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Friday 3 July 2020

Dear Daddy

Dear Daddy,

The Lover of my soul. The King of my heart. My Essence.

I can't believe it's taken me so long to send this message to you on this blog!!

Oh my!! Look at that... The last time I wrote to You was here, on the last day of March 2017! Who would have thought? I had hoped I was making a comeback then, alas it wasn't to be.

My Darling Lord, I do hope that this is the beginning of the comeback I've been waiting to happen. (!!!)

In the 3 years since I last wrote to You Abba, a LOT has happened!! (Hahaha)... Good stuff!

- I got married (Yayyyyyyy!!!)
- I got married to Your fantastic son!! (Yippeee Yayyyyy!)

Life has changed and I guess it will inform my writing on this blog - However, I am excited because this blog is now complete - 1 + The One (Where 1 stands for hubby and I being 1 and 'The One' stands for the Ultimate One, Numero Uno - YOU!!)

I am excited about what is to come..

Daddy, I know I don't need to inform You but there's currently a worldwide pandemic. I know nothing happens without Your knowledge so I am sure that You are aware of all that's going on.
It doesn't stop the fact that so many people have been hurt this season, there have been losses, anxieties and worries by Your children around the world.

Thank You Daddy because before any pandemic, John 14:4 existed -

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me'

Thank You for sending Your word to comfort and strengthen our hearts. Thank You for You have been a Provider, an Anchor and a Pillar of support at this time. Thank You for being my Shield, my Buckler, my Helper always. I am forever grateful to You for this privilege.

I will have to stop for now (even though I have sooo much to say).

I will end by saying this, Thank You for loving me... Even when I felt unworthy. Thank YOU.

I love You forever and ever. You remain my no 1 always and I remain Yours forever.

Your girl,
One
xxxx



Wednesday 25 April 2018

**Test Run

Earth to One

Earth to One

Calling One... Earth to One

We go LIVE in 5, 4, 3, 2....

Friday 31 March 2017

Dear Daddy

My Dear Daddy,

Awesome Wonder, the One who orchestrates my life's journey, the One who makes a way where there seems to be no way, the One who makes all things beautiful in its time! My Lord, my Saviour, my Redeemer, my King, my Crown, my Shield, my Buckler, my Confidante, my Confidence, the One in whom I make my boast, the only True Living God!

Wow Daddy, it's been sooo long! I am so sorry that I haven't been able to write to You in such an age! I have missed pouring out my heart to You via this medium and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to do it again today.

Thank You for being God in my life. Thank You for I have many many things to be grateful for. Thank You for watching over me and guarding me jealously. Thank You for I feel very loved by You, I know You love me and that's such a reassuring feeling! Thank You for giving me the confidence to make my boast in You, to be able to trust in You. Thank You for being so so faithful God! Baba I say thank YOU!

There are so many things to 'gist' You about but then again, You've been with me all along and never let me out of Your sight so I smile knowing that You know.... You are such an attentive Daddy! Nothing I do misses Your attention - even when a strand of hair falls off, You are aware -What a loving God you are!

Today, let me just tell You how grateful I am to have You in my life. I wouldn't trade You for anything in this world, and the world to come!

I recall responding to an Instagram post I was tagged in asking who a blessed woman is and my response was simple - A blessed woman is one who knows that God completes her.

It is such a blessing Daddy to know that with You I have everything I could ever need, desire or want. Izurukeme - You are more than enough for me. I rejoice in that fact, I celebrate that fact and I thank You from my heart for making it so.

As always, I scream it out as loudly as possible - I LOVE YOU!!!

Your daughter always,
One xx

 Image result for ayo thompson

PS Thank You because 1 + The One is back! :-)

Wednesday 16 November 2016

Whatsapp Video Calls - Hello LDR!!

Today I made my first Whatsapp video call and I am very very excited!!! Yayyy.... Mark Zuckerberg just stepped in and changed the game..

One of the first things I thought about was that Long Distance Relationships (LDR) don't have to be that tedious or expensive any more!!

