Christmas Cheer!

I have just watched Luke's Christmas school play,

which was very cute!

Today I have been reading Colossians. It's a great book and can easily be read in one sitting. I encourage anyone to do this and I'm most certain you will be blessed.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.......

(Colossians 3v12 NIV)

I Like To Boast!

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me: let us exalt his name together.
(Psalm 34:1-3)

I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name for ever. Selah
(Psalm 44:6-8)

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
(Jerimiah 9:23-24)

What Should I Do?

Have you ever ventured off far down a path only to realise, 'I think I chose the wrong path'. Along the way I made some difficult choices, spent a lot of time, money and effort getting this far. I've even made some sacrifices with my friendships, or family. If I was to turn back now it all would have been for nothing. I would loose face.

I have been reading in the Bible about Amaziah the King of Judah in 2 Chronicles 25: 1-10. He hired men from Isreal to be a part of his army. God told him not to use these men. Amaziah was concerned with the money he had paid to the men from Isreal for their services. God said that he can give Amaziah much more than that. Amaziah was right to dismiss those troops because if he hadn't he could have been overthrown in battle and lost so much more. I'm sure he got a bad reputaion as a result. The men he dismissed were pretty angry.

I find I can get swept along with some decisions that seem right at the time then expect God to bless them, or wonder why things are not going according to my plan. When we have gone down this path that takes us out of the purposes of God, it is best to take a U turn and get back to where God wants us. We may feel like a failiure or that we will make more losses in the process. God is so good that when we are obedient to him he blesses us. It takes so much more faith to trust God with our loss, and our embarrasment of changing our minds, than to just continue aimlessly hoping God will bless what we do. It takes so much more courage to say I was wrong to go this way then turn to do what God wants. This may even mean backtracking a little or lot to get back.

It is better to not look too great in everyone elses eyes and know you've obeyed and done what God wants. I know I don't want to be a big achiever in the world and in the eyes of men if as a result I achieve nothing for God.

Give Us A Cheerful Look!

A Cheerful look brings joy to the heart (proverbs 15:30NIV)

What kind of look do we have. What are our faces giving off to people around us and the people we meet or just pass by in the workplace or on the streets. When we walk into a room is there a lightness that follows and rests in that place?

How powerful a look can be. Those of us that struggle to witness by speaking out. Those of us that struggle to bring life with the words of God because of a lack of confidence. We can bring such joy to those around us just by the cheerful look we can easily give.

What side of bed did we get up on this morning. What kind of day are we having. Are we saying it is the wrong time of the month! Look in the mirror. Is our face saying that everything is not ok. It is good to Practice in the mirror at looking cheerful and I guarantee joy will come!

It is true whether it is to ourselves or to others around us how we look in our expressions will spread to our heart and to those who see it! So go on give us a cheerful look!

Nourishing Word of God

I have spent the morning baking cakes for my son and flapjacks for my daughter. I tend to have a taste here and there to check how they are going! This always ruins my appitite for a good meal. So now it's lunch time and I don't feel like I can eat anything, so I put the kettle on and have a cup of tea!

When my children get home from school, I make sure they don't even look at their goodies until they have a proper meal inside them. It's great when they are hungry, because I can feed them apples and raw vegetables with out much argument.

Delving into the word of God is like having a really healthy and satisfying meal. I can let my life get caught up with the business of life and fill my time with rubbish so that I don't always feel like or have the time to delve into the Bible or sitting in the presence of God. It is only when I have spent time reading and listening to his word do I feel like I've had a great meal. The more of God's Word and his Spirit I get, I become stronger and a healthier Christian. just like I plan life around preparing and having decent meals I must plan everything else I do around the times I spend nourishing myself on the word. Missing these time can result in not living in the fulness of the power of the Holy Spirit.

Wisdom & Understanding

Reading proverbs in the Bible and still thinking about yesterdays post it is clear that to find wisdom and understanding is the will of God for our lives. We can accomplish so much of God's will if we have the wisdom and understanding which is from him. We must find it by searching for it and give everything we have to attain it.

