Some words I heard

Here are some quotes from things I have watched recently and really liked so wanted to remember.

From the first series of Call the Midwife (which I watched in 4 days so I could be up to date for the new series!)

 - Sometimes we need to deal with what the Lord has sent us.

 - We must see what love can do.

 - Health is God's greatest gift to us.

 - Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.

 - There is not versions of love, only love.

 - I feel we are prompted to go in search of cake!

From Men in Black 3 (the Husbands choice!)

 - A miracle is what seems impossible but happens anyway.

And from Toy Story (I've seen this too many times since Christmas!)

 - That's not flying. That's falling with style!

I hope to get through each day searching for cake, falling with style and hoping for miracles!

Recent reads - end of 2012

After moving house in September last year, I faced a slight dilemma. How do I manage to read all the books that are on my ever growing reading wish list without adding to the masses of books we already own? Moving house and packing up many boxes really highlights things like an over abundance of books!

I was very blessed to receive a kindle as a gift from my husband when the twins were born. Thus allowing me to download many books without requiring any shelf space. This gift, combined with the need to find 30 minutes of quiet, several times a day to express milk (not fun) gave me a nice amount of time to get through some interesting reads. In fact, I think I read more in the 6 weeks after the boys were born than in the previous 9 months!

So, here's what I read:
A Year of Biblical Womanhood - Rachel Held Evans

This book had been on my wish list since it came out. I read Rachel's blog as often as I can.
And I really enjoyed it. Serious and funny at the same time. Humbling but also empowering.
I was most impacted by the January chapter where Rachel tackles the Proverbs 31 woman and the list of tasks and achievements we have turned it into. The reclaiming of the meaning of Eshet chayil, 'woman of valour' has really challenged and changed my thinking, which is why I have made it one of my themes for this year. And it makes me want to make sure all women know they are Eshet chayil!



1000 Gifts - Ann Voskamp

I wasn't quite sure what had drawn me to this book other than another blogger who had referenced it. But now I know it was a total God thing. This book has literally stopped me in my tracks, messed with my head and set me off very slowly, probably in the same direction but with very different glasses on! I can't adequately put into words my thoughts on this book, other than to highly recommend it. I have already passed it onto 3 people! This is where the theme of Eucharisteo comes from and I will no doubt be sharing more from this book as I work that out this year.




Half the Church - Carolyn Custis James

This book was referenced in the Year of Biblical Womanhood and mentioned on some other blogs. I was really pleased that I read this and would recommend it to all women, in fact all men too, in church. It discusses God's vision for women across the globe and challenges the western idea that women are solely created by God to be wives and mothers. I've just started reading The Gospel of Ruth also by Carolyn Custis James and I'm really enjoying it.






Crazy Love - Francis Chan

This was a book that kept coming up on different blogs a while ago. I don't think that it highlighted anything new to me but it was good to refresh things. It challenges believers to a life of more than just church attendance. If God loves us as he does, how can we not long to do more?!








Creating Space - Ed Cyzewski

I downloaded this mostly because it was free! But it was a great read. A short but succinct book explaining the importance of allowing ourselves time to be creative in whichever way that works for us. We are all formed in the image of a creative God and therefore are each creative in some way. This will look different for each of us, but the importance is not really in what we create but in being part of a creative process. I enjoyed this book and will hopefully go back to it regularly to remind myself why I need to find time to be creative.





The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness - Timothy Keller

Again, I downloaded this because it was cheap, and I'd read other things by Tim Keller and liked them. Its a small book and a pretty quick read. It describes the importance of recognising the problem of thinking too much of ourselves and getting the right perspective on ourselves and God. Again, nothing completely new to me, but good to read and be challenged on.







The Great Gatsby - Scott F Fitzgerald

I decided that I should read something other than Christian books and that a 'classic' might be an idea. The film version of The Great Gatsby is due out this year I think and I was hearing (reading) the title mentioned quite a bit so thought I should read it. And it was 99p on Kindle!
I have to say I was a bit disappointed with it. I felt that the story just rambled along and then stopped. There were no interesting revelations or cliff hangers or twists. I won't be dashing out to see the film but at least when I do watch it I can compare it to the book!