Image result for long distance relationship
Thank you Skype, Whatsapp, Facetime etc!!
I remember telling a great guy once that I couldn't explore a relationship with him because the distance was a big NO NO! Been there, done that, threw away the t-shirt! The hassle and the stress of the distance was just too much (and that's in addition to other things that crop up in a relationship!)

I remember being in an LDR and as good as it was, I would have definitely preferred being in the same city with him. For one, it was quite expensive managing the travels (more on him that me, kudos to him!), communication was mainly audio so it gave room for many gaps to be filled by an overactive mind (me), as much as we talked/chatted etc, it wasn't the same as being in the same room/place, doing things together.

Sometimes, you just review it and you wonder if it is worth the stress!

Thank God some people have been able to manage it and turn it round to be very beautiful!

If you are currently in a long distance relationships, here are some things that could help:

1. Be very open in your communication. Be as interactive as possible.

2. Be tolerant - More than ever, you put into action these qualities of love that are highlighted in 1Cor 13 - "Love always trusts, always hopes (for the best), always perseveres!"

3. Look for creative ways to communicate with each other without suffocating each other!

4. As much as possible, plan visits and trips (in groups!). Make it a priority to see regularly as much as your finance allows you!

5.  Use technology to the best of your relationship - Whatsapp video calls, Facetime, Whatsapp chats, DM each other on Instagram or Twitter.. Make it as exciting and dynamic as possible.

6. Set out specific 'virtual date' times. Eat dinner together, go see a movie and talk about it. Try to cultivate a habit of enjoying activities together and talking about it, albeit remotely.

7. Make the time spent together (when you do see count). Don't spend it having petty fights and disagreements.

8. Forgive quickly, let things go!

9. I know I've mentioned this before but - TRUST, TRUST, TRUST!!

10. The summary of the above is communication - in a variety of ways! One of the biggest builders or killers of long distance relationships is a lack of friendship and communication.

It's very possible, you can thrive LDR-style, put in the work required and enjoy every step of the way!

xxxxx

So tell me, have you been or are you in a long distance relationship? How's it working out for you? How has social media/technology helped your relationship?

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Remember that 1 + The One is very social :-) Please connect with us on:
Twitter: @1plustheone
Google+ - 1 + The One
Instagram: @1plustheone
Email: 1plustheone@gmail.com

Thursday 10 November 2016

Don't Forget to LIVE!!!

I remember being asked once what one thing I'd like to say to my younger self. 
As this was with regards to relationships and life, I knew there was certainly one thing I would like to tell the younger Ayo if given the opportunity:

"Enjoy your youth, don't focus so much on relationships and getting married that you forget to LIVE!!"

Don't forget to LIVE!!
I was sharing at the meeting that according to my view on how my life should go, I ought to have been married at the age of 23! *I laugh in Afemai*.

I had always been in love with the idea of love and even while I was a teenager, I fantasised about what my life would be with my significant other! I dreamt and had visions of romance and flowery moments and memories. I couldn't wait to get married and like many young girls, I wanted to hopefully marry my first boyfriend - you know, high school sweetheart fairytale. 

So I spent a lot of time trying to see if the next guy that spoke to me was the much awaited promised messiah spouse. I can't tell you how many times I tried out surnames and signatures *covers face* hahaha..

If I knew I would still be single 7 years after the deadline year, I would have saved myself all that stress!! 

I would have rather enjoyed making friends and doing just that! Not worrying about compatibility or going the extra mile! I would have relaxed much more knowing that when it was God's time, He would make it happen without me having to make such a fuss, after all, He makes all things beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Today, I meet many young ladies and guys who are in very similar frames of mind I was in myself and I want to BEG them to just chill! Yes, pray about marriage, learn about it, don't neglect it but relax, enjoy knowing yourself, enjoy life and beautiful friendships, save yourself tears and anxieties worrying about what you should not be anxious about.

Focus on building yourself, working on cultivating a close relationship with God, building your portfolio as a human being, sowing great seeds for your future and that of generations after you - Learn a new skill; you could even set a self-development challenge for yourself each month. You have the gift of time, give it up for a good cause.

Please, don't waste this beautiful season of your life trying to be in the next season without actually being in the next season (you get me?) (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

May God help us all!

