I get my grades (claimed! holla!  ~Amen). (*singing* everybody testify You are good *Igbo dancing* Jehovah...) in fact...*snap*

The weekend I went to Atl (11/8) I also had to take this important test on Saturday morning. This test was conveniently sandwiched between two exams in my masters program, the never-ending case (of course) and the usual class work etc. with a strong dose of lack of sleep but the plane ride  home was grrreat. However, not my idea of a fun time at all!

Today I found out I passed it! I Passed the MPRE! Glory to my Homie! GOD! Thank you Jesus. I KNOW I could not have done it without Him. Thank You Thank You Thank You Jesus!!!!

God told me I did not have to labor in vain, so I reminded Him back. In essence, I said what I heard and now I am seeing what I said! "Say what you heard so you can see what you said."

MPRE-ethical (check) (12/07/09)
Character and Fitness-honest and law abiding (check) (09/11/09)

Next stop (after these finals...and the next two semesters of finals...) THE BAR!!!
It's already in God's hands! Amen. Allllready!

I'm so excited for my future!

I don't want it to *look* good. I want it to BE good.

"I want to get to Heaven with a life poured out, not with a life that looks perfect.  I want it to not look good.  I want it to be good!"

--Darlene Zschech

Take the limits off!

Say what you heard, so you can see what you said!

I rocked a fro yesterday

Dear ______,

Man we’ve been broken up for 1 year and 7 months. The first time we broke up for 6 months in 2006, and then I took you back when I was going corporate. Then I went to Nigeria and left you again for about 7 months in 2007, then 9 months in law school. Each time I just took you back because of a mixture of curiosity, fed-upness, or the opportunity just presented itself. Now it’s been 19 months!

You weren’t good for me though. So many lyes, very toxic. On the surface it probably looked good but I was disconnecting with my roots. I’ll admit sometimes I am slightly tempted to go back, but this break up is the right thing for me right now.

So Sincerely,
Xtina

I’m talking about the relaxer, the perm, the chemicals, the lyes and no-lye!

Au naturale!

I tried to be my own hair beautician yesterday and by the end of the day my head was hurting. Called myself trying to deep condition, hot oil treat, press and then braid my hair. I’m halfway done with part three. That’s because it’s taking two days (maybe three, hopefully not, cross my fingers). So much so, that I had to rock a fro to Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t think (no I know) that look is not for me. Even with the afro centric touch (i.e. a nice scarf around the perimeter to accent my shirt -- nah at least not yet). Maybe when my hair gets back to its natural natural texture.

In the meantime, I have 19 months of virgin hair (natural) and I never made the big chop. (just kept braiding and pressing). So I’m pretty much all the way Au naturale by now but, I have about 5 different textures of hair in my head. Now I remember why I have not done my hair on my own in a looong time. As soon as I take the braids out, it’s straight to the shop for some washing and pressing.

At various times yesterday I thought:

1. This would be so much easier if I had some of Madame CJ Walkers products (the chemicals)
2. Maybe I should put a texturizer (but that would defeat the purpose of trying to get my hair back to its natural state (the good hair!)
3. Maybe I should cut it all off and do the corporate-bob by day and funky-up-do by nights and weekends look, but again I would need a perm for that. Negative.
4. Maybe I should get locks – but I like to switch it up a lot so I’d get bored and feel locked in after awhile. Negative again.

Anyways I tried the Chi iron. Thank God for ceramic. Otherwise my hair would be and look a hot mess after the two-week-shop-look expiration and the-week(s)-before-I-come-back to the Chi.

After 6.5 years, I have not found anyone in Champaign to bring my hair to a satisfactory state. On the other hand, I have not been actively looking. One girl used to do my hair when I was a freshman/sophomore, but she was in law school and has since graduated. But I have been to 4 people after that and … yeah… I did get some good products/stylists advice from another au naturale sister at the Thanksgiving dinner yesterday.

I was excited to get funky with my braids this time. Now that that season is over, I can spice up my hairstyles, until the summer again. I guess we’ll see how the braids turn out might have to make a quick run to the Egyptians or Dominicans. But I am determined :-)

stand out

When others are sitting down, You should be standing;
When others are standing, You should be standing out;
When others are standing out, You should be outstanding.

nolo contendere.

PAP 2009! KAIROS!!!

Wow!

I'm still in shock. (Preparing A People) PAP 2009 was the bomb!

PAP is an annual conference that takes place during every Jesus House Chicago anniversary. This 13th year we had the pleasure of being ministered to by Pastor Sturdivant, Pastor Bayo, Pastor Otabil, Spoken Life Project, B.O.U.Q.U.I. of course The Tribe of Levites and The Apostles too, with a special ministration by the young ladies in the Covenant Land. tear. I love everything dancing.

I don't remember this much excitement and planning for other PAP's or anniversary's. 

