Grace. That’s the summary of this post. Of my life.

It’s my birthday… whoop whoop!! I’m really excited. You can tell, right? It’s been a year. A great year. One that I’m thankful for. For the past few years, I’ve shared lessons that I learnt during the time from one birthday to another. You can view them 2015/2016 Season, 2016/2017 Season, and 2017/2018 Review.

This year, I want to do something different. I’ll still share the lessons but it would be in a different format. Is that good? Okay. Thank you. So here goes…

Some time ago, I was studying Philippians 4:12-13. Apostle Paul was writing about being able to live through troubling and triumphant times with equal joy. Then a word dropped in my mind, Homeostasis. Homeo is similar to – and stasis means standing still. So homeostasis kinda means staying the same or keeping equal balance or stability.

Homeostasis

Technically, it is the tendency of an organism or a cell to regulate its internal conditions, usually by a system of feedback controls, so as to stabilize health and functioning, regardless of the outside changing conditions.

Regulate. Stabilize. Regardless of changing conditions.

This means that whatever happens outside the system, there is a response to neutralize it in order to ensure that the body remains in an optimal state. That has been a big message for me, learning not to let tough times get me down and also not losing my head in the good times.

A related passage is Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Joy is not determined by external circumstances but by an internal conviction. It’s a bit ironic that Apostle Paul wrote about joy from a prison cell. Well, he was the same person who, alongside Silas, sang praises in prison, so it’s obvious that this great man exemplified what he preached. That’s what I am working towards. Rejoicing in all situations.

Ehen, about that homeostasis, there’s something that I want to share…

A couple of months ago, my favorite team, Liverpool, won the Champions League. Yes o! We never walk alone. Then, a couple of weeks ago, we won the UEFA Super Cup. Please lemme enjoy it o, it’s been a long time since we won any trophies. Ehen 🙂

MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 01: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts the Champions League Trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Now, about homeostasis, if you asked me a few years ago who my favorite player was, the answer would be simple – Steven Gerrard! That guy was good. Now though, the answer to that question doesn’t come so easily. There’s Mane, Mbappe, Van Dijk, Ronaldo, Salah… You get the idea, right. But there’s one player that I’ve grown to love lately. I feel he typifies homeostasis. His name is James Milner.

TOPSHOT – Liverpool’s English midfielder James Milner raises the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)

The guy has been playing football since he was 16. He’s approaching 34. Through all these years, he’s been consistently excellent. No fuss. No noise. Just excelling at his duty post in the teams he’s played for. That is an example for me. Consistent excellence.

That’s an example abroad. Closer home. I’m privileged to be a part of a family that exemplifies consistent excellence in service, growth and all-round development. That’s an example for me. A challenge to show this in all I do. Studying God’s word. Living it out. Teaching it. Writing as He leads me. Turning up whether I feel like or not. That’s the aim.

Talking about writing…

In December 2018, my second book titled Unveiled was released. … I’m so thankful to God for birthing the dream and making it come true. A lot of people helped to make this a reality. Family. Friends. Vision helpers. You can read more about the book here. I remember holding the first copy of the book in my hands. I felt like a father. Hehe. Serious o. The feedback about the book encourages and challenges me. Have you gotten your copy? You can order from BookPeddler on 08095925561, or read online through the Bambooks app.

On the 3rd of June, God saved me from a robbery scene. That incident reminds me of the brevity of life and how everything can change in a moment. We make a lot of plans for the future. But all these are dependent on our continued existence which is something we cannot control. In a way, this uncertainty can be crippling in that it breeds fear. However, it can also be liberating as we learn to live each day to the max, knowing that each day can be the last. As it sadly was for some…

This past year, I have learnt to trust God more. When reading The Lord’s Prayer, I wondered why Jesus referred to our daily bread. Why didn’t he refer to our weekly or even monthly bread? I learnt that God wants us to remain dependent on Him. Another incident of daily feeding was brought to my mind. The Israelites in the wilderness. God fed them with manna. However, they were instructed to gather what was needed for a day. God wanted them to remain reliant on him as their source.

John 15 talks about the benefits of abiding in Christ and the futility of life outside Him. The Prodigal Son tried to collect all he could from His father and then use them how he felt best. He failed. Apart from me, you can do nothing.

Sometimes, I want the full picture of what God is doing in a season or area of my life but lately, I’ve been learning to take the daily bread with joy and gladness. To enjoy where I am. To maximize every gift that I have been given. To make the best of each day.

This year, I’ve grown in my relationship with my family. The love and warmth that we share is truly divine and is a big part of my life. After God, my family is the most important thing to me and I’m thankful for them.

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Also, in the course of this year, I’ve grown in my relationship with my friends. We’ve had times when we prayed, cried, wondered and asked questions. We’ve had times when we learnt, laughed and shouted for joy. Through every phase, we’ve come out stronger on the other side.

As I conclude, I want to appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you for reading, commenting and sharing. Thank you for the prayers, words of encouragement and correction. Thank you for your support. I am grateful!

As a new year begins, I am excited. I’m eager to see all that God has in store. It’s going to be legend…ary! 🙂

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Happy Birthday, Iremide. Beloved of the Lord.

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  1. May God continue to strengthen you both physically and spiritually. Your words of encouragement made my day.

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