God makes EVERYTHING beautiful, in HIS OWN time

There's a song by Donnie McClurkin and Dottie Peoples, which goes something like this: our God is never too late, never too early, but right on time...

This last weekend has been a testimony of God's faithfulness, mercy and favour. I had such a funfilled weekend, and even when I was told some bad news on Saturday, I STILL believed God that MY testimony was perfect, and I CHOSE to hold on to His promises that whatever He does, is forever, and that He makes everything perfectly, and beautiful, in His own time.

When I made up my mind to attend Naija Independence Day pre-Party 2007 -even though I had my reservations about the venue- little did I know that it would become a night to remember. I will tell you about that night, and the rest of the weekend later on. I had so much fun this weekend, I was surrounded by good people, we had a lot to share, and we had a lot to give and pour into each other. There is something about fellowship, I just believe in relationships, and I believe in doing whatever it takes to cultivate and maintain contact with friends, no matter how, where, when. Just do the little you can, and you will be amazed at the rewards.

Even as I write this blog, I have a mini testimony, regarding a job! I mean, I know that in this day and age, and especially the 'economic climate' of most European countries, when people are out there frantically searching for jobs, I was not only recently 'surprised' by God with a payrise, I was 'offered' a job. What people go out searching for, came looking for me. I pray that even as you are witness to my testimony, God will make a way for you, uncommon doors will open in your life from now on, favour will follow you around, God will surprise you in a way that the world will look at you and know, and say, that GOD DID IT! He will bless you with a blessing that NO MAN can claim glory for, YOUR testimony will be perfect in Jesus' name.

I wish you a fabulous week ahead, and I pray you find fulfilment in whatever you do to fill the hours of your day. May you really be blessed this week, exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond your expectation.

More about the weekend later in the week.

p.s. my big brother, friend and confidante in the Lord, I have missed you so much, I am glad to have you back in my life -literally and physically- thanks for being you, and thanks for being my friend. Thank you for the words of wisdom you shared tonight, and thank you for dinner. It is always a pleasure spending time in your company, we appreciate you -YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! I love you, and your beautiful wife, my sister in the Lord... Thanks to you both!!!

where is God in your situation?

There's a guy a I used to know, he was a liar and a cheat, and took any and every opportunity to take advantage of any and everybody around him. I'll call him Jacob.

Jacob did not believe in tithing, he said pastors stole the money, and he wasn't going to make any man rich from the sweat of his own brows. In fact, he wanted to start his own parish, because he believed that the 'church business' was a lucrative one. I used to laugh it off as one of those things. Jacob had been out of work for a while, and when he finally got a job on a contract basis, he refused to declare, much less pay income tax. I thought maybe he did not know what to do, and even gave him some tips on registering one's self as self employed, etc. Jacob happily ignored my advice. What did I expect anyway? A man who steals from God, has no fear of God. How on earth could he fear, or have respect for any human? If he can't pay tithe, what will make him pay his taxes???

Jacob got more and more contract work to do, and just raked the cash in. At some point, he had to get a co-worker. The co-worker transported them from place to place, and Jacob did all the paperwork. Adding a few more miles on the mileage receipt, a few more pounds to the phone bills, and even requesting for my(!) lunch receipts were another way of boosting his pay that he thought nothing of. He even began keeping some of the equipments he was meant to be using for work, and at some point started selling them to willing buyers with no questions asked... At some point, his co-worker got a better offer and moved on, and Jacob had to find a replacement. What better to do than to call on an old friend?

One day, Jacob told me he had a confession to make... He had told his friend that they were being paid half of the actual income, so in actual fact he was paying himself three quarters, and the friend was getting a meagre one quarter. Now, this friend of his has a few mouths to feed, and even ignoring that fact, it just did not sound right to me, and I voiced my opinion -as usual- only to be told that the friend had cheated him out of some money when they were younger and it was now payback time...oh, well. I told him it wasn't right, and just left it at that. The thing is, I don't think I ever paid much attention to the fact that Jacob was a common thief, a liar and a cheat until the day he stole from ME.

