Glimpses of God

I have always it found it extremely powerful and comforting that in the moments when I needed to see God the most, the moments when I needed to feel His love; He was right there waiting for me. In the moments that I needed Him to show His face, to speak to me, to intercede, as promised, He has never let me down. It is through these glimpses of God in answering my questions about life, in my desire to succeed, in my moments of utter weakness and failure, and even my greatest achievements that he has reminded over and over again; His strength is always perfect. It is through faith, and through the miracles that I have seen God perform in my life, and in my belief that God will only do that which is good for me, I know I can never question who my God is. Where do you see the glimpses of God in your life? Is in the eyes and laughter of your children? Or is it in the smile of the sun on a cold winter day? Is it through a strangers smile? Or is it through a much desired answered prayer? Whatever your experience, and however you see glimpses of God at work in your life, celebrate because as promised He is always there, patiently and perfectly in His strength, waiting.

Quasi Feminist Thought on Twilight: 10 Reasons on why I hate the Twilight Series

Even for entertainment purposes, I cannot fathom the utter incompetence of the protagonist character Isabella in the Twilight series. Her character is the epitome of why we as women are still slaves to unrealistic expectations in relationships. “Damsel in Distress” GET OUT OF HERE! AND this is the message that we sending to our children and grandchildren that our lives as women ONLY begin when he asks us to marry him; that our future can only look bright if we are walking around with a ring on our finger. I am far from anti-marriage but come on, we have so many smart and ambitious women walking around depressed and feeling unwanted because according to society their time for marriage has passed. That movie series needs to be taught as a piece of propaganda literature in a gender studies courses.  And, to think that the author reckons herself a feminist.  I do not know what our world is seriously coming to. People, even though we have these beautiful brains why do we not think anymore? It is not enough and should never be enough to just watch or read something and walk away. We always should ask ourselves what is this book or movie really saying; what message is it sending across, what am I learning from this, how is it enslaving or emancipating my mind? Just ask something! Anyways, here are my TOP TEN REASONS ON WHY I HATE THE TWILIGHT SERIES. (Not listed in a particular order.)

1. Women always need men. We cannot live without them. If you cannot have one just go ahead and take the other temporarily while you hope number one returns. (Isabella needs Edward and if Edward is nowhere to be seen, she needs Jacob to keep her distracted from thinking about Edward.)
2. As a woman, you have to be absolutely perfect, pleasant, and always willing to please. Only say the right thing, if he says no, do not argue, and please do not forget that everyone has to like you even if that means compromising yourself and your beliefs. (Isabella’s desire to please everyone in her life is just weird but what’s more disturbing is her willingness to conform and give up herself.)
3. Who cares about your ambitions in life, dreams to make a difference, and your desire to be young and see the world. All you need is him running across the fields with you, watching you while you sleep and you are set. (Isabella is a senior in high school, a SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL, eighteen years old, and NO WHERE do we hear her go into detail about her future dreams, her goals, hopes in life etc. All she wants to do is to be with Edward, FOREVER.)
4. It is okay for your man to always call the shots. You want him to be loyal, just be absolutely perfect. (Edward is constantly manipulating Isabella and makes the most important conditions for their relationship.)
5. When you are heartbroken, mope around for months at a time. It is okay because you love the person. In addition, as you are dealing with this grief, make sure to ignore your friends, to not eat, do dangerous things and in the process just forget you are human. Just sit around waiting for him to come back. (Isabella, after Edward leaves her, does all the above.)
6. Do not forget, you always need someone to protect you. So when you are in danger, do not even try to figure out your own solutions, rather wait around for you knight in shining armor to come and save you. (Someone must be around to hold you in those ridiculous cold winter nights. Of course should always have a gang watching over your house, protecting you, all in the name of love.)
7. Beyond heartbreak, when you are happy and “got a man,” first rule to making your relationship work, ABANDON YOUR FRIENDS. Better yet, ABANDAON EVERYTHING. (Need I remind you YES ISABELLA DID IT AGAIN.)
8. The only reason you would get excited while talking on the phone with your mom is…wait for it…YOU FINALLY MET SOMEONE. So here is what you do, when your mom calls you and asks you why you sound so happy just stay silent for a few seconds because eventually she will scream…OMG YOU MET SOMEONE! She will also randomly tell you something like this, “You’re different with him. When he moves, you move, like magnets.” When he barks, you bark, when he jumps off the cliff, you jump. (I do not even have a comment for the things Isabella’s mother said to her.)
9. All the love from your man is all you will ever need in life. All he has to tell you “I only live because of you. I live to protect you and love you.”  Marry me. Be perfect for me. (WHAT DO YOU CALL THIS GARBAGE?)
10. They get married.  (NEED I SAY MORE!)

A Litany for Survival

“I just absolutely love this and I hope it comes as an inspiration to you as it did to me. Enjoy!” -etk

And when the sun rises we are afraid
it might not remain
when the sun sets we are afraid
it might not rise in the morning
when our stomachs are full we are afraid
of indigestion
when our stomachs are empty we are afraid
we may never eat again
when we are loved we are afraid
love will vanish
when we are alone we are afraid
love will never return
and when we speak we are afraid
our words will not be heard
nor welcomed
but when we are silent
we are still afraid

So it is better to speak
remembering
we were never meant to survive

- Audre Lorde

Without You

“I admit that sometimes pride tries to hide my view
And even this gift that you gave me, I forget it’s for You
And all the many days and many ways Your grace I’ve abused
Still you were patient and Your love loved me through.”

