Imagination

Source: kykyta.info via Lindsay on Pinterest

It's Woody, Jessie and Buzz against the law breaking Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head and an oversized pig spaceship. Things don't seem to be going the right way...and then you realise none of it is really happening. 

OK. So, maybe you realised that when I mentioned Mr. Potato head. All of the action in the opening of Toy Story 3 is the imaginings of a young boy. And to him, in that moment, they are real. Very real. And exciting!

I have been thinking a lot about imagination lately. 

In Ephesians, Paul wrote:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

Ephesians 3:20

And in the gospels we read:

Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'

Matthew 19:14

As adults, we know how to ask. But we've forgotten how to use our imagination!

Children know how to imagine. 

What if part of bringing the Kingdom of heaven to earth is learning to use our imagination? Learning to dream wild dreams and crazy plans.

God can do immeasurably more than we can imagine.

We can't out imagine God!

How exciting would it be to imagine our wildest dreams and hopes for our friends, our families, our cities, and watch God do something even better?!

Source: blog.design-seeds.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Why, oh why?

300 blog posts and nearly 4 years later...and I'm still here. Still blogging. Still trying to make sense of something.

Time has become limited, and the writing has become a bit more blah. And what is the purpose of this?
Why still find time, make time, to share thoughts?

Am I driven by the thought of having 'followers'? Probably.
Is it just another branch of attention seeking? Probably.
Has it benefitted me or anyone else? Not sure.

You see, in some ways I feel that I'm still the same person that started typing 4 years ago. I still struggle enormously with comparison and envy (to a ridiculous degree). I should know better, but I trip often.
The internet is a minefield when it comes to forming a healthy identity and being rooted in it.
And yet I can be found meandering through this minefield far too often.

Scripture, on the other hand, is a healing balm. Speaking truth, value and love to a mixed up soul. And yet, I don't spend the same time digging into its depth, bathing in its peace, digesting its truths.

And I still find myself speaking kindness with one breath and judgement with the next? Being too quick to speak and not listen. Too fast to offer an opinion, too slow to show grace.

You see, I long to bring truth and hope to women. To encourage them. To build community. To show them love and kindness. To lead them to the one who gives life in all its fullness. The one who will inspire them and spark a fire in their hearts. The one who will give them a purpose. To help them build a relationship with Him.

And I'd love to be part of a gathering of women. Where we draw alongside one another. Share hopes, fears, dreams, struggles. Rejoice together, cry together, walk together, kneel together. Build kingdom together. Extend love together. Bring change together.

But I know that my tongue and personal battles are all tied up in this too.

I was challenged by the concept of choosing to be a woman who ministers, as opposed to a woman in ministry.
That sounds more like what Jesus commissioned us to do. But I know that my motives often get mixed up. Pride is such a difficult thing!

It's a good job this life is a journey and that we can take it one step at a time...together.

Rich towards God, Generous towards Others

The New Year began at church with a great sermon about living rich lives towards God. A reminder that we are stewards, not owners, of all that God blesses us with. That we should hold everything with open hands ready to give to others, or back to God, where needed. This is how the early church lived. And many were added to their number daily!
We were challenged to live a life of simplicity, community and faith.

And I have been thinking...as I do...what does it mean to be generous?
I think we have a tendency to think about it in one of two ways:
1. Generosity is about how much money I give, so I'll give some cash and that's my giving done.
2. Generosity isn't just about money, and I give in so many ways, I don't need to give, or give much, of my finances.

But I would suggest that generosity is about everything. All that we have. Finances, material belongings, gifts, skills, time and many other things. We should be challenged  to give in many ways, according to what the situation asks of us.

Welcoming someone into your family so that they are not lonely is generous.
Taking the time to teach someone a new skill is generous.
Baking delicious goodies to treat others or provide for someone else is generous.
Supporting someone financially so they can gain an education is generous.

Let's get creative and think outside the box when it comes to blessing others. It doesn't even have to be big things. Sometimes its the small things that mean most to someone. Just being remembered can be a gift to someone.

So let's remember that being generous is a privilege and a gift.
And let's amaze the world with God's generosity through us!

It doesn't matter...