• I remember the 7th anniversary (I think that was the first PAP) when I was still in TCG and just came back home for Thanksgiving break as a freshman. I had to learn the AS Jesus Walks dance in less than a day.
• I remember the 10th anniversary because we had Muyiwa/Riversongs for the Banquet.
• I even remember the first year anniversary - I think it was at Dunbar high school! And the then little sisters, M.A. and M.A. who are now beasting on the track, shaking the hands of the first time visitors. And the guest pastor who has three daughters; Faith, Faithful, and Faithfulness.
  

But this one, the 13th, definitely topped the charts. And what beautiful September weather God blessed us with this week...in November...in Chicago....yup. No jacket = nice!


"I'm serving a God of serendipity!" As soon as I heard that, I knew that'd be my new facebook/gchat status/motto. God is able to show us things we weren't even looking for, weren't even praying for! Real estate, security, safety, and economic power, all for a person who is in their season of serendipity. Moreover, He does not need a year, He just needs a moment. That's all. Unexpected Encounters I love it!

It's a new season, it's a new day.

A fresh anointing is flowing my way.

It's a season of power and prosperity [serendipity].

It's a new season coming to me.

-Israel and New Breed

But how can I discriminate and just choose one great quote amongst several? There was so much word! Great words. It came so fast. I need to get the tape to really absorb it all.

If not for the stories we learned as kids I don't think a lot of it would have made sense. Side note: Did everyone catch that??? If Jesus was born any earlier, He would have been decapitated!!!! (like John the Baptist and not crucified) It would be a tougher story to explain Jesus coming back from the dead with no head. Man timing is everything. God is just too amazing. Man! If you're reading this and you dont understand, ask me about Him, please. I have to let you know; I have to!


"13 years! that's a long time" Daniel and Ruth on the ACFYAC call tonight.

Then it clicked after all was said and done. 13 years is a long time! It didn't really click how long it's been until they said that.  I mean I was in the covenant land (children's church) before they even had a covenant land (meaning I was in there for a short stint at the Clybourn location, we had divided cubicles based on your age). I was in TCG before Yemi K. gave it the name The Chosen Generation (Teen Ministry). Great seeing Yemi today by the way with B.o.u.q.u.i., and the other familiar faces from the other RCCG's that came from JHC.

That is time, years, progression, growth, maturation. I can boldly say now  "if you knew me back then..." and be okay with it. I might have been a little feisty back then...just a little. (now I'm sweet as ever...lol).

Everybody is growing up! Doing big things, making big moves. So many stories, blessings, etc etc.That's auspicious moments, advanced preparation, accessible opportunities, and audacious faith and only by the grace of our God of serendipity y'all, none other! Preparing us for our KAIROS TIME.

Happy 13th Anniversary Jesus House Chicago. (including all churches that came out of JHC!) I really love my church. Can't wait to see how we will top this years' in Twenty-Ten for the Fourteenth. Hats off to the planning committee!

A few things I like…

Lemonade, pink, no ice, fatter french fries, hot wings, Kung Pao Chicken - no nuts, bacon in cheeseburgers
Stuffed Burritos, Cookie Dough & Chocolate Chip in Ice Cream, Grapes, Plums Mangoes, Strawberries, Mexican Corn on the cob, Taffy Apples, Caramel in Chocolate

Dancing Skating Biking
Football, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer
Eating, Cooking new recipes – and they come out right :-)
Praise and worship, words that speak - spoken word
presentation
Thoughtful messages text/email/snail/voice
meaningful Conversations

Lauryn Hill, Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., Alicia Keys, India Arie, Anthony Hamilton
Kirk, Israel, Mary Mary, and Tye and VP! :)
Music – a lot
Avant’s bass player is a woman, does her thing in a sharp stylish suit

Broken curses growth and restoration
Blessings favor from God
Answered prayers about everything – even before I pray about them
Prophecies Fulfilled promises.
Relevancy Relevant People
Giving
Understanding
Wisdom and learning, experiences that make me stronger
That the past is in the past and I cannot change it
Peace of mind & freedom & completion
imagination
My future

Siblings everywhere, healthy interactions, families
Natural hair, natural everything reality.
Happy-ending-Surprises and celebrations
Happy endings and new beginnings
Nigerian parties.
Summertime
Sunny days, Saturdays, new days
Trying new things

relationships
Young love
Real love
Brown sugar friends and brown sugar love
Old love and Old people taking walks passing the test of time

People
Good people – family and friends
Beautiful people – internally
Honest people
True people
Real people
New friends, old friends

Rejecting the status quo
Making the “impossible,” possible
Good times.
God. His word. Life.

The Game & Larry You're Being Inappropriate.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

I’m so late, but I just saw The Game finale. I love that show!

So Sad. So beautiful. Tears. Kind of wish it was real life. Just read up/heard what they are doing in their real lives with the community. Even better!

I think I am going to get a shirt that says:
"Larry, you're being inappropriate!" lol!
My roommate showed me this and we thought it was too funny.



