GOD, GIVE US WISDOM

“GUESS WHAT THE BIG LESSON WAS FOR ME?”

I asked my brother/angel, Kevin, at our Sunday brunch today? I’ve accepted the tough assignment from God to go through some messy personal storms but to come through them with new wisdom from the Almighty God perspective to report back to you guys. Not an easy task, but for this God who is doing so much for me, I say, “No problem! Bring it on!” Kevin told me that he wants me to work on being wise, so, in all the difficulties that come my way, I ask one crucial question: ‘God what are you trying to teach me here?’ In anger, distress, anxieties, frustrations, and humiliations, I ask what I can take from the experience to be better, stronger, and wiser. This time, the big lesson was… (drum roll please!!!):

MERCY

Meaning I can forgive without punishing the parties that have hurt me. I can overlook, ignore, cover the offense as if it never happened. Tough one when the crazy lady wants to show herself feeling she has every reason to make an ugly appearance. But mercy is a significant value God wanted to include in my wisdom guide book. God went as far as explaining why this quality of mercy was so important. One of the kids was watching a show, and I heard a character say, “You sacrifice for the greater good.” I can wisely choose my battles and say this unnecessary and useless one here is not worth fighting so I can wisely use my time and energy to win this bigger one. Knowing the battles that are worth fighting and the ones that are not. That’s wisdom, baby!

And the battles worth fighting are in this picture with me. I will wisely use my time and energy to be the best mom possible. That also includes being the best wife possible to the best husband in the world. He deserves our overwhelming love, appreciation, and respect, is what I tell our kids. God said I should not waste words on people who deserve my silence. I still stick with this song I played for him repeatedly when he came to visit me in the Bahamas for the second time twenty years ago:

“One… you’re like a dream come true
Two… just wanna be with you
Three… it’s plain to see that you’re the only one for me
And four… repeat steps one through three
Five… make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe my work is done
Then I’ll start back at one” – Back At One, Brian McKnight

Our families are essential to God. Let’s be the wise, merciful, patient, going the extra mile in love, patience, gentleness, and forgiveness, covering the offenses of others, all for the glory of God. Can we do that for Papa God, who is doing so much overlooking of our sins and mistakes? He loves us all unconditionally no matter how many times we fall. Can we do the same for others? As for me… I’m back at one. Ride or die chick, my boo/aka better than best husband.

“WE CAN REBUILD STRONGER WHEN WE FALL”

That’s my new perspective, baby, after FALLING A LOT RECENTLY. Your girl is back, focused more than ever on being the wife, mother, and person God HIMSELF would have me to be. This is another example of the sweet life with God. That even in our weaknesses, failings, setbacks, and mistakes, we can use them to help us bounce back even better, wiser, stronger, and happier than ever before. Heehaw! God kept saying to me in my low moments through my alone times with Him, ‘Nik, even when you feel good for nothing, give me your nothing. Didn’t I create the world from nothing?’

What kind of love is this? A love that I want you to get to know for yourself. He is with us in our high moments AND our extremely low ones. HE IS WITH US ALWAYS. He honestly makes me feel as if I’m His favorite girl in the entire world with the love and attention I receive from Him.

Like the other day, dropping Julie off at a friend’s house, I decided to stay in the car to have an appointment with God. It was 54 minutes past the hour, so I decided to go to page 54, and God used this old post there to let me know that HE WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME:

“He (God) figured out a way to let me know that His Presence was INDEED with us IN THAT CAR. Fast forward a few hours, I’m in bed trying to sleep. But because my body clock still has not adjusted to the Nigerian time zone, I couldn’t. I then decided to listen to Rich Roll’s podcast, but for some reason it refused to play. I then go to listen to Bel Air’s Church’s, and boom, it surprisingly worked. However, the one that played, I ended up changing to play another episode. Listen to what the Pastor unbelievably says a couple of minutes into that other sermon: “We CAN imagine that God is in the same room OR THE SAME CAR WITH US…” Wink! Wink!

Sitting in that car and reading that was God coming to me in one of my low moments. I immediately felt so much stronger, feeling God’s sweet Presence with me. Later on, that afternoon, having another low moment, He showed up again. I had just helped a customer get insurance on a vehicle she was purchasing from us, and the payment worked out to $311 per month for two cars. Maybe 15 to 20 minutes later, I’m on the phone with my husband, turning into the crazy lady. I looked up exactly from where I was standing talking to him, when God had me to look up at a price per gallon of gasoline directly in front of me saying $3.11. This lined up too perfectly to be some ordinary coincidence. I knew this was God’s way of saying, ‘NIKKI, STOP!!!!’ I instantaneously smiled with God, knowing this was His way of reminding me to be SILENT. The battles belong to Him! Wink! Wink! I caught myself and quickly apologized to hubby for getting crazy on him.

