tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82782643616560628822024-03-13T12:23:55.276-05:00Imo-wunmiXtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-61572223718501962572014-03-15T20:58:00.001-05:002014-03-17T01:04:28.397-05:00Olorun s'aanu mi<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remember a few times here and there, while we lived on Harlem Street, when my grandma would say to me: <b>Olorun s'aanu e</b>. Translated: “<i>Lord have mercy on you</i>.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This would typically be said after I’ve done something that, well, I probably needed mercy for – nothing too grave in my childlike understanding, at the time as a high schooler. I should also note that it is quite possible that almost everything my grandma said was a prayer, “<i>Gbemisola, say amen</i>!” Oh, sorry grandma, I thought we were just talking.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I used to think that her saying “<i>Olorun s'aanu e</i>” was one of the harshest things to say to someone. Lord have mercy on me? Well, jeez, Lord have mercy on you too! What did I do??? (Hey, don’t judge me. Well, you can judge me but I’m not the same me I was in 2000, glorrrraaaay!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A decade and some years later, I definitely see the importance behind that prayer and a thousand times over appreciate that wonderful woman God blessed me with as my grandma. <a href="http://mary-ogunnaike.memory-of.com/tributes.aspx">(Grandma Tribute)</a> And I so appreciate that her prayers for mercy upon me and our family are still being performed today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, <b>Olorun saanu mi</b> is one of my most common and easiest prayers to say. Translated: Lord have mercy on me. (Woooh chil’) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lord have mercy, let Your mercy prevail over judgment! One of my favorite prayer leaders (<i>can we have 'favorite' prayer leaders? Well, I do.</i>) oft-prays quoting from Isaiah, “even our righteousness is like filthy rags, how much more our unrighteousness?” during the mercy portion of the prayer meeting. word up. What's filthier than filthy rags? Our unrighteousness, eeeek!<!-------><!-------></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s real out here in this journey of life and that’s just with our flesh and carnal minds alone, not to talk of the spirits and principalities. "The heart of man is desperately wicked."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lord have mercy on me, my family, my loved ones, my future children (twins!!) and children’s children to the 10th generation, forever and ever. Amen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lord have mercy on me all day, every day. Where would I be without it… *African accent, hmph*
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever and ever Amen.</i></span></div>
Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-91349468628919704322014-03-15T20:55:00.003-05:002014-03-17T00:31:57.731-05:00Mum is NOT the word.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shedding light on a lesson I’m learning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this was my former M.O. by God's grace :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone (who isn’t my mother or brother) pisses me off right? But I’m trying to walk this narrow path of life, embrace the fruit of the spirit, specifically meekness, right?
So I just keep quiet. “Mum is the word.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I think I’ve done is become the bigger person, letting that person act a fool. Then, the pissed off-ness wears off a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nd voila I have forgiven them.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>Somewhere along the way of realizing arguing for free is not worth a dime, I became non-confrontational – believe it or not - in day to day interactions of course…</i>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh but I’ve been told, I have the memory of an elephant. I don’t forget anything. (Side note: o<i>nce I realized everyone doesn't have an "elephant's memory,", I had to mask how much I revealed to know, or they would think I had some supernatural powers – “how did you know that?” Um, you told me *blank stare*… jeez. Oh you remembered that...</i>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, back to the story. So said person comes along some time later and pisses me off again. (<i>is “piss off” vulgar? I never knew it to be such, so no offense if you’re taking some offense</i>). Again, I just let it go. In my mind, I’m like, this person is kind of crazy, duly noted, a discussion is not worth it – trying to remember my Proverbs – you know that part – don’t argue with fools...” "Argue" read "discuss in any shape or form, nada… "</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nonetheless, said person has just been moved out of my circle of trust, circle of sane people or what have you. Xtina pulls back from said person little by little. (<i>Keep your enemies closer – naaah bro, I don’t play that – stay the heck away from me, uproot them Lord! *double snap*</i>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it happens again, and again, and again, and perhaps even their close friend pisses me off too – conspiracy kai, and then they come again…. (<i>Remember, this hypothetical is just for illustration purposes.</i>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, it’s very plausible that the next “again” might not receive the same “mum is the word” response. The next again might not even be as big of a deal as the first time or one of the “agains” prior. All the while, I thought I was being meek and forgiving. I was mum-is-the-wording and disregarding, meanwhile making my conclusions about this person’s behavior and inadvertently keeping record. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, actually just last week, I tried something different. Something happened and I was not pleased with how this something unfolded. I thought, oh well, it is what it is, but next time I know. I won’t say anything at all. <b>Wrong response</b>, (<i>here</i>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hours later, when I finally had some down time on the drive home, lol, something in me decided not to just call it a night but rather <u>pick up the phone</u>. <b>Right response! *</b>ding, ding, ding*<b> </b> (<i>in this instance</i>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long story short, “<i>It could all be so simple, but we rather make it hard</i>.” (oh Lauryn). Mum is NOT always the word, necessarily. Although, i</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t’s still a case-by-case analysis, at least I think so for now.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before that, I’d always be like well this is trivial; I’m not going to make any kind of big or small deal about it. I’ll just keep quiet, you’re not going to catch me arguing (<i>unless it’s for work, and even then I’m zealously advocating, not arguing</i>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me and my elephant memory, that’s not always the right response (or lack thereof) because with each offending action, I continue to move the person down the spectrum of cool/sane person all the way down to just someone I happen to know, stranger, or even worse – that one is crazy. Unbeknownst to them all the while. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I’m going to let this go and not say anything" is not always equal to meekness and true forgiveness if you haven't really "let it go."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But note, "When you decide to forgive someone, don't let the devil convince you that because you still have the same feelings you have not really forgiven the person. -Joyce Meyer </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forgiving the person is releasing them from their debt and never to use it against them. You still may feel a certain way about what they did, but you cannot act on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m learning to distinguish between meekness coupled with true forgiveness versus simply disregarding for the moment and recording. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt like I learned this lesson already here </span><a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2011/12/love-keeps-no-record-of-wrongs-for-me.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love keeps no records of wrongs...</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and here </span><a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-benefit-of-doubt.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the benefit of doubt</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> but I’m also learning that we’re going to be learning lessons for life, a school we never really graduate from (til we pass on to glory). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2014/03/olorun-saanu-mi.html">Lord have mercy! </a></span><br />
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<i>A thousand times I fail, still Your mercy remains</i>…. Inside Out, Hillsong<br />
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<br />Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-11622706163407377382014-01-14T20:56:00.002-06:002014-01-16T08:31:37.488-06:00Look, we're talking about destinies here...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I attend a church which is a parish of a larger Body and the head of this organization called a special fast this year, unlike the usual expected annual fasts. A fast like this has not been called since 1995, thereabout. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Initially, I had some questions and justifications: </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean is a fast “like that” really intended for people “like me?” </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surely, people “like me” are exempt from something “like that.” </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Along with the call to fast came some prophetic declarations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my desire to take hold of these prophecies coupled with some friends (accountability partners - wooop!) allowed me to put those reservations aside. Okay we’re going to do this, all the way, one day at a time, here we go… *fist pump* </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fast forward to today, I was briefly chatting with someone this morning and they say: btw, I’m going to fast from <i>n</i> time to<i> n</i> time because of X reasons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And of course, the questions ensued again: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wait, hold up, is this fast from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m., 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or when you wake up to 6 p.m.? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you wake up at –a.m. is that considered night or morning? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What if you work nights or a have circadian rhythm different from the “average?” Do you then alter the fast to your schedule? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why is it 6 p.m. and not 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Juice is really allowed? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tea is allowed, but what if I don’t drink tea, can I drink my version of tea? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If smoothies are allowed, couldn’t one essentially blend all meals into a smoothie? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can we take vitamins, you know to stay healthy? </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I texted three other people variations of some of the questions above and of course I got varied answers: </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well technically… </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The General Overseer said… </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do this… </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You should do that…