She sued (and then settled...) the Miss America pageant for religious discrimination because MA judge, Perez Hilton, asked her about her views on same-sex marriages.

testimony #(infinity + n)

Man this VH1 Drumline marathon kind of makes me wish I was either on the drumline or went to a HBCU in the South.

Oh well at least I have the opportunity to be in the A this summer!

Two things that you say in the A that will get you some weird looks:

1. Hotlanta! - that's outdated and overstating the obvious (it wasn't me)
   
2. No Ice Please - (it was me and the waiter asked me if I was sure twice and gave me a certain look...what??? Aunty in 9ja told me way back when, if you drink ice water you will get kata.... that's not really the reason; I just don't want or like to be cold. I want to be warm like my personality =)
   

Was it fate? All these subtle hints and connections to ATL and the opportunity. Of course! – part of my destiny. God’s got a plan for my life like Jeremiah.

For I know the plans that I have for you says who? Says the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. To give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11(The says who part we added while rapping it to the ACF kiddies as their memory verse).

God is sssssssssooooo good to me. I have a testimony. Many. And it’ll never stop but I would be remiss if I didn’t let everyone know that God is My HOMIE! and I give Him all my praise.

My joy comes from obeying Him. My wisdom comes from trusting Him. THANK YOU JESUS. And thank you to my family and friends that keep me in their prayers.

Excerpt from an email mi Madre sent me when I texted her after they called today  :-)

OPE NI FO LUWA. OPE MI KOITO OJOJUMO NI O MA DUPE.
PRAISE THE LORD. THANKS TO MY GOD AND MY FATHER. WHAT CAN I RENDER TO YOU O LORD.
EVERYBODY BLOW YOUR TRUMPET...........

SO WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GA

and yeah Her caps lock is loud. MINE TOO~!

Chimp Story!
I heard about that Chimp story today. Whoa! I can’t even complain about anything in life ever!!!!!!
Woman Mauled by Chimp - The Will to Live

I think I’m actually going to sleep at a reasonable hour. Meaning, I’m waking up at an unreasonable hour to spend all day learning Stats for the exam at night. Me and Big Homie are gonna rock it out though; every question Tstat, Anova, Tukey-Kramer, Null Hypothesis all that.

nolo contendere

Life is a challenge not a competition
You can still smell the roses and be on a mission
Just take a moment to get in touch with your heart
Sometimes you feel like you’ve got something to prove
Remind yourself that there’s only one you
Just take a moment to give thanks of who you are .

-India.

I am not competing with anyone for anything.

No degrees, no person, no recognition, no attention, no love, no money,  - nada.

My only competition is myself...

I am running the race that God put me in; the Xtinahundred with a mixture of high and low hurdles. I never hit a hurdle in track ;-)

There will only be one winner.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

My eyes are on the prize. I am going to do that thing; [my purpose], and help as many people as I can along the way.

... let me run with perseverance the race marked out for me - Hebrews 12:1b

~NoLoContendere~

answered prayers...

remember what you pray for, make sure you're ready to receive and accept the answer... :-/
I know in the end it all works out for good. :-)

there is no end to eternity

November IS the busiest month of school. Of all my Novembers here, this might be the busiest of them all. Thankfully I have a tasty treat to look forward to at the end of the month = Thanksgiving!

A lot to do! Joint programs are no walk in the park by any means - at least not this one. Exams, presentations, papers, oh yeah that (never ending) trial ... (come see the final product in April =)

Sidebar: After the last trial, I know I will never be a criminal defense attorney. The defense attorney was good, impeached the co-defendant too well, but he was on the wrong side! The jury convicted - First Degree Murder. Thank God! What they did to that couple was disgusting; "exceptionally brutal and heinous indicative of wanton cruelty." A Vietnamese/American couple, lived within their means, bought nothing on credit, and aided Vietnamese immigrants and the like. The jury was more diverse than I've ever seen in these parts, I even knew one of them. =)

Anyhow, I'd rather have a lot to do than not enough to do and I am thankful for where I am. I know His grace will be more than sufficient for me, so it will all get done, and done well and for my good. All this is part of His plan for my life. November feels like it is in fast forward, everything just happens, comes and goes. Last week was a good warm up for this month and I am running 'til I finish this race.

With that said, people are accustomed to thinking and living with the end in sight. "Better is the end than the beginning" and "all good things must come to an end." But there is no end to eternity; it just keeps going and going and going forever.

Measured against eternity, our time on earth is just a blink of an eye, but the consequences of it will last forever.

"Forever, forever, ever, forever, ever?"

Where do you want to spend forever?

"Forever never seems that long until you're grown."

Live your life accordingly.

Jehovah vs. jay-hova = Big Difference! listen...

Check out Andy's [DTPRO's] freestyle over Jay-Z's Run this town!



Verbill Punishment

R-E-S-P-E-C-T yourself ladies

A woman’s greatest flaw is not understanding her worth and appreciating her value.  – Anon.

