~ Welcome to Stories of Heart! ~

If you are not a subscriber and this has been passed on to you, join
us by sending a blank e-mail to [email protected] with "subscribe" in
the subject line. And get the love direct!

Tour our web site: http://www.geocities.com/jenniferioliver2001
________________________________________________________

Folks, it’s been a month since you’ve last heard from us.  I sure do apologize for the delay in delivering your weekly inspiration.  With tending to Stephen while he recuperates, chasing after four little ones, plus working full-time, time has an awful habit of evaporating.

Stephen and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of birthday and well wishes from the Stories of Heart community as well as the Entrepreneurial Couples Success (ECS) community, courtesy of Azriela Jaffe.  Stephen was so tickled to receive numerous birthday greetings from folks around the world.  A special thanks to our dear friends Joy Correia and Loretta McKinnon for sending mouthwatering goodies.  Your prayers and concern have touched us beyond belief.

Find out more in the mailbox below about the sample of love we’ve been receiving from everyone.  And find out how you can receive the ECS Newsletter for FREE.

Happy 52nd Anniversary to my folks, Joseph and Vesta Senger!  And a happy birthday to our brother-in-law, Jay!

Speaking of birthdays, one of my favorite authors has a story to share about a special birthday.  You'll soon find out why!

________________________________________________________

MR. PRAISE

"Arrgh, I am tired!" I groaned as I flopped onto the couch and surveyed the living room.

Leftovers here and there, a few empty bottles scattered on stools and the dining table, chairs moved out of their previous positions, everything out of place.  This was the aftermath of the birthday party we held for our son, Praise.

I smiled faintly as I reflect on the past one year.  Our home has never been the same again since he came into our lives.  He was a child born in defiance to logical and medical reasoning as my wife bled for months into her pregnancy.  She had experienced miscarriages before, and we thought this was another one.

I remember taking a step of faith and refusing to allow her visit any doctor until we had confirmed from the laboratory that she was pregnant and that the foetus was intact.  We were told that she had a growth, which had been preventing the previous pregnancies to grow to maturity.  We believed and trusted God that this one would grow, and I remember telling my wife on one occasion, "If the growth stands in the way of our baby, his movements alone will scare the growth to death."

And so on February 1st, 2001, the Lord answered our prayers as a baby boy made his entrance into the home of Steve and Maris Popoola.  We gave him the names, Praise Oluwafeyifunmi.  The second name means, “The Lord gave this one to me.”  We call him “Feyi” (pronounced Fayee), a shortened version of the name.

Now coping with a child like Praise is not an easy task.  Being a very active child, you need to be on the lookout if he is in your care.  He does not enjoy being on your lap for too long, neither does he sit in one place for more than a few minutes at a time even when he is eating.  He prefers carrying things bigger than himself (I still wonder why), and of course, I can’t trust him with my mobile phone and the television remote control. Yes, we still fight it out with those two things.  Our friends have advised that I get a toy mobile phone for him, but I have a very strong feeling that he would know the difference. Sometimes when I come home, I find my wife more exhausted than I, and after staying home for a few days during my last vacation, I now know why.

In spite of these things though, Feyi, as we call him, is a very sweet child.  He smiles at will (but don't take his smile for granted!).  What amazes me more is how he decides on who he wants to play with or not.  He takes a long look at you and smiles if he likes you. If not, he just stares at you even if you are the greatest comedian in the world.  That sure beats my imagination.

On his birthday, he was fascinated seeing a lot of children in our home.  After the initial excitement however, he set about doing his own thing.  He chased after some of the decoration balloons around the small hall we used.  People saw him carrying one thing or the other from wooden planks to plates and mineral water bottles, some of which he broke before anyone could get to him.

One parent commented, “I find it hard to believe that this boy is just one year old.”

The party was going on, and he was just enjoying himself, very busy doing one thing or the other -- and you dare not disturb him!

Taking his photographs was another thing.  He didn’t cry as long as you leave him alone, but he does not stand in one position for more than a few seconds, so I had to educate the photographer on how to get good pictures out of Mr. Praise.

I was pleasantly surprised to note that the first two words Feyi pronounced were “D-a-ddy” and “Aeuyah” (halleluiah).  Two words to start his vocabulary knowing God as his daddy and being able to give Him praise.

So, as I sit here surveying the aftermath of his birthday party, which was attended by about 60 children, most of them from our home church, my heart flows in thanksgiving to God for this wonderful gift He has given to us.  The desire of my wife and I is to make sure that Feyi grows up to fulfill God’s purpose for his life.

Happy Birthday my dear son, may you live to see many wonderful years ahead.

