The Prodigal Daughter Returns

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12: 2 ---- I am constantly being bombarded with world views that are completely opposed to your Christian world view. The Bible tells us this world view or carnal mind is hostile towards God. (Romans 8: 6-7)  How does one deal with this hostility? While I was at my friend's place, I suddenly felt intense pain in my calf. When she noticed me wincing, she said, "What's wrong?" "Cramp," I said. "It must be very painful," she said. My friend is a nurse and doesn’t share my Christian belief. So I know exactly where she is coming from. I didn't agree or disagree with her. Instead, while I was massaging my calf, I was thinking of Jesus. We continued our conversation. Within a few minutes, the pain had dissolved. I told my friend my calf was now fine as Jesus had healed i...

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," Ephesians 3: 20 ---- A friend and I had planned to go out for lunch after church to celebrate my birthday.  When I saw her at church, she told me the restaurant we intended to go to was  closed on Sundays. She also said she was helping a group after church. Although I was disappointed, I figured we could go out another time. After the church service, which included a baptism, I went to hang out with some friends and church members. I had some cake which was provided by the baptism family.  One of the church ministers joined us and got everyone to sing Happy Birthday to me and another church member whose birthday is in two days' time. I was going to go home, but I decided to stay for a little while and chat to a church member I've never met before. While we were chatting my friend came in to look for me She told me the family who had the baptis...

When I woke up this morning, I wasn't feeling excited as I usually do on my birthday. I was even feeling depressed When I asked the Lord why I wasn't feeling it, He reminded me of the Bible verse I was meditating on yesterday about my true identity in Christ. ---- "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the  life  which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2: 20 "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2: 20, NLT ---- Of course, now it makes sense. My old self celebrated birthdays as she had her own life separate from God. That old self is dead. Dead people don't celebrate birthdays! I have been born again in Christ and He is my life. The depression immediately...

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Psalm 103: 2-5 ----- A few days ago, I received a text from my friend to tell me she went to work and forgot she'd left eggs boiling on the cooker. Her neighbour upstairs started smelling smoke and called her. She called the fire brigade who quickly broke into her place and switched the cooker off. They also aired out her home. I told my friend she was blessed her neighbour had been present. I suggested she gets into the habit of praying and asking the Holy Spirit to help her with everything including  reminding her not to leave stuff on. Today, I was watching Joseph Prince today (a pastor in Singapore) and he asked if there were people in the congregation who ...

When I arrived home, I notced my flatmate had just finished heating some pepperoni pizza. She asked me if I wanted a few slices and I said yes. She apologised that the pizza was overdone. I agreed it wasn't the best, but I still had the slices and was grateful. The next day, I was off work. A friend texted me. After a series of long funny exchanges, we arranged to meet up so he could take me out for lunch. When we met, I told him I fancied some pizza. He took me to this nice pizza place, which had even won awards. I had a pepperoni pizza and it was the best I've ever had. My portion was so large, I asked for a doggie bag to take the rest with me, which I gave to my flatmate. She said the pizza was amazing. Thank you, God, for your many blessings. ❤️

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 19 ----- While I was getting ready for church, I thought to myself that I needed a new scarf.  Maybe,I'll pop into a store and look for one. I was also looking forward to catching up with my friend, who attends the same church as I haven't seen her in a few weeks. I also had a birthday gift for her. As I was walking to the church, I noticed the store I was going to pop into was closed. At church, I gave my friend my birthday gift. She also had gifts that she had bought for me while she was on holidays.  I waited until I got home before I opened up my gifts. One was a clog keyring and the other was a scarf. Very funny, God!  I bet you put the sxarf idea in my head, didn't you? 😄 The scarf is very much appreciated. ❤️ Photos of my new scarf and keyring

"That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been;" Ecclesiastes 3: 15 ---- I was telling my flatmate about a guy I was flirting with until I found out he was over 25 years younger than I, which put me right off him. "I'm not exactly Joan Collins," I said.  (JC's husband is 31 years younger than her). "You attract young men because you look so young," she said. "Another thing, he's non-Christian, which is a no-go area." "No point wasting your time on someone who doesn't share your values," she said. "That's the great thing I find about getting older - I can see the end in the beginning so I don't have to waste my time," I said. "That's a nice way to put it," she chuckled.  😆

