Let them be kids!!!

 

 I do not understand why some people (mothers) will not let kids be kids. I am not trying to be judgmental here (ok,maybe just a little bit and I am sorry) but common, why do you have make up on a one year old? Why are you braiding her hair? And why is a child less than 10 getting weaves fixed?

So you are wondering who pissed me off right? This is what happened, the other day at the salon, and this baby was crying so bad I almost thought she was being amputated without anesthesia. You get the picture right? I was worried and I had to ask the lady fixing my hair what was wrong with the little girl. "Na braiding" was the response I got.

Now, we all know that while I mind my business at the salon, I do not really mind my business right? Just like This day at the salon so anyway, I tried hard to block out the wailing of this little girl when I heard "sorry, sorry no cry" beside me. Whattapun? Hot water happened. On another little girl who I am guessing could not have been more than ten years old. You know how they use hot water to make the hair "relax" after braiding? Yes, that didn't go well for her, the hot water burnt her, baby girl began to cry and all she got was sorry, no cry. Why she no go cry? The day that shit happened to me, I almost cried!

Those ones who even make braids with colored wool are the worsetest! I bet these babies would be mad when they grow up and see pictures of them 'rocking' red or brown wool. Do you realize you just took away that child's right to 'throw back' pictures in the future? Because she would be ashamed to put that up except maybe as a surulere picture (that is where you show the suffer-head picture beside the "I have arrived' one ba?)

As an adult, I try to avoid hair styles that would require this hot water dipping business because even the steam hurts. Why put a baby through it? Fashion you say? Please! I prefer to see a kid with nice weaving cornrows, lovely beads and ribbons.

Finally, as the President of chopping panadol for other people's headache association, I am pained, I am worried and I think we should let babies be babies, kids be kids and at the right time, they can go ahead and do these things.

xxo

Crazy Things Included In A Marriage List

As seen on momentwithzoe and I am still in shock! Really?

1. 7 male goats for the elders
2. 7 female goats for the old women.
3. 120 years of Nigeria Wax for her sisters.
4. 3 Apple Laptops.
5. 5 pieces of bold 6 blackberries.
6. 50 liters of petrol.
7. A white bicycle for her uncle.
8. 200 pairs of bathroom slippers for the villagers.
9. 5 trip of sand and 20 bags of dangote cement.
And different type of orishirishi. The listed items were up to 50.

Well, the groom to be found his way back to obodo oyibo after sighting the list. Who'd blame him?

Is this normal? They do not give any lists here I come from, the normal thing is to bring salt and kola nuts for the introduction and 3 mats I think...and any other thing you add, na you sabi.

I bet you can imagine my shock when I saw laptops and blackberries on this list. Plus Dangote cement? lmao! They even specified the one they want. I cant shout biko.

What is the craziest thing you have seen in a marriage list? 

Thank you Zoe for allowing post this here.

xxo

No More Crumbs.

Hiya guys,  It's a new week, I am happy and thankful for life. I was really ill last week (can I blame TIBS for the fever?) but I am a lot better now and I am even at work! I still have another test to run but I am good and I am back.  But ehn, sickness sucks oh! Story for another day.... 

So, today I want us to understand the depth of God's love for us, His children. He is willing and ready to give us all that we ask for. Didn't He say in Matthew 7:7 that we should ask and it shall be given unto us, seek and we shall find....? Do you know why He said that? Because He can do it! Because nothing is too big for Him.  Didn't the Word also say "what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human has conceived" are the things God has prepared for those who love Him?

So why are we afraid to ask Him big things? Why do we ask for crumbs from our father? I introduced you all to my teacher last week right? Well, today he has written what he titled No More Crumbs. Please read and be encouraged and also, visit his website francisagbo.com and subscribe to his daily motivational and I promise you wont regret it.

And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. -Luke 16:21 KJV

Heaven bound Lazarus lived a downtrodden life. Lived on “crumbs”, troubled and tormented by sickness, pain and sorrow all his life. He was tail and not the head, behind instead of ahead. Instead of sitting at the table he is sitting under the table. A child of God but he is living like a slave. A son of the King but living like a slave. Feeding on scraps, handouts, hand me downs and crumbs. God had planned for him to have the whole loaf but he is feeding off scraps or crumbs that fall from the table.

Was it God's fault? No. Was it God's will that Lazarus feed on crumbs? Certainly not. God's plan for His children is always good. He can't do evil and He can't put evil on His children. God is a father and a loving Father. The devils chief tactic is to steal, kill and destroy and then turn around and draw attention away from him. He steals from you and tries to get you to believe that God is responsible for what he - the devil is doing. God is a good God always and He cannot do evil. It is impossible for God to do evil just as it is impossible for the devil to do good. God is the author of good always just as the devil is the author of evil always.