...if you're tiny or tall.
It doesn't matter if you're big or small.
If you want to have fun, it doesn't matter at all.

Thanks to CBeebies for the above snippet from a theme song (yes, I need to expand my telly viewing habits)!

How often do we put conditions on what we can or cannot do?
How many times have we avoided something because we think we're not 'qualified/experienced/old enough/young enough/etc etc'?
How many roles have we not taken up because we've decided we don't have the right qualities or skills?

And, especially in churches, how many times have we left things for those in 'official' leadership to do?

God calls us all to play our part. For church to be FUNctional...yes I believe church can be great fun (amen)...we all need to join in. And it doesn't matter whether you think you fit the mould or not.

Do you want to have fun?
Then join in!

I'd rather be...honest

"I don't know how you do it!"

That's something I've heard a few times over the last few weeks.
And if I'm honest, I don't know either.
In fact, I don't think I do 'do it' or am 'doing it' at all!

I cry at least once a day. And not a cute emotional cry.
An 'oh my word, what am I doing? How am I even functioning? DON'T PUT THAT TOY IN MY DRINK!' pretty ugly, and usually selfish, cry.

I usually work out my tiredness and frustration on my four boys and they definitely do not get the best of me.
(I thank God daily for His grace in this area, and another day to grow better as a mum and wife)

And if I'm totally honest...I spend parts of my day thinking about all the things I don't get chance to do with three little ones around. All the things I would do if I had more time. If my time was 'mine'.

I saw some of these mugs a while ago, and actually bought a few for Christmas presents. They made me think, and I wondered how many hours I spend thinking about things I'd rather be doing.

Then I read this blog post and was very convicted.

While I may not be hoping to pastor a megachurch, I have been having an internal battle with the things that have been developing in my heart. My hopes and dreams. Dreams I believe God has placed on my heart, but that I'm struggling to 'see'.

If I'm honest, sometimes I struggle with the reality of my days in the here-and-now and can be found longing for something else, something more. And trying to figure out how I can make it happen.
If I'm honest, I've become one of those married women with kids who actually has moments of envying all the single ladies, when about 7 years ago all I did was the opposite.
If I'm honest, I know how stupid this sounds...please don't stone me...but I can't be the only one who struggles with this.

While reading Mark 9 this week I made a note of verse 24:
'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'

My prayer at the moment I think is, 'I am happy; help me overcome my discontent!'

How can I be faithful with where God has me right now? With what God has given me today?
How do I learn to leave it in God's hands and be happy with that? To not try and be in control and make things work out how I think they should?

How did Paul learn to be content...and how do we?
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:10-12

I believe it has something to do with Eucharisteo (thanksgiving, grace, joy) and hope to find out more this year.

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?

Miracle of Appreciation

I love it when things come together, when the ordinary stuff of life collides and God shines through. The God-incidences, as we call them.
Those moments in the everyday when we see God, His hand, His heart and His care.

I had an amazing text from my Auntie today that built up my faith and shows how amazing and awesome God is.
It seems that God is in the business of family stirring...in the best way possible. The things that are mulling and stewing and kindling and igniting in me are also being stirred up inside my family - both my biological one and my church one! How good is that?! How good is God?! That he provides us with community and fellow travellers as we journey through all seasons of life!

I came across this video a short while ago and wanted to share it. It really resonates with some of the things going on in my head and heart at the moment and with a lot of what I've been reading and hearing.
I really believe God is wanting to do something in us around the area of thanksgiving - eucharisteo - appreciation, gratefulness, joy.



What are you thankful for today?
What can you be grateful for?

Find Steve's blog here.

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

Restless

Sleep is taken in short shifts around here...or rather its grabbed when it can be!
And I'm restless.

But it's not really because of the lack of sleep.
There is something stirring in my heart, in my spirit, in my head.
Or a stronger stirring of previous ones, a re-stoking, refining, building of things that have grown over the last few months and years.

It could just be that I'm on the brink of a serious congested head cold (combined with extreme tiredness) but it feels more like I'm on the verge of something more significant. A tipping point. Possibly (hopefully) an avalanche of sorts. Of creativity, of community, of love.