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like to know why I am doing what I am doing – full understanding, full disclosure. And if I commit to doing something, I want to make sure I am doing it the right way. Moreover, when calls to fast by respected people of God, accompany certain prophetic declarations and you commit to doing it, you want to make sure you’re doing it right and not get disqualified “DQ’d” so to say on a technicality. I remember several track meets where everyone was waiting for the actual sprint relay results because a team may have DQ’d if they passed the baton outside of the exchange zone, or if someone had earrings on or did any one of the laundry list of things you could not legally do in a race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past weekend, I was researching all things fasting – what are people doing out there in world wide web when it comes to fasting. I was a little surprised to learn some people periodically fast 1 to 3 times a week for reasons that have nothing to do with religion, like just because, it’s supposed to be healthy or something – what?! So there are people in the world that are fasting not out of religious sacrifice or poverty but out of choice as a diet. But it’s not even called a diet; it’s called fasting, like legit. And people are just commenting away on these online articles about how they have “fasted;” essentially a weight-loss hunger-strike. No offense if you happen to be among those people. I digress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my research, *clears throat* I came across a statement to the effect of “when you fast you’re entrusting your health to a higher power.” Eureka. When one chooses to fast, our mind should not be consumed with the adverse effects of weight gain or weight loss, caloric intake, or metabolism speed. It’s honestly much much easier to type this than it is to adopt this mind frame especially when you come from a culture which is very honest, brutally honest, in fact (a word is enough for the wise). But it’s deeper than that, it’s bigger than that. As one friend said to me today, “<u>look, we’re talking about destinies here</u>.” *drop the mic* </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">True story! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When fasting becomes so rigid and tied to specific rules that we’re all trying to follow and not break the rules, it becomes less about the sacrifice and more about laws, “check mark” But we’re no longer under the law! (<i>go figure</i>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you’re like me, in these instances, erase your need to know the rules, what’s right, what’s wrong etc. We’re talking about sacrifice – point blank. I’d venture to say that no two fasts (fasters) are ever going to be exactly like. ie someone may exercise during their fast, someone may swear off exercising while fasting -- <i>God is looking at the heart. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we’re occupied with what we’re going to do as soon as we break the fast to reverse any effects of the fast, we also need to be careful that we’re not also reversing the effects of the sacrifice – whether that is spiritually possible, I’m not entirely sure – but I know God will judge the heart. Although, it seems logical that if we’re going to fast from something temporarily only to replace exactly what we have fasted from at a later time, it may not rightfully be termed fasting, perhaps “pausing” is more like it. Again much easier typed than done! Even still, <i>God is looking at the heart. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definitely one cannot forsake wisdom in all this. Each fast will always be person-specific. Ultimately, what matters is that we’re developing our intimacy and reliance on the Trinity – the Father, His Son seated at His right Hand and the power of the Holy Spirit in us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lord, grant everyone who sets out to fast as a sacrifice in Your Name, the grace to pray and fast and complete the fast in Jesus name. And may the fasting not be in vain in Jesus name, Amen.</span>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-59488008392792500582013-03-04T21:43:00.005-06:002013-03-04T21:44:43.772-06:00JHD Blog PostHey there:<br />
<br />
I wrote a blog post for my church's blog <a href="http://jesushousedallasblog.com/">JesusHouseDallasBlog.com</a><br />
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You can access the post here: <a href="http://www.jesushousedallasblog.com/2013/03/on-earth-as-it-in-heaven.html">On Earth As It Is In Heaven</a>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-22061116080399674712012-12-09T20:08:00.001-06:002012-12-09T20:10:37.636-06:00The benefit of the doubt<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Life lesson and reminder #2705</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some thing I've learned, packaged in diverse lesson plans throughout my life, is to give people the benefit of the doubt.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">the benefit of the doubt: a favorable judgment granted in the absence of full evidence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In relationships <i>of all kinds,</i> it’s easy to forget that “nobody is perfect.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nobody is perfect; that shouldn't be much of a surprise, right? However, many interpersonal conflicts could be resolved or at least <i>de</i>-magnified if we remembered this often. If we remembered this tenet, we would be slow to make judgments, condemnations; basically assume the worst. In other words, we treat people as if they were perfect beings and when something happens to contradict that, we forget that we are not perfect beings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In line with the reason for the Christmas season, there's only one perfect person that's ever been created and we mark His birth in a couple weeks. He is seated at the right Hand of the Father, right now! No one presently alive has physically seen Him as a man. That is Jesus. *cue <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FObjd5wrgZ8">Revelation Song</a>*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With that said, if we remember that "nobody is perfect," forgiving becomes much more second nature, as it should be for Christians.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So my two cents with this post are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First, in personal relationships: family, friendships, etc. when you feel wronged or when you would assume the worst based on someone’s actions or statements, just give the person the benefit of the doubt. Don’t jump to conclusions from your assumptions. More times than not, you learn that your assumptions are actually inaccurate, once you eventually receive the explanation you ask for (key phrase: "ask for" <i>read</i>: communication).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just stop and think, is this person who you once called friend, brother or what have you, willfully trying to be malicious? More times than not, I think, it is <b>not</b> the case. I highly doubt that a person you (wisely/willingly) held in close quarters would be willfully malicious or intentionally seek to "stab you in the back" <i>(not talking about work relationships though, see below)</i>. I know the heart of man is desperately wicked but in these instances, I just don't think people you've let into your inner circle would just snap, (<i>save any psychological issues, God forbid</i>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There’s probably just a misunderstanding that you ought to clear up. This clearing up involves, giving the other person the benefit of the doubt, intentional communication, and forgiving, regardless of the outcome. Also note, the other person may not have the same idea of forgiveness as you but that doesn't [shouldn't] change your duty or response.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, you also have a duty...</span><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I was wrong. I am sorry. Will you forgive me? How can I make things better? Learn these phrases... Use them when needed.<br />
— tolu a. (@tolulope8) <a data-datetime="2012-11-26T02:49:12+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/tolulope8/status/272909636359835648">November 25, 2012</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oddly enough, today someone referenced a Lecrae tweet, which he originally tweeted on July 15, 2012!.....!!!!.....!!!!!!! That's my birthday!!! Get out! lol</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Never assume people's motives. It's the easiest way to find yourself upset over nothing or misjudging people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">— Lecrae (@lecrae) <a data-datetime="2012-07-16T02:49:12+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/lecrae/status/224697162276143105">July 16, 201</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m noticing more and more that I’m giving people of the benefit of the doubt and it feels great, feels free. I think I get it from my mom, who always chooses to see the good side of people. And also from an understanding that there are <b>always</b> <u>so many facts and perceptions to one story.</u> Uncovering every fact would be the only just way to get to the bottom of an issue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So for me, I'm focusing on the good side of people, not really being consumed with the facts though (<i>I mean who really has time for that, life is too short for all that, I'm on a mission</i>), and <b>just forgiving <i>quickly</i>. </b>(<i>read</i>: Nike slogan: just do it. *shrug*) How much does it cost you to hold on to something? BUT, how much is it worth. It's not worth it. <b>Love keeps no records of wrongs. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Forgiving as I was forgiven, Merry Christmas to me.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">End note</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On another (<i>professional setting</i>) note, someone, (<i>I’ll call them a more experienced practitioner</i>), told me this recently regarding our line of work, (and someone told this to that person): always assume [someone on the other side] is lying just a little bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Since I’m relatively new to the full-time work scene, I can’t comment much on that, but it sounded like a good piece of advice, as an encouragement to ask more questions; the harder questions, the deeper questions, in an investigation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Although, ironically, in my field, typically, you’re innocent until proven guilty. *shrug* Then again, maybe that "innocent until proven guilty" tenet is mainly relevant in the courts of criminal law... maybe it's not even really relevant there! :-o Another post for another day.</span><br />
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Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-7121234069641001822012-10-29T00:02:00.000-05:002014-03-16T23:41:24.526-05:00Lord, I believe but kill my unbelief.<i>My sermon notes of 10/28/12 @<a href="http://jesushousedallas.org/welcome/" target="_blank">JHouseDallas</a>...</i><br />
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If you are familiar with the Israelites delivery from captivity and subsequent journey in the wilderness, you know that: first, it took Pharaoh 10 plagues before he finally let God’s people go.<br />
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Second, you will recall, that an 11 day journey from Egypt to the Promised Land took them 40 years!<br />
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Lastly, once delivered, the Israelites forgot about all He had done to bring them out of captivity and began to murmur against Moses, (for apparently bringing them into the wilderness to die, which they eventually did in fact, but not because of Moses.) Everyone, over 20, was delivered but never made it to the Promised Land. They fell short of the destiny the Lord had for them. May that not be our portion in Jesus name.<br />
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Sometimes, as you may have experienced, God purposely allows delays or extensions in our life because He knows we are not ready for what He wants to give us.<br />
