Look, we're talking about destinies here...

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. 

Initially, I had some questions and justifications: 

I mean is a fast “like that” really intended for people “like me?” 
Surely, people “like me” are exempt from something “like that.” 

Along with the call to fast came some prophetic declarations. 

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* 

Fast forward to today, I was briefly chatting with someone this morning and they say: btw, I’m going to fast from n time to n time because of X reasons. 

And of course, the questions ensued again: 

1. 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.? 
2. If you wake up at –a.m. is that considered night or morning? 
3. What if you work nights or a have circadian rhythm different from the “average?” Do you then alter the fast to your schedule? 
4. Why is it 6 p.m. and not 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.? 
5. Juice is really allowed? 
6. Tea is allowed, but what if I don’t drink tea, can I drink my version of tea? 
7. If smoothies are allowed, couldn’t one essentially blend all meals into a smoothie? 
8. Can we take vitamins, you know to stay healthy? 

I texted three other people variations of some of the questions above and of course I got varied answers: 

Well technically… 
The General Overseer said… 
I do this… 
You should do that… 

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. 

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. 

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, “look, we’re talking about destinies here.” *drop the mic* 

True story! 

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! (go figure) 

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 -- God is looking at the heart. 

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, God is looking at the heart. 

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. 

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.

JHD Blog Post

Hey there:

I wrote a blog post for my church's blog JesusHouseDallasBlog.com

You can access the post here: On Earth As It Is In Heaven

Gracious Speech

A cyber convo . . . 

Friend: If God gives you the opportunity to go to Heaven with one person, who will you go with?
Me: Maybe a Muslim or an atheist.
Friend: Why a Muslim?
Me: *long pause* *thinking* So they can see Jesus the way I see Him.
Friend: But they believe in God.
Me: But? I said “so they can see Jesus the way I see Him.” What do you mean by “but?”
Friend: But they believe in God…
Me: How is that related to my reason?
Friend: I just feel if any other religion besides Christianity believes in God, I don’t care how they get to HIM. Just me personally.
Me: 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.
Friend: Oh okay, I see what you are saying. 

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 only one way to the Father. However, someone had to deliver that message to me in a way that I would first, receive and second, understand. 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. 

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.” 

I care about what they say about my Jesus. Because of that, I care about the way I deliver His message. 

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.

Colossians 4:6 

New Living Translation -- Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

The Message -- 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.

Amplified -- 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]. 

A glimpse of the Throne

Earlier today, I went to Fellowship Loop, a monthly lunchtime service in Macy's downtown hosted by Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.  You know the minister who sings God is Awesome, that's his church.  During worship, and that song in particular, I found myself focusing (imagining/meditating) on the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures at the Throne in Heaven.

Revelation 4: 4, 6-84  Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 

6B And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. ⁷ 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. ⁸ The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within.

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. After all, 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.  And I was driving like I just received my permit and my driving instructor was in the passenger seat making me feel very uncomfortable. 

I was so focused on the road. I was driving in lightning and thunder: I could feel it.  Lightning and thunder were seconds apart in a call and response, throughout my trip.  High winds, severe thunderstorm and even tornado watches!  I thought at any moment a car could slam into the divider or spin, God forbid.  Moreover, some of the lights on the expressway were out, so visibility was extremely hindered.  My gentle assurance prayer "Lord cover this car with the blood of Jesus" soon elevated into a plead. 

This was one of the longest dangerous rides I can remember in my history of driving, (11 years or so), 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. That incident was nothing compared to tonight. Two, I was riding solo this time in contrast to the snowstorm ride.  


Cars were pulled over to the side on the expressway, other cars were driving well under the speed minimum.  At some parts, the expressway was empty. I just kept on going, pleading the blood of Jesus for protection, it was that serious. 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.  Part of me with a hindsight aforethought, thought each time I passed a bridge, I should probably pull over, but I just kept going.


Thank God I made it home safely!


Throughout all that, I kept thinking The Throne is much more intense than this, unquestionably. See for yourself: The Throne - Revelation 4


Yet, He asks us to come boldly before Him, boldly before His Throne. Hebrews 4:16


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! 


My God is truly awesome.