I had run out of cash, and asked my Mum for a tenner. I placed it on my sister's bed as I dressed up. While I was getting ready, the doorbell rang and I went to get it. It was Jacob. I let him in and went to the living room. He took off his shoes, and went to say hi to my Mum, and then went straight to my room - THE meeting point - and I followed shortly after. I glanced at the bed and the tenner wasn't there, so I assumed it had dropped off the bed. I went to get my shoes, bag, overcoat and came back to 'pick up' the tenner. It was nowhere to be found. I checked under the bed, under my bed, on the bedside drawers, every nook and cranny of the room I could think of-nothing! I thought maybe I had absentmindedly taken it with me at some point, so I wandered to the living room, ventured to the kitchen and snooped around the toilet and bathroom -no chance. Jacob had gone into the living room to watch TV while I frantically but silently searched for my tenner. Eventually, I shouted out to my Mum to ask if she had seen what I did with it, and crossed over from the kitchen to my bedroom.

Jacob crept in behind me, and my Mum replied that I had gone straight into my room and I should go and check in there. Jacob pulled a ten pound note out of his pocket and handed it to me saying is this the one you are looking for? I found it on your sister's bed. I asked what he would have done, had I not shouted and drawn attention, and he said he was actually waiting for someone to 'look for it' so he could give it back. I reminded him that this was MY home, and nothing in there belonged to him. For it to be lying around, it belonged to someone in this house, and it would be nice for them to find it where they left it. He said he wouldn't have kept it, he would have given it back, was just waiting for the owner to report it missing...

Now, someone who can conveniently steal a tenner from me right under my nose, within my own home. How much more can he do? I asked myself this question so many times after that. I realized that, not pro-actively preventing him from stealing from other people, I was encouraging/tolerating his actions and therefore was as bad as he was. The funniest thing is, his favourite saying is 'people with whom you go stealing, will one day steal from you' Isn't THAT ironic? I always used to ask Jacob 'where is God in your situation' whenever I felt he was doing something wrong. I guess he hardly did anything right, I asked him time without number and after a while it just didn't matter anymore. Now where is God in MY situation? Do you have a Jacob in your life? What are you doing about him/her? Like Jacob in the Bible, mine is a great deceiver. Unlike Jacob in the Bible, he is yet to pray his breakthrough. All I can do, and all I DO do, is stand in the gap for my friend... till the day he fights for and receives his blessing, and is delivered from himself.

Just got back from holiday, need another holiday already...

Getting a day off work is always a cool thing. I always look forward to it anyway...

So, I got to take last Friday off work, and went to see my family in Cork, Ireland. My flight was at 6.25am, and I arrived around 7.30am. The flight was quite uneventful, I did not even read a page of the book I took along (The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai, it's a great book, highly recommended) and slept through the whole journey. As soon as I landed, I was picked up and we drove into a neighbouring town, where I had pastry and hot chocolate for breakfast. It was all a bit surreal, as I normally don't have breakfast. The scenery was overwhelming, I have to say. I was surrounded by vast land and all around me I just saw greeeeeeeeeeeen...green grass, green trees, green buildings, green everything, erm, almost and something inside me just 'gave'. I was able to exhale, I was able to let go. We drove around for a few more hours, and then we went home.

As soon as I stepped indoors, I dropped my suitcase on one side, jacket on the other, flung off my trainers and draped myself all over the couch. There was something about that place, the air was sooooooooo different, I felt 'high' and my spirit was lifted within me. As soon as my head it that sofa, I drifted off to sleep. I woke up, took my brace off and threw it over the back of the couch and resettled into a more comfortable sleeping position. I kept drifting in and out of sleep for the rest of the day and that was my Friday. I remember eating at some point, because a plate of food was placed in front of me, not because I had requested for it.

On Saturday, I got up and went to the kitchen for a hot chocolate, and headed straight back to bed. I don't really know what happened between then, and 4.30pm when I was finally woken up by one of my cousins... I slept like I've not slept in ages. It was a total state of rest, I wasn't thinking of anything else, I wasn't even dreaming. I was just sleeping. Normally, when I sleep, I always have at the back of my mind, a running commentary of all the tasks I've left unfulfilled and the things I need to get sorted as soon as I get up the next day. None of that this time around. I just S L E P T. It was such a wonderful experience. No phones ringing, no e-mails to respond to urgently, no tasks left undone, nothing to disrupt my sleep. Mind you, it was a conscious choice not to be reachable, not a for of access to all the 'joys' of modern technology.