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God purposely delayed the Israelites for two of the 40 years. He said if the Israelites take one way, the shorter route, they may get scared and return to Egypt. So the Lord led them along the longer route, which took them 2 years.<br />
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He knows we may exhibit fear, immaturity or other adverse effects in the destiny He has planned for us (Jeremiah 29:11). So for our own good, He brings delay. He knows better and best. If we were to receive that open door, new song or blessing we've been believing Him for in 11 days <i>hypothetically</i> instead of 2 years <i>hypothetically again</i>, we may (may) not be able to handle our blessing appropriately and effectively.<br />
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Sometimes, as you also may have experienced, delay can be due to your lack of faith and unbelief. God delayed the Israelites for two years because He knew they would become fearful and return to Egypt. However, the remaining 38 years in the wilderness, wer due to their murmuring, complaints; essentially unbelief. No one from that generation (20+ and over), except for Joshua and Caleb, made it to the Promised Land because of their unbelief.<br />
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In Mark 9:24, the father of the sick little girl says: “<i>Lord, I believe but help my unbelief</i>.”<br />
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We need the Lord to help our unbelief. Our unbelief can be the equivalent of murmuring. Our unbelief can be equivalent of us returning to Egypt. Egypt is not a geographical location <i>per se</i> but rather a state of mind or return to old ways.<br />
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He helped the unbelief of the Israelites by not allowing any of the unbelieving generation to enter into the Promised Land. Our unbelief cannot enter our promise land or Heaven.<br />
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It’s time to stop running back to Egypt when things are tough. Let’s stop running back to the ways of the world, or the ways of old habits, when there is a challenge. It’s time to strengthen our faith and take our Kingdom and our Promised Land by force!<br />
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Lastly, even though we have the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, the LORD still tells us in Matthew, that the Kingdom of God suffers violence, but the violent, the militant, they, take it by force. The strength of your faith determines the speed of our breakthrough. When things are not working the way you would have liked them to, it is time to give God the glory. When [fill in the blank], it is time to give God the glory.<br />
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God overwhelmed Pharaoh with 10 plagues. In the same way, He will overwhelm your enemies.<br />
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The problem is not the struggle. The problem is how we respond to the struggle.<br />
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Lord, I believe, but kill my unbelief. Give me grace to strengthen my faith and take what is mine by force! #Breakthrough!Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-60607437251457205192012-08-16T10:04:00.003-05:002012-08-16T10:06:25.693-05:00Gracious Speech<div class="tr_bq">
A cyber convo . . . </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Friend:</b> If God gives you the opportunity to go to Heaven with one person, who will you go with?<br /><b>Me:</b> Maybe a Muslim or an atheist.<br /><b>Friend: </b>Why a Muslim?<br /><b>Me:</b> *long pause* *thinking* So they can see Jesus the way I see Him.<br /><b>Friend:</b> But they believe in God.<br /><b>Me:</b> But? I said “so they can see Jesus the way I see Him.” What do you mean by “but?”<br /><b>Friend:</b> But they believe in God…<br /><b>Me:</b> How is that related to my reason?<br /><b>Friend:</b> I just feel if any other religion besides Christianity believes in God, I don’t care how they get to HIM. Just me personally.<br /><b>Me:</b> Different religions do not see Jesus the same way. If I had a chance to take someone to Heaven with me, it would be someone who sees Jesus in a different way, so they can see Him the way I see Him, at the right hand of the Father, like in Revelation.<br /><b>Friend:</b> Oh okay, I see what you are saying. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why did I post this? Because what may seem obvious to me as a Christian is not necessarily obvious for every Christian. We all have arrived on our Christianity path from diverse backgrounds. His Word states that there is<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=NIV" target="_blank"> only one way to the Father</a>. However, someone had to deliver that message to me in a way that I would first, receive and second, understand. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to think about the best way to respond and prayed for grace in my answer, even the short and quick prayers can get answered promptly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I heard this recently: “you might say you don’t care what "they" say about you, God knows your heart etc., but you should care about what they say about your Jesus.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I care about what they say about my Jesus. Because of that, I care about the way I deliver His message. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So just keep this in mind whenever you’re delivering part of His message (pro-life, Biblical definition of marriage, only one way to the Father) to someone who needs to receive it in a way that they can understand, without condemnation or belittling. It's also important to note that this conversation is with a friend where there is a tendency to relax the boundaries since we are in a safer zone. Even still, I need grace on my words, just the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Colossians 4:6 </b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>New Living Translation --</i> Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The Message --</i> Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Amplified</i> -- Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]. </span></blockquote>
Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-80800197612751931132012-07-18T23:58:00.003-05:002012-07-19T00:28:22.532-05:00A glimpse of the Throne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Earlier today, I went to Fellowship Loop, a monthly lunchtime service in Macy's downtown hosted by <a href="http://www.fmbcship.org/" target="_blank">Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.</a> You know the minister who sings <i>God is Awesome</i>, that's his church. During worship, and that song in particular, I found myself focusing (imagining/meditating) </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">on </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures at the Throne in Heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Revelation 4: 4, 6-8</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">4</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> Around the throne </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">were</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">of gold on their heads. </span><span class="text Rev-4-6" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="text Rev-4-6" id="en-NKJV-30775" style="font-size: 16px;"></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">6B</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Rev-4-6" id="en-NKJV-30775" style="font-size: 16px;"> And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span><span class="text Rev-4-7" id="en-NKJV-30776" style="font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span><span class="text Rev-4-8" id="en-NKJV-30777" style="font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Little did I know, my ride home at the end of the night, would involve other aspects of The Throne. As I was leaving my car to go inside my church, there was not a cloud in sight. So I disregarded the thunderstorm warning and left my umbrella in the car. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After all</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, they've been wrong before, it was already 7pm and the watch was until 8pm. However, by the time we left church, the scenery had drastically changed. It felt like a scene out of a Dixie Chicks song. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And I was driving like I just received my permit and my driving instructor was in the passenger seat making me feel very uncomfortable.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was so focused on the road. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was driving in lightning and thunder: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I could feel it. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Lightning and thunder were seconds apart in a call and response, throughout my trip. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">High winds, severe thunderstorm and even tornado watches! I thought at any moment a car could slam into the divider or spin, <u>God forbid</u>.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Moreover, some of the lights on the expressway were out, so visibility was extremely hindered. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My gentle assurance prayer "Lord cover this car with the blood of Jesus" soon elevated into a plead. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was one of the longest dangerous rides I can remember in my history of driving, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(11 years or so),</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> even driving 4 hours on a normally 2 hour trip in a snowstorm up the interstate did not compare to this. For one, I already don't like driving in severe rain from a previous incident. T</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hat incident was nothing compared to tonight. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two, I was riding solo this time in contrast to the snowstorm ride. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cars were pulled over to the side on the expressway, other </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">cars were driving well under the speed minimum. At some parts, the expressway was empty. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just kept on going, pleading the blood of Jesus for protection, <i>it was that serious.</i> It might not have been the smartest thing to do, but I was determined to get home safe and sound as soon as I could, plus it's been a long day and I was calculating my hours of sleep tonight. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Part of me with a </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hindsight</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> aforethought, thought each time I passed a bridge, I should probably pull over, but I just kept going.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank God I made it home safely!</span></u></b>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Throughout all that, I kept thinking The Throne is much more intense than this, unquestionably. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">See for yourself: </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%204&version=NKJV" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Throne - Revelation 4</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yet, He asks us to come boldly before Him, boldly before His Throne. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A16&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Hebrews 4:16</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now that I made it home safely, the intensity of The Throne is magnified in me. Coming boldly before His Throne has new meaning for me. We haven't seen a thing yet! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My God is truly awesome.</span><br />