At the church I attended today, we were all given flowers to celebrate Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day. (See photo). The Deacon also offered prayers for those whose mothers are no longer with us. At the end of the service, I spoke to the visiting Deacon. It turns out we attended the same Methodist secondary school in Sierra Leone, though I didn't know her then as  she's three years younger than I.  When she mentioned a classmate she's still friends with, I told her I was in the same class as her friend's sister.  How amazing is that? Have a blessed Mothering Sunday!❤️ PS: Mothering Sunday always falls on the 4th Sunday in Lent, that's why it fluctuates so much.  This dates back to the middle ages. To know more about the Christian tradition of Mothering Sunday see  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mothering_Sunday 9l

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23: 7 ---- The night before our church's Daffodil Day Service, where I was volunteering as a steward, I called a friend, who was also going to be a steward. In jest, I told her that as neither of us have done stewarding at a church event before, we might be asked to work at the balcony. My friend said she wouldn't mind. On the day of the service, both of us were allocated positions at different doors. I was with another colleague and she told me our door would be pretty quiet. We weren't even required to do offertory. While I was watching people arrive and take their seats,  I wondered whether some friends I had invited from another church were coming to the event. Suddenly, I saw a church elder speaking to my friend at the other door. He then came over and asked if he could move me to another position at the balcony.  I said I didn't mind. (I realised he had asked my friend, but she had declined). I wa...

I love having small talk with  people I meet along the way. Sometimes, these small talks end up becoming so meaningful I record them for posterity. Here are a couple of examples. Last week, on the bus home, this woman sat beside me. I told her I loved her hat and she said she loved mine. I asked her if she was well and she said she was feeling a lot better. She said she recently spent two weeks in hospital for a serious lung condition. She said she was in such a bad state, she called the ambulance.  She was told they would be with her in 40 minutes. As she didn't think she would last that long, she went out of her house and tried to stop cars driving by. One man who stopped agreed to drive her to the hospital, where she happens to work.  She was treated really well and she had visits from her colleagues. I told her I was very happy she was better and I said I would pray for her. She was open to that idea as she's Catholic. She also told me her daughter is in hospital su...

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 ---- A Christian friend and I had planned to have a catch-up. Before we met up, I decided to get her a Christmas gift. I went into this store and noticed some woolly hats and gloves. I wondered if I should get those as she likes hats too. I have never seen her wearing that kind of hat though, it's more my kind of hat. I decided to leave it. Before I started my shift at the performing arts centre  I decided to check out their shop where I found this necklace in my budget.  I decided to get it for her as I knew my friend would like it. The next day when I met up with my friend, she gave me a Christmas gift. I was amazed to see a woolly hat and gloves and they were very similar to the ones I saw at the store. She als...

When I got off the tube, I waited for my bus for the final leg of my journey to work. This woman turned up at the bus stop. As she was taking off one of her trainers, she told me she had a pebble in it.  "It's amazing how one tiny pebble can cause so much grief," I said. "There's a lesson to learn there." After making small talk, my friend started talking about how there are so many awful things going on in the world and she has stopped watching the news. I had a feeling she just wanted to vent and needed a listening ear so I didn't say anything. I simply acknowledged what she was sayimg with a nod. When my bus arrived, I got up. She told me she needed the bus too. On the bus, I wanted to sit on my own so I sat at the back and she stood in front next to the driver.  During the journey, I thought about my friend again and I blessed her with peace. After about five minutes, I arrived at my stop. Before I got off, I tapped my friend's shoulder to say go...

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8: 28 ---- While I was waiting at the bus station for my delayed bus to arrive, this elderly lady sat next to me. I told her I had been waiting for over half an hour.  I said I believe the cause was due to road works.  We made small talk.  I told her I was off today, but back at work tomorrow. I said I used to work as a teaching assistant at primary schools, but I now work at various museums, galleries, theatres, events and films. I told her a lot of those venues have very strict dress codes which I like as it means I don't have to worry about what to wear to work. I asked her what her profession was before she retired. She said she was a teacher and then became a PA (personal assistant). I told her a long time ago, I also worked as a PA. Finally, our bus arrived, closely followed by two more proving the adage, "You wait ages for a ...

