It had been an extremely busy several weeks. The days were racing by, deadlines were looming, and the items on my to-do list were not disappearing nearly as quickly as I would have liked. That morning, I was getting our boys, aged 5 and 3, ready for school. We were in their bedroom and the kids were as loud as usual lol, chatting about this and that, chasing each other around until they absolutely had to get ready. I was a little tired as I had not gotten enough sleep the night before (another long story lol!)… But in summary, the day was already looking like it was going to be a very long one. I was starting to feel pretty bad and kind of inadequate because I felt like I had not been doing enough with the kids recently. A lot of the things I had been planning on doing with them I still had not started… sigh.
My boys on the other hand were as cheerful as could be, completely oblivious to the thoughts racing through mama’s mind 
. They had sooo much energy, playing and running around like they were at a playground! lol. I decided to sit on the rocking chair in their bedroom for a minute, and I smiled as I watched them play…. just getting ready to yell: “Ok boys, cut it out, we really need to finish up and get going!”
What happened next is something I have no explanation for – other than to say our heavenly father made him do it 
! A moment after I sat down, my 5 year old ran to meet me, with a big smile on his face (he’s lost his first 2 baby teeth, so his smile always makes us laugh ). He gave me a big hug, let go and then started waving his finger in my face, like he was giving me a friendly admonition, saying: “You’re the best mom in the world Mummy! And Don’t you forget it!” Wow. I wanted to cry tears of joy ! I have no idea why he chose to say that at that instant, but it was exactly what I needed to hear that morning! I hugged him back… Thank you, Thank you, I won’t forget it, Thank you!!! I felt so motivated, strengthened and not so inadequate after all ! I was reminded that all I had been focusing on were the things that I had not been able to do – I was completely forgetting all the things I had been able to do, and how much those things were appreciated ! Praise God for encouragement! – What a wonderful reminder of how useful an encouraging word can be!
And you know what else immediately came to mind? Psalm 103 – which lists so many reasons why we should remember to Bless the Lord, and “Forget not all his benefits”! What happened that day was a strong reminder that a lot of times, things may not be perfect, we may still be waiting on God for certain things, or things are just not 100% where we want them to be. Yes, we should always prayerfully and diligently work towards our goals, so help us God! But instead of allowing ourselves to constantly focus on what God has not yet done , or what he has chosen not to do for us… let’s not forget all that he has done, all that he continues to do, and all that he is still going to do!
Let’s remember to “Bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits”…just like the Psalm says!
So I am totally and completely blessing the Lord, and inviting you all to please do the same! My prayer today –
May we never forget his many benefits, May his praise never depart our lips, Amen!!
Here is Psalm 103 (in ESV) – I hope it is a blessing to you:)!
“Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Who forgives all your iniquity, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, Who satisfies you with good, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
And his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant,
and remember to do his commandments.
The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion.” (ESV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul!… Always and Forever, Amen, Amen, and Amen!:)!
Thank you once again for all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers – They are very much appreciated:)!
Much Love & Blessings,
Bomi Jolly
Happy Birthday Bomi!
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings…..God speaks to us through children and we are constantly surprised at how apt their messages are. We should remember that God is behind the message!
Have fun, will certaily tty today!
It has indeed been a while Bomi, Happy Birthday to you! And more blessings to your children and all your family.
Happy birthday, my sister, God has been gracious to you and your family, please like your son said, don’t forget it . You are one special person to God and He will never let you go.
@Tomi – Yes! Yes! Yes! I don’t know why this is always so surprising to me – but it is so so true! God is behind the message! Thanks a lot Tomi, always a pleasure to hear from you! Have a very blessed and fun filled day:)!
@ Myne – Thank you very much for the kind words and prayers! Very much appreciated. Thank you , wishing you and yours many many blessings today and always too! Thank you:)
@Tolulope – aww now you want to make me all emotional haha:)! Thank you so much for reminding me again! Thank you Tolu. I won’t forget by God’s grace – May we never forget his many benefits=)! Stay blessed sis!
Happy Birthday. And my soul blesses the Lord too!!!!!
I needed to read dis at this at this appointed time. Bless you and bless God and happy bday sweets. God bless ur childrean, your family and give us all the enough for each day.
missed reading ur cheery stories
Happy Bday B!!!!!!!:) Enjoy, enjoy!! BLESSINGS AND FAVOR!!!!:) Love ya!