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<br />Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-74937348682316407942012-04-30T11:20:00.002-05:002012-04-30T11:22:40.201-05:00In Jesus name, LORD we asatata-shouldaboughtahyundaibutinsteadiboughtanaccord... WHAT!So yesterday, we had lunch with the Pastor. We being Reflections, one of the arts groups in the church (conducting skits etc. pre-sermon to illustrate a current teaching topic or theme) It was a somewhat informal lunch; open forum style. Family members were invited, little children and what not. People were served at their seats 2 by 2…<br />
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Christianah, did you bless the food? <br />
<em>Oh man, Pastor called me out</em>. (If you’re following, Christianah is the Nigerian-English form of pronouncing my name). <br />
Oya, bless the food. (<em>Translated</em>: Bless the food, <em>now</em>).<em> </em><br />
<em>Has my Pastor heard me pray before? (not that it matters, but just wondering) . . . </em>In Jesus name… </blockquote>
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I was just thinking, (a little Monday #LBS: laughing but serious), what if I began with the typical food blessing prayers and then busted out in tongues...! You would probably be like: <em>what? Whoa!</em> I know I would certainly have the “<em>you cannot be serious</em>” look on my face that I honestly don’t do a good job of hiding <em>some</em>times. ;)<br />
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This is kind of similar to my feelings about a prayer leader, leading a group in prayer and the majority of the prayer is in tongues. Key word: majority. <em>What are you saying? This is distracting.</em> Some of my energy is then spent tuning out the prayer leader. <br />
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Definitely not attacking or denying the power and the at times spontaneous nature of tongues but this is just something that is slightly bothersome when it is deliberate, loud (with or without the mic but usually with the mic) and in a corporate setting for corporate prayer. (<u>Please note the specific qualifications</u>). <br />
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So much so, that I remember wanting to go up to a Brother and thank him for the way he led his prayer set during a 24-7 prayerthon. (I didn't, <em>not yet</em>.) It was entirely in English, the language of the majority, and spoken with clarity. <br />
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A few of my friends and I have briefly discussed this recently and some are doing a study on it. I would like to hear your thoughts if you have some revelation or thoughts on this topic/practice as well. Let's rightly divide the word of truth. <br />
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Below are some verses I pulled from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2014&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 14</a>, but please read it in its entirety. <br />
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6) But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? <br />
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9) So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. <br />
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11) Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. <br />
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12) Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. <br />
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13) Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. <br />
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14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. <br />
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19) yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <br />
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22) Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. <br />
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23) Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? <br />
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27) If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-76730289987229475802012-03-26T00:26:00.002-05:002012-03-26T00:28:12.229-05:00Religious v. Relationship<h2><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Pulling one out of the archives, after various conversations about my <a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2012/03/independent-study-perspectives-of-jesus.html" target="_blank">Independent Study</a>: seeking to see and learn about Jesus from different perspectives, just like studying the Gospels. It does not substitute an independent relationship with The Father. This post is almost a year old and there's several more where this came from. Anyway, here it is, unedited, unchanged from it's original version circa May, 2011, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. I'll probably dig back into the archives to post a few more soon.</span></h2>Religious v. Relationship<br />
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Thoughts cross my mind when I see the several denominations and practices all under the umbrella of Christianity. I drive passed another church and wonder what it would be like to fellowship with that congregation or denomination. As Christians, we have so many degrees of Christianity.<br />
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To the outsider surveying religions generally, Muslims or Jews appear very religious because of their visible adherence to a strict set of rules. The five pillars of Islam mandate a Muslim to pray five times a day at set times a day. The Jews believe salvation can be bought by works. <br />
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In contrast, Christianity contains a wider spectrum of religious practices due to people breaking away and starting their own sects. For Christians, we have varied interpretations of what is Christianity and therefore various rules we abide by resulting in several denominations.<br />
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Sometimes I see statements such as “<i>Christianity is watered down</i>” because we are all diverse in our practice or adherence to our beliefs and what we prioritize after the first two commandments. I’ll also see people quoting Ghandi “<i>I like your Christ, I don’t like your Christians.</i>” That’s one of the most incorrect statements documented. There’s no way you could like Christ, without liking His Christians.<br />
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We’re all going to church with the same end goal; to be in Heaven together with the Father. You can pray five times a day or 50 times a day and other people may or may not see what you’re doing. For Christianity, what matters is your heart. Therefore, denomination or intra religious debates puts our focus on a topic we are not qualified to judge.<br />
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Many times we want religious rigidity.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>“Christianity is always less of a set of rules and more of a heart posture.” - Tolu Akande </i></div><br />
God will look at the heart of all Christians at the judgment seat. We cannot gage how connected anyone’s heart is to the Father. We cannot judge someone’s heart or intentions for what they are doing. And though works are good and needed, our works will mean nothing if our heart was disconnected to the Greatest One of all, the Greatest love of All!<br />
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Deliver us from mere routine and religion. We don’t need religion. We need relationship. An intimate relationship of our heart seeking the Father’s heart and the emotions and attributes of Him.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>“So what if I know all the language, so what if I sing all the songs, if my heart’s disconnected from the Greatest One of all.” –Caleb Andrews</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>“When we pursue religious acts without pursuing the knowledge of God, we are also in danger of becoming Pharisees.”</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
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</i></div></div>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-90104249559243770632012-03-20T01:07:00.000-05:002012-03-20T01:07:28.265-05:00Sunday Reflection: Trinity United Church of Christ Chicago<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I didn’t get the memo: today must be Africa Day or International Day, I thought to myself as I entered the Trinity United Church of Christ sanctuary Sunday morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What a beautiful sight. The entire choir, of about 100 people, was robed in various traditional West African attire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I took a quick picture. This was President Obama’s church and after the youtube incident, their policies on recording or taking pictures have tightened.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghIhyphenhyphenqMxvs5zvYHgiOuWKu6NNiNXg3cATkuIEbE3gnZ4P9s_tCAmydYqaTy_o1ZvioJXoaUzbN31sHCojpxj5yvAMqa0Mswfg50IrSgt42y72_8ki2u3uO-3mw2mIKkeFBix1XClut64/s1600/Baby+Dedication+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghIhyphenhyphenqMxvs5zvYHgiOuWKu6NNiNXg3cATkuIEbE3gnZ4P9s_tCAmydYqaTy_o1ZvioJXoaUzbN31sHCojpxj5yvAMqa0Mswfg50IrSgt42y72_8ki2u3uO-3mw2mIKkeFBix1XClut64/s320/Baby+Dedication+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anywho, I couldn’t find my folks. I thought it would be fairly easy to spot them, with the mindset that this is an African American church so all I have to do is look for the people with outstanding headties and colorful cloths.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The occasion: my little cousin’s baby dedication. Funny enough, all of us 16 deep, wore English attire, save my mom, aunt and a friend with a blendable Ankara skirt under an English top - a style many of the Generation-Y have adopted. However, almost EVERYONE else, the choir, the pastor, the assistants, had on traditional attire. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I went downstairs and decided I'd better get a seat because the church was filling quickly. I ended up walking in behind two of my friends. Judy, I didn't know today was African Day. "They wear this every Sunday."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I sat in awe and amazement. I couldn’t help but to think about how life would be had there not been slavery. Seeing that my analysis could go further, thinking “well, they supposedly brought Christianity to Africa,” I let that go and continued focusing on the choir. There was even a man shaking a shekere. We have one at home. I go to a “Nigerian” church and we don’t even use that.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkryRmZxYwbRzciiQVyXcus-_nPaFgxm1ih161KkyYLWU-Brnntoh3cIde4UHE3KerHt40MgOPPaeNYjf2Q_KpNDewzQnvjLdaZba4qgz6zUtXbHW4WNUuthGFLRIhLFpYAZzY9ygrEs/s1600/sekere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkryRmZxYwbRzciiQVyXcus-_nPaFgxm1ih161KkyYLWU-Brnntoh3cIde4UHE3KerHt40MgOPPaeNYjf2Q_KpNDewzQnvjLdaZba4qgz6zUtXbHW4WNUuthGFLRIhLFpYAZzY9ygrEs/s200/sekere.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was so amazing to me. At brunch, someone in our group said “I felt more African in this church than in my own church!” Sounds like a conversation with the Pastor is forthcoming. Although, I will say at our church, traditional attire is encouraged every first Sunday, Thanksgiving Sunday.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd0TNeSq7pUOXeWf79_8ZlQE5fJkL6Q4-Yu1SxrSxFQEYNAxUL3jgFhSflu1CHiG8NVHhe8F70PZTBzorY19TfcKWnysnh_KZPOwU3qMF68bsjzvc569nANfZocrp4HZlxh5HAT5199s/s1600/Baby+Dedication+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd0TNeSq7pUOXeWf79_8ZlQE5fJkL6Q4-Yu1SxrSxFQEYNAxUL3jgFhSflu1CHiG8NVHhe8F70PZTBzorY19TfcKWnysnh_KZPOwU3qMF68bsjzvc569nANfZocrp4HZlxh5HAT5199s/s320/Baby+Dedication+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I really liked the emphasis on turning the hearts of the father to the children and the children to the father. There were about 8 children dedicated to the Lord yesterday, each wearing white. The assistant pastor read the parents vows. Then, the pastor came up to each group. One parent would say the first name, the other parent would say the second name, and the rest of the group was tasked with saying the surname. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Funny enough, my cousin was the only “African” name, which caused the Pastor to pause to ensure accurate pronunciation. The pastor dedicated the children each individually, in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Then the mother would place a bracelet around the child's wrist. After that the father’s take their children up to the pulpit. An assistant comes in and places salt, vinegar and honey in each child’s mouth via q-tip. Then the father’s hold up their children in unison, facing east, north, west, and south with a very powerful Lion King-esque style music playing in the background. It was so beautiful!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wish my eyes could take pictures. I wish I could take pictures with my eyes.</span></div>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-73879140216568550442012-03-19T20:42:00.000-05:002012-03-19T20:42:01.813-05:00Independent Study: Perspectives of JesusIf I enroll in an institution seeking another degree, I believe it would be in theology. I say seeking a degree to distinguish from casual extra learning – like an accounting class here or a music class there – which I eventually plan to take, among others.<br />
