PRAISING GOD...

Count your blessings name them one by one...and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." Yes, that will always be evergreen as far as gospel songs are concerned. There is no way I can reminisce the year and not say 'Thank you Father!', indeed God has been faithful all the way, even whilst I was yet unfaithful.

In one of my earlier blogs, I mentioned that I have been highly lucky...better still, favoured. Yes, I have lived a life  underserving in more ways than one, yet, I have survived, crossed huddles, surpised many (including myself). I am one of those people many may wonder "ba wo l' ose nse" (meaning 'how does he do it' in Yoruba language). I have to state categorically (on and off records); the Lord has been indeed faithful even in my unfaithfulness.

In the next few lines, I would be sharing with you my key secrets of success. This will be amplified with real life examples from my experiences and actions in the outgoing(gone) year. Whislt the list in inexhaustible, it is pertinent that we all discover what works for us...these are my own mini-nuggets of praising God, read and learn (and/or re-apply).

1.   Praise God everyday, all the time, anywhere

    Yes, the only true way to say thank you is by praising God, in all ways possible, I was fotunate to realize this early in life. I love praising God, be it in church dancing like I am at a carinval (ask DCC camera peeps), in my car listening to some good old 'Amona tete ma bo' or some priestly Chris Delvan ('Yahweh') or every morning when I wake up. Praise is essential, show appreciation as it does at least 2 things;

      (a) You get repeat business (more blessings)

      (b) Confidence in who you worship.

2.   Pay your tithes, even go a step further

      I am not saying bribe your pastor (or worst still God, sic), I am saying claim what is written in the laws of God (e.g., in the Bible; Malachi 3:8-12...). Don't rob God for starters, do more, go an extra mile too. I have to emphaisize that the fact that I do this gives me so much confidence going into the future, it makes me feel untouchable...you need to read the verses quoted above to understand what I mean.

      Apart from physically praising God, this is my 2nd most important source of blessing and assurance.

3.   Be fair to God...and man

      My mum makes a particular statement in Yoruba a lot in reference to her confidence in doing good; "...ni gba ti mo ba t'eyan je..." meaning 'since I have not destroyed another being'. Truth, it works, do your best to be fair to all concerned, God and man, clean up your conscience. Be just and trust God in all you do. Remember, blessed are the meek and merciful!!!

4.    Prayer and fasting works

      I pray a lot, before I eat, before I leave my house, when I get to work, on the road, when I am happy or challenged...no matter how brief, learn to pray, start from somewhere. Truth is I sometimes wake up too late to have my devotion, I just get up and say the Lord's Prayer hoping to be able to do a little reading of the word at work.

    

    Prayer is no doubt 'the master key' to every and anything. Remember the word of God; "...ask and you shall receive...", mix this with fasting ( I try to do once a week, realize what works for you), it's no shaking for you (Amen).

     

5.   Faith, a mover of mountains

           Simply put, trust God to do all things, I believe in God, in His promises for me and all that His word
           says. I am the modern day apostle of faith, the precursor of possibilities, realities and actualities. I have
           full confidence in God, to say the least.

           

           Let me share a personal testimony; I have not taking any form of drug (medicine et al) since 21st of
           November, 2003. I told God then I believed He did do it then...I still do and He is still doing it, I have
           been ill twice since then (Malaria I believe) and was cured thorugh rest only. No Be God!!!

So, that is it, my life...live what you believe in, hold on to your faith, your God. I still have a long way to go spiritually but I will keep on keeping on, holding on to what little God has shown me and trusting Him for more, more and more. I am blessed to be part of a church that preached faith in a personal way, as a personal thing and I always like to remember (and re-apply) something they say to visitors; '...worship with us for 3 months and do all that is preached from this pulpit and you will realize a marked changed in your life'.

PRAISE GOD PEOPLE!!!

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY...taking stock! (PART 2)

Sometimes I wonder if it is strange that my brain works best in the middle of the night, I am the complete definition of the 'human owl'...very nocturnal indeed. Rule number 1- don't be the person to wake me up in the morning, that is quite a punishment both ways I must confess.

Anyway, to the reason I have given myself to stay awake tonight- "taking stock!"...especially after a very eventful day in an extremely eventful year. Yes, it's been a very eventful year; full of twists and turns, thrills, thoughts and thuds. I have sure hit the dust a couple of times this year, but, the beauty of it is that I have gotten up, dusted myself and hit back stronger. I have been my own very George Foreman, coming back tougher and thicker. I can only define the year as 'good, bad and ugly' (in a metaphorical sense).

