Showing posts with label Jeremiah 29:11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeremiah 29:11. Show all posts
There Are Better Days Ahead...
Lola O.
Honestly, you never really know what life is going to throw at you. Life is messy, unpredictable, and like my mom says, "like a roller coaster life has its ups and downs." We can only wish for more ups than downs, and we must try to enjoy the ride.

I leave for Korea in 2 days, but there is so much craziness going on right now that I just feel guilty for leaving. Yesterday, my mom got into a car accident. She went to pick up her car from getting fixed and on her way home she got into a car accident. Thank God, the damage is minimal and more importantly she is safe and well, but things like this just freak me out.

Of all times, this happens now. This happens to my mom before I am going to go away for a year. It makes me worried and apprehensive of what is going to happen when I am not around. I cannot control anything, and we cannot predict these kinds of things. But that doesn't change it from making us edgy. I'm just thankful it wasn't worse and that my mom is well in body even though her mind is stressed.

So like always I am going to leave it in prayer and ask that God continues to watch over all of us no matter where we are. In moments like this I think about Jeremiah 29:11 and it reminds me to trust in God, and stay strong in these kinds of moments. I am just feeling down right now. Instead of enjoying the last few days together, this kind of stuff happens and overshadows everything else.

I am jut glad she will be able to use my car till hers gets fixed. I am thankful that it wasn't worse,and I just pray that God protects her for me always and forever. Sorry for the somber mood. I just needed to let my thoughts escape my mind for a moment. I am leaving in two days, but with a heavier heart. My mom is my best friend/role-model...so being away from her when she needs me isn't an easy thing to do.

Be blessed,
~Lola O.~
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Sunday Blessings...
Lola O.
Technically it is Monday morning but I want to talk about how blessed I felt on Sunday. I love going to church and the best part of it for me is the praise and worship part. Being someone who loves music like a second skin I just feel very close to God when I hear the praise and worship songs. I really needed to feel that closeness because I was feeling so overwhelmed and stressed for the past few days.

I think the feeling of being overwhelmed was way past due since I have been so calm the whole summer about moving to Korea. At church there was this song that the choir sang that made me feel like God was speaking to me through the lyrics and letting me know that I am not in this alone. I knew that, but I think I needed that reminder of His presence in my life.

When I decided to take this leap and go to South Korea to teach I did it with the intention of giving myself time and challenges to grow into the woman I want to be. I think a person cannot grow if everything is the same and there are no challenges that stretch your mind, heart, and soul into different directions. I want to be stretched, tested, and taught in my year in Korea. I also want to do the same by my students. Not only to teach them English but to also teach them about diversity and my own dual culture as a Nigerian-American.

I think that life is a journey and we have different paths that we can take based on the choices we make, the people we meet, the opportunities that come our way, and the plans God has for us. I don't want to walk down a static path. No, I want to walk down a dynamic path and do different things. I think I need this year to see who I am and who I can be. I guess I want to know what I am capable of us. I want to push past my limits and the boundaries of this world and take flight.

I don't want to be standing on the earth when I can be soaring through the clouds. I want to let my light shine brightly and to know that I can do anything I put my mind to. To know that I am strong, smart, and capable. I know I am those things, but I want to expand and grow in those three areas. I want to see and learn about more of this world we live in. I hope and pray that this is just the beginning of my adventure.

I just need to remember the power of positive thoughts. You can accomplish so much more if you don't let yourself or other people bring you down with their negativity. Today I remembered to take it easy and more importantly to have fun and enjoy myself. This is something I wanted to do, I am blessed to be able to do it, so instead of sweating the details I need to take in the big picture.

So no more ranting, stressing, or freaking out this last week....and no more blog entries about those things!:) I am going to get everything done in time. I am going to enjoy my friends and family before I leave. I am going to have fun packing and preparing to leave. I am going to smile and laugh as much as possible. I am going to think, be, and live positively. I am going to challenge myself to try new things, explore different places, and stretch my mind. I am going to remember to stray true to myself and just believe that I can do this.

My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I reflect on this verse daily because there is such a simple truth to it. The Lord did not being me or you to this world to suffer. No He created us to live happily, to achieve great things, and to love and be loved. This verse always makes me feel better. I guess my message in this post is it is going to be okay. For those leaving what they know for something new you are going to do great things because you can. You have worked hard to get to that point, so don't stand at the edge of the bridge. Instead, take that first step and the others will follow.

I feel truly blessed for the friends and family I have and the prayers and wishes they have sent my way. I feel abundantly encouraged and supported by you all. My heart and spirit is uplifted and I'm glad to have you all on this journey with me.

I feel sooooo much better and I am going to remember that I am doing this for a reason and I am not going to let any situation or person bring me down including myself.

This song is by one of my favorite Christian artists and I consider it to be a wonderful music pick me up.



Be Blessed,
~Lola O.~
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