Hello all,
I’ve just been listening to my church’s 1st preach from their new series on the ten commandments and felt inspired to share from it. To listen to it: http://rrcc.org.uk/index.php/resources/rrcc-talks/340-number-10-do-not-covet
Commandment number 10: Do not covet.
How often do I do that daily? I see some nice clothes I like and want it. But if I had it, would that satisfy? No, it wouldn’t be long until the next trend kicked in.
The western world is obsessed with money and possessions. I’ve seen that for myself after living in another culture.
The media tells us, have this, you’ll be happy. Have loads of money and you will be so happy, you’ll never have to scrape together money to pay a bill again. Ok so even if you had all the money in the world, you could buy anything you wanted, go anywhere you wanted, would you deep down be happy? If you think yes, then why do so many celebrities express their feelings of loneliness and unhappiness, often plastered all over the magazines and papers?
Life is not about money and getting high up in life...an amazing job doesn’t bring you real joy, only God does.
So as Jesus said in Matthew 6: 33-34:
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Let’s follow God with our all and trust that the God that placed the stars in the universe will provide for us :D X
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Friday, 20 August 2010
How powerful do we really believe God is?
This was a question I realised I was faced with in the recent months. Had I let my expectation of God be limited to a box which is comfortable and makes sense and anything beyond that was not on my radar?
In the Bible we read about people being raised from the dead, leprosy healed in an instant, breakthrough and salvation to those a million miles away from living an ‘ok’ life, but do we really believe God could move in the same way today?
I came to a place recently where I was surprised God had answered my prayers in such an obvious and amazing way! I realised these feelings of surprise showed beneath I had limited my expectations of God and let apathy creep in.
God remains faithful and so good to me despite how I doubt Him at times. I am humbled by His unfailing love and how he never lets me go. In the midst of a situation we may honestly think ‘what is going on, where is God and what is He doing here’, but hindsight is a beautiful time and in times of difficulty I’ve seen God’s constant hand upon and presence with me.
Romans 8:11: The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Let’s believe that verse everyday! Amen. XxX
In the Bible we read about people being raised from the dead, leprosy healed in an instant, breakthrough and salvation to those a million miles away from living an ‘ok’ life, but do we really believe God could move in the same way today?
I came to a place recently where I was surprised God had answered my prayers in such an obvious and amazing way! I realised these feelings of surprise showed beneath I had limited my expectations of God and let apathy creep in.
God remains faithful and so good to me despite how I doubt Him at times. I am humbled by His unfailing love and how he never lets me go. In the midst of a situation we may honestly think ‘what is going on, where is God and what is He doing here’, but hindsight is a beautiful time and in times of difficulty I’ve seen God’s constant hand upon and presence with me.
Romans 8:11: The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Let’s believe that verse everyday! Amen. XxX
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Because I know you're all missing them....Rachelisms....
So you’re sure if I eat the pips I won’t have the nutrition to grow a tree? Cos there always seems to be an exception!
I get architecture and archaeology confused sometimes. Archaeology, that’s to do with dead people right?
A guest: The beaches in Aberdeen are lovely. Me: Yer but you’ve gotta watch out for the lochness monster. The Guest: Yer that’s in the loch not the beach! Me: Oh is that why it’s called lochness, I’d always wondered!
Fliss: I found a clam in the sea. Me looking confused: What, but isn’t clams the things that are tribes from Scotland uno? A guest: Yer there’s a bunch of angry scots running around the sea!
What do you call it the sound a bird makes, hawk isn’t it?
The main problem is I don't think before I speak....leading to much amusement!!:D Hope you're all well X
I get architecture and archaeology confused sometimes. Archaeology, that’s to do with dead people right?
A guest: The beaches in Aberdeen are lovely. Me: Yer but you’ve gotta watch out for the lochness monster. The Guest: Yer that’s in the loch not the beach! Me: Oh is that why it’s called lochness, I’d always wondered!
Fliss: I found a clam in the sea. Me looking confused: What, but isn’t clams the things that are tribes from Scotland uno? A guest: Yer there’s a bunch of angry scots running around the sea!