Ruth - Elizabeth Gaskell

I love Elizabeth Gaskell stories, although I've watched more than I've read. Wives and Daughters is my all time favourite period drama series. I have vivid memories of watching it at my Nana's after a day at 6th form. And even though I know the story I cry every time I watch it!
Ruth was no different. A real glimpse into history and the social and cultural expectations on women. But there's also a wonderful theme of grace and a challenge to how we judge people and our preconceptions. The ending was unexpected and rather sad, which is probably why it hasn't been turned into a tv series. There's no riding off into the sunset. But still a lovely story.



So, those are my recent reads. I don't think I'll get through so many over the next few months.
Have you read anything recently that you've enjoyed?
Do you have any recommendations?

2012 - a review

2013 is my year of Eucharisteo and Eshet chayil...hopefully.
So, why not start now and take a look at the last 12 months using these same themes...

Eucharisteo
I'd like to close 2012 with gratitude. To give thanks for all that God has given to us this year and truly appreciate His care and provision.
As I look back I am so thankful for:
- my boys. The growth, development and blossoming of my eldest. I love the boy you are becoming and the joy you bring to us. And the addition of two new, precious, adorable people. I'm so excited to get to know you better and for what the next 12 months holds for us.
- Phil. My supporter, encourager, team mate and best friend. I could not have got through some of the harder parts of the last year if it wasn't for you. I love you x
- my family. For their constant support and help. And for always being at the end of a phone when I need them.
- my church family. The practical help and provision they have shown us as a family over the last year has been a real blessing. We are truly thankful and are loving growing stronger together as a family and community.
- Inter:act. I loved it so much...and would still love to start a 2nd year program...maybe at the East Lothian campus (my house)!!!
- God's faithfulness. In every season, in every circumstance. God has always been there. And He has cared for me more than I could ever know. Thank you Lord for loving me.

Eshet chayil
To all the women of valour who have inspired, encouraged, comforted, cried, laughed and rejoiced with me in 2012, I am so blessed and thankful to call you friends and family.

The inter:act ladies - Hannah, Kay, Vicky, Kathy, Ely - I loved getting to know you more during inter:act and am so grateful that God has blessed me with beautiful friends. Thank you for drawing alongside me and drawing parts of me out. I loved getting to know you during the 9 month course and am very grateful that you stuck with me through the snot and tears...I'm sure there is much more to come and I can't wait to embrace it with you all by my side!!!

My home girls - Kerrie, Susanna, Louise, Lorna, Jo, Sallie - These are the ladies that have helped in so many ways to make Edinburgh home. Words cannot express how your time, conversation, cups of tea, encouragement, tissues and many other things have blessed me this year. Again, I'm looking forward to all 2013 has for us. I hope we can spur each other on and support each other in many ways. I am not ashamed to say I need your friendship.

My email buddy - Alison - Things have changed quite a bit for us both since January 2012. And only God knows where we will each be in January 2014! I loved, and needed, our daily email conversations when we were supposed to be working. Thank you for encouraging me and challenging me and reading my endless worries. And thank you for making me laugh. Sometimes so much I would cry and snort at my desk!!!

My family - Mum, Heather, Glenda - Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I couldn't possible list the many, many, many ways you have loved, blessed, supported and helped me this last year. I am so blessed to have you as my family.

To all of you - I am the woman I am today because of you. I am challenged and inspired because of you. I can be vulnerable and accountable because of you. I am cheered and uplifted because of you. Thank you.
And thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the practical help you gave in the last few months of my pregnancy and when the twins arrived. You blessed my family and enabled us to stay sane! I love you all x

2013 - looking forward

We're having a great time celebrating Christmas here with my family. I've not taken many photos as I'm just trying to enjoy the moments as they come and go.
I'm overwhelmed and so very grateful for a very generous family and friends. And I'm being very blessed by a husband who loves to cook amazing food!

In 3 days I'll turn 30...shock horror! I know most people think I'm older than that already so no-one is really that shocked! But it's one of those ages that prompts people to slow down a little and think about life and things. Having a birthday just before New Year always causes me to be a bit reflective and consider things as we move forward. And this year is no different.

Last year I started out being very ambitious. Just more evidence of my efforts to try and be all things, and have completely unrealistic expectations of myself. Let's just say...I learnt a lot last year, and having more realistic expectations was part of that! Now having three boys under the age of three also helps with this!

So this year I'm going to take my time to focus on just two things...