"and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:3-6 NIV)

What more could we desire than the wisdom and understanding that God want's to give us.

"What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted." (Proverbs 10:24 NIV)

I desire God's wisdom and understanding. I want to accomplish all that He has have for me to do.

So That I May Lead

"give me wisdom and knowledge that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" King Solomon, 2 Chronicles 1:10 (NIV).

Solomon could have asked God for anything. He knew God had given him a great resposibility to lead his people. We all have reponsibilities that are given to us. We may feel they are God given or that they were thrust upon us. However we find ourselves it is so important that our attitudes are right towards all that we have been given to do.

I have been thinking about the responibilities I have and how God would like to use me in those reposibilities.

I feel like I work hard looking after my husband and children and our home. I know this is the task God has given me. I don't belive it happened my accident. I believe God gave me my particular husband and my particular children, and requires me to do his will in those areas of my life. If I am to achieve what God wants me to, I need to know what it is God would have me do.

How easy it would be to dream of something different. Especially when things get difficult. To look around and see greener grass in everyone elses lives. I know that seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, then all these things will be given to me as well (Mtt6:3).

God said to Solomon "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honour, nor for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowlege will be given you.

And I will also give you wealth, riches and honour, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." 2 Chronicles 1:11

When we come into the presence of God. We need to look at what we desire, what are our own motives. Is it in line with God's plan and pruposes for his Kingdom. Are we asking God for the right things. When we come to God what do we pray. Looking at the things we pray for is always a good test to see where we are with God. God is interested in us and wants to give us good thing, but are we praying for me me me, or are we praying his Kingdom come and Will be done.

My prayer is that God will give me the wisdom and knowledge so that I can do my part in leading my family into the purposes of God.

Putting a Stamp on Christmas

The new stamp has reminded me that Christmas is drawing close. It pictures what Christmas is about to a lot of people. The Church of England have challenged the move towards festive stamps without a Christian theme. Even though some may know it has something to do with Jesus, I see it is up to us Spirit filled Christians who know Jesus personally to make sure our gift to people around us is to know the love of Christ for themselves. This could be with the way we treat them, being kind and generous to them, praying that God will show himself to them. I think it is so much more important that our lives have that stamp of Christ wherever we go. It will be our lives that will impact people and not what stamp we stick onto a Christmas card.

I think this would make a great stamp!

Football Crazy!

Our son has gone football crazy. He loves it so much he recently had a football birthday party. I do like to encourage him to play as it is a great way for him to excercise and have fun at the same time. Although I worry sometimes when I I hear some football news and there is so much hatred and dispute going on amongst different teams, and supporters. I was shocked to hear this morning the news about how an Everton supporter threw a coin and hit Fulham's Claus Jensen during Saturdays match. I wonder how someone can feel such dislike for a sportsman they've probably never met.

It is such a great shame that people take such a sport so personally that they feel thay have to get so agressive in the name of supporting their team.

I don't really enjoy watching football that much, but I do enjoy watching my son enjoy himself. I hope that he grows up to enjoy football for what it's meant to be; a game!

Child Booster Car Seat

Parents are now faced with the new law that is enforced as of today to put children on a booster seat. I must admit that I have been very relaxed about using the booster seats up until today. Even though my children are probably safer in them. It wasn't until it was the law that I made sure they sat in them.

I find it rather interesting that even before it was compulsory I would think that I probably should have made them sit in the seats, but it was easier and quicker to just jump into the car and say "belts on", have a quick look round to check they're on properly then get off to wherever we were going. Now I am going to have to allow more time and effort to make sure my children are sat securely on their seats.

I spoke to the kids about this new law, and they found it all rather exciting getting into their old car seats this morning. It was as if it was a new adventure or something.

It reminded me of when we read the bible, we can quite often see that God would have us live a certain way. We may even think that it is a good idea and perhaps God knows what he's talking about. But it's not until we have a personal revelation from God by his Holy Spirit that we feel excited and want to do all that he requires of us. It may take a little more effort to comply especially when at times it mean going against what feels natural.