What do you call it the sound a bird makes, hawk isn’t it?
The main problem is I don't think before I speak....leading to much amusement!!:D Hope you're all well X
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Perfect love casts out fear
Hello all,
1John 4:18: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Amen to that!
This is a massive thing God has taught me in my time out here. So often we may fear, it may be small things like other's opinion of us which can turn to constantly seeking approval. We may worry how are we performing in our jobs, how we are coming across to others, the reprocassions if we make a mistake. We can fear stepping out and being bold for Jesus, but if we believe the word, we have nothing to fear. I've seen in my time here that by trusting God there is love, security and He alone will catch me when I fall. If we trust God then we shouldn't fear, for He holds all things in the palm of His hands and He loves us.
The only way you can know perfect love is through God, others will let you down as much as they try, only God will never leave, forsake you and will love you unconditional, no matter how you behaviour or feel.
Much love to you all XxX
1John 4:18: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Amen to that!
This is a massive thing God has taught me in my time out here. So often we may fear, it may be small things like other's opinion of us which can turn to constantly seeking approval. We may worry how are we performing in our jobs, how we are coming across to others, the reprocassions if we make a mistake. We can fear stepping out and being bold for Jesus, but if we believe the word, we have nothing to fear. I've seen in my time here that by trusting God there is love, security and He alone will catch me when I fall. If we trust God then we shouldn't fear, for He holds all things in the palm of His hands and He loves us.
The only way you can know perfect love is through God, others will let you down as much as they try, only God will never leave, forsake you and will love you unconditional, no matter how you behaviour or feel.
Much love to you all XxX
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Highs and Lows
Hello all,
Sorry for not updating this lately.
I've had a rollercoaster few weeks and massive thanks for all the support, it's helped me out loads.
I had a well needed amazing week with my family last week. Was so good to have them with me, was so precious and lovely. I think now they can visualise what I'm doing and where I am now they've seen it. We had lots of fun together, on the boat trip, at a local market. One of my highlights was going on a jetski with my brother, loads of fun and a quality adventure! I also had a great time at the Turkish Bath with my Mum, was less dawnting than I'd imagined and ended up being so refreshing and relazing! My dad casued much amusement when we went to a really busy market and we casually forgot how much he hated big crowds!
Another awesome thing about the week with my family was the wise words and advice they gave me, which helped me out and kept me grounded with everything going on out here.
I found it hard once they left and hasn't helped that this week the hotel is sooo quiet, with only 3guests. Means it's a bit boring and nothing to do, which means a lot of time sitting about doing nothing, which can't be good for you. I've found myself missing everyone a lot, but knowning you're all behind me, praying and supporting me, gives me the strength to not get down, but stay my happy smiley self.
As the wise words of many have told me to clothe myself in the armour of God:
Ephesians 6:10-17:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Much love,
Rachel XxxX
Sorry for not updating this lately.
I've had a rollercoaster few weeks and massive thanks for all the support, it's helped me out loads.
I had a well needed amazing week with my family last week. Was so good to have them with me, was so precious and lovely. I think now they can visualise what I'm doing and where I am now they've seen it. We had lots of fun together, on the boat trip, at a local market. One of my highlights was going on a jetski with my brother, loads of fun and a quality adventure! I also had a great time at the Turkish Bath with my Mum, was less dawnting than I'd imagined and ended up being so refreshing and relazing! My dad casued much amusement when we went to a really busy market and we casually forgot how much he hated big crowds!
Another awesome thing about the week with my family was the wise words and advice they gave me, which helped me out and kept me grounded with everything going on out here.
I found it hard once they left and hasn't helped that this week the hotel is sooo quiet, with only 3guests. Means it's a bit boring and nothing to do, which means a lot of time sitting about doing nothing, which can't be good for you. I've found myself missing everyone a lot, but knowning you're all behind me, praying and supporting me, gives me the strength to not get down, but stay my happy smiley self.
As the wise words of many have told me to clothe myself in the armour of God:
Ephesians 6:10-17:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Much love,
Rachel XxxX
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Out of my Comfort Zones
Hello all!!
