47th Sunday...Love is UNSTOPPABLE!!!

Song of the week: Daniel D. (Violinist**) – Knock You Down

Encouragement Verse: “You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance..” – Psalm 66:12 (NIV)

Quote of the week: “Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that our love will produce love in the loved person. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love.” --- Erich Fromm


Reading your comments on the last post, some felt like there was something missing from ‘Love comes knocking’. But what can I write than I have been swept away…an unstoppable current of Love has overwhelmed me that all I can do for now, is to just fall. And if I fall on my face, let God help me.

So I guess you figured it out, that is going to be an ongoing process that may have a happy ending or a another new beginning (Let’s just put it that way…no sad stories here. LOL)

I am stunned by the stranger, ‘Roti’ that I know I definitely haven’t done enough justice relating the direction this heart of mine is sailing. So if you avoid the comment segment like a plague, I forgive you.

So I ask myself, “How did I get here? And when did I get there? Is ‘Roti’ trying to oust ‘Bankole’ from the safe haven called ‘My Heart’?” [Ok! I know ‘Bankole’ may not be real to you but he is real to me.]
I always knew when to reverse out of the driveway of any unfamiliar zone but in this situation, I am poles apart with a sensible explanation.

God, please help me with this one, I need You to walk with me as I move forward…

[To you readers, Please forgive me but I can’t think properly, it is like I am under a spell. ]

Credits:
Picture source: istockphoto

**You can check out the channel 'DDProductions2007' for more from Daniel D. (Violinist)...'Knock you down' originally by Keri Hilson but I love this mix...Enjoy!!!

43rd Sunday...A Dance With Dad!!!

Song of the week: Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father

Encouragement Verse: “Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts..” – Psalm 145: 4 (The Message)

Quote of the week: “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” --- Jim Valvano


I don’t know what stories you have of your Father in your archive…Maybe there are good ones…properly bad or even worst, Ugly ones. But what I do know is that a Father is one who is warrior, one who is not afraid to love even when they know how hard it is for a man to show affection.

I found it kind of TRICKY composing a line or two for my Father; I guess it is becuase I realized I was never program to say those ‘lovey-dovey’ words about Dad, who I have to write really means so much to me.
Most of us, grew up learning to keep Mother’s day special…but it was not until I grew older that I realized that there was a day set aside specially for Fathers. And then again, musicians even made the matter worst because there are more songs dedicated to Mothers than there are of Fathers.

But when I look back in my life, I know my Father played an important role in the person I am today. He made me an independent woman who first believed in who I am before people believe in me. A fighter. A woman of Virtue. My Father first validated me…My Father made me still have a heart to love when I could have stop loving.

He does not say much but when he does speak I gain immeasurable wisdom from him...


Memories of my Father?

The night he prayed with me when I was unable to sleep. The Days, as a valiant, he fought to keep at bay crooks of the night. I remember when I would run into the restroom and cry eyes out after eavesdropping on conversations between my Father and Mother.
He would speak about the battle he had to fight to provide for his family. In all his struggles, he never came back empty handed.

He could have been a coward and ran off but he did not.

I love you, Dad.

“Father, you made me a beautiful woman any man would be blessed to have as a wife.”

[I find myself wondering...
Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for meDid I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared
Did I ever thank you?

If I have forgotten,
I'm thanking you now
You taught me right from wrong....
I hope you know
how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew it all along.

Happy Fathers' Day, Dad

excerpt from Card Poems, "Father's Day Poem Verses quotes", Dad Poem #10]



Picture source: istockphoto

40th Sunday...2 ½ times disappointed but 1 big VICTORY!!!!!!

Song of the week: Hezekiah Walker – Moving Forward

Encouragement Verse: “As the distance of East from West, so far from us does He put our faults...” – Psalm 103: 12

Quote of the week: “Whenever you choose to change for the better, your life automatically gains more value. Don't be stagnant in your secret sins, take a hold of Jesus' garment and let Him make you whole again.” --- Jaycee [Lamp]

I have come to realize that as I write the next chapter of my journey into the next phrase of my life, there will be those who will deride me. I should be afraid of the decisions I have made, afraid to love again...Worst more, afraid of what the future holds for me...But I won’t relent as I go forth in faith. For the Lord is truly my strength!!!

