HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, FAMILY!!!
I’ve really missed you all! I am so glad to be back here!
How have you all been?
The last couple of weeks has been intense. I already feel I need a break! I had to create a schedule around the new demands of my life. The restructuring has helped me organize different aspects better, but it is taking me some time to adjust.
To top it off, a certain situation has been challenging my faith. You know when you think you’ve “mastered” a certain aspect of your life? You know that feeling like, “I got this!” Hahahahaaaa…I’ve learned never to get that comfortable. At times like that, prepare to get tested! There are levels in life, and when it is time for you to be elevated, God will call out for a higher version of you. You must build capacity for the upgrade! And as you know, building anything sustainable takes commitment and, ultimately, faith in God!
If you find yourself in a similar boat as me, no worries, you will be just fine! Reach out to God for help; he will never leave you hanging. Ask God for wisdom; he administers the tests and gives you the answer key. He’s good like that!
Drum roll!!!
Good news! I’ve significantly changed my diet, and I’ve lost weight! Eight pounds down and many more to go! I’ve been incorporating a high protein, high fiber, and low carb diet. Has it been easy? Of course not! I’ve been on this weight loss journey way too many times. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again. I just need discipline and consistency… so help me, God!
One major thing that has helped this time around is meal preparation for the week. I’d cook about two meals for the week and freestyle when I got bored in the past. That would lead to eating out more or not eating healthy. Boy, oh boy! Now it takes a longer time to cook for the week because I have to prepare different types of meals for myself and my family. It usually takes me about three hours to cook everything. Also, my children eat a whole lot, so I have to make sure the fridge is stocked at all times. *Taking deep breathes while praying for a cook to show up in the near future.*
Before I continue, let me apologize, I promised to share some interesting conversations with my family while I was away, but I never got around to it. I am SO SORRY! I’ll make it up to you all!
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LOVE IS IN THE AIR!
What are your plans for today? I know, I know, some people detest this day, while others look forward to this day every single year. My children have been raving about Valentine’s Day for weeks now. They requested Valentine’s Day gifts, we had ice cream after church yesterday, and they’ll be having school parties today to celebrate.
When my husband could not take their constant reminders of today over the weekend any longer, he said calmly yet firmly said, “You know Valentine’s Day is not a holiday, right!” My daughters were not taking that, especially the second born. “Daddy, what do you mean? It is a holiday!” She went on and on; she made a case for Valentine’s day as I laughed hysterically, and her dad starred at her without uttering a word.
I do not feel like doing much today. We will be ordering takeout from one of our favorite seafood restaurants and speed time together once the children go to sleep (fingers crossed). However, I had a great time over the weekend with couples from our church; we had a ‘Paint and small chops (African finger foods)’ Valentine’s event. It was loads of fun, with laughter and great food! If you are married and in Houston or the surrounding areas, you can join our marriage small group…you don’t have to be a member of our church, so hit me up if interested!
Wait, there is something exciting that I’d be participating in today!!! I will be on clubhouse with The Arising Women Network, speaking on the topic “Love That Lasts.” Join me; it is at 12:00 pm cst: https://bit.ly/3GNtN7o.
This is my first time on clubhouse. I felt old school when asking the host a million and one questions about the app. I try to limit the number of social media platforms I am on, but I’d do anything to be a blessing and impact lives.
Now when I got the invitation from the host Mrs. Eniola Disu, who I love so much! We’ve been doing life together for a long time, and I am proud of the woman she is becoming. I smirked because God always told me that I’d have to sacrifice my Valentine’s Day or weekend to encourage others. It all started when I was a leader in my former teenage church many years ago.
I wanted to give the teenagers another option for celebrating love so they wouldn’t feel pressured to get into a mess because of one day. If you don’t know, a lot of stuff goes down for a date, some flowers, and chocolate. I wanted them to see that they could have clean fun and still feel loved even if they were not in a relationship. I and some teachers would organize various programs that would involve interactive discussions where we would talk about the teenagers’ struggles. It was always eye-opening and interesting. It was a safe place to be one’s self without being judged. And I loved every moment of it!
Shortly after I got married, my husband and I were invited to a talk show, and we were asked to share our love story and give some tips on love. Since then, it has been something along those lines. And as a pastor, I see that I really have to create an environment where difficult conversations need to take place. And where we spur people to truly love others.
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As I close out this post, let me leave you all with some inspiration! God is love! If you are his child, you are also love (if you are not his child yet, click here.) Loving people flaws and all in some cases is easier said than done! Over the last few months, I’ve counseled many people, and many are hurting. They feel discouraged and taken advantage of! They found themselves in situations that they did not sign up for.
I could relate with them because I’ve had similar experiences. But I’d always dared them to believe in love again. Because love never fails! All it takes is one person to be the bigger person until the other person comes around. It takes two to fight and two to tango, but one person has to initiate either process.
Love is so powerful; those that God has connected to you require you to give it to them wholeheartedly. They should not have to pay for the mistakes of others, and when they do make mistakes, they deserve forgiveness. Even if they are too proud to apologize, you should never be too big to let it go. If it affects your peace, it is not worth it. For believers, love is a commandment, not an option. Certain people will be sent to you to test your obedience to that commandment; embrace them and pass your test! You have the ability to love within you!
As the world celebrates what they consider to be love today, I want to encourage you to reach out a show someone love! I want to encourage you to forgive the ones that hurt you. And open your heart up to better days ahead. Love is a beautiful thing! When you give it, you will attract it!
With lots of love,
– Bunmi Adebiyi
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