@Ola – Thank you very much!! me tooo!! My soul blesses the lord too – Amen! Thank you
!
@Onyii – So glad to hear this came at the right time for you – Thank God! Thank you for your very thoughtful and kind prayers – I say a resounding Amen:)! Thanks a lot Onyii – God bless you and yours too, May his many mercies always be evident in the life of you and all those you hold dear. Thanks:)!
@ Min. Deborah/Aunt Ayo – Thank you very very much! I can just imagine you beaming
– thank you for your joy and blessings! Much appreciated , Blessings & Favor on you too:)!
Happy Birthday Sis. Many wonderful returns of this day. Have a fulfilled year ahead. Regards to your wonderful kids. God Bless.
Bless u dear! Another timeless food for thought. And happy happy birthday to you. Wish you a year of great favour ahead. Blessings!!!
Happy birthday to you, thank you for the reminder to ever recall the goodness of the Lord, even as we end yet another month…
May your new year be full of reasons to bless God always.
@Ademola – Thank you much much, I pray for a very fulfilling year and beyond in all areas of your life as well! Many thanks, & Many blessings on you and yours=)!
@Oyinda – Thank you:)! I am very glad to hear this was good food for thought – Praise God:)! Thank you very much for your kind prayers, I pray for a life of constant favor for you – I pray that you will find excellence everywhere you go and in all that you do! Thank you very much!
@Oghale – Thank you very much for taking the time to read as well! May we always remember, may we never ever forget! And amen to your prayers – I certainly pray the same for you! Thank you very much Oghale:)!
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to Bomi
Happy Birthday to you!
May the Lord bless you and keep you and may His glorious face shine on you as you celebrate another year of life.
Thank you for reminding us never to forget – Praise the Lord!
Happy B’day Bomi, May the favour of the Lord continue to rain on you and ur family.
Thanks for the wonderful notes, just some twenty minutes ago I was asking God to prove to me that He is God by doing somethings for me, but immediately I just remembered all the things that He has done for me without me deserving them, and I immediately became thankful. Your notes are always on point. May the Lord grant you more inspiration and knowledge. Amen.
Happy B’day Bomi, May the favour of the Lord continue to rain on you and ur family.
Thanks for the wonderful notes, just some twenty minutes ago I was asking God to prove to me that He is God by doing somethings for me, but immediately I just remembered all the things that He has done for me without me deserving them, and I immediately became thankful. Your notes are always on point. May the Lord grant you more inspiration and knowledge. Amen.
@Ms Carole – I was smiling and imagining you singing as I read that:)! Thank you…& AMEN!! Thanks a lot Ms Carole, Many blessings to you and your family!
@Titi – Amen and Amen. I love the way you put it – May His favor continue to rain on us all amen
! Isn’t it amazing how thankful we are bound to get when we count our blessings… Just like the song says :
!
Count your blessings name them one by one
Count your blessings see what God has done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
& It will surprise you what the Lord has done
Thank you so much once again Titi, amen to your prayers, Amen, God bless you!
Bomi,
Hope you had a wonderful birthday!!!
You are such a blessing…May the Lord continue to bless you and your family
Janet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! God bless you dear
Belated happy birthday…I wish you more birthdays and blessings to come.
@Janet, Neefemi, BingKay –
!
Thank you so very much, I really appreciate your very kind prayers, you are a blessing to me! I am saying amen, and I certainly wish you the same. Thanks a lot, Stay blessed & in God’s love…
Happy belated birthday Bomi!!! I’m sure you had tons of fun! Lovely message and so apt! May we always remember the Lords blessings! Much love!
Hi Bomi, Hope u enjoyed your day, wishing u more of his knowledge as u grow younger in Him.
Its inspiring how God uses the kids to lighten up our faces, my damsel will always appreciate u even when u think what u are wearing is wrong, she goes on, “Mummy ur dress is fine” and Ohhhhhhh!!! i feel lifted, u know? they are big bunch of blessing. urs are blessed 4 u & their generation & generations to come.
keep d fire burning.
Aww so sweet. There are many times in our lives when we need encouragement and God uses people like you to inspire us often u are so amazing and I appreciate u so much. God Bless you so much thanks for this inspiring article.