On Sunday, we went to Church and one thing led to another we didn't get back home till 4.30pm. We had a festive dinner, and I had to pack my bags again. It was really a truly beautiful holiday, a wonderful break. I landed in Stansted airport, and there were about 4 other flights landing at the same time. This led to an unimagined delay in getting from the airplane to the baggage area. Luckily, I was travelling light, so I walked straight out to the coach stand. The coach was just ready to depart, and I found an ideal seat, and switched my phones back on -holiday over!- I had too many missed calls to mention, and a few text messages to respond to. Already, I felt the tension welling up inside me....

Woke up early today, did my daily devotion and left home early to get to work early. From the moment I walked in, till the minute I left, the phones were ringing off the hook -work, mobiles, - ah, the joy of being reachable at the pressing of a few buttons. It is well, I am at peace. I am too blessed to be stressed, and of course, the next holiday is in the pipeline......

This God is good oh!

These past couple of days have been amazing... I just can't find the right superlatives these days! In life, when one door closes in your face, you find yourself getting depressed and wishing things were different. Or you go running and kicking at that door, attempting to break it open. I have been neither here nor there recently.

One thing I've come to realize though, is that as one door shuts, another opens. Even if you don't recognize it as an open door, it is always there, right next to the closed doors... I have experienced boundless joy and unrivalled attention. I have had love poured into me, and dripped all over me I find it difficult to believe that I was able to exist in a different state prior to this. Until you have experienced abundance, you cannot really qualify loss. I have come to see men in a different light altogether, and I am able to appreciate a man's worth. I know now that only a person who truly loves their own self, can be happy. Only a person who is happy by their self, can be happy with someone else. It is really sad to see how many people are walking around with undetected neuroses and different stages of mental illness and nobody around them knows or sees the depth of their dis-ease.

I believe that God has blessed me with all these, as a taste of what He has in store for me. The BEST is yet to come, surely...

Cruising

My little baby and I have been going around town now for exactly two weeks. I must admit that the presence of my girlfriend who was on holiday over here gave me the courage to get behind the wheels in the first place, and with time I've gotten more confident and I am now beginning to feel more comfortable behind the wheels, and inside the car generally. I've not posted in the past few days, and it's not for a lack of something to share. I have just been too busy doing what God has called me to do - rejoicing in Him, and spreading the joy and love to all around me...

We have been to so many places, we've had so many passengers, and we've made a few successful trips to the filling station. So far, God has been sooooooooooo good, in fact He is too much. Oh, did I mention that we have had a PCN for double parking? A silly pigeon pooped on the windscreen as well, and every morning a tabby cat makes itself comfortable on the roof until we attempt to drive off. Anyway, it is well.

Lately, we have self assigned ourselves the job of personal chauffeur and 'ensure you have fun in London' envoy to the Mamuzee twins, who are currently in town for a brief visit. IF I am able to get permission from them -copyright restrictions prevent it right now- I will put up some pictures. Otherwise, for now I will just write about the great times we have been having with these blessed gentlemen...

Anyhow, it's 1am now... sleep beckons

It is finished

What a relief when a nightmare ends... The joy of rainstorms are the rainbows at the end. The hope that carries us through tunnels in life, are the lights at the end. I can't really put into words what I am feeling right now. All I know is that I am finally getting a release in my spirit that it is all over. My struggles are over, my joy is coming. Whatever I felt I would lose, I gained freedom instead. There is nothing worse on earth than being stuck in an unfruitful, negative, draining relationship. Well, maybe there is - not realizing you ARE in that kind of relationship in the first place.

The sad thing about the end of a relationship, no matter how bad it was, is extracting yourself from it. The shared dreams, goals values, all reminders of what used to be. I find it liberating to dump all those in the bin of your heart, put it all down to experience, learn the lesson from it and move on. It is finished. Es ist aus, vorbei, am Ende... Ich habe endlich meine Ruhe, kann wieder zu mir finden. Es ist fast so, als waere die Zeit stehengeblieben waehrend ich im Tiefschlaf war innerhalb einer Beziehung indem mein ICH zugrunde gegangen ist. Nun bin ich wach, und meine Seele geht wieder auf...........

It is finished. To new beginnings ;-)

signposts

A man of God recently told me, that the critical thing about signposts, is that they show us the direction we are meant to be going, but never get carried along. He said this at the end of a conversation during which he assured me of his belief in me, my goals and my potentials. He told me to look at him like a rock along my path, dat prevents me from stumbling in the wrong direction...