In 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…

Christianah, did you bless the food?
Oh man, Pastor called me out. (If you’re following, Christianah is the Nigerian-English form of pronouncing my name).
Oya, bless the food. (Translated: Bless the food, now).
Has my Pastor heard me pray before? (not that it matters, but just wondering) . . . In Jesus name…

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: what? Whoa! I know I would certainly have the “you cannot be serious” look on my face that I honestly don’t do a good job of hiding sometimes. ;)

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. What are you saying? This is distracting. Some of my energy is then spent tuning out the prayer leader.

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. (Please note the specific qualifications).

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, not yet.) It was entirely in English, the language of the majority, and spoken with clarity.

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.

Below are some verses I pulled from 1 Corinthians 14, but please read it in its entirety.

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?

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.

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.

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.

13) Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

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.

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.

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?

27) If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.

I am running after You

One 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.

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.

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.

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 well, 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.

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."

I am running, running after You.

He makes all things beautiful in time.

As seen on January 14th of Omowunmi Project 366

 

This coat is just a friendly (and warm) reminder to me that God makes everything beautiful and perfect in His time.

If you try to work outside of God's will, you may will get something you don't want.

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.

All I wanted was a warm, hooded, long, winter coat that was not black. That’s not too much to ask, right? Many of the coats I came across would leave my wrists really unhappy for the 6 months of winter we get.



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.

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. :)

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 "don't save for tomorrow, what you can do today" 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."
Tip: Always Be Polite as opposed to a "Have It My Way attitude, when shopping.

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.

Sometimes, we try to help God by taking it upon ourselves to make unnecessary sacrifices 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.

You are marked!

You, yes you specifically reading this, are marked! Psalm 139

Nothing else really needs to be said on this post; the video below says it all. Please listen!

Praying for the souls of Muslims

Monday, August 1st, was the first day of the August 2011 Global Bridegroom Fast (‘GBF’). This is a fast where believers fast 3 days a month, beginning with the first Monday of the month, and the first 7 days in December making a total of 40 days a year.

“This fast is a worldwide concert of prayer when believers unite to seek the Lord’s face—at the same time, with the same burdens, and in the same Spirit.”

And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. Matthew 9:15

During the 4pm GBF intercession we prayed primarily for the souls of Muslims. Monday also marked the beginning of Ramadan this year. This means 1 billion people are praying and fasting to a god who cannot hear them or answer their prayers.

“Jesus, You are worthy of praise, even from Mecca!” “Make Your Son’s name great over Allah”– Intercession Choruses via Tolu Akande.

Please keep Muslims in your prayers unto the only true living God, the LORD. Pray that they would know the truth, that there is only one true living uncreated God, the same yesterday, today and forevermore and Jesus is His Son, the visible image of the Father, not merely a prophet. Also, pray for the yet-to-be discipled nations, where Islam is the dominant religion and that the word of the LORD would run swiftly in their lands and in their hearts.


By the way, you don’t have to be Muslim to pray 5 times a day (or more). Every Christian needs to be a an individual house of prayer. Jesus is not going to come back for a bride that doesn't want to talk to Him. {Make us ready LORD}


Please listen to this series called Cultivating a Culture of Prayer especially part 3 from IHOP Atlanta. This was a 7-part series that covered a good portion of the Sunday sermons during my internship. It is also available on iTunes for free. The dates are from May 29, 2011 to July 10, 2011.


Be blessed, in other words, please receive this revelation friends! 


Ephesians 1:17-19.

You made a way for me to enter the Holy place.

During my Fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit class, one of our instructors told us to use Revelation chapter four to aid us in envisioning ourselves before the Throne of Grace, (the Throne in Heaven) while praying. Revelation four gives us John’s description of what he sees when he is pulled from Patmos island into Heaven.

Under the Mosaic covenant, before the days of Christ’s crucifixion, in order to bring requests before the LORD, people brought animals to the priests as sacrificial atonement for their sins. The priests would slaughter the sacrifices. But sacrifices by the blood of animals could never completely atone for their sins. The primary way into the sanctuary of God’s presence was through the high priest. Only the high priest went before the Ark; the Holy of Holies.

