Nearly there!

Nearly there!  At school today that was the most used expression, in a variety of contexts.  Nearly there because we will soon be starting our half term break; nearly there as it will soon be the summer vacation; nearly there because I have nearly finished my reports, nearly there because the children are looking forward to the Jubilee celebrations at school tomorrow; nealy there because it will soon be pay day or nearly there because my boy will be home soon!

I am not nearly there though, in terms of my walk with my Father and I am thankful because it means I have so much more to learn and He has so much work to do in me....................  Once we think we are there we would stop pressing forward, we would stop looking to Him to be master of our lives, we would stop looking to Him to provide all our needs and comforting us when we are down. 

I am thankful today (day 157) to be one step closer to being nearly there!

He will direct our paths............ we need only to ask!

I just love reading the 'word for today.'  Each time you finish reading it you can't help but say to yourself "wow, that makes sense," or "why didn't I think of that or see it from that point of view."  Well the answer is simple.  We don't have the mind of our Father.  He created us and so knows all about us.  He wrote the manual for our lives, a working document, if we would only use it!

Today's message was about decision making.  Every day, from the moment we wake up we begin a 24 hour period of decision making, from the simple, perhaps non consequential ones; "what shall I have for breakfast," or "What shall I wear to work today," to decisions that may change / impact our lives or the lives of our loved ones.

You know we need not stress or worry, instead talk to God and ask him to make the decision(s) for us.
Read on................

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!			30 May 2012
'...O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.' Psalm 25:4

Even simple decisions can be stressful. Ever watch a child struggle to choose between chocolate or strawberry ice cream? And the bigger decisions, like whom to marry, which career to choose, whether to buy a house or to undergo high-risk surgery, etc. can be nerve-racking! But you can reduce your stress level by following these biblical principles: 1) Do the research. 'Anyone who answers without listening is foolish and confused' (Proverbs 18:13 NCV). Get all the facts and avoid making decisions you'll regret. Knowledge was never more accessible; through the Internet, helpful books, and especially God's Word: 'Your commands...are my constant guide' (Psalm 119:98 NLT). 2) Talk to God. 'Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.' Consulting God helps prevent premature decisions, clarifies your priorities and prepares you to hear His counsel. Is God interested in your decisions? Yes. 'The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives' (Psalm 37:23 NLT). 3) Be open to new ideas. Don't get trapped in old mind-sets. 'Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights' (Proverbs 18:15 TM). Clinging to the familiar can be crippling. God may choose to lead you along a new path of fresh insight. So breathe deeply, seek His wisdom, and open up your heart to receive it. 4) Get advice from trusted friends. 'It's a hard road that's walked alone,' says an old Celtic proverb. So follow Solomon's counsel: 'A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others' (Proverbs 12:15 TLB).

This is good isn't it?

Today (day 156) I am thankful to have read this and full of gratitude that I can look to my Father in heaven to direct my path.

Unsung heroes.....................

I have been most certainly blessed this year to have a gem of a lady called Liz to work with me as my teaching assistant.  I am sure I have mentioned her before.  She really is a priceless pearl who goes above and beyond to assist and encouragement me in my capacity as a classroom teacher.  Nothing is ever too much and even when she is in discomfort from the sometimes persistent back pain that has plagued her for years now she just soldiers on.

This week has is our end of year assessment week and as usual Liz has just been my backbone; photocopying resources, sharpening pencils, gathering other required stationary, helping me to rearrange the classroom and of course supplying much needed cups of tea and iced water!

There are so many unsung heroes so today (day 155) I am thankful and privileged to be able to give a shout out to one of mine, Liz....................................

No excuses........... just do it!

Do you ever put off doing something in anticipation of the amount of work it might entail?  Well our front garden has been somewhat overgrown (ish) for a while now.  Goodness knows the mini-beasts that have set up home within it or larger beasts for that matter!  Ivy is beautiful, but being fast growing has a tendency to want to take over what ever it is attached to and lately it appears to be trying to make its way into the house, courteously though, through the front door.  Well enough was enough and with my loyal helpers (tidy uppers) in tow we made a start, a small dent in what will be a few days work.  The end result though, will be gratifying.................... I hope!

Life's like that; we sometimes put off doing what we know we need / should do because of the effort / sacrifice (perhaps of time) involved or because we are fearful we may not like the outcome.  We should not forget that there is someone who always has our backs and will be there come what may, whether or not the outcome is a favourable one ................ our Father, who art in Heaven.

So let us boldly go where we need to go.  Let us take the steps necessary to climb that hill, be they little steps.  Onwards then with operation 'sufg' - spruce up the front garden.

I am thankful today (day154) to be reminded of this life principle and its potential to impact all areas of my life.

Rejoicing ...................... always

The glorious sunshine was definitely telling me it was time to don the first maxi dress of the summer.  I chose one of my favourite ones, a chiffon, strapless, full length one which met with the approval of my fashion critic, Gracie!  So suitably attired we made our way to church.

