And All Other Things

I never intended for yesterday’s post to be selfish and insensitive. I hope you did not construe it as such. And if you did, I apologize.

Nigeria. A country of battles. When people think of devastation by humans in the continent of Africa, they think of Darfur or the Sudan. But everybody tends to forget Nigeria. The country for which Doctors Without Borders was created — in the darkness of The Biafran War.

When faced with the news of the most recent horrible evil in the country, I was struck by three things:

1. One reason that explains this fighting.

2. How blessed we all are.

3. How powerful God is in the country.

1. Simply, the name should show one the arbitrariness of the country. Niger-ia = Niger Area. A name chosen by the Europeans after drawing arbitrary lines, pushing a whole bunch of people into it – regardless of ethnicity, religion and language – and labeling it a country. This is not to say that before colonization, there was no fighting, but the different tribes, people groups, language groups, etc., knew where they were, what they owned, which land was theirs and what they are fighting for. Throwing a bunch of people together and calling them a country, because they happen to look alike, does not make it so. And these years of unrest throughout the entire continent has proven this.

But, this is not to say that the people should not rise above it. And I’m praying every day that the new generation of Africans as a whole can change. Both those living at home and abroad. Because the whole continent (and yes, I am going to generalize) is destroying itself. Fighting themselves today, instead of finding a way to work together to become what they can tomorrow – one of the greatest, richest, most powerful countries in the world. Yes, in the world! We have so much in natural resources alone. It is disheartening.

2. We in this North America can complain about anything we want, but to see how blessed we all are, we must look to what is happening in the other parts of the world. If we compare ourselves… well, we really cannot. Period. I work with parents, teens, children. I am a sister to foster siblings. I have known so many capable people that are limit themselves by blaming others, finding excuses, never taking responsibility for their own lives. I will never disregard a person’s past. Yes, things that happen have an effect of people. Obviously. But when an individual is surrounded by people who are trying to help them, when they have so many resources to choose from, when they are given many opportunities and instead of utilizing it, they sit back and say, “life is not fair” “you don’t know what I’ve gone through” “It’s my dad’s fault” “It’s my mom’s fault” — I can’t stand it.

Yes, I will give you time and help you with your healing. It may not be easy. But, as a person and as a counsellor, I look for someone who will help themselves. Because like I said before, we are blessed. Life is NOT fair, but at least we’re alive.

Comparing yourself to others should do two things: show you what you can achieve and show you how blessed you are.

(The preceding was basically a rant. Perhaps it didn’t make a whole lotta sense, but you know what I mean).

3. Where God is the most present, Satan will insert himself. Where God is the most powerful, Satan comes to destroy. Nigeria is a country that loves God. I think Nigerians are born prayer warriors. That’s a big reason there is so much devastation. Satan does not appreciate the love for God. Basically, if one is a true Christian and is living the way a true Christian should live, there is one thing for sure: Satan will attack. Because it’s not only a physical war, it’s a spiritual war. What is our job as Christians inside of and outside of Nigeria? To remain strong. How? Put on the whole armour of God. Ephesians 6:10-18.

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Let us all continue to pray.

I rarely get sick. But when I do, I hurt.

For the last few days, I have been suffering from a major toothache. I have never EVER hurt as badly as this. And I believe I have a high pain tolerance.

It was somewhat an emergency and I called the dentist to see if he could squeeze me in. They managed to, although it would simply be for an x-ray and prescription. I was thankful for anything.

They saw me, told me that it was most likely a cavity (and before you tsk tsk me, I have all my wisdom teeth and apparently the grooves in my teeth are very deep, too deep for the tooth brush to reach. The pain is in the farthest tooth on the top right) and also that it was probably being bothered by my extra tooth.

That’s right, I have an extra tooth in the very back of my mouth. One more than most people. For a while, this tooth was below the surface, but just recently, at the end of 2008, it grew. The doctor kept on telling me how lucky I am.

He was referring to the crazy extra tooth, but looking deeper, I realize how “lucky” I truly am.

• I have teeth. And even an extra tooth. Furthermore, I have the capacity to take care of my teeth, via a dentist. Many people do not have that.
• When I am in pain, although I do not like taking medication, I have the opportunity to have be prescribed something and have that prescription filled (this particular time, antibiotics and Tylenol 3s).
• I feel pain. I know I’m alive.
• When I’m feeling this pain and can’t function, I have a bed and pillow to rest my head.

I can go on and on and on. I am truly blessed.