Eucharisteo
Eshet chayil

Two things that have been inspired by books I have read recently, and other things that have been stirring, speaking and calling to my heart.

I'll expand more over the next few weeks, but just a brief introduction of each...

Eucharisteo
Inspired by 'One Thousand Gifts' by Ann Voskamp
 - grace, thanksgiving, joy
I hope to grow in giving thanks for all that God has given, all of His gifts, in every part of my life.
I hope to spend time in the Word studying and learning about thanks and thanksgiving.
I hope to grow in my understanding of grace and joy.

Eshet chayil
Inspired by 'A Year of Biblical Womanhood' by Rachel Held Evans
- Woman of Valour
I hope to grow more in my understanding of who I am in God and my value in Him.
I hope to spend time building relationships and community with the women placed around me.
I hope to build up, encourage and cheer on women in my life.

So, Happy Boxing Day everyone and here's looking forward to 2013!
xxx

The trials of style...

This might become a regular feature...I have many style issues! Not quite wardrobe malfunctions, but any venture away from jeans and a t-shirt usually backfires in some way.

This season I am trying to rock the maxi skirt/dress. I think long skirts are elegant and feminine, and they cover up my whiter-than-white (almost blue) legs!
However, I have come to the conclusion that this item of clothing is not always the most sensible when accompanied by a toddler. Here are some examples...

1. This morning, said toddler thought my skirt would be a good place to hide! Not helpful!


2. Every time I have to crouch down to speak to said toddler at his height (which is a lot) I invariably stand on the bottom of the skirt and almost reveal my undergarments or trip over, or both…which said toddler finds hilarious!

3. Other crouching down incidences have involved the skirt ending up in a puddle or general dirt, mud or muck. This can happen with any skirt that is not super short!

4. I almost folded the skirt up in the buggy when folding it away at the nursery today! That could have been interesting!

One day I will aim to look glamorous and sophisicated and get through more than 30 minues before my cover is blown!!!

Happy Wednesday x

p.s. the numbers are in summery colours to encourage the sun to stay a little longer...please!

12 in 2012 - February

I'm a little behind on this 'ere blogging thing! So, let's try and get all caught up...


Two months of 2012 have now passed and I'm still trying to aim (rather ridiculously) high!
So,...how am I getting on? Well...

1. To read my Bible more
This has been very up and down. I have continued to read my Bible-in-one-Year at bedtime, but with an endless list of craziness going on this last month, bedtime has often involved my head hitting the pillow and zzzzzzzzzzzz!!! 

2. To memorise Scripture
I need to try much harder here. Nothing else to say.

3. To pray more
I would say my prayer life has increased and has gone through a bit of a journey. I still haven't been journalling my prayers, partly because they tend to be random bits of conversation throughout the day, and partly because life and prayer has been hard recently and it's not the sort of stuff I've wanted to take time to write down. But I have seen some great healing and answers to prayer this last month. God is good!

4. To be more thankful and content
Once again, if I'm honest, the being content thing is still not going well! In fact, I've found myself with no words other than 'argh' to express how I've been feeling about stuff. Spending time with great friends, and away from tv/magazines/media/unattainable images has helped in some ways.

5. To watch less tv
I have spent more evenings away from the telly box this month which has mostly been due to lots of other stuff going on...but hopefully I can maintain the abstinence.

6. To read more
Reading has been slow (read sssllllloooooooowwww) this month. I am still chugging on with quite a heafty book. It's a great book and totally worth it, but I will be grateful to finish it and move onto something new.
7. To take more photos and craft more
I have done more of both of these this month. Crafting for a fundraiser, creating for an afternoon tea hen-do and taking photos of both plus other activities. Hopefully there will be more evidence shortly.
8. To bake more
I'm still exceptionally good at the consuming of baked goods...and I have baked two cakes and pancakes for the inter:act team! Hopefully there will be more on the horizon!
9. To encourage and uplift the women in my life
I hope I am doing better at this. I am certainly enjoying spending time with the women in my life.

10. To compare myself with others less
Not much change from last time. Once again, lets just say...'could do better'.

11. To wear a dress or skirt at least once a week
I'm still going to blame this on the extreme weather. Cold temperatures and a strong breeze are not skirt wearing conditions for me. But I did wear a dress to inter:act the other week. Hopefully as the weather gets warmer (even milder will do) I'll get my pins out a bit more!