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Lately, for almost two years now, I have been mesmerized by the various traditions, denominations, and sects of Christianity. My research thus far wholly consists of primary research. This means if I ask you several questions about your church, do not take offense, friends, I really just want to know! I but I think an actual experience trumps what I”ll read online although I might cross-check a few things with a credible site<br />
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For example, I recall a recent conversation with a friend and an African American lady we just met at a Whirlyball event for a huge church called Calvary Church of Naperville. In her attempt to describe the denomination and church practices she says: “are you familiar with the Church of God in Christ? My friend was, I was not, or so I thought. “Well, it’s just like that, except it’s white people.” <br />
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I’m thinking: Oooh “Cogic!” Okay we’re getting warmer, I’ve driven passed C.O.G.I.C. parishes in the south but other than that I haven’t the slightest clue. So I thought correctly, I’m not familiar, just as (un)familiar as the several other churches I’ve driven by at times wondering how things go on the inside of that church or amongst that group of worshipers.<br />
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Well yesterday at the Trinity United Church of Christ, this teacher-pastor, Reverend Otis Moss III, broke so many things down with clarity, in such a short time, for me (and everyone else of course but I was definitely a target for that message) and I was taking copious notes.<br />
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He began with the allegation (or fact – depending on your experience with other Christians) that “the actual practice of Christianity today, has little to with Christ.” Many of the 30-and-under crowd claim there is a disconnection between the Jesus of love and those that are representing Him, daily, here and now.<br />
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Then, he transitioned into the admonition that membership of a church or denomination does not equate to having a relationship with Christ. A denomination is history, practices and rituals. And every denomination has a different perspective of Jesus. Nonetheless, your denomination does not lead you to Christ.<br />
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Following his Bird’s eye exhortation of several denominations, such as the evangelicals and traditions, such as Pentecostal (note: it’s not a denomination – popular misconception) he moved on to the 4 portraits of Jesus from the Gospels.<br />
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I’m really motivated to step up this independent study! I’m not too sure what the plans are for my findings in the long run, possibly sharing with others somehow. For now, I want satisfaction in knowing the history of my tradition/denomination/group and deciphering between the intended practice and beliefs and what’s been added along the way and for what reasons. <br />
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We should all know the history behind our respective churches and why we choose to worship there, besides the obvious – which may not even be so obvious. <br />
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I implore you to seek this knowledge for yourself too. Learning how various groups, especially your own “group,” perceives the Man, Christ Jesus, also strengthens your perspective of Brother Jesus.Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-51950357862870034612012-02-19T19:13:00.007-06:002012-02-20T11:57:43.101-06:00Ẹnití ó ni orí, kò ni filà. Ẹnití ó ni filà, kò ni orí.On Tuesday afternoon, I was walking expeditiously across the loop, trying to beat the approaching rain. Midway through my journey, it begins to drizzle. Now, I am wearing boots that are not water-proof, and damp feet would just be uncomfortable. The day before, I wore my rain boots, but decided against it on this particular day, taking into consideration the transition from boots to pumps in conjunction with my obligations that day. Also, the forecast did not call for rain until much later in the day.<br />
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This thought quickly pops into my mind: <i>I should have wore my rain boots today.</i> A second later, I mean literally one second later, I see a man walking past me, in the opposite direction, barefoot!<br />
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I did a quick but discrete whip-neck back, to confirm what I just saw. Indeed, as puddles formed along the concrete, this man was walking down Washington Street, within the center of the main business district of Chicago, at midday, completely barefoot.<br />
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And although seeming slightly militant, just slightly, all others things considered, he seemed sane. Granted, there is the very rare possibility that he chose to walk barefoot. But I will give him the benefit of the doubt that that was not the case, in this instant.<br />
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Message! Some people do not even have shoes at all, or the luxury to choose from two or more pairs, due to the weather or occasion. This made me ponder another aspect of what we daily take for granted as "necessity." This is not even a matter of first-world privilege and third-world oppression: poverty is everywhere! Let me take you around certain neighborhoods in Chicago. Let me take you blocks away from my "campus town;" North Champaign.<br />
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When I came home that evening, I told my family about my thought provoking highlight of the day. My story reminded my Aunt of the following Yoruba Proverb and her explanation followed.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Ẹnití ó ni orí, kò ni filà. </span></b></i><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><b>Ẹnití ó ni filà, kò ni orí. </b></span></i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Someone has a head, but does not have a hat. </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Someone has a hat, but does not have a head.</span></b></i></blockquote>This proverb is used when someone misuses an opportunity or entirely misses an opportunity.<br />
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This is a reminder that whereever you are right now, and whatever you think could be the ultimate worst scenario in the world for you, always consider that there are countless people that would trade places with you in a heartbeat.<br />
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Appreciate with thanks what you have, and use it wisely, be resourceful. I am not saying be forever complacent with your current state of affairs. This does not substitute prayer and supplication for change, increase or what have you. But, just the same, focus on and be a faithful steward of, everything you do have. And may the above Yoruba Proverb not be said as true for you or me. <em>K'Olorun je k'ani mejeji.</em>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-52288684539039938212012-01-29T03:02:00.000-06:002012-01-29T03:02:34.244-06:00Heavenly HindsightNothing puts life in perspective like <b>death</b>. Each of us has a predestined appointment to die once. No matter who we are, what we’ve done or how much we’re worth, we will die, and there is no escaping it. How we live on this side will determine which side of eternity we wake up into. How we live on this side will determine whether we are in fact resting in “peace” or eternal damnation.<br />
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On Wednesday, January 25th at 12:25PM, my dear grandmother went to sleep and woke up in the presence of the Lord, no doubt about it. Her faith was secure decades ago, but she kept on running her race, walking out her salvation with fear and trembling. Everyone, and I mean everyone, she encountered could see her love for Christ.<br />
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As humans, emotional beings, we tend to mourn the loss of a loved one because we remember the times we’ve shared and imagine how life will be going forward without this person who played a role in our life. And that’s okay, there’s a time for that. Yet, we do not mourn as the unbelievers that have no hope. For we know as real as death is, <u>Heaven is real</u> too. <br />
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Each time I begin to sorrowfully mourn my grandma's death, I have to check myself: “<i>don’t you believe Heaven is real?</i>” “<i>Wasn’t she <u>unquestionably</u> saved</i>?” <i>(or as my brother called her a “professional Christian”)</i> Then, I must know that now that she is absent from her body, she is present with the Lord.<br />
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"To the unbeliever, their last day on earth is the worst day of their life. To the believer, their last day on earth is the best day of their life." January 25, 2012, was the best day of my grandma's life, just short of a year after my grandfather was called home. Therefore, it is a celebration!<br />
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In the last couple weeks, several people I know have become bereaved. Today, I attended my friend’s father’s funeral. And I’d never really refer to a funeral as a “good” funeral but that was a good funeral/homegoing celebration. I left this funeral uplifted and encouraged by his life and legacy. This home going ceremony, coupled with the things people have been saying in honor of my grandma, as well as the fact that we are pilgrims, passing through this vapor of a life, motivate me more, to live with my eyes on Heaven.<br />
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The question before me now and henceforth is: <b>What will I say when I get to Heaven?</b> I’m just thinking of that video of my life that will play with the choices I made and the choices I am making. For example, imagine, how embarrassing it will be for me to try to explain an offense I held in my heart (or something else sinful). When I’m at the judgment seat of Christ, accounting for everything I’ve said, done, or thought, how will I explain all my choices to my Father? If the opportunity presents itself, which I'd imagine it could, since we'll be there forever: what will I say to my brother or sister in Christ? "<i>Oh yeah that time….yeah I was mad because….and yeah that was it. *blank stare* Yeah, it seems really lame and petty, I don’t even know how I could let that affect me. I wish I handled that differently. Thank God He let me in, even after that. So, yeah....”</i> *awkward* Mercy me.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Philippians 3: 18-20 --actually read the whole chapter, letter, testament, etc. for context </i>:)<br />
