“… BUT GOD WAS WITH ME”

That’s my life’s testimony for sure! I’ll never forget sitting in my mom’s office reception one day. I was about nine years old, when a client asked, “Are you Mabel’s daughter?” He was incredibly the doctor that delivered me. “I’ll never forget you,” he said, and he went on to tell me the dramatic story of my birth. He said back in those days, they focused on saving the life of the mother first and foremost, and they just placed me to the side, really thinking I was dead. BUT GOD WAS WITH ME. The person, on the way to throw me away, noticed I still had a pulse and here I am, decades later, baby!

And looking back at my entire life, it’s been one situation after another where I can CLEARLY see that God HIMSELF has been with me.

From some of my saddest days, I would always feel Him wrapping His arms around me and comforting me. And tell me, what is there to be sad about when you have the Creator of the universe showing you such love and attention. … BUT GOD WAS WITH ME!

To my most difficult days, where I must hold on to His hands SUPER TIGHT, He shows up as if saying, ‘Who’s messing with my Nik?’ The words to say, the solutions and wisdom to tackle problems, the people to help have ALL miraculously appeared. … BUT GOD WAS WITH ME!

HERE’S THE DEAL:

He’s not just with me, He’s with ALL of us. I’m just the God maniac over here who pays attention. And that’s what I want us all doing more of this year, PAYING ATTENTION TO GOD, KEEPING OUR EYES FOCUSED ON HIM.

After exercising with my daughter, Julie, this morning, I said to her that HUMILITY has been one of the secrets to her mom’s happy life. The ability to put up with certain things, hear some things and pretend I didn’t hear them, and see some things and pretend I didn’t see them, with my EYES completed fixed on God asking what He would have me to do in difficult moments, have all worked exceptionally well for me. Fast forward to some hours later, I’m at work, and the calendar God speaks through me through quoted this scripture:

“By HUMILITY and the fear of the Lord
Are riches and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4

This was God’s sweet way of saying, ‘Nik, I see you being humble. Great job!’ He’s pretty talkative once you get to know Him! I’m keeping my eyes on God no matter what situation comes my way, KNOWING this is the way to “riches and honor and life.” Wink! Wink!

KEEP CALM—YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

“YOU’VE ALREADY BEGAN LEAVING YOUR LEGACY”

I said to this beautiful daughter, Ember, standing next to me. She was inaugurated recently as the FIRST head girl of a school that opened for the very FIRST time on her birthday, for the very FIRST year we relocated to Nigeria. My testimony is that God built this school especially for us, and I’m thrilled with the people my kids are growing up to be.

“What are you doing? I came to do that!” Ember questioned me when she saw me washing the dishes this morning. It was her turn, but I wanted to help her out since she’s such an awesome help to me. Notice the integrity, discipline, responsibility, and excellence this daughter demonstrated? That’s the CHARACTER that’s making this momma super happy, not just from Ember, but from all our children and my hubby. That’s how we do! We’re a family ROLLING with God ALL THE WAY, being the people in the world He is calling us to be.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we’re perfect, and we may get it wrong LOTS of time, but we consistently work at being BETTER, allowing God to guide more and more of our decisions. GOD IS OUR BOSS!!! And I want us ALL making Him a priority in every moment of our lives.

And when we do that, let me tell ya, the BLESSINGS of God will chase us down. I’ll never forget meeting with some clients this year, and one of the top bosses wanted to see us. As we entered the room, she asked, “You’re from a mechanic shop?” We’re changing the image of mechanics, baby! By conducting our business from the standpoint of, “God, what would You have us to do here?” some amazing opportunities have opened for us, and we’re giving all the glory to God. We ended up getting the “lion’s share” of that contract.

Today, as we go into 2019, I want to encourage us all to be GOOD, standing out wherever we go, being an example and representative of God in the world. Let’s give our BEST in every moment, working enthusiastically as if working for God Himself. I’ll never forget a week this daughter, Ember, came to work with us and said, “I left my phone at home because I didn’t want it to distract me from my work.” And that’s the CHARACTER that helped her become the head girl.