12. To do more stuff with my hair
I got my hair cut...and had about 3 inches taken off...which very few people noticed!!!
It was needed, but now I have less hair to do stuff with...so it's either down and straight (weather dependant) or tied up. I feel that I might have regressed in this area a little. Maybe some hairband or accessories would help?!
So, February came and went. And we're half way through March already! 
2012...please slow down a little!

12 in 2012 - January

After one month of aiming (rather ridiculously) high and trying to encompass 12 things into life...how am I getting on? Well...
1. To read my Bible more
I started off well with this and picked up my Bible in one year...which was still bookmarked at April from the last time I attempted to read the Bible in one year! Although I haven't been doing it every night, or even most nights, I have been reading a day or two once snuggled up in bed before switching off for the night. And I am enjoying reading parts of the Bible I would probably never otherwise read.

2. To memorize Scripture
If I'm honest, I have not even attempted this yet! My brain is currently a total mush and I nearly flooded the bathroom the other night because I forgot I'd started to run a bath! Hopefully next month I will start to post verses up around the place to help with this.

3. To pray more
I haven't really been journalling my prayers, but I have been praying more. The walk home from work provides a great opportunity to chat some things through with God...or just listen to Him. But it's not so easy to write and walk...although making notes in my phone has been useful, as long as I still remember to watch where I'm walking!

4. To be more thankful and content
Establishing a habit of saying thank you prayers with Ethan before his bedtime has helped a little with this. Some of the things he thinks to say thank you for are great reminders for what is actually important (although I'm not sure beards is one of them). But if I'm honest, the being content thing is not going well at all!

5. To watch less tv
So...I'm writing this while the tv is on in the background...which it tends to be most evenings! But I have managed to avoid getting 'sucked' into watching things I didn't want to, which has helped with some of the items below.

6. To read more
As I mentioned in my recent reads post, I was quite productive on the reading front over Christmas. I am still plodding on with a couple of books at the moment but they're a bit hard going. I've also been trying to read at lunchtimes at work, rather than wander round the sales or browse the internet...but then I struggle to put the book down and go back to my desk!!!

7. To take more photos and craft more
Hopefully the photos and posts on this blog will testify to my efforts in this area. And I did make some lovely napkins for my brother and sister-in-law...but I forgot to take any photos of them before I handed them over! Fail :(

8. To bake more
You've seen the biscuits, and I made cake too, but I do need to pick things up in this area. In terms of consuming baked goods...I've been amazing at that!!!

9. To encourage and uplift the women in my life
I'm not really sure that I'm the best person to review this item, but I have tried to listen well and encourage when I have an opportunity. I have been trying to not just think about doing something encouraging, but to actually do it...and if I do it when I think about it I'm less likely to forget!

10. To compare myself with others less
Lets just say...'could do better'.

11. To wear a dress or skirt at least once a week
I'm totally going to blame this on the extreme weather. I did wear a dress on our girly day in York, but I came home with cold knees! I'll definitely make more of an effort from now on.

12. To do more stuff with my hair
I have decided that I really need to get a hair cut. After 7 months, I think it's about time. I have been trying to vary the styles and methods of tying my hair up...but getting photographic evidence has been a little more problematic. But I have witnesses if anyone is really that interested!

So, that's January over already...I think I'd also like to find a way to stop time whizzing by so fast. Any ideas?!

Recent Reads - Jan 2012

As I have quite a few books to read for Interact...and to encourage me to read more in general (12 in 2012 remember!)...I thought it would be nice to do a regular(ish) post about the books I've been reading. This month is a bit of a cheat as I haven't actually read all of the books in the photo but I wanted to show off some of my Christmas and birthday presents...and I also included a couple that I read before Christmas, so not technically in January!

But anyway, here's to the first of hopefully more Recent Reads...I promise to make them shorter in the future!