For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ</blockquote>We get caught up in all these trivial things of the world that will have no value in the age to come. I want to live my life with a Heavenly Hindsight. I will (<i><strike>try to</strike></i>) live my life with a Heavenly Hindsight, daily. Grace, Lord.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"So I won't lose heart on this journey, in this vapor called life."</i></div>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-88256957772830211402012-01-29T01:25:00.001-06:002012-01-29T02:19:04.764-06:00I am running after YouOne of my favorite past times, is track and field. In high school, I anchored the relay teams; 4 * 100 and 4 * 200, respectively. Collectively, these races happen so quickly. The gun goes off, you turn your head one degree and the next runner (leg) is already taking off in the exchange zone, ready to receive the baton from the previous leg. Every team is running for the prize, the trophy, the medal or the ribbon.<br />
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Individually, the races are even quicker. Once you’ve passed the baton, your job is done. Wherever you left off, is where the next person picks up. Everyone else's race continues. Where your team is, after your leg is a reflection of how well you ran. You would hope that during your leg of the race, you’ve set your team ahead. You hope that you left a legacy.<br />
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Life is a vapor fading fast. Live your life with your eyes on the prize, heavenly minded. Live your life to Christly impact your generation. Live your life leaving a legacy. Live your life in a way that when your part of the race is over, your next destination will be unquestionable to the loved ones that will carry your legacy. Forget about the trivial things of this world. <br />
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Oh when we all get to Heaven; may none of us miss eternity with our Father. I can’t wait but at the same time I can. So, I’m running my leg of this relay not just for myself and my “team” but for my generation and for the generations after me. Meanwhile, I hope I run <u>well</u>, with the Word as my baton, faith and love as my track suit and my eyes on Heaven, until He pulls me off the track. <br />
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So at the end it can be said of me that "I fought the good fight, I finished the race, and I kept my faith; well done good and faithful Xtina."<br />
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I am running, running after You.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YInS5krgB0s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-47374980169003118582012-01-23T22:32:00.001-06:002012-01-26T03:18:46.034-06:00Celebrating Life<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP7DZMfgePTKogvoXzj8HCvZC-KWC17wtz-7pxYfepElxicPY-G_ecYvCWLQI2q0T77e_2xIWwqnscSBiMTcBQ_hyphenhyphenuAhWi566ZGkBRS1JWrGYmIjj_EQllbAf5Wgaw_jfTWYRa53hSzg/s1600/grandma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP7DZMfgePTKogvoXzj8HCvZC-KWC17wtz-7pxYfepElxicPY-G_ecYvCWLQI2q0T77e_2xIWwqnscSBiMTcBQ_hyphenhyphenuAhWi566ZGkBRS1JWrGYmIjj_EQllbAf5Wgaw_jfTWYRa53hSzg/s200/grandma.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">January 11th</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the one hand, I am celebrating the life of my grandma and the legacy she is leaving for us. These last few weeks have been difficult, seeing my grandma in critical condition, in the Intensive Care Unit. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, God has answered our prayers and is still showing us His glory, using His wisdom and power to confound medicinal reports.</span></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, I am celebrating the new life of an infant addition to my family. Meet Oluwatimilehin: <i>translated </i>God has my back!</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlRlY3TfZCwZ6ZbTXwgj1Mt_2zAWcYDIXRHFfPghLuNkcQNrhTMQKcH4VpIAxd5YxfNXiD-99TtZizskda8aySHLrbDV0GdQj2ioM2i7qMqkvNhhjPNDEwng0I-pfAfaJVcIm5FzNgok/s1600/Jan13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlRlY3TfZCwZ6ZbTXwgj1Mt_2zAWcYDIXRHFfPghLuNkcQNrhTMQKcH4VpIAxd5YxfNXiD-99TtZizskda8aySHLrbDV0GdQj2ioM2i7qMqkvNhhjPNDEwng0I-pfAfaJVcIm5FzNgok/s200/Jan13.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As seen on January 13th in <a href="http://365project.org/omowunmi" target="_blank">Omowunmi Project 366</a></span></td></tr>
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</span></div><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Celebrate Life. It's a gift.</span></b>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-16377681268432885592012-01-23T22:14:00.000-06:002012-01-23T22:14:21.758-06:00He makes all things beautiful in time.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rjRZl7XjW7nnxwqDKQrwBg7i-GTPSR5wntaEG758cnQxprBWMgztMuHIydBIeEE7b8AkP3r8MmUEWjke5BprwbQig0-SBZndHXEt1rU5_iRdYjT4x6Oz5_nrSJMMqTpZpSktgrUV0As/s1600/coat2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rjRZl7XjW7nnxwqDKQrwBg7i-GTPSR5wntaEG758cnQxprBWMgztMuHIydBIeEE7b8AkP3r8MmUEWjke5BprwbQig0-SBZndHXEt1rU5_iRdYjT4x6Oz5_nrSJMMqTpZpSktgrUV0As/s320/coat2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As seen on January 14th of <a href="http://365project.org/omowunmi" target="_blank">Omowunmi Project 366</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This coat is just a friendly (<i>and warm</i>) reminder to me that God makes everything beautiful and perfect in His time.<br />
<br />
If you try to work outside of God's will, you <strike>may</strike> will get something you don't want. <br />
<br />
After months of searching for a coat that fits, I found this coat just in the nick of time. It may sound trivial, but a coat that fits with the few criteria I desired, was quickly becoming a wild goose chase and more so as we went deeper into the winter.<br />
<br />
All I wanted was a warm, hooded, long, winter coat that was not black. <i>That’s not too much to ask, right? </i>Many of the coats I came across would leave my wrists really unhappy for the 6 months of winter we get. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I found myself tapping a total stranger once, exiting the train, to ask where she got her coat. Nothing else was coming up, so I thought one day soon, I would stop at the store she referenced and get that coat.<br />
<br />
I knew I definitely did not want the $400 North Face that everyone swears by. Partly, because I think the coat is more of a marketing strategy. Every other person in downtown is wearing one, with the logo plastered for all to see. Is the coat really that warm? Or is it because everyone else spent $400 on a North Face, you’ve convinced yourself that that is the only coat warm enough. No offense. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLX8UVfB-iMX7_VFDxqrqV3pcJwHeUR6A0__Oz1CDpsS3NnGa0MbrIFy4BRqWqSlav8EVmvvJsPrMAIvE1NaX1QiB0kOKTeSoMqqCMK-2BnabFIfUwZ7gAoQeoGSDf3Oc1miewXxU8go/s1600/coat.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLX8UVfB-iMX7_VFDxqrqV3pcJwHeUR6A0__Oz1CDpsS3NnGa0MbrIFy4BRqWqSlav8EVmvvJsPrMAIvE1NaX1QiB0kOKTeSoMqqCMK-2BnabFIfUwZ7gAoQeoGSDf3Oc1miewXxU8go/s200/coat.JPG" width="150" /></a>Thankfully, we’ve been having a pretty mild winter. Our last warm weekend of the winter, I was not even planning to go to the store; I wasn’t in the mood to look through the racks and start searching. I've decided that the last errand I did, would be it for the night. Something just tells me to turn into mall, even though I've passed all but the last entrance. I hear the "<i>don't save for tomorrow, what you can do today</i>" inside of me. Within 15 minutes, I am the owner of a new coat, way below the price I thought I would have to pay and way below the intended sale price. I’ll sum it up with two words: "God’s favor." Or maybe two more words, as a bonus: "Perfect timing."<br />
<b>Tip:</b> <i>Always Be Polite</i> as opposed to a <i>"Have It My Way</i> attitude, when shopping.<br />
<br />
Moreover, it’s not black, an in-person view reveals that it is actually a dark gray. Also, the style is one that I was not even thinking of. More importantly, it fits me perfectly; my wrists are happy.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, we try to help God by taking it upon ourselves to make unnecessary <strike>sacrifices</strike> compromises to get what we think we want, but God has the best in mind, if we just would wait patiently on Him. He makes all things beautiful in time, and He’s just in time.Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-28745260558884772082012-01-06T10:07:00.000-06:002012-01-06T10:07:17.495-06:00Christians Protesting.In light of the recent <em>Occupy Nigeria</em> protests, and discussions last Fall regarding mobilizing people to conduct silent prayer meetings in front of abortion clinics, (<em><u>when the clinics are closed</u></em>), (<a href="http://bound4life.com/" target="_blank">Bound4Life</a>), <strong>I want to know what you all think about Christians protesting and silently seiging.</strong><br />
<br />
To give you an idea of where some people have fallen in the discussions, I'll provide you with a brief outline:<br />
<br />
On the one hand, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Protests typically have a negative connotation. Thoughts of rioting come to mind, when protests get out of control, which they have the tendency to do, as they are emotionally driven. <br />
<br />
Regarding protesting, some believe our energy can be channeled to a more effective means of affecting change. Firstly, we can "protest" to our just Judge, Our Father in Heaven. We could intercede from a room, tucked away from the public, where we are not visible and God will still hear and can answer our prayers. Additionally, one person can pray for something to happen and it could happen. Lastly, depending on your skills and giftings, in addition to prayer, you can do other things. ie educating, writing etc. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, we are commissioned to go out into the world and be bold, spreading the gospel and truth. Protesting and seiging certainly make statements to the public. Regarding seiging specifically, the prayer meeting makes a statement to the public while warring in the Spirit on behalf of others. Furthermore, there is something more powerful, more impacting, when praying with others. Notwithstanding, the importance and presence of God while connecting with God on your own, in your secret place. However,when believers come together and join their faith, God is in their midst and the presence of God is felt.<br />
<br />
<strong>I want to know what you think.</strong> So, what are your thoughts about Christians protesting? Share what you know about this topic, based on your own revelation or teachings you have received.<br />
<br />
Thanks!Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-23204048543673847592012-01-04T22:48:00.003-06:002012-01-07T23:21:23.736-06:00Omowunmi Project 366.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am taking a picture everyday this year for a photo journal, called <i><b>Omowunmi Project 366</b>.</i> It's something I wanted to do for a while. I learned of this photo journal idea from a friend in my small group, during my last semester at Champaign. However, since we are in a leap year, it is rightfully named Project 366.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I began on January 1st and already have my pictures for the first four days of 2012. To begin, I will be using both <i>365project.org </i>(<a href="http://365project.org/omowunmi">365project.org/omowunmi</a>) and <i>Instagram </i>(omowunmi)<i>. </i>A</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">fter a few weeks, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll decide which one I like better, functionally, for my project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am excited for what the Lord has in store for me in this new year. Join me as I chronicle my 7th leap year, one photo a day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned.</span><br />
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</span>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-75555121479659940082011-12-31T00:31:00.000-06:002011-12-31T00:31:59.365-06:00Love keeps no record of wrongs for meEarlier this week, I thought to myself: it’s a good thing <b>Love</b> keeps no record of wrong because if Love kept a record of wrongs, some people would be really screwed," for lack of a better word. <br />
