Thank you Lord

I wanted to blog, with a few words of thanks, to God, as I realise I have so much to be thankful for.

Thank you God for rescuing me

Thank you God that You are a healer, of hearts, minds and relationships

Thank you God that You love me

Thank you God that You are doing something in my life right now, and that You don't give up on me

Thank you God that everyday I CAN start again, afresh and anew

Thank you God that You have blessed the house that I am living in right now

Thank you God that I have wonderful friends in Christ!

Thank you God for my family!

Thank you God for church!

Thank you God for coffee! 

Thank you God that when we call - You answer!

Thank you God for testimonies!

Thank you God for Sunrises and Sunsets =D

I just want to thank you for what you have done in my life so far!

Thank you God for always being there when I have needed you, and helping me get through struggles, pain, shame.

Thank you God, that from when I was a child, Your hand was upon my life.

Thank you God that I can find forgiveness in You.

Thank you for the hope that I have in You!

I called You answered

And You came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where You are

In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high

Everlasting Light - Glass Harp

I know that you will be
My everlasting light
Shine for all to see
Like a star at night
You walked into my room
And danced across my floor
You've given me the key
To unlock my heart

Like the stories that you told me
I will be like them
Like the Psalms that you sing me
I'm renewed again and again

I know that you will be
My everlasting light
Shine for all to see
Like a star at night
You walked into my room
And danced across my floor
You've given me the key
To unlock my heart

All the glories that you showed me
I will wait for them
In the middle at the end
On you I depend

Like the stories that you told me
Like the songs you sing
I will go out
I might stumble
But you’re always near to me

I know that you will be
My everlasting light
Shine for all to see
Like a star at night
You walked into my room
And danced across my floor
You've given me the key
To unlock my heart

Written by John Sferra, Glass Harp. From the album Hourglass.

Fighting Through The Tough Times

This is from an email that my dad forwarded to me.



The following is Day 64 on Rebecca's remarkable 90 Day Journey in her new book “Pure”…with all the world's unsettling news and headlines of the day –maybe this is a message for you!

If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you have undoubtedly experienced seasons of weariness in trying to stay on the straight and narrow path. In our quest for living a pure, focused life that pleases God, we all hit the wall at one time or another. What do we do then? Give up and decide it's no longer any use to keep trying? Not an option. I have had times when the road has gotten long and I've missed home and found myself yearning for normal life and my friends. Those periods can be very challenging. When they happen I go to God and ask for His strength for the journey.

One of the benefits of getting through the difficult moments is that when we come out on the other side, we have grown through the adversity in ways we would not have otherwise. And, when it's beyond our power and strength to make it on our own, we know beyond certainty that it was God, and not ourselves, that got us through. He receives greater glory when we are depleted, and cry out to Him for the strength to walk through the hardship.

Another key for survival has been leaning on the community of faith that God has given me. In recent years I have discovered more about the power of community by being honest and asking friends to walk with me through the lonely and difficult times. Sometimes just asking for prayer or a chat on the phone helps immensely. I now understand the power of being vulnerable and open in showing weakness within safe friendships. That's been empowering. Knowing that God is using my life and ministry also definitely helps encourage me through any hard times.

It's been said, “Tough times don't last; tough people do.” The following verses all are taken from The Message, which is a modern paraphrase of the Bible written by Eugene Peterson. I love what these verses say about hanging tough when we feel like throwing in the towel.

• “God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, no matter how desperate the trouble” (Nahum 1:7).

• Paul and Barnabas urged them “to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn't be easy: 'Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times'” (Acts 14:22).

• “Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder” (Romans 12:11, 12)

• “He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

• “So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us” (2 Corinthians 4:16, 17).

The next time you are facing a difficult situation (maybe even today), pull out the above verses and meditate on them. God is always faithful to fulfill the promises in His Word. That's a truth you can rely on!

Rebecca St James

Shine With Me - P.O.D

So here is the next song!
I've literally just heard the song and I really like the lyrics to it!
What this song talks about is something of what I have had on my mind recently - shining brightly like stars, being light in darkness and thinking how my life can shine and impact others, and whether it is?!

Shine With Me - P.O.D
So why don't you come with me
And take a trip to the other side?
Where you and I, we can sing, we can fly
We can dance as the stars go by
And the heavens will open up
With a vision inside 'jah love
The earth, and the moon, and
the sun will align
With a voice from the sky above One love

So come on and shine with me
Like the beautiful star you are.
So come on and shine with me
Shine with me.