From the top:
God on Mute - Pete Greig
This book isn't on the Interact reading list but was recommended by one of the seminar speakers and a few other friends. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. It was very easy to read and helped to answer, or at least  explain, some of the questions I had/have about prayer. I found it very down-to-earth and practical and was just what I needed to read during this current season. I think it is a great foundational book on prayer and every Christian should read it.
God's Lavish Grace - Terry Virgo
This book and the next two are on the Interact reading list. This was quite easy to read. I liked the practical illustrations used to show why we need God's grace and to explain how this grace works and how we should live in response to it.
Why Trust the Bible? - Amy Orr-Ewing
The first couple of chapters were a bit of a challenge for my more logical mind, but the majority of the book was straight-forward. I liked the clear explanations and discussions about some of the questions people have about the bible's origin and history.
How to read the bible for all its worth - Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
I was hoping that this would be a more straight-forward read like the book above, but its pretty heavy going and 'meaty'. I'm currently still in the middle of this one trying to take as many notes and absorb as much as possible! Exegesis and hermeneutics are new words to my vocabulary and this book neck-deep in them! A good read but quite challenging!

The last few books were presents:
Death Comes to Pemberley - P.D. James
From what I can gather from the back cover...this is a new classic from P.D. James bringing together her talent for detective mystery and her love for Jane Austin. I am setting aside a special time over the Easter break to enjoy this book properly and I shall write and hopefully rave about it then!
Skin Secrets - Liz Earle
I have been a lover and user of Liz Earle's skincare products for a while now (thanks to my mother introducing me to and continuing to supply me with). I have already skim read this during a couple of Ethan's nap times. I like the fact that its chock-full of tips, tricks and treats for general all-round healthy living and, despite its title, doesn't just focus on the skin and outward appearance.
Simple Sewn Gifts - Helen Philipps
This is another one that I've managed to skim through during nap times. A lot of the projects involve cross-stitch and the instructions are very prescription which is not really my thing, but there are lots of good ideas and certainly some things that I would like to try. I think I would adapt or customise most of the projects in this book to make them more 'me' but its certainly got some good inspiration and places to start.
Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts
This was a birthday present from my lovely boys and I couldn't be more thrilled with it!
I used to have a book like this years ago but it was damaged and lost and I missed having such a great resource. Its a great reference on all things sewing with useful and practical information and tips on fabrics, thread, techniques etc. There is a wide variety of projects and ideas including embroidery, dying, printing and each example is comprehensive but still open enough to allow for personalisation and individuality (plus the presentation and photography is lovely).
I think/hope I will be dipping into this treasure chest of a book lots and lots. I already have many present ideas that I would love to make from this book...now I just need to find the time to do them all!!!

And to finish...the amazing glitter nail varnish that I think I am in love with...Rimmel no. 500 Disco Ball.
Love, love, love it!!!

Sorry

To my husband,
I'm sorry for the times I get annoyed because you haven't read my mind.
I'm sorry for the times I have a strop because you didn't do something my way.
I'm sorry for the times I expect things from you that I haven't communicated/are unrealistic/are unfair/are selfish.
I'm sorry for the times when I don't appreciate, or let you know I appreciate, the things you do and the person you are.
I'm sorry for the times when I'm grumpy and don't try to be understanding.

And I'm sorry for the time I waste being moody when I should be bringing fun, happiness, joy and peace into our home.

Thank you for being so patient with me x

12 in 2012 - Part 3

So here are the last few items of my 12 in 2012 list...and you'll see some of them are a little more fun!

9. To encourage and uplift the women in my life

It's not that I don't want to encourage the men in my life, but I do have a heart for women that I can't explain. I hope that over the next 12 months I can learn to grow in areas of encouragement and kindness towards all the women that I encounter. That I can build them up, love them and share with them in many ways.

10. To compare myself with others less

I think this is possibly associated with numbers 3 and 4, but I know that I have placed the comparison game (and lost) far too much in 2011. So I'm praying that God will prod me (gently) when I begin to compare anything about my life with others...this is a difficult lesson that is taking a long time to work through!

11. To wear a dress or skirt at least once a week...and not just on a Sunday!

Over the last couple of years I have added a few dresses and skirts to my wardrobe with the intention of wearing them only to find that I have a tendency to pull on the same, predictable items (usually jeans) day-by-day! Obviously, the weather in Scotland doesn't always lend itself to certain ladylike fashions, but I'd like to be a bit more adventurous and actually wear some of the things in my wardrobe and not worry so much about what other people might think (see number 10!)

Plus, I just think it will be fun! And I may share photos of my outfits!

12. To do more stuff with my hair

Again, this is one for fun...and to try and get me out of a hair rut!