Looking back, I really cannot say how the year started, can only remember starting the year on vacation with loads of fun and a deep (and fast depleting) pocket. This year is probably the first year I really took time to spell out my targets, aspirations, expectations and plans. I was expectant, truly, and very determined, trusting my own ability and historically 'favoured life' to see me through. Yes, I have been highly lucky (favoured) over the years, getting so much more than I sometimes deserve(d). I was going to be 30, kai, that still sounds strange even after achieving the extra special (age) milestone (man don dey old o...lol).

Thinking back, there is so much joy, yet conflict, in results. I have so much fond memories, but this are diluted by the few challenges and some 'not so good' memories and events. I will be attempting a summary of the memoirs under the aforementioned heading in a very brief sense hoping it say something about life we already know in my own words.

The Good

What can I say, it almost all worked according to script, I was as usual flexing like the king of my world, all pieces falling into place like it was some voodoo at work. I had great plans for the year, spiritually, relationship-wise, financially, career-wise, I had a plan for every area of my life (at least so I thought).

The beauty of planning is that it allows you know where you are and each time you hit a bullseye, there is this feeling of self satisfaction that swells inside you. I met the financial target (at least on a controllable budget basis), surprised myself, got the promotion, moved to Lagos, grew spiritually and defined more and learnt more about myself than I imagined. Yes, i planned and got 'some' reward.

Yes, I missed out on some targets, re-scheduled some CPSs but that does not and cannot stand up to the feeling of satisfaction, the joy in the kill or the history I wrote this year. Finally, I can't help but mention the sweetness in Swtzy during the year, there were mos def some sweet moments.

The Bad

As I mentioned earlier, I thought I had it all figure out...for where!!! Yes, once the devil realises you have a revelation, that you are close to your purpose, he comes at you harder than before. There were ugly patches to the year, believe me. I disappointed myself a couple of times, broke my own heart and that of others too often.

I have habits, as we all do, some pretty bad ones. Not that this habits define me, no, but they do define my failure sometimes. A habit is a habit, good or not, a spade is a spade. We all know our weak points, denying this will be the great act of self denial and/or personal injustice a man (woman) can do himself (herself) at this level (age and time). A habit could be a positive but detrimental one, not knowing when to say no to a favour is a good example (food for thought).

My habits are my weakness (today but not tomorrow), I give a habit(s) up for a while and the go back to it, that is failure, no two ways to define it. That is the bad part of the year for me, my tiny challenges. It could be as little as my choice of words, my sleeping habit, my temperament or even a societal vice such as a puff. Whilst I win/won the final battle, it hurts that I have/had to try twice, not while I think I am my own "King of the Jungle', hmm...

The Ugly

I will simply list this, they are things I hate to remember;

1. Iya Ibadan (RIP) left us for the next life
2. A woman's scorn (wow!!!)
3. Arsenal F.C.
4. Loss of friends (I shed tears still, RIP 'lobo, Udeme, Mrs Sodeinde...)
5. Oceanic!!! (that is a whole story on its own, will share some day)

As I wipe my tears, I can only pray and hope that the 'morrow is greater and better that today. I hold on to God's promise, I hold on to the reason for the festive period, I hold on to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith (and yours).

As The Year Ends...taking stock! (PART 1)

Wow...finally I write again, feels so good yet so bad. Good because it is always a good thing to do a good thing (lol), bad because it has taken me too long, way too long, so long I feel like crying. I am totally and thoroughly disappointed. Before I continue this, I sincerely extend heartfelt apologies to all followers of this blog. I know have disappointed a lot of people, I must confess I am writing again because you guys motivate me, thanks for the calls, IMs, etc.

I last wrote in August, then, if I remember well, I also went of writing for about a month and was making a comeback. Now, I have been away, for not 1 but, 4 months. It's almost unbelievable, however, in all things, I give thanks. Yes, I give thanks because it's 1 am and I am typing, typing because I can, because I have chosen to sleep late so I can sleep deep and sleep all morning...I am on vacation!!!

As customary, I have taken the last few days (almost all) of the year off work to rest, spend time with family and prepare for a new year. However, to prepare, you need to define current status, evaluate recent history and project into the future on premises based on facts, fiction and dreams (aspirations). There is so much to think about, so much actions to close on the personal front, so much reminiscing to do and there is mos def not enough time.