Weeks seem to be flying by in this place!! I've been here exactly a month now!!
Mad to think this time a month ago I was boarding the flight from Gatwick, sad to say goodbye but excited about the adventure in front of me!
God has been my strength and known with no doubt He was with me and for me. At the start of my time here I wanted to become reliant on Him and realised how as great as it was me being independent can at times mean I didn’t rely on God.
I knew from the start I’d be doing a lot of things out of my comfort zones; however I knew God would equip me and help me. At times I would pray ‘Lord help me out here’ as would have no idea as what to say and God gave me words.
This week I’ve been doing some of the ministry and have been amazed at how much God has used me with it. I spoke on Jesus in the Old Testament on evening and really felt God at work. The second evening I was partly nervous wouldn’t match up to the success as the previous evening, silly as it may sound. When I went to do the talk I felt so nervous but just said to myself ‘God’s with you’ and felt peace. I spoke on God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and used the rainbow in Noah to illustrate this. I’ve had guests say it went really well and hope I get more opportunities to speak over the summer, which has been so encouraging. When I first went to speak I literally thought, what can I say, these people are over double my age and probably know it all anyway. It was a completely a different demograph than I’m used to with doing youth work, but out of my comfort zones, I trusted God and relied on Him.
I’ve felt God bless me immensely when I’ve been willing to step out and know He’s with me and will equip me to what He has called me to do.
I’ll leave you with my pray from Scripture:
Ephesians 6:19-20: Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Lots of love,
Rachy Rach XxX
Weeks seem to be flying by in this place!! I've been here exactly a month now!!
Mad to think this time a month ago I was boarding the flight from Gatwick, sad to say goodbye but excited about the adventure in front of me!
God has been my strength and known with no doubt He was with me and for me. At the start of my time here I wanted to become reliant on Him and realised how as great as it was me being independent can at times mean I didn’t rely on God.
I knew from the start I’d be doing a lot of things out of my comfort zones; however I knew God would equip me and help me. At times I would pray ‘Lord help me out here’ as would have no idea as what to say and God gave me words.
This week I’ve been doing some of the ministry and have been amazed at how much God has used me with it. I spoke on Jesus in the Old Testament on evening and really felt God at work. The second evening I was partly nervous wouldn’t match up to the success as the previous evening, silly as it may sound. When I went to do the talk I felt so nervous but just said to myself ‘God’s with you’ and felt peace. I spoke on God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and used the rainbow in Noah to illustrate this. I’ve had guests say it went really well and hope I get more opportunities to speak over the summer, which has been so encouraging. When I first went to speak I literally thought, what can I say, these people are over double my age and probably know it all anyway. It was a completely a different demograph than I’m used to with doing youth work, but out of my comfort zones, I trusted God and relied on Him.
I’ve felt God bless me immensely when I’ve been willing to step out and know He’s with me and will equip me to what He has called me to do.
I’ll leave you with my pray from Scripture:
Ephesians 6:19-20: Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Lots of love,
Rachy Rach XxX
Friday, 4 June 2010
Fun in the sun....
Yesterday I was on a boat trip with most of the guests. We went around all the bays of the local area, was so beautiful and was just so thankful to the Lord for it, was so peaceful and unspoilt creation, hard to describe. I couldn’t believe I would going on this trip many more times while I was out here, this was going to be one day of work a week, amazing! I was like ‘ahh this is the life’ but honestly thought wow God you are so good to me.
Initially I found things hard out here, really missed home and people. Through this whole time I knew God’s real presence with me, I knew He had His hand on me and would help me through. In times of real struggles all I could do was look to God, there was no other option. In the Bible God tells us to expect trials and for these to be a time when we look to Him. Through these times I’ve known God’s faithfulness and love to me. I’ve really valued the support of my family, church family and friends in this time. At times I felt weak but felt a sense of strength from the Lord as knew people back home we’re praying for me.
