New every morning!

There is something about a vase of fresh flowers in a home. It will brighten up your day!

In my home, we don't get them often enough, but I love it when we do.

It is just a shame that they do not remain fresh and vibrant. Within a few days you start to see the flowers wilt and become limp. They slowly fade in color and perkiness. Then they fall and drop their petals. They do not last forever, we need to replace them with fresh flowers to once again, enjoy their beauty.

I was reminded of this when feeling a little 'limp' myself. Sometimes, we can feel like we are fading and losing our vibrancy. Yet we have a hope, in lamentations 3 it says;

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, 
       for his compassions never fail.

 23 They are new every morning; 
       great is your faithfulness.

 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; 
       therefore I will wait for him."

When we feel weak, we can rest assured that God is faithful. He does not get tired, he does not faint. He remains the same, always ready, every morning to renew us with his word and refresh us with his voice. Take hope, do not leave his word to become stagnant over the weeks, get a fresh taste from him every morning.

Time

Matthew 25

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

 1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

 6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

 7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

 9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

 10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

 11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

 12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

 13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

How are we using our time?

Do we use our time to glorify God?

Do we use our time to enjoy the blessings he has given us?

Do we use our time to praise him for all he is and has done?

Do we waste the precious gift of time on useless and idle things?

Time is a precious gift. Each day, I look at my children and am so aware that every minute, every hour is precious with them. They will soon grow, and fly to their own nests.

I look at my husband and see him growing in maturity and wisdom. I see him slowly changing into the man God has called him to be. Time can be a friend or a foe. How do we use it?

I have been challenged to invest my talents and gifts in each day. 

I have been challenged to cut back, strip back anything that wastes my time. I am only here in this life, for a limited period. Life is short.

So I am seeking God for correct use of my time.I know it will involve loving God, seeking him, serving him. Loving my family, encouraging and enjoying friendships, appreciating beauty in creation.  My aim is to become the woman I was created to be, a little bit more every day. To please my father and to be ready, with my oil lamp full on his arrival!

What is God asking us to do with the gift of time he has given us?

The Royal painter.

This morning I was having a happy little jig in the kitchen, along to some Imogen heep, whilst unloading the dishwasher. As I merrily hummed along, I was thinking about how I love to dance and sing. In my mind, I was thanking God for all his blessings and goodness. It was sort of spilling out of me. Then, this verse of scripture came to mind:

Ephesians 2:10 

" For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

We are all different, made up of differing talents & gifts. Some of us are very creative, some are academic, some love to write, some love to sing, some to ponder, some to speak. We are all made by God, for good works. We are little expressions of Gods brilliance, living here on little earth.

 I like to paint and draw and make things. I appreciate all things visually beautiful. I have a lot of my canvas art work, hanging in my home. Often people will comment like, " That is lovely, how talented you are!"

I just see that I have expressed myself, through art.

This got me thinking. People that appreciate my art work do not praise the painting, they praise the creator of the painting. They praise the talent of the artist, behind the art work.

We are Gods creations. We are displays of his beautiful craftsmanship, we are pieces of his heart, being expressed in human form. We are beautiful to him. We are hand made with love and affection, knitted together from conception, chosen for purpose in this life and beyond. He crams us full of gifts and talents, that sometimes we shy away from, or are too afraid to use.

 Others may use and display their gifts, but take all the glory for themselves, thinking that they are something wonderful, reveling in arrogance and pride.

God spoke to my heart today, using this illustration. "don't be afraid to let your heart out," he said  "Let it flow! Use your gifts, use your talents, because when you do, with the right heart, you show people what a wonderful creator God I am!'

We are like beautiful paintings, that our Father God has painted. When people see the beauty in us, we are giving God the glory he deserves. He is a creative God, and his art work is seen all over!!

We serve an amazing God!

We serve an amazing God! As a family, recently we have been ill. We spent a whole week in  our home, tucked up warmly, with blankets, T.V, and lots of sleep. We didnt feel well enough to eat much and so we just hid from the outside world for the week. Following this period we perked up a lot, but remained drained and tired from the previous week. James took time off work and the kids stayed home from school, so we had lots of time alone as a family. 