The process of beginning a new journey to finding your life’s purpose can be scary but you just take the first step in faith and God will carry you the rest of the road. [Remember poem, “Footprints In The Sand”]

So you might wonder why the title, “2 ½ times disappointed but 1 big VICTORY”. It came about as I decided in my last post to start another blog to impart encouraging word (By His Grace) into the life of people out there. I also remembered the story about how I began to pursue acquiring a visa to visit abroad.

The very first time I was scheduled for an appointment at the Embassy in Victoria Island, Lagos (In Nigeria), I was so excited because I was convinced I was definitely going to get it. I had all the exact documents (or so I thought) that was required by me to submit but I was in for a disappointment…a disappointment that almost paralyzed my faith in believe I could attain anything I set out to get.

After that incident, I stayed clear awhile (to be precise, four years)…then I took a crack at it again, this time with a renewed hope that was soon to be lost again. Twice disappointed already.

But once more I pressed forward…this time approaching the battle field with caution. Listening firmly to what the Holy Spirit had to say about the place I was going to. And just as I got dressed for my appointment…I got in my Spirit not to go forth. Hence I went out when the day was dawn, to splurge the money (I should have paid for my application fee) to pamper myself with. [My half ‘½’ disappointment]

By the end of that day, I was making a vow with God that I won’t come to that place until my status changed (2 ½ times I applied as a Visitor)…my victory did not come until I gave up thinking about it and went about my duty in life like nothing happened to me. At this point, My friends were tired of hearing say the same old story about traveling abroad but I still believe a miracle would come. And when God did give me my victory, He made sure it would be a hit-maker in the eyes of those who teased me. God gave them an Oscar winning performance that saw me doing the Victory dance.
He gave me a ‘Lottery Win’…So I was not just a visitor to the new land, a legal Resident. [My Big Victory…]

[*Now you know…that Kemi has set sail on a mission to do the Lord’s work in a foreign land…I guess this post is like coming out of the closet but not in negative/bad way]

Thus I press forward in faith, ready to make a change & sacrifices that will make a difference in my life by seeking God’s anointing to remove those thorns that have covered my life. I SURRENDER TO GOD…I am MOVING FORWARD in faith…Join me as I go forth (Amen)

God bless you all

*Breaking News:

New Blog Alert!!!

>>>Pop in and show some love >>> Kemi Penelope

Upcoming:
~ While, next Sunday (On this blog) read as I came from emptiness to His fullness at a time like this.

Pixel source: Istockphoto

38th Sunday...Praisin' My Way Out!!!

Song of the week: Asa – Iba

Encouragement Verse: “...I have put will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.” – Psalm 71:14 (NLT)

Quote of the week: “When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.” --- Unknown


...Sometimes when you don’t know what to do about a situation you are facing, it is best you simply Praise your way out of it. And before you know it, you will be at the other end of the tunnel of your problems...

So to you (inclusive me), who thinks that you should have been much further than this by now…just remember that,

“God will only release favor and promotion in our lives when He knows OUR CHARACTER CAN HANDLE IT.” - Joel Osteen

[This weekend was a bit busy for me but I am Thankful despite everything...have a wonderful week ahead.]

God Bless,

Kemi

Images from: Photobucket

30th Sunday...Love The Place You Are!!!

* Please click song title to watch & Listen the song of the week...

Song of the week: Ohenmaa Mercy – Edin Jesus

Encouragement Verse: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to thinking about. Your workmanship is Marvelous – and how well I know it.” – Psalm 139: 14 (TLB)

Quote of the week: “The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear. It is the storm within that endangers him, not the storm without.” --- Ralph Waldo Emerson

...it was Saturday, when I heard my phone ring as I had my breakfast. It was a friend I hadn't spoken to for a while…We got talking about different things and one talk led to another, then she said something to me about not getting too worried about the place/situation I am right now but I should learn how to appreciate it and in due season, and at the right time I’ll definitely move to the next level.

[Need I say, this friend of mine is a Muslim but the words she spoke made my heart blossom like flowers…God is surely no respecter of man, He does how He wants to and chooses who He wants to…and knows when to send the right person to breathe life through the words they speak into your life...]

>>>Sometimes we find ourselves in places that we spend our time complaining about instead of finding out ways we can get out. It is like being in a deep hole with no way of getting out…instead of complaining about being there and stay in the same spot forever, you can joyfully start looking for ways to get out. And need I say, you just may need the help from those who make your life a living hell in the hole to get out.