It is often a challenge to live the way God would have us live, but when we are filled with the Holy Spirit the challenge becomes a joy. We must constantly be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can constantly live a safe, secure and fulfilled life.

Empowered by Vision

How many of us have a vision of what God would like us to do? We get so excited and feel so empowered about this vision. This empowerment helps us and motivates us to get things started with so many expectations of what God is about to do.

Has anyone ever found that once they have been doing this great and amazing thing for a while that it does not seem so great and amazing anymore. Why? It stops being so amazing when no more fruit is being produced.

It is so important to not allow ourselves to be caught up in the uphill struggle of what we believe we have seen. but to go back and allow God to instill the vision once again or show us a way to be fruitful.


We must constantly check all that we do, that we do it for the sake of Gods plans and purposes. All that we do for God however mundane it may seem, can be the most exciting and fulfilling thing if it is what God wants us to do and he has given us a vision for it. Without God it all amounts to rubbish.

We must check what we are doing regularly that it is still in the plans of God and that we are going down the right road. So that we will never go too far down the wrong road (if we do end up on this road). Then we can be empowered by the vision God has given us and produce much fruit for the Kingdom.

New Beginnings

The summertime has drawn to an end. Its has been great having the children around.

Now they are starting a new year at their school. They have been so excited and looking forward to go to their new school. The next pictures you can see are what I took this morning when they were all ready for the next phase.

I find it exciting when a new chapter begins. So much has happened. God is an ever-increasing God so I can look forward to so much more for the next year. Without Jesus in our lives what would be the point of new beginings. With Jesus in our lives we should expect more than ever before.

Photo Gallery

Father & Son

Mates

Brother & Sister

The opening of birthday presents

Happy 1st Birthday

Super Skaters!

Super Driver!

Having A Great Summer!

Dear readers, sorry not blogged for a while. It's a bit tricky in the school holidays. I will be back on form shortly. xxxx

The Believers' Prayer

When reading Acts I am constantly reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit. It makes me so hungry for more of that power. Then I have to remind myself that it is there within me. The God that was in the early church and the power of the Holy Spirit is the same God that lives in me and the same spirit that is moving amongst us today. This really excites me.

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: "‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.’
Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.
They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 4:24-31 (NIV)

This prayer has inspired me over the last few weeks. I hope you will also see how allowing the power of God that is within you to shape you and use you to shape others and whatever circumstance you might face.

I Love You

Thank you Richard for 9 wonderful years of marraige.

Finding the right balance

Is it me or does housework take up so much time. There is always something to do. It's really hard to keep up. I'm not someone who enjoys housework, (who does?) , I guess there are those that do. However, I am motivated by having a tidy house. Sometimes I feel like there is so much I'd like to do but I think I'd better put another load of washing on first or put away the toys spewed all over the living room floor. Then find actually now it's time for bed, I'd better read my Bible because I've not done it yet! Then there are days I just look at the house work and think, "I'll leave that till another day". Everything inside is saying no and the guilt comes.

This reminds me of the story of Mary at Jesus' feet while Martha was getting on with what needed to be done. I feel for Martha. I can imagine her busily getting on with her jobs thinking if only you would help I'd have it finished by now then I can sit at Jesus' feet too. Then I think what must Mary have been going through, "I know there are jobs to do but there will always be something, I may never get a moment like this again".

Mary certainly made the right choice. What is the point in having a perfectly clean and tidy house, being tired out because it's perfect, and never having the time to have quality time with friends, family and God. Having the right balance is important. Praise God that Jesus will always give us the wisdom to find it.

Habakkuk's Prayer

The picture is a little melodramatic, but some times we can be like this when things don't go our way. When I read Habakkuk's Prayer, it reminded me that it does not matter what we go through or what circumstances we are in, our God is always faithful.

Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

(Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV)

We can enter into his presence and he ministers his peace and strength to us. Praise God!

Praying For Change

How easy it is to think "I've had enough of that, now I'd like to move onto the next thing." or when crisis comes we pray for change or the opening of doors. We can then get a little frustrated when nothing seems to be happening. When crisis comes we must see it as an opportunity to glorify God with our reaction and faithfulness, rather than run to the nearest exit.