This year will stand as one of my most revealing, fulfilling, active years in my life. It is a year in which I planned for so much, did so much, experienced so much, learnt so much and left so much. It sends a chill down my spine (a positive chill if there is anything like that) just remembering some of the events of this year. I have decided to take stock, share my diary of 2009 with the hope that it might just mean something new to someone, or, better still, bless someone. I will be doing it in parts, but I promise not to stop writing this until I am done (in the next few days hopefully).

I have decided to group it as below:

1. The Good, the bad and the ugly
2. Praising God
3. Closing the GAP
4. A peep into the future named 2010

Again, so sorry for the delay/disappointment, hopefully I will make up in the next few days.

Too long a time away...too long!

I never knew it did take me so long to post a blog, I really can't understand/comprehend me not writing anything for so long...too long. I remember telling myself I did blog everyweek, on everything, anything, as long as it made sense and there was any iota of learning(s) to be shared.

A lot has happened since my last post, so much has happened and it has been, sincerely, more good than bad. I got promoted, got a pay 'hike', moved to Lagos permanently, got 2 awards at the annual 'P&G Grammys'. That is a lot of good, it gets better because my younger sister came back to Nigeria and not forgetting the grand celebration of life for Iya Ibadan in Sagamu...plentiful activity don waka o'.

That is as per the good, now the bad which includes breaking up with 'you know who', making up and then getting all possible grief a man can get. It is mos def not easy being a man, like an old juju music crooner sang in an evergreen yoruba song; "suuru la fi nse oko obirin". This translates to 'only with patience can you be a husband to a woman'...'m sure you are laughing out loud but it is very true. I have suprised myself to a large extent in recent times, suprisingly so. The struggle of settling down to Lagos life full time is another story on its own. Calling it a challenge is probably a gross understatement, costs are killing, traffic is crazy and pressure is 2ce as Nyce!!

It is not that I am complaining about the fact that most of the last two months have been spent shuttling hotels, I am just worried I will end up on the streets of Lagos (God forbid) if something does not happen within the next 2 weeks. I don't want to discuss the costs, I don't want to remember the fact that its a 500% upcharge to my Ibadan costs, as it could make me run, resign, retire or relocate. I just hope the good news continues to over-shadow the bad news.

The greatest challenge has just been maintaining my spiritual growth, the move, the work, peeps and situation have just been anti-me. I really need to settle down soon, so help me God, challenges will persist but so will the grace of God.

I REST MY CASE!!!

A TRIBUTE TO IYA IBADAN!

As I type this write up, tears stream down...from my eyes, over my nose and down my mouth. As I remember that my grand mum, the final one, the only one I can make any claim to knowing or having a relationship with is no more I can't help but cry, I can't help the tears. My colleague sited right beside me just noticed my change in demeanour, I do not know how to explain the feeling, I wouldn't know the right words to use. Typing just got harder, tears free flowing.

I had a relationship with Iya Ibadan, she brought me up, rocked and cuddled me from infancy through my early years till my late teens. I remember her meekness, her generosity (her greatest fault). I remember the amala, the free drinks...I remember how much she longed for me to be well, to grow up and take care of her.

Iya Ibadan was from Sagamu, she got the name from the fact that she lived most of her adult life in Ibadan. She met her 2nd husband there (my step-grandfather) and settled in Apata Gangan where the husband was Baale. There were not too many Alhajas more popular than Alhaja Amole, iyawo Baale, Iya Oye in that area. She was popular as she ran a little beer parlour in front of her residence, I will never forget my post SSCE vacation in Ibadan back in 1995 (December).

It was during this particular vacation at Iya Ibadan's house that I perfected by smoking, toasting and snooker playing skills. Her house could have been a far cry from the comfort of my parents luxury apartment but with the prospect of a bottomless drink for free (anyone that has had a stint with MacDonald's and British Chinese restaurants would know what bottomless means), a very deep pocket (from sales proceeds) and a daily supply of home made & original local amala and ewedu, who needs a generator or sofa.

I loved her, she always reminded me to have a child for her to nurture before it became too late, I never though it did happen so fast, never thought death did come calling so soon. I have offended her, I deprived her of something she so much longed for!!! IYA IBADAN, I AM TRULY SORRY, PLEASE FORGIVE ME! I know I cannot turn back the hands of time, I don't even want to, I am not in a position to contend with God's will. I can only wish...I actually do wish seriously.