Lots of love xxxx

Image result for times and seasons
Trust Him, Enjoy each season!

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Remember that 1 + The One is very social :-) Please connect with us on:
Twitter: @1plustheone
Google+ - 1 + The One
Instagram: @1plustheone
Email: 1plustheone@gmail.com

Tuesday 1 November 2016

You Won't Even Smell Like Smoke!

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Thank God!
I was ill over the weekend and the kind of job that I do, you can't afford to be ill too often or at worst, no matter what happens, or how you're feeling - the show must go on! lol (I love my job by the way).

So I tried to rest on Sunday, getting ready for Monday... Monday was a day I don't want to repeat ever again! I was in such pain and I wanted it to go away!

Tuesday came, I felt much better but still a bit under the weather. What made me smile was speaking to my mum later on and she commenting that she watched me during the TV show and she couldn't even tell I wasn't feeling very well. I smiled and I said to her that it's all for show, all acting! :-) As I said that, it crossed my mind that indeed that's what a lot of us do - Put on an act, put on a show, put on a mask as if everything is alright, yet what's going on underneath is badddd!

It's a very sad and unpleasant place to be. Thank God for the people we can be real with, those who know that when the credits roll and the lights go off, you're spluttering, and it's not a pretty sight. The ones who are there to hold your hands, pat your back, wipe your tears, lift you up.

Something else that crossed my mind was that the previous night, I was in such bad shape but towards the end of today, I was good! (Thank God). If you saw me, you wouldn't even believe what I had been through. Indeed, trying to describe it was tedious as it was difficult to reconcile what I described and what I had now become - healthy, smiley and jumpy!

This is what God can do. In life, we go through storms, pains and difficulties that seem as if they would break us, totally finish us... In fact, for many people, that Tiwa Savage / Dr Sid song applies "If I start to talk..." BUT after the storm, by the grace of God, when things turn around, it will be difficult for people to imagine that you are the same person who went through that storm... You will come out without scars. Here's a bible promise for you -

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flames scorch you" (Isaiah 43:2)

Also, remember the 3 Hebrew boys (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) in the fiery furnace? They came out of the fire and not even a hair on their bodies was singed or touched by the fire. They didn't even smell like smoke!

".... And they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them" - (Daniel 3:27)

When you come through, may you not 'smell' or look like what you've been through! Yes, your experience will bless someone else, but not only can God heal you and make you whole (from the inside out), He can do it without leaving a scar.

Happy November beautiful people xxxx

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Remember that 1 + The One is very social :-) Please connect with us on:
Twitter: @1plustheone
Google+ - 1 + The One
Instagram: @1plustheone
Email: 1plustheone@gmail.com

Tuesday 25 October 2016

Waiting and Loving It!!! feat Sewa and 'Laolu Olubiyi

I am so excited! Yes, yes, yes!! We are back! I have missed featuring this series and I am really glad that it is back. 

If this is your first time reading about Waiting and Loving It then it might help to read an introduction to the series/project, please click HERE, HERE and HERE.

This week, I am delighted to introduce you to Sewa and Olaolu Olubiyi! It feels like Sewa is my sister, yet we were reminded last week that we'd actually not met properly in person! I remember when we first started Waiting and Loving It, Sewa was one of the first people I contacted but I guess it wasn't to be at the time and their story is actually richer a few years down the line.

I won't say too much, but hope you enjoy the trip into a little bit of their beautiful and blessed world and I bet you will pick up one or two things.... Presenting Sewa and Olaolu Olubiyi!

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Hello guys! Thanks for being our 'come-back' feature on the Waiting and Loving series. Please tell us a little bit about yourselves...

Sewa - Hiya! My name is Adesewa Olubiyi. I’m 27 years old, a Law graduate and I work in the city of London within the financial services sector. I have been married to my hubby for 4 years now to the glory of God and we are blessed with a son. I am a chorister and worship leader in my church. I also run a fashion styling, wardrobe management and wig making business. I enjoy singing, shopping and meeting people. I also enjoy counselling people in relationships.
Sewa Olubiyi 'Fashionista'
Oh fab! Thanks Sewa, very impressive. Good to meet you! Laolu?
Olaolu - Hi, I'm Olaolu Olubiyi. I’m a Solicitor, a go getter, a worshipper and I love my Baby – Adesewa very much. My hobbies are reading and travelling. I used to support Arsenal football team, but now I support any team that plays well after experiencing several heartbreaks with Arsenal.