Please don’t sell yourself cheap or give yourself away for free to any "random" guy that only wants instant gratification. Don’t give your heart away like samples at Sam’s club.

ran⋅dom [ran-duh m]

–adjective

1. proceeding, made, or occurring without definite aim, reason, or pattern:

synonyms - haphazard, casual, chance

A few inexpensive dates, a couple conversations on the phone? That’s it – girl you are worth more than that. The amount does not even fit on a price tag. KNOW THAT.

It might sparkle at first, doesn't mean its real gold. Soon you will start to see their true colors behind all the acting. All the acting just to get inside of you. For what? They will show their behind soon enough and hopefully just in time for you to leave.  Anyone who wants to sleep with you before he is married to you does not Love you. Believe that. Nothing has changed, so maybe you're older. So what?

Every guy has a little player in them until they find that one who gives them no reason to play anymore. So if your man is playing you, he is probably not the one for you  at least not right now…and maybe not ever.

If he is not focused on God and then family and you, he is not the one for you. If something does not seem right… it probably isn’t.

“The best game is honesty.” - BD

You are a precious jewel that belongs in the safe. It never goes on sale because it is far too costly, never goes out of style because it was fearfully, wonderfully and complexly created. Only one person is given the key to the safe and only God knows the combination. Don’t give out multiple keys to various guys. They don’t have what you’re looking for. - Adapted from MH

♪ Girls you know you better watch out" ♫

• If they can’t respect you and your beliefs LEAVE. It should not even be a discussion or debate. Respect is just the minimum - LH
  
• If they keep you wondering what if and complaining to your girls about this and that. LEAVE.
• If they are inconsistent, unreliable and/or disappearing then deciding when to come back around. LEAVE. Magicians and clowns belong at the circus not with your heart. You know how the saying goes “Don’t allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option” CHICK LEAVE!
• If he is already causing you to cry CHICK LEAVE! You know the other saying “No one is worth your tears and the one who is, won’t make you cry”
• If he is ashamed of you and not supportive. CHICK Leave.
• If you are not growing with this person and giving too much of yourself (and you’re only in the dating phase) what do you expect the future will be like) CHICK LEAVE.
• Questionable or Confirmed “Relations” with low self esteemed females – LEAVE ( ok they may not all have low self esteem was watching The Game marathon this weekend =))
• Flirts too much or is an Every ladies man - LEAVE
• Prideful, Impatient, Lying, Manipulative, Reckless mouth, Tempers, Anger issues, Alcoholism, Drugs, Promiscuous – LEAVE!
• If YOU're not yourself  when you're with them but instead you are acting too- LEAVE just be yourself comfortably.
  
• Of course – No relationship with God, the father of Jesus, – omg LEAVEEEE, not just someone that casually attends church on 26-39 Sundays out the year

And yeah “MY CAPS LOCK IS LOUD!” –JW

Don’t lie to yourself, if you see these things, lust can be blinding. You cannot change anyone.

Don’t listen to the spectators who don’t know you like you should know yourself. Don’t listen to the so called been-there-done-that ladies encouraging what they think is best for you. Don't listen to this "guy" trying so so hard to change and alter years of training and learning. In fact, don’t even listen to your heart. You have to guard your heart and ask God to guide it.

I don’t care how old you are or  if you feel like you’re running out of time. Girl do not staaaaaay. This is a medicinal dose of what The Rest of your life will be on earth. A nasty medicine that does not cure or change anything. Again, you cannot change anyone.

Don’t be afraid to LEAVE. It’s better to find out now that you are going in two different directions. It’s better to have a broken “relationship” than a broken marriage. People are blinded by the wedding day glamor.  “The wedding is one day, marriage is a lifetime.” – Grandma. After the honeymoon stage is up you're still in it till death do you part.

If you have made some mistakes by realizing your value after the fact, don’t make the same mistakes. You're not damaged goods either, it is not too late -- you're still alive. Don’t justify your actions by what everyone else your age may be doing behind closed doors. First, you’re not even there with them so all that you’ve heard is hearsay and cannot be proved for the truth of the matter. Second, you’re not of this world, so don’t compare yourself to anyone in it, God isn’t going to.

Just choose now to make that change – know the person and their capabilities [ins and outs = no surprises,] and know what you are worth!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me -  AF,CA

Had to write this for and from some loved ones, no offense to anyone, and don’t read more into it than what is written =) questions?

A purpose driven life = a life fulfilled

What a week... Church, Market, Bowling Alley, Nursing home, Illinois Department of Corrections, Courthouse, Community Service Kickoff, International Potluck, Celebrations oh yeah and school...

Monday went to see my grandfather, before heading back to school, and now the end of the week, his junior brother has been laid to rest in Odogbolu, Ogun, next to my great grandmother.

From his youngest son, my cousin JO.

