“ONEKA, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? I DIDN’T HEAR FROM YOU TODAY”
That was the WhatsApp voice message my “Sama” sister/mama, Kelly, left me yesterday. I called her to say that the baboon is working hard these days because I AM KNOWN TO BE VERY LAZY AND PROCRSAITNATE TOO MUCH. So, even though, I had lots on my plate this morning, the feeling from God was to take some time and talk with her while walking. I got to my God tree, and asked her what she had to say to it, and she sweetly said, “Thank you, tree, for giving my sister peace and clarity.” I then hung up from her to see what God had to say to me there. It was 16 minutes past the hour, so I went to page 16 of our family’s website, and look what incredibly showed up:
““MOM, YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING LAZY AND PROCRASTINATING!” (Wink! Wink!) Oh my goodness! I’m so thanking my daughter, Ember, for being so real with me when she said this to me recently – l love criticism!”
See how God found a way under that tree to remind me that His loving and invisible Presence is always with me. That’s the love I want you guys to know and experience for yourselves. The better you know Him, the more you love Him! He is too much! How could my very words to my sister show up so perfectly on page 16 at 16 minutes past the hour? No coincidence. All God, baby!
And let me tell you, I love the alliance I have with this sister. She makes me stronger and better! Every conversation with her is sacred. Like after speaking with her today, I had to have a tough meeting with my daughters. I explained that life is not just about always asking, ‘What’s in this for me?’ But, ‘What can I do to help you?’ Relationships are a two-way street. You give, and you get! Having humility and asking, ‘How may I serve you?’ with a helpful, grateful, and kind attitude, and always giving your best is the way to go. Not just asking other people to do for you! It ain’t that kind of party! “If you’re a street cleaner, be the best street cleaner!” God loves the humble!!!
The conversation with the boys on the way to school was the best, though! We read about faithfulness (something we seemed to have forgotten about in the world today!):
“This fruit of the Spirit is the word for standing fast, steadfastness, devoted, tried, constant, reliable, unwavering, trustworthy, dependable, resolute, honest, punctual, and steady… The faithful person is dependable in all kind of life circumstances.” – Robert Strand
I explained that this will be a HARD year for them because that’s what I did for their sisters when they were their ages. Now, my girls rock! Ember is about to go to university in New York, where she eventually wants to work on Wall Street. Julie is registering for in-person college classes that will be held 30 minutes away from our home, even though she technically is still a high school student. By the grace of God, we’ve raised some confident, hardworking, disciplined, wise, independent, and responsible daughters. Heehaw!
Like I tell you guys, I GET MY ADVICE FROM GOD! He knows the utmost best for us (including the people we need in life like Kelly and my brother, Kevin (in the picture with me!). I want us all going to Him for clarity and direction in every aspect of our lives. A LIFE GUIDED BY GOD CANNOT FAIL!!!