Under the new covenant, the perfect priest, Jesus, has offered the perfect sacrifice. Through the sacrifice of His blood, on the cross, He completely atones for all of our sins. Now, we have the privilege to come boldly before the Throne of Grace, all the time. We have confidence to stand directly before the LORD, with Jesus seated the right hand of the Throne, when we pray.

Hebrews 10:19-21. 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God.”

What a privilege it is to carry everything directly to God in prayer!

Year of Jubilee!!!!

Happy July 15th world! What a lovely day! Oh happy day! Today is the day I entered this world, 26 years ago, whew. Praise the LORD with me somebody!

Something you probably don’t know about me: I was due on July 7th. The Lord and I just decided to wait a week and a day longer. It would just be best for all interested parties. Thanks for the extended stay, rent free, mom!

I remember every single birthday since I was 4, maybe even my 3rd, if I see a picture. Actually, as I’m typing I’m really trying to remember July 15th, 1988. It will come to me, I’m sure. :)

Summer birthdays are unique in that, although they are typically not celebrated with school mates, since we’re usually not in school, at the time. However, we summer birth-daters have more freedom to celebrate as we want and where we want as we get more seasoned. ;-) For the most part, I've grown accustomed to marking it with family and my Nigerian community, which is basically: family.

Over the years, when I could make my own decisions, I was not the plan-a-big-celebration every year kind of girl.  Oddly enough, I’ve happened to plan something for my birthday the last three years. I definitely cherish those memories, which still seem very recent. Life really is a vapor. (I'll eventually create a scrapbook of the pictures, one of these days.)

Because of that trend, it could seem logical that an even grander celebration is expected (or not). This year, I have nothing birthday-party-wise planned. Nonetheless, I’m sure this one will be quite memorable too, just in a different way.

Why? Because: This is my Year of Jubilee!!!!!! This is my season of Jubilee!!!!!!!!!

I took it old school with the homie Ron. But, I will have a new song, a new dance. Amen!

Sing with me. Dance with me. ohhhh-ohhhhhh-oohhhhh...ooohhhhh

"Let a new song arise before the Holy, before the Beauty."  I was there, by the way: Onething 2010 – fabulous.

If you would be so kind, please pray this for and with me:

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come." Luke 4:18-19. Liberty. Restoration. Justice.

These are the words of Christ and I believe that because the Son of Man says we will do "greater works than these,” [the Son’s works - John 14:12] this prophecy also applies to me and you, as the speaker and the recipient.

Happy July 15th to me and to you! Happy Jubilee!

This is my season of Jubilee. Praise the LORD!!!!!!!!!! Bless the LORD with me, friends.

Firecrackers!

Monday marked 235 years of America’s independence from Britain. Many Americans celebrate this federal holiday with barbeques and firecrackers. I didn’t really partake in the celebrations this year or celebrate with firecrackers per se.

However, there are a couple new people I crossed paths with this 4th of July. I recently met a teenager and the first word that comes to mind when attempting to describe her is firecracker.

What do you think of when you hear the word FIRECRACKER? Danger, Explosive, Bright, Shining, Appropriately Loud?

By firecracker, I mean the blaze on her heart is visible in her actions and audible in her prayers and the way she speaks at a mere 16 years of life. She is on fire for the LORD. She is a danger sign to any plan of the enemy as she stands in the gap, interceding over several injustices.

Seeing young people so grounded and unshaken in their faith and truly on fire for the LORD is so beautiful to me. What a firm foundation!

Back in my day, we thought “Meet Me at the Flagpole” was something, and at the time and place, it might very well have been. Yet I’ve heard testimonies of revivals going on around the same time at other locations and I can’t help but to think, “what was I doing? I could’ve been doing a lot more.” In just seeing what they are capable of doing now, as teenagers and in their early twenties, I can only imagine what type of exploits they will be doing in 5 or 10 years.

I was thinking of the song Shine Jesus Shine. I don’t recall the first place I heard and learned the song. Moreover, while singing, I don’t believe I grasped the meaning of the words or really understood what I was asking of the LORD.

Shine Jesus shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit blaze,
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word
Lord and let there be light.

Somewhere after learning the words, the singing has the tendency to become habitual and part of the normal order of our Christian gatherings; service, fellowship, youth group and the likes.