Today was Sunday and time for church, but I woke feeling achey and tired and in need of some quiet time alone, with my heavenly Father. So James and the girls dressed and head off to church and I stayed behind, keen to get some quality time, reading the word and praying.

I poured out my heart to God, telling him how I needed his strength and joy, how I longed to not be at sea. In the roughness of the darkened waves, tossing me to and fro. How I longed to have my feet firmly fixed on his rock & his firm foundations. As I prayed, I had an picture of a huge Eagle coming and opening her wings up around me, she scooped me under her wing and I was warm, safe and covered. 

I pondered on the fact that God says in his word, "I am."
 He is everything we need, when we need it! He is my Father, he is my protection, he is my strength when I am week, he is my light when it is dark. He is my Joy when I am down, he is my help when I am in trouble. He is everything I ever need.
 I suddenly thought about other so called Gods, carved out of wood or made of Gold. I saw in my mind a budda, with his arms crossed infront of him. He did not seem a welcoming idol to put my hope in and it seemed so silly to me that people serve a God who is not able to protect them, love them, feed them, comfort them. I was so blessed to serve and know my God! He is a God worth serving! 

I asked God to speak to me in his word as I prayed and I felt to turn to Isaiah 44. Within its text I smiled, as I read:

 “I am the First and the Last;
      there is no other God.
 7 Who is like me?
      Let him step forward and prove to you his power.
   Let him do as I have done since ancient times
      when I established a people and explained its future.
 8 Do not tremble; do not be afraid.
      Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago?
   You are my witnesses—is there any other God?
      No! There is no other Rock—not one!”

 9 How foolish are those who manufacture idols.
      These prized objects are really worthless.
   The people who worship idols don’t know this,
      so they are all put to shame.
 10 Who but a fool would make his own god—
      an idol that cannot help him one bit?
 11 All who worship idols will be disgraced
      along with all these craftsmen—mere humans—
      who claim they can make a god.
   They may all stand together,
      but they will stand in terror and shame.

 12 The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool,
      pounding and shaping it with all his might.
   His work makes him hungry and weak.
      It makes him thirsty and faint.
 13 Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood
      and draws a pattern on it.
   He works with chisel and plane
      and carves it into a human figure.
   He gives it human beauty
      and puts it in a little shrine.
 14 He cuts down cedars;
      he selects the cypress and the oak;
   he plants the pine in the forest
      to be nourished by the rain.
 15 Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire.
      With it he warms himself and bakes his bread.
   Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it
      and makes himself a god to worship!
   He makes an idol
      and bows down in front of it!
 16 He burns part of the tree to roast his meat
      and to keep himself warm.
      He says, “Ah, that fire feels good.”
 17 Then he takes what’s left
      and makes his god: a carved idol!
   He falls down in front of it,
      worshiping and praying to it.
   “Rescue me!” he says.
      “You are my god!”

 18 Such stupidity and ignorance!
      Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see.
      Their minds are shut, and they cannot think.
 19 The person who made the idol never stops to reflect,
      “Why, it’s just a block of wood!
   I burned half of it for heat
      and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat.
   How can the rest of it be a god?
      Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?”
 20 The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes.
      He trusts something that can’t help him at all.
   Yet he cannot bring himself to ask,
      “Is this idol that I’m holding in my hand a lie?”

In contrast to the foolishness of serving Idols, We serve a God who not only made us, but knows us and longs to bless us!

 Isaiah 44:
 2 The Lord who made you and helps you says:
   Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant,
      O dear Israel, my chosen one.
 3 For I will pour out water to quench your thirst
      and to irrigate your parched fields.
   And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants,
      and my blessing on your children.
 4 They will thrive like watered grass,
      like willows on a riverbank.
 5 Some will proudly claim, ‘I belong to the Lord.’
      Others will say, ‘I am a descendant of Jacob.’
   Some will write the Lord’s name on their hands
      and will take the name of Israel as their own.”

Thanks God! xx

New world..New Kingdom.