If it was not God's fault then whose fault was it that Lazarus lived on crumbs and lived a life full of sores- pains, sorrow, trouble, torment. It was not God's fault. Lazarus was at fault. He desired to be fed on the crumbs that fell off the rich man's table. His desire and expectation borne probably out of ignorance of the covenant was responsible for his lot. He desired crumbs and crumbs was what he got. Bible says the desire of the righteous shall be granted and that the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut short. He desired crumbs and he was not disappointed. Crumbs he expected and crumbs was what he obtained. He desired crumbs and he was not disappointed.

What is the lesson from all of this? If you don't like what you are getting then change your desire or expectation. God wants you to have the whole loaf and not crumbs. Stop settling for crumbs because your Father has prepared the whole loaf for you. Change your expectation and what you get will change. You are a child of the king not a slave. You ought to be at the table not under the table feeding on handouts and crumbs. You don't have to settle for less when God has prepared the best for you. Have positive expectations based on the promises of God in His word and you will have some positive things happening in your life. Arise and say no more crumbs but the whole. No more will I settle for less rather I will settle for the best. If you are His child you are heaven bound and should still experience heaven on earth. And Yes! No more crumbs.

By Pastor Francis Agbo.

Selah

Fun Facts Friday

 

Keeping Secrets....

The Merriam-webster dictionary defines a secret as a fact or piece of information that is kept hidden from other people. That is clear enough right? So, do you have secrets? Can you keep a secret? How do you determine what should be kept secret? Who determines that? Is a secret only considered a secret if the person sharing says "don't tell anybody oh". What if it is something that could cause harm? Would you spill?

Personally, I am good at keeping secrets and sometimes I wish I didnt know half of what I know. Trust me, it is hard to keep a secret especially if it would make for correct juicy gist with your bestie. I am sure you know what I mean.

One of those better gist moments got me a thorough beating behind the intro tech  lab in my JSS 1. In my school, when you hear of a fight or beat-down behind the intro tech lab, you know shit had hit the ceiling mhen! And it becomes gist for days or maybe the whole term even.

So, here is what happened, I heard this juicy tale about one of my friends and well I did not know it was a secret so I shared. Innocently if i might add, hmmmm that is how I was lured to that dreaded intro tech lab oh and before I knew it, I was answering questions. Some serious "who told you?" "who did you tell?" "who asked you to tell anybody?" then a major punch was thrown in and another, and another. Those girls beat me ehn?!

I was like this for over a week

I was confused as the person that told me was right there also asking me questions. I was in shock that day and the odds were against me because I only went to the school in the second term (which is why I did not know about the lab, I would have refused to go with them) and those girls already had a bond right from the first term. So, guess who the bad guy was. Yup, it was me.

whaaaaat?

I became sort of an out cast for a few days before all went back to normal. But that is a day I will never forget. Guess what? I am still friends with most of the girls till today. I often feel tempted to ask if they remember that day or if they realized I was innocent but for some reason, none of us ever mentions that day.

Anyway, I learned a valuable lesson since then. I learned to pimp my mouth if I am not asked. I learned the act of keeping secrets. I cannot afford to get another beating in my life biko. The embarrassment has not faded away yet, I cant go and be adding more to it.

xxo

Life As An Identical Twin

Hi guys! Today we have our first ever lifeasvira blog guest writer! (wohoooooo!)I am sooooo excited that some one actually found this blog cool enough to write for.

Still giddy with excitement but I have to move along right? I have a question to ask. Here goes....have you ever wished you were something you are not and you know you will never be? I have.  I have always wished I had a twin sister. An identical twin with whom I could be all kinds of mischievous with. I keep imagining how I would even set her up on days she annoys me or just for the heck of it. 

I would be the one laughing

Well, it turns out I can never be a twin so I am praying really hard to have twins. Identical baby girls who I will play dress up with all the time and get to show off.

Our guest today has written all about life as a twin and I am so jealous because she is living the life I dream about.

This is her story....Living life as an identical twin...

So, I have this one basic deja-vu and it's the people asking me the same old question... Are you Mercy or Goodness... It happens like all the time, that's because I'm one of the luckiest to be a twin.

