Tuesday 29 December 2015

174 - Finding new recipes

'And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.' (Genesis 1:29)

I love to cook, but sometimes the same old recipes can get a bit dull. 

So, now and then, I search for new ideas (mostly on Pintrest, heh heh) and try them out - mostly on my family. (Poor things ;) ) 

Sometimes it doesn't go well - I had a batch of cookies turn into a gooey mess once. 

But other times, it does work out. And I can enjoy the fun of following a recipe to create something delicious. I can enjoy feeding my family with a dinner they will like, one they might ask for again. 

Thank you God, for giving some the desire to cook. For giving the knowledge with which to understand ingredients and amounts and how to combine them to create something edible. For giving us the ability to keep ourselves alive!

Thank you for the huge variety of food you have provided, that we can keep finding new recipes! 


Thursday 17 December 2015

173 - When we know the time is right.

'For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven' (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Most things in life have to end at some point. 

Sometimes, it's hard. We wish it could have gone on longer. We struggle to see why it had to end. 

But other times, we know it's right. God gives us peace. 

For example, I spent a good part of my uni years dreading graduation, with no clue as to what I would do after. When the time actually came though...I was glad. I was ready to move on from education...I wanted to work in a proper job. I knew the time was right. 

Today, I finally left the charity shop I've been volunteering at for the past four years. I stayed so long because I got on well with the women there. However, it was still kind of a relief to move on to look for something new. The time was right. 

The ironic thing is, with our sovereign God in control, the time is actually always right. He has a plan and He knows when it is best for things to happen.

But we can be thankful for the times when we can understand and agree with His timing. 

172 - Motivation

'I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 3:14) 

It's hard to make a habit of something. But it helps if you have motivation. 

For example, we were able to exercise regularly when we were training for a 5k run. 

I was able to write regularly when I was taking part in the National Novel Writing Month (I didn't reach the 50,000 goal, but it got me writing more than I normally did.) 

But Christians have an even bigger motivation in life. 

They are Christ's. And Heaven awaits. 

S0 don't give up. Keep going, even when things are tough. Keep on into 2016 and 2017 and so on...

Thank you God for the motivation Christ gave us! 

Monday 14 December 2015

171 - Flying

'...they shall mount up with wings like eagles...' (Isaiah 40:31)

I hope we can fly in Heaven. 

Until then...aeroplanes will have to do. 

Recently, I flew for the second time in my life...and I'd forgotten how much I love it. 

The slow trundle of the plane down the runway - then the WOOOSH as it accelerates and takes off. 

The sight of a city dropping away beneath you - spread out like a map, with familiar sights suddenly so tiny. 

Mum would call me crazy, but I even quite like the rocking of the plane in the wind. It's a reminder that yes, flying can be sometimes be dangerous, but we trust in a God who holds the plane safe in His hands. 

And then, finally, there's the speedy descent and landing. 

And the friends or family waiting at the airport. 

Thank you God for flying! 

170 - Christian films

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" (Matthew 6:22-23)

Ahh, I've neglected this blog. Again. Various reasons, involving the North, work experience and trying to write a novel...

But it doesn't matter to me if no-one reads this blog. If writing it makes one person a little bit more thankful to God, then its done its job - even if that one person is only me. 

Anyway...

Watched a Christian film called 'Grace Unplugged' recently. Some Christian films can be super cheesy. This one had its cheesy moments. But...it was also powerful. Relatable. 

It left me thinking of God and how merciful He is to us. 

It was a reminder that He can bring the prodigals home! 

Thank you God for films that glorify you! 

Tuesday 3 November 2015

169 - Washing Machines

'The one to be cleansed shall then wash his clothes...' (Leviticus 14:8)

Mum was telling me the other day about how they used to wash clothes before the washing machine came in. It was a lot more complicated back then!

How easily we can take for granted our ability to just toss our dirty clothes into our washing machines. put in some powder, press a few buttons and have clean clothes again.

Some people don't have washing machines.

