Built for Different Atmospheres – And That’s Okay

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

Thank you so much for stopping by Maryam’s Joyful Life today. I want to share a thought that’s been sitting with me lately—something I felt strongly while I was in London recently visiting my sister.

You know how we always say, “Everyone’s different”? Well, I’ve come to realize that this also applies to church atmospheres.

While I was in London, I attended my sister’s church a few times. It wasn’t a bad experience—everyone was warm, and the service was fine—but something felt off for me personally. It was a slower pace than what I’m used to, and I found myself trying extra hard to get spiritually fired up. I’d leave church thinking, “Why am I not feeling lit up inside like I normally do?”

Back home in the U.S., I attend Limitless Church with Pastor Real Talk Kim, and let me tell you—that atmosphere is fire! 🔥

I don’t have to try to feel empowered. I don’t have to push myself to be excited. The moment worship starts and Pastor Kim steps on the platform, it’s like my soul instantly comes alive. Her words are always so full of power, encouragement, and truth that I leave feeling like I can conquer the world! That’s the kind of church atmosphere that feeds my fire.

While in London, after attending my sister’s church, I’d often find myself tuning into the Limitless Church YouTube livestream, just to soak in the energy and empowerment I craved. It got me thinking deeply about how we are all wired differently—and that’s okay. God made each of us with unique spiritual needs and different ways we connect best with Him.

Some people thrive in quiet, reflective churches. Others are fed by high-energy, passionate worship and preaching. I’ve learned that I’m someone who needs to be in an environment that speaks life, light, and boldness. I don’t do well in heavy or lethargic atmospheres—they drain me rather than build me.

The truth is:

You should never have to force yourself to fit into a spiritual environment that stifles your growth.

It’s okay to recognize when something doesn’t align with your spirit and to seek the place where you truly thrive.

This blog is simply a reminder to embrace who God created you to be. Know where you flourish. Know what feeds your soul. And know that it’s not just about the “right” church, but the right church for you.

I’m so incredibly thankful for Pastor Real Talk Kim and the Limitless Church family. The difference in my spirit, my mindset, and even my joy after being in that atmosphere is undeniable.

If you’ve been wrestling with the idea of leaving a church—even if it’s a good church—but you know deep down that it’s not where you thrive, this might be the gentle nudge you need. God didn’t design you to survive spiritually—He designed you to thrive.

Sending you love and joy always,

Maryam ❤️

The Strangest Thing Happened on Our Flight to London

 

What’s up wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people!

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today. I have a rather unexpected and intense story to share from our recent flight to London. Buckle up (pun intended), because this one really shook me.

We were flying from Montreal to London — a 6-hour and 20-minute flight with the kids and my sweetman. You know how it goes on long flights: you try to pass the time with movies, books, podcasts, or a little game on your phone. Well, I chose to play a picture-matching game that gives you four image clues and you guess the word they’re pointing to.

But here’s where it got weird.

About 5–10 minutes into the game, I started getting a strange string of clues — pictures of plane wrecks, fire, ambulances, and finally, the last puzzle literally spelled out the word “DISASTER.”

Y’all, I froze.

There I was, thousands of feet in the air, with my precious children and my sweetman beside me, and this game was throwing what felt like a spiritual attack right at me. As I came close to completing the word “DISASTER,” something in me said STOP.

And I did.

I quickly closed the game, silently but fiercely cancelled every evil plan of the enemy, and began to pray over my family. I knew it wasn’t just a game — it was a reminder to stay spiritually alert, even in the most “normal” of moments.

Instead of playing games, I ended up watching a light-hearted movie, trying to shake off the uneasiness.

But here’s where it gets even stranger…

24 hours after we landed safely at London Heathrow, I saw the heartbreaking news — there had been a plane wreck involving Air India, en route to London Gatwick. The tragedy claimed lives and left many injured. My heart broke.

That news haunted me for weeks. I prayed for the families affected and asked God to comfort them deeply. And at the same time, my heart overflowed with gratitude to God for covering my family with His protection and granting us journey mercies.

It was a vivid reminder that life is fragile, and sometimes we get little nudges — even through a phone game — to pause, pray, and stand on the promises of God.

If you’re reading this today and traveling anywhere soon, I just want to encourage you:

🙏 Pray before you go.

✈️ Speak life over yourself and your family.

🙅🏾‍♀️ Don’t let fear or negative signs shake your faith.

🙌🏾 Trust that God’s hand is mighty to save — even in the sky.

Stay safe, stay joyful, and stay prayerful.

With love,

Maryam 💛

Red Split Lentil Akara & A Lesson in Courage (Plus a Special Gift for You!)

 

Hey guys, welcome to Maryam’s Joyful Life blog!

Today is a beautiful day, and I’m so happy to share something amazing with you—a recipe, a story, and a little encouragement if you’re feeling stuck.

Let’s start with the food (because YES please 🙌🏽).

I made akara with red split lentils—and let me tell you—it turned out absolutely amazing! 😍

My big sister Aisha, who I’ve been visiting in London, shared her special recipe with me. She’s not just a BAWSE businesswoman, she’s also one of the best home cooks I know. She whipped up this version of akara using red split lentils, and it blew my mind. I had to try it for myself back in the kitchen.

So the day I decided to make it, my Sweetman stood beside me, clearly excited but also lowkey checking in like, “Did you remember everything Aisha said?” 😂

I know he meant well, but it made me feel like I needed to prove to myself (and maybe a little to him too!) that I could do it—and do it well.

Guess what?

It turned out beautifully.

Golden brown on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor. Everyone who tried it loved it, and I felt SO proud—not just because I made something delicious, but because I didn’t let fear stop me from trying.

We all have those moments—where we wonder if we’re “ready enough” or “good enough” to try something new. But sometimes, the breakthrough is on the other side of just doing it anyway.

So if you’re reading this and have a goal or dream you’re hesitating on—go for it. The goodness you’re imagining might be waiting for you just beyond the fear. 💛

🍽️ 

Red Split Lentil Akara Recipe (My Sister Aisha’s Version)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red split lentils
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
• 1 scotch bonnet (optional, for spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Seasoning cube (optional)
• Water (for blending and soaking)
• Oil (for deep frying)

Instructions:

1. Soak the lentils in water for 1–2 hours, then drain completely.
2. Blend the soaked lentils with onion, scotch bonnet (if using), and just a small amount of water to help it blend. You want a thick, spoonable batter.
3. Add salt and seasoning, and mix the batter well to incorporate some air for fluffiness.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
5. Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil and fry until golden brown, turning halfway through.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serve with pap, custard, or on its own as a delicious, protein-packed snack! 😋

🎁 

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Thank you for reading and being part of this joyful journey with me. Whether it’s in the kitchen or in life, let’s keep growing, creating, and believing in the power of taking that first step.

With all my love,

Maryam 💕