I was never very interested in religion. People assume religiosity is a given, when you introduce the fact that you are a christian. But this is not so. Too many harsh wars have been created by religiosity. My ideas of being a christian are simple. I Know-Jesus. He is my salvation from this life, corruption, and death. He gives me life, hope and love. I know my Father in heaven, has an ultimate plan and purpose for me in this life, and through his Spirit, I am able to accomplish it.

 My eyes have been opened to a new world. A new Kingdom, my first experiences of this world came years ago, when I realized that I did not want to live, unless I had something worth living for! I started to open my heart to God, hear his gentle voice and was guided by his spirit.

 I am a very visual person. I love colour and creativity. I was designed and created this way. So when I experience another piece of God, it is usually through visual form. I have dreams, I see visions, and I am blessed to see God in this way.

 I become very much like a little girl, watching a colourful cartoon when I see things of heaven in my minds eye. I am awe struck with the way God opens up revelations to me and teaches me about himself and his kingdom. I love sharing these times with others also, to help them see God in this way too.

 I used to run a lot. (before having my children) I used to put on some jogging clothes, drive to the beach where I lived in Wales, get out the car, in the crisp coolness of an evening and I would head toward the miles of flat sand. I always liked to go, when it was dark enough to see the moon. The wet sand would become like glass, and the reflection of the sky would be mirrored on the surface below my feet. I would be running on top of the clouds, towards the great round light of the moon. It was beautiful. I would run and speak with God and pour out my heart to him.

 One evening, the moon was low on the horizon and its reflection was as clear as crystal on the vast wet sands below. I stopped to take it in. I heard the voice of God speak to me. " Which is more real to you, the skies above or the reflection below?" I stopped to think, Knowing God never speaks without reason, I pondered on my reply. " I believe that the skies above are the reality and that the reflection below is mearly a reflection..but what are you trying to show me here God?"

 He answered, " My kingdom should become in your heart a reality. My world exists, parallel to your world, yet to you it is like a blurry reflection. I want my world, to become so crystal clear to you, that you have to question what is more real to you. Make yourself intimately acquainted with my kingdom, by spending time with me in heavenly places..this way, you will change your world into a clear reflection of heaven."

I have never forgotten that lesson. I came away, feeling like my mind had been blown away, to think outside of the box that we have been born into.

 It is like walking around with one eye shut. There is so much evidence, even in this life, of new realms of creation. Life under the sea is another world we have little understanding of, because we live above water. Yet, it doesn't stop all of that sea life and wonders of the deep existing! We are just unaware of it.

 Choose this day, to become more intimately acquainted with your heavenly Father,read of his word & let his spirit guide you into all truth. Let him show you his kingdom and life, which will cause you to walk in a very different way. Touching heaven and changing earth.

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else]; I would rather be a doorkeeper and stand at the threshold in the house of my God than to dwell [at ease] in the tents of wickedness.-psalms

 O you who dwell in the gardens, your companions have been listening to your voice--now cause me to hear it.-song of solomon

Perfume

Perfume 

Pretty, crystal, blue with little pink hearts.

Has anyone else noticed how recent perfume bottles appear to be getting more elaborate looking?

I personally, love walking through the perfume isles in Debenhams, taking in all the fancy, ornate bottles and smelling all the different scents. I find myself, like a moth to the flame, reaching for the bottles that are pleasing to the eye. Somehow, with a connection in mind, that if it looks so pretty and feminine, it must smell divine also!

Oh - how I am wrong sometimes!!

Many times I have taken a deep intake of a breath through my delicate nostrils, to be slapped in the face with a horrific waft of nastiness! I pull a face and promptly return the bottle to its shelf and move on.

I am also, often surprised by the sweet and pleasant smells that come out of the very plain and simple looking bottles.

How we can see this happening  in life sometimes. So often we see people who are very attractive in their external features. They are well dressed, well spoken & well presented individuals. But, sometimes what comes out of their hearts can smack us in the face, like a nasty smell!

Outward appearances are not always a key to the internal heart of a man.