Float through the sky,
And look through my eyes
And then you will see what happens.
Nowhere to hide, look deep down inside
In life you must take your chances
Come with me and you will see
My love is like la la la la la...
So come with me and you will see
One love...

So come on and shine with me
Like the beautiful star you are
And leave it behind with me
Cause forever is not that far
So come on and shine with me
Like the beautiful star you are
And leave it behind with me
And shine with me

Shine on, shine on, shine on! one love!

[ chorus ]

Shine with me
Shine with me

haha!

well well well
Im just reading over my posts from this blog, reminding myself of what I have written about (it is actually quite interesting to read back on one's own thoughts)

Anyway......its soooo funny that I actually posted the lyrics to "World Of Mine" a year ago...well nearly a year ago. 7th October 2007 to be exact...which I find quite cool....and funny!
So here is another dose of the lyrics...to which I just...I really like.
Especially about being a flicker - a flicker of light comes to mind.
=)

World Of Mine - Phil Keaggy

For the next couple of blog items I plan to post lyrics of songs that mean something to me, or speak to me or that I just want to share with you.

The first is World Of Mine by Phil Keaggy.
I love this artist - I think he is awesome and God has used him so much to just bring us some fabulous music. I don't think I could ever get tired of listening to his work. A very talented musician, I hope he comes over to the UK to perform again...I would so be there!


Everybody wants to know exactly how it feels.
To be in this place - well I don't know
I've been wondering myself
Everytime I go

I wanna tell you 'bout everything I've seen
I wanna tell you 'bout every place I've been
I haven't even known what it means to
Walk in these shoes of mine

Chorus
Standing on the corner watching as the world goes by
Sometimes I connect and sometimes I reflect and cry
I see myself in a wounded heart
All by myself in a crowded bar
To find a flicker in this fallen dark world of mine

For a moment you seem like strangers
Exchange a few words
And suddenly you share the same heartbeat
They look deep into your eyes, they ask
Does God hear me anymore
Why have I been denied

You wanna tell me 'bout every broken dream
You wanna tell me 'bout all the pain you've seen
You say
You haven't even known what it means to walk
In these shoes of mine - but I'm trying

Chorus

To see myself in a wounded heart
And be of help if I can do my part
To be a flicker in this fallen dark world of mine.

Copyright. Written by Phil Keaggy 1993

Music is in my heart and soul....!

I've just come back from the music and sound recording PostGrad Recitals.....man....was I blown away...
It was awesome. The guys are so talented and the music was just....beautiful.
I loved the pieces performed by the band ......man! I just love music, and it just speaks so deeply to me. Its just such a wonderful thing, and just.....!!!!!
I just had to share that, because I think I could burst otherwise if I kept it in....!!
It's something that I'm so passionate about, that I love and aw I'd love to be able to do something like that...it would just be flippin awesome.
I know God didn't give me the gift and love for music, singing, dancing for nothing...there is a purpose to my life...I just need to work out what it is..and what direction I'm going in. And above all, focus on him rather than on other things....otherwise, I'll get distracted, lose my way, and probably end up not fullfilling the FULL potential that I have. I just have to keep reminding myself of that!

I am me....and that is all there is to me...and I am cool just the way I am!!!!!

Random thinking?!

hmmmm......


I don't really know what to write about....but I would like to write something on my blog.


Maybe something reflective?

Random thoughts?

At the moment I'm reading Job - its a very interesting book.
I have found that reading through the Old Testament has been really enjoyable and I am looking forward to the books ahead.
They are informative, they are interesting, exciting, at some-points make you laugh...and also challenging.

Dissertation writing. At the moment I'm thinking about it and working on what my focus will be. I know that I want to look at hip hop dance - i just love it as a dance form and from what I have read so far, I am enjoying it, which is definitely a good sign!

I'm back at uni and I just want to say how blessed I am to be where I am living this year.
I have some lovely housemates, a lovely room, a lovely house and feel that God directed us here.
It has been a bit strange going back to lectures, as half of my year are no longer there, and that has been quite strange and a little sad for me. But it is nice to meet new people.