1 Peter 1:6-7:
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Initially I found things hard out here, really missed home and people. Through this whole time I knew God’s real presence with me, I knew He had His hand on me and would help me through. In times of real struggles all I could do was look to God, there was no other option. In the Bible God tells us to expect trials and for these to be a time when we look to Him. Through these times I’ve known God’s faithfulness and love to me. I’ve really valued the support of my family, church family and friends in this time. At times I felt weak but felt a sense of strength from the Lord as knew people back home we’re praying for me.
1 Peter 1:6-7:
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
A few Rachelisms to lighten the tone!
I was asked by a guest if I’d seen any orange trees out in Turkey much to my confusion I replied ‘Oranges grow on trees?!’
With this new found information I went and explored this topic with Fliss, I asked ‘how to do them know by the leaves on trees if it’s a Tetley or Red Rush uno?’
In light on this I said: ‘I thought trees where just for show’.
I was talking with some guys and they were explaining how far away they’re village was to mine as they were explaining saying so on the peninsula at which I asked ‘is that the equator?’
When asking for the bill in Turkish the other day unfortunately I said ‘Shame Please’ and wondered why the waitress looked a bit confused.
The famous saying of you learn something new every day, I actually do!
With this new found information I went and explored this topic with Fliss, I asked ‘how to do them know by the leaves on trees if it’s a Tetley or Red Rush uno?’
In light on this I said: ‘I thought trees where just for show’.
I was talking with some guys and they were explaining how far away they’re village was to mine as they were explaining saying so on the peninsula at which I asked ‘is that the equator?’
When asking for the bill in Turkish the other day unfortunately I said ‘Shame Please’ and wondered why the waitress looked a bit confused.
The famous saying of you learn something new every day, I actually do!
Lead me to the cross
Lead me to the cross...this is my daily prayer. I need more of God and I want to be changed to be more like Him. I daily see my flaws before Him and a joy of thankfulness overtakes me as I realise He loves me the same despite my human nature and how rubbish I can be!
The difference in culture here has challenged me more than I thought it would. Generosity, family, and friendliness is big out here.
There’s a local cafe/restaurant I walk past every day on the way to work. In our first week our boss Nuket took Fliss and I there for a drink. They make this amazing homemade lemonade, real good! We walked past there on the walk around the village with the guests and recommended it. He was introducing himself and telling them about the homemade lemonade, then said let’s try some, it’s on the house. He made enough for all the guests, there was 20 or so of them and he was trying to make a second glass for them when I said no more! But was amazed at his generosity, I tried to insist to give him some money that afternoon but he was like no it’s on the house.
On my day off I went to another local cafe I’d had dinner at one night which the waitress always says hello to me whenever I pass. We chatted for ages while my food was being made, she introduced me to some of her family and her little nephew who’s about 5, decided to do a little dance for me to entertain me, was adorable! Back in England would seem a bit alien this friendly treatment, but it’s so welcoming and I’m enjoying feeling a bit more part of the village. At the end of my breakfast I asked for the bill and she came back out and said ‘for you, today, free’, I was like are you sure, but she insisted, was so lovely.
My prayer is that I can be a light of Jesus to the people in the village and they would come to know God too. Please pray for this too.
Proverbs 25:2: No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind.
The difference in culture here has challenged me more than I thought it would. Generosity, family, and friendliness is big out here.
There’s a local cafe/restaurant I walk past every day on the way to work. In our first week our boss Nuket took Fliss and I there for a drink. They make this amazing homemade lemonade, real good! We walked past there on the walk around the village with the guests and recommended it. He was introducing himself and telling them about the homemade lemonade, then said let’s try some, it’s on the house. He made enough for all the guests, there was 20 or so of them and he was trying to make a second glass for them when I said no more! But was amazed at his generosity, I tried to insist to give him some money that afternoon but he was like no it’s on the house.
On my day off I went to another local cafe I’d had dinner at one night which the waitress always says hello to me whenever I pass. We chatted for ages while my food was being made, she introduced me to some of her family and her little nephew who’s about 5, decided to do a little dance for me to entertain me, was adorable! Back in England would seem a bit alien this friendly treatment, but it’s so welcoming and I’m enjoying feeling a bit more part of the village. At the end of my breakfast I asked for the bill and she came back out and said ‘for you, today, free’, I was like are you sure, but she insisted, was so lovely.