Steve Popoola
[email protected]
Copyright © 2002 by Steve Popoola. All rights reserved.
~~~~~~~~
About the author:  Steve Popoola was born in London but currently reside in Lagos, Nigeria with wife Maris and son, Praise.  I work in a bank as a Systems administrator. I am Assistant Youth Director and Librarian/Book coordinator in my Church. I also love to sing and teach.  You are welcome to the Bible Praise Fellowship web site  for inspiring stories, articles and poetry at http://www.biblepraise.org.

________________________________________________________
QUOTE FROM LESSER KNOWN PEOPLE

I recall a humorous event when my wife and I went to a seafood restaurant with our kids.  I am a bit of a punster, so when the waitress informed us that poached salmon was a dish, I responded, "Isn't poaching illegal?"

_______________________________________________________
FROM OUR FRIENDLY E-MAIL CARRIER

In response to "Househubby Highlights" by Jennifer Oliver
(http://geocities.com/jenniferioliver2001/031902.htm)

Jennifer what a nice story! You’re going to miss that wonderful hubby of yours
doing all his duties while recovering!!! Hope he repairs well!! :o)  - Betty King

dear G-d, what can I say except thank G-d he survived, and broken legs heal, and G-d willing, this will be just another adventure you get through together, stronger than ever. I can only imagine, but not really know, the trauma of your last few days. I wish I was a neighbor and I could help. I presume that you have an army of people who will help with the kids during the day until he's up and around? How long is the prognosis for his complete healing?  Prayer helps. I have shared your stories in ecs in the past, so I will share your story there again and ask for prayers from the list. The ECS list was the only place I turned when I was in danger of miscarrying our son, and he's just turned four.  Anything else I can do for you?  Ah, the stories you will write that come from this!  Blessings to you - Azriela Jaffe

Good morning, Jennifer.  This recent story was just so captivating.  It sure was a beautiful story of love and a good family connection we don't see today.  I am really happy for you and your lovely family.  - Kristiane Dietz

Jennifer, I am really sorry for what happened to Stephen last week. I am however thankful to God that his injuries were not life threatening or permanent. I was just thinking about you this morning and how I have missed your mails.  Anyway, I am grateful to God for the life of my brother, friend and namesake. I am sure that you will take good care of him and tell him that I said he needs to rest those legs of his...no househubby tasks for the time being, ok?  I pray God 's blessings into your life and home and I pray that the healing hand of God will be upon Stephen so that he will recover fully in record time.  By the way, I 'met' Maria Harden whose story you ran in the digest of 12-3-2002. I wrote her to appreciate her story 'My Best Friend' and she replied with very nice words. I am looking forward to reading more of her stories on your digest. I also feel I should do a lot more so I will be compiling a couple stories which I would start sending to you next week. My prayer is that people who read these stories will be blessed.  Till I hear from you again.  Still your friend always, Steve - http://www.biblepraise.org

Hi Jennifer and Stephen,  My wife passed this on to me and I enjoyed your surprise for Stephen,  I too was surprised by my wife and 4 kids for my 40th birthday,  I also decided to stay home with our kids after having them once in daycare I haven't looked back.  You Go Stephen there is one thing I have learned while being a house dad.  Its not just what you teach the kids its what the kids teach you.  Take care and God Bless your Family and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Stephen.   Bill and Kathlen Dahl London Ontario Canada.

Dear Jennifer, just a note to thank you for your weekly StoriesofHeart!  I had to write today to let you know your HouseHubby Highlights made my heart smile so
brightly that it has seeped all the way out and is still showing on my face from ear to ear.  You have each found priceless treasure in one another!  Continued blessings to you and your family and a speedy and full recovery for Stephen!  Your children aren't the only ones benefiting from such great role models, as I'm also learning from you and Stephen.  My husband and I have been married for nine years, the last four of which he has spent in school pursuing his dream of helping people.  He will begin his career this July.  It is my hope to become a female version of Stephen when my husband and I finally start our family.  I hope you don't mind, but I've saved today's email for its wise and brilliant highlights!  Again, thank you for sharing your talent with us! - Kristina

Jennifer, Loved today's story. Thank you for the wonderful things you write. i do so enjoy them.  You have a wonderful sounding family.  i pray that God will richly bless you and yours. - Becky Chapman

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In response to "Wife Seeking Wife"
(http://geocities.com/jenniferioliver2001/030502.htm)

AWESOME im a typical male you know- horsepower, mud, adrenaline, sweat and a really good book to read in the evening   please e mail me when i can buy it. - cjhaugen
_________________________________________________________

If you own a small business, or you are in an intimate relationship with someone who does, sign up for the Entrepreneurial Couples Success (ECS) Newsletter by Azriela Jaffe!  This FREE newsletter can help you achieve your business goals while sustaining a loving marriage. You'll find humor, advice, business and relationship tips, and plenty of sharing. Join over 3000 entrepreneurial couples all over the world who care about each other and their businesses.  It’s simple.  Just e-mail Azriela at [email protected] to subscribe to her newsletter.  Check out her cool website “Anchored Dreams” at http://www.isquare.com/crlink.htm.

_________________________________________________________
LOVE,
JENNIFER I. OLIVER AND FAMILY
[email protected]
When you are born, you cry and everyone is happy. So live your life
in such a way that when you die, everyone cries and you are happy.

                                                   - Unknown

The quote above is derived from "To live that in thy last long sleep,
Smiles may be thine wile all around thee weep." - Nellie L. Wallace,
June 24, 1873
_________________________________________________________
This E-mail may be forwarded in its entirety, but first ask the
writer for permission before forwarding. Thank you for doing the
decent thing! Ü
________________________________________________________
SUBMIT STORY, QUOTE, OR FAMILY LOVE MOMENT:
http://www.geocities.com/jenniferioliver2001/submission.htm

FEEDBACK: [email protected]