<br />
As I thought about this aspect of love, certain instances and certain people I have observed came to mind. I would easily place these people in the "fickle" category. Apparently, whenever they are ready to return to the status quo, they will, regardless of whatever may have transpired during the last encounter. <br />
<br />
I wondered what could possibly be going on in their mind for them to think everything is just okay, whenever they like, without so much as a clarification, explanation, caramel apple, something. Did they single-handedly delete that part of history? Or independently resolve any qualms the night before, while I was sleeping, no less. I guess so. My only justification was that: this particular section of the oft-quoted and inscribed "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2013:%204%20-%2013&version=NIV1984" target="_blank"><i>Love is</i></a>" scripture reference <u>must be</u> one of their favorite passages, because they are surely taking advantage of it! <br />
<br />
How pious of me! As if I have done not anything worthy of being recorded as wrong. As if I am not guilty of the same offense and even worse. <i>As if.</i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3</i></blockquote>Daily I do things, to others and God, that would leave me speechless and without sensible explanation at the judgment seat. For example, anytime I doubt the Lord’s leadership and miraculous power, it’s sin because anything done without faith is sin. <i>See</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2014&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 14:23</a>. Additionally, if all my thoughts were transcribed, well, God please have mercy. <br />
<br />
By God’s grace, these wrongs, that would otherwise be recorded if not for love, will decrease. Meanwhile, I need to change my perspective in my everyday analysis of what or who is really wrong. When considering what someone else does "wrong," I must weigh my faults greater. There’s always a plank in my eye and a speck in the other person’s eye, all the time, every time. <br />
<br />
The "love keeps no record of wrongs" isn’t for “<i>them</i>,” it’s for me.Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-85991222071066940342011-11-14T23:33:00.004-06:002011-11-16T23:28:46.566-06:00Friends, how many of us have them?I had an interesting discussion with a group of friends about the term: friend. <br />
<br />
<i>Well, what is a friend? What point does a friend become a friend? Do you know friends from associates? </i><br />
<br />
This is a topic I was evaluating in the past couple weeks and something I was seriously considering just as the conversation topic was initiated. One of those, -oh my, mums the word, but I surely won't let that happen again- moments.<br />
<br />
I prescribe to the “<i>choose your friends, don’t let your friends choose you</i>” practice, or at least I try to. I’m a cross between an extroverted introvert and an ambivert, not fully satisfied with either classification, (<i>more on that later</i>). So, I have the potential to have the “crew” if I put a little more effort and the time and attention it takes to maintain one, but I don’t particularly care to have a crew. I’ve never really had one either, ever. My groupings go as far as close friend, a friend or an associate. I can pretty much get along with anyone, but only a few people really know me. Those are the people I consider close friends. <br />
<br />
However, a few times, <i>just a few</i>, an error of judgment has caused me to misplace a person. I hold expectations for people based on the way I perceive the friendship due to my actions – the way I treat them, or their mixed actions, the way they treat me, <i>sometimes</i>. In other words, I would think someone is a friend but based on a certain unexpected action, or recurring actions, I have given myself just cause to demote them. Or on the other hand, I thought I was just an associate to someone but they really came through in a caring and loving way, as a friend should, so they get promoted.<br />
<br />
I’m learning more and more that the term friend is a wide continuum. Because of this, the word friend gets thrown around loosely. Superficially, everyone is a friend. We’ve added so many different meanings to it and in a major way, detracted from what a friend really is supposed to be, living under a guise of deception, all for what? Securing insecurites? Please. <br />
<br />
For example, sometimes I will see a "crew" (friend-pair or group) and I’m curious to know how they became friends. Are all of them really friends or were they really close in the past so now out of obligation they tolerate each other, and a host of other questions when it just doesn’t seem right. Is it just for show? Do you really know what that person is going through? This just seems too surface for me.<br />
<br />
And thanks to social networking we have given more leeway to the term friend. “We’re friends on facebook,” does not automatically translate to we are friends in reality.<br />
<br />
What if we compartmentalized our friends in the following manner:<br />
<ul><li><b>Friend that sticks closer than a brother </b>– well, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and if you're married, maybe your spouse as a far second and/or if you're the type of person to have a "best" friend, then your best friend. <i>Sidebar: if you are married, I would like to think your spouse is your best friend.</i> <br />
</li>
<li><b>Family-friends</b> – friendships formed within your family – siblings, cousins, parents, children, in-laws etc. </li>
<li><b>Friends of the family</b>– friends you’ve grown up with; your families are friends, you mark birthdays together and attend each others' graduations, these are the default people always on the guest list, they do not need an invitation. You carry yourselves out to the public as relatives because you're that close.<br />
</li>
<li><b>All around Friends</b> – Friends that you have depth with, understanding, history, trust, communication, love. You may have even had a disagreement a few times but you were able to move past the disagreement in value of the friendship. (Granted, an individual falling into any of the above 3 categories could very well fit in this category). You can call them anytime and talk to them about anything. They know you inside and out. You are free with them and they also hold you accountable. You have some similarities but it does not mean you are carbon copies.</li>
<li><b>Friends for specific purposes</b> - These are friends that you would only call for specific reasons as opposed to anytime or for anything. These may also include the friends that are friends by title and not in deed fully. Or they used to be all around friends, but they got demoted when you noticed they only call you when they need something.</li>
<li><b>Pen Pal friends</b> – These are friends you have made connections with from living in different parts of the world and now your main form of communication, primarily due to your relocation and distance, is random infrequent texts, an email here and there, skype once in a while or form of regular or irregular cyber communication. This includes liking all or most of their facebook activity and the like. Perhaps, they used to be all around friends but because of the ease of mobile phone usage and your lack of using it, they are no longer classified as All around friends- they've been demoted, replaced - eek. But both parties are okay with this or too busy to notice. </li>
<li><b>Cyber friends</b> – Your relationship apart from 1 or 2 meetings by happenstance, or mutual friends is strictly over the internet, facebook, twitter, etc. Once in a while you reach out to them over the world wide web but your conversation is surface level. These friends may also have been in another group higher up at one period in your life, but lack of effort to maintain the friendship has placed the friendship in this category.</li>
<li><b>Associates </b>– you have mutual friends from (common gathering ie. church) and you’re cordial in public, but that’s about as far as it goes, there is no relationship behind closed doors.</li>
</ul>I don’t know of anyone who does this. I think that is partially OCD. I would actually like to meet you if you do.<br />
<br />
Well back to the demotion; this can detrimental when done out of emotion. I know in the past, I have created my own reasons for a person's actions instead of communicating with the person to understand why they did something. For example, I'm like this happened again, [insert my reason here], well obviously they were not listening the first time, (if they were worthy of a first time). <i>Not much seventy times seven going on there</i>. Or I've “let it go” but still harbor offense in my heart; the bait of Satan. So in turn the issue is still there and I've single-handedly changed the dynamics of the friendship, causing avoidable strife in the Body and the other person may not even have a clue, even though <i>I</i> think they should, because from <i>my</i> perspective it was so blatant (<i>so bogus</i>). <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>There’s a lot of expectation but not enough communication. –Nosa Osai</i></div><br />
I am writing this not to say that I am merely reevaluating relationships, although I am. But more so as a reminder for me to focus on the person's qualities and the foundation of the friendship, instead of separating and magnifying the issue or action that has caused discontent. Humans will disappoint you, it is inevitable, since I'm human I cannot fault another for this.<br />
<br />
Along with this, I am learning not to lean on my own understanding when analyzing another person's actions, especially when I do not understand how a "friend" could do that. I've noticed, when I lean on my own understanding without giving them a chance to explain themselves, I am attempting to protect my future interests -that being "self." Instead, I need to initiate communication on the issue, if I truly value them as a friend. Friends should prayerfully, constructively hash and settle their issues together, if they truly value the friendship; it's a two way street.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Furthermore, I write this as a challenge to myself to be a better a friend. :) "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What is the best vitamin for maintaining a healthy friendship? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>B1 ;-)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-20637287922796422272011-10-27T01:49:00.001-05:002011-10-27T01:50:42.470-05:00So about that list….Yesterday, I had a meeting with my Pastor. As a young woman meeting with my Pastor, people automatically assumed I was telling him my prince has found me. *screams* :-)<br />
<br />
After the <i>n</i>th time of being asked subtly and overtly, I played along and acquiesced with a smile. If everyone keeps asking, they must know something that I am yet to know, might as well claim it. *shrug* <br />
<br />
While waiting for my meeting, another Pastor on the leadership team, asked me “<i>well what kind of things are you looking for in your mate?</i>”<br />
<br />
Of course I have this written down, so I busted out my laptop and opened “the list” for her.<br />
<br />
I haven’t revisited the list in a while. I mentally revisited the list over the summer when I learned the <a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-not-just-about-proverbs-31.html">Sermon on the Mount lifestyle</a> is what the King is looking for in His Son’s bride. Likewise, I should also possess those characteristics and desire these characteristics in my "life partner" as my grandma commonly calls it, (almost every time she asks me, almost every time she sees me, and subsequently every time she prays for me……God bless the intercessory grandma's!) <br />
<br />
Apart from that, I hadn’t really considered my list since the <a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2011/04/soul-mate.html">soul mate</a> (<a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2011/04/value-system-womans-perspective.html">woman’s perspective</a>, <a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2011/04/value-system-womans-perspective.html">man’s perspective</a>, <a href="http://omowunmi.blogspot.com/2011/04/soul-mates-and-value-systems-wrap-up.html">wrap-up</a>) blog posts and the subsequent discussions that flowed from those posts about 6 months ago.<br />