As you work and give everything for God, TRUST ME, He’s behind the scenes of your life WORKING FOR YOU!!! (WINK! WINK!) MAKE GOD A PRIORITY! Keep asking, ‘Boss, what should I do here?’ And keep striving to be the excellent and loving people that would make Him proud of at any moment, throwing off anything that’s holding us back.

MAY GOD BLESS OUR HUSTLE. AMEN.

KEEP CALM—YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

“I’M YOUR SLAVE…”

.., I work for food, shelter, and clothing!” I said to my hubby last night! Many years ago, I felt God saying to me if my marriage was to last, I needed to end all arguments about money. So, whatever, my hubby decides, I pretty much go along with him for peace sake. And believe it or not, this decision has been working out beautifully for me. This morning hubs left out early to attend to an urgent work matter, and he returned bringing lots of seafood for the girls and me since we decided to give up chicken and meat, AGAIN. I just left him and our daughter, Julie, cooking our big Sunday brunch! FOR SURE, THIS IS THE BLESSED LIFE WITH GOD!

HERE’S THE DEAL:

God’s ways are not our ordinary human ways. But I’ve found that His ideas are always the best. His direction has guided my life on a very beautiful path. This decision to go along with hubby regarding money matters is me NOT conforming with the world but asking God what HE would have me to do. And that’s where I want ALL of us: Seeking God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives and being OBEDIENT to Him, ALTHOUGH IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY.

God KNOWS it all about everything and everyone, and He’s an expert! It just makes sense to involve Him in ALL our decisions. But He doesn’t PUSH Himself on us, though, He patiently waits in the background for us to invite Him to be a part of our lives. And once He’s in, He’s pretty talkative. In every moment, I can hear exactly what He would have me do, say and go. Mostly through my feelings, thoughts, nudges, and impressions that come to mind, I know God’s direction. Feelings of peace are what I look for as cues from Him (no peace or doubt means don’t do that!).

But taking the time to actually sit and read my meditation books is where I learn God’s character, voice, and the person He is calling me to be in the world. Or, I love hanging out on Tumblr.com and searching for “God” posts. Not a moment spent with God has been wasted. Honestly, hubby is more of a slave to me! A better husband I could not have found and I’m excited about our future together! I’m genuinely Nikki So Blessed! And I’m giving all honor, praise, and glory to God for the path He has guided my life on.

Don’t miss out! Tell God you want in on the blessed life, too, and start having those crucial ALONE TIMES with Him to help direct your life!

KEEP CALM—YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM AN ENEMY?

I asked my family at our Christmas Day Brunch recently. Julie said she had learned from a girl at school who’s always very insulting to her friends to be NICE. I said I had learned that what others think and say about me is really NONE of my business. And our eleven-year-old son, Emmie, surprised the heck out of me when he said that he was his own biggest enemy when he allows his mind to think the wrong things. Say what?!? How old are you again?

I know WRONG THINKING has held me down BIG TIME!!! From the anxious, fearful, fretful, and worrisome thoughts to the sad and depressing ones where I was STARVING for the love and approval of others, I have TRULY BEEN MY OWN BIGGEST ENEMY.

“I’m thanking God for a clear mind,” I said to someone last night. Honestly, I see such an incredible difference in my life since I’ve started BEATING my head with a stick like John Joseph taught me. Whenever the fearful, anxious and worrisome thoughts come, I hit myself in the head and say, “No, no, no, my HOPE IS IN GOD!” When I feel as if I’m starving for love, that’s another HIT upside the head, ‘Girlfriend please, God’s love for you in one moment is more than what any person can give you in an entire lifetime. You’re to share God’s love, not expect it from others. Got that?’ When I want to think about hurtful things and disappointments from the past, I say, ‘Sorry, devil, you MAY NOT HAVE MY JOY TODAY!!!’ I forget about the former things, and I think about the GREAT things God has in store for my future. My entire life is a celebration with God, baby!