Those simple but powerful words struck a chord within me. If someone I call 'friend' can have so much belief in me, and be prepared to stand by me, how much more my father in heaven? Though I don't always feel his presence, and I certainly don't see him physically, I know that God is there for me, and the assurance of belief is in the little things. The kind gesture of a total stranger, a random smile exchanged with a fellow passenger on the bus, the laughter of young children, the simple things we tend to take for granted. Even as this blessed man of God promised to be there for me, I knew that God had already promised from the beginning of time to be there every step of the way, to guide, guard and protect me in ALL my ways.

My friend went on to compare signposts to Jesus' ministry. He said that Jesus taught people the principles to be rich, and as soon as they made it, they forgot the giver and focused on the gift, forgetting that with God, what it takes to get there, is what is required to REMAIN there. For a long time I sat on his wise words, and meditated on them day and night, waiting for them to take root in my spirit mind and then manifest themselves in my thought processes. I don't know how some people find it easy to walk the walk of faith. I know it's a daily struggle, and I rely heavily on my 'signposts' along the way. As the songwriter wrote: the enemies of God, STILL hate God, and they don't care for you either...

I am grateful for the signposts in my life. I am grateful for the wonderful angels disguised as friends that God has blessed me with. I am grateful for every experience I have, I believe they are all a test of my faith. I am grateful for the relationships I have knowingly walked away from now, because I believe they are just a taste of what is to come. Sometimes in life, what you are able to walk away from, determines the level at which you will eventually be rewarded. I pray for the grace to also be a signpost to people around me, I pray that my life will be a testimony to someone out there, and that someone will make heaven because of me. Dwelling in His presence...

ohne Worte - no comments

Canary Wharf, London

Ich liebe es, solche Foto zu schiessen.. solche, wo weit und breit kein Mensch zu sehen ist. Einfach nur die Natur, die Stille, usw. Ich verspuere eine bestimmte Ruhe, die selten im Alltag zu finden ist. Ich sehe darin Gottes Werk, seine Guete, seine Geduld, seine Liebe fuer sein Handwerk.

I love taking such pictures...the type where there are no human beings in sight. Just nature, tranquility,etc. I always sense a certain stillness that is rare in our day to day activities. I see in them God's doing, His patience, his love for His handiwork.

Trey and I - the story continues...

I was not sure what to do with this newfound knowledge. What had the ex replied? Were they starting off where they left off -if they ever left off at all- where was I in that relationship, but most of all, where was God in that situation? One thing was clear in my confused mind, the ex factor was not an issue. Trey was my problem, and it needed solving.

Now, a lot of things had been happening between Trey and I. His Mum had gotten involved months prior, and from the conversation we had that day I had come to see her as a rare gem and had a lot of respect for her opinion. Trey and I had been having bad arguments. As with every relationship, you reach a point where you either move forward -take the plunge and get hooked- or break up. Trey made it clear in no uncertain terms that there were certain things about my character that had to be changed before we could move forward. He told me it was my fault we were stuck in a rut, that my stubborness and refusal to change were preventing us from moving forward, and until I change, we won't. I would love to tell you that I kicked his sorry behind to the kerb, picked myself up, dusted his memory off my coat and moved on with my life. Well, no, I didn't. Instead, I looked high and low for answers, how to change in order to 'please my man'. It all sounds funny now that I am recounting it. Looking back, it seems really stoopid, but hey,..

When my poor little heart just could not take any more, I just called his mother and poured out my heart to her. She asked me what it was that he didn't like. She advised me to change those things. She said, being a mother herself, to THREE daughters, she would tell me the same things she would tell any of her daughters: BE PATIENT, HOLD YOURSELF BLAMELESS. That touched a nerve. She said, whatever you do, make sure it cannot be said in future that you were to blame for this or that. Besides, you are the woman, we women have to be patient. Afterall, I was sitting here minding my business when he called and told me he had met the woman he would marry. He also told me you guys were having some difficulties, but I am sure you will work it out. What God has ordained, no man or spirit can undo. Just be patient, listen to him and do what pleases him. Wiiiiiiiiiiise words, huh?

