Tuesday, February 17, 2009

It's my birthday.........Its a Tuesday!
















Its Tuesday, it’s my birthday today..….and here is my Ten Things Tuesday special.......

I am thankful for:-
1) His Love: I thank God because He loves me, sounds like a cliché right?…the reality of the kind of love God has for me just hit me recently; now I understand NOTHING would stop or reduce His love! Nothing, not even my weaknesses, not death, not life, not the devil, not angels, not my unseriousness, not my failures..... NOTHING, He loves me beyond understanding…….I am eternally grateful. God lavishes His love on me!

2) My Body: I‘ve had serious issues with my health, a lot of people do not know 'cos I don’t look it.
I was practically sick all through my days in the university; to the extent the nurses knew my hospital card number by heart. I always carried my drugs in my bag. I struggled everyday.
I despaired, prayed, cried, fasted, studied, gone for endless tests, x-rays, scans, mammography etc Doctors experimented with me. ( and I no be Sickler o)


I remember at a time I stopped making plans for my future; I was so sure I would pass away soon. I thank God for this inner strength, faith and determination He gave me then, no matter how sick I felt I was able to do almost anything I wanted to do!


But Now......for the past years, I have been strong! I have not been admitted in an hospital for years! I even avoid taking drugs now, I avoid ordinary Paracetamol………….just writing about all I went through …....brings tears to my eyes……my fears, my helplessness....it was very bad............... I would continue to testify about it even on my 60th, 80th and 100th birthday anniversary( If Christ tarries). God gave me a new lease of life!!

3) My future, the process………I’m writing this by faith, God is helping me, unwrapping somethings, I'm learning to walk with God by faith and not by sight, as I write I am not sure of the outcome of some things, but I am thanking in advance for my future. I'm going to have and experience all that Christ died for me for. No more religion; having the form but no power. No more stories, but realities. I cherish and really appreciate this process. God is adding beauty to me!

4) His Mercy: boy…..I’ve really messed up in my short life, I have made a lot of wrong choices and decisions. You might not believe me, but I think I am one the greatest recipients of God’s mercies……… you know that saying that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’ ? Me? I keep falling short, but God? he keeps forgiving, keeps believing in me, keeps cheering me on.

5) The Fire: Remember I wrote about loosing our house to fire here, I almost lost all I managed to re-own to another fire incident some days ago…….they said it was something that had to do with some gas leakage...bla bla bla, the gas exploded, the whole house was almost in flames. I was not in the house, but neighbors were able to put out the fire on time, and thank God no life was lost……….me I know Baba interfered!

6) The Depression: oh yea………I was there, it was about 3 years ago....it actually started before then. Mostof theplans I made for my future failed, I saw my dreams crashing before me, I lost a lot, that was the season that almost everything I feared most in life happened to me.


I tried to pretend to everyone I was fine, I talked less about it, I worried so much, I internalized all these pains. I discovered one day I started to loose it............I was on the verge of depression. I had a new job, I went on vacation to interesting places, went to the hospital, prayed, indulged my self, I tried all I could, but it was not working, I was sinking more and more into depression day by day.


Looking back today………I still don’t know how I came out of that condition, but I got over it………..God carried me through that season!

7) My Trips: I’m thankful for protection, in the last 3 years of my life, I travelled a lot, moved about a lot, I can leave one destination for another place at any time without thinking (even in strange lands). I have come out of car crashes unhurt, I have been robbed at gun point, I have flown in aircraft that were in terrible conditions, flown at very bad weather conditions. I have gone to site locations at very dangerous places and times, I can go on and on, I know I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death. ……….God kept me!

8) The Job: ….I remember this with a lot of mixed feelings … those days! o those days! when I was jobless. Yours truly prayed, fasted, cried, schemed, but the jobs were just not forth coming.
At a time, I was ready to take or do anything.


I remember always 'doing serious prayers' to God to provide money just to make my hair, I 'enjoyed' strolling when there was not enough money for transport fare,
I depended on people….and put up with all sorts of harassments. but like the Isrealites in the wilderness, whose clothes and shoes did not wear out for 40 years, He took care of me.

A lot of people are loosing jobs in their thousands now, I do not take mine for granted, its not yet my dream job, but it can conveniently pay all my bills and afford to do anything I want to, plus I have gained a lot of experience………..God settled me!


9) The family: they are my cheerleaders, my own support group, my allies, we have our own issues too, but they would do almost anything for me. We have been through a lot; no food, no money, no house etc, but we are survivors. God blessed me with people, I can depend on.

10) and to Blog Ville, I really have become a better person, a more focused person, I have read things on people’s blog that has made me to go pray about my life, make some good decisions or given me food for thought. ……….oh God…its been wonderful,
Love you all……Muah!! God has made me a companion of the wise!