My name is Mercy Ayorinde and my twin sister Goodness is my mirror image. I'm an identical twin (so people think) supposedly born from the same zygote, so everything about us genetically is alike i.e physical appearances, mentality and even voice. My whole life has revolved around us being co-dependent. I have the privilege of having two soul mates: one before marriage(my twin sis) and the one after marriage(my spouse)...ridiculous isn't it?... I know that too. I basically live her life and she lives mine. Many people can't spot the difference so they call us Goodness and Mercy, some don't even care to know the difference coz they've tried their best. We feel very happy when one of our friends finally spots the difference coz the person must have paid much attention. But Goodness and I don't really care coz this mistake has been made so often.

We've had loads of funny, crazy, annoying, awesome and awkward moments including sad and unfortunate moments. We always argue about who's older. Well, I came out 60mins after her(its not my fault she came out too early), so whenever people ask who's older,she says she is and so do I "yorubalically, I'm the older one since they say I sent her to come take a look at the world (as if they were in the womb with us) but ideally she's the older one. But we don't care coz 60mins isn't such a big deal.... Is it?...*winks*

There was a time we slept soooooo deep that we fell from the bed, rolled under the bed that everyone in the neighbourhood was looking for those "thick headed girls" but couldn't find us. While they were preparing to go to the police station, my brother entered the room to pick his shoe from under the bed then he saw those crazy girls snoring in a silent mode with hands and legs on each other 'crashing'...lol!... It was an unforgettable experience.

Recently, she attended a class for me while I was making my hair. When I was done, she went out of the class then I entered, no one except a few people noted this and sometimes I use her ID card (shhhhhh.... it's a secret, I know it is wrong). I have had countless people come up to me with a dreamy look in their eyes saying I wish I were a twin, I'd love to have someone my age to play with (we always feel very important whenever we hear that).

Sometimes, it's quite embarrassing when people make such a big deal about us being twins. But most times, if people ask us questions it's really hard not to laugh. Some people be like "if I punch u, will she feel it?" (duh?!) And we're like we don't know... Do u want to give it a try? Sometimes they say are you really a twin or you just went to put on a different colour of clothes? (really?)

Now this is one of the annoying moments, while we were in secondary school, our discipline master gave me 3 strokes of cane all because he couldn't differentiate. After I finished crying, he was like "it's all the same thing". So much for being a twin.

Imagine shouting loud enough, almost waking the whole neighbourhood on Sunday morning, just because she wants to wear the skirt and blouse and I want to wear the gown...imagine delaying the hair dressers because she wants a side parting and I want all back... Imagine people saying your twin sis is finer than you *sad face*... Imagine talking on phone with your twin sis and people be like her boyfriend is making her laugh... Imagine sharing all ur friends with your twin sis (they are automatically her friends sef).

There are times we finish off each other's sentences and most times know what the other is thinking but there are differences. Sometimes, we act differently at extreme opposite ends of the scale... She's outgoing and I'm shy... I think I'm more emotional than she is *yay!* Sometimes, the littlest quarrel turns out to be a massive fight in which no one separates us (not even our parents) coz we would turn the aggression on you.

We have this mentality of having a boyfriend at the same time... We kinda have the same taste in guys and have a crush on the same guy(quite pointless). We want to get married on the same day, in the same venue, at the same time... Worst of all(probably best) having the same sex and number of kids at the same time.

On our birthday(November 20) its's always about us, I've never had the experience of it being all about me. Thank God we get the same type of gifts.

But despite our craziness, I always know she's got my back, I never felt alone or lonesome... I always feel the closeness with her that can't be replicated in any kinda friendship with anyone, not even my elder ones. Having a twin is like having a shadow that will never leave you... But right now we're feeling a tiny sense of loss coz it seems like we're not as identical as before.

So, there you have it. A little bit of Ayorinde Twinzteenz and yeah! We do wear same clothes, shoes and accessories-it's funky!

You see why I wish I had a twin? Still jealous.....
Do you have any questions for Mercy? Please ask.
xxo

Little Loves....

Or Personal Favorites?....favorite things maybe? Well, I am sure you get the gist.

Do you have some little things that you just love to have or love when they happen to you or around you? Like when doors are opened for you? The occasional foot rub here and there? Presents just because...

You see, it turns out I have a veeeeeeery long list of the opposite of these little loves which i talked about HERE and now I want to talk about the little things or gestures that make me really happy. That make me feel oh so loved and sometimes even make me well up (nah, too tough to cry mhen) let me see, first up is having y'all blog visitors. I feel so blessed that I have all of you visiting this blog and commenting. I have made a few friends here and I am so grateful to you all.  Please keep coming and reach out to me whenever you want.

 

Next up, I love receiving presents. Especially when they come for no reason whatsoever (Thank you Monsura for yesterday).