Hahahaha... I feel you, that's a very wise decision! Thanks Laolu. So, tell us Sewa, how did you meet Laolu?

Sewa: Ok so I attended my current church (RCCG) with my family in 2006 and when we walked in as first timers, the ushers greeted us and led us to our seats. My hubby was the head of the Singles' department and also a worship leader. The choir was ministering when we walked in and I noticed a guy (my husband) with a black suit and white shirt and a red tie on the stage. (You remember what he was wearing?!! Lol) He was standing at the far end. He was looking very very handsome and was the only guy on the stage among so many ladies in the choir. That was when I noticed him and nothing more crossed my mind. I just thought to myself, "The only guy in the choir... wow!" 
Some time later. a lady heard me sing and suggested I joined the choir. She told me the day the choir would meet, and so I attended. 

On the choir practice day, (which happened to be the same day as my hubby’s birthday in the choir), I still didn’t know his name. I just attended the choir practice for the first time and I was told it was Laolu’s birthday and someone explained to me that Laolu was the guy in the choir, so I knew it was him. I was told to sign a card that they got for him which I did. (We still have that card at home and of course so many cards after that). So they served refreshments and celebrated it for him. However, we did not speak to each other even though I had signed his card. The following Sunday, he came to introduce himself as the head of the Singles' department and asked for my number and said to me that he does follow up of all the new singles / youth that join the church. He then called me the very next day – a Monday and left a voicemail as I was not available to pick up the phone. When I heard his voice, my heart melted. I could not hear most of what he said but I kept playing the message over and over and over again and blushing that this very handsome guy had called me. I felt really important. I was getting butterflies. So I returned his call and it went to voicemail too. I also left a voicemail. Eventually we got talking but whenever we saw each other at church or choir practice, we never spoke for some reason. I used to find it difficult to look into his eyes then. I struggled to look at him which is probably why we just never spoke. There was always this fire that ignited or spark that came out of his eyes whenever we looked at each other by mistake. So to avoid that spark, I just never looked at his direction. I really couldn’t look at him for a long time in the relationship. We would go home and start chatting via Yahoo messenger about how choir practice went, etc. and what we thought of the service or the message. As I was very young then, I was only partially involved in the Singles activities and so he would call me to tell me everything and how the programs I didn’t attend, went etc. I would rush home from College just to be able to sign on to Yahoo messenger cause I knew he was online from time to time because of his Law School studies then, to send me chats and it was so cool chatting with him for hours non-stop. All these while we were still ‘friends’. Then one day, he started chatting to me on messenger saying ‘you make my heart melt’, ‘you make me shiver’ etc blah blah blah and that was when he asked me out to be his girlfriend and the godly courtship / relationship of 5 – 6 years started. We have now been married for 4 years.
Hopefully, you're able to look into his eyes now :-)
Oh wow! Sewa! I laughed at so many points! Ignition, spark! Awww young love is so beautiful. Thanks for replaying it so vividly. So Laolu, what's your side of the story?

Olaolu: It was a summer evening on a Thursday – our usual choir practice day which happened to be my birthday when my Baby walked into the church hall. Unknown to me, she was joining the choir for the first time and no one had told me about her or anything.

She was wearing a black top and green bottoms and I was singing on the stage when she walked in. She then went to pick up something by the side of the Ushers' department table, and that was when I set my eyes on her as she walked passed and I REALLY noticed her. There was an immediate skipping beat in my heart even though she didn’t see me or notice me that evening. Later that week after the Sunday service, I stylishly approached her to collect her number under the guise of ‘following up’, for the Singles' department because I was the head of the Singles department at the time. That was when the journey started. Several calls, texts, and Yahoo messenger chats later, we became an inseparable item! We courted for 5 – 6 years in the godly Christian way. The rest they say is history. We have been married for 4 years and it feels just like yesterday.
The rest they say is history....
Succint and straight to the point lol. Thanks Laolu. So I know you already mentioned her looks, down to what she was wearing but what was the specific attractive quality you saw that got you sprung?