I tend to either straighten my hair and wear it down or just tie it up in a quick ponytail. My morning routine doesn't often allow time for faffing around with different hairstyles, but I would like to be a bit more adventurous and expand my hair repertoire! A decent haircut may be a good start!!!

So, there's my list...12 things to work on in 2012.

I'll try to report on how I'm getting on each month...so 12 reports across the year! You're allowed to keep me accountable and make sure I'm honest in my efforts!

What do you think?

Do you have any plans for this New Year? Any things that you'd like to grow in or develop over the next 12 months?

Let's encourage each other to aim high and stay strong throughout the year!

12 in 2012 - Part 2

5. To watch less tv

It's amazing how many hours can be spent (wasted) each week just watching whatever happens to be on the box! I'm so guilty of just relaxing (slobbing out) and loosing time to the idols of various tv channels. Well, no more! Hopefully!

I suppose the root of this one is to be more in control and take charge of my time in a better way. And it leads onto the next three items. Quite often I complain that I just don't have enough time when really it's that I don't steward my time well. The tv is definitely one of the biggest drains of my time so I'm going to try and be more disciplined about what I watch and how much time I spend sat watching something, when I know that I could/should/would like to be doing something else.

However, I am hoping to watch one 'classic' film each month this year. More on this soon...

6. To read more

Less time watching the tv will hopefully mean more time to read! I have many books on the Interact reading list to work through (I'm getting there slowly), as well as many others that are on my personal to-read list. And probably more that will be added during the year!

And hopefully more reading will mean a few book reviews for the blog!

7. To take more photos and craft more

Again, less time watching the tv will hopefully mean more time to take photos and craft! I have been given a macro lens and a couple of great crafting books for Christmas/birthday this year, as well as a subscription to Mollie Makes magazine. Every year I have great intentions to take more photos and make birthday and Christmas presents for people, and maybe even sell some on t'internet...but I always struggle to finish things...or even get started.

I've joined up with a couple of the other girls at work to start a crafting time one lunchtime a week which will hopefully help keep me going! And, of course I will share my endeavours with you!

8. To bake more

Once again, more time will hopefully translate to more baked goodies!

Then hopefully my new Mary Berry's Baking Bible and all the baking accessories I have been gifted will not just be used but completely abused!!!

Numbers 9 to 12 up tomorrow...

12 in 2012 - Part 1

Happy New Year!

So here are the first items on my list of 12 things I'd like to see growth/improvement/development/enjoyment in in 2012...

1. To read my Bible more

Like most people, I struggle to find the time (or make the time) in a busy day or week to have a regular time of Bible reading. I make the effort to read it for a particular study, or to find encouragement but I don't really read it just to draw near to God and get to know Him, His character, His heart better. I'm praying for a greater desire for His word in many ways. I'm hoping this will also help me to seek first His Kingdom day-by-day.

2. To memorize Scripture

This is kind of tied into number 1, but I don't just want to read God's word...I want it to dwell in me and to make a difference in my life...to change me. So, I'll be making an effort to write out verses and passages and post them around the place so that I can learn to call on God's word at all times because it is within me.

3. To pray more

This is more about establishing a regular discipline of prayer and also making the effort to journal my prayers and conversations with God. I know that I really benefit when I record how God is speaking to me and how He responds to my prayers. This is something I really want to grow in.

4. To be more thankful and content

This last year has been difficult for me in a few ways and I have noticed discontent creep into various areas of my thinking and speaking. I think that working hard at number 3 will help with this item in some ways but I also think that I need to give it specific focus.

We've starting saying prayers at bedtime with Ethan and mostly these are prayers of thanks. Every day he says thanks for food to eat and for each one of us. It's been such a witness to me of how blessed we really are and how much we have to be thankful for. This is something I need to remember more and want to build into our family life in 2012.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Numbers 5 to 8 coming up tomorrow!

Thankful

I'm not American and I don't celebrate Thanksgiving Day, but I do like the idea of taking time to specifically think about the things in life we can be thankful for.
I need to take my eyes off the negative/critical/difficult things and spend time focussing on just how blessed I am.

So here is my list of things I'm current very thankful for...

1. Family - I love my family. They are so much to me. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful family. And I'm very much looking forward to spending time with family at the weekend.

2. Friends - my friends are very important to me. They listen to me, support me and show God's love to me in very practical ways. I love my friends.