Speaking to hubby today, though, I told him I’m going with my brother’s advice:

“Neeks, enjoy your gorgeous life. You have a husband who takes great care of you and your children. He respects you. What more can you ask for?” Like Victoria Osteen taught me, I MUST GET GOOD AT COVERING THE OFFENSES OF OTHERS. Ain’t nothing perfect! And with God showing me such love, I have such GREAT FAITH that no matter what happens, God HIMSELF will always be there for me, even when others disappoint me. My security rests in God!

My eyes are now on God and the prize He has in store for my life, even when walking through painful situations. Moment by moment, I ask God to help me to be the wise, strong, calm, loving, steady, loyal, self-controlled wife, mother, and person He would have me to be. I follow His leading, seeking His advice ultimately. God gives us more than we can ask or imagine when we stick with Him! We keep going, guys, all for the glory of God. Love never gives up.

“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3

WEROLLWITHGOD.COM

“MOMMY, YOU SHOULD SEE A THERAPIST”


This was from my daughter, Julie, yesterday driving home from work together. We have pretty much sold out of cars, including my fav from God, a white Audi Q5, and so I had to get a ride home with her. But, God used that ride together for good. I got home, and I was so depressed to know that my daughter had been seeing the sadness in me. I went to bed all down. But then God showed up!
It was 8:18 and I went to page 81 of our family’s website, and an old post showed up, incredibly entitled:
“YOU SHOULD SEE A THERAPIST” (Wink! Wink!)
There I was going to bed so upset at myself that my daughter thought I should see a therapist, and God showed up to let me know His Presence was right there with me. No way this was a regular coincidence for me to go to that page at that specific time. It was all God revealing His fun personality and invisible Presence. Nik, I am always with you! (HUGE SMILE) Here’s what I had to say in that post from over a year and a half ago, and exactly what I said to Julie yesterday: GOD IS MY THERAPIST:
““YOU SHOULD SEE A THERAPIST”
Someone suggested to me yesterday. But let me tell you, I have the ULTIMATE THERAPIST: GOD. He has been my Wonderful Counselor who has guided my life to a lovely place, no smoking, drugs or alcohol needed. Thank you very much! It’s not always pretty, though, and there are some tricky things I have to endure for Him, but no problem. For this God who is doing 10,000 things for me in one moment, I say, “ANYTHING FOR YOU!” even the things I struggle deeply with, I can say, ‘God, I got You!’ I’m a soldier in the army of the Lord!”
Like the customer I sold my Audi to told me this week, “God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers.” That’s me, baby! I had about 4 hours of sleep last night between washing uniforms for my sons, cleaning our house, and working between our two businesses, with a renewed strength and energy feeling God so close to me to have me go to that old post when He knew how awful I was feeling at that moment.
That’s why it’s my joy to share this great news with you guys! This life is too hard to handle without God. WE NEED HIM. Your girl here has decided to use all the negativity and EVIL that comes my way as fuel and motivation to put as much goodness in the world. I’m stepping up my game to be even a better wife, mom, and person, all for His glory! I’m even getting Julie involved with the family GOD business letting her know as we work for Him, He is seriously working for our family! No one pays us, but the rewards from God are off the charts!!! Just knowing His Presence is with us as we take on difficult things is a HUGE blessing. AMEN!!!
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
***
YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DAY
GOD FAVOR FOLLOWS ME WHEREVER I GOhttps://youtu.be/GmtLgXMlVDgLIVE IN GOD, LIVE IN LOVE
HEALTH MATTERS
PLEASE ORDER FOR ME A BRADY SWEATSHIRT!I’m such a huge Tom Brady fan who has inspired me to take on my life like a professional athlete. What I eat, how I exercise, and even lately to be mentally tougher. Your girl is back beating her head with a stick asking God to help me FOCUS on the battles He would have me to take on and the ones to leave with Him!Before fasting, I make sure suck down a big jar of my awful tasting fruit and veggie smoothie and some fruits for added nutrition to take on my day. For dinner, I make sure have a huge serving of salad or veggies, some protein and a carb like my fav brown rice.“LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE THY FOOD”

“SORRY FOR GOING CRAZY ON YOU!!!”

That was me apologizing to my husband today. It was a song playing on the radio as I drove to work that was my reality check:

“Grateful I had all the patience
I know you going through some changes…
Ooh, no, we ain’t perfect, but we damn close” – Dangerous by Meek Mill

I’m back to being Nikki So Patient! I told hubs that whatever we go through, we’re going to go through it together, by the grace of God. And let me tell ya, this patience thing is working for me! My daughter, Julie got her admissions letter to the same top university in New York as her sister, Ember, with a scholarship of $116,000, baby! That’s how we do, boo!!! God asks us sometimes to carry some difficult crosses for Him, but anything done for God is abundantly rewarded. He doesn’t disappoint when we stick with Him!

