Do you ever have those days where you just wish the ground would open up beneath you and swallow you up?!
I just managed to point out a speck or two in someone else’s eye and then had my own ‘plank eye’ very much highlighted…ouch! When will I learn?!
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Friday 26 June 2009
Dreams Can Come True (Part 4)
Sometimes, you just gotta have patience…
...like a saint!
Can you imagine what Joseph must’ve been thinking when he was falsely accused and put in prison? I think I would seriously start to doubt my dreams, especially after everything else that had already happened!
We don’t know exactly how long it was from the time Joseph had his dreams and the time he was brought before Pharaoh but we know it was at least two years…
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream.
Genesis 40:13 – 41:1 (NIV)
And given the circumstances he found himself in throughout that time, I’m sure it gave him plenty of opportunities to convince himself that his dreams would never happen, that God had forgotten him and that he was alone.
But God has a perfect time for everything…including the fulfilment of the dreams and desires he has placed in your heart. Sometimes we look at our circumstances and struggle to understand how our dreams can ever come about. We see ourselves at point a, and wonder how on earth are we ever going to get to the place of our dreams, at point b.
But remember that God works in the journeys and processes of our life. Sometimes the journey is part of the fulfilment of the dream!
Keep your focus on God…not the dream
Throughout Joseph’s life he focussed on God and sought to please him with his actions, behaviour and conduct. Not once did he do something to try and bring about his dream in his own strength. He had total faith in God and relied on Him to bring it to pass if that was His will.
The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.
Genesis 39:2-4 (NIV)
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
Psalm 127:1 (NIV)
Unless God is working in you to bring about your dreams you will only strive and struggle to do it in your own strength. And anything we struggle to accomplish will never be as full and fruitful as it would if God was in control. It will be hard work…for less rewards.
The purpose of our dream is ultimately to bring glory to God, not ourselves. When the dream itself becomes the focus and we loose the perspective of God we open ourselves to compromise and bargaining to achieve the dream. God wants us to have integrity and a good character like Joseph…not jump at the first opportunity to get ourselves ‘ahead’. Sometime we even try to bargain with God! Reminding Him of how long we have waited, or how bad our circumstances are, or how faithful we’ll be if He opens up doors for us.
But as Joseph shows us, we have to demonstrate our faithfulness, our integrity, our servant heart whatever situations we find ourselves in…however long we are there for. God will not forgot us or our dreams…He’s just waiting for the perfect moment to release them when He knows that we’re ready too!
So, if you have a dream today, a desire rooted deep in your heart, then be encouraged. God knows about your dreams and wants to see them flourish too.
I mean, Wow! Sometimes I just get so excited about the potential of everyone living out their God given purposes and dreams! What a difference it could make. What a difference we could make!
So, go on…have faith, communicate, be patient, focus on God and dream BIG!
...like a saint!
Can you imagine what Joseph must’ve been thinking when he was falsely accused and put in prison? I think I would seriously start to doubt my dreams, especially after everything else that had already happened!
We don’t know exactly how long it was from the time Joseph had his dreams and the time he was brought before Pharaoh but we know it was at least two years…
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream.
Genesis 40:13 – 41:1 (NIV)
And given the circumstances he found himself in throughout that time, I’m sure it gave him plenty of opportunities to convince himself that his dreams would never happen, that God had forgotten him and that he was alone.
But God has a perfect time for everything…including the fulfilment of the dreams and desires he has placed in your heart. Sometimes we look at our circumstances and struggle to understand how our dreams can ever come about. We see ourselves at point a, and wonder how on earth are we ever going to get to the place of our dreams, at point b.
But remember that God works in the journeys and processes of our life. Sometimes the journey is part of the fulfilment of the dream!
Keep your focus on God…not the dream
Throughout Joseph’s life he focussed on God and sought to please him with his actions, behaviour and conduct. Not once did he do something to try and bring about his dream in his own strength. He had total faith in God and relied on Him to bring it to pass if that was His will.
The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.
Genesis 39:2-4 (NIV)
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
Psalm 127:1 (NIV)
Unless God is working in you to bring about your dreams you will only strive and struggle to do it in your own strength. And anything we struggle to accomplish will never be as full and fruitful as it would if God was in control. It will be hard work…for less rewards.
The purpose of our dream is ultimately to bring glory to God, not ourselves. When the dream itself becomes the focus and we loose the perspective of God we open ourselves to compromise and bargaining to achieve the dream. God wants us to have integrity and a good character like Joseph…not jump at the first opportunity to get ourselves ‘ahead’. Sometime we even try to bargain with God! Reminding Him of how long we have waited, or how bad our circumstances are, or how faithful we’ll be if He opens up doors for us.
But as Joseph shows us, we have to demonstrate our faithfulness, our integrity, our servant heart whatever situations we find ourselves in…however long we are there for. God will not forgot us or our dreams…He’s just waiting for the perfect moment to release them when He knows that we’re ready too!
So, if you have a dream today, a desire rooted deep in your heart, then be encouraged. God knows about your dreams and wants to see them flourish too.
I mean, Wow! Sometimes I just get so excited about the potential of everyone living out their God given purposes and dreams! What a difference it could make. What a difference we could make!
So, go on…have faith, communicate, be patient, focus on God and dream BIG!
Thursday 25 June 2009
Dreams Can Come True (Part 3)
So, following on from yesterday’s post, let’s carry on looking at how we can make our dreams a reality…
You gotta communicate your dream…
Communicating your dreams and heart’s desire is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it confirms to yourself and to God that you believe in your dream. That it is more than just a passing thought. That it is of value and importance to you. Because that’s what you do when you have something that is important to you, you talk about it. It also confirms that you are willing to be open and available to God working this dream in and through you.