My prayer is that I can be a light of Jesus to the people in the village and they would come to know God too. Please pray for this too.
Proverbs 25:2: No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Rely on God
Hello all,
Been almost a week now since I arrived, which seems a bit mad as feels longer.
First week was hard, I missed home, people a lot and thought of 5months became dawnting. On the second day I went for a walk and ended up sitting in a deserted playground. I started praying and writing in my journal. My prayer was that I would become more reliant on Him and that I would stop striving to do everything so independently and meaning sometimes leaving God out of the equation. I wanted to trust Him more.
A few days in I found myself missing home and church, I became more appreciative of everyone back home and became more reliant on God. I knew only way I could manage to get through the day here was to rely on Him.
I was initally struggling with not getting much sleep, thank you all for your prayers, I'm now sleeping a lot better. Through the first few days I would often feel so tired and pray Lord give me supernatural energy to get through a long day, and He did.
Being here makes you look a lot at your character, why do I react some ways? Is it always the right reaction? Often no, but God is good as is Gracious and came to mend broken people, as the verse says: On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-13.
Lots of love, Rach XxX
Been almost a week now since I arrived, which seems a bit mad as feels longer.
First week was hard, I missed home, people a lot and thought of 5months became dawnting. On the second day I went for a walk and ended up sitting in a deserted playground. I started praying and writing in my journal. My prayer was that I would become more reliant on Him and that I would stop striving to do everything so independently and meaning sometimes leaving God out of the equation. I wanted to trust Him more.
A few days in I found myself missing home and church, I became more appreciative of everyone back home and became more reliant on God. I knew only way I could manage to get through the day here was to rely on Him.
I was initally struggling with not getting much sleep, thank you all for your prayers, I'm now sleeping a lot better. Through the first few days I would often feel so tired and pray Lord give me supernatural energy to get through a long day, and He did.
Being here makes you look a lot at your character, why do I react some ways? Is it always the right reaction? Often no, but God is good as is Gracious and came to mend broken people, as the verse says: On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-13.
Lots of love, Rach XxX
Saturday, 15 May 2010
In Turkeyyy!
Hello all!
I'm here in Turkey!! Arrived on Thursday night in Bodrum, then had a 30min car journey to hotel. I initally thought I'd be living in the hotel...I was mistaken, we're staying in a tiny apartment 5mins away from the hotel which is pretty basic. On the first night there was no running water, which wasn't much fun! Made me realise how much I take for granted my homecomforts and made me more appreciative of them. Next day I thought I'm not going to moan, I'm just going to have to accept this, the moment I thought that I heard a gush of water, and the tap which had been left on from our attempts for water spurted out a load of water, Praise God! So all fixed now!
The village is nice, lots of little cafe and bars along the seafront which is nice, last night me and Fliss (other rep) went for a cocktail at one of them, which was lovely.
We all headed into Bodrum yesterday, which is pretty busy and touristy but good fun to look around and see what there was to do. Did realise how obviously english I looked though, when attempt to bargain for a bag I was called 'eh British'!
Please pray I settle in well here and get in the swing of life here!
Off to lunch!:D
Rach XxxxxxxX
ps it was 34C in Bodrum yesterday X is it still raining in England?X
I'm here in Turkey!! Arrived on Thursday night in Bodrum, then had a 30min car journey to hotel. I initally thought I'd be living in the hotel...I was mistaken, we're staying in a tiny apartment 5mins away from the hotel which is pretty basic. On the first night there was no running water, which wasn't much fun! Made me realise how much I take for granted my homecomforts and made me more appreciative of them. Next day I thought I'm not going to moan, I'm just going to have to accept this, the moment I thought that I heard a gush of water, and the tap which had been left on from our attempts for water spurted out a load of water, Praise God! So all fixed now!
The village is nice, lots of little cafe and bars along the seafront which is nice, last night me and Fliss (other rep) went for a cocktail at one of them, which was lovely.
We all headed into Bodrum yesterday, which is pretty busy and touristy but good fun to look around and see what there was to do. Did realise how obviously english I looked though, when attempt to bargain for a bag I was called 'eh British'!
