Grace abounds much more.

Hello there!

How was June? Hope you've all done your BVN? Trust Nigerians to wait till the last minute to do everything! Anyway, the Central Bank of Nigeria has extended the closing date to October 31st 2015. Shout out to everyone that spent the whole day queuing at the bank, don't procrastinate next time. *Hugs*

I listened to Swoope's Sinema album for the first time today and that album is deep! I had goosebumps at some point! The last two tracks on that album was spot on! The album was an audio movie if there's anything like that and carries a message about our struggle as Christians with sinful desires. The lyrics had so much depth and this made me think. Recently, I have seen a lot of young people do amazing things. From music, to fashion, to business, to arts,to rendering services and any other thing you can think of. This reminds me of the scripture that says "where sin abounds, grace abounds much more". Let me explain further.

It is very common to hear things like "I fear for this generation" "this is a wasted and lawless generation" "this generation is doomed for destruction" yadah, yadah, yadah.
Statements like these annoy me.

I am not ignorant of the fact that moral decadence is prevalent in this generation but I am of the opinion that we have two extremes.
On one end of the pole, there is decadence, immorality, the whole nine yards.
On the other end, there is good, so much talent and creativity. I'm amazed at the things young people do. I am particularly amazed at the wonderful things a lot of young Christians are doing. I get engaged in conversations with other young people and I am blown away because the world hasn't seen half of what this generation has to offer.

I am very wary of older that people that are quick to judge young people. Especially some "agbalagbas" in Nigeria. I always wonder; Which generation put Nigeria in the mess we're in now? Which generation looted and bled this country dry? Which generation produced the Sugar Daddies that "arisotos" follow?
Anyway, I am not here to start a "war of generations", I respect and value the opinions of those older than I am. My point is this, never let anyone, look down on you, yes you, because of your age. If God has placed a dream in your heart, follow it, because that is what will give you fulfilment. Never be afraid to say the truth. I believe that as much as there it is getting harder to stand for the truth, more grace is available for us.
I don't believe in the condemnation rhetoric about this generation. I believe in the grace of God that is available for us.


"Romans:5vs20 But where sin increased, grace increased all the more"

P.S. Speaking of young people doing amazing things, a lil birdie told me about a young woman that started her own make up and event management company! You can find out more about her company and the services she offers here.

Love and Light,
xoxo.

Life lately II

I wrote a post like this last year and went through it recently and I had a good laugh. I can only thank God for everything he has done for me since then.

So...I'm basically ranting and goofing around in this post, feel free to come along!

Yes! First gist of the day! I had a moment on Sunday evening when I was preparing for an open mic. I met one on my blog readers! It was an aww moment and it was so random! I felt like a celeb. Like I was sitting at a restaurant and she just walked up to me and said "Ilo" and I'm like 'er...hello' because I'm actually shy and she said ' I follow your blog, and you're a really good writer' writer aiye.

I'm not even going to be modest, I was so happy and funny enough she we attended the same secondary school! This world is a really small place. Her name is Lizzy and she blogs here.

About that open mic I talked about, it was organized by SU4C and it was the closing event for the Love Walk 2015. It was awesometastic and so much fun! Check out more about SU4C here . Before I forget, I was the MC of the day and I had so much fun doing it. I was standing in place for a friend and professional compere Elgee, who couldn't make it to the event on time. It was so much fun that I got a manager that would sort out bookings for me! I kid you not. Elgee, watch your back!

Speaking of events, I have been to so many weddings this year! Why did everyone wait till 2015 to get married? Did you guys get some kind of memo that the world would end by 2016 and all weddings have to take place before then? It's not even funny again. It got so annoying that one of my friends tagged me this picture on instagram! 

In other words, I am a canopy in the making

I was just rolling when I saw it! Who remembers the movie "27 Dresses"? I do, and I will do a post about all the weddings I have been to this year and all the dresses too! Who knows, I might get to 27 dresses very soon with the way things are going.

Did I forget to mention that I did a bit of professional singing too? Oh yes I did some studio sessions as a back up singer for Kunle Kenny. His first EP was released last month and you can stalk him here to place your orders. The sessions were fun but a lot of work too. Mhen, all you people in the music industry are really trying oh, from the producers to the vocalists. It takes soo much work to produce just one song and much more work to produce one of really good quality.

Speaking of music, Michael W. Smith was in Nigeria for the first time and I was there! The concert was at Covenant Christian Centre and the sound was out of this world! Now I know I just have to go for a rock music concert soon. Like a proper concert with a live band and crazy sound system. Not all this lip-syncing shenanigans most Nigerian artists do.

On a serious note, I wrote this post last year, from a place of frustration. I was really frustrated about where I was. Now, I'm in a much better place but the journey to this place was not easy. The road was tarred with sweat, tears and blood I must say. I had to make some difficult decisions, cut off ties with certain people and basically learn to stand on my own. I have learnt a few lessons through my experiences:

• Trust God and trust the process he's taking you through. God never fails, never, ever.
• When you have a dream, an idea or a plan, tell God about it first, commit it to him. Even if you have forgotten about it or abandoned that dream because you have to face the harsh realities of life, God will direct your steps back if that dream will give you joy and fulfilment
• No matter how much you want some people to be a part of your life, you might have to let them go if you are on different paths in life. Can two walk together except they agree?
• "Ambition has a price tag" - Leke Alder. Everything you want in life has a price. Consider what is worth fighting for and be ready to pay the sacrifice for it.
• Be careful for what you wish for because you just might get it!
• Family is everything. No matter how dysfunctional you think your family is, they are all you have when all is said and done.
• Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude. I cannot over emphasise the importance of always thanking God no matter what is happening in our lives.
• With God, you can move mountains. That is not a Christian rhetoric, that is an actual fact.

Alright people, what have you been up to?

Psa 34 vs 1
" I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."


With Love,
Ilo.
xoxo