Secondly, it puts things into action. Once you speak your dreams out loud, things happen. It puts wheels into motion. It initiates things that you can’t do on your own. It allows people to support and assist in the dream.
Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.
"Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams."
Genesis 37:5, 19-20 (NIV)
Ok, so when Joseph told his brothers about his dream they didn’t exactly respond in a supportive and encouraging way. But if they hadn’t sold him into slavery, he wouldn’t have ended up in Egypt, which is where God needed him to be. Joseph actually never had someone else come along side him to help him achieve his dream…but communicating his dream was still the catalyst and initiation of it becoming a reality!
Another thing that happens when we speak our dreams out loud is that the devil listens in and will try to do anything he can to squash and kill your dream. This is where our faith from the previous point kicks in, and we can look to God and not our circumstances and know that our dreams are still alive.
Have you spoken to anyone about the dreams God has placed in your heart? If not, why not?
What is it that you’re afraid of? That they’ll think you’re crazy? That they won’t understand or support you? That they’ll question your ability to achieve your dream? That’s the one that gets me! That’s often why I stay quiet about the things on my heart!
But we must remember that fear doesn’t care if it robs you of a small dream or your hearts biggest desire. Don’t let fear stop you from living out your dream. Maybe the response you’ll get from people won’t be what you expected. But maybe it’ll be more than you could’ve hoped for! Speaking your dream aloud, even if its just to God at first, confirms it in your spirit and puts things into action that cannot happen if dreams are left unspoken. God may be able to read our mind and know our heart, but other people can’t unless we tell them. And often the fulfilment of our dream relies on relationships, communication and community with others.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking ‘well, that’s ok for you to say, but I don’t even have any dreams or desires on my heart’. If that’s you, then you still need to communicate. Ask God to place something or someone on your heart. Ask Him to reveal His plans and purposes for you. And get with someone who knows you well who can help you to distinguish your gifts, talents and passion. It’s often through talking to others that we learn something about ourselves.
So, who can you talk to about your dreams? Go on, have faith…speak it out…
You gotta communicate your dream…
Communicating your dreams and heart’s desire is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it confirms to yourself and to God that you believe in your dream. That it is more than just a passing thought. That it is of value and importance to you. Because that’s what you do when you have something that is important to you, you talk about it. It also confirms that you are willing to be open and available to God working this dream in and through you.
Secondly, it puts things into action. Once you speak your dreams out loud, things happen. It puts wheels into motion. It initiates things that you can’t do on your own. It allows people to support and assist in the dream.
Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.
"Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams."
Genesis 37:5, 19-20 (NIV)
Ok, so when Joseph told his brothers about his dream they didn’t exactly respond in a supportive and encouraging way. But if they hadn’t sold him into slavery, he wouldn’t have ended up in Egypt, which is where God needed him to be. Joseph actually never had someone else come along side him to help him achieve his dream…but communicating his dream was still the catalyst and initiation of it becoming a reality!
Another thing that happens when we speak our dreams out loud is that the devil listens in and will try to do anything he can to squash and kill your dream. This is where our faith from the previous point kicks in, and we can look to God and not our circumstances and know that our dreams are still alive.
Have you spoken to anyone about the dreams God has placed in your heart? If not, why not?
What is it that you’re afraid of? That they’ll think you’re crazy? That they won’t understand or support you? That they’ll question your ability to achieve your dream? That’s the one that gets me! That’s often why I stay quiet about the things on my heart!
But we must remember that fear doesn’t care if it robs you of a small dream or your hearts biggest desire. Don’t let fear stop you from living out your dream. Maybe the response you’ll get from people won’t be what you expected. But maybe it’ll be more than you could’ve hoped for! Speaking your dream aloud, even if its just to God at first, confirms it in your spirit and puts things into action that cannot happen if dreams are left unspoken. God may be able to read our mind and know our heart, but other people can’t unless we tell them. And often the fulfilment of our dream relies on relationships, communication and community with others.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking ‘well, that’s ok for you to say, but I don’t even have any dreams or desires on my heart’. If that’s you, then you still need to communicate. Ask God to place something or someone on your heart. Ask Him to reveal His plans and purposes for you. And get with someone who knows you well who can help you to distinguish your gifts, talents and passion. It’s often through talking to others that we learn something about ourselves.
So, who can you talk to about your dreams? Go on, have faith…speak it out…
Wednesday 24 June 2009
Dreams Can Come True (Part 2)
I am a dreamer. I dream dreams.
And I believe that my dreams can come true.
Ok, so maybe not the one about playing a tennis match against Andy Murray (I still don’t know who won!) or the one about loosing my family on a spaceship (yes, I really do have some weird dreams!). See ‘Dreams can come true (part 1)'.
But, the dreams about making a difference to people, being a good role model, having an impact, changing a generation, bringing God’s restoration to people…I believe that I can see those things become a reality in my life.
I believe this because I have an awesome God. And I believe that my dreams are a gift from Him. A purpose, a hope and a future.
Your dreams don’t have to involve saving the world single-handedly or being a superhero in your community for them to be valid or valuable. Maybe you want to go to Uni and do well in your studies, maybe you want to have a great career, maybe you want to get married and have a family. All of these things are legitimate dreams…how the world longs for God’s love to be visible in these places too!
But there’s a big difference between having a dream in our heart and making it a reality. So how do we transform these dreams into actual, real, fruitful opportunities?
Taking a quick look at Joseph, a fellow dreamer, we can learn some things about living out our dreams.