I have quite a few things planned for this year....going to go out with the girlies a little more this year...well certainly this semester, because I'm only here at Uni til next year. I have to make the most of it! Also I am quite keen to see some more dance and also....I want to do well this year. To be honest, the last couple of years, I havent worked as hard as maybe I could have done, and had wayyy to many nights where I did the work all night long for the following/same day.

Future. I don't honestly know what is going to happen. I have felt that in this year alone, I have made steps forward, and steps backward. To some respect I am still in the same position as I was in 6th form, I really didn't know what I wanted to do, and i'm finding that now...I still don't! However I know that I have an idea of what I don't want to do - and also there are things that I'm interested in, but I just don't know how to use them for my future.
So some extent, I'm quite worried about what the future will hold, I just don't know what I'm going to do.

Olympics 2008 looking to 2012

So we are coming to the end of the Olympics and what a time it has been. GB have scored a total of 47 medals, 19 of them being Gold which we should be very proud of!
The Swimming, Cycling, Rowing, and Sailing being our best and it was great to be a part of it by watching them! Ok, so I did spend most of these two weeks infront of the TV, but hey, I don't watch much TV anyway! hehe.
I was glad to see justice served today. If it wasn't for an appeal by Team GB and the video and press evidence, Sarah would not have gone through to the semi-final, which, on the basis of watching the match, she deserved to win. Although the decsision was turned around, and she did get to the Semi-final and did not win, at least the appeal was heard and the right winner, won. I think that events such as Tai Kwon Do should have video evidence put into the game, because it would just make things a lot easier.
They have it installed in Tennis, and if on seeing a race in the athletics back, someone has say, run off their lane, then they can be disqualified. Therefore, because of the technology we have at present, we should take advantage of it to be used. So the events of today concerning Sarah, will probably initiate thinking into how tai kwon do will move on from this. Right thats a little rant out that way hehe!

Just one thing that I think the GB team do need to work on is the track and field. We didnt really do at all well in these competitions and we just need to get better!

But yes, I do love the Olympics. I have done ever since I was little. It is such a great idea to have so many countries competing and I look forward to the Games coming here! I just hope we do it proud...
I'm definitely going to book those two weeks off and go and watch some of the events...in particular I think the Swimming and the Cycling in the Velodrome. I'd also like to see some of the Gymnastics, Diving and Synchronized Swimming, as well as track and field. These have to be my favourite events. I just can't wait til 2012, Its so exciting!!!

Hey maybe if I get some training in, I could compete haha! What a golden opportunity though for athletes to compete and it just is extra special when it comes to your home country.

Looking towards tomorrow, it is the closing ceremony. I missed the Opening Ceremony, and if that was a show-stopper, then I am definitely looking forward to tomorrows. I especially look forward to the change over from China to Great Britain, and with two fantastic dance companies performing - I am soooo excited! CandoCo and ZooNation will do us proud. They are awesome companies, which I have had the pleasure of watching and it is just so brilliant that they get to be involved in the games and perform! Awesome!!!!

VFest!

Woop woop! Thank you Virgin for letting me win tickets to VFestival. It was awesome!
Although I was there for only 1 day, it was such a great experience. I went with my sis and we just went and saw lots of bands, ate lots of food and spent some quality time together.
The best of the day was MUSE. They are awesome live. I loved them when I saw them at Wembley and man, wern't they awesome last night!
All in all we went to see Michael Franti & Spearhead , Air Traffic, Duffy, Estelle, David Jordan, The Pigeon Detectives, The Kooks, The script, the end of Stereophonics and Muse =D.
So yea, and camping was fun! I was able to put up a tent like by myself - well with the help of my sis, but that was awesome, because I didnt need JonP for tent construction! We managed it ourselves...woop-dee-doo!
It was a good time, though maybe if I go to another festival I might just get a day pass rather than camp - but it was fun all the same!
Now I am in the lovely area of Devon for a nice week long holiday - beautiful!

Dance Summer School 2008!