Although we may not fully process the meaning, 100% of the time, at the young ages that we sing songs such as these, I believe it still counts for something. I now believe they were and still are prayers to the Lord. And at whatever time the LORD chooses, He will turn those worship lyrics to answered prayers for every child who sings it.

I want the upcoming generation to have awesome testimonies of revivals in their high schools and on their college campuses. I want them to look comparatively upon the state of high schools and college campuses back then and even now and completely shake things up.

As a duty to this upcoming generation, I pray that every child I have a relationship with would be characterized as a firecracker. I want the Spirit to blaze, setting their hearts on fire at young ages. This is very important to me especially for children raised Christian. It’s dangerously easy to neglect spiritual growth, over the years, under the guise of religion, masking the dangers of repetition and stagnancy. Meanwhile, one would fail to realize that their spiritual entrée for several years was just various forms of Milk.

Come fan the flame!

What does it mean to be successful?

In this day and age, our Western society has painted the picture that you’re not successful until . . .

Until you finish school.

It doesn’t stop there; you must go past undergraduate; go to graduate school, get your doctorate too; the more letters, the better.

Then, once you graduate, you must pass your board exams . . .

And then, you must get a really good job with a six figure salary, (But if you’re making six figures, you may be too busy to enjoy it, that’s okay, just make the money anyway)

Then are you successful yet? Not yet.

You must also get married, right away, (because you can just go to the market and pick out a good one, like strawberries - yum). Apparently, the quality of the marriage is not given as much value.

Then you must have kids, many kids, like 9 months after the wedding day, both genders too.

Then, are you successful?

Not yet, you must climb up the socio-economic ladder.

In order to fulfill that, all you have to do is own your own house, one to four cars, and live at or above your means; because even if you aren’t “successful” you will look “successful.”

Then, your kids must be healthy and well mannered, accomplishing several achievements and accolades.

And then will you be successful?

Almost, you’re children must go to school, get married, and so on and so on; keep pressing repeat.

Hmmm, so, sounds like you’re successful once your last grandchild graduates, gets married and if the LORD gives you more years, your grandchildren have children too = People over 75 are successful.

This might sound a little cynical or a tad bit facetious, and thankfully does not represent my family's views or pressures. But it's unfortunately the reality and therefore aspiration for several people that view the world through this lens and the get rich or die trying mentality.

How about this:

I am a lover of the Lord, I am loved by the Lord, and therefore, I am successful.

In other words, I love the Lord, He loves me; I’m successful. #TRUTH

The Response: a call to prayer for a nation in crisis.

This is amazing. This is necessary.

Texas Governor, Rick Perry, has called a Joel 2, Solemn Assembly, on Saturday, August 6th, for America, called The Response: a call to prayer for a nation in crisis.

Joel 2:15:

Blow the trumpet in [America], sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: King James Version

Blow the trumpet in [America]; set apart a fast [a day of restraint and humility]; call a solemn assembly. Amplified

Blow the ram's horn trumpet in [America]! Declare a day of repentance, a holy fast day. Call a public meeting. Get everyone there. Consecrate the congregation. Make sure the elders come, but bring in the children, too, even the nursing babies, Even men and women on their honeymoon— interrupt them and get them there. Between Sanctuary entrance and altar,let the priests, God's servants, weep tears of repentance. Let them intercede: "Have mercy, God, on your people! Don't abandon your heritage to contempt. Don't let the pagans take over and rule them and sneer, 'And so where is this God of theirs?'" Message (15-17)

This Solemn Assembly is being called for the purposes of praying for “a historic breakthrough for our country and a renewed sense of moral purpose.” He asks the entire country to call upon the name of Jesus, not the political, commonly accepted, ultra ambiguous “god.” There will be no mistake about who we are praying to, the only uncreated God, the only One who can save us.

Perry also invited the other 49 governors to join him. So far one governor, Nathan Deal, the governor of Georgia! accepted his invitation. Pray for Illinois! Pray for all the other 48 governors.

I would like to see every church, in every city, across America, take part in the Solemn Assembly in some form, be it prayer meeting or house fellowship.