You gotta have faith…
Do you actually believe that your dreams are from God? And that they can be a reality? If not, why not?
Joseph believed the dreams and visions he had were from God and that with God he would see those things come to pass. Throughout everything Joseph went through, he had faith in God to protect him and provide for him.
And don’t worry…you only need a small amount of faith to start…
But the Master said, "You don't need more faith. There is no 'more' or 'less' in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it would do it.
Luke 17:6 (New International Version)
So what is faith?
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)
Remember that God works in us continually and although our circumstances may suggest something different, we can have a hope in God that His promises are true and He is faithful…even when we are faithless.
And why is it so important?
It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (The Message)
So, do you have faith? Even if it’s only the size of a poppy seed. Do you believe that your dreams are from God and they can be real?
And I believe that my dreams can come true.
Ok, so maybe not the one about playing a tennis match against Andy Murray (I still don’t know who won!) or the one about loosing my family on a spaceship (yes, I really do have some weird dreams!). See ‘Dreams can come true (part 1)'.
But, the dreams about making a difference to people, being a good role model, having an impact, changing a generation, bringing God’s restoration to people…I believe that I can see those things become a reality in my life.
I believe this because I have an awesome God. And I believe that my dreams are a gift from Him. A purpose, a hope and a future.
Your dreams don’t have to involve saving the world single-handedly or being a superhero in your community for them to be valid or valuable. Maybe you want to go to Uni and do well in your studies, maybe you want to have a great career, maybe you want to get married and have a family. All of these things are legitimate dreams…how the world longs for God’s love to be visible in these places too!
But there’s a big difference between having a dream in our heart and making it a reality. So how do we transform these dreams into actual, real, fruitful opportunities?
Taking a quick look at Joseph, a fellow dreamer, we can learn some things about living out our dreams.
You gotta have faith…
Do you actually believe that your dreams are from God? And that they can be a reality? If not, why not?
Joseph believed the dreams and visions he had were from God and that with God he would see those things come to pass. Throughout everything Joseph went through, he had faith in God to protect him and provide for him.
And don’t worry…you only need a small amount of faith to start…
But the Master said, "You don't need more faith. There is no 'more' or 'less' in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it would do it.
Luke 17:6 (New International Version)
So what is faith?
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)
Remember that God works in us continually and although our circumstances may suggest something different, we can have a hope in God that His promises are true and He is faithful…even when we are faithless.
And why is it so important?
It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (The Message)
So, do you have faith? Even if it’s only the size of a poppy seed. Do you believe that your dreams are from God and they can be real?
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Dreams Can Come True (Part 1)
I go through phases where I’ll have vivid dreams for a few nights in a row, and then I won’t have a dream for quite a while. Well, none that I remember.
Last weekend was one of those dream filled phases, and I was continually waking up completely bewildered by the things I was dreaming about.
For example:
Random dream #1 – involving a tennis match against Andy Murray. I don’t even play tennis…which was affirmed in the dream because I got blisters on my hands from the tennis racket which meant that I had to do a last minute run to a chemist to get blister plasters so I could still play the match. Only to then get stuck in traffic…because everyone was trying to get to the match…and then get there just in time for the start…when I wake up! Like I said, random!
Random dream #2 – involving a space ship, my family, getting separated from my family and subsequently very lost, fearing that my family had been ‘extracted’ from the space ship and left to float around in deep space and then getting more lost on the two most random of all space ship decks I’ve ever seen – a race course deck (complete with horses) and a massive children’s play area deck. Usually I would’ve enjoyed such an inviting play area but I still needed to find my family…when I woke up!
Now, I’m sure there are people out there who would love to tell me all sorts of interesting facts about my dreams and what they say about me and my unconscious mind. But to be honest, I probably just need to stop eating cheese before I go to bed!
I’m quite grateful sometimes that when I wake up the dream is over and it was just that, a dream. The thought of any of these dreams becoming a reality is, quite frankly, not always welcome and most certainly belongs in Steven Spielberg’s department more than it does in mine.
But I do have dreams that I long to see becoming a reality in my life. They’re not the kind of dreams that occur whilst you sleep, but rather the dreams that are stirred up whilst you are awake. The ideas and hopes that God plants in your heart that gradually grow and develop. These dreams are more than just vivid pictures, random scenes and unusual happenings. These dreams can be a matter of life and death.
I hope to expand on my thoughts on dreams and identify four things which I think play an important part in making our dreams more than just dreams but actual reality. And I hope to encourage you to dream BIG, because we can…because God is BIG.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message)
Last weekend was one of those dream filled phases, and I was continually waking up completely bewildered by the things I was dreaming about.
For example:
Random dream #1 – involving a tennis match against Andy Murray. I don’t even play tennis…which was affirmed in the dream because I got blisters on my hands from the tennis racket which meant that I had to do a last minute run to a chemist to get blister plasters so I could still play the match. Only to then get stuck in traffic…because everyone was trying to get to the match…and then get there just in time for the start…when I wake up! Like I said, random!
Random dream #2 – involving a space ship, my family, getting separated from my family and subsequently very lost, fearing that my family had been ‘extracted’ from the space ship and left to float around in deep space and then getting more lost on the two most random of all space ship decks I’ve ever seen – a race course deck (complete with horses) and a massive children’s play area deck. Usually I would’ve enjoyed such an inviting play area but I still needed to find my family…when I woke up!
Now, I’m sure there are people out there who would love to tell me all sorts of interesting facts about my dreams and what they say about me and my unconscious mind. But to be honest, I probably just need to stop eating cheese before I go to bed!