Well, I have just had the most amazing week! It was soooooooooooo goood!
Its actually quite sad that tomorrow we won't be all together, warming up and dancing together. As a group, all of us just got on SO well. Just being together with people who are passionate about the same thing, all being together in fellowship and dancing together - it was just SUCH a nice experience and loved it LOADS.
Springs Dance Company are an awesome company and are an inspiration to me. I have done the summer school three times now, and to be honest this has been the best one yet!
God is just full of GOODNESS!
The theme of the week was Fruits of the Spirit - which was quite funny because that is a theme that has been popping up a lot! So it really was the focus of what we did all week. The prayer times were just lovely and ah it was just immense. I think it really came at the right time.
Before I went to the summer school I was in a bit of an interesting place. I was just not content with life and struggling a little at home. With changes and stuff that were happening - and like...this week just came at the right time and gave me the opportunity to go away from home and do something different. Kind of leave stuff behind.
So yea...and definitely this week has had an impact on me and the others who were there, I shall miss them all!!!! I may just even get up in church on Sunday and do some improv. Before this week, I wouldnt have considered it, but now I feel I want to. So we shall see.
Also this week wouldnt have happened without Sarah and her lovely family! They put me up for the week and have been really good to me.

It has just been the most wonderful week and I have enjoyed every minute of it - yes, even the aches and pains! Thats why tomorrow Im going to do a streetdance and breakdance class! hahaha!!!

And to close, a verse which is one of my favourite verses and that fitted in well with what we were looking at this week:
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like awell-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Isaiah 58v11

Beautiful Weekend

So I went to visit Lizzie for the weekend and I have to say I had a super time!
It was great to see friends, spend time having fun, laughing and it was just lovely to be with them again.
I got to Lizzies on Saturday, where we had lunch and talked about her wedding which is soooooo exciting! Just over a year until she ties the knot.
We then went Kayaking with Charl which was amazing! I was a little apprehensive before hand...seeing as it was an inflatible, and also, I can't swim lol. But once I was in and we were off I loved it! However we were both agreed that if we wanted to go Kayaking again, it would have to be with someone experienced....you just have seen how it went it was just Lizzie and I using the oars lol - it was a sight to be seen. So it was great to have Charl with us!!!!! hehe

Lauren came over and it was nice to catch up with her and see what she's been up to.

And on Saturday evening Lizzie, Lorrie and I had pizza and watched Calendar girls - which I thought was a really great film! Lorri and I had a lovely chat and at last I came to understand what thanksgiving is, haha and why they celebrate it over in America - I soooo have to go and experience Thankgiving sometime!

Sunday was a fab day aswell. Lizzie and I went to visit two churches in the area which was cool, and inbetween time we had a beautiful Roast dinner with Cilla and Lauren. Annabannanna also popped over for a bit, and it was just nice to sit, chat and also reflect a little on what God was doing with our lives, the good parts and the things that we had questions about or was struggling with. It was good to air what we were feeling.

So there we go, a fantastic weekend, and the weather has been so good throughout!

=D

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I've finished it!
It was a fantastic read especially as I really didnt know what was going to happen - I don't really know how I got away with that for like a whole year!

Anyway, I really enjoyed the last book - and I didn't really expect some of the stuff that happened, which I think has been a constant thing throughout the HP books.

The Deathly Hallows has definitely been my favourite out of the seven.

I'd like to go into a little more detail about the things I really enjoyed most - but I know my friend who reads my blog has yet to read it! Im not sure whether she knows what happens, and therefore I shall keep these thoughts to myself and in my journal.

What I did like seeing was a verse of the Bible cropping up in the book. I know that it was written on a tombstone so it would be something that you would find on there, but I really do like this verse:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I definitely recommend the book to you!

Reading

I have a new enthusiasm for reading!

First and foremost for the Word.
3 Sunday's ago, there was a move of the Spirit in our church in the evening service. Keith asked if he could pray for me, and asked me what I wanted prayer for. I didnt expect him to ask, so I hadn't really thought about it. So I just said that I wanted to get to know God more.

From the following Monday I really wanted to read Exodus...and now, two weeks on - Ive read Exodus, and Leviticus lol! And it has just been really interesting!

I think without realising it, my prayer had been answered. Through what I have read I feel I have got to know God a bit more and learnt things that I didnt know!

I really like the verse in the NT where it talks about Jesus being the visible image of the invisible God.Although Jesus points to God and who God is, I think from reading the books in the old testament I am learning more about God and who He is and His character.
It has given me a new interest in finding out more about my faith and has caused me to question things - which I think has been really healthy - rather than accept tings at face-value.



I am also beginning a new book.........Harry Potter! - the last one. Haha yes, I know, I still haven't read it! I began to last year but didnt manage to get into it, so here it goes again - 2nd attempt! hehe..and guess what - I still don't know what happens! I don't know how I managed to keep it that way. hehe!