>>>Or we just may say it’s because we are not in the right environment that is why we have not yet prospered or some uncle or aunty has done some ritual using. But we forget that geographical location does not determine our success what God has put inside us. Read this quote by Thomas Edison...

“Most of my ideas belonged to other people who didn't bother to develop them.”

Neither can human stop the destiny God has mapped out for us…

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31

>>>And maybe you are still single (like me), and you think it was because some man or woman jilted you that is why you are not yet married. But I tell you that you should be thankful to God that you become heir to that baggage that came with that relationship. That relationship was meant to be temporary…for the better portion that God has kept aside specially for you. [No one ever stays permanently in our life, all comes and goes. What would matters in the end should be, how they saw us live our life.]

>>>Then just maybe it is your job…you hate your job, your colleagues and most of all, your boss…and even when you’ve prayed that you get another job/position, you still find yourself in the same place two or more years later.

What do we do?

One of the best ways to getting out of situation is realizing that there’s no condition that is permanent…surely one day this will pass. Appreciate it and learn to love it (even if there’s nothing to love about it) and just when we start getting comfortable…Guess what? God is ready to give us another task. and like the Jeffersons, it is time to move up. What can I say, but that is just God’s way of saying that you have done a great job and it is time for a promotion.

[Remember the Parable of the Talents: Matthew 25:14-30…only those who use their talents properly got more]

So Seek the propersity of the place/situation you find yourself, for it is only when it prospers that you prosper…learn to HOPE for the promise of tomorrow as APPECIATE the place I find myself today…

>>>I guess I am trying to write here that I need to step up my game so God can find me worthy for the next level [Amen]

Images from: Getty Images

29th Sunday...I Need To Slow Down!!!

Song of the week: Third Day – Call My Name

Encouragement Verse: “Have mercy on me, O GOD, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” – Psalm 51: 1 (NIV)

Quote of the week: “Attitude is Everything...Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain. Each day is not promised to us, but with each day that we are given, let’s make a difference!” --- Author Unknown

Eight month ago, My Genesis began [See my First Sunday Post] with Hope & Faith that I will have a bountiful harvest at the end of it all (Amen).

And like Esther, I wonder how God's revelation about my destiny will ever come to past. Every road that leads to the fulfilment of God‘s promised blessings seem to have one obstruction of some sort: some caused by my own making while others caused by some other reasons.

We need to recognize those obstacle which we have brought about by our own doing and ask God to help us ‘Slow down’ before it leads to our destruction...
I am thankful to God that I can post my Sunday post again which happens to be my Twenty-nineth Sunday post, to begin the new week...also am all grins today that my journey is still not over. So this Sunday, I ask,

“God for what reason am I here...show me what You want to make of my life. Please don't cast me to the side...don't remember my sins which I do know is alway before You. But You, O Lord, forgive me. Have Mercy but let me know Your plans for my life...”

My Flaws
Like glue, my bad habit have stuck with me...and they keep accumulating like keepsake items that I am never in need of but I just keep around...

I definitely need to do something about them before they overtake me. I have to realize that God can only help me when I do call on His name. For it is when we are weak...that God is strong.

Also on my own, I decided to add more fun to my struggles knowing that I will overcome in the end. I need to make an effort to change instead of telling myself that I will but keep going back to the dirt. I guess I am tired of repeating the same exam which is the core course to my long overdue graduation to the next level.

God Has A Sense of Humor

So this is what I decided to do (by His grace)...Get a calender which I will insert 'Smiley faces’ as each day goes by (only if I do earn them though)...
If I succeed in doing something positive each day, then I reward myself with ‘Smiley faces’ but if I succumb to my own desire and eat dinner once more with the devil then I get a sad face. Each Month I get to calculate how far I have fought to stay steadfast to my promise to God. I just want to make it fun because who said, God does not have a wonderful sense of humor...[*Wink]

He Does...

I also need to alway remember that “I am God's temple therefore I need to take care of it until the day God visits me and finds me worthy of His heavenly place..."

*Remember I can't do it alone without God and you, Guys who have been an encouragement to me. God bless you as I read your input.

Images from: Getty Images

27th Sunday...Dancing to the Life around Me!!!