I am a firm believer that most things happen or don't happen for a reason, especially if your root desire is to serve God.

When praying for change, or doors to be open, a question to ask ourself is "Have we fulfilled the purposes of God in the present situation, or is there still more to do?"

I've recently been asking God for wisdom in a certain situation of my life which I wanted to change and have not really seen a way forward. This has caused me to believe that God has not finished with me yet and I have not yet seen the fullness of why I was put here in the first place.

Change is good and exciting when it comes at the right time and is clear that it is part of the purposes of God. Lets not rush onto the next thing but see what fruit if any we are meant to be producing. Even though I wanted to move on I can see I've not yet produced the fruit that God had intended, therefore I must get my focus back to the here and now.

If I am not faithful and fruitful now in what has been given me then why would God trust me with a new and exciting venture. If it's a crisis that's pushing for a way out, see it as an opportuinty to be used by God. Having success will set you up for even greater things.

We can still look to the future with excitement, knowing that God has amazing things in store for his children. We are his children if we love him and are obedient to him. When it is clear that there is no fruit to be produced we should take care not to waste our time and energy and the right doors will open.

Lets "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:33-34 NIV).

As soon as we have allowed ourselves to be used to fulfill Gods purposes by being obedient and shown willingness to serve. Then He will use us again. God is in control of every situation. Nothing happens without his agreement. Our obedience to his commands could be the key to unlock the door so that we can move on.

Now when I am praying for change in my life, I'm praying it with faith that I will accomplish all that God has for me to do now!

M6 Toll Road v M6

We are faced with so many choices. Have you ever made a choice and thought, maybe I made the wrong decision. When we go to visit Richards parents in Leighton Buzzard, we go onto the M6 Toll. Before you get to the junction that goes M6 or M6 Toll you need to have already decided which one to take. If you carried on with the flow you would automatically go onto the M6 Toll road, and end up paying the price for an easier run. It's sometimes easier to think well if there is a cost involved then it must be better, or "we are on this road now, might as well carry on!"I sometimes think it might not be busy on the other road and we could pocket the few pounds we would have spent. I wonder how many people go through life not actually realising that every action we take, first there came a choice. A lot of our choices and decisions could be the same old ones we make time and time again. It could be that we go with the flow and just do what is expected. However we make a choice there is always a cost involved.

Richard preached a great word a couple of Sundays ago. One that will challenge anyone who hears it What Will You Choose. I really recommend anyone that's not heard it to listen to it, or even listen to it again if you have.

I am challenged not to always make the same choices just because that's what I always do. I'd like the choices I make to cause those around me to be challenged by God. There is always a cost involved. If we decided not to go down the same new route of the M6 Toll, and decided to go down the M6. We would save paying the money, but would the cost be a busier route. We are faced with so many choices, like what mood am I in this morning. I can choose to change that mood or stay in it. Or do I witness today or shall I just leave it and wait for an opportunity. Richard in his word pointed out a fundamental truth that if we always wait for an opportunity we may never ever witness. There came a point where we chose to witness or not regardless of opportunities. Do I watch this film, everyone else is sat here watching it. Or we choose not to stop something because its a habbit we've allowed ourselves to get in. Or we choose not to start something because we've not got round to it. I've only touched the surface of the word that came those sundays ago. Listen to it and be prepared to change in the way you choose.

Full When Overflowing

This weekend has been a fantastatic weekend. I went to a conference in Manchester at Kings Church where I enjoyed hearing Keri Jones our apostle talk about the things of God around the world. As a people we are ministries without borders. When there is a place God wants us to go there is absolutely nothing or no one that can stop us from entering, no matter how humanly impossible it looks.

We must contstantly be full of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be an effective people of God. I took a picture (above) to illustrate that we are not full until we are overflowing. Which means our source must constantly be filling us up again and again. It never stops pouring in.

Meet Our Visitor!

When we opened our curtains this morning we had an on looker walking across our patio doors. The children and I were amused watching it make its way up the doors then back down again!