So here's to reading!

Fear can hold you prisoner

Hope can set you free

Shawshank Redemption

*****Class film.

Watched it for the first time last night, and it was such a powerful film. It really moved me and I just loved it. When Andy isnt in that cell anymore, but during the time he has been there he has had this continual hope that one day he will be free. And that day comes! Even though he has to endure a lot of pain, suffering and sorrow, he doesnt give up on hope, but he really has this HOPE, a hope to live and to live life!

I didnt even notice the words that were written on the front cover of the DVD until my mum pointed them out to me, "fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free." It is sooooo great to see those words on written there, because it is true. Fear can hold you prisoner, it can hold you captive, BUT there is a real hope. This DVD doesnt illustrate a false hope - one that can just be created in films, like a fantasy, but actually there is a REAL hope that we can ALL have, and that is in Jesus Christ. And with this hope - there really does come freedom. Freedom is something that has definitely been on my mind recently.

A really good film, and a great watch! I definitely recommend it.

Your Love Is Better Than Life

dunno nothing that I haven't been taught,
I dunno why I was born into the family I’ve got,
I dunno if I ever had an original thought,maybe not, maybe so, maybe later, I dunno
I dunno how I can end a prayer, then turn on a friend,
I dunno what I was thinking when I just pressed send,
I dunno why I still criticize the things I dunnoI dunno, I dunno, I dunno, but this one thing I know

YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, I’m just a broken machine
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, it’s all a mindless routine
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, I’m in another free fall
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, I’ve got nothing at all

I dunno what goes down the moment we die
Do we get halos & harps? Do we sleep? Do we fly? I dunno
how, when and why this world will finally end,
Speculation’s gonna grow, who knows best, I dunno
I dunno if I should push ahead or stop and grieve,
I lie awake and wonder how to make a city believe,
I dunno when it’s a ministry and when it’s a show
maybe neither, maybe both, I dunno, but this one thing I know

YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, I’m just a broken machine
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your touch I’m not a full human being
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
If I should ever leave, where would I go?
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
I look to you ‘cause you’re the lover of my soul

HERE’S TO THE LOVER OF MY SOUL
HERE’S TO THE LOVER OF MY SOUL

I dunno when to walk away or stand and fight
just when I’ve got it wrong, I’m sure I heard you right
and when my arguments are watertight you expose every hole with a flash and a flood and I know
I hear you call in the eye of the storm and I know you’ve had my back since the day I was born still stoking my heart
still stirring my head
you’re my pillar of fire
you’re the wine, you’re the bread, and

YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, I’m just a broken machine
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, it’s all a mindless routine
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, I’m in another free fall
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Without your love, I’ve got nothing at all

YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
I dunno nothing that I haven't been taught, I dunno why I was born into the family I’ve got,
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
I dunno if I ever had an original thought, maybe not, maybe so, maybe soon, maybe later, I dunno
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
I dunno when I’ve got it right or wrong, I dunno how I can wrap it in a four minute song, but I know
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFEMy grip is better when I’m not hanging on, your love is making us strong (all along)Your love is better than life

Freshness

I am sooooo glad to be here, and so glad I decided to come.
To visit and spend time with friends and meet new people.
I had such a beautiful walk this morning. 7.30am left the house and took advantage of the beautiful sunshine outside....it was such a gorgeous morning, and although Anna said I could stay in and sleep...with a day like today, I just couldn't!
I explored new areas of the town, and it was great. Also, whilst having a thinking and praying time this morning I thought of how I would love to live here in the future. I don't want to go back to where I used to be, nor be where home is now...rather I feel this is the place I would rather be....it is such a lovely place.

These last couple of days have been awesome. I have had some great conversations, and it has been so nice for my friends to put me up for a couple of nights....I very much appreciate it.

It was great to see my lecturers perform on Friday and go for a meal with Ray and Laura beforehand.
It has been really interesting looking at what I want to do for my dissertation...not sure exactly what I want to look at, but I have enjoyed looking into it!
Spending time with Ray...it was so nice to see her again after all this time, chat, catch up and eat pizza!