God teaches me these values in my appointments with Him: faithfulness, endurance, loyalty, going the extra mile in love, mercy, forgiveness, goodness, self-control, discipline, patience, peace, joy, and gentleness. This is how He guides us on the path to the best life with Him. Not that we get it right all the time, but we keep at it, practicing to always stay on the high road with God. Super hard at times, but also super worth it.

“Go easy on me,” Julie asked me one day. I could be a bit too rough sometimes, and God has been nudging me to be a little gentler in my interactions with others. Super tough when the crazy lady wants to make an appearance, but listening and being obedient to God is where I want us all in the 1,000 decisions we make every day. God’s guidance is the best! This means slowing down and listening to Him before doing anything. That’s called being wise. Wink! Wink!

And speaking of being wise, I have to thank my sister-in-law, Aima, for all the thoughtful advice she has given me lately about being a more intelligent woman. She has encouraged me to up my game with our businesses and work on staying focused on critical areas of my life, like being the best mom to my kids, who are counting on me to be my best self for them and forget about all the silly stuff. My eyes are back on the prize! God help us all to be the FOCUSED people He would have us to be! Amen!

THE LORD HIMSELF WILL FIGHT FOR YOU. JUST STAY CALM

DON’T MESS WITH GOD’S GIRL!!!The way God shows up for me as if asking ‘Who’s messing with my Nik?!?’ has been astonishing!!! I was telling my messenger from God, Chris, about a messy situation (life is not always pretty!)Your girl is dealing with, and he sent me the perfect Bible verses:“Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf… Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”‘STAND FIRM, my Nik! I will fight for you!’ And that’s exactly what I’m doing! In a down moment yesterday, I had an appointment with God reading Day 209 from my book, Keep Calm, You’re Rolling with God, and this message showed up:“God has these unimaginable plans for our lives when we stick close to Him, not leaning on our own understanding. Is this hard listening to God and following his nudges and cues as to what He would have us to do? Yes, in fact, it takes supernatural strength at times (exactly me now because the crazy lady is ready to come out!!!). I love a cartoon picture with a little girl walking along a path with a huge hand holding her little hand with the caption: “IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?” (ROMANS 8:31)Fast forward two minutes later, I then went to my meditation book, Jesus Always, which is written as if God is speaking directly to me, and it incredibly said:“IF I AM FOR YOU, who can be against you?”Can you believe God would show up to confirm that message from my book minutes later? Don’t mess with God’s girl, baby! No way this could be some random coincidence! It was another one of my God winks with everything lining up too perfectly to be considered some ordinary coincidence. That’s what gives me the confidence to show up my best, strongest, and most confident self, knowing I’m not going through life alone.Dear God, this life is not always easy. May we follow Your direction, being our most loving, forgiving, courageous, and merciful selves, even when we face difficult times. Amen.

GOD WILL GUIDE YOU ALONG THE BEST PATHWAY FOR YOUR LIFE

“HOW WAS JULIE’S INTERVIEW?”Was the question asked of me from halfway across the world today regarding my daughter’s application to one of the top universities in the world. I was excited to report that Julie answered some of the questions from the mighty God perspective (that’s the mama’s daughter, baby!). In the end, the interviewer shared a God quote with her and how they both share the exact value of trying to make the most impact on making the world a better place while they are alive. Sweet!Let me tell you, God’s perspective changes everything! I just had a conversation with our manager about our business, and we both have faith in God that no situation is too difficult for Him. Even if we’re at nothing, we give God our nothing, reminded that He created the entire world from nothing! Our hope is in Him!!! Julie got a chance to tell the interviewer what I always quote, “If you’re a street cleaner, be the best street cleaner.” We’re doing everything for the glory of God, knowing our reward is with Him! Knowing this top university took time to speak to my daughter was a HUGE win. When she told me a year or so ago that a website said to her that her chances of getting in were extremely low, I said to her, “Don’t forget the God factor!” God has this sweet way of tweaking situations on our behalf, working in the spiritual realm on our behalf.Julie doesn’t like when I take credit for stuff, but it’s not me, it’s God I’m giving the praise. Like the idea that He put in my mind from Nigeria that Julie should become a full-time college student in the US, while still being in high school. She told me how these colleges level classes have pushed her GPA up and now she is in the top 10%, not anymore 20%, of her graduating class. I’ll never forget that day when God told me in my spirit to send that email to Julie’s guidance counselor asking if Julie could start early admissions into college. God is pretty talkative once we get to know Him!!!I say all that to say God is personally involved in our lives. It’s just for us to tap into His voice so we know what He would have us to say, what to do, and where to go, on a moment-by-moment basis. Right now, He has me in silent mode, telling me to vent all my frustrations to Him (His heart is my hospital) and to others, I should learn to be quiet. Super tough for your talkative girl here, but anything to please God, I will learn. (HUGE SMILE)