2 corinthians 4:7

We now, have this light shining in our hearts, but we are like fragile clay pots, containing this great treasure.

As you go about your week, keep this thought in mind. Do not judge those around you or make assumptions on what they are like , by their external appearances. Take a moment to remember the perfume isle. Appearances are often deceiving. Take the time to look within, to take a waft of the beautiful scents of peoples spirits & hearts. Look at them with Gods eyes. The greatest treasures can often exist in the simplest of pots.

Pretty and carved, beautifully.

Ornate in design, shaped elaborately.

Fancy and fussy,with flowers and trim.

I cant wait to smell, what comes from within!

Oh, oh you caught me off guard,

oh, oh, I feel you are flawed,

Oh oh, you look so divine,

but oh oh, you're no friend of mine!

Perfume, you are , not appealing to me,

your like perfume, that is so flawed, 

you look like you are the part, but i was so wrong.

God in his infinite wisdom, 

created the inner man.

The best part of us,

 is not how we look, but of the flavor of hearts.

we're like perfume, hidden within,

fragile and delicate pots.

we're like perfume hidden within,

fragile and delicate pots.

A recent song-in reflection.

There is a table, laid out before us.

Its a feast, for you and I.

will you come to eat and drink, before him.

Or will you remain the same?

There is love and life and truth here

and its all laid all out, for free.

There is love and life and truth here

and its all, for you & me

We're running this race.

come on !

Pick up the pace.

we're running for him.

We're running this race.

come on !

Pick up the pace.

We're running for Jesus

Step up to the table,

Stretch out your arms,

Take eat, of his presence,

and feel his  loving arms (embrace you.)

Step up to the table,

Come drink of the wine.

His blood will cleanse you,

from all that brings harm.

His love ever flowing,

 It is laid all out for you.

Come & feast here forever

On his light and life and truth.

Feast on love and truth and life

It will feed, clothe  & protect you

all and through your life.

This is not the time to live for you

This is our time to live for him...

Rebekah knight

Pamper me silly

This weekend I jetted off to Belfast to celebrate a close old friends 30th birthday. We have kept in touch and a group of us girlies have remained close despite age, distance and having totally different lives.
 We got to Belfast to be told that we would be recieving secret treats that evening, which turned out to be
Hot stone massages, manicures and pedicures. Simply devine. We were fed and relaxed to the max!
 The next evening we put on our glad rags and headed into Belfast to a spanish tapas bar. Lots of small courses, that became the better of us and we had to tell them to stop bringing it out after about 6 courses!
We did however manage to squeeze in a bit of desert!
 I am feeling very relaxed and happy to be part of a lovely group of friends. I have returned home , looking forward to setting to the plans God has for our family. Excited. :-)

Count it all joy?

Only a few days ago, I was thinking about how we tend to blog the good things that are gong on. 
Today I find myself, not in the greatest of places, struggling to stay a float.  Circumstances have been hard for a whille now, but God is faithful and has always come through. But some times there are days when you feel you just cant go on. Tired, drained, emotional, non- inspired, quite different to how you felt last week or even just yesterday, but somehow, you just feel 'done in.'
 Between James ans I this week, it has been a battle to stay joyful, up beat and full of hope. 
I had a bad day on sunday, where i couldnt stop crying.  James has also felt stressed, frustrated & heavy yesterday. Fortunately, I was OK yesterday, so able to help him see Gods hand in our circumstances and encourage him. He did the same for me when I was upset. Theres a verse in Ecclessiastes which says, 
 ' Two are better than one, 
       because they have a good return for their work:
 ¹⁰ If one falls down,
       his friend can help him up.
       But pity the man who falls
       and has no one to help him up!'
Its been a bit like that recently. One has been strong when the other is weak. 
I'm slightly unsure as to why things get so tough at times. But it becomes like an over powering wave, that decides to engulf you and bring you down.
 One thing I know, God remains the same. My fight is to keep my eyes fixed on his eyes, even though the storms will come, I keep my faith in him. 
He is always in control, so I want to hold onto the hem of his garment and not let go, until the storm is over.
 'Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and friend' Psalm 42.5