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." Psalm 37: 23 ---- When I got on the bus, I sat next to this woman who had a lovely smile. I smiled back at her. After having a chitchat about the weather, she asked me if I was on my way to work. I said yes. She asked me where I was working and I told her. I then asked her the same question.  She told me she worked as a deputy headteacher at this SEN (special  educational needs) primary school. I told her I used to work as a supply TA (teaching assistant) at primary schools, but I haven't returned this term as I've decided it's not for me, though my agency is not yet convinced. We chatted about the education system and the lack of resources.  I told her  I usually pray before I go to work and I used to get good results with the SEN pupils I worked with. The next time I returned  to the school and saw the same pupil, they would have reverted to their former behaviour. I said the educat...

II've just spotted myself in one of the photos taken during our church's 111th celebrations today and posted on their Facebook page.  This candid shot was taken while I was pouring some water for my friend sitting next to me in green and white.  A lot of people were in green and white because it's to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day. Green and white are the colours of the Nigerian flag. 🇳🇬 For the full photos see https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02G2j3XC7hDdpTNSjdjvri4mwVZ4aJezr1zjvvib9wUQewBkSQ3waxZoKBPNyhVGtgl&id=100064599583400

I was hanging out with a friend who is a music producer. It's always fun chatting to him as he knows a lot about music and what goes on in the music industry.  When he listens to a song, he can spot every single instrument and nuance, which I find fascinating. Because of him, I now listen closely to how songs are produced.  I also like the way he thinks. Yesterday he told me he recently discovered the song "Love's Gonna Get You" (sung by Jocelyn Brown) had parts that had been sampled by other artists that became major hits. He got me to listen to it to see if I could spot them. I did. There was "I've Got the Power" which became a worldwide smash hit for the band, Snap. I also recognised the part sampled in the song "I'm Gonna Get You" released by Bizarre Inc. Other artists have sampled that same song too. It's fascinating stuff! 😊❤️ Here's the link to the Jocelyn Brown song. See if you can spot the samples.

"For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ.  John 1: 16-17, AMP "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13: 8, NKJV ---- The other day, while I was hanging out with a friend, our conversation took a philosophical twist as we discussed the cats in our lives. (She has a cat called Boo and my flatmate's cat is called Zeus).  My friend said she has often wondered if her cat doesn't get bored doing the same thing day in and day out. I told her I've wondered the same about Zeus. I said humans seem to experience the passage of time which makes them feel anxious if they don't have enough time; or bored if they have too much time. I said I believe cats are simply aw...

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;.” Jeremiah 1: 5 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:  6 ---- Today is my birthday, or is it?  🤔 I know from my past near death experience and several out- of-body experiences that I am spirit.   In other words, I am eternally spirit in this human experience and outside of it.  God created me in this current form and placed me in my mother's womb for a purpose.  Today, I celebrate the day that I came out of my mother's womb into this world. (Thank you, mum)! ❤️ To celebrate my birthday,  I went out with an old friend.  First, we went to this immersive art experience consisting of 4 main galleries.  In each gallery, there are different masterpieces  which you either immerse yourself in or interact with. (see https://frameless.com/). For me, the art galleries represent the human experience. I was...

The other day, while I was working at this art gallery, I chatted to my young colleague. She said she loved vintage clothing like the ones her mum used to wear. Given how young she was, her idea of "vintage" was probsbly what I was wearing 30 years ago. She did make it clear that she wasn't calling me "vintage." 😀 I told her I have this jacket that she might like. I promised to bring it the next time we are working together. Today was the day. When I saw my young friend, I told her I had a vintage jacket for her which is now too tight for me. She really liked it and it fitted her like a glove. I actually got that  jacket from a charity shop.  She said she loves buying clothes from charity shops. I'm really happy the jacket is  now going to soneone who is going to appreciate it as a vintage clothing. Be happy, jacket!  ❤️

(Previously posted on Facebook on 15.7.2021) "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3: 2 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."  1 Corinthians 2: 14 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen....Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11: 1, 3 ------ A friend took me to the "Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser" exhibition at the V&A Museum, which was wonderful. One of my favourite parts of the exhibition was entering the virtual reality (VR) world of Wonderland. When I put the VR goggles on, I was shown a book whidh I opened up with my virtual hand. Then I was able to explore a bit of Wonderland. Attached is a video clip that my friend made of me w...