In other countries, they only have water from the river in which to wash.

We have electricity - and we have washing machines available.

May I remember that the next time I'm tempted to moan about having to put a wash in - and instead be thankful!


168- Chess


(Image used by chess.sportskeeda.com)


So, I've recently got into the game of chess...

...and I love it! 

Games like chess require strategy, thinking ahead.

And who is the greatest 'Chess master'? Who has a plan that stretches the whole of eternity, who puts each person exactly where they need to be, lets things happen exactly when they need to? Who worked about History to bring the King to Earth? 

God. 

And I thank Him for games we can enjoy. I thank Him for the parts of us that can reflect His image - even in small ways. 

167 - Graduations

I graduated last month, and for those who experience a graduation, it's something to be thankful for.

Each person who crosses the stage represents hours and hours of dedication to completing a degree - a degree that could not have been completed without the brains and intelligence given by God, without the support of family and friends, without the resources and teaching provided by the universities.

A graduation is a celebration of hard work - just as one day, we will celebrate God's work on Earth in Heaven.

Reaching the day of a graduation requires patience, dedication  - and other characteristics that only God can produce in us.

We can do NOTHING without Him!

Thank you God for graduations - and helping us reach them!

Thursday 8 October 2015

166 - The Day the Lord has Made

'This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' (Psalm 118:24) 

Whether you read this post in the morning or evening, stop and think about the day. 

If in the morning, what do you think this day will hold? What do you hope it will hold?

If in the evening, did the day go as you expected. Are you happy with how it went?

Whatever our days hold - good or bad - we can rejoice in them. 

I'm not saying it's easy to. 

But if we remember God - sovereign and loving - wrote all of our days before the world was made, planned each moment of our lives...then we can trust in Him. 

And we can be thankful for the day He has made for us. A day we don't deserve to live through - except for Christ. 



Monday 5 October 2015

165 - Cars

I can't drive. But I can be driven. And how often do I take that for granted?

Many factors have to go into our use of cars.

The person who invented the wheel.

The person who invented the first car. (Karl Benz, according to Google).

The materials used to make cars.

The money to buy, and maintain cars.

Mechanics who've been trained to fix and keep cars running.

The earth which provides petrol.

Oh, and for me...generous parents willing to drive me places. ;)

Thank you God for providing the creative minds, physical resources and money that go into our cars.

Thank you for cars.


Monday 28 September 2015

164 - Friends who are in relationships

'Rejoice with those who rejoice...' (Romans 12:15) 

There are various ways we can respond to the news that a friend has gone into a relationship.

We can become all self-pitying and bitter, wondering 'Why them and not me?' We can roll our eyes whenever we see a 'couple-y' picture on social media.

OR.

We can be thankful that our friends are happy.
We can be thankful that God has sovereignly worked to bring two people together into a relationship. A relationship that could turn into a marriage that was designed to reflect our own relationship with Christ.

And that's the greatest reason why we can be thankful.

Because we're in a relationship too - with the One who is eternal, who died for us, whose love is never ending.

When we have Christ, we have all we need. Earthly relationships cannot compare. (Although God in His generosity sometimes gives them to us anyway).

Thank you God that we have the HUGE privilege of being in a loving relationship with You, the holy, magnificent God who made galaxies and cells!
Thank you for the times You bless us with earthly relationships too.
You are good!

163 - Confetti

(Photo courtesy of my sister)


Well...it's pretty, isn't it?

It's colourful.

It's tradition to throw it at weddings. I always like being able to tell that a wedding has taken place just by seeing all the leftover confetti on the ground.

We can be thankful for the smallest things. Even that someone had the idea 'Oh, let's cut tiny pieces of coloured paper and throw it at people!'

Thank you God for confetti.

Wednesday 23 September 2015

162 - The ability to read

'...devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture...' (1 Timothy 4:13)

If you ask my family, or my friends, what my favourite past-time is, there's a good chance they'll say 'Reading!'

Yes, I have a mild obsession with books. Nothing to be ashamed of.