3. Interact - I know I've said it before, but I am loving being part of the interact team this year. The teaching is great, the discussions are great, the quality time with people is great! I am really enjoying every part of it...even the snot and tears parts! God has been so good in enabling me to be part of this. So, so thankful!

4. The Internet - I know this one sounds a bit weird, but hear me out. Thanks to the wonderful inventions of skype and google+ I have been able to 'meet' up with friends and study God's word together during a time when I really needed it. Having children asleep at home, and being several miles apart would normally have restricted this time. But instead, we have been able to continue to support each other, and learn more about being godly women, through our study times together. Plus, internet shopping has enabled me to buy most of this year's Christmas presents without having to wander round numerous shops...great!

5. My church family - words are not enough to describe how blessed I feel to be surrounded my people who look out for me personally and for my family, who encourage us, challenge us, support us and just love us.

6. Tea - the difference a good cup of tea can make to my day cannot be underestimated!

7. Anthropologie - I unwisely stepped into their shop yesterday just for a 'look'! Ha! I left with two dresses that were both significantly reduced (my justification for buying them) and an anticipation for flouncing around in them!

8. Cake - After Jesus, and points 1 and 2 on this list...cake is the best thing on the planet! And so I shall end my list on this undeniable high!

Although there are many many many more things that I could add, and so many things to be thankful for...I shall leave it there and save some for another day.

Happy Thursday!

Things I'm loving right now...

1. The warmer weather...about time...nuff said!

2. This book...I've literally just finished it and all I can say is, if you're a christian you have to read it!

3. My freebie face mask I got when buying a birthday present for someone else. I tried it last night and it was great...plus it was free! Better than a bargain!

4. The new anthropologie store in Edinburgh. I knew it would be my downfall when this store opened and my first visit there yesterday (on the opening day) didn't prove me wrong!

5. The numerous daisies carpeting the grass as I walked through the meadows today.

6. Tea and cake with friends...this cannot happen too frequently in my opinion!

7. People watching from my living room window.

8. Seeing more of my husband now work craziness has calmed down.

Happy Thursday!

Loving your story - part 2

It's no secret that I love lists...

So, following on from yesterday's post I decided to write a list of some of the things that I love about my story...as a way to help me focus on the good things I have and great things God has done in and for me.

1. I love God

2. I love my husband and my beautiful son.

3. I love my family. And I know that they love me.

4. I love my friends - although I'm not always as good a friend as I could be

5. I love church. I am extremely fortunate to be part of a great church with a great vision and great people who really encourage you and accept you as family.

6. I love where I live - Edinburgh. Although sometimes (most of the time) the weather isn't as lovely as it could be!

7. I love and am very grateful that I can make mistakes and still be loved.

8. I love that God can do more than I can ever think, hope or imagine!

9. I love that I can be part of what God can do.

10. I love that God is revealing more and more of himself to me. And even though it's hard sometimes, I love that he is changing me, molding me, building me into the person he has created me to be and into someone who reflects his love and glory. I need to remember this more!

11. And I love the crocuses (crocii?) that have started springing up that remind me warmer days are coming! And in their honour I have coloured the numbers yellow and purple!

What do you love about your story?

me

I'm the kind of person who...matches her socks...to each other, to her outfit, to the day (yes cake mondays are accompanied by socks with cupcakes!) even if no one else ever sees them.

I'm the kind of person who...has milk in her tea...even peppermint sometimes, but not camomile.

I'm the kind of person who...misses the bus stop because she's daydreaming!

I'm the kind of person who...could be better at keeping in touch.

I'm the kind of person who...cries at random things...happy things, sad things, songs, pictures, moments...pass me a tissue!

I'm the kind of person who...will teach her son to stick his tongue out because it's funny...and then regret it when he does it all the time!

I'm the kind of person who...tries to look for the beautiful in the every day...but sometimes need a bit of help.

I'm the kind of person who...always has dessert.

I'm the kind of person who...is actually quite shy...but still talks to much sometimes!

I'm the kind of person who...doesn't always know when to stop!

Stress Head

Ahh! I feel like I have so much to do this week and so little time!

We're off to celebrate a big family birthday at Center Parcs this weekend...very nice.
But I have tons of stuff to do and get ready and pack before Thursday and not much free time to do it all in...not nice.