He says, if my people who are called by name would humble themselves and cry out to me, then I will heal their land. Logically, the inverse of this conditional statement will also hold true: if we do not humble ourselves and cry out to Him, then He will not heal our land, which He has the power to do.

Let us humble ourselves and cry out to Him. Pray for August 6th, this solemn assembly, the days leading up to it and the preparations for it. Pray for our leaders and our nation. Pray for unity in the church. Pray for the pastors of every church, of every denomination, to join together and bring their congregations on that day. "Then all of [us] can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:6.

I've posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. Day and night [we] keep at it, praying, calling out, reminding God to remember. [We] are to give him no peace until he does what he said, until he makes Jerusalem famous as the City of Praise. Isaiah 62:6-7 The Message

Rick Perry's letter to America via The Response.

Fellow Americans,

Right now, America is in crisis: we have been besieged by financial debt, terrorism, and a multitude of natural disasters. As a nation, we must come together and call upon Jesus to guide us through unprecedented struggles, and thank Him for the blessings of freedom we so richly enjoy.

Some problems are beyond our power to solve, and according to the Book of Joel, Chapter 2, this historic hour demands a historic response. Therefore, on August 6, thousands will gather to pray for a historic breakthrough for our country and a renewed sense of moral purpose.

I sincerely hope you’ll join me in Houston on August 6th and take your place in Reliant Stadium with praying people asking God’s forgiveness, wisdom and provision for our state and nation. There is hope for America. It lies in heaven, and we will find it on our knees.

Sincerely,

Rick Perry

Governor

The Response Promo from The Response USA on Vimeo.

Meat Pie - it's all about what's on the inside

An Agnes creation - pre-baked | Aunty Grace recipe

Saturday we made meat pies from scratch!

We = some women from the African Christian Fellowship Young Adults Chicago chapter (Agnes, Vida, Precious and I) and Aunty Grace. Aunty Grace used to cater in Jos, Nigeria before she and her family relocated to Chicago, Illinois. She will be instructing the women as we make various Nigerian delicacies, as well as other homemaking skills, in the upcoming weeks. We don't have a clever name yet but I'll call it 'Tea Time with Aunty Grace' in the meantime.

Honestly, I've never made meat pie before. It's not as easy as the final product looks.

the good stuff: potatoes, carrots, onions, there's more but you'll have to get the recipe for that. :-)

Aunty Grace blessed us with her recipe, consisting of a special formula, bonus ingredients and tricks of the trade which came from several trials over the years. We broke into a discussion regarding meat pie generally and our disapproval of some meat pies as of recent. They don't make them like they used to; with the good filling. Now most meat pies just have meat, but what happened to the potatoes?! Furthermore, I'm turned off from eating some meat pies when the crust is so dry, too thick, or meat pies where the filling resembles something from white castle *cough* Mr. Biggs.

So we started with a lovely prayer, which included praying over the process and the hands used to make the meat pie, the time we would spend together, as well as the final product, and the mouths that will eat it! ;-)

Come to the ACFYA meeting this Sunday at 4pm if you would like to sample what we spent hours making on Saturday morning (into the afternoon). Let us know what you think; tasted good to us! If you missed this tea time, there will be more in the near future.

As we commenced the first step, mixing and kneading the dough, Aunty Grace told us some stories about her mother and how she would pray about everything, throughout the day, and trained Aunty Grace to pray all the time as well. For example, while you're bathing, pray that as your cleansing your exterior, God will enable you to clean your interior, and that it be purified, pleasing and acceptable to Him. This opened my perspective to praying while performing certain routine and seemingly trivial tasks. Regarding, the shower prayer, I never thought about doing that, but it's a very wise prayer for anyone, and most feasible too.

Are you starting to see the symbolism - it all clicked after I left.

Lately, Hillsong's "From the Inside Out" song reccurently plays in my head. As I consider what it means to truly love Him from the inside out, I just imagine how I would look if my (spiritual) body was flipped inside out, or opened up for display. How dirty would it be and what needs cleaning? To get a better understanding of what I mean please read this post. ---> Give me a new heart - Tolu Akande

I bring this post full circle with a metaphor by Dr. Tony Evans, which consisted of  women and turkeys. In short, on Thanksgiving, most of the turkeys look alike, but Dr. Evans prefers the stuffing. In his metaphor, the stuffing is the important part and it will distinguish the well-done turkeys; the Godly women, from the turkeys that merely look good outwardly.