@Toyin – Thank you very much, Toyin!! I certainly did! Thank you=)! Amen to your prayers – May we always remember, I pray that other events never cloud our memory. Amen! Thanks a lot Toyin, much love!:)!
@Awe D. – Thanks so much! and aww thanks for sharing about your little girl! Thank God for the blessing of “encouragers” in our lives – from the littlest to the biggest – friends and family, – they are all tremendous blessings – May we also never take these blessings in our lives for granted! Thanks so much for your kind prayers. Amen! Pls give your little girl a big jolly hug for me:)!
@Kristy:)! – Absolutely – we all need encouragement from time to time, Thank God because He uses people and situations to uplift us! Thank you very much Kristy, you are certainly an inspiration and great encouragement to me, I thank God for you always! … and May we never forget to uplift those around us – whether we feel they need encouragement or not lol! So help us God – Amen….Thanks Kristy! God bless!
Hi, Bomi! Belated Happy birthday! I could still remember and I have memorized the best Bible chapter my late dad/pastor gave me; which is the whole chapter of PSALM 23. Have a great weekend! =)
Hi Bomi, what you have put across in ur article is what we usually forget. We think of how inedequate we are and forget what we have done well. We sometimes have a negative attitude towards ourself. God indeed does not concentrate on our weaknesses. Thanks the inspiring article, I am blessed. Don’t u forget it that you have inspired my life, and have lifted me to another level of faith.
This is so helpful – Thank you.
@JoMi – Psalm 23 is a favorite of mine too, I too have it memorized=)! It is one that truly helps us to remember.
I plan to encourage the kids to memorize it too, hopefully soon:)! I have it taped on their door=). Thank you very much JoMi! Have a very blessed weekend!
@Vince – That is so true as well.. May we always remember not to dwell on negativities, and May God help us to even change our weaknesses to strengths! I LOVE it when that happens! When God turns a weakness of ours into a strength, in another dimension:)! But before I write another story here
, Thanks so much Vince! Thank you for your very encouraging words, I am so thankful to hear that this has blessed you! Have a beautiful day!
@Roxie – Praise God! Thank you very much
! Stay blessed & in God’s love…
Wow, a powerful article.
Thanks for this. This is all we need even in times of failure. Thank God I read it. I’m uplifted. God bless you!
Great article and beautiful blog!
take care
marinela
@ Jeffrey, Frank, Marinela –
Thank you very much! I am very thankful and pleased to hear that this has been a positive experience for you, praise God! Enjoy the rest of your day & God bless!
That was a good article and your awesome:):):):):):):)
I just wanted to say one last thing. Don’t listen to people that bring your spirit down or don’t encourage you to do something you love. If you LOVE running like i do then do it even if people think you can’t. If you love any sport or anything go out and do it don’t let people bring you down cause with GOD on your
side you can do ANYTHING:):)<3
I can do all things through “HiM” who strengthens me
Philippians 4:13
sorry guys had to say one more thing <3
Ashley… Thanks for your kind words, & Thanks so much for taking the time to share those important reminders! And thank you for sharing that scripture – one of my favorites for sure:)! Thanks Ashley.
wow!! upon your conversation .. i learned a lot..
God Bless !! CONTINUE TO BE A BLESSING
GOD LOVES YOU through it all
Great post. I am inspired! Very useful information specially the closing part
Thanks and good luck.
Loving your website. Just going through it
Adiya
@Karen, ID, Adiya
I’m so pleased and thankful to hear that you have been inspired, you have learned a lot, and that you found this post useful one way or another.
Thanks so much for the encouraging words… Very much appreciated – God bless!
Really amazing writing.
I could not agree with you more..
That was a really fun blog post!!!
@Ree, Bola, Foro
Thank you verrry much
! I am very grateful. Stay blessed.
Lovely blog! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am bookmarking your feeds also.
This post couldn’t be more right on!
Thank you for the blog, the perspective, the tears, the smiles, and for sharing your memories.
@CRC, Mercado, Madison
aww… Praise God! Thank you all for taking the time to read and share…, it’s a real treat. Have a blessed weekend.
We are thankful for them, And we are thankful to our magnificent Lord who kept us alive and well for another year.
Really incredible piece…