A great man...a loving father, a wonderful, gifted and brilliant doctor, dermatologist, and venereologist...someone who stood for integrity, hard work, and perfection...may I be half if not all that u were...loved u, love u, and will always love u dad..rest in peace.....

There is a time for everything and it is time to celebrate my granduncle. A great man indeed. Love always, Funmi. A life fulfilled.

For me to live is Christ - Paul

If my time to go back comes before Christ comes back I want you to know that I love you. We do not say that a lot or enough in our affection-lacking-culture. We just assume the other people in our lives know. But people come and go at different times and then people think "I wish I told X, xyz,"  when that person has been called back.

Heard on the radio though, "when someone tells you 'I love you,' you should ask 'what do you mean by that?'" It could have different in-depth meanings depending on the recipient. If you really want to know you can ask me =). But generally, just know that I love you with the love of the Lord and want what's best for you, as a friend God has placed in my life.

So I just encourage you to break away from that culture and tell people how you feel about them often.

At the same time, make sure you are doing your part daily to fulfill your destiny and purpose.


I got this from my friend, JW's status and would like to share: 

My favorite store is in Nazareth, My clothes are in Nazareth, My food is in Nazareth, my car is in Nazareth, My books are in Nazareth. My COMFORT is in Nazareth. All I know, is in Nazareth. In order to fulfill scripture, I have to leave Nazareth. My destiny is in Bethlehem, but my comfort zone is in Nazareth. I have to leave Nazareth and go to Bethlehem I have to.

Bethlehem or bust. Let's go!

Lastly, if God has placed someone anyone in your life, it is your duty to at least plant a seed in their life so that when they are called back you know you did your part with them. Reinforced by my Gma.

I don't think I'll be going anywhere for a while though. I'm still learning and a work in progress. Moreover, I've still got business to do. My Father's business. I mustn't leave until it's finished.

Then I'd have lived my life to the fullest.

Show me your friends.

I'm in great company, and have great people around me! I pray God continues to over bless and abundantly favor them(you) and theirs(yours) daily.


<3 y'all.
Xtina

To the Fella’s!

A challenge has been placed on my heart for you. Especially after the unfortunate Derion Alberts attack, it hit a memory and a passion.

I’m challenging every Man to mentor at least one young man. If you have the privilege and the ability to read this someone(s) needs your help.

Too many males are being reared by single women who have no idea how to raise a man. It takes a good man to raise another good man. [emphasis on good]. Many men are no longer visible and present for one reason or another. Subsequently, these young men look to other not so positive spheres of influence to guide them such as the streets, the internet, and television etc.

Striving to reach higher heights without putting in the work, they resort to get-rich-quick schemes; stealing, dealing and reaching for unattainable goals. Another day another dollar and the saga continues with no hopes for tomorrow. Hopefully they escape the system.

The public school system has failed them. The streets have failed them. The media is failing them. It also takes a village to raise a child too. If we don’t do our part, we ["the village"] have failed them too...

If you're a MAN! -Physically mentor a young man who can benefit from your experience.

And if you're a lady reading this encourage a man to mentor atleast one young man.

men⋅tor [men-tawr, -ter]

–noun

1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

Believe in him. Motivate and encourage him. Connect and relate to them on a level that a female cannot. Establish a trusting relationship. Support his dreams.

Teach him. Teach him how to be a good man. Let him learn from your mistakes. Teach him how to respect himself. Teach him how to respect and treat women. Teach him humility and perseverance.

Lead him. Plant a seed in his life and lead by example. Show him how to be a God-fearing man that will be the head of his family, with morals and values. Lead and direct him to put God first.

Unteach him. Unteach him the ways of the dead beats, the addicts, the dealers, the convicts. Unteach him the idea of getting rich quick without effort and discipline. Unteach him the ways of the hot-tempered or easily angered, the lazy, and the prideful.

Remember him. Put it on your schedule and periodically schedule 1-1 mentoring sessions with him.

Do your part and give back. I challenge you. If you need one, I know where to find some young men. They need you! We need you!

“Because if we don’t we’ll have a race of babies that will hate the ladies.” –Tupac. (and hate themselves . . .)

Facebook.....

In the last 5 years of having a facebook account Ive somehow managed to attract some random people and maybe I kind of wish I pressed ignore when the request came in or thought twice before adding them … so now I have to resort to "hiding" them because omg if you remove them "the world is over..." I guess it provides an iota  of comedic relief in the form of smh and asking "are you serious?" "like for real?. . .

Facebook Statuses -

So in my first blog I wrote:

 . . . [F]acebook needs a maturity level limit. You should pass a test before you're allowed to flood people’s news feed with your ridiculous, disgusting or immature status updates. At least if I'm going to procrastinate I would like to read something worthy of “Like”or commenting. I should not have to SMH every time you pop in my news feed.  .  .

 Saw a friends status today, it said:

“just as children have imaginary friends, some people have imaginary haters. Hmm . . .”