 

Remembering the Kid in You

There is nothing more comforting that going back to your favorite child hood memories. It’s always exciting to remember the little things that made you bright and happy when growing up. I know one of my very favorite childhood memories was sitting in my grandfather’s lap while he read the Bible taught me how to memorize the arithmetic table. I remember feeling so anxious and so nervous not believing that one day I would actually become a short of an expert (EXAGGERATION!) at multiplying in my head. Lately, I have spent a lot of time watching family comedies and to be honest, I could not be any happier watching anything else. We spend so much time pretending to be adults which means for some of  us doing adult things, making adult plans, watching what we think adults are supposed to watch…bla bla bla…and not enough time just living, being and simply enjoying.

Ramona and Beezus!!!!!! Such a fun and friendly movie that reminds you so much about yourself as a kid and brings back your real sense of imagination. Not only do you feel nostalgic thinking about your parents and how they tucked you in at night, read you your favorite stories, caught you sneaking out, took you to the doctors office and sat with you as you were examined, embarrassed you in front of that one special crush, but you also get the opportunity to consider what type of happy family you want to have; what kind of charming, optimistic, smart, creative, artistic, bubbly children you hope to one day raise. I recommend this movie to all those people growing up so fast; especially those like me who do not spend enough time appreciating what it meant to be a child guided under the umbrella of loving parents. It is all those little snippets from our childhood, those perfect moments we cherish that will guide us into the little adults that we want to be. Those moments will carry us, will comfort us, and will serve as examples for the life we want to provide for those who come after us.

All Things Delish: Inspiration

Inspiration comes to all of us in very different forms. From reading our favorite quotes and reminders, to life changing conversations with our beloved and even strangers alike. From listening to a new record, to skimming through an old journal entry. Whatever the source of inspiration, it is necessary that we be reminded of these old truths on life. I can generally say that everyone pretty much has their high days and those terrible lows. Of course we have those days where we believe we can move mountains, and those days where lying in bed is all we feel like doing. Whatever day you may be having, remind yourself of why you are so passionate about life. Have a conversation with a loved one on why life is so important to you and what you believe you take take out of life and most importantly, give to it. Don’t forget to remind yourself of your unique history, your personal relationship with yourself, why you are such an important asset to everyone around you. I always say that life has to always get better. Even at it’s best and worst, life simply has to get better and things always have to look up. I hope you keep that in mind and you constantly strive for inspiration. Here are some words of utter inspiration by American writer Max Ehrmann which I find OH SO DELISH<3

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

My Love Letter to All of You

23 years ago, God put into the hands of two of the most incredible and inspiring people a little gift and responsibility that changed their lives forever. When these two individuals unwrapped this delicate present to find a little girl staring at them, they made the most important decision of their life on that day. They committed to being the very best parents; to teaching, raising, guiding this little girl through life and to directing her so that one day she could look back and be grateful for the light that came before her and that helped cultivate her growth from just a little girl to a young and passionate woman. Throughout the years, other agents from various aspects of her life delicately made an impact in her life, loved her, motivated her, inspired her, and changed her.

Today, I give thanks to all the “agents of change” who have so unselfishly been a part of my growth process. Those who have loved me, mentored me, disciplined me, advised me, celebrated with me, believed in me, inspired me, dreamed with me. As I have uncovered my layers, and gradually have become and continue to, I am forever grateful for the role that you have played. To my parents and siblings, to aunties and my uncles, my cousins and best friends, to my mentors, teachers and professors, lovers, and to everyone who has touched me, I am forever grateful. It is because of each of you individually and all of you collectively who took the time to remind me of what you see in me and the kind of person you believe I can be, and the impact that I can make that I stand as the woman I am today. This love letter is for all of you.  I am wiser, smarter, passionate, driven, loving, SO HAPPY, bubbly and ever so grateful and blessed because of you all. My appreciation for self, and for the very essence that lives within me is because of all of your love. You are all my experience!

Happy Birthday to Me and THANK YOU ALL!

-etk

A Year of Endless Possibilities: I Welcome You 2012

I welcome you 2012 with an eager spirit. With a desire to do right to live right to love right, I am ready for you 2012. A year with endless possibilities, with a faith restored, and a love for life so deep and embedded I am excited for you 2012. I pray that 2012 brings joy, peace, love, a sense of appreciation, God’s faithfulness and favor to you and all your families. May it be a year to never forget and a year in which you are surrounded by the very best that God can give to you. Work hard and love even harder. Ask questions and search for answers. See the world and don’t forget to learn from the world. Allow each day to be an interesting award winning page in your story book of life. Be blessed my friends and I welcome you 2012.

The Little Things

Lord I am thankful. It is so nice to be back on this page to share my thoughts and yet again have an outlet for all my crazy thoughts! For one, I cannot believe that the year is OVER and that we are soon going to be entering 2012. Crazy HUH! Everything has gone by so fast and so much has happened that has shaped me, changed, and made even more cynical yet more passionate about life more than ever. This blog is not for any of my rants but rather a blog to say WOW I’m back and the year is OVER! It’s a nice night, I’m listening to Asa and drinking a cup of tea feeling so blessed it so many ways. This Naija Chic Asa, check her out. She’s BEYOND AMAZING!!!!! I’ll post more about her  the coming year. For now, enjoy this number of hers which I love so much because it makes me just appreciate the beauty of music; the beauty of life:) enjoy!

A Note of Gratitude

God has a funny way of doing what He does. He blesses us with the people in our lives for very delicate reasons and when we begin to see His immense love recreated in those blessings, we are moved more than ever before. My parents are my heart and my soul. I always say that I am my father’s daughter and my mother’s heart and no way would my essence be what it is without their faithful and unconditional love. It is in the little things that they do, in the reminders of their love, their faith, hope and prayers that I am reminded no other two people could ever love me more. I am grateful everyday for who they are, and for the very important role that God has given them. It is through them that I see glimpses of the heart God. Who are the people in your life who move you, who change you, and who help you recognize the the immensity of God’s love? Give them a simple note of gratitude.