In the midst of all the brouhaha, I was PATIENT. While he emotionally blackmailed and verbally abused me, I WAS patient. Even when he tore my dreams apart, lay into my personality and killed my zest for life, I WAS patient. Until the day I saw that e-mail and realized I'd been played for a fool all along.

On reading that e-mail, I figured one e-mail ALWAYS deserves another, so of course I did my homework and it turned out that not only had he been e-mailing proposals to his ex, he had actually discussed the whole issue in detail with his brother-in-law, who in turn had called d young lady in question and had had words with her about how serious he was now as a human being and how honest his intentions were towards her. Well, what can a young woman do? So I called him. I don't know why, nor had I prepared a 'speech'. I just wanted to hear his side of the story before making up my mind. Afterall, I was no stranger to this gentleman!

A proverb in Yoruba goes thus: the one whom we called to blow air into our eye when we had a speck in it, crushed chilli peppers in his mouth beforehand... I spoke to the gentleman as if I had no idea he was involved. I told him what I had read, and the plans we had made for me to go and see his mother-in-law. I told him I have a lot of respect for him, and know he was in a position to speak to Trey, and that he should speak to him, and tell him to make up his mind ether way. there is no point going to meet his mother, raising everyone's hopes, only for him to turn around a few months down the line and walk his ex down the aisle. Fact is, whoever he brings home, WILL be welcomed by his family. The brother-in-law replied: well, when a lady is nearing thirty, it is getting late. You are right, there is no need to visit my in-law. In fact, I am hearing for the first time that Trey is still in touch with that particular young lady. I do know her, but I know her because they used to date some years back, and I met her at the time. I WILL talk to him, but the only thing I can't do, is come back and tell you what he said. I leave it to him to sort you out.

I packed my bags, cooked and ate dinner with Trey, and lay down beside him to sleep while we discussed what would happen while I was away. Well, I spoke and he just listened, and eventually dozed off. I so badly wanted to confront him, but there was a still, small voice telling me to hold my peace, there was no need to go away with anger/strife in the air. So I heeded that voice, went abroad without ever discussing what I had read with Trey.

When I arrived, it was soooooooo hot and there was such a long queue and there are so many other things that came up that I won't bore you with. So anyway, we came out of the airport and there were too many of us, including baggage to fit into one car, so we hired a cab as a second car. Halfway down to our destination the car gave up the ghost and I was too tired to be scared. The car got fixed, sort of, and we arrived safely at our destination. Our host gathered everyone around and we said a prayer before dinner. While she prayed, she specifically prayed for families, relationships, couples, and marriages... that was my undoing. Something inside me snapped, and I couldn't hold it together again.

Only one person noticed what I was going through. When that person asked me, I finally opened up my heart, and mouth, and spoke. As I spoke, the tears flowed freely and I was not even concerned about what it must have looked like to anybody else. For the first time in my life, I really wished I was at home, safely, under my parents' roof, within the warm embrace of my family. At the same time, I was conscious that this is what growing up is all about. Flying the nest means not running back to Daddy and Mummy every time things get tough out there. My friend, whom I will always remember for that care and concern, and quick wit as well as discernment, gave me a few words of advice, and I stuck with his words. I cleaned myself up, had a shower and light dinner, joined the others for a few minutes of TV, then retired for the night.

Woke up the next morning and made arrangements for the rest of my stay, etc. Then set out on the journey to a different part of town to meet Trey's mother as arranged. It would be a huge disappointment, and MY FAULT had I not turned up as agreed. Add to that the fact that she was expecting me. I went down there, to fulfil all righteousness. All the way through, I prayed in my spirit. I tried to sleep, but was restless. I eventually picked up my cousin from a neighbouring town, and she was to be my escort for the journey. Trey's mother picked us up from the station with a friend, and that was the encounter of a lifetime. She was just as I had pictured her from the phone conversations we had been having. Beautiful inside and out, THE proverbs 31 woman. We arrived at Trey's family home too late to do anything but eat and sleep...

London by night

It's been an amazing couple of days... I am still flowing in the spirit of 'open heavens'

Living in a city, and visiting a city are two very different things. I remember when I used to come on holiday to London, and how much I loved coming here. In particular, I enjoyed being within the black community. It was a welcome change from my regular environment as a teenager, and a source of great awe and distant respect.