I have realised recently I have come to adore animals, esp cats, dogs and now rats! lolol!
Spent my last evening with Anna, met her housemates who are really lovely..and Molly and Pippa who are her beautiful rats....they are soooo cute! hehe

And today is my last day here....I dont want to leave!!! However I will have the memories of my time here and it has been such a refreshing experience =)
I really am looking forward to moving back!

*exciting!*

Nothing is impossible for God

I came to this conclusion on Sunday.
Please visit this site http://www.cuckfieldgallery.com/default.asp

In short this is his story:
Attended a meeting with Ian MacCormack - Jellyfish guy. If you dont know his story visit: http://aglimpseofeternity.org/
Ian singled him out and new his name...David. David had never met this guy before!
David, went out in the Spirit and felt his hands, lower arms were on fire.
David asked God what He wanted him to do. He said...I want you to become a painter.
David had never painted in his life before, had no interest in it or anything, and even thought that this was silly idea! But God is persuasive!
The evidence from that 40 minutes that David was out in the spirit, is what you see when you click on the link above - The Cuckfield Gallery. The God given talent of an artist!
Enjoy!

Update on my move!

Well.... I have been here for about a month now, and it hasnt been too bad so far. At the moment I have been settling into the area, getting to know people and getting involved with some things at church. It is wierd living out in the sticks although there is something refreshing about living out in the country.

The only thing that I do find wierd is the effort in which it takes to get things. I mean, where I used to live, everything was on tap. Buses til past midnight every 20 minutes or so throughout the day, access to supermarkets down the road, and a range of shopping with really easy access as well. Also a short walk to the train station.

Here - its a bit of a different story. Buses every hour til about 7 of an evening, but expensive too. Therefore I am coming to the conclusion that to live in somewhere like this, you need to have a car! I don't at the moment therefore I do depend on my parents to get to places.
However although it is really different living here, it is nice, the cleaner air, the green fields, and the little lambs ive seen which live nearby - they are sooooo cute!
Once I get my new camera - I will endeavor to go out and take lots of pictures! I need to add to my flickr!

So it has been an interesting month....looking for work, although that has been a bit of a mountain to me for various reasons...
I am currently at uni for a nice couple of days break and actually loving it! I really do miss uni and will be glad to go back in the Autumn. But while I am here - Im going to get on with research for my dissertation! Got to think about what I want to look at!

So yes, this is an update from me, with what has happened since moving.

Highlights:
Meeting new and lovely people at church.
Going out with three girls Nou, Gemma and Sonja which was fun.
Little lambs!
Taking Jack for a walk - lovely dog!
Going out with mum, diane and liz - they are sooooo funny!
Meeting up with Leila - it is so nice to have someone who has moved as well and doesnt live too far away!
YFriday....may be coming down *exciting!*
The sunshine when its out - because it makes the area soooo beautiful!

Things to pray for:
What to do with my time (job, money, dissertation research)
Friends - I miss them from home and uni! To make new ones here
Living in a new place which is different to what I am used to
The mountains to be moved

Last Night

Tomorrow I move. No longer will I be a resident here! It was my last day of placement today, which was cool, only had my usual half day. Just tied ends up and got all the stuff sorted ready for my reports! Finished packing as soon as I got home and obviously played with Charlie - I shall miss him!!!!!

So moving on - it has been a good seven months. Its been challenging, but it has been nice to work in the environment that I have been, and meet some brilliant people! Was treated to a night of Kareoke last night. It wasnt like pub kareoke infront of like millions of strangers, but was where you and friends can get a private room where you can sing your heart out! Although I wasn't sure about doing it, it was actually soooooo much fun! I recommend it to everyone!!!
And on top of that they gave me a shopping voucher which was ace, really lovely!

On the whole I have enjoyed the experience of my placement and learnt a lot, but I am also ready to move on and do something different!

So next time I shall be writing my blog, I shall be in my new home!

Until then!

Summer!

I don't know what summer will bring this year!
But there are a few things that could potentially happen....and as they unfold I will update this blog...!

In the meantime - I am praying...
I know that whatever I do God wil be with me, and can work through me in what I choose to do.
Its just a question of, are these particular things that I would like to do, the right things to do now...is it the right time to ir not?

If you'd like to beam up a prayer or two just for a little bit of Guidance then that would be most appreciated!

Ah only like 4 days left in counting!.....

Not Long Left Now

Just over a week to go....and thats it!