I'm desperate to share more...to understand a bit more for myself, but for now we'll have to tip toe up to the edge and just hang for a while.
Partly because I don't want to spoil some people's Christmas presents, and partly because my head still needs to put some order and cohesion to the thoughts and stirrings.

All I will say is that I'm restless but happy, restless but excited, restless and a little bit scared...in a good way.
I want to wrestle with whatever God is working in and through me. I want to be changed, transformed.

I know its a bit of cliche in the run up to a 'big' birthday and the New Year, but I seriously can't wait for my 30th at the end of the month. And I can't wait for 2013.

Bring it on!

An update...

As you can probably guess, things are a little crazy round here but we're surviving!

I don't really have the time to blog which is a shame cos I've got lots of things floating around in my head that I'd love to get out and share. Thanks to the wonderful gift of a kindle, I've read quite a lot since Noah & Samuel were born. But it's probably a good thing I don't share about some things yet as it might spoil some Christmas presents!

So, while I process some of the things in my head, and wait until after Christmas to elaborate, here are some of my phone photos from the last few weeks...

My all

So...

...it's a really long time since I shared anything on here. Mostly due to the craziness of moving house and expecting twins. There have been times when I've thought of things to share...but then I forget to write them down and so they get forgotten (must start keeping a notebook with me at all times).

But I wanted to record a quick moment that happened yesterday. A moment with God that I really, really don't want to forget.

As we were singing the last verse of 'When I survey the wondrous cross'...

'Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my life, my soul, my all.'

And I did the only thing I could do...cry...because words can't express how much I want that to be true. That my whole life, my everything, is dedicated to the one who's grace and love and mercy saved me.

And also because I'm not entirely sure what this next part of my life is going to look like...well, apart from crazy! But even after the babies are babies, I'm not sure of what comes next...but I know I want to serve God with all I have.

God very clearly spoke to me but in a gentle whisper.
He told me to trust Him.
To trust in His provision.
To trust in His timing.
To trust that He knows more about me than I could even imagine and that He knows what is around the corner.
And because of that trust, I can freely give my all, because I don't need to be in control. I don't need to have things sorted. I don't need to work it out by myself.

Dirty glasses

I wear glasses. It's nothing new...I've been wearing them for almost 22 years now. Without them I am pretty hopeless. Sometimes, if I drop them, I can't find them!

Recenetly my glasses seem to always be dirty. Covered in greasy smears and dirty prints. Dusted with a selection of the day's make-up, muck and grime. It's not very pleasant. And it hinders my sight.

Sometimes I find myself avoiding cleaning my glasses because it will stop me from doing what I am doing. Because it will be a distraction, a hassle, an effort. I'd rather sit with a mucky view than take the time to clear what I can see.

Sometimes I find myself avoiding reading my Bible because it will stop me from doing what I am doing. Because it will be a distraction, a hassle, an effort. Even though I knew it will change my view and clear up my perspective.

Pretty sad isn't it?!

12 in 2012...minus 10

If I'm totally honest, I knew that attempting to tackle 12 goals at once in one year was never going to end well. What can I say? I aim high!

Things were already becoming unstuck by March, then we found out I was pregnant. Throwing up constantly for almost 12 weeks and falling alseep whenever I was still for longer than 10 seconds didn't help (I know, excuses, excuses)!

But I still hoped to get back on track. Then we found out we were going to have twins, and I made the very sensible decision to leave my 12 things at the feet of God and only allow his expectations of me to define the next season of my life (this is a work in progress, by the way).

In my defence however, I have managed to craft a bit more over the last few months (no photos I'm afraid) and have made some lovely bunting out of a couple of saris I've had for years. And, thanks to the good weather, I wore a dress for three days in a row a couple of weeks ago!

However, rather than continue on completely goal-less, I have reduced my ambitions to the following...

1. To love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul and all my mind.

2. To love my family, friends and those I 'do life with'.

and 3. To be more willing to ask for help and support and not try to 'soldier on' and cope with things.

I think these will be more than enough for 2012...and beyond!