Olaolu: Ahhh! It was her sexy eyes and that innocent beauty she has. . I just could not keep my heart beat under control. I also had to be careful not to be too carried away.

Sewa: For me, it was his love for God. His gentle and calm nature, also the fact that he was and is still an ardent worshipper, The way he pours his heart out to God and sweats when he leads praise and worship. He gives it his ultimate energy. He’s a man after God’s heart. And to me that is very sexy. He’s also got that sexy Jesus Boy Look and cute eyes.

Sexy Jesus Boy Look (SJBL), that's a new one! :-) So apart from the obvious attraction points, what were the other qualities that made you know that this is the person you would like to spend the rest of your life with?

Sewa: I realised that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him because we had courted and had been friends for so long, and although there were many guys from all walks of life (both celebrities and normal guys), interested in me at the time, he was different. There was just something so genuine about him, his attitude to the things of God, his selfless love for me. He was my brother, my best friend, my gossip buddy, my go-to person all rolled into one and I had grown to love him more because he was just always there for me. I remember even during my college days, he would study with me as I was reading Law and he was a Law graduate so he really helped to mould and shape me, my orientation about life, my studies and so on. He is just simply the best.

Awwww, that's lovely!

Olaolu: I had been spending time in prayers before then for God’s will to be done in my life. I did not know how or when but in my walk with God he had and still always does things for me at his own right time. There was a time we had a conversation and I had a lot on my mind. I had been fasting and praying and at that stage I asked God for a clear sign that if this, this and this happened, then I knew she was the one. Almost immediately it happened, exactly how I had asked God. I got my clear confirmation that she was the one and there was no going back. I keep sinking into the ocean of love and joy with my wifey every single day. I have not looked back since.

No looking back... Just looking forward!
That's so beautiful! Thank God for you both!
Now, as you mentioned, you both wanted and made that decision to have a godly relationship. What made you make that decision to wait?

Sewa and Olaolu: Waiting was an important part of our Christian journey. We wanted to look forward to something special. There was no point trying what you will still enjoy later and we looked forward to the goal. It wasn’t easy but boundaries were set to ensure that the ultimate goal was achieved. There was no point going into something that after the wedding it would just be a case of ‘continuing’ from where we stopped. We felt it wouldn't feel special anymore. The thought of falling was also a very scary one and neither of us wanted to bear the consequences. The fact that we are also worship leaders would have made it very hypocritical lifting up ‘holy hands’ in church when we knew we were not living holy. So there was no way we would defile ourselves in that way.

(Sewa) On my own part, my parents had drummed it into me from a very young age that the wedding bed must be undefiled and that I had to keep myself and preserve myself for only my husband and no one else. My mum had told me of consequences of spiritual soul ties and repercussions which I definitely did not want to dabble with.

That's great, thank God for making it possible and giving you the grace to go through with your decision. However, was it smooth-sailing or was there a time you wanted to throw in the towel?

Sewa: Oh yes it was extremely hard especially because we were so attracted to each other. There were tears. Lots of tears lol especially in the cold nights of winter when we go out after a lovely meal! The desire was very strong! But with God’s help we overcame the strong desires and temptation! When one person was weak, the other was strong for both of us. The words I remembered when I faced these temptations were ‘of what gain is few minutes of pleasure for eternal regret and condemnation?' The consequences were not worth it. I also believed keeping it was the best gift I could ever give my husband and I had made up my mind that there was no question about it.

Olaolu: It was very hard, several times, but I just relied on God to see me through. I also encouraged myself that I am having this forever so why rush into it!

What practical measures did you take to ensure that you stuck by your decision? 

Sewa and Laolu
: We made up our minds that the foundation of our marriage had to be firm, right and rooted in God. The practical measures we took were that we ensured that our Pastors were very much involved in our relationship from the start and were able to guide and counsel us during difficult moments. They were always only a call away. We also had great Counsellors/mentors along the way who were married and were great sources of inspiration. We always tried to focus our discussions on things that were edifying and not sex-related. We just had the mind that keeping things uncomplicated was the best way to go. We ensured that we were not alone in private places so as to avoid any unnecessary invite to temptation.