She has left this world for a better place, as Muslims would say, MAY GOD GRANT HER ETERNAL FIDAU... AMIN.

Iya Ibadan, SUN RE O!!!برحمته,

NIGERIA...some great people, an 'ex' great nation! - Part 2

Wow...Nigeria hasn't changed much since I started this right up, has it? Well, one thing did change, the CBN governor. I have been part of a very long discourse (comments) on FB on this particular change...the Northern Agenda was what somewhat described it. Whilst I am not a subscriber to religious or ethnic sentiments, I cannot but frown and show my disgust and disappointment at the total bias and insincerity defined in the new governor's appointment.

Whilst some would lay claim to Lamido Sanusi being qualified given the fact that he was at the head of perhaps the biggest bank in Nigeria prior to his appointment, I did remind them that he was there for barely six months. I ma also likely to remind the supporters of the appointment that Sanusi's pedigree and vitae is not the most impressive with perhaps his biggest achievement being Risk and Credit control head at UBA. You may want to compare this to the history of past governors of the CBN, more importantly, those of them that have left an indelible mark on the face of the financial industry in our darling country.

In a country as sensitive, diverse, disgruntled and differential as Nigeria, in an environment streaming with excessive intellectual talent, I cannot explain a situation whereby the head of the Economic team, Finance Minister and CBN governor are from a single state. Whilst I am not very open to tribal or religious sentiments, I am a full-breed student of the realism school of thought. How do I explain this kind of executive recklessness, or do I say carelessness, it can only be defined as a definite maneuver by the high echelons of Arewa leadership.

I am passionate about this country, extremely so, I believe Nigeria remains a land of opportunities...a blessed country. Therefore, I cry out to the executive to stop the blantant political rape and abuse of the polity.

Love lost...or found...or wicked, always a song unsung!

How do I start? Sometimes there is so much to write you end up writing nothing. I have so much on my mind right now, define a heavy heart; answer is Olayinka's heart at the moment. Maybe my sins are the source of my grief...not possible because the word of God says otherwise, thank God for his mercies as she would always say.

It pains me so that I am a thorough ambassador of FAITH, an apostle of a 'worry-free' life, yet I worry, get bothered. I cannot remember the last time I prayed without asking for an increased level of faith...and grace. As I type this blog, I am listening to a message titled 'Faith & Character' by Pastor Godman Akinlabi of Daystar yet I act like I knoweth not how to live a life of faith. The truth is I am just 'me', hoping to be a 'me + X'. It is that 'X' that i ask of God everyday, every prayer, every thought. I know my weakness, my character, my personality, my person...in short, I am my weakness! Yes, ME.

Maybe I have not given all, maybe I hold back a little; truth is I am who I am yet what I am needs to change now more than ever. A man of faith does not lay his hands on the plough and look back, he does not start and stop midway, he stops at the end of the stretch, the next turn. Procrastination is no different from hesitance...you are either faithless or doubtful both ways. Truth is if you knew the end result of a step, you would either choose to do it or forget about it rather than postpone or think about it. It is so funny how we look at the source of our wrong right in front of us and yet do nothing about it....hmmm, how true is the word of God in calling us flesh.

The last few days of my life have been of great emotional challenge, I have indeed been heavy, on a journey of perpetual worry and self-torture. The last few months have even been more challenging, in those months I have found love, lost it, found it, lost it and found it again. Truth be told, after this kind of 'lost and found', the love becomes diluted, it becomes a source of both joy and worry.

I have changed a lot in these months, yes, I have been (in and out) getting rid of some things and replacing them with others within me. I have met God, I have met love, I have met progress, indeed it is getting better, yet I worry!!!

If I ever publish this post, I believe it is because it rids me of something and adds something new. About a year ago there was a song around, very popular, titled 'love is wicked'. I remember clearly listening to the song then and wondering why love has been deemed wicked. The word of God tells me there is no law against love, it says love is sacred, a virtue, a gift from BABA himself...how can it then be wicked? I start by saying 'God forbid' wicked love, I finish by saying 'Is love not wicked?'

If you read this and it has a meaning, please drop a comment, help me understand even before the story is completed. God remains faithful, even in our unfaithfulness!