<br />
Going back to my particular list, which may or may not have been posted,<i> the lists are anonymous</i> ;-) she began to go over it with me. I couldn’t help but to laugh, as we went down the list.<br />
<br />
“<i>Christina, does this person exist?.... He does not have to..... Is he a clown!.... What…! Why....? What does this even mean?</i>” [insert chuckles here and there] <br />
<br />
Granted, I'm not "married" to this list and wouldn't use it as the end all be all check list, as that would be unreasonable. However, listening to my list being verbally processed by another was humorous.<br />
<br />
Some of my characteristics were taken from Godly matrimony's that I have witnessed and a combination of teachings. Undoubtedly, many married couples with the admirable Godly relationships did not have their current relationships, pre-marriage (aka courting or dating) and possibly for some time post-nuptials (aka "the ceremony"). So one should not necessarily expect all the desired characteristics from the get-go.<br />
<br />
I realized my previous list, was more so a list of desired characteristics in my husband, after years of growing together, learning and knowing each other. <br />
<br />
My list now consists of 4 main things of equal importance:<br />
<ol><li>Friend</li>
<li>Faithful</li>
<li>God-loving</li>
<li>Prayerful </li>
</ol>BAM!<br />
<br />
I have two more preferences but they are certainly not deal breakers.<br />
<br />
Given that we do not have a soul mate, that is until we have chosen our life partner, we do have our Sovereign Lord. He knows my whole story from beginning to eternity.<br />
<br />
So until that part of my story comes along, I know He knows the desires of my heart. I’ll pray that He would conform my desires, to His desires for me.<br />
<br />
And rest assured His will, will be done.Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-74085888376755914332011-10-02T22:27:00.000-05:002011-10-02T22:27:12.658-05:00LIFE: abortion is a death penalty too.Last month <u>one</u> man was judicially tried, convicted and sentenced to death by lethal injection also known as the death penalty. The death penalty has been outlawed in several states including Illinois. However, Troy Davis was tried in Georgia, a state which still allows capital punishment. People were outraged using various avenues and sites to speak out against the death penalty, all the way to the front steps of the courts even.<br />
<br />
Last month about <u>108,333</u> innocent children were murdered by abortion. <br />
<br />
Some of the people who were so adamantly opposed to the Troy Davis sentence are pro-choice. In other words, there are people opposed to the death penalty and in support of abortion. This philosophy just does not align logically. I would imagine as a principle, if you are against the death penalty for an adult, you would also be against the death penalty for a child, moreover a child who is not suspected of committing any crime at all, whatsoever.<br />
<br />
This is a short post calling for more agreement in prayer to end abortion. I pray that <u>all</u> who believe that our Sovereign Lord is God alone, and anyone with morals for that matter, will see the congruency between the death penalty and abortion. I pray that all believers will see that abortion is 21st century genocide, especially targeted to the minority populations. Additionally, I pray that believers of Christ will speak out against abortion and make informed decisions when voting. I also pray that pregnant women/parents will <b>choose LIFE</b>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Proverbs 31:8</i></div>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-61528743582492893382011-09-10T15:26:00.002-05:002011-09-24T09:45:17.763-05:00I knew you were...!I went to a small grammar (<i>elementary</i>) school; roughly 30 students in each grade from Kindergarten to 8th grade. A majority of the people I graduated with, I’ve known since we started Kindergarten together, 9 years earlier. <br />
<br />
With a group this small, it was almost a given that several characteristics about your identity were unique. For example, I was the only Nigerian that most of my classmates probably knew for a while. Some of my classmates probably did not have close encounters with another Nigerian until high school or college.<br />
<br />
In grammar school, I had (<i>and still have</i>) a Greek friend named Madeline and she influenced my understanding of the Hellenic culture. As I was introduced to more Hellenic people, over the years, she would often come to mind and facts (and possibly stereotypes) that I knew about the culture through her.<br />
<br />
For example, this past week I made a new Greek friend. We exchanged some introductory questions when we both identified and related with each other as being first generation.<br />
<blockquote><b>Me:</b> Are you Greek Orthodox? <br />
<b>John:</b> Yeah. About 98% of Greeks are Greek Orthodox.<br />
<b>Me:</b> Does your last name end in "o-u-s"?<i> (oulos)</i><br />
<b>John:</b> No, it’s _____ it’s like the "Smith" of Greek, but many names do end in o-u-s.</blockquote>Just the same, some of the questions he had for me were based on what he knew of the Nigerian culture, probably from his first encounter with a Nigerian. <br />
<br />
The power of a first (<i>or only</i>) impression; it really lasts. It was then that I realized, everyone one I went to school with learned about the Nigerian culture, based on what I represented, intentionally, through conversations and International nights and inadvertently, through my actions, word choice, attire and just everyday living and habits.<br />
<br />
At the African Christian Fellowship young adults conference, last summer in Chicago, themed “Salt of the Earth,” a comment a friend made during a small group discussion stuck with me. “<i>People know I’m Nigerian right away by my name. That’s one of the first things they know.</i>” <br />
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Automatically, as a “foreigner” you typically do not blend in, unless you’re trying really hard to. I often get the “...<i>I thought you were</i> [<i>something other than the norm!</i>]” <i>"I could tell...."</i> or <i>"I knew you were…!</i>" What they’re basically articulating is “<b>I knew you were different!</b>” <br />
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One of the first things people should know about us is that we are Christians. As a Christian, you are a citizen of a future <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011:%208-10&version=NKJV">city</a>. This is not our permanent residence, we are foreigners. Someone should be able to say “<i>I knew you were Christian</i>” or “<i>I could tell you were Christian</i>” “<i>you’re different!</i>” <u>all the time</u>, because as the salt we’re not made to blend in. It should go without saying, but I really have to emphasize <u>all the time</u>, as in everywhere, all day, everyday.<br />
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Also, as John and I were able to detect ourselves, foreigners can usually detect themselves. As a Christian, another Christian should be able to detect that you also are not a citizen of this world, all the time. You are a foreigner. Further, some foreigners have the desire, deep inside of them, to relocate or retire "back home" to their native land. Just the same, we are longing for our home, so we cannot get too comfortable here.<br />
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We were not made to blend in, during our life journey to our future <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011&version=NKJV">home</a>. What we do, as professing Christians, gives off a fragrance representing Christ.<br />
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2 Corinthians 2:14-16:<br />
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<blockquote>14) But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15)<b> Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.</b> <b>But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.<i> </i></b>16) To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. <b>And who is adequate for such a task as this?</b></blockquote>Unbelievers and the undiscipled will remember everything about the culture of Christ, by what we, as believers, teach them intentionally and inadvertently, whether accurate or inaccurate.<br />
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<b>Which culture are you representing, all the time</b><b>?</b><br />
<blockquote><b>Jesus:</b> who do you say I am?<br />
<b>Your Answer:</b> [Insert the way you live your life here.] <i></i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>The culture of the Kingdom is the culture of the King! If you’re not representing the culture of the Kingdom, which culture or kingdom are you representing? - Pastor Billy Humphrey</i></div>Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278264361656062882.post-56949352062039056432011-08-30T21:59:00.002-05:002011-09-01T22:14:44.620-05:00HelpCalebGraves.org<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgRMeYRSzUU/Tl2cV3saBiI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/xSjPfBoI2LI/s1600/317322_147914495296712_147895388631956_271685_5050750_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgRMeYRSzUU/Tl2cV3saBiI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/xSjPfBoI2LI/s200/317322_147914495296712_147895388631956_271685_5050750_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This is an appeal to ask you to pray for Caleb Graves, his fiancée Victoria, and his family and the family they will be starting next year. <br />
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Caleb is a missionary and drummer at the International House of Prayer in Atlanta. Sunday evening, while helping a stranded driver, he was hit by a stolen car and the driver fled the scene. He was immediately rushed to the ICU, and his left leg below the knee had to be amputated. Thankfully, since then, he has been moved out of the ICU, however he is still in a lot of pain. This is obviously an attack of the enemy, as anyone can clearly see the anointing on this young man’s life. But after all is said and done, even the enemy will regret what he's attempting to do. Touch not My anointed and do My prophets no harm!<br />
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Please pray for physical and emotional healing, increased strength and resources for the medical and supplemental expenses. Also, pray that the LORD will be glorified through all of this. Also, pray that the person who hit him will turn himself in and/or be brought to justice. Pray for the International House of Prayer Atlanta community also, as they link arms to help him through this, in the best way.<br />
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I already see the LORD being glorified through this and know that He will continue to be glorified. The body of Christ has been coming together from all over the nation to support him and his family. So many people from across the nation are praying for him and his family, so many people who may not have been praying otherwise. And just interacting with Caleb, Victoria or anyone from their family, even for the shortest amount of time, you will understand why people are eagerly rising to the call of prayer and other means of support on their behalf because of how they’ve touched people with love and kindness. <b>Many more testimonies will come out of this, I’m certain.</b><br />
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Please visit <a href="http://helpcalebgraves.org/">HelpCalebGraves.org</a> for more information on how you can help this family and updates on Caleb's progress.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wsbtv.com/news/28980208/detail.html#.Tl2iq8lmemS.blogger">Friends rally around good Samaritan injured helping driver - News Story - WSB Atlanta</a> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28</i> </div><br />
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Xtina!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00445340692202611048noreply@blogger.com1