Please pray I settle in well here and get in the swing of life here!
Off to lunch!:D
Rach XxxxxxxX
ps it was 34C in Bodrum yesterday X is it still raining in England?X
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Off to Turkey!!!
Hello all!!
As most of you will know in 4days I will heading out to Turkey for 5months!!I'm equally nervous and excited about his new adventure, but know I have nothing to be fearful of as God is with me :D
This last week has been full of saying various goodbyes, attempting to get everything sorted and packed, manic and often easy to freak out, but God has been with me, giving me peace and helping me get everything done.
I'm heading out to be working with Living Sun, a christian holiday company, my roles going to vary while I'm out there from Resort Rep/Kids/Youth worker, so should be a lot of fun!!
Bring on the sun!!:D
Right I have a room full of unpacked clothes and various suitcases to pack...best crack on!!:D
Lots of love, I will miss you all loads XxxxxxxxxxxxX
As most of you will know in 4days I will heading out to Turkey for 5months!!I'm equally nervous and excited about his new adventure, but know I have nothing to be fearful of as God is with me :D
This last week has been full of saying various goodbyes, attempting to get everything sorted and packed, manic and often easy to freak out, but God has been with me, giving me peace and helping me get everything done.
I'm heading out to be working with Living Sun, a christian holiday company, my roles going to vary while I'm out there from Resort Rep/Kids/Youth worker, so should be a lot of fun!!
Bring on the sun!!:D
Right I have a room full of unpacked clothes and various suitcases to pack...best crack on!!:D
Lots of love, I will miss you all loads XxxxxxxxxxxxX
Friday, 12 March 2010
Fears and Uncertainty, what do we turn to?
It will not come as any surprise to you that with the economic climate uncertainty, fear and worry are strife in our culture at the moment.
What do we do with these fears? Worry? Think of as many smart solutions or back up plans as possible? Become overwhelmed with confusion?
Or would you turn to the God of this Universe, who holds earth in palm of his hand. Who ‘knitted us in our mother’s womb’, who has a plan for our lives, ‘a plan to prosper us and bring us hope for the future’. Who do we trust more? Our human ability limited somewhat or the God who loves us, died for us, looks at us and thinks of us as PERFECT, who calls us His children. When put simply it seems obvious what our choice should be, but hey why complicate things?
Worry and anxiety is something I often daily struggle with. Over analysing often and reading too much into the smallest of things, mad and embarrassing when I look back at it and put it in perspective. Daily I am training myself to not worry to lay down all I fear, all that concerns me at the foot of the cross and leave it there, trust in my God and not in my own understanding, as His word tells us: Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
I leave you with the picture I often get when choosing not to worry and to instead choose to trust God. I’m heavy, burdened with a big rucksack, the type you have to wear when doing Duke of Edinbourough (mission to get off!). I see the empty cross, for Jesus has risen from the dead and is alive Hallelujah! I walk up a grassy hill, look again at the cross, and then take off my rucksack, lay it there at the foot of the cross and I say Lord I’m going to trust you and not worry. Sometimes its tempting to almost grab back the rucksack and think yes but what about this and this..?! But I have to choose to bring it to the foot of the cross and leave it there. That moment I feel an amazing peace come over me, like there’s nothing to worry about it in the world, I’m happy and know all is going to be ok, for my God is in control, whatever the outcome, I know He is with me and this peace will go with me.
What do we do with these fears? Worry? Think of as many smart solutions or back up plans as possible? Become overwhelmed with confusion?
Or would you turn to the God of this Universe, who holds earth in palm of his hand. Who ‘knitted us in our mother’s womb’, who has a plan for our lives, ‘a plan to prosper us and bring us hope for the future’. Who do we trust more? Our human ability limited somewhat or the God who loves us, died for us, looks at us and thinks of us as PERFECT, who calls us His children. When put simply it seems obvious what our choice should be, but hey why complicate things?
