WAKE THAT @$$ UP

— GOD

I just celebrated a birthday — a very awesome, fabulous, and fantastic birthday. While I only wanted to do something small this year, the essence was all in the details.

I had a lot of anxiety leading up to my birthday. I’m talking, I could not sleep for almost two weeks. Sleep will not catch me! I tried everything. Literally everything. From changes in patterns, to new routines, to various herbal remedies.

Mind you, I was fasting at the time, as well. I just wrapped a 10-day with my sister, and the two weeks leading in, I sought increase clarity, and an opening of my third eye before I turned into my new year. Basically, anything else that God had to say to me, I didn’t want a single excuse not to hear it!

As time passed, and I was increasingly accumulating hours a week by the day, I realized this was God’s way of telling me: it was time to wake that A$$ UP!

I knew it was back in my former environment (my apartment), and I knew God had sent me back with a new vision and a fresh anointing. However, somewhere between several deep cleanings and getting settled in like I was moving in again, those plans — HIS PLANS — gradually fell to the back burner. God was not having it, and some consciously, nor was I.

My spirit was not settled, my soul would not rest, and finally I detected the issue (well, myself, and my therapist).

I am a high-functioning angst who thrives on structure.

Basically, I need that closeness with God for my steps to have divine guidance. Seemingly so, when I try to act on my own — I unravel. And not having anything planned for my birthday, and not yet reaching the “goals” I had for myself, kept me up at night biting at the hours and counting the minutes.

When I tell you: I would complete THREE workouts in a day, take a warm shower, sit in silence and darkness for hours, and keep my phone on bedside mode… nothing worked, except working on God’s assignments for me.

Fast forward 👉🏽 sleep was still scarce, yet, at least, my birthday plans were in motion.

**The theme: Fête du Ju!**

A staycation in Paris was the idea.

The weekend kicked off with a Dîner Avant L'anniversaire where we ushered in the new year at my secret favorite restaurant in the city in the newly built wine room. It was an unforgettable evening that was continued back at my place for a midnight toast.

We popped champagne when the clock struck midnight, and I received a toast from all of my luvies in the room. There is not a dry eye in the room for various reasons, none of the obvious, but I think God for a night like that.

The following day was my official staycation. #JuCation

Plans differed a bit, but I still received the home-away -from-home treatment on my patio — as my sister set up my surprise while I was in the shower— with all the seafood and sweets I could ever imagine. Shortly, my good sis, Chidinma, came with more surprises and gifts and we spent the day together in vacation mode until day’s end.

They made my day extremely special.

The next day was the BIG day! The Pique Nique! Everyone played a huge helping hand in bringing the vision to life for some quarantine-lite FUN. We had everything and ALL of my favorites for everyone to enjoy. Like I always say: my birthdays are not sbout me. It is a season for me to celebrate those around me. Those who make me, ME.

I had an amazing, amazing weekend, and I feel beyond loved. From the unexpected gifts (some still on the way), The continued prayers, and all the helping hands — My small tin was turned into an extraordinary time for me, and I truly think God for the Kingdom Builders He put in my life, and the way He incessantly works through me, even when I don’t think I have any more to give.

This year is the Year if GO(L)D. The Gold Standard, that is the God Standard.

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.

So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. Your faith is of greater worth than gold”

— 1 Peter 1:7a (NLT)

We are more precious than Gold.

This year is about honoring God in every single way I can and diving headfirst into total and complete obedience. I know that may seem lofty now, but I have confidence that it can be done through Christ who strengthens me. Gold is also the standard of excellence. It is a reminder to never rest on my laurels, and to never slack on what is expected of me.

This is also a tribute to Kobe and Gianna. The old purple and gold. As I wrote previously — regarding the Mamba Mentality — Kobe never saw a reason for anyone to give less than their all. This is the year I give my all.

Whatever comes of it, comes of it, but there’s no letting up. My foot is on the gas all 12 months.

Here is to my new year, and I hope you send a prayer up for me, or a warm wish as the birth month continues!