But...I read so much, I take it for granted. I forget everything that had to happen for me to be able to read.

God gave me a brain which can translate the shapes on a page into a language I can understand. He gave me eyes that can see the words.

He put me in a country where an education is readily available for someone like me.

He gave me two wonderful parents who took the time to sit down and teach me how to read.

He gave humans the resources and knowledge of how to turn trees into books.

But, best of all, He gave me the ability to read HIS word. The Bible. The book which contains the message of eternal life. The book which helps me live in a relationship with the awesome God.

Thank you so much Lord, for giving me the ability to read!

Thursday 17 September 2015

161 - Christ's humanity

'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.' (Hebrews 4:15)

Do I truly believe this verse?

Sometimes we can feel so despairing of our sin - like no matter how hard we try, we just keep on messing up. Like God sits up there in Heaven, distant and judging.

But this verse...this wonderful verse...

He was tempted in every respect as we are. 

Did His unbelieving brothers and the Pharisees tempt him to unrighteous anger?

Did His disciples tempt him to irritation?

Was He tempted to worry about his mother?

What about other sins, ones we might never think of tempting the Christ?

Was He ever tempted to go after earthly love? Was He ever lonely for an earthly companion?

Was He tempted to self-pity as He faced the grim future of the cross? Did doubt try and attack His mind?

I don't know. I only have this verse to go by.

The point is...He knows.

He felt the battering of sin just as we do.

And yet...He never gave in. 

'That's all very well', you might say. 'He was God!'

Well, yeah...But He was also fully Man.

And...since Pentecost, who do we have living inside us?

The Holy Spirit. God. He gives us the power to resist sin.

We don't always listen. But each day is a small step of progress. One day, we will be like Him. Sinless.

Until then, He doesn't condemn us for our mistakes. He empathises with our struggle against sin.

'He knows our frame, He remembers we are dust.' (Psalm 103:14) He lived in that frame, after all, for 33 years.

And we can be thankful for our God who loves and knows us so intimately.


160 - The love of the elderly

'They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green' (Psalm 92:14)

In our society today, divorces and singleness are pretty common.

Maybe that's why I love seeing elderly couples together, walking down the street, hand-in-hand.

It's a reminder God built love and marriage to last...and it can last. Despite everything.

Sometimes there are sad reasons why a marriage can't survive until old age. Death, unfaithfulness, lack of commitment...

But even if we're single, or widowed, or divorced - I think we can still look at an old couple together, watch him kiss her on her wrinkled cheek...and be thankful for them.

Friday 4 September 2015

159 - Feeling like you were missed

'...his father...ran and embraced him and kissed him.'  (Luke 15:20)

I think every human has the desire within them to be loved, to be needed, to be missed.

And the times we're reminded that we are become precious to us.

For example, a few months ago, I went away for a week. When I returned, my family hugged me and told me that I was missed. And it didn't feel like empty words - I could feel they were true. (Partly because my sisters grabbed me and told me they were never letting go again.)

Another example - I volunteer in a charity shop and I have to take every summer off because of other commitments.

Yesterday, I went back again. One lady told me I was missed. They asked loads of questions about my summer and made jokes about how long I'd be gone. It was really nice.

But all this is paled into insignificance when we think of the reception we shall get from our heavenly Father when we join Him there. We were always meant to be by His side, and it is only by Jesus that we can return to Him.

Think of His smiles, His hugs, His joy. We shall wonder why we ever left!

And be thankful for His love, as He speaks the words 'Welcome home.'

Thursday 3 September 2015

158 - Our healing system

'...who heals all your diseases...' (Psalm 103:3) 

When I read this verse, I tend to assume it's talking about miraculous healing. 

But then I read Nicky Gumbel's notes on it, and he reminded me that actually, God has provided other means of healing. 

He gave us antibodies, white blood cells, the immune system, platelets and so on. 

Our body is a remarkable piece of creation and the healing system is just a part of it. 