I want to go on and on, to thank God for my sweet and faithful friends, my dreams, for this place, this time, for the lots I have learnt, my love life, my walk with God; peace, joy, answered prayers, my opportunities, my pains etc……….
but I want to stick to the rhyme…..TTTT……Ten Things Thankful Tuesday! I’ll stick to 10
I’ll be back soon………need to go get ready to send you all your share of the cake!


I know you need to say it...........Ok…let me help you all say…...Olufunke, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!



43 comments:

Enkay said...

FIRSTTT!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Isn't it beautiful the way you have taken time today to reflect on all of God's goodness?

God has been faithful all these years and he would still remain faithful in your life.

He is beautifying you in much more ways than you can imagine.

He is daily loading you with benefits and your mouth will never cease to sing his praise.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Zayzee said...

happy birthday. is it 10 or 17 February? anyway, Im thanking God for another year He has blessed you with. and as you decided to walk with Him, all the way, u will not fall. His Grace and Glory be with you

Olufunke said...

@Enkay, thanks dear, I say Amen, Amen, Amen and Amen!
Appreciate you

@ Uzezi, my birthday is 17th of February o, dont mind blogspot
I appreciate your prayers
Many thanks

Anonymous said...

happy birthday.... guess utlimately God "settles" us in his own time....

Scarlet said...

Happy Birthday! Hope you have a lovely day.
Remember that he who started a good work in you will also be faithful to complete it in you.

Beulah! said...

Happy birthday Funke...many happy returns of d day!!..More years of fruitfulness & jollofing...U ain't seen nothing yet!!!

Hip hip hip Hooray!!!!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Funke!


Wishing you the best cos you deserve nothing less.

deola said...

OH Happy birthday. I wish u more sizzling smile and lingering laughter.

Writefreak said...

Happy birthday darling, is it today or was it last week!

I specially thank God with you for your health, being sick can be a real pain! I've been there!

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

happy, happy birthday to you!!!!

Enjoy your day, Ms. Funky!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Olufunke! May you continue to have things to be thankful for today and forever!

#2 really touched me: thank God for you life and your renewed hope!!

Jay said...

Happy birthday girl..wishing you many happy returns xx

Miss Opeke said...

Ok how did I miss this bit...Soooo sorry...
Anyways, let's start from the very beginning...Happy Birthday Olufunke...but I most also add, ...Belated Birthday to a wonderful person...!!!

Miss Opeke said...

Haba! And I thought I actually missed your birthday...Happy Birthday to you!!!!

Yankeenaijababe said...

@funke

Happy Happy Birthday to You. I love the thank you post as well. Your story is a testimony and God is great. You are a witness of his abundant blessings. This is the beginning and God would take you places. Happy Happy Happy Birthday to you. Muah

Afronuts said...

Happy belated birthday sweetheart!

I thank God for all he's done in ur life.
You once lost ur home to fire? Gosh! I can't imagine the devastation. And I admire your resolve to still be thankful despite the tragedy...thats the spirit that provokes more of God's blessings!

Geebee said...

Happy belated birthday sis. Wishing you many more happy years. Come to think of it, how come we have so many February babies? I know at least twenty one February birthdays (8 in the last five days). All the best.

Olufunke said...

@Danny: Many thanks, yes o....God settles us o!

@Scarlet: Thank you my sister, I say Amen, and Amen and Amen

@Beulah: I appreciate you, and I say Amen o, many, many, many years of Jollofing, fried ricing, chickening, turkeying.... and all the good things of life for us all.

@Dammy:Mnay many thanks, I appreciate it

@Deola: thank you, I like the sizzling part of it, and GOd would continually fill our mouths with laughter

@Writefreak: Thank you o, my birthday is this week, i dont know what happened to blogspot, its 17th February...and as for the sick times....we thank God for strength we enjoy now...He daily loads us with benefits.

@Solomonsydelle: Thank you so much, how are your crew members?

@Good Naija Girl: Many thanks,and Amen to all your prayers.
I still get to the point of tears whenever I remember those weak, hopeless and sick days....Thank God for new stories!

@Word Merchant: Thank you so so so so much. Thanks for stopping by.

@Miss Opeke International: Oh dear...You didnt miss my birthday, you only missed the birthday ball :-)
Thanks, and I love the 'wonderful person' part of it......

@YNC:Thanks dear, Amen O! We would always have testimonies.
Would respond to your tag soon.

@Afronuts: Yes ooooo, all our house lost to fire just like that! but we thank God for renewed hope!
I appreciate your comment.

bumight said...

Happy Birthday... i wish u many many more fruitful years!

Vera Ezimora said...

WOW. I really, really like this. I too have made countless mistakes in my short life. Sometimes, when I look back, I cannot help but wonder what is wrong with me. Why make sure mistakes??? Yet, God has forgiven me every time and taken me back. I am not worthy of anything I receive from Him.