I’m quite grateful sometimes that when I wake up the dream is over and it was just that, a dream. The thought of any of these dreams becoming a reality is, quite frankly, not always welcome and most certainly belongs in Steven Spielberg’s department more than it does in mine.
But I do have dreams that I long to see becoming a reality in my life. They’re not the kind of dreams that occur whilst you sleep, but rather the dreams that are stirred up whilst you are awake. The ideas and hopes that God plants in your heart that gradually grow and develop. These dreams are more than just vivid pictures, random scenes and unusual happenings. These dreams can be a matter of life and death.
I hope to expand on my thoughts on dreams and identify four things which I think play an important part in making our dreams more than just dreams but actual reality. And I hope to encourage you to dream BIG, because we can…because God is BIG.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message)
Thursday 18 June 2009
Crazy Lady Day!
So, I probably shouldn't really be blogging right now. I have a big deadline at work tomorrow and things are a little crazy around here as there's just so much to do...of which blogging is not technically one of them! :)
But I felt that there were some things of particular noteworthiness today (I thought I just made that word up but the spell checker recognised it! I'll have to try harder next time!)
1. Me + crazy times = one very tired (and slightly grumpy) crazy lady. Not nice!
2. Me + the crazy lady look = not something that should be seen in public! My outfit is not too bad but my hair, oh my poor hair...I really need to give my hair some care and love soon!
3. And just in case the whole crazy lady look wasn't bad enough...I left my make-up bag in the car yesterday evening (due to essential make-up maintence issues en route to house group. Yes, I do need to look good for house group. Studying God's word absolutely requires bronzer and mascara!) AND being the tired crazy lady that I am at the moment, I totally forgot that it was in the car SO Phil left for work this morning whilst I was in the shower with my make-up bag still in the car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Yes, it does require that many exclamation marks!)
4. So now, I'm sat at work tired, grumpy, a little stressed and sans make-up!!!! But to be honest I don't think anyone has even noticed...what does that say about my need to wear make-up to go out in public?!?!
5. Phil made me take photos of the beetroot (plural) he brought home last night from the greenhouse...yum! Except that I'm not going to be allowed to eat any of this batch as he wants to pickle them :(
6. Yes, the sole reason I am writing this list is so that I can colour the numbers in rainbow order to make me smile, which means I need to keep going until I get to 7...
7. You need to know that this rainbow coloured list has made one crazy, make-up free, tired lady smile...so it was totally worth it! Yay!
I will be back to a more regular, less frazzled self at the weekend hopefully...
Do something that makes you smile today!
L x
But I felt that there were some things of particular noteworthiness today (I thought I just made that word up but the spell checker recognised it! I'll have to try harder next time!)
1. Me + crazy times = one very tired (and slightly grumpy) crazy lady. Not nice!
2. Me + the crazy lady look = not something that should be seen in public! My outfit is not too bad but my hair, oh my poor hair...I really need to give my hair some care and love soon!
3. And just in case the whole crazy lady look wasn't bad enough...I left my make-up bag in the car yesterday evening (due to essential make-up maintence issues en route to house group. Yes, I do need to look good for house group. Studying God's word absolutely requires bronzer and mascara!) AND being the tired crazy lady that I am at the moment, I totally forgot that it was in the car SO Phil left for work this morning whilst I was in the shower with my make-up bag still in the car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Yes, it does require that many exclamation marks!)
4. So now, I'm sat at work tired, grumpy, a little stressed and sans make-up!!!! But to be honest I don't think anyone has even noticed...what does that say about my need to wear make-up to go out in public?!?!
5. Phil made me take photos of the beetroot (plural) he brought home last night from the greenhouse...yum! Except that I'm not going to be allowed to eat any of this batch as he wants to pickle them :(
6. Yes, the sole reason I am writing this list is so that I can colour the numbers in rainbow order to make me smile, which means I need to keep going until I get to 7...
7. You need to know that this rainbow coloured list has made one crazy, make-up free, tired lady smile...so it was totally worth it! Yay!
I will be back to a more regular, less frazzled self at the weekend hopefully...
Do something that makes you smile today!
L x
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Big Word Wednesday #4
Serendipity
1. Gift for discovery – a natural gift for making useful discoveries quite by accident
2. Discovery of something fortunate – the accidental discovery of something pleasant, valuable or useful
3. A romantic film starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack and an amazing patisserie in New York I HAVE to go to!
Ahh, where to start? I love this word! Just a shame I couldn’t think of it myself (thanks Kristy)!
Do you believe that your life is led by chance, fate, luck, fortune, accidents? Do you believe that your destiny is determined coincidence, a pure fluke of nature, a moment of serendipity?
I personally don’t believe that my life is a random collection of happenings or moments. But rather that even in the unknown, my every step is known and led and guided by God. A God who cares about me so much he has counted the number of hairs on my head, and that’s a lot!
I believe that my life is led by design and providence and that I have a purpose which is unique and specific to me. Not random, not accidental, not fortunate. But planned, created, knitted…one stitch at a time. How wonderful!
But serendipity still features largely in my life…sometimes every day. My learning process about God seems to happen in a very serendipitous way…did you manage to say that?!
I love the way that He chooses to hide Himself in so many ways, just waiting for us to discover things for ourselves. Looking on from a distance waiting for our wide eyes and giddy response when we understand something new, something pleasant, something valuable about our Father God.
I find that God can speak to me through the randomest of things and situations…that my learning and understanding of God and His heart and character quite often comes about by accident, by serendipity! Or that’s how it appears to me!
Has serendipity ever been a feature in your life? How?