So, next time we get cut, or something, we can clean it and cover it and know that our body's healing system is already at work. Fighting off germs and mending the wound. 

And we can be thankful!  

157 - Compliments

'...a good word makes him glad.' (Proverbs 12:25)

Compliments are nice, aren't they? 
They don't have to be much, but a few well-chosen words can put a smile on your face. 

'You look pretty.' 

'That top looks good on you.' 

(They don't all have to be appearance related.) 

'You're good at that.'

'That was kind of you.'

When people compliment us, we should be thankful for them and their thoughtfulness. 

We can think about how we can compliment others. 

And we can remember the words of the Bible. The words that the Lord addresses to us, His people - words that are so, so much better than compliments. 

'...I have called you friends...'(John 15:15).

'...you are no longer a slave but a son...'(Galatians 4:7)

'...his treasured possession...' (Deuteronomy 7:6)

Even when people don't compliment you, even when you're feeling down (especially when you're feeling down!) we can pick up the Bible and see what God says to us. 

And seeing His love for us is something to be very thankful for. 

Friday 31 July 2015

156 - Laughs

'...a time to laugh...' (Ecclesiastes 3:4) 

Isn't God's diversity amazing?

One example among many - different kinds of laughs. Think about it.

A giggle. 

A silent, shoulder shaking laugh. 

A loud, booming laugh. 

(For more examples, just watch Mary Poppins - I Love to Laugh. ;) ) 

Our God is a God of humour, of joy, of celebration. 

And we can be thankful when we're reminded through the diversity of laughs around us. 




155 - Hope

'But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.' (Psalm 71:14)

I'm sure that the majority of you who read this (assuming you're all Christians) will have non-Christian friends or family in your lives. 

And it hurts, doesn't it?

It hurts to see them living such empty lives - lives spent desperately chasing the things of this world, idols they think will make them happy, that will fill that God-shape hole inside each of them. 
We empathise, because we're still humans who struggle against the lure of those same idols. 
But God, in His incredible mercy that we can never quite comprehend, saved us. He gives us hope. He gives us meaning in a world that must seem so random and confusing to non-Christians. 

We long for the same for them. 

It can be hard to explain how they can get that satisfaction that only Christ can give. They think they have all they need. And it can be so distressing to watch days, weeks, months, years slip by and their hearts apparently remain as hard as ever. 

BUT...

We still have hope. God hasn't given up on them and neither should we. 

Perhaps Jesus looked at Judas during the Last Supper and His heart still desperately wished his disciple - once friend - would repent. 

His heart aches for the non-Christians in our lives more than ours do. He made them, after all. He died for them. 

And He's still relentlessly pursuing them. 

I was reminded of this a while ago. A non-Christian friend of mine was having a job-interview. And she asked me to pray for her, for it to go well. 

I was amazed. It was the first time in the five years she'd ever asked me to pray for her. 

It gave me hope. Hope that she will realise there is someone who answers prayers. He's not just a slot machine who will give us what we want. He's our Father, He's the Holy God who made and saved us and He's reaching out, inviting our non-Christian friends and family to enter the same relationship we share with Him - one in which is everlasting life and joy. 

And I am so thankful for the hope we have that, one day, they will accept that invitation...and be saved. 

154 - Moments that teach us patience

‘…Be patient in tribulation’ (Romans 12:12)

My family and I have just come back from a holiday in Germany and Holland, and we believe God was trying to teach us a particular lesson
.
A lesson about patience.

First, our ferry was delayed and we left five hours later than we expected. One of my sisters was convinced we’d die in the carpark at the docks and never be found again. (It was a long wait).

Then, when we visited Amsterdam, torrential rain and winds stopped the trains. We waited nearly two hours at the station, cold and wet.
Seems like God was trying to say something.

If you’re not convinced…on Sunday, we visited a German church (they had a translator) and we heard a sermon on…you guessed it, patience!

In moments like that, it could be easy to complain. It could be easy to moan to each other about how terrible the weather is, how useless public transport is…etc.