Song of the week: Jazzi Tee – Gbaajoo

Encouragement Verse: “When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, with your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me,God. Your love is eternal—don't quit on me now.” – Psalm 138:7 - 8 (The Message)

Quote of the week: “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be.
Now put foundations under them.” – Henry David Thoreau


On this my 27th Sunday Post...Y

...and for this new month, I will begin studying the Book of Esther, which I believe has been put in my spirit by God to read for sometime now...but I have sturbbornly ignored that call. But I have to say that I am now becoming a bit curious as to why this revelation/passage has been so strong within me. I guess it is time for God to reveal His plans for me...


Prayer:
...May God use this Book of Esther to change my life in a positive way...





On the side, I will continue my Dance to the life around me. Have a wonderful week!!!



Picture source: Getty Image

22nd Sunday...It doesn't have to end this way...!!!

Song of the week: Gbemileke – Gbo Pe Mi

Encouragement Verse: “And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.” – Psalm 12:6 (NIV)

Quote of the week: “Don't follow your dreams; chase them.” --- Richard Dumb

It better be worth all the wahala (problems) I have taken to get to the other end of the earth...and during a terrible weather...with a lot of unpredictable happenings.

Gosh! I have got to be so crazy to do this. The saying was so right, "Curousity kills the cat..." LOL!!!

Wetin I go do? (Translated: "What would I do?") Anyways, Life is all about taking serious risk...they may kill you or make you a better person but in all, the most important thing is that you've lived life to its fullest. And at the end of life's journey, you can easily say, " God, your servant has seen your glory...you may take me now".

Honestly, in the back of my mind I wish this is where my search ends but what do I do if it still goes further than that point? And if it doesn't, do I keep my life on hold? Definitely not...I am better than that...I can't give up right now. Instead I will keep living each day like I will die tomorrow...struggling to be worthy of Heaven.

"God make me worthy of this gift that You've prepared for me..."

There is always a good ending to every stories...!!!

14th Sunday...So let’s just be thankful…!!!

Song of the week: Midnight Crew – Igwe

Encouragement Verse: “You have put gladness in my heart…I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.” – Psalm 47:7 – 8 (NRSV)

Quote of the week: “We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter what may be the burden of our wants, or the special subject of our petitions.” --- Albert Barnes


Fourteenth Sunday…I just want to show my gratitude...
Truly there’s always something to be thankful for…
For everything missing,
There’s something found…

So when I am ambushed at the Bus Stop by heaven’s tears and all I have is the newspaper that I just bought from the vendor down the street to shield my pricey one-day-old hair-do from its rage.

And every attempt to protect my body and feet prove futile as they become wet with its tears. And the chilliness is becoming intolerable, that I can only grumble …I should remember that at least, I have a place to go to where I will find warmth…and that there are people who find their haven under the bridge…

And when I get to work and nag once more about my job…I should remember that at least, I have a job to complain about…

And also even when I get a call from my family complaining about anything and everything…I should remembered at least, I have a family that cares so much to bug you sometimes (laughing)…


So let’s just be thankful…

Images from: Getty Images

3rd Sunday...Flying Without Wings

Song of the week: WestLife – Flying Without Wings

Encouragement Verse: “GOD, the one and only — I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I'm set for life.” – Psalm 62: 5, 6

Quote of the week: “Unrest of spirit is a mark of life; one problem after another presents itself and in the solving of them we can find our greatest pleasure.” – Kal Menninger

GOD , this is a hard decision to make but I think by Your grace , I will live with whatever consequences that will come from this decision. GOD lead me to make the right decision.”

My Third (3rd)Sunday...I am learning to fly without wings...learning to have faith in this faithless heartof mine. Everyday, It is a struggle for me to awaken and believe that Hope is staring me at the face again...that something is coming...But I RISE!!!

My third week & forty-seven sundays more to go...So what can I say, I learnt from this past week???

I can say that I have learnt to relax in the face of TRIBULATIONS...because even if I try to do something about any given situation...I truly do not have any control over it. I can only just let go and let GOD!!! And even if I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, I have to believe that it is there...

So this new week, I am going to Fly without wings in all that I will face...like what some people will say, "I am taking the bull by the horn." Some decisions I will make this week may bring about hurt and even pain...or maybe it may not...but I will take it and what I will be grateful about, is that I tried when I should have just given up...


I will take that LEAP!!!


May you all have a wonderful and fulfilled week...

Picture source: Butler Dancers