And because posts are definitely better with pictures…here’s a lovely photo I serendipitously captured a few weeks ago (although I’d like to think some skill went into it!) Love, love, love it!
p.s. please continue to pass on any ideas for big words...my brain is seriously like mush at the minute...that's what big deadlines at work do to you!
L x
1. Gift for discovery – a natural gift for making useful discoveries quite by accident
2. Discovery of something fortunate – the accidental discovery of something pleasant, valuable or useful
3. A romantic film starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack and an amazing patisserie in New York I HAVE to go to!
Ahh, where to start? I love this word! Just a shame I couldn’t think of it myself (thanks Kristy)!
Do you believe that your life is led by chance, fate, luck, fortune, accidents? Do you believe that your destiny is determined coincidence, a pure fluke of nature, a moment of serendipity?
I personally don’t believe that my life is a random collection of happenings or moments. But rather that even in the unknown, my every step is known and led and guided by God. A God who cares about me so much he has counted the number of hairs on my head, and that’s a lot!
I believe that my life is led by design and providence and that I have a purpose which is unique and specific to me. Not random, not accidental, not fortunate. But planned, created, knitted…one stitch at a time. How wonderful!
But serendipity still features largely in my life…sometimes every day. My learning process about God seems to happen in a very serendipitous way…did you manage to say that?!
I love the way that He chooses to hide Himself in so many ways, just waiting for us to discover things for ourselves. Looking on from a distance waiting for our wide eyes and giddy response when we understand something new, something pleasant, something valuable about our Father God.
I find that God can speak to me through the randomest of things and situations…that my learning and understanding of God and His heart and character quite often comes about by accident, by serendipity! Or that’s how it appears to me!
Has serendipity ever been a feature in your life? How?
And because posts are definitely better with pictures…here’s a lovely photo I serendipitously captured a few weeks ago (although I’d like to think some skill went into it!) Love, love, love it!
p.s. please continue to pass on any ideas for big words...my brain is seriously like mush at the minute...that's what big deadlines at work do to you!
L x
Tuesday 16 June 2009
- mental blockage -
I just realised that tomorrow is Wednesday...I know, I'm a genius right?!
But serious, I just realised that I need a big word for tomorrow's Big Word Wednesday. And I can't think of any! It's like my vocabulary just got purged of long and interesting words...although I suppose vocabulary is a kind of a big word...see how desperate I'm getting?!?!
So, for a small bit of interaction, and a big bit of help...
...if you can think of a big word, or more than one big word, let me know and I'll (try) to incorporate it into my weekly feature. Otherwise I may have to rename it Big Word every other Wednesday!!!
Ooh, and I have some interesting/exciting posts coming up later this week about dreams...well, I think they're interesting...I hope other people do too!
But serious, I just realised that I need a big word for tomorrow's Big Word Wednesday. And I can't think of any! It's like my vocabulary just got purged of long and interesting words...although I suppose vocabulary is a kind of a big word...see how desperate I'm getting?!?!
So, for a small bit of interaction, and a big bit of help...
...if you can think of a big word, or more than one big word, let me know and I'll (try) to incorporate it into my weekly feature. Otherwise I may have to rename it Big Word every other Wednesday!!!
Ooh, and I have some interesting/exciting posts coming up later this week about dreams...well, I think they're interesting...I hope other people do too!
Monday 15 June 2009
Do you ever bore yourself?
I sat there quiet. Shocked. Not quite sure what to make of the question.
Ok, so I can talk for England and sometimes I can go on a little bit, but I'm funny and entertaining too. Right?!
Yes, I really did get asked this question the other week. But it was more a query and search for reassurance. Not a reflection of my intriguing chatter or all round entertaining qualities!!!
But yesterday, possibly for the first time ever, I did actually bore myself. So much so, that as the tiresome words were coming out of my mouth I was having a completely independent conversation with myself (in my head) about just how boring I was actually being. So much so, that I actually stopped and declared, "I'm bored of this. I'm bored of myself!"
The cause of my boringness?!
My selfishness. My desire to be right. My need to be heard. For my feelings to be validated.
I was upset. And in being upset I totally missed the point of Ephesians 4:29.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
In my upset, I spoke words that did not build up or benefit the person that was hearing them. In my upset, I spoke words that were not helpful or wholesome,to myself or the listener. In my upset, I spoke and spoke and spoke, hoping that my feelings would be validated and I would come away knowing that I was right. I was so wrong!
Instead I just got boring, monotonous, wearisome and dull. My words hitting my surroundings like the constant patter of the rain outside. Grey, miserable and not very encouraging.
I learnt that sometimes the best thing to do is just be quiet. And not say anything.
That it may benefit those who listen.
Sometimes the best thing to do is hand it to God. His patience and mercy are never ending. Amazingly, He'll never get bored of my words. But, with His strength and guidance, they'll change to be less miserable and wearisome, and more wholesome, encouraging, helpful and beneficial. That it may benefit those who listen.
Do you ever struggle with your words?
Do you ever bore yourself?
**edited to add**
I just realised that I've already challenged myself about Ephesians 4:29 here!
Obviously something I need to work harder at!!!
Ok, so I can talk for England and sometimes I can go on a little bit, but I'm funny and entertaining too. Right?!
Yes, I really did get asked this question the other week. But it was more a query and search for reassurance. Not a reflection of my intriguing chatter or all round entertaining qualities!!!
But yesterday, possibly for the first time ever, I did actually bore myself. So much so, that as the tiresome words were coming out of my mouth I was having a completely independent conversation with myself (in my head) about just how boring I was actually being. So much so, that I actually stopped and declared, "I'm bored of this. I'm bored of myself!"