But when you pray to God for patience, when you lift your eyes from your surroundings and up to Him…then you are reminded of your reasons to stay content.
Take our situations. We were together. We were safe. We weren’t ill. We still got to go on holiday, still got to visit some of Amsterdam.
Amazingly, God sent some us some English-speaking tourists, who just happened to know where we were trying to get to and told us how to get back to our house. 

And who knows? Perhaps a dangerous accident would have happened if we’d left earlier. We don’t know. But God does.

The knowledge that He is sovereign and in control of everything gives us comfort that the world is a chaotic place of chance. It’s all running under His plans.


And this knowledge gives us reason to be thankful for moments God uses to makes us patient. 

153 - Our secure salvation

' Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you' (1 Peter 1:3-4)

' For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8:38-39)

I was saved around the age of seven (give or take a few years) and as I grew up, there was the odd moment that I wondered if I really was a Christian. Surely it couldn't be that easy? Surely one simple prayer couldn't be enough to secure me a guaranteed entrance into Heaven?

Ah, and there's the beauty of the gospel. It is that easy.

Because it's not about what we do. It's about what Christ has done.

And because it is Christ who lived a perfect life...because it's Christ who died in our place...because it's Christ who rose again, securing our future in Heaven for good...because of Him, we will never, ever, ever, EVER lose our salvation.

God holds us in His hands. He paid with the life of His Son to save us.

And nothing - not our mistakes, not Satan's attempts - NOTHING will pull us from the loving hands of our Lord.

I'd say that's something to be very thankful for.

Wouldn't you?

Thursday 2 July 2015

152 - Getting free stuff

'Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights' (James 1:17)

Only one post in June? Oh dear...You wouldn't think I was on holiday...

If you know me on Facebook or Instagram, chances are you saw me put a picture of doughnuts up. Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

And all because my friend persuaded me to sit and watch Wimbledon on a big screen in town one afternoon. Krispy Kreme staff came round, offering people the chance to join a raffle and win a free gift card.

Of all the people there, I won.

And I got to take a big box of doughnuts home to share with the family.

I don't say this to brag about my luck. I never normally win free stuff.

But when I do, I want to see it as one thing. A gift from God.

Simply because He's good. He's fun. He's kind beyond what we deserve.

And He gave us the best free gift ever. Far better than doughnuts.

He gave us eternal life.

It cost us nothing. It cost Him everything.

Thank you God, for free gifts!

Thursday 11 June 2015

151 - Hand-me-downs

'And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none...' (Luke 3:11)

We are blessed to have the money to buy new clothes and belongings, but sometimes it's nice to get a load for free when someone gives you hand-me-downs.

But we shouldn't just be receiving clothes. We should remember those who have less than us - and see if we can hand down old things.

And thank God that He blesses us beyond what we need. So we can share the surplus.

And thank Him for the generosity of those who give us their hand-me-downs.


Thursday 28 May 2015

150 - God's Compassion

'Jesus wept.' (John 11:35)

Sometimes, when times are hard, it can be easy to think that God is just some cold and distant person in the sky, watching from Heaven and not really caring what happens to us. 

We couldn't be more wrong! 

Just remember that time - 2000 years or so ago - when God, and all His holiness, power and might, was born into the world as a lowly Nazarene. 

Remember that while He was fully God, He was also fully human. 

Remember that He felt every swing of emotion that we did. 

And when one of His best friends, Lazarus, lay dead in a tomb...when another friend, Mary, cried at His feet...Jesus wept

The shortest sentence in the Bible. But what a powerful one! 

The God who breathed burning stars and called fierce lions into being - He cried. 
And I bet it wasn't a single neat tear running down His cheek. 
I bet it was the huge, shaking, uncontrollable sobs, when you can't breathe properly. 

Don't ever say that He doesn't care. 

Because He didn't just stand there and weep for us. He called us out of the dark tomb. And He walked in, to take our place. 

And three days later, He left that tomb empty. 

One day, neither He - nor us - will cry again. Ever. 