That is  exactly what I think every time I see someone dedicating their entire status and livelihood  to someone they do not like who probably will never see their ridiculous status. Hello, did you forget you have friends on facebook too? To all of us "non-haters" you just look quite angry, a bit immature, which pretty much equals foolish, I think the Bible even says that in Proverbs[in so many words]. sad.

Exhibit A – Hi Haters

Exhibit B – [expletive], dumb, with terrible grammar.

So to the maturely challenged facebook friends-

I have a few (~9) questions, just some of the things that I want to know:

1. Why do you have so many haters?
2. Why do you write to and dedicate your statuses to your haters?
3. Why would your hater be reading your facebook status?
4. Is your entire being on facebook dedicated to the hopes that "your hater" is watching and keeping up with you?
5.  Are you connected to your hater on facebook? if so, WHY??
6. Are you connected to a mutual friend that will hopefully deliver the message to this so – called hater of yours?
7. Or are you trying to speak to someone indirectly but don’t have the balls to do it?
8.  Do you even have haters?
9. Are you a hater??????????

Next topic – Facebook events

Dear ghetto-club promoter, friend I met at a conference that lives across the country, and alumni age fraternity friend that cannot get enough of undergrad (that I regret confirming as a friend),

Please stop inviting me to your parties. I do not want to/ unable to / will never attend.

·         We are not in the same city.

·         We are not in the same state.

·         We may not even be in the same time zone.

·         Or your parties are for the 21 and under crowd and I do not qualify.

A true promoter would have target groups and friend lists. Put me on the Never Attending list.

Kind Regards,

Xtina

Ok Next next Topic – Random messages in my inbox

Can you tell me how can someone say “you look familiar” when they can’t even see my picture? [smh!] & "notices" the mere 22 mutual friends we have! [double you tea H]  when I doubt they can see my fb friends due to my settings…Then you want me to confirm my whereabouts? You must be [mmm hold my tongue.] 

Thought I was observant, but dang this is a bit stalkerish with accents of insecurities...LHM it's time to pray.

Unsurprisingly, it's just the usual round the way nosy girl or guy who is looking for love in all the wrong place; it is certainly won't be in my facebook inbox.

I almost want to say. . .

1. Why are you so nosy?

2. You’ve never even met me! You don’t even know meeee. A 2 minute FB chat  convo, where I’ve said 2 statements at most, after regretfully logging in to fb chat, out of curiosity, does not equate knowing me At All.  So to the dearest nosy and bold: return to sender. smh.

That’s interrupting my permanent fast from irrelevancy...just being honest.

Triple time

When lucifer is putting in overtime make sure you're praising HIM 72/7!

When d sees something good about to manifest in your life, d starts working overtime. he puts in the 80 hour shifts.

When that is happening, that's when you put in your 120 billable hours! clock!

That's when:

-you should be happier knowing your blessings are coming and cannot be hindered because the doors God opens nothing can close

-you should be more joyful because you know the plans He has for you, to prosper you and give you a bright hope and future, not to harm you.

-you should be strong because you know He will not give you more than you can bear, and you've have casted all your burdens to him

-you should feel safe because He will never leave you nor forsake you, righteous one.

d is a lie/liar!

So let God arise and His enemies be scattered. 

HallelujaHolla Back! My joy is too full. Joy is my nammme! what?!

Iya mi calls me Funmilayo...

Oluwafunmilayo - God gives me joy.

The things of this world are silly to me (some sneaky) but sillyyy nonetheless.

Although I am in the world I am not of this world.

I thank God for giving me the wisdom to see red flags and stay awayyyyy.  He has given me the understanding and authority to be at least two steps ahead, allowing me to divert from nouns (the grammar school definition: persons, places or things)  that I can boldly say are “Not my portion!”

Because what God has for me is for me and what is not is not, hence NOT MY PORTION :-)

Giving them/it  the deuces and maybe saying a prayer towards it (ideally) I can carry along about my business and purpose, continuously praising, thanking, and praying without ceasing – You’ve Got to stay prayed UP! It confuses them/it, keeps them/it guessing.

With that recipe, things that used to bother me, bother me no more, things that could make me retort, allow me to smile, laugh and give God the glory because HE is the only entity that deserves my attention. It's not a secret I can tell it and will tell it always. It's called the Joy of the Lord, one of the fruits of The Spirit and I've got it! Hence my naturally joyful disposition.

This week, I definitely heard some things that quite possibly belong on the top of the dumbest statements ever list [too dumb that the mouth God gave me to praise Him should dare not repeat, give credit to, or be contaminated by such nonsense]  and seen some of the world in action, sneaky endeavors, etc. etc. ...... = not my portion <----HallelujaHolla BACK (how about never! because I am not of this world. (fullstop)

But this week, I also heard some of the greatest statements ever and seen the hand of the Lord at work in my life, family and friends = my portion :-D Thank you relevancy.