Those In Authority

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Have you ever been unsure about something and just need somone who has an authority in that area to put your mind at ease?

I took Nathan to the doctors today. He has a rash that started on just his front this morning. I thought it might be a heat rash. As the day progressed he seem to get a little unsettled and would not eat anything. When I bathed him to get him settled for the night, I noticed his rash had spread to all over his body. Everywhere was covered. Now I started to wonder what it was. He wasn't really complaining that much, but I knew he wasn't himself, so I made up my mind to ask someone who could tell me what the matter was. Someone that would put my mind at ease. I knew really it wasn't anything to worry about, but I just needed that someone to reasure me.

It is so good to have people around us we can go to. I know that if I have a worry or concern in my life I can go to the leaders in the church, the ones I consider to have the authority of God and talk through these things. There is something powerful, as well as directing and comforting to have house group leaders and elders to turn to (Romans13:1). They can minister peace in a time of uncertainty. It is always good to remember to turn to these people when we are a little unsure. If they don't have the answers they can stand with us and pray. God always has the answer.

The doctor told me what was wrong, praise God it wasn't serious, I kind of knew it wouldn't be but I left feeling satisfied and assured. This is how it should be when we have spent time with those who have the authority of God. We must pray for those who are in authority over us. Remember that we too who are in Christ have authority from God to do his work. Being in a house group/cell group we can be used by God in this way and we can minister peace to those around us when needed (Luke 9:1 and Luke 10:19).

Godly Living

The bible is our plumb line for Godly living.

Lets draw closer to him.

The closer we draw to him the more like him we become.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is short-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9

Goldilocks And The 4 Bears!

I went to a workshop which is run by the school. It was about helping our children to learn through creative play. We were shown how to have creative play while teaching them numeracy and literacy skills! There were a number of parents present and we were given the task to make a Goldilocks puppet with general household odds and ends. It was quite interesting to see parents really getting into their craft, me included!

Then we were given the task to get our children to make the three bears puppets when we got home. When I picked up my children from school they looked forward to getting started on their bears. By the time we got home, my children asked a couple of neighbouring children in on the act. They had great fun.
I don't think I quite acheived getting in the litracy and numeracy, as we ended up with 4 bears! Even though my house was like a kids club for the next 2 hours with bits of cuttings all over my dining room, I enjoyed watching them interact with the children from next door, and they had a great time too.

Development Check!

Today I took my 8 month old baby to have his developmental check. They weighed him making sure he's growing physically. They checked that he's now eating and drinking not just milk. He needs to show some kind of mental development by showing signs of being alert and interested in his surroundings.

I am really proud of our little boy. I'm sure many parents can share the sense of their own child is fantastic. When the Health Visitor did all her checks and expressed how he had developed and was satisfied with her results. I was overjoyed to think that my little boy who was born only eight months ago is now showing signs of having his own personality. Already he expresses in babble noises where would like to go.

How disapointed I would be if he was still doing exactly the same as he was doing when he was first born. How dissapointed I would be if he was not showing any interest in what I was doing and laughing when I am being silly. How dissapointed I would be if in a year or two time he was still only doing that which he is doing now.

This helps me to think about myself and my development as a Christian. I ask myself, "Have I developed since I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour? What about in the last year or even in the last 8 months?" Can I say I have moved on in God?

When I think about what it means to develop as a Christian, I think:

• do I love Jesus more and more
• how is my relationship with Christ
• what kind of things do I pray about
• how often do I hear God
• what are my relationships like with my husband, family and my friends
• am I serving the church
• am I witnessing to people about Jesus

There are other areas in my life I could check my development. It is important not to drift, hoping that we are developing. Taking a good honest look at ourselves and assessing the results, however little or much we have developed it should motivate us to develop even further.

"meditation of my heart"

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Not only is it important to watch what we say, but we must also watch what we think about. I have found that by letting even my thought life be consumed with the things of God and his word, it has an effect on my words and actions. It also builds me up. I don't just want to be seen by those around me saying the right things. I want my LORD God to be pleased with my heart.