Thank you guys so much! We are almost there now, tell us what one advice would you give to your single self in preparation for marriage now that you’ve crossed that line?

Sewa: Although I married at the age of 23, I would have probably spent more time volunteering in more ministerial projects such as youth empowerment. Also I would not have courted for 6 years, and would have probably married earlier.

Olaolu: The waiting would be all worth it in the end and I probably should have made more business investments… lol

Describe in 3 words / sentences the best part of being married!

Sewa: Companionship, Responsibility and being a home maker. Marriage is enjoyable with the right person in it. You feel complete. You feel whole. You feel fulfilled. Your whole world starts to make sense. You get that sense of TOGETHERNESS in everything you do. Always having a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear is awesome! And having someone who can share your pain, your thoughts, your highs and lows is a great feeling!

Olaolu: Sex, Children, Companionship and Friendship. Having my second half always there is a good feeling. Having my ‘go-to’ person is a gooood feeling. The saying two heads are better than one is a true wise saying.
Two heads definitely better than one!
Awesome! Finally, just before we let you go, it's PDA time! We usually like to give couples that opportunity to publicly affirm each other...

Sewa: Baby, you are the best man on earth! I love you with all my heart. You complement me and complete me. You make my world go round. You give me constant joy. I don’t know how my life would have been without you in it. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. I thank God that he made our paths to meet.

Olaolu: Blessed is the day I set my eyes on you Adesewa. If I had another opportunity in my lifetime to share my life with you again, I would grab it with both hands! I won’t trade you for anything in this world. Glad I stayed and waited till the end. I love you Baby mi, Aya Mi, Iyawo mi. You made my heart melt then and you still make my heart melt now. EVERY SINGLE DAY. I love you so much and I CAN'T SAY THAT ENOUGH! You are special to me in every sense of the word. Your passion for fashion is infectious…lol. I love you baby with all your sweet imperfections.

   

Sewa the Fashionista! Follow her @adesewastylesignature on Instagram
@adesewastylesignature on Instagram
                   For all your fashion styling needs, accessories, wardrobe management and wigs, please follow Sewa @adesewastylesignature on Instagram!
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Wow, love love love the comeback with these two! They've said so many things so I won't repeat them, however I'll like to pick on a little point that Laolu mentioned with regards to getting that confirmation and assurance that Sewa was his wife.

I know that a number of people, often ask this question - How do I know I'm making the right decision? In addition to the other points raised (attraction, character, compatibility, friendship), it is important to present before God and even ask Him for specific signs. I have heard so many testimonies of people who did this, and God answering very specifically (You don't have to be a Pastor or Prophet to do this!). Just ask sincerely and wait on God to answer. He will!

Most importantly, even today, it is very possible to have a relationship fully committed to God, with the grace to hold on until marriage for sex. It might not be easy but it is possible and very worth it! May God give us all grace in Jesus name.

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Click HERE for other Waiting and Loving It Couples... And please don't forget to share too!

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Do you have any question, please do not hesitate to ask!
Email - 1plustheone@gmail.com
Twitter - @1plustheone
Instagram: @1plustheone

Thursday 20 October 2016

The God that Compensates!

I will never forget an incident that happened when I was a child. It was a birthday party and of course we were slugging it out on the dance floor (In case you didn't know, we are champion dancers in the Thompson family LOL).

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Dancing is in our blood!
We were told to dance and that good dancers would be rewarded with a sweet. A number of people know that we used to dance then to win a prize - we took no prisoners!

As we were dancing, sweets were being distributed. Even though I danced with all my might and all my strength, giving them moves known and unknown, up and down, left and right, I didn't feel anyone tap me to hand me a sweet!

What happened was that my mum(!) was in charge of distributing the sweets and because she is a woman who wants to be fair and unbiased to a verrryyyyy large extent, she refused to reward my hard labour with a sweet, all because we were related! People who were not even doing half of the calisthenics I was displaying on the dance floor got a sweet! Lol

After a while, one of the other mums who had been watching stood up and exclaimed saying "This girl has been dancing so much, please she deserves a biscuit!"... Alas my hardwork hadn't gone unnoticed and where others got a 'paltry' sweet, I got a nice, bigger biscuit! :-D :-D

I can never forget that experience. This happened many many years ago but the lesson from that day still encourages me and I would like to encourage someone with it as well.

