Time

The children spent the day with me today, the school was closed due to an industrial action. I enjoyed spending the day with them. I have found since my eldest started school my days go so quickly. I'm quite often rushing from one thing to another, from getting everyone their breakfast to dropping them off at school. I've barely given my baby his lunch when I'm rushing to pick them up from school. As soon as we get home it's read the reading book, get tea ready, clear up and then get the kids to bed. Before I realise it another day has come and gone.




I enjoyed not having to clock watch, take my time, and being relaxed with the children. We went to a place called 'Head Over Heels' with some other friends from school. It's a place where it's actually OK for your children to go completely wild! They had a great time.

Jumping Ship!

Sometimes when things get a little difficult, just to escape from the situatiion seems like the only option.

"unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved", so the soilders cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away. (Acts 27V31 NIV)

When situations become difficult we must not 'jump ship', especially when we are part of a community. We should hold on and trust that God's plans are perfect. There will be many times in our walk that it all seems too much for us. God will not allow us to face anything beyond we can cope with so we must take courage.

Wanting the easy way may seem to be the right thing to do, but, what effect will this have on others. If we listen to what some people say to us, we could hear, "Do what makes you happy." Which may not really be the best for us, especially if it's not God plan for us.

How we speak is really important. When things around us seem to be against us, knowing that we are in the right place can really help our confession. The way we speak can bring life and hope to any situation. I know that when I've seen something of Gods plan and purpose in a situation, it does not matter what goes on around me. I'm secure in what I see. When I'm not sure, I can get a little wobbly! When I feel like this, being around people who are encouraging and can see what I'm struggling to see, challenges me to keep on going. That's why I know it's important to watch the way I act and speak, that it brings life and not doubt. I don't know if anyone reading this is a little like me and can sometimes get caught up in the flow. When doubt and uncertainty is being confessed, I have to make a concious effort not to join in! It can be difficult to cut across others doubting and bring faith.

When the lifeboat looks inviting, we must ask ourselves, "is this where I see God leading me". Leaning on our own understanding and wisdom can be fatal. We must always look to see what the word of God is in that situation and not what seems to be right in out own minds. It is such a privilige to hear God. This is a privilige that God has given to all those who seek him. I know that when God speaks, the ropes to the life boat may as well not be there because I am sticking to the plan God has given no matter what!

God has given you the lives of everyone who sails with you (Acts 27 v 24). I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me (Acts 27 v 25).

Answered Prayers...

As a mum, I have a fantastic opportunity to meet other mums and dads at the school gate, when picking up my children. When I think about the amount of time I spend with these people over weeks and months it all adds up.

I have formed some good relationships with some of the mums. I want them to be able to look at me and see what it's like to know Jesus. It's great when I have the opportunity to actually say to someone, "I'll pray for that situation." We had Matthew Ling with us as a church on Sunday. What he said to us made me think about how answered prayers shows people who we are. I would like more opportunity to pray for people and see God revealed to them in answered prayer.

I beleive I can show people that I am a child of God by answered prayers. To convince them that God's Kingdom is a Kingdom of power. Writing this post is a way of challenging myself and saying, 'I'm available Lord'. At the same time I hope to challenge others to step out more and do the most natural thing, which is to pray to our Father for those who don't know him, to see their needs met and to expect him to answer.

My Church Family

I spent the day with the cell leaders and had a fantastic time of ministry, food and fellowship. These times are great investments into our own lives, where we are inspired to do all that God has for us to do.

There was so much to take in, but the emphasis was mainly about being a covenant community. It is so important to pray for the people we are part of. I felt challengend to do this more.

I feel so blessed to be a part of the people I am part of. I feel loved and cared for. It excites me when I think that God has given me the privelige to serve him as part of our community. I hope that I can show in speach and action genuine care and love toward others. I hope that the part I play in my church family will help us to be more of a covenant community.

"Wow! That's Super Cool!"

It's fantastic to see my children encouraging each other. Josie showed Luke her spaceship she had just made out of lego. Luke was playing on the computer. Instead of saying, "go away I'm busy," he exclaimed, "WOW! that's super cool!" Josie was so happy with this. Then Luke said to Josie, "Look what I'm making," pointing to the computer. Josie replied, "WOW! that's cool!" Josie was so happy with Luke's encouragment that it enabled her to encourage him back.

God must get so proud of us when he sees us encourage one another and the knock-on effect that takes place. I'm so proud of my children and even more so when they love each other. God loves us so much that it's so important to him how we are with one another. Let's look out for one another and show we genuinely care.

My Daughter (II)

I just want to say thanks for all those that prayed. Josie came to me just moments ago and said,

"Mum I feel so much better. My throat has stoped hurting, and I don't feel sick anymore."

Praise God.

My Daughter

I'm at home today with my daughter who is quite unwell. I would appreciate anyone's prayers.

Hearing The Word

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17 NIV)

We had some fantastic teaching today at King's House. While I was sat there listening to the four different speakers bringing teaching on chapters two and three of Ephesians I could not help but feel priviledged in being a child of God. I felt inspired and excited about the things of God.

It's so important to take every opportunity to hear the word of God, to build ourselves up, allowing God's Word to equip us.

You can download this morning's teaching by visiting our church website (just click here and then select Ephesians from the drop-down Category menu).

Living by Faith

I need faith to work this blog! I'm not quite sure what I'm doing yet. Richard keeps hearing cries of help then he comes running, laughing.

I wanted to call this site 'living by faith' because I'm constantly challenged to live like this. I so want to see more of God's power and rule in situations I come accross. I'm longing to be used by God effectively in my family and other people's lives. I have a growing hunger to be in God's presence so that my faith grows stronger and stronger.

I believe the Bible is true and God will do whatever he said he would do. One of the things he said was that I would do even greater things than Jesus. I've not experienced this yet, but I know it will happen.