So, having spent, what, 21 years of life in the place I call home, it will no longer be called home!
Although I do tend to think these days..."where is home?"
Next week "home" shall be in a new place. It will be my base. When Im not uni, it shall be where I return to - hmmmm!

I really don't know what summer will bring either, as yet I havent made any plans (though I hope there will be lots of SUNSHINE!!)

I feel a bit strange now, probably will do more when I have actually moved...BUT on the other hand - there is an excitement about moving to a totally new area, away from everything that is usual, from everything that I know, and there are explorations to be made, and new challenges ahead.

What will it bring - I really don't know!

XLP

I just want to take time to talk about an awesome organisation called XLP.
XLP aims to serve urban communities by supporting young people in ethical, spiritual and relational areas so they can make wise lifestyle choices and be encouraged. XLP is a faith-based charity and whilst having a Christian ethos it is inclusive of all people and embraces diversity.
http://www.xlp.org.uk/

I have known about XLP for a long time now - started to go to their sunday youth meetings when I was about 13, but not until now did it click just how much they are doing, how much of an impact they are having and just how God is using them! Its exciting to hear of what they are getting up to these days!

I went to an evening celebration last Sunday that XLP held and my eyes were opened! You know when God just touches you on issues...thats what happened. I am sooo glad that I went. I think God began to break my heart on some of the things that are happening in our world, in our cities.

I start to wonder....how can I help/get involved?

I have heard of some of the stories of how people's lives have been transformed and I think - how cool it would be to bring some HOPE, the hope of Jesus, into the lives of those that are broken and help to release them from some of the crap that life can bring. I wonder....how can I get involved. Could I do it? I look at the stuff that the guys do at XLP and I think...could I do something like that?
Prayer time I think!

Oh and by the way...if you havent seen the film Freedom Writers you HAVE to see it - honestly it is SUCH a good film.


And to end this blog with, Patrick mentioned something at the meeting which I really thought was good:
When you gain understanding, you gain perspective.
It's so true.

Right..Im now going to findmyself a copy of Conspiracy of the Insignificant and read it!

What is happening here?

Well, I am typing after a loooong but great day.

It was the day of my project. The day that from November last year had been my main focus with being on placement - and its now all over! All that preparation that went into the 9 hour day is done, and I am pleased. It went really well and it was a really interesting day. Although there were a few blips, i think overall everyone enjoyed it and also found it very useful, beneficial and value for money!. I think the highlights for me was greeting everyone as they came in, listening to the Chat Show - especially Donald , he is really cool! I also liked getting to know the Steering Committee better and hanging out with them which was lots of fun, and also chatting to a few people and just seeing what they thought of the day. Feedback is so important!

So all in all the day was successful.

Just three weeks left of placement and then I'm done for another year. 3 years down and 1 more to go and how much fun will that be.

All this talk about careers made me think a little about what I want to do, and I am still none-the-wiser.

It will all become clear one day I guess.

Jesus You Put Music In My Soul

I love music!

"It's all about the music!"

Sunday was a bright day yesterday

Sunday was a great day and it was meant to be!

Decided to go to church, and funnily enough the same sunday as John decided to go as well so that was cool. Met three lovely ladies that he lives with.
Invited over for lunch with them it was so nice to be invited for lunch and chat, and get to know them! Always good with pizza around as well!

Also Sunday was a bright day because we have a house!!!!! Yay. Went to look at 2 and the first one was it, I just felt it, and funnily enough the second house that we went to see, one of the rooms had been sold already - so there we go, not a tough decision to make really. And its nice because it feels like a house, not a student house.
I am so glad to not have to worry about that - all sorted!

Singleness is a Gift

So today a few of us ladies from the church who are in the season of singleness got together today and I have to say it was such a lovely time and I learnt such a lot!

I think for me the reason why I wanted to attend this get together in the first place, was because this woman of God in my church was hosting it and she was going to tell us about her singleness experience and what it has been like for her. I really was so interested to find out because I often wondered why this very lovely lady had no husband, boyfriend etc!
So she just explained a bit about her background and her experience and it was just so refreshing to hear about other ladies - single ladies and see how God has just been using this season of their life.
We all actually got to share about where we were at now and how we found being single and this was just an eye opener into some of the situations they were facing and seeing the similarities of situations as well.
It was a very encouraging time, 1 because we were very honest and open with each other and this was a group of 11 of us who arnt really a friendship group so-to-speak and I think that just really showed just how comfortable we were with just sharing what we have been through and what we were feeling. I also found it encouraging to hear that most of us were at a position where we were quite alright about being single.
So I really just found it such a great opportunity to share, to learn, to encourage, to pray for each other, and also get to know each other more.
The afternoon was also accompanied by cake! Very important!