Thank you God for your powerful compassion! 

Sunday 10 May 2015

149 - Political outcomes

'Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God...' (Romans 3:1)

With the general election been and gone, it seemed the perfect time to write this post. 

One visit to Facebook (that social media site which can be a blessing or a curse) shows that many people are unhappy with the Conservative majority. Some alarmingly so. 

How do we forget so easily that it is God who is control, not the government?

Are we saying He made a mistake when the Conservatives won? No! 

He's King. And the King rules over the Prime Minister - whether the Prime Minister knows it or not. 

Thank you God that You are our true authority - the highest. Thank you that you are in control of all political outcomes. Thank you that all earthly authorities are subject to You. 

Thursday 30 April 2015

148 - Clocks

' ...teach us to number our days ...' (Psalm 90:12)

So, I've written about alarm clocks. 

Now, ordinary clocks. 

Our lives can sometimes seem dictated by time. 

Days, hours, minutes, seconds. 

When shall we meet? How long until...? Are we there yet?

If the clock breaks...well, things get confusing. And don't even talk about when the hour changes! 

Thank you God for clocks to keep us organised...like the one at the bottom of my laptop screen, reminding me it's time for bed! 

Thank you for their reminder to make the most of the time we have - because we never know how long that time is. 

147 - Glue

Often, some valued items of mine have been broken, and then fixed by glue. Favourite necklaces and so on.

It's pretty cool stuff, isn't it?

(As long as you don't get it on your hands. And forget Pritt stick, that stuff hardly ever works...)

But otherwise!

Thank you God for glue.

146 - Pebble in your shoe

Odd one, you think.

But if you consider.

It means you own a pair of shoes.

It means you have two feet, capable of walking.

It means you have nerves in your feet that are working properly.

And it should mean that you have the muscles to bend down and the hands to remove that pebble.

Funny how if we think hard enough, we can still find things to be thankful for in the little things of life.

I guess that's where the term 'silver lining' comes from!

Thank you God for the hidden reasons to be thankful.

Tuesday 21 April 2015

145 - Meaningful conversation

'Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.' (Colossians 4:6)

Has it really been that long since I last posted? *sigh*...

When we talk to people, it can be so easy to talk about mundane, everyday stuff. Because the weather is easy to discuss. That's why it's one of the first things we talk to strangers about. (So British.)

That's why, when you find friends you can actually have meaningful conversation with, it's so refreshing. 

I'm not saying that talking about what you've done over the past week, or asking what someone else has done is shallow or something. Oh no. 

What I'm saying is the kind of talk where someone wants you to share how God's been awesome in your life recently...the kind of talk where a friend shares some new insight into a Bible verse...those conversations are special. Something to be thankful for. 

It's not always possible to have this type of conversation with everyone. So value the people you can have it with. Maybe work on having more of them. 

And thank God for them. 


Monday 23 March 2015

144 - Godly people in our lives

'...set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.' (1 Timothy 4:12)

I am thankful that in my life, I know, and have known many Christians. And of these, I have met truly godly people, who encourage me to live for Christ - just as they did.

People like my parents. I wrote blog posts about Mums and Dads, but I just have to say again. I love my parents and am so, so thankful that God gave them to me.

But it doesn't just have to be your parents who set you an example in how to live for Christ. It could be:

A couple.

An older Christan

Your pastor and his wife.

A sibling.

A friend.

It could even be someone younger than you. You can learn things from watching children, I believe, such as their lack of reserve, or their acceptance of anyone.

And don't forget - you can set an example to others too. Someone might consider you godly. So live for Christ - you don't know who is watching.

Lord, thank you for the people in my life who I can look at and see Christ at work. May I grow into such a godly person.

Saturday 21 March 2015

143 - Bins

I don't think I need to say much on this really.

Just picture where we are without them.

This ties in nicely with being thankful for dustbin men, a reason I listed some time ago.

And also...be thankful when people actually USE bins!

Monday 2 March 2015

142 - The ability to read

'Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.' (Psalm 119:18)

I am so, so grateful for the ability to read. Life would be very different without it.