Happy birthday, darling

Esi Cleland Yankson said...

Happy Birthday Olufunke!

Anonymous said...

Happy Belated Bday

said...

omo oba, happy birthday.

Rita said...

Happy Birthday my dear. Sorry this is coming late...

I am so inspired by the things you are thankful for. God is good.

Olufunke said...

@Bumight: Amen o, thank you so much

@Vera: You are right o, thank God, He is God....He always gives us too long a rope.
How are you? we are still expecting your gist.

@Esi W Cleland: How are you doing, thanks for stopping by.

@Olamild: Thank you

@Secret Diary: Thanks a lot, and I like being called 'OMO OBA'

@Rita: thanks, a lot, I am still accpeting birthday gifts o,
How have you been?

NoLimit said...

Awww happy belated birthday...I actually thought I said that earlier...I presume you had a great time on your day...

tobenna said...

You were born a week after me?!
Yah.
Your TTT's is an incredible list.
God has given you a reason to be alive.
Thanks for testifying.

Miss Opeke said...

It looks like U r still parryin' abi??? Anyways, just wanted to say, an Update is sooooo due o...

LG said...

they say....better late than neva'
so wishing u a HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY:) oya bow ur head, may God continue to grant ur heart desires (amen)

Miss Opeke said...

Sisi Funke...d date on my calendar reads, 'March 2009'...we are soooo ready for an update o...
and by d way,

Wuz 'ere 2 advice U 2...make ur choice 2day @ Naija Bloggers' Award's blog!!!
[*but U don't have 2 look any further...just nominate Moi-We (BlogVille Idol's creator & me)!!! LOL!!!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday funke. I am thankful for you. God is faithful and i am back.......

your birthday must have been really special. i feel guilty for letting mine pass by bcos of all the plans i had.

see ya

Olufunke said...

@No Limit: Many thanks, I did have a very good time.
How you?

@Tobenna:My brother na so oooooo, a week after you o :-)
God woudl continue to give us reason to testify of His goodness.

@LG: My head is still bowed.......I dey say AMEN, AMEN, AMEN.
thank you. I always trip for all the pidgin english on your blog

@Miss Opeke: My sister, I dey get 'blogger's bloc' abi wetin I go call am. but I woudl try to update soon...many thanks, and i am off to nomiate, trust me....you gat the nominations 'wink'

@Tisha: As if you know, it was a very special birthday, I am thankfult o God for it. and thank God you're back......I'm off to check out your blog

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

happy belated bday babe!!!!!

Jennifer A. said...

Awww...this post was really beautiful. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. May God continue to unravel His mysteries to you every morning, may He continue to wrap you in His beauty.

Something I can relate to is: His Mercy...because God is just merciful to us...no matter how far we stray away sometimes...

Afrobabe said...

Awwwww happy birthday dear..hope u had a nice one...

Writefreak said...

O ya update, it's been a while!

How're you dear?

aloted said...

so sorry i am late...i hope u had fun on ur day...

really enjoyed reading this post...i thank God for ur life

Anonymous said...

Olufunke, your notes keeps dazzling and astonishing moi!!! Omo Oba, no be you na God.. I do not want to be left out of the long list of well wishers... HAPPi Baiday omo Ilo..!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Sorri o i ought to add BELATED abi?

The Activist said...

Happy belated b'day. Hope you had a swell time

Olufunke said...

@ Solomonsydelle: Thanks o! I appreciate it.

@Jaycee: I had a wonderful brithday, I'm glad you liked the post, Yours ALWWAYS inspires me. and I still would say I'm one of the greatest recipeints of God's mercies.

@Afrobabe: many many thanks, i appreciate it, It was a very nice birthday, most interesting in recent times.

@Writefreak: My dear, I dey Kampe...I would have regular updates very soon by God's grace.

@Aloted: Thanks dear, no probs about being late, the thoughts matter most. I had fun o, my friends had for me a suprise party, office too was fun. I was approaching the day with a lot of uncertainties, even the birthday post was done in faith, but it turned out interesting.

@Anonymous: I love the Omo-oba part of it. Omo Ile........Thanks so much, you will not be left out of all the good things of life in Jesus name.
Dont worry....belated or before-ted...leave grammar for Oyinbo.

@Stand Tall The Activist: Yes oooooooooo, as if you know I had more than a swell time: My friends had planned for me a suprise party, I was tripped, they were all there....I felt like royalty. Thanks!

The Activist said...

That was nice my lady

Omo Oba said...

This was so honest, Funke. dang your blog is so real. thanks for sharing about everything but esp. about the depression bit becuz people dont talk about depression in 9j. Your testimony is permanent my dear. Happy belated birthday!