After having lived here for 9years, I can confidently say I am BORED in London. I find the streets narrow and dirty, people are unfriendly and aggressive and the weather is generally nothing to write home about. Having to take my friend around the city I live and work meant explaining a lot of things, delving into the whys and the hows of English heritage and it was no mean feat. We started out on Green Street in Forest Gate, then moved on to Canary Wharf, and from there headed to Westminster to see the London Eye and the houses of Parliament. It was actually fun walking along the streets of London at night, taking pictures and generally having a 'jolly good time'.

concrete heaven or concrete hell?

Amstelveen, NL

Thank you

Hi to all my 'readers' and many, many, many, thanks for your comments. Do keep them coming. I hear there is a tube strike across London today. I wish you all journey mercies to and from work, and hopefully catch up with you at some point...

Abundant blessings
xXx

Faithful is He that has promised II

Sunday was the last day of IGOC, and the evening session was a session we have all been looking forward to. After lunch on Sunday afternoon, my girlfriends and I had our siesta -to ensure we don't doze in Church later on- and woke up just after 4pm. We got dressed, freshened up and went on our merry way to Church by foot.

A few metres from the Church, a young man asked us which direction KICC was, and I told him we were going there as well, so he was free to walk with us. We strode down leisurely, enjoying the breeze, and just generally making conversation. I guess we were too slow for the brother, who after a few minutes told us he now knew his way and walked briskly after the mini crowd that had gathered in front of us. We arrived at about 5.45pm for a service scheduled to start at 6.30pm and I kid you not, we found it almost impossible getting seats. We eventually sourced out three chairs next to each other and spread out our jackets, etc and headed straight to the conference products stand in the exhibition hall. We eventually decided against making purchases, and went back to our seats.

What can I say about that night? KICC went out of Waterden Road with a BANG!!! It was an awesome, awesome experience, and I can't find the appropriate words to quantify what I experienced in the house of God on Sunday night. The artistes were fabulous, we had Alabaster Box, 6-Team, Judy Bailey, Jessie Dixon, Sammy Okposo and Mike Aremu from differen parts of the world, and our very own Xxprexxions, TNT Choir, our MOBO award nominees G-Force and of course, KICC Mass Choir -the best choir this side of eternity as my pastor says.

God's presence was so tangible, I personally felt His presence moving in that house, and I am still revelling in the showers of blessings, mercy and grace He poured out when He opened the heavens on that service. I am convinced that all that was sown throughout this IGOC will bring forth fruit in England and beyond, and all peoples will see the glory of the Almighty God in all the earth. In particular, the theme of this year's IGOC speaks directly to my current situation. I was in a very bad place just before IGOC started, and right now, my only assurance is that I have moved. God's love shifted me away from under the closed heavens I have been operating in. There was a divine interruption in my life's journey, because what the enemy meant for evil, God has turned around for my good.

I am convinced that however tough the battles have been so far, and no matter what victories I have achieved, the war is not over yet. Bring it on devil, God is fighting my corner, and I am not afraid anymore. I am operating under open heavens and there is NOTHING that can stop me now. I don't know how, but I just know within me that whatever I am going through will pass. As long as my destiny is unfulfilled, I SHALL NOT DIE, but live to testify to God's abundant grace and blessings, and His all encompassing love. If He can do it for me, He can do it for you! Trust Him, He is ABLE

Faithful is He that has promised I

What can I say? This past weekend has been very eventful... On Friday night, one of my baby sisters in the Lord and I went to Church together, for the evening session of IGOC in my Church. We had been to my favourite spot in Stratford beforhand, for a dosis of my favourite beverage and some snacks. I was really looking forward to that session, I felt something stirring within me, and I knew it was a sign of things to come. When we got to the Church, the first hurdle we had to overcome was a seating space for both of us, side by side. We did eventually, in a spot I felt was too far from the pulpit. I immediately cautioned myself, as there were screens everywhere around us, in case we couldn't see so far ahead, but we could see the stage anyway. The session was very powerful, and I left feeling refreshed and empowered to face whatever the devil throws at me.