Worry and anxiety is something I often daily struggle with. Over analysing often and reading too much into the smallest of things, mad and embarrassing when I look back at it and put it in perspective. Daily I am training myself to not worry to lay down all I fear, all that concerns me at the foot of the cross and leave it there, trust in my God and not in my own understanding, as His word tells us: Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
I leave you with the picture I often get when choosing not to worry and to instead choose to trust God. I’m heavy, burdened with a big rucksack, the type you have to wear when doing Duke of Edinbourough (mission to get off!). I see the empty cross, for Jesus has risen from the dead and is alive Hallelujah! I walk up a grassy hill, look again at the cross, and then take off my rucksack, lay it there at the foot of the cross and I say Lord I’m going to trust you and not worry. Sometimes its tempting to almost grab back the rucksack and think yes but what about this and this..?! But I have to choose to bring it to the foot of the cross and leave it there. That moment I feel an amazing peace come over me, like there’s nothing to worry about it in the world, I’m happy and know all is going to be ok, for my God is in control, whatever the outcome, I know He is with me and this peace will go with me.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
To busy for God?
This weekend just gone unfortunately I spent ill in bed and the beginning of the week taking it easy and recovering from this. However got me thinking.
On the Sunday lying in bed I was away from TV, had no energy to call or text anyone, even going on facebook was too much effort as didn’t have my contact lenses in and it strained my eyes. I had no energy to do anything but lie in bed, in this time; I put on some worship music and just chilled. Although at time seemed my only option of doing anything other than sleeping, was a time I started to think about spending time with God.
How often in our busy lives do we take the time out to sit and think about what God has done for us? To chill and just be in His presence. So often we find ourselves consumed with the things of ‘now’ but what happens when they end? Our world is a fast, must have, immediately, no waiting, all the go, mentality, and the idea of sitting down for longer than 5 minutes to sit in God’s presence doesn’t enter into normality.
Here’s my question though, how come everyday I manage to usually watch Hollyoaks, check my facebook, or just sit, slob out infront of music channels. I’m not saying any of these things are wrong, but I was just challenged as to why I didn’t prioritise spending time in God’s presence, being still before Him enough.
I would read my Bible, pray and usually have some worship music on at some point in the day. I’d maybe listen to a preach sometimes or read a Christian book, fast sometimes, but when it came to just sitting and being still before God, I found it a tricky one. Within two minutes of sitting down I’ll think of something I have to do or should write down before I forgot, or just find it too weird just sitting silently and quickly give up.
Being ill taught me the beauty of just resting before my Father in Heaven, not rushing away, to get on with my next list of things to do for the day, but just enjoying time with my God. How precious and beautiful it was, the peace I felt despite feeling rough. I didn’t feel anything amazing profound or didn’t hear the thundering voice of God but I knew this time was better than anything else I could be doing, even if I could.
Here’s something that blew my mind on this whole subject, God who created the Universe, who placed the stars in the sky, who created man, who caused the red sea to be parted, died on a cross and rose again to know and have intimacy with people like you and me, WOW!
I’ll leave you one of my favourite passages that just shows the power of what Jesus did for us on the cross:
Matthew 27:51-54:
51And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
On the Sunday lying in bed I was away from TV, had no energy to call or text anyone, even going on facebook was too much effort as didn’t have my contact lenses in and it strained my eyes. I had no energy to do anything but lie in bed, in this time; I put on some worship music and just chilled. Although at time seemed my only option of doing anything other than sleeping, was a time I started to think about spending time with God.
How often in our busy lives do we take the time out to sit and think about what God has done for us? To chill and just be in His presence. So often we find ourselves consumed with the things of ‘now’ but what happens when they end? Our world is a fast, must have, immediately, no waiting, all the go, mentality, and the idea of sitting down for longer than 5 minutes to sit in God’s presence doesn’t enter into normality.
Here’s my question though, how come everyday I manage to usually watch Hollyoaks, check my facebook, or just sit, slob out infront of music channels. I’m not saying any of these things are wrong, but I was just challenged as to why I didn’t prioritise spending time in God’s presence, being still before Him enough.
I would read my Bible, pray and usually have some worship music on at some point in the day. I’d maybe listen to a preach sometimes or read a Christian book, fast sometimes, but when it came to just sitting and being still before God, I found it a tricky one. Within two minutes of sitting down I’ll think of something I have to do or should write down before I forgot, or just find it too weird just sitting silently and quickly give up.