Still fasting permanently from irrelevancy…it’s working! Join me :-)

I've got Joy and give Joy! HallelujaHolla!

Shoutout to the wonderful woman that gave me that name, who God blessed with another year of life, on Wednesday. love you.

Several Voices Same Message to Me..all that time

wow.. God definitely uses several people to get the same message to you. I read the open heavens online today, Several Voices Same Message, after praying with a friend from ACFYAC this morning.
Several Voices Same Message

• The very night before law school orientation, someone I met from CLEO and I were running errands and decided to stop at the law school just to look around. We met a guy who was doing the joint degree and then He was speaking to me. 
• During 1st semester of law school, I spoke to another guy from BLSA and even though I thought I was just meant to connect him to a girl in my section who was interested in the same program as well He was actually speaking to me. 
• Went to a get together, met two more people in that same program, He was speaking to me then.
• My friend was studying for the GRE and applying, He was speaking to me then
  
• When I went to meet one of my advisors from a summer law program I did, He spoke to me then. 
• My amtrak was delayed and I reunited with my mentor from the summer law program and she also happened to be doing that program now a semester after graduating law school, and He was speaking to me.
• In November, we had a Black Alumni Reunion, the lady from class of '91, who had the same BLSA exec position I did (Dir. of Comm. Serv.)  was telling me about why she did the same program and of course He was speaking to me then too.
  

I think I'm pretty quick with getting messages generally but after all that, I still didn't quite get The message. And even when it took me awhile to get the message, HE still worked it out for me!

• How I got into a class meant for mainly 3rd years as a 2nd year - God. 
• And subsequently did well in the class and the professor was a key person to meet in so many aspects - God
  
• How I was accepted into my joint program - God! (the applications were already closed, the class was already selected before I even applied or even took the GRE, there was already a long wait list - God did it for His daughter. He is still in The Business of working things out for His children, don't allow anyone to tell you otherwise).
• How I did well on the GRE after studying for only 1 week! - God.

The call today and what GO wrote for today comes at a great time since the next chapter is quickly approaching...., they spoke on the same things and I was actually looking for my next message. I think I'm getting it! =) This fast from irrelevancy is great. God is putting relevant people in my path and using relevant people already in my life. This is just one example of several!

Too happy no matter what happens. Too many things to thank HIM for! THANK YOU FOREVER.

Have a blessed day!!!

Courtwatching

I have to go court watching for Trial Advocacy. I decided to try the Federal Courthouse to see a criminal jury trial today. Watching the R.Kelly trial live! last summer was still the best I've seen so far.

I think the defense attorney lost the case for the 3x & FEDERAL! defendant (which means he'll be going away for a loong time) when he started talking about "crack babies!"

Then somehow he started talking about Peter in the Bible and how the red font distinguishes that God is speaking, and how someone was getting popped in Chicago and Big D'Juan...

He also said "There is place in hell for anyone who deals cocaine." whaaaaaat?? I just wonder what was going on in the defendant's head while his attorney was "defending" him.

I didn't see the case from the beginning but based off that closing he must not have had much to go off or he is just bad. He can't be that bad if he made it to the ranks of Federal defender...but then again who really wants to defend people that are more likely than not, GUILTY? I don't....I have seen him before and he wasn't that impressive I think he did the same stunt, makes you think he is working for the other side.

Anyways, the US attorney rebutted with:

When the facts are against you; argue the law
When the law is against you; argue the facts
When the both are against you; confuse someone in the jury.

He definitely succeeded in the latter because even I was confused. For a second, I didn't know if I was in church, or at a comedy show. He threw all kinds of things in that closing. The jury is in deliberation but I don't think they'll be for long.

Yeah maybe he is guilty of drug possession, but as is commonly the case, he was the only black person in the courtroom.

The jury (of your peers) box had 3 females, 9 males, all Caucasian. My courtwatching badge indicated I was not related to him... nope we're not all related.

UPDATE: The Defendant was found Guilty on all counts; Conspiracy, Drug Possession and Trafficking.

Permanent Fast from Irrelevancy

I am permanently fasting...

Fasting from irrelevancy and any [person, place or thing] related to it.

I am on a pathway that has been predestined by my Maker. Predestined for GREATNESS and EXCELLENCE. Better is the end than the beginning. Better is the end of every rest stop on this highway.

Irrelevancy will only slow me down and get in my way.

Please, please don't interrupt my permanent fast from irrelevancy. No offense.

If you are relevant then this does not apply to you.  In fact, you should join me on this fast. It will help you as you go down your destined pathway. So far so good. I feel very healthy. =) re: 1st post ceasing to spend Major on Minor.

What is 4 blackbirds - 1 blackbird?

I was reading an assignment for Employment Relations and this question was in the beginning of the Managing Diversity Chapter. I think it is brilliant.

A 2nd grade school teacher asks - "There are four blackbirds sitting in a tree. You take a slingshot and shoot one of them. How many are left?

