Relationships are hard. Cooking comes with instructions.

Relationships are hard. At least cooking comes with instructions. However, it's the relationships that count that are worth it! Hard though they may be sometimes, the fulfillment they bring is beyond measure.

It's a hard one to call as some relationships are better to be cut off - what do I mean? Well, they are the ones that constantly drag you down, depress you and make you someone other than who you are or who you were meant to be. I am not talking about those people in our lives that chip away the characteristics in us that hold us back from our potential, let's not confuse the two. I'm talking about the people who, when you walk away from them, make you feel deflated, flat and insecure. Be aware!!

But the relationships that count... the ones that you have to fight for - not fight in! These are the ones that come under attack because they unite God's family. They are the ones that scare the Devil and shake the foundations of Hell. They terrify him because they form a frontline in God. He knows Our Father is a God of relationship and therefore he will do anything to tear people apart and break them down.

Hold on to these relationships by being honest with each other in kindness, but also with truth. By lifting each other up rather than slandering. By asking for forgiveness and giving it in return. By forgetting the other person's faults and mistakes, but rather loving them for who they are in God. By saying, 'I care'. Hold on to those anyway you can, because those are the ones that count!

Jesus did. He gave up everything for relationship! He gave His life and for a moment, He even gave up His connection to God, for us. US!
We were worth that to Him and all He asks us in return is to love Him and one another. That's it!

Sounds simple huh? But in our human nature it's probably the hardest thing to do. We are able to do this only with His Holy Spirit to guide us. In our own strength we are selfish and self-seeking, but with His love in us we can love each other the way He intended. It was worth all He gave up for us to do that, so there must be a bigger reason to heed His words...

"love one another the way I have loved you."

'If life hands you MELONS, you may be dyslexic'

I've heard of dyslexia, but I honestly think there is the same sort of issue in some people with regards to numbers. I have it. I have aptly named it 'numberlexia' (see what I did there?). I get numbers all fuddled up and the wrong way around and back to front. It's quite amusing most of the time.

The problem, I believe, has escalated and it is probably due to the shear amount of numbers we have to try to remember these days. Never mind birthdays and anniversaries. There's the pin number to your bank card, credit card, and the other credit card that you shouldn't have. Then there's your log in's for facebook, myspace, twitter, blogger, wordpress. Then there's your phone number, mobile number, office number, boyfriend's number and best friend's number - if you forget that you're pretty much dead meat. Then there's your online banking log in and so on and so forth, you see where I'm going.
I also have a real problem with telling time apparently.


The real problem though, arrises when you can't remember your own jolly age!

The Gospel

I am not ashamed of the Gospel.
Some may not understand it, may not agree with it. It may seem too much to get their heads around - this I do understand. But I am captured by the Gospel and captured by what Jesus gave for me. Captured in heart and soul by a love so undeserving and so much bigger than anything I could ever understand.
I have often thought, Father why did you call me? Why did you save me? But I will always be grateful that he did.
It's not always easy. I have lost friendships, family and romance because they didn't understand nor did they try to. I can't be angry with them for this, but I can hope for their sakes that one day they too will have a revelation of the love of the Gospel.

I am a Christian. That means in essence that I am a follower and believer in Jesus Christ. I have had a revelation of the priceless, not-able-to-ever-repay gift of the cross.
I continue to learn about grace and unconditional love poured out daily by my Father, creator of Heaven and Earth, my Saviour, My Protector, My Friend.

I am a Christian and I am not ashamed of it.

to push on...

Jesus said, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." - Matt.11v28 The Message

But what does this really mean when you're in the thick of the burden, in the depth of disappointment and hurt. It's just words really. Is He waiting for us to cry out to Him? Is He waiting for us to tell Him what's wrong? Well, yes to both of these, but when you yourself are not sure what's wrong to be able to put it into words, this is all rather difficult.

This is when it's good to just be still. Be still and wait. Be still and trust. Be still and hope. Be still and know that HE IS GOD! Faithful, reliable, trustworthy and just. He works ALL things for the good of those who love Him. ALL things.

The most priceless gift...

There is no saying how much it can brighten a person's day. It costs nothing and requires only a moment of your time. A moment not measurable in time really. It can change someone's mood, their thoughts, their heart. It can light up a room, plant hope and send love. It can encourage a child, and help them to see the humanity we as adults easily loose sight of. It is the shortest distance between two people. It can calm a storm and settle the unsettling. There's nothing quite so beautiful as a smile.

Nostalgia

This morning I saw a van for a chimney sweep. I didn't know that they were still around. Fair enough nowadays they probably do it slightly differently and travel around in big vans but I do love a bit of nostalgia. Memories of Dick Van Dyk and a rendition of 'Chim Chimeny' rolls through the sweet childhood memories of my mind.

The Blind Side

Watching the Oscar winning movie, 'The Blind Side' tonight brought out emotions in me that I find are hard to get a grip on. I cried at the thought of someone not having any clothes or a place to sleep or having someone to worry why they're not home. It made me so unbelievably grateful for all that I have. I am truly blessed.

Do I want more, well in truth - yes! It'd be a bare-faced lie if I said otherwise. But part of me wanting more is also to do more and give more. I am a selfish person really. I don't really do much for others less fortunate than myself.
I don't take seriously the opportunities given to me and this is going to change if I want to head somewhere to enable more in my life. This is going to open the doors I need opening in order to give back to someone.

The thought of adopting a child is even more appealing now. Knowing that it could change some lonely neglected or abandoned child's life. WOW! What a privilege. Maybe one day I will actually get the chance to do something like that.

First though... I need to change my heart and open it wide.