Being ill taught me the beauty of just resting before my Father in Heaven, not rushing away, to get on with my next list of things to do for the day, but just enjoying time with my God. How precious and beautiful it was, the peace I felt despite feeling rough. I didn’t feel anything amazing profound or didn’t hear the thundering voice of God but I knew this time was better than anything else I could be doing, even if I could.
Here’s something that blew my mind on this whole subject, God who created the Universe, who placed the stars in the sky, who created man, who caused the red sea to be parted, died on a cross and rose again to know and have intimacy with people like you and me, WOW!
I’ll leave you one of my favourite passages that just shows the power of what Jesus did for us on the cross:
Matthew 27:51-54:
51And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
God's Love
Here’s the truth.
Jesus loves you more than you can ever comprehend or know. He loves you despite your failings, despite when you make a royal muck up and think maybe He needs at least 5minutes to be annoyed at you like any human would. However that’s the thing, God doesn’t love us with human love; He loves us with unconditionally, unbreakable, uncontainable love and wants us to grasp this amazing revelation.
Maybe if he just started to capture and understand a glimmer of this Love we would be dramatically transformed, from the inside out, maybe our lives would change, maybe our work places would change, maybe our relationships with our mates, our boyfriends/girlfriends, our family, maybe even those family members you think would take a miracle to show love too.
What I know and my experience of God there’s no maybe about it, God grabbed hold of me at the age of 14 and poured upon me unconditional love that I never deserved or earned. I hadn’t honoured my parents, I had lied, I had broken at least a few of those 10 commandments, I was no breath of fresh air but Jesus changed me and I know without Him I would not be sitting here writing this today.
14years old I was lying in a hospital bed after being on a life-support machine the previous night after drinking too much, I knew God had saved my life. The night before I cried out to God that He would not let me die, well next morning I’m alive and I am convinced God is real and cares for me. A week later I went to a Christian camp, God softened my heart and a once hard-faced teenager that would never cry in front of anyone was sitting at the back of a meeting in tears and the realisation of what Jesus had done for me on the Cross. That night I gave my life to Christ and choose to follow Him and no longer my way, but His. Now almost 7years later, I want you to know how amazing God is and how He can love you too.
Jesus loves you more than you can ever comprehend or know. He loves you despite your failings, despite when you make a royal muck up and think maybe He needs at least 5minutes to be annoyed at you like any human would. However that’s the thing, God doesn’t love us with human love; He loves us with unconditionally, unbreakable, uncontainable love and wants us to grasp this amazing revelation.
Maybe if he just started to capture and understand a glimmer of this Love we would be dramatically transformed, from the inside out, maybe our lives would change, maybe our work places would change, maybe our relationships with our mates, our boyfriends/girlfriends, our family, maybe even those family members you think would take a miracle to show love too.
What I know and my experience of God there’s no maybe about it, God grabbed hold of me at the age of 14 and poured upon me unconditional love that I never deserved or earned. I hadn’t honoured my parents, I had lied, I had broken at least a few of those 10 commandments, I was no breath of fresh air but Jesus changed me and I know without Him I would not be sitting here writing this today.
14years old I was lying in a hospital bed after being on a life-support machine the previous night after drinking too much, I knew God had saved my life. The night before I cried out to God that He would not let me die, well next morning I’m alive and I am convinced God is real and cares for me. A week later I went to a Christian camp, God softened my heart and a once hard-faced teenager that would never cry in front of anyone was sitting at the back of a meeting in tears and the realisation of what Jesus had done for me on the Cross. That night I gave my life to Christ and choose to follow Him and no longer my way, but His. Now almost 7years later, I want you to know how amazing God is and how He can love you too.
Here's how this started...
Ok ordinary night, I've chilled out, watched some telly, turned the TV off and start praying, worshipping and asking God what does He want me to do for the rest of the evening. I open up a word document and start typing, I became hungry for people to know who He was and so thought try this as an experiment!
:D
:D
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