• Clouds. I love clouds and I can not say why.Cotton candy (I think this is because I love clouds)

• Smell of babies (sans puke and poo).

• Hot baths.

• Forehead kisses from the Fave.

• Finding money in my pockets.

• The Fave's smile.

• Giving hugs (especially to someone who needs it).

• Getting hugs (all the time).

• Polite people.

• Cake!

• Meat (fried, grilled, boiled, dried, just make it edible)

• Nutella!

• Road trips with the Fave

• I love feeling loved.

• Google!

• Unexpected credit alerts!

• The joy of taking off my bra at the end of the day.

• I love driving with the music really loud....only when i am by myself.

• I love to snuggle.

• Yabbing my best friends gives me joy

• I love when "Idris Elba calls to say good night Bae" (y'all know that only happens in my dreams right?)

• Raindrops on roses. (lol! I just had to do that).

• Hitting green lights my whole way home (like a bawse!)

• Teaching children about basically anything that I know.

• People who are willing to love and accept one another, inspite of their many differences.

• Seeing very old couples happy together.

• The moment of silence after listening to a good song.

• When I accomplish something someone told me I could never do.

• When I am appreciated.

• You know tuwa da miyan kuka must be on this list right?

• Most importantly on this list is knowing I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the imagine of He who has the whole world in His hands! 

So yeah, these are a few of my favorite things. Your turn! Please share with me and fellow blog visitors.
xxo

God Will Finish His Business

Hey people! It is a new week, have you thanked God for life and other things you hold dear to you? My weekend was packed! It was Children's day in Church yesterday and it was crazieeee! (Y'all know I am a Sunday School teacher right? No? Ok, go on and read all about my Confessions Of A Sunday School Teacher.)

It was crazie fun and the kids did well! I am so glad that they loved it all. We had recitations, drama, songs, and dance. Then there was a lot to eat and drink at the end of the day. I thank God for how it went; after rehearsing every weekend for about five weeks, I can truly say God has been faithful.

So, today I want to share on "God will finish His business". I did not write this, it is part of these daily motivations I get via email from a great teacher whose mission is to "teach the ways of God that God's people might be transformed, healed and experience the wonders of God", His teachings have blessed me greatly. So, any way, this is what he wrote concerning God and how He finishes all He starts in our lives.

Please check out his website; www.francisagbo.com for more inspirational messages and I promise you, it wont be a waste of your time. 

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.  Genesis 2:1

God started to rebuild the heavens and the earth. The bible says He finished the work of building the heavens and the earth. Even though it looked difficult and there were obstacles, God finished what He started. God does not abandon projects because He is a finisher. Whatever work He starts, He finishes. Is there a work that God is doing or has started in your life? He will finish it. Remember He is the author and the finisher of your faith. Whatever He starts He finishes. There are no unfinished businesses where God is concerned. He is not a man and so CANNOT abandon a project.

The bible tells us in Ephesians 2:10, that we are God's work. We are His project. So never mind if you do not look like the finished product yet. You look that way now because He has not finished His business. You are God’s business. You are His investment and He has invested a lot in your life. He is not ready to throw away His business and investment. You are His project and His work in your life will be finished. Nothing can stop the work of God in your life from being finished. Remember the bible again tells us in Philippians 1:6 that He who began a good work in your life will perfect and complete it.

You are not your own. You are God's property. You are God's special project, the work of His hands. You are His business. And God always minds His business. He is doing a work in your life. That your marriage or home, He has started a work and He will finish it. Vast as the heavens and the earth are, God finished the work. So you and all the situations that need attention are but a drop in the ocean for God. If he succeeded with rebuilding this vast heaven and the earth, surely your case is but tiny in comparison. You are the work of His hands and He will yet finish His work. Every promise He has made you shall come to pass because God always finishes what He starts. Your life is God’s business and He will finish His business. Progress looks slow now but God will finish His business. He is building your whole life and He will finish whatever He has started in your life.

Is there any area of your life that needs a lift, God will accomplish it. That dream, that expectation, that desire or hope will not be dashed. God will finish what He has begun through you and in you. All he needs from you is faith and for you to hang in there despite the obstacles and challenges before you. Faint not. Quit not. If God has not said you should quit then don't quit. Stay in the home, marriage, office, career, business even though it looks like it is failing or struggling. If God has not told you not to quit then it must be because He is doing a work. And if He is doing a work, it shall be finished, because the Finisher is on your side. The work He is doing in your life will be finished. There will be no unfinished business in your life for God will finish His business in your life.

                                                                                             

 Do have yourselves a blessed week ahead.

xxo