The cause of my boringness?!
My selfishness. My desire to be right. My need to be heard. For my feelings to be validated.
I was upset. And in being upset I totally missed the point of Ephesians 4:29.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
In my upset, I spoke words that did not build up or benefit the person that was hearing them. In my upset, I spoke words that were not helpful or wholesome,to myself or the listener. In my upset, I spoke and spoke and spoke, hoping that my feelings would be validated and I would come away knowing that I was right. I was so wrong!
Instead I just got boring, monotonous, wearisome and dull. My words hitting my surroundings like the constant patter of the rain outside. Grey, miserable and not very encouraging.
I learnt that sometimes the best thing to do is just be quiet. And not say anything.
That it may benefit those who listen.
Sometimes the best thing to do is hand it to God. His patience and mercy are never ending. Amazingly, He'll never get bored of my words. But, with His strength and guidance, they'll change to be less miserable and wearisome, and more wholesome, encouraging, helpful and beneficial. That it may benefit those who listen.
Do you ever struggle with your words?
Do you ever bore yourself?
**edited to add**
I just realised that I've already challenged myself about Ephesians 4:29 here!
Obviously something I need to work harder at!!!
Friday 12 June 2009
Viv - In the Park
So, apparently, you're supposed to do one thing a day that scares you. Well, today I did two. Tomorrow I'm definitely having a chilled and scary free day!
So, I hear you asking, (well, I can imagine that you're asking!) what scary thing did I bring upon myself?! Well, I decided to organise a mini photo shoot with my friend Viv at lunchtime. This is the first time I have photographed a human being like this. So far I have just taken photos of plants and flowers, which is why it was a little scary. A real human being, who could give feedback, think I'm totally daft, and hate the photographs I took!!!
We went to a lovely little park just near where we both work and had some fun in the play area...well there wasn't an age limit or anything...I checked!
Most of the photos were not suitable for viewing by the general public (that makes them sound dodgy! Maybe I'm just a perfectionist but I felt they weren't good enough to share. Their badness would rot your eyes and cause blindness I'm sure). But there are a few that I really like...and hey, it's all part of the learning process. Next time there'll be less bad ones I'm sure!
Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce Viv...
Having far too much fun on the climbing frame!
My favourite from the day
It's serious business going on the slide...
Of course we had to do a self timer shot!
And here's a couple Viv took of me on the swings...firstly looking so serious!
I can't look at this next one without laughing so much I cry!!!
And Viv, although I'm not sure I ever manage to bore myself, I obviously need to work on being more entertaining for others...
Happy Weekend people!
p.s. I know your dying to know what the second scary thing was I did today but I'm just not going to tell...well not yet anyway!!!
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Big Word Wednesday #3
I come from a family of doers rather than thinkers. Some planning and preparation did go into our schemes and activities, but the focus was always on getting things done, not talking or thinking about getting things done.
Free time was spent getting out there and playing or doing things, not considering the various options and possibilities for what we could play or do. Which is probably why my dress sense appeared to be so haphazard and crazy (that’s my excuse anyway!). It was more about getting the clothes on and getting out having fun, meeting friends, and doing crazy things, than wondering whether the clothes matched or looked good in any way!
Although there were certain items in my wardrobe that would never have looked ‘good’ no matter how much thought went into them! Neon leggings, trainer boots with laces and Velcro straps, huge glasses, shiny party dresses worn in combination with bright pink roller skates! Maybe one day I’ll show you the photos to prove it!
As I’ve grown older (just a little bit) I find that I do think about things more…which takes me to today’s Big Word Wednesday:
Consideration
1. Careful thought or deliberation
2. Mindfulness or thoughtful concern of others
3. Detailed examination or discussion
I do think carefully and deliberate over what I’m going to wear now. It often involves a detailed examination of the options and a discussion with whoever is available (usually Phil, which makes it more of a monologue…he thinks I look good whatever I wear!). And knowing that my chosen ensemble will be viewed by the general public, I can say that I am mindful and have a genuine concern for others when dressing in the morning. I have been known to scare small children in the past!
But seriously, my wardrobe does not really need this much consideration. Surely, as long as I have clothes to wear that keep me warm when I’m cold and cool when I’m hot, and preserve my dignity, I’m blessed.
But sometimes, I can get so wrapped up in the things around me…the pressures from the media to look good, the inner struggles to be a perfect wife, friend, person, and a million and one other things that are too numerous to mention/remember…that I spend my time giving a great deal of consideration to things which probably do not warrant it.
And the time I am spending examining these things, is time that I’m not spending thinking about God. It is time that I could be giving consideration to God’s word and its possibilities and applications for my life.
But not just in a thinking way, in a doing way. In a way that gets me out there having lots of fun, making friends and doing crazy things! In a way that has an impact on me and others…and hopefully more of an impact than my neon leggings and roller skates ever had!
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:12
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
Psalm 143:5
Free time was spent getting out there and playing or doing things, not considering the various options and possibilities for what we could play or do. Which is probably why my dress sense appeared to be so haphazard and crazy (that’s my excuse anyway!). It was more about getting the clothes on and getting out having fun, meeting friends, and doing crazy things, than wondering whether the clothes matched or looked good in any way!
Although there were certain items in my wardrobe that would never have looked ‘good’ no matter how much thought went into them! Neon leggings, trainer boots with laces and Velcro straps, huge glasses, shiny party dresses worn in combination with bright pink roller skates! Maybe one day I’ll show you the photos to prove it!