Similarly, each meat pie has a general look to it. Some people are attracted to the meat pie by the dough, whether it's golden and tender enough (or firmly toasted enough - whichever your preference). However, whether you will continue to enjoy the meatpie, once it's passed your first test of approval, will be determined by what's on the inside of the meat pie, which I might add took a longer time to prepare and perfect to our desired taste. Moreover, His approval will only be based on what's on the inside.

“Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Here are some pictures from the day courtesy of Agnes.

Precious cuts to shape, Aunty Grace is filling, Christina is sealing, Vida is flattening

Agnes flatens the dough - to create the shape that Vida has, before the filling

the second to last step: brush with egg yoke

After all that, 50+ meat pies later, good fellowship and learning,

I leave you with this very important principle:

"Never let someone come to your home, and leave hungry." - Aunty Grace

I’ve never used Shuffle.

I have different playlists for different purposes. My M.O. is as follows: when I’m going into the zone, I’ll select a few songs, anywhere from 5 to 15 and create my playlist. Then I’ll let the songs play according to my specifications, and if I so desire, I’ll just keep a song that I’m really feeling on repeat indefinitely and when I’m ready to switch to another tune I do.

I introduced some friends to this music site that allows users to create and share playlists comprised of any song from their extensive database. Yesterday, I was studying (all I’m doing these days – one month to go!) and a friend made a playlist with over 150 great inspirational songs; classics, recent and some I’ve never heard and let it play on shuffle.

The playlist was on shuffle. I’ve never used shuffle.

Although, at times, I can appear to be spontaneous or go with the flow, in some respects, I’m a pretty calculated planner and accustomed to knowing what is next in the foreseeable future, music included. I just realized that the lack of a plan or deviating too far off a set course was a pet peeve. But I’m adapting.

In a sense, I also attempt to create a playlist for seasons in life, with the limited songs I can recall, in an order I think is most suitable for me.

In the playlist of life, God is the DJ, but sometimes we request the songs we want to hear, or we become an unqualified acting DJ, playing the songs we think are best. Meanwhile, I’ll hear a song that I wasn’t even thinking of at all and it just ministers to me perfectly. That was the exact song I needed to hear but I never would have known that, letting my life play with the songs I chose.

It’s good to have plans but I need to just let the songs of life play on “shuffle.” What seems to our limited understanding as a shuffle is actually a precise, unique and creative order created by our Creator. And of course it turns out to be a better playlist than any list we could have created.

Life is a musical, life is a melody. I need to sing along after God’s lead or I’ll constantly be off key.

Day 4: Constitutional Law

*singing* "Our God is the Awesome God. There is none like You. With Him we win, He’s our Champion oooooh-oooooh! Our God is the awesome God, He is the greatest in all the earth, with Him we come in first, He’s our Champion!!!!"

My theme song during bar prep is ‘Champion’ by Tye Tribbett featuring Israel Houghton. I initially heard the song when my cousin posted it on google buzz a while back. Recently, a friend played it, and sent it to me through BBM = perfectly timed! It was on repeat during my commute this morning. Five miles in 10 minutes – the purple line is nice like that – Belmont to Howard.

Day 4: Constitutional Law - First Amendment, Equal Protection and host of other topics; it’s all coming back. Apparently we’ve learned thousands of rules during law school and we will review/learn many of them these next two months. The exam will be complete in exactly two months! Amen! Efficiency is the key. There is a lot to learn but the key is study efficiently and effectively. “The bar is all about testmanship and confidence. Confidence Cayenne in the house. Also “it’s not enough to just know the rule, you must know the exceptions.”

Technically, we have a break tomorrow for the holidays. The break just means we don’t have a live session in downtown, but there is still work to be done. Multiple choice questions every day. Tomorrow, I’ll scope out my study spots for the next 9 intense weeks. I also decided to incorporate exercising into my schedule after a reoccurring theme in the advice from recent bar takers. I've also been advised that blogging is not part of my schedule either so after this week, it's foreseeable that I will not post as frequently.