So, being single, we are not alone, it is a season we go through, and one to be enjoyed. Not a block, or a barrier, or something to get us down, but a time of freedom and opportunity to connect with God through our singleness as well as to connect with others.

At this time I am content with being single. I am also looking forward to the road ahead, and to really grow with God - I am expecting big things this year! Also it is great to know that our God has only the BEST interests for us. They are not second best, but THE best - because he loves us!

As Valentines day comes - it is a time where we can feel a bit down and a bit like - blah its this time again. But I actually really want to look at it differently and not feel so blah about it.
To enjoy being single and look to God to fill my life first and foremost rather than to look to a man to do so. To strive to put God at the centre and focus my attentions on Him.

It really was a great afternoon and really got me thinking about this issue again which was good.

I want to tell the world: I'm having a hair cut!!!!! haha

I'm having a hair cut!

Quite excited about that. Hopefully if I stick with the idea I have - its a bit of a re-style!!
All thanks to the lovely Ali and Simon who said I should have it done - and......they are going to pay for it - in aid of my bday =D
So yea.... I just hope what I'm thinking will suit me! I mean, if I dont get it done...I'll always be wondering..........
and also I know that it will grow back! So its not really a problem. I'm also going to dye it back dark again- I figure it suited me more and it is looking a bit faded now.

So there we go - a blog on hair!

Travelling To The Caribbean!

I wish!

Ok so, the caribbean has kept cropping up recently. Don't know whether its anything significant...or a sign!!! lol
It is probably nothing - but I think a blog is a good way to document things especially things that could well be cropping up for a reason.

So maybe I'll be off to the caribbean sooon!! haha! Jamaica to be precise. The underground station keeps telling me!

So....I shall inform the blog if this does indeed happen.

On another note - I have 5 months to spare...like when I finish placement. I was talking to Helen a colleague of mine and she mentioned that I go travel! It is something that I have been thinking about recently. I so want to travel the world, I mean....there is so much out there - and here I am in the place where I have literally spent the whole of my 20 years here on earth. (21 soon! thought I would drop that one in there! =D ) So...I need to see whats goin on out there!
So if there are indeed any suggestions on places that I should travel to feel free to mention them!

Also if anyone has any money - it would be gratefully received! hahaha! *jokes*

New Year, New Look, New Hope

Well - as its the New year I thought I would go for a new layout - and I have to say, I quite like the new look blog! Fits in well with the Title!

So the start to a new year - and it has been good so far! I have made no resolutions - which I think is a good thing. If I did, I think there would be a higher chance of me breaking them.
The only thing that I do want to do - is to go deeper with God. Last year I did...and therefore this year I want that to continue!

So its goodbye to 2007 and hello 2008!
It is a time for new beginnings - althought when I was thinking about it on new years eve - I was just like....to be honest its just another day. Without the "years" and the "months" it is a day just like no other. We go to sleep we wake up and its a new day...
But yes - we do have such a thing as "years". And therefore on January 1st we do say goodbye to a past year. It may have been a great year, in which case we hope that the coming year will be great too. However it may not have been that good a year - in which case we hope that this coming year will be better.

All in all - whatever kind of year we have just had....(this has just come to mind) we all probably live in hope. And that just brings me onto Hope 08...haha what a "coincidence". I have to say I don't know much about what Hope 08, but it is happening this year! I think I will need to go away and have a research. I love how things just pop up in your mind!

But it is true - we all are in a place of hope. Hope for tomorrow. That this year will be a good one.
Hmmmmm! I dont exactly know where this blog is going - but I love the fact that I am writing this, and as I do - I am thinking of the things to write that I didnt intend to write. I didnt aim to talk about Hope - but there it is - maybe its just my thought pattern, or maybe just maybe its God whispering something to me...hmmmm! I wonder!

And therefore with all this talk of hope - I will end with the fact that Foy Vance's album is entitled Hope! Just thought I would throw that one in there!

So - be hopeful!!
"You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope." Psalm 119: 114
- amen!

Hosanna

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna - Hillsong United