I couldn't read my Bible (I'd only be able to hear it).

I wouldn't have the massive pile of books to read beside my bed.

I wouldn't be able to do GCSES, A-Levels, or a degree, let alone an English one.

So many stories lost...and there are many countries where people cannot receive the education they need to learn to read.

There are people who's minds cannot perform the processes needed to read.

I am blessed to have the means and ability to read.

Thank you God for both!

141 - Driveways

We are blessed as a family to have a driveway next to our house, on a very narrow street where it is difficult to find parking spaces. 

Considering that between our family, we have three cars to navigate, it's very handy having somewhere to store them. 

Having a driveway protects them from getting potentially bashed by cars driving by. 

It frees up space on the street, so our neighbours who don't have driveways have somewhere to park. 

This won't apply to everyone - 

- but thank you God for driveways. 

Wednesday 18 February 2015

140 - Singleness

'The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.' (1 Corinthians 7:32)

 'Only let each person lead the life3 lthat the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.' (1 Corinthians 7:17)

I kind of wanted to write this on Valentine's Day, half-jokingly, half-seriously. But I ran out of time, either way. 

I have to be careful about how I write this post, because it could come across as sounding like someone who tries to pretend that they are single and they don't care that they are. Not gonna lie. I would like to marry. Someday. If God wills. 

But I'm also going to remember singleness is also a gift from God. 

Sometimes, it feels like the church (in general) place too much emphasis on marriage, making the singles feel like they are failures for not being married. 

Now obviously marriage is a God designed ordinance, a symbol of our relationship with Christ. 

But singleness...

It can be a time either when a person can completely focus on themselves and their desires because they have no family to care for. 

Or it can be a time when they realise the church is their family, and they can turn their gaze outwards and start looking for ways to care for them instead. 

The Bible makes it clear that without a family of their own to look after, single people are freed up to serve God - sometimes in ways that married people cannot.

They can serve in kid's work or refreshments or in some other way on a Sunday.

They can invite people over for dinner.

They could volunteer for charities, travel to different countries.

Their lives are not failures because they are not married.

God uses everyone, in different ways.

And He is all the love we ever need.

Thank you God for singleness. May I - and other single Christians - learn how to use this time (or this life) for your glory.

Friday 13 February 2015

139 - Showers

'...Go wash...' (2 Kings 5:10) 

I really need to stop neglecting this blog for so many days!

Couldn't resist using the top verse (from the story of Naaman).

There's something so relaxing and enjoyable about having a shower.

In the winter, it's the warmest place of the house most of the time, which makes turning it off all the harder. (Don't tell my Dad this, he probably thinks I spend too long in there anyway ;) )

In the summer, it can be cool and refreshing.

When your hair's been a bit greasy and gross, the feeling of clean hair is great.

And sometimes it's nice to just feel the water run through your hair and let your thoughts drift where they may. Why do so many people sing in the shower? Probably because they feel relaxed.

Thank you God for electricity. Thank you for running water.

Thank you for showers.

Saturday 31 January 2015

138 - Gloves

It's winter. A fire crackles in the grate. And as I type this, my hands are cold.

Maybe I have poor circulation, or maybe it's because of my low iron levels, but my hands always seem to get cold.

But it's a reminder about gloves, and how we can be thankful for them. No, I'm not wearing gloves right this minute. (But I have worn fingerless ones while working before).

When you're outside, and the air's cold enough to bite...when your pockets don't quite do the job...you wriggle your hands into those gloves...and be thankful for the wool of sheep and the machines that made them.

Thank you God for gloves.

(And I didn't even get round to medical gloves, gardening gloves, washing up gloves...)

Thursday 15 January 2015

137 - Street Lamps

'And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.' (Genesis 1:3) 

Couldn't resist using a verse like that...

We had a bad rain fall today with some high winds strong enough to shake the street lamps.

Have you thought about street lamps lately?

They come on each evening without fail, lighting up our streets at night.