It was my turn to teach Sunday School today and part of the lesson was to think of reasons we have to rejoice.  There were 14 children so I paired them and asked them to discuss any time recently that they experienced something for which they rejoiced or gave thanks to God for.  Their answers were varied, ranging from rejoicing for their family; getting through recent key examinations; being able to do something they initially found hard at school; falling over, but not being badly hurt.  It really was an eye opener listening to their reasons, none materialistic.  In fact they had so many reasons they wanted to share that our discussion could have continued indefinitely.

Do we adults rejoice for similar, simple things or only for the big things or only when the going is good? 

Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice!

Have you learned to rejoice in everything?

The Bible says, “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). A couple of verses later it says, “. . . in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (v. 18). “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

Sometimes it is not easy to rejoice or to give praise to the Lord, but that does not change the command.

“It is God’s will that we find joy in prayer in Christ Jesus in every condition of life,” writes A. T. Robertson. There are no circumstances in the Christian's life where he cannot give thanks. God works everything together for good for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).

“Rejoice . . . pray . . . give thanks” is God’s will for every believer in every situation.

The apostle Paul writing from prison in Rome said, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). “Rejoice” is in the present, active imperative as in 3:1 when Paul said, “rejoice in the Lord.” Paul repeats it in 4:4 for emphasis.

Paul did not tell his readers to “be happy,” but “rejoice in the Lord.” We are to “Rejoice in the Lord,” not our circumstances. Our rejoicing is to take place in Christ. We are to delight in Him. The apostle Paul had inner joy when his external circumstances did not look very promising.

What for you is the most difficult time or situation for you to rejoice? Do you find it difficult to “rejoice in the Lord always” when your good name and reputation have been smeared? Do you find it overwhelming to “rejoice in the Lord” when you are under the weight of despondency or depression? Is it hard to “rejoice in the Lord” when you are slandered for the sake of Christ? Illness, sickness of a child, ageing parents, and bankrupts are times to “rejoice in the Lord.” There is no limit to the exhortation to “rejoice in the Lord.” In deed, as one beloved pastor said, “Through fire and through water, through life and through death, rejoice evermore.’”

Whatever happens rejoice. That is an attitude. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ everything that really matters in this life and the next is yours in Christ. If you trust in Jesus Christ the whole covenant of grace is yours with all of its infinite inheritance. You have a right to everything that grace provides as a co inheritor with Christ.

“Rejoice in the Lord” is something every Christian can do regardless of the chances, changes and circumstances that come in your life.

If you have been saved the Holy Spirit has taken up permanent residence in you. Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice in His dwelling in you, quickening you, comforting you, and the illuminating His Word. Rejoice in Him! Is He abiding in your forever? Rejoice and be glad!

And there are many, many more great and mighty things God has done in Christ that should make you rejoice and keep on rejoicing. His covenant of grace, redeeming blood, divine sovereignty, effectual call to salvation, justification, sanctification, glorification, final perseverance, vital union, etc., etc. Rejoice forevermore!

Message by Wil Pounds (c) 2006

Today (day 153) I certainly have plenty of great and mighty things to give thanks for.  I rejoice to my Father in Heaven.

Cliche, I know, but take nothing for granted, but know that all things are a privilege......................

Out and about in the sunshine today we were listening to songs from one of the radio stations; it was disco week-end as a tribute to a couple of disco legends who passed away recently, Donna Summer and Robin Gibb.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am a devoted fan of the Bee Gees and so I have had conversations with my colleagues at school, including the headteacher about Robin Gibb in particular.  Now he and his brothers, Barry and Maurice are legends in the music industry as gifted singer / songwriters, having written for many big names in the industry and their influence spans decades.

Funny enough it wasn't this aspect of their lives that we talked about, but rather the impact their passing will have on their families.  For Barry Gibb, now the sole survivor of the four brothers; it's the simple things like speaking on the phone to each other, visiting one another, honouring birthdays, cliche, but the things we take for granted are suddenly gone.

It all comes back to the same thing, the one thing we all know; making the very most of our loved ones, each other, whilst we are able to.  I know I've said it before, but 'If you say you love somebody you've got to let them know about it.'

When my sister-in-law passed away in 2003 my mother-in-law said something profound, that has always stayed with me.  She said the one thing she was thankful to God for was that Foluke knew that she was very much loved....................... Just that!

I am very honoured and thankful to have spent today (day 152) in the company of my precious jewels and bumped into some other gems on our travels.

And we sang 'Shang a lang'............

It is good to go to bed when you are completely exhausted.  Never before has my duvet's beckon been met with such surrender!  The working week is over making way for the week-end.

Today (day 151) I am simply thankful that the sunshine has brought so much joy to the children in my class and caused lots of singing and dancing on the field at play times.  My children have enjoyed playing in the garden with friends until late, laying under blankets on the trampoline!  I am thankful to my husband who greets me each morning with a warm smile and perfectly made tea and then sends me off with a lovingly prepared packed lunch.  It was also time to launch one of my favourite summer anthems by the Bay City Rollers, my class were suitably impressed.

My partner teacher and I were blessed by an email of thanks sent by a parent to the school office for our trip on Wednesday.  Such gestures are always timely and brought sunny smiles to our faces.

Apparently the sun is going to tease us with its presence for a few more days so enjoy.  What ever you have planned for the week-end I pray you will be blessed!