The Prodigal Daughter Returns

There is a baking reality TV programme I watch where a baking team compete for a monetary prize. In each episode, the bakers are given a theme and asked to create equivalent cakes. I  find it interesting to see how the themes are expressed in solid cake forms.  I do cringe at all that sugar. I don't know how the judges can consume so much cake, day in and day out.  That would be my worst nightmare. It just shows God has given us different gifts. Baking and eating lots of cakes are certainly not mine, but for those who have that gift, baking is a piece of cake. 😊

At the art gallery I've been working at, we give cards out to visitors as they are leaving so they can leave their review of the gallery.  Before I give a card out, I engage with the visitors and ask if they had fun.  I noticed when a male colleague was giving out cards, he simply gave them out. Later I asked two male colleagues why they don't say much.  When a visitor comes in, they simply point  the way.  Both of then laughed and said they have observed I get into a conversation with visitors and almost accompany them to the gallery. "Men don't have conversations, women do that," one said. "I like chatting to people and  giving them love," I said. "I only give energy to those who are going to give me energy back," the other guy said. I tried to imitate the guys, but I couldn't do it. I guess it's my nature to reach out to "strangers."  Thank you, God, for giving me the gift of connecting with "strangers." ♥️

My flatmate made this wonderful video for me as a  Confirmation gift.  I was wondering why she was asking  me what my favourite  Worship song was.  She obviously wanted to use it in the video. 😀 I love it! ❤️ Background music credit:  "I'm Not Running Anymore" Isla Vista Worship - 814 https://youtu.be/suQMVRn3zyk Video created by Olga, but inspired by the Holy Spirit. ❤️

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." Psslm 138: 8 ---- A week ago, a friend popped in mind. As I wasn't working that day, I gave him a call to check up on him, but there was no response. I then got on the bus. On the way, my friend called me back.  I told him I was about to drive through his neighbourhood. He said I could pop in and say hello. At his place, we had our usual banter including football. I got him to explain how the offside rule in football works, again.  I still don't get it! I had invited him to my church confirmation, but he told me he couldn't make it and wished me well.  He gave me a seashell, which looks like a cone of ice cream. His girlfriend had booked tickets to see Nas, the American rapper, that same evening. He said he was looking forward to it as he's his favourite rapper. Before I left, we exchanged warm hugs and I wished him well. The next day, o...

On the bus to meet my friend, I thought about what we could do this year to celebrate our birthdays. Last year, we went to Brighton to celebrate mine. We then attended the Afro Hair and Beauty Live show where there were lots of stalls selling various hair and beauty products. At one point my friend and I split up to browse different stalls. When I went  looking for her, I found her listening to this guy who was trying to sell her a photoshoot and pampering session, which he said she could share with a friend. I told him I once had one of those with a friend to celebrate our 50th birthdays. He told me he couldn't believe I was in my 50s. Flattery will get you everywhere, my friend! 😊 While he was still trying to impress my friend, I looked on my phone and found the photos I'd had taken with my friend and showed them to the guy. He knew exactly where the studio was. I was really impressed and asked him how he knew. He said he recognised the props.  He told me he has actually wo...

In my dream last night, there was this woman giving me something, but I can't remember what. All I remember was her name was Ayesha. When I woke up, I remembered my mum's  name was Ayesha because her dad was Muslim. After he died, mum converted to Christianity and used the name Isatu instead, Isa for short. Thank you, Isa, for agreeing to play the role of my mum in this human drama. I know you're with Jesus now where you're forever at peace. ❤️

Although I love buying things from charity shops, I am very fussy about the charity shops I buy from. I find if I want some really classy outfits and handbags, I have to travel to well-to-do areas in south west London.  I once saw this really unusual reversible coat at this charity shop for £65. Although it was in mint condition, I was humming and haa-ing over spending that much on a second hand coat, so I left it. After a few minutes, I returned to the shop and tried the coat on and it fitted me perfectly. I had to get it. The shop assistant told me a coat like that would cost over £200 brand new. I've still got that coat and I love it. A couple of months ago, a friend gave me some money as a birthday gift. I thought I would get a nice handbag at one of my favourite charity shops. The moment I walked into this charity shop, I noticed this really nice backpack and grabbed it. It cost exactly the amount of money my friend had given me. While I was paying for the bag, the shop assist...