As I’ve grown older (just a little bit) I find that I do think about things more…which takes me to today’s Big Word Wednesday:
Consideration
1. Careful thought or deliberation
2. Mindfulness or thoughtful concern of others
3. Detailed examination or discussion
I do think carefully and deliberate over what I’m going to wear now. It often involves a detailed examination of the options and a discussion with whoever is available (usually Phil, which makes it more of a monologue…he thinks I look good whatever I wear!). And knowing that my chosen ensemble will be viewed by the general public, I can say that I am mindful and have a genuine concern for others when dressing in the morning. I have been known to scare small children in the past!
But seriously, my wardrobe does not really need this much consideration. Surely, as long as I have clothes to wear that keep me warm when I’m cold and cool when I’m hot, and preserve my dignity, I’m blessed.
But sometimes, I can get so wrapped up in the things around me…the pressures from the media to look good, the inner struggles to be a perfect wife, friend, person, and a million and one other things that are too numerous to mention/remember…that I spend my time giving a great deal of consideration to things which probably do not warrant it.
And the time I am spending examining these things, is time that I’m not spending thinking about God. It is time that I could be giving consideration to God’s word and its possibilities and applications for my life.
But not just in a thinking way, in a doing way. In a way that gets me out there having lots of fun, making friends and doing crazy things! In a way that has an impact on me and others…and hopefully more of an impact than my neon leggings and roller skates ever had!
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:12
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
Psalm 143:5
Monday 8 June 2009
Expectations
I have expectations.
Of myself, of others, of the things I want to happen in my life.
Sometimes my expectations are good. They cause me to reach out, learn, grow and achieve.
But sometimes they are not so positive. Like when they are based on things that are unrealistic (I still don’t understand why Phil doesn’t always just know exactly what I want and need. Didn’t God make husbands to be mind readers?!), or based on what other people think of me. Or even based on what I think other people might think of me…still with me?!
When my expectations of myself are controlled by what others might think of me then they are not controlled by what God thinks of me.
Yesterday during the sermon we were called as a church to be a people that live with courage and integrity as we go out and steward the gospel God has given us to share. But to live with integrity we can’t live by the expectations of others. That’s why we need the courage bit too.
I know that I struggle to not seek approval and affirmation from others. I know that I look for confirmation from those around me. Nice words or little messages that let me know they think I’m great and I’m doing great things. I look for those, and I can get down when I don’t have them.
But when I look to people for those things I stop looking to God. And only God can tell me the truth about myself because He has created me and knows exactly what He can expect from me.
My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defence;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:5-8 (NKJV)
Another word for expectation is hope. To have an expectation of something is to hope for it to happen. When I talk about what God can expect from me, I like to think that God is not sitting in heaven with a check list of things I need to do for Him to be happy, but rather that He is putting His hope in me and excitedly waiting to see me grow and become all that He has created me to be.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
If I look to others to build me up there will always come a point when it all comes crashing down. When I get hurt, when I start to expect and believe the wrong things about myself.
So I must try hard and raise my gaze and put my hope in God. Knowing that He will never hurt me, that He will always hope for the best in me and from me, and that He will never be disappointed in me. For my expectation, my hope, my life, my purpose, my strength is from Him.
And because stories are always better with pictures…here is a sweet little bird I didn’t expect to see on Saturday, hiding in a tree.
What are your expectations/hopes for this week?
Of myself, of others, of the things I want to happen in my life.
Sometimes my expectations are good. They cause me to reach out, learn, grow and achieve.
But sometimes they are not so positive. Like when they are based on things that are unrealistic (I still don’t understand why Phil doesn’t always just know exactly what I want and need. Didn’t God make husbands to be mind readers?!), or based on what other people think of me. Or even based on what I think other people might think of me…still with me?!
When my expectations of myself are controlled by what others might think of me then they are not controlled by what God thinks of me.
Yesterday during the sermon we were called as a church to be a people that live with courage and integrity as we go out and steward the gospel God has given us to share. But to live with integrity we can’t live by the expectations of others. That’s why we need the courage bit too.
I know that I struggle to not seek approval and affirmation from others. I know that I look for confirmation from those around me. Nice words or little messages that let me know they think I’m great and I’m doing great things. I look for those, and I can get down when I don’t have them.
But when I look to people for those things I stop looking to God. And only God can tell me the truth about myself because He has created me and knows exactly what He can expect from me.
My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defence;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:5-8 (NKJV)
Another word for expectation is hope. To have an expectation of something is to hope for it to happen. When I talk about what God can expect from me, I like to think that God is not sitting in heaven with a check list of things I need to do for Him to be happy, but rather that He is putting His hope in me and excitedly waiting to see me grow and become all that He has created me to be.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
If I look to others to build me up there will always come a point when it all comes crashing down. When I get hurt, when I start to expect and believe the wrong things about myself.
So I must try hard and raise my gaze and put my hope in God. Knowing that He will never hurt me, that He will always hope for the best in me and from me, and that He will never be disappointed in me. For my expectation, my hope, my life, my purpose, my strength is from Him.
And because stories are always better with pictures…here is a sweet little bird I didn’t expect to see on Saturday, hiding in a tree.
What are your expectations/hopes for this week?
Sunday 7 June 2009
Biege Eyes and Having Fun!
After reading Bianca's post about making decisions and the will of God, I starting thinking about something that I realised had gone from my life. I realised that I very rarely worry about wearing the wrong eyeshadow colour. (Ok, so not quite as important as following God's will but I do think about that a lot too!) I rarely worry about what colour eyeshadow to wear because I have become the queen of biege/neutral/boring eyeshadow!