Looking at life and the bigger picture, God is a God that compensates. There's nothing on this earth that you do that goes unnoticed (good or bad). It may seem like no one knows or others are getting a reward, yet you keep putting in so much with nothing to show - it's only a matter of time, don't stop, don't give up, your reward will come and it will compensate you for all the time it seemed you were ignored or neglected.

With the benefit of hindsight, would I take the sweet? Heck no!! I will not change that story at all. The biscuit was worth the wait!

Your wait will be worth it. God will compensate you for every single effort, sacrifice, commitment, disappointment and any other thing you think you might have been deprived of! Hold on, don't stop, keep doing, it will come!

Tuesday 18 October 2016

Where do Broken Hearts Go...

"I feel like such a fool!!

I feel disappointed. I feel hurt. I feel like I don't have sense. I feel unlovable."

Those were real words from a text I sent to a dear friend once. At the time of sending that message I was a heart-broken girl. At that point, I wasn't the confident Ayo, the 'healthy self-esteem' Ayo, the bold Ayo, the goal-getter Ayo, the positive Ayo, I was just the broken, hurt, sad little Ayo.

Many of us might be able to understand what it means to face rejection or be broken-hearted and I'm sure you know just how terrible it feels.

It's sad that one moment, one word, one decision can make you feel so unworthy, making you forget everything else that's good and just focus on that one area that isn't working... Such a bad place to be!

It's amazing how we sometimes allow the actions of one person drastically change our perception of ourselves in the twinkling of an eye. At that point, it doesn't matter who you are, what you have achieved or what God has blessed you with, it is easier to focus on being empty and perhaps not good enough.

... And that's such a BIG lie! A Big lie that you mustn't allow to sink in or be established in your heart and mind. You see, the devil plays tricks with our minds, allowing us to wallow in a state of unworthiness to the extent that we start to believe his lies and make the truth of God concerning us irrelevant in our lives.

We think, ruminate and allow our self-worth get rubbished by thoughts we form in our heads as a result of a bad experience.

You are not useless
You are not foolish
You are not unlovable

You are beautiful
You were created with so much love and attention to intricate detail
You have so much in you to give
You are stronger than words
You are stronger than rejection
You will survive

It's alright to hurt, it's alright to feel sad, but don't stop there, pick yourself up and if no one else is doing so, affirm yourself!

Surround yourself with people who can encourage (I thank God for I have them in abundance!) - if you don't have any, I'll be happy to be one for you! {Email below}

Immerse yourself in the word of God and let Him speak truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth to you. Let His word define you, not the circumstance, not the words, not even your own thoughts.

Pray. Tell God every single thing and express yourself without holding back on how you feel. Let Him know that you need His help. Trust me, He loves you enough to respond to even the littlest or most trivial need. His heart is moved by your tears, He hates to see you suffer. Tell Jesus.

Listen to music. I would recommend songs that would uplift your spirit. Please don't waste your time listening to break-up songs, it would probably only make it worse! Be intentional with the words you feed yourself via music. Let God use music to soothe your soul. It works!

Where do broken hearts go? They go seeking for help, for reassurance, for peace... And there's no better place than in Jesus. Let Him help you.. You are worth it!

Image result for you're worth it
Note to Self - Never Forget!
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Friday 30 September 2016

You Deserve More! #MOP16

It's the grand finale and I am very very grateful to God for seeing us through the month of September!

It is indeed a September to remember! What a great and awesome God we serve!

Lord if I had a thousand songs, it wouldn't do You justice

If I had a thousand tongues, I would need more to give You the worship You deserve

If I played a thousand instruments, it would be insufficient to extol Your Majesty

If I danced a thousand steps, I would still need to dance some more for You my King

Nothing could ever fully express my gratitude and praise for You my Great and Mighty God.

You deserve all I could ever give to You and more!