On Saturday, first thing in the morning, I went with my Uncle and sister to pick up my little bundle of joy. My dealer must be the sweetest dealer in the whole wide world, you know? He sent me on my way with a huge smile and a huge(r) -can I borrow that grammar?- bouquet of flowers. I drove the car home, with my siter navigating from the back in German, and my Uncle beside me in a mixture of English and Yoruba. Between us, we arrived home safely. The next task was parking, and to top it all, I had to reverse park. That's not a big deal, right? Well, on a normal day I find it hard telling my left from my right side. Now having to do that while looking back, and steering the car in the opposite direction to wherever I was headed -well, for my humble brain, that was task overload- by God's grace, I did it :-) Then I met up with my sistah again

We went window shopping in Finsbury Park and I came back with three pairs of trousers. I must admit I really needed them, I had been looking for those particular colours, so it was just as well that I got all three for a bargain price. We then decided to go and buy some fancy footwear, and hopped on the tube to Liverpool Street. Somehow, we managed not to find the exact spot for footwear, and headed to the bus station for a bus to Shoreditch, where I was more than sure would shop to our hearts' desire. We got there, but lo and behold ALL the shops were shut for the day. We decided to head back home. On getting home, we had lunch and lazed around for a few hours, after which she headed home.

On Sunday, my cousin came over bright and early for a ride to the airport to pick up a girlfriend that was arriving from abroad. Well, I've not quite gotten the hang of driving in traffic, so I definitely wasn't going to drive on the motorway. I must say God has really blessed me with this mighty man of God as a brother. He has always got my back, bless him! My little sistah arrived shortly after, and we got busy with tidying up my room -oh, the joy of possessing more than enough garments and a wardrobe that fits better in your Kinderzimmer!!! We eventually made our way to the airport, and arrived just as my friend was picking up her luggage in the baggage area -that's what I call perfect timing. After that, went to Halfords to get some stuff for the car and the only thing that caught my fancy in there were the L-plates and an orangezest scented airfreshener. My cousin drove us back, and about 2minutes away from home, he handed the keys over and we stuck the L-plates on. My first ride in traffic. We got home safely.... praise God! My cousin headed off home, to make the afternoon service in Church on time. My girls and I went into the house for lunch.

IGOC 2007 - the last night

http://www.thelastone.uk.com/

it was A W E S O M E. It's well past midnight now, and I've got a few errands to run before work tomorrow -well, today- More on this later...

Wanderlust

I love tavelling. At every given opportunity, I pack my bags and go out of my regular space. There is the anticipation of the trip, the excitement of packing, and of course the promises of new places and faces waiting to be discovered by me, and infected with my humble passion for and love of life. Every time I get to go away, I am always so happy to be going away, I pack my bags and plan my itinerary weeks in advance. When I finally get to my destination, things either go my way, or they don't, but I ALWAYS make sure I enjoy myself.

Some people see travels as a way of escaping their realities. Others on the other hand are quite simply adventurous. I guess I am a nomad at heart. Most of my travelling, is not even about the destination itself, it is about the journey. The excitement of scenery change, the apprehension, the curiousity about what's waiting on the other side. I sometimes feel an 'itch' all over me, which tells me its time to get on the move again. For years, I was convinced I would spend my life wandering from place to place, never setting down roots. I have been in one place for the past 9years though, and as much as I say I would rather be anywhere but here, I keep coming back here. That tells me my destiny is in a way tied to this place. Not that it is IN this place, but it will be manifested in this place.

A man of God once told me that when I ever I go away, I should make sure that I am not running away FROM something, because it will STILL be here when I get back. Truly, everytime something has been weighing me down, and I decide to walk away from it, it's there waiting for me when I get back. The beauty of going away though, is a symbolic release. A letting go, an opportunity to step out of the situation and really recognize it for what it is, and sorting out the best steps to take to realign itz impact on your life with the will of God for your life. So, I have a wandering spirit, some nomadic tendencies, it doesn't mean I am without roots or that I am unable to settle down. My home is not tied to one place. My home is everywhere where I can encounter God. My one true home is in God, and He is everywhere.

My Lord, He is good...

This little beauty was 'born' into my life this morning... Nothing is impossible with God! I never even dreamed of driving a car, talkless of owning one. Being 'able' to drive a car is a gift most people take for granted. Coming from where I am coming from, it IS a big deal. Come and see what the Lord has done, it is marvellous in my sight. He has opened the floodgates of heaven, and is raining down showers of blessings upon my life. This is just the beginning. What God is set to do in my life, the devil can't stand it, he can't stop it, and there's NOTHING he can do about it.