My thoughts are now CLEARLY FOCUSED ON GOD! I loved a wink from Him yesterday when I was thinking to tell my husband that because of security reasons I don’t think I should travel somewhere with him. I even discussed the matter with my mom, and she agreed. An hour or so later, I decided to have a quick appointment with God, and the very day I randomly opened in our meditation book, Jesus Calling, God had this to say to me:

“I AM YOUR STRENGTH AND SHEILD… My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watch-care, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”

‘God, are you saying I’m to go with my husband?!?’ Ok, You’re the Boss!!!’Tell me, what kind of a love is this, for God, the Creator of the universe, to speak directly to me at that moment, and let me know that He’s the One protecting me. This REALLY gives me the confidence to continue BEATING my head with a stick whenever my MIND wants to bring me down. I’m latching on to God, focused on His love, protection, peace, and favor that follows me wherever I go. Are you FOCUSED on God?

KEEP CALM—YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

“I’M JUST TRYING TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE”

That was me to my daughters yesterday! I turned into crazy mom to get them to clean their rooms and study. “It’s about having discipline!” is what I told them. And you don’t go far in life without discipline! The hardest thing we have to do is to conquer ourselves and be the people we know we’re capable of being. In fact, I’ve dedicated this entire year to be a more disciplined person. So far, I’m thrilled with the results! I’ve even cut out alcohol altogether. I found that it was only slowing me down. Now I wake up at 5:30 am, excited, feeling like I’m on a personal mission from God, not lazy and hung over.

Being disciplined in our THINKING is another tough one to conquer! Unnecessary thoughts will bounce back and forth all day long if we’re not careful. Today is another fasting day because I’ve noticed that these days are teaching me to focus on what’s essential and to most importantly keep my eyes fixed on God.

When the thoughts tell me to worry, to dwell on the past, to feel guilty, to be irritated by trivial matters, to be sad, I beat my mind with a stick to focus on things that are relevant to my dreams, goals, and aspirations, and my decision to celebrate everyday like a birthday, while still seeking to be the best wife, mother and person possible.

My meditation book had the best advice for me yesterday, a message from God:

“MY CHILD, there are many matters of which it is well for you to be ignorant, and consider yourself as one who is dead upon the earth and to whom the whole world is crucified. There are many things, too, which is well to pass by with a deaf ear, thinking, instead, of what is more to your peace. It is more profitable to turn away from things which displease you and leave to every man his own opinion than to take part in quarrelsome talk. If you stand well with God and look to His judgment, you will more easily bear being worsted (defeated).”

Such great advice! Sometimes we really have to pretend as if we’re ignorant and deaf. Otherwise, we waste precious time and energy fighting useless battles. That’s where this discipline comes in. Someone says or does something offensive to us, and we must DISCIPLINE ourselves to be SILENT and leave them with their own opinion. We must look to please God in every moment and what He thinks of us. Forget other people and what they think, do, or say and keep looking to GOD and seek to always please Him. Trust me, His ways are best!

KEEP CALM—YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

“HE’S BEEN OUR GOD WINK”

I said to my hubby, talking about a customer he had to visit early this morning. This person showed up in our life years ago and I’ve never met anyone like him – extremely humble, loyal, faithful, wise and close to God. We had a little get together at our house to celebrate Joshie’s birthday a few weeks ago and he showed up, like he always does whenever we invite him over. He has supported us tremendously and although I take lots of time writing and posting my posts, I remind my husband that this is my work for God and I have no doubt that God is behind the scenes of our life sending us faithful customers like him. God, You’re too much!

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6). As Pastor Joel Osteen said best, “We aren’t limited to the earth’s resources; we have unlimited spiritual resources by the Spirit of God. There are things that can’t happen by human thinking and reasoning. There are things that won’t be solved by natural power and might. But God is not limited to what we can see. When you open the door of faith in your heart, God will move through you by His Spirit. No matter what challenges or obstacles you may be facing today, know that you can live in complete victory by His Spirit!”

This customer just showed up. It wasn’t by my power or my husband’s power, it was all by God’s supernatural power. And in the short amount of time we’ve been in Nigeria, I’m amazed at all the other people who have shown up to support us. God promises that people who walk uprightly with Him shall never beg for bread.