But in some back streets like ours, they're turned off after one o' clock, or some time like that. And although it may save electricity, let me just say that since it started, we've had a case of graffiti and a burglary on our street.

Light makes us feel safer. The dark can be scary.

Let's be thankful for the street lamps' light.

Wednesday 14 January 2015

136 - Getting good results

'Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.' (Proverbs 16:3) 

Obviously the verse above doesn't mean a Christian is guaranteed success.

But when you've worked hard and God blesses you with good results, it's a moment to enjoy and be thankful for.

When I got my A-Levels, I think I remember actually jumping up and down with excitement.

And today, one of my assignments got a high mark, which made me nearly fall off my chair with surprise. Then grin like an idiot.

I'm not saying this to brag (believe me, I know people who are WAYYYYYYYYYYY cleverer) but to say that I recognise I could not get these results if God had not given me the brains and the motivation, if He had not blessed me beyond what I deserve - as He does everyday.

Thank you God for good results!

135 - The chance to donate blood

'...its blood is its life...' (Leviticus 17:14) 

Due to only having a holiday job, not a full-time one, I wouldn't consider myself financially rich. (The fact I tend to be tight-fisted doesn't help this outlook).

But there are other things I have that I can freely give.

And one of them is blood.

I'm thankful that I'm healthy enough to give. That I'm not squeamish at the sight of needles. That just one pint from me could be enough to save a life. I may never know if actually have saved anyone. But that's OK.

Because I remember someone else who bled, that others might have life. Whose life and death saved many.

Thank you God for the chance to donate blood -

- and thank you for that day when Jesus shed His blood for us.


134 - Inspiration

I love it when you get that moment when the right words or a great idea just pop up out of nowhere.

When you're writing something on your laptop and your fingers are flying across the keyboard.

When you are trying to think of a theme for a party, say, and you find a great one.

When you know what your next project is going to be.

Or when you sit down to make a list of blog ideas and end up with a massive list far longer than you expected. (What do you mean I'm talking about myself? )

We know God has given us SO much to be thankful for, but there's something amazing about seeing them appear in a long list.

So, those who subscribed to this blog, I'm afraid your Inbox is going to be seeing a lot more of me... ;)

Thank you God for moments of inspiration.

Tuesday 13 January 2015

133 - Smart Phones

So, I've already written a post on mobiles. 

Now I want to focus on smart phones. Because I just got my Dad's old one. And it's pretty cool!

They're basically mini computers aren't they?

They can hold your contacts, your Bible, the Internet, the many, many social media websites, movies, music, photos...

I know they can be time consuming and distracting. I know not everyone has one.

But the other day, I was able to do my quiet time during my break at the shop I volunteer at. Because my phone had my Bible and notes on.

They can be used for good too.

And I'm thankful for the brains God made that thinks these things up.

132 - The gift of tounges

'And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.' (Acts 2:4) 

To those who still read this blog - happy 2015!

I've already written about prophecy, now I want to talk about why we can be thankful for the gift of tongues.

After the Flood, man built the tower of Babel - and God made them talk in different languages, breaking them apart. To stop them glorifying themselves.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came - and the disciples spoke in different languages, bringing 300 people together into the first church, that God would be glorified.

What an incredible reversal!

Not everyone is blessed with tongues. Not everyone agrees on them, but for those who do - isn't it an amazing gift?

The person baptised with the Holy Spirit can suddenly speak in a language they don't know, that they've never learnt - and often, someone who might not know the language either, can be given the gift of interpretation.

Tongues reminds us God still actively works. The gift reminds us that we are not meant to be excluded and alone. We can't be a Christian alone, or a church cut off from the world. We are one body. And tongues reminds us we need unity.

And one day, a great multitude 'from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues' shall stand before the throne and worship the One True King. English, Spanish, Chinese, African...you name it, you shall hear that language in heaven, I don't doubt.

Who knows? Maybe we can spend some of eternity learning them.

Thank you God for the gift of tongues.