I'm starting to get a little stressed about getting everything done...and still remaining sane!
Like, all the washing I need to do. Having a limited maternity wardrobe is sometimes helpful (i.e. I won't spend hours deciding what to pack) but sometimes it isn't (i.e. I feel like I'm washing the same few clothes all the time!)
Like, the drying and ironing of all the washing that I need to do. Maybe on this occasion I can forgo the ironing and do it when we get there (my fussy perfectionist self can't believe I'm even suggesting this!)
Like, filing my nails. They're growing so fast at the moment (thank you pregnant body) but I can't file them in close proximity to the husband...he hates the sound. And I happen to be spending every evening with the lovely chap this week! I might have to resort to locking myself in the bathroom to do it!
Like, packing! With pregnancy brain at an all time high I am convinced that I am going to forget something/many things! I think I need to make a list (I love lists!)

Work is crazy busy this week with a client meeting and lots of deadlines to meet and numbers to crunch and designs to draw (which is why I'm writing this instead...erm!)
And we have something going on every evening this week until Thursday (maybe my small group will help me iron/pack?!)

When will I sleep?!?!
When will I eat?!?!

I have managed to paint my toes nails...bigger achievement than it sounds! And my cake baking went down very well at work today (despite several near disastrous moments in the kitchen yesterday!)
And somehow, getting some of my stress out here has helped me calm down a little. Like therapy!

Now, where to start with that list......?!

Plans

I have a huge long list of things to get through this weekend...ok that might be a slight exaggeration...but still, I do feel like there's a lot to do. So, I think I'll write myself a 'to-do' list!

Some are things I really want to do...like some sewing I've been planning, taking some photos (weather dependent!)...and going to look at prams! (These will go at the top of the list!)

Others are things I really need to do...like cleaning and ironing* and just generally getting my life back into some sort of organised manner (these will go at the bottom of the list!)

But I'll probably just end up watching too much tv, spending too much time on the computer, sleeping in too much and eating too much (this is currently not my fault!). Then on Sunday night I'll have a major panic and stress out about all the things still on the list! And then I'll need to take some time to rest (probably with some chocolate) just to get over the stress!!!

Plans eh?!

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21

Happy Weekend x

* I know some people think that I am crazy for even bothering to iron things (my husband happens to be one of those people) but I just prefer things when they are ironed. I feel that it is my responsibility to make sure we look our best as a family and I think my minor OCD-ness would actually stop me from walking outside wearing something I know is not ironed. But it's ok cos God created me this way! I just wish He also created me to do the ironing more frequently so that a scale model of the Himalayas weren't growing in the spare room/bedroom/kitchen!

What I am...

I am currently very cold (not much difference there)
I am very short sighted (sometimes in more ways than one)
I am very sure about some things
I am currently unsure about other things
I am loved
I am different
I am silly (sometimes)
I am sensible (most of the time)
I am organised (or at least I try to be)
I am currently being quite lazy
I am creative
I am usually hungry
I am always thinking about desserts!
I am found, but sometimes still a little bit lost
I am always wanting more time
I am always wanting to read more, study more, learn more, do more
I am shy
I am talkative
I am always having ideas
I am usually not getting round to doing the ideas
I am very blessed
I am emotional
I am not always where I want to be
I am not always who I want to be
I am growing
I am learning (sometimes slowly)
I am careful
I am excited
I am a little apprehensive
I am looking forward
I am not sure I always make sense
I am a mixed bag
I am not sure why I wanted to do this today
I am just me

And I am currently wishing I had more photos to liven up these posts and share on here!
I have a few from the very cold and snowy weekend and a few of some (very slow) Christmas crafting. I shall endeavour to get them posted soon (hopefully before Christmas!)

Things I am loving about Autumn...

1. The beautiful golden, orange, red and yellow leaves on the trees. Much more interesting than just green!

2. The lovely sunny, clear weather we've been having. It just makes the beautiful leaves look more stunning!

3. The opportunity to wear snuggly clothes and scarves and not have your husband look at you like you're weird (I tend to wear snuggly clothes and scarves regardless of the season, hence the looks of weirdness!)

4. The ability to drink gallons of hot chocolate and be totally justified!

5. Hopefully the opportunity to take some photos of the changing season and the beautiful leaves!

This is my 100th post! I wonder what I'll write in my next 100?!

Happy Fridays x