God never said we would never feel pain. But He does provide healing.

Love this quote –> Life hurts. God heals.

Ok, I realize that this post may not be my best, or even coherent, but remember, the Tylenol 3s?

‘Nough said.

The problem of pain is atheism’s most potent weapon against the Christian faith.

C.S. Lewis

Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature

and existence of free-wills involve,

and you find that you have excluded life itself.

The Problem of Pain – C.S. Lewis

You know the drill. Especially in the movies. Someone wants something. Or wants to know something. And they will ask God to give them a sign. A sign that they are doing the right thing, making the right decision, or even a sign that He, God, exists.

I am getting baptized this Sunday (January 24). People are quite surprised that I have not been baptized yet. I have no real good excuse, but the one thing that stopped me in my teen years, especially, was the feeling that I had to be perfect before I did it. And I know (and knew) that perfection is not possible and only Jesus is perfect. But my human brain cringed at the thought of being baptized and then disappointing people and God when I did something wrong. I grew out of that phase though. God says come as you are… well not in those exact words, but He did say that He came for the sick and the sinners; not the heathly and the righteous. He told Levi/Matthew, the tax collect to follow Him. He didn’t say, “Yeah, I want you to follow me. But please get better before you do.” And I am grateful for that. That God accepts me as I am because God knows that I am…imperfect.

I have been a Christian my whole life, but my faith is not always the strongest. I would be lying if I said it was. But, I can say that it is hard for me to deny God if only for the signs He has shown me in my lifetime. Many times, and one time very recently, I have been discussing with a friend and he or she will ask me about my faith. They ask me how I know that Jesus exists. How can I be certain? I say because He has made it very hard for me not to see Him. He’s kinda like a kid, sitting behind you kicking your chair. If you don’t turn around, you don’t see him, but you know he’s there. There have been so many – yes I will use the word again – signs. And I’m not talking about the sheer perfection of creation – you know like the grass and animals and flowers and stuff – which is cool in itself. About about blatant punching me in the face with His awesomeness.

My parents survival in the country is riddled with God signs.

The fact that my first brother is alive and not mentally or physically disabled is a God sign.

The fact that I’m alive and not dead due to cult sacrifice is definitely a God sign (yep you read correctly. Wanna hear about this story?)

Jesus has shown Himself to me many times and in many ways. And although I have always followed Him, it’s high time to take the step and join the Body as He so commanded.

¹³Once again Jesus went out beside

the lake. A large crowd came to him,

and he began to teach them. ¹

⁴As he walked along, he saw Levi son

of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s

booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him,

and Levi got up and followed him.

¹⁵While Jesus was having dinner at

Levi’s house, many tax collectors and

“sinners” were eating with him and

his disciples, for there were many who

followed him. ¹⁶When the teachers of

the law who were Pharisees saw

him eating with the “sinners” and tax

collectors, they asked his disciples:

“Why does he eat with tax collectors

and ’sinners’?” ¹⁷On hearing this, Jesus

said to them, “It is not the healthy

who need a doctor, but the sick.

I have not come to call the righteous,

but sinners.”

mark 2:13-17

Ok, so on Friday, December 11, 2009, I went to my first concert.

Yup, my first concert ever.

In 28 years.

It just so happened to be Toby Mac’s Winter Wonder Slam. Um… if I were to describe the concert event as amazing, that would be an understatement.

I can’t even put into words how fantastic it was.

My words are not sufficient.

I am not a starstruck prone person and that day was no different. What touched me about the thing was the LORD’s presence. It was felt throughout the entire night. Not only was it a concert, it was complete worship. COMPLETELY!

Furthermore, my sister made a statement that I completely agree with. It was something to this effect: it’s good to go to a concert like that because it reassures us that there are people our age who are praising God. And that there is “cool” Christian music out there.

Christians have had a difficult rap in the entertainment industry. It’s because we tend to churn out “subpar” productions (gasp! did I say that?). We “Christianized” products, which just end up being cheaper versions. I’m sorry to say that, but it’s true. That’s why people are left with a weird taste in their mouths when they hear about Christian music. Or Christian movies.

They do not expect it to be as good. Or good period.

That is what exactly happened when I was talking to my friend about this concert. I was literally counting down the days until the concert. I kept on mentioning Toby Mac’s name. Finally, I think she looked him up and she was surprised. She had her own idea about what the concert was going to be like because he was a “Christian singer.” She found out what his music was really about and she wanted to come. She’s a Hindu.