Three, answered the seven-year old European with certainty. "One subtracted from four leaves three."

Zero, answered the African seven-year old with equal certainty. "If you shoot one bird the others will fly away."

Which child answered correctly?

I posted it onto two young adult groups and this is my interpretation:

As Christians...

The European child's logic relates to our relationship with God and our relationship with the unsaved.

1. Think of the struck bird as yourself; when it is your time to meet the Lord.

No one else's stewardship will be able to save us i.e. your prayerful parents, dedicated spouse, ordained relative, etc. We will be accountable for ourselves, when we stand before Him from our actions, character, and I think most importantly our daily relationship with Him; devotions, prayer etc.

And when it is your time to go, the rest of life will go on. However,...

-Did we do everything we were supposed to do during our time on that tree(earth)?
-Would the other birds on that tree have no doubt in their mind where we are going after leaving the tree, by the way we lived our life day in and day out?

2. Think of the struck bird as an unsaved person in your life (work, school, friend etc).

The blood of our friends and people we come into contact with is in our hands. Imagine if you have a friend or family member that is not saved. And we go on with our daily regiment possibly taking a few things for granted as they haphazardly live their lives without knowing God. Suddenly, it is their time to go and we did not make sure that we did what we could to make sure they were saved.

-Did we, as the salt and light of the earth, speak/minister to everyone we were supposed to on that tree?

The African child's logic relates to our relationship with other Kingdom builders.

1. Think of the struck bird as another Christian in your life.

This can be a Christian friend struggling with anything. Basically, we are our brother's keeper, and we all should stick together and build each other up and help each other to become better people. This includes praying, fellowshipping, celebrating, checking up on each other and holding each other accountable. My coach used to say we're only as strong as our weakest link. We can not watch one of us backslide or go back into the world and do nothing about it.

So maybe the story has a happy ending if the other three birds quickly went to help the bird and did all they could to help their friend. On the other hand, maybe the other three birds just flew away to another comfort zone, and left their fallen mate to the world to eat at; not a happy ending.

2 cents. Holla.

Ewww.

Life is a journey, not a destination,
There are no mistakes, just chances we’ve taken
Lay down your regrets cause all we have is now.

-India. 

Do you ever enter that "what was I thinking!?"state, about some decision or thought you've made in the past? Gross. What in the world was I thinking!!!!!! SMH! Can I get a witness? I know I'm not the only one this has happened to...

It[they] made absolutely no sense! Since God is not the author of confusion, I definitely was blinded or misguided by something or someone else; I am not exactly sure what or who it was or even why, but it was not God. CONFUSED! & maybe a bit disappointed, but I can't really be because lessons were learned nonetheless, so I'm more knowledgeable than before. [but eww Gross. =) ] Knowledge is power so I'm more powerful than I was before. I know where He brought me from and I'm better than I was before. I take it as an answered prayer. Ese Baba!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct [and He shall direct] your path."Proverbs 3: 5-6 and it is a song. I'm looking for it...

Life; you don't say

Well....

"They" say:

• Life is tough.
• Life isn't fair.
• Life is short.

I say:

• Life is love.
• Life is people.
• Life is for Christ.

Because:

When I think about the Lord
How He saved me, how He raised me
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
How He healed me to the uttermost

When I think about the Lord
How He picked me up and turned me around
How He placed my feet on solid ground

It makes me want to shout
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, you're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!

And so all I can say is:

Thank You Lord for life!

Where there is no vision people perish

Write the vision and make it plain so that those who see it may run with it.

Be Blessed! -- No Worries. No Wondering.

God knew me before my mother knew me. He knew the beginning and the end of every story in my life. So there is no need to worry or wonder about anything! It's already been settled.

"Be Blessed
Don't live life in distress
Just let go let God
He'll work it out for you"

Be Blessed
-Yolanda Adams

When I hear this song it makes me want to dance.

My wonderful uncle.

There is a time for everything. . . Ecclesiastes 3.

Sunday morning my Grand Uncle went to meet his Maker, Our Lord and Savior. He was a wonderful man and the reason why I enjoy going back to Nigeria every time.

He came on a Sunday, left on a Sunday, and did a lot of Great things in between. A wonderful family man with a great loving wife and 5 wonderful children. He was a husband, uncle, brother, cousin, friend, doctor, and the list goes on.

I take comfort in knowing he was a God fearing born again man.

It is time to celebrate my grand uncle. 71 years old. May you Rest in Perfect Peace Amen. Love Always - Funmi.

... There are too many important aspects to this life.

... There are too many important aspects to this life.

With that said, I cease to spend any major time on minor people ever again starting today. I just had to write about it and speak nothing further on it. Like I said, there are TOO many important aspects to this life that I will not let slip away. There is work to do. I will not allow maturely challenged people to take my joy! This is the month of DIVINE JOY! HOLLA!