I am still hoping to continue with the 12 classic films in 2012. So far we've watched Rain Man and Spinal Tap (Phil's choice, surprisingly I'd already seen it). I am working through previous recommendations but others are warmly welcomed!

Big Word Wednesday #15

At the suggestion of my mother...here is a new installation of Big Word Wednesday!

Flabbergasted
 - to overwhelm with shock, surprise or wonder

Just over a week ago, I was flabbergasted.
I still am.

We were shocked and surprised to see two little people on the ultrsound screen.
We are still overwhelmed when we think about the fact that two little people will be joining our family in October...at the same time!

I am also continually lost in wonder at the miracle of babies, and families, and how loved and supported we have been in the last few days.
We know it will be hard, and I know I will have to learn much patience and grace, both with myself and others. But it will be so worth it.

I do wonder if God was sitting in heaven looking down on us last Monday, counting down the seconds until all was revealed to our human eyes!
One dose of flabbergastedness coming up in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1....!!!!

Maybe God doesn't think like that...but I'd like to think that he does sometimes. I'm sure he's got a pretty funny sense of humour!!!

What things in life have flabbergasted you?

Happy Wednesday!!!

The Cost of Love

The country is in uproar as the price of stamps is set to increase by approximately 30-40%. And electronic mail is being promoted as the cheap (free) go-to for all our communication needs.

But when our communication costs us nothing, what does that say about the importance of our message?
Or the value we place on the receipient?

If all we do is to be covered/woven/seasoned with love, surely it is going to cost us something? Surely it must cost us something?

If we are sharing God's love with a community of people who feel unloved, isn't their value worth the price we may have to pay?

The price may be the cost of paper, a card, an envelope, a stamp. Or it may be our pride, our prejudices, our securities, our time.

We follow and serve a God who paid the ultimate price for us, because he loved us. Because he wanted us to know how much he loved us.

What are we willing to sacrifice to communicate love?
What price are we willing to pay to tell someone they are loved?

Our February 2012

Another selection of photos from my phone from February.

1. The peacock dress that I was considering wearing to the mother-in-laws wedding....hmm!

2. & 3. Pear slice sculptures.

4. & 5. Sometimes its nice to see the moon when I leave work.

6. Ceiling fixing work in progress.

7. Ethan sorting the crayons in the cafe into rainbow order (total fluke) and making me very proud!

8. Ceiling fixing work complete!

9. Talking to the telephone...trying to talk to daddy!

10. My playdoh flower...before small fingers squashed it!

11. Testing the new boxes for the toys!

12. The fixed chairs being removed at church.

13. Larry in his pjs!

14. Jigsaw time.

15. My first ever eggs florentine...yum!

16. Cooking with the big pans!

Happy Tuesday!

A year of classic cinema - January

Way back in January I came up with the crazy idea of watching one 'classic' film a month in 2012. There are so many films out there that are 'must-sees' that I simply haven't seen, so I thought I'd try rectify the situation. Plus, who doesn't like the idea of a regular film night?!

So, that was over two months ago and I haven't reported back on how the crazy idea was actually going (thank you to everyone who made suggestions) so I now have another situation to rectify!


If I'm totally honest, I've seen Rain Man before but it was a long long time ago. And I had no real memory of the film.
There are so many things I liked about the film and I'm so glad we watched it even though it wasn't a new new film for either of us. I don't really want to give any of the plot away in case anyone reading this (is there anyone reading this?) hasn't seen it and wants to ( you should do). But I will say that it's a Tom Cruise classic, even though his acting annoyed me at the start. And Dustin Hoffman...amazing. It's a great story and I loved the development of the relationships between the characters.
And who doesn't like chuckling at the 80's fashion/hairstyles/everything!

The next 'classic' film review will be up soon and hopefully they'll be a bit more regular from now on.

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!

Lent

So, tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day...Yay! How many pancakes do you think you'll manage?!

Which means that this Wednesday is the start of Lent.

Last year I gave up facebook and twitter for Lent. This year I'm not sure that I'll give anything up. I like to think that whatever actions I take during Lent are part of the bigger picture and help me to grow and develop my relationship with God, but maybe in a more focussed way.

Do you do anything special for Lent, or give anything up?
How did it impact or develop your faith?