My foundation course professor is the eldest of seven children – none of them are twins, I asked (seven separate births, one couple - wow - Naija style). She was also a whiz kid – finished undergrad at 19 and law school at 22! Her parents were very active in invalidating the bill of attainder. The legislative punishment of a named group or individual without judicial trial is unconstitutional = bill of attainder.

I signed up for the live class for the rest of the course as opposed to my initial decision to take the remaining weeks of the class on demand. I think having other students around will add more to the structure. I don’t know any of them though, most of them are graduates from the city law schools, but I’ll meet them soon enough. Although, the group seated near me today, spoke so negative and pessimistic. I had to tune them out, because that’s not my portion.

Also, I do appreciate my friends checking up on me and helping! I tend to turn off my phone since it proves more effective than keeping my phone on silent. Although, sometimes it delivers texts late, or not at all – it is a crackblackberry *shrug* I might not be able to respond as timely, in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, I appreciate ya!

Cards

It’s like a deck of cards. God is the dealer. The cards weren’t shuffled though.  So we each get a hand, a different hand. Some have Kings and Queens, some have Jokers, and some have other variations in between.


He picked each card specifically for you and He will see you through to the very end!

He's Faithful to the end . . .

Where are we?

We left home early, so that just in case we hit traffic, we would still get there on time.

We were prepared.

Many of us were eager to enter on time. We, of course, also got the good parking spots.

While others are fashionably (or tactlessly -- whichever your perspective) late.

But better late than never, right? At least they made it!

Alas, everyone is here.

We see some familiar faces, some new.

Beautiful People, smelling good, looking good, brought their best foot forward.

Some dressed to impress.

Some came just for/as eye candy . . . (oftentimes referred to as spectators).

Some just came as they were, didn’t put much effort into their appearance.

Music is playing and it’s good music.

We like the music; the rhythm, the melody, the words.

We even sing along because we know all the words (or almost).

We’re dancing to the music, some people even break a sweat!

At times we start dancing with or near other people around us.

We are just so happy to be here, having a good old time.

People’s hands are lifted, stomping our feet, stepping to the music, clapping.

To be frank, we are glorifying the songs subject . . . because we can relate to it . . . or just because.

Smiling, Laughing, Merry, and Jolly.

We might consume something, we might not.

We might leave in the same way or state we came, we may not.

Lastly, we know we will probably drop some dollars when it’s all said and done. It's expected here, so we're okay with that. We're following the code of conduct, the rules.

Hours have passed but it’s like we don’t want it to end, ever.

A little saddened when it inevitably comes to an end, but we already know the next time we will be back.

We had a good time.

Where are we?

When this life ends, where were we and what were we doing?

To be continued…

All ACCESS Passes!

Are you Sasha or Chelsea?

Today, in church, the Pastor used a great analogy!

Sasha Obama, as the youngest (and adorable) daughter of the President of the United States, has ACCESS to quite possibly the most powerful man in the world. However, amidst the cameras and bodyguards, she is probably too young to fully understand and appreciate the access she has to a man she just refers to as DADDY.

This is a 180 degree contrast to other presidents’ children who realized their access. The Bush twins exemplify president’s children who realized this ACCESS, albeit socially detrimental. There are also the Chelsea Clinton’s and John and Jane Doe Kennedy’s of the world, who used this access to their benefit.

Nonetheless, most of these children, regardless of what segment of the Evening World News they’ve chosen to appear in, have matriculated from the likes of Yale, Stanford and other Ivy Leagues, probably realizing and understanding the privileges bestowed upon them through their ACCESS.

Similarly, as the Peculiar, Chosen, Royal, (shall I go on) daughter or son of the Most Powerful, All Knowing, Everlasting, Faithful (it Goes on) God, In The World (Heavens, Earth, Galaxy, Universe yup all that), we have ALL ACCESS PASSES, BACKSTAGE PASSES; VIP status! No Lines No Waiting....But do we fully understand and appreciate it?

When you speak to Him you’re either calling Him DADDY, like a Sasha, or DADDY like a Chelsea. It all depends on whether you understand your ACCESS.