I don’t know about you, but I’m cleaving close to God. I’m trusting His wisdom to guide me because He knows the right opportunities, the right connections, the right places to be, the decisions we need to make to get through any challenge and to live the bestest lives.

He doesn’t want to take our free will from us, so He patiently waits in the background of our lives waiting for us to invite Him in. As you seek Him, you will find Him. Tell Him you want in on what Nikki writes about. It won’t be a trouble free life, I can tell you that, but with Him holding our hands ever so tightly, there’s nothing that will come our way that we can’t handle with Him.

KEEP CALM—YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

“LET US USE THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRUST GOD MORE”

I said to my friend, Danny, last night. She lives in the Bahamas and I’m in Nigeria, but God figured out a way to connect us over a year ago and looking back from where I was when I first connected with her, to the person she has helped me to become, all I can say is, “God, I’m tremendously grateful for the hook up.” We’ve helped each other through some pretty messy stuff and every conversation has been sacred, including the one last night.

She admitted to struggling with bitterness and I reminded her that instead of becoming bitter, we can use all the disappointments and hurts to really look deep within ourselves and see in what areas we can become better. So we can take the pain from what has happened and use it for our good to become better people. Bitterness has helped to create a new me! The miserable at times, undisciplined, unfocused, insecure, worrisome, discouraged and weak Nik is becoming much more focused, hardworking, disciplined, trusting in God more and loads happier. I’m a better wife, mother and person.

But this idea of using this issue to trust God more is where I am now at with it. I feel at a certain point, when you’ve done all you can, you have to surrender things over to God. Certain situations are out of our control, but they’re not out of God’s control. Our job is to turn them over to God, committing all our needs, hopes and fears to Him, being our wisest, bravest, courageous, toughest and most loving selves. And whether God turns things around or not, is not my concern anymore, because I trust God knows what He’s doing and I’m placing my entire life into His care.

“I pray God gives you wisdom,” I said to my hubby this morning. With God’s wisdom He can tell you where the right business opportunities are for financial wealth, He can teach you how to take care of yourself for better health and He can teach you how to handle the daily trials of life by giving you spiritual knowledge. This I pray for us all as we keep our eyes fixed on God, seeking His input in every decision we make, not going by the ordinary rules, but the supernatural rules knowing all things are possible with God.

KEEP CALM—YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

“SOMETIMES YOU TAKE TWO OR THREE STEPS BACKWARDS”

Was my very surprising God wink yesterday! I tried downloading the latest RobCast by Rob Bell on iTunes, when for some reason it refused to download and the last episode I started listening to maybe a week or so ago kept playing instead. When these glitches happen now, I pay attention because they usually mean God is up to something. I paused and said to Him, “Ok, whatever You want me to listen to.”

When Rob said “Sometimes you take two or three steps backwards,” I freaked out and played it back again a few times because that’s exactly how I’ve been feeling lately. I go forward in a certain area and then next thing I know I feel as if I’ve moved a few steps backwards. But God had the perfect reminders for me in that podcast and when I was done listening I felt like celebrating!

He said that when this happen we just have to dust ourselves off and get back on the path and that it’s like a journey of 1,000 steps and sometimes you feel you may have taken some steps backwards, but when you look at how far you’ve come, you should celebrate all the progress you have made instead of being upset about the few backward steps. Wow! That made me so happy because I see the huge improvement in this area and there was plenty for me to celebrate. It was as if God Himself was saying to me, “Nik, hold your head high, you have come so far and you have so much to be proud of.”

I went home and had the best evening with my family. I told them we have to celebrate because God has been good to us. We started our family prayer again with my husband and my two other Emmanuels praying for us. To God be the glory! Great things He has done!

We have to be patient with ourselves and others. We may not be where we want to be and others may not be where we want them to be, but let’s celebrate the victory in how far we’ve all come. Constant and never ending improvement. I’ve surrendered this entire area over to God and in His perfect timing it’ll all work out.

KEEP CALM—YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

CAN I BOAST ON THE LORD TODAY?