Ok, so I have neutral matt finish, neutral shimmer finish and neutral with added sparkle...but I haven't past my eyeshadow brush over the non-biege shades in my make up bag for quite a while. My grown-up-ness and sensibleness had started to become boring-ness and I decided that I didn't want any more of it! So while it might not be appropriate to wear coloured eyeshadow for work (I'm not sure how a bunch of engineers would react to eyeshadow!) I didn't see any reason why my weekend eyes had to be biege/neutral/boring too.
So yesterday my eyes looked like this...
Ok, so the colour might not be overwhelmingly bright but its a step in the right direction. And it appears the coloured eyeshadow inspired a few other moments of fun filled craziness...including taking photos of myself doing cartwheels!!!
This is my 'woman walking with a purpose'!!!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Hope you had a fun filled, brightly coloured weekend too x
Ok, so I have neutral matt finish, neutral shimmer finish and neutral with added sparkle...but I haven't past my eyeshadow brush over the non-biege shades in my make up bag for quite a while. My grown-up-ness and sensibleness had started to become boring-ness and I decided that I didn't want any more of it! So while it might not be appropriate to wear coloured eyeshadow for work (I'm not sure how a bunch of engineers would react to eyeshadow!) I didn't see any reason why my weekend eyes had to be biege/neutral/boring too.
So yesterday my eyes looked like this...
Ok, so the colour might not be overwhelmingly bright but its a step in the right direction. And it appears the coloured eyeshadow inspired a few other moments of fun filled craziness...including taking photos of myself doing cartwheels!!!
This is my 'woman walking with a purpose'!!!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Hope you had a fun filled, brightly coloured weekend too x
Wednesday 3 June 2009
Big Word Wednesday #2
Anaphylactic
This is one of my favourite words…I don’t know why. Do I need a reason why? I think I just like the way it sounds!
When most people hear the word anaphylactic (pronounced anna-fi-laktik) they think of someone having anaphylactic shock, typically as a result of an allergic reaction to something. It tends to sound dramatic and pretty scary.
But the word anaphylactic on its own actually refers to an extreme sensitivity to something. In medical terms, it is used when our body is so sensitive to something that it responds or reacts to it, usually in quite a strong way.
But moving on from medical definitions, I started to think about what other things we can be sensitive to. And what things should we be sensitive to?
What things create a response or reaction in us?
And what things should create a response or reaction from us?
Are we sensitive to money, peer pressure, the media, our possessions?
Do these things get a response from us in how we use our time and our energy?
Are they a priority for us?
Do we react, in any way, to how these things are used or promoted by our culture?
Is God sensitive to these things? Are His actions and thoughts a response to them?
I think sometimes, maybe I do. But I don’t think God does.
Are we sensitive to people? To those around us?
People in pain, people in need, lonely people, hurting people.
Do we respond to people? Is it evident in how we use our time and our energy?
Are people a priority for us?
Do we react, in any way, to how people are valued or unvalued by our culture?
Is God sensitive to people?
Are His actions and thoughts a response to them?
I think so.
It’s often quoted and so can sometimes lose its value but John 3:16 is the essence of God’s anaphylaxis…His extreme sensitivity for people and to people. And His extreme response and reaction to that sensitivity.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)
This is one of my favourite words…I don’t know why. Do I need a reason why? I think I just like the way it sounds!
When most people hear the word anaphylactic (pronounced anna-fi-laktik) they think of someone having anaphylactic shock, typically as a result of an allergic reaction to something. It tends to sound dramatic and pretty scary.
But the word anaphylactic on its own actually refers to an extreme sensitivity to something. In medical terms, it is used when our body is so sensitive to something that it responds or reacts to it, usually in quite a strong way.
But moving on from medical definitions, I started to think about what other things we can be sensitive to. And what things should we be sensitive to?
What things create a response or reaction in us?
And what things should create a response or reaction from us?
Are we sensitive to money, peer pressure, the media, our possessions?
Do these things get a response from us in how we use our time and our energy?
Are they a priority for us?
Do we react, in any way, to how these things are used or promoted by our culture?
Is God sensitive to these things? Are His actions and thoughts a response to them?
I think sometimes, maybe I do. But I don’t think God does.
Are we sensitive to people? To those around us?
People in pain, people in need, lonely people, hurting people.
Do we respond to people? Is it evident in how we use our time and our energy?
Are people a priority for us?
Do we react, in any way, to how people are valued or unvalued by our culture?
Is God sensitive to people?
Are His actions and thoughts a response to them?
I think so.
It’s often quoted and so can sometimes lose its value but John 3:16 is the essence of God’s anaphylaxis…His extreme sensitivity for people and to people. And His extreme response and reaction to that sensitivity.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)
Monday 1 June 2009
Sunny days...back in the garden
The weather this weekend was great. So we headed out to the garden at Phil's work and while he tended to his produce in the greenhouse, I snapped a few photos of the beautiful flowers.
I'll start will some photos of the yummy things growing in the greenhouse.
Tomatoes
Radishes...in the shade
Radishes...in the sunshine
The mighty pepper plant
The farmer tending to his crops
Now onto the pretty flowers
I know there are a few of this one but I loved the colour and texture of the petals and couldn't get enough of it!
A lickle buzzy bee
Loving the coloured leaves
This is my favouite from the day
I'll start will some photos of the yummy things growing in the greenhouse.
Tomatoes
Radishes...in the shade
Radishes...in the sunshine
The mighty pepper plant
The farmer tending to his crops
Now onto the pretty flowers
I know there are a few of this one but I loved the colour and texture of the petals and couldn't get enough of it!
A lickle buzzy bee
Loving the coloured leaves
This is my favouite from the day
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