Toby Mac knows how to put on a show. There is no doubt. But more importantly, his love of God is evident in what he does.

B Reith, Stephanie Smith and Relient K were also A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I had never heard of B Reith or Stephanie Smith before this, but I will definitely be buying their music. As for Relient K….there are just awesome. Annnnnd Toby Mac’s singers/band were just incredible. They were having so much fun. Everybody involved in that production were just ridiculous.

In short, I had such an incredible time at my first concert. What it also did was reassure me that I can make it in this industry as a Christian without compromising myself.

I want to make Winter Wonder Slam an annual thing. Even if they do not return to BC, I think I’m going to travel.

Psalm 68:4 says this: Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

That is exactly what happened on December 11, 2009 in Abbotsford, BC.

GOD IS LORD!

My friends (who are a married couple) sent the following request and I am sending it out to everybody, because “…[t]he prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). How much more of those of a whole bunch of men and woman!!

(Persons are referred to by initials for privacy)

Good Morning Everyone

Could you please at some point today do A and I a small yet important favor!  We have a prayer request for a friend of ours!  Her name is L. Recently A discovered that within this last couple of months a new roommate had moved into L’s home. The new roommate practices witchcraft and long story short, the devil has been quite active in this home (For example, the roommate’s son hung himself…). L has moved out and began going to church but as we know the devil is quite persistent! While living in the home and since moving out the devil continues to call on her. Within the past couple days A and L have made contact again  (On Monday, D called L and she told him “everyone who loves Jesus is calling me today” it was then she informed him about her situation). She knows she is protected by Christ however the devil continues to call out to her!

Please pray for our friend!  Even if you are able to send a quick prayer via email we will ensure she gets it.  Also, if you could pass on this request to any of the prayer warriors in your life, this also would be greatly appreciated!

Lastly, this Sunday if everything works out, she and her boyfriend will be coming to church with us!  (we might have to miss Sunday school…)

Thank you so much our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Grateful we serve the Almighty God where nothing is toooo big for Him.

Let us pray for her so that she may live James 4:7:

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Prayer is powerful!

God is Powerful!!

Thank you in advance!

It is 4:17am and I am up because my foster brother woke me up. He had a nightmare and was scared and went walking around the house. At first I didn’t know what he was doing, but he was looking for my dad. So, as he was knocking on my parent’s door, I asked him what was wrong. He said he had a bad dream about killing and dying. So instead of waking up my dad, I asked my foster brother if he wanted to pray. He said yes.

I totally got that from my parents. Anytime my siblings or I had a bad dream, we would do as my foster brother did. Seek them out. They would return us to bed and pray with us there. And I can say that I did the same for my foster brother because I had such awesome examples. As soon as I said “Amen,” my foster brother said thank you, rolled over and went to sleep.

Two thoughts went through my head: (1) Thank you Jesus for such fantastic parents. (2) I can’t wait until I am a parent.

What awesome things do you thank your parents for?

If Jesus came back today, I would be happy.

If Jesus came back tomorrow, I would be happy.

Sometimes one thinks, “Hmmm…what would I be missing if Jesus came now?”

Oh I know! Breakfast!

I am back from, as my friend so eloquently put it, my OHMYGOSHHOWLONGWASTHISVACATION six week Nigeria trip. And let me tell you, it was unbelievable. First time to Nigeria and first time meeting the majority of my family. Before this trip, I had only met one Auntie and one Uncle on my dad’s side and then my maternal grandma. I have now met everyone which includes my mom’s 2 sisters and one brother, their spouses, and my 9 cousins. And I saw my grandma again. On my dad’s side, I finally got to meet my dad’s step mom, my youngest uncle (a mere 10 years my senior), my uncle’s fiance, my dad’s brother in law and my cousin. I also got to see my dad’s sister again after 18 years.

My dad and I stayed in Nigeria for six weeks and my sister was there for three. Yes, we took plenty of pictures. And when I say plenty, multiply that number in your head by 1000. Because my sister is studying photography and has a Nikon D300, most of the pictures that I will be using in my upcoming posts will be hers. Because they’re brilliant. And we also have tons of video.

So please, let me jetlag detox, but keep your eyes open for many upcoming posts chronicling my adventures.

(haha, a picture of a boy, not related. Just lived in the apartment below my Auntie and Uncle, where we stayed the majority of the time in Lagos. Loved him. Don’t even know his name…)

God is Good.