I attended a parent/teacher coffee morning at the kids’ school and I bragged to everyone on our well my daughters, Ember and Julie, are doing. I said, “They’re not my daughters anymore, they’re my Harvard girls!” This story began back in October of last year, when their former Principal decided to recognize the top performers in some continual assessment tests that had taken place the week before. In a very informal way, he called those students up to the stage and congratulated them. And this has started a healthy competition amongst the students like no other!

The Julie and Ember that I used to fight with to study, now want on their own to study! Late one night I walked pass Julie in the stairwell studying and she said mom, “I’m here because I need to studying and staying here is keeping me up.” At 1 am when I stayed up with them one morning, she asked, “Mom, is this what it takes to get into Harvard?” I said, “Yes, lots of studying and hard work!”

The school now also takes into account all their homework assignments when determining these top three students every couple of months or so, so I see them putting much more effort in all their work and super momma is super thrilled. Whether they get the award or not, in my eyes they’re improved tremendously and I’m happy to see my daughters learning discipline, hard work and excellence. Which we all should be addicted to!

So how does God fit into all of this? He’s my life Partner in every aspect. He’s behind the scenes and He’s coordinating everything and everyone to assist me, no matter the challenge I face. For this Principal to show up in Nigeria from the United Kingdom and for him to make this one decision that has changed the entire culture of the school has been amazing to watch. You’ve never seen kids so excited about tests and studying. The teachers are noticing an improvement in their performances and its now trending to be a top student and to study hard. Yayy!

Another Julie story in all of this is that one of the students in her class bragged that said she’s never gotten anything less than first place since third grade. My Julie said, “Mommy, by the end of this semester I plan to take that first place position from her!”

But I must say a BIG THANK YOU also to the owners of the school for building such a great place for my kids to learn and to all the teachers and staff for their hard work and dedication in helping me to raise these fantastically terrific kids.

KEEP CALM, YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD

DOES LIFE HAVE YOU DEPRESSED?

Talking to a friend yesterday, I realized how much I’ve grown up over the past year or so. I was having a terrible day and I went crying to her. I said, “That sad, weak, insecure, emotional, Nikki, is gone!” I’ve replaced her with a confident, strong, stable, full of joy, steady and calm Nikki. So I totally get that life can get the best of you at times, but just how God has helped me, He can help you too.

Another friend gave me the best advice in going through that situation. She said, “Keep your focus on God.” That turned out to be the best advice ever! As I looked to God, He directed me on a moment by moment basis as to what to do. In the beginning, I got a feeling from Him in one of our alone times together to thank Him for this problem. I said, “God, how can I thank You for this?” But almost a year later I’m seeing how this whole mess was used by God to take me to a much higher level of happiness. The things I was worried about then, I’m not worried about anymore. Like I told this friend I have so much wonderful things going on in my life that I have to time to spend worried and upset. I’ve importantly learned to surrender/let go, handing over all worries to God and praying about them instead.

People will disappoint us and if we look to them for our peace and happiness, we’ll be forever disappointed. My mom asked me this week why someone seemed to be giving me the cold shoulder. I said I didn’t know why, but the Nikki that used to try and figure why people don’t like her is also gone. There are billions of people on the planet, so if some people don’t like me, I’m actually OK with that. I’m focused on running my own race, being the best person I can be and leaving others to do the same.

I thanked a friend this week for being such an inspiration to me and she said, “God is our inspiration!” Honestly, “What do we have that didn’t come from God?” In every moment God is doing like 10,000 things for us that we have no clue about. I’m learning to thank Him in every circumstance, trusting Him that even though I may not know why He’s taking me along some treacherous paths, if I stay with my focus on Him, staying on the high road, where I’m my most loving, merciful, forgiving, strongest, unflinching self, He will bring me through every difficulty better, wiser, happier and more peaceful than I was before it.

I will never stop talking about the appointments/alone times with God. As you seek Him, He will comfort you and strengthen you to handle anything with His incredible wisdom.

KEEP CALM, YOU’RE ROLLING WITH GOD