Eat, Pray, Rave..

Looking into the new season.

2012-02-27T00:43:00.003-08:00

Sorry i haven't been on here for a while, been crazy busy, starting my new season working for church. Its been nearly a month so far, and i feel i am just starting to get my grip with it.

Cant believe right at the start I got such a kicking from the devil, only God got me through it and he has used it for good.

There has been some real growth in the Boomerang project and its all very really exciting to see people come to know and realise the truth of Jesus and his love and passion for them. I cant really talk about it too long or I start to cry like a girl. But God is really changing some peoples lives, seriously its mad, God always uses upside down ways to show his love, but that's not to say, some days aren't just rubbish (was going to say s***, but am giving up swearing for lent, and hopefully life) with peoples issues and the enemy seeming to take a victory, but God is bigger and darkness trembles when he moves.

We have some real good ideas for the future, to help invest in our local community and its inhabitants.

Also my Bible study is going great, its teaching me a whole new way to think which is always a lark.. but some days I do just think' oh sack it, i want to go down the pub'. always a challenge.

I have my own nice little space in the church office buildings, with all the big cheeses, but am in the loft and have decorated it with my unique style. (fabric chintz bunting, yes matey.) oh how the church crew love me.

Right now I am studying Philemon, or Phi le mon (I have been saying wrong, like job or jobe)..

So its all exciting and going well...

Will try and keep this more up to date now, as i start to get back into a routine.

Peace and love.x

How to read the Bible for all its worth..

2012-02-13T01:42:00.000-08:00

In the last week, I have started my bible study course. Now those of you who know me, know that I am not an natural academic, I love to read, but study is a whole other ball game. The course suggested reading a book by Gordon D Fee, called 'How to read the bible for all its worth'.

This would be a book I would never normally go near, it looks complicated

Now I am only on page 68 out of 300. but I feel I am slowly getting there. Yesterday it made me read the whole of 1 Corinthians out loud in one go. It was hard, but also very interesting, I do have to sometimes read the same sentences twice, just to get my head around it. But it's really opening up, how incredible the bible is from a whole different view point... I don't think I have ever looked at it, this way, its mad.

'one of the most important aspects of the human side of the bible is that, in order to communicate his word to all human conditions, God chose to use almost every available kind of communication: narrative history, genealogies, chronicles, laws of all kinds, poetry of all kinds, proverbs, prophetic oracles, riddles, drama, biographical sketches, parables, letters, sermons and apocalypses.' (this was from the introduction).

Now call me stupid, but i never really looked at it like that. for the next few months, i will be in Epistle's (check me out, only just learnt this word, going to use it as much as i can) and trying to wrestle with the scripture like i have never done before interesting times ahead.

G.O.S.P.E.L. - Propaganda (Official Video)

2012-02-13T01:40:00.000-08:00

British Weather..

2012-02-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Today in the snow I had to wait an hour for my bus. I always laugh as soon as there is a little snow in England, the country just comes to a halt. My family up in Scotland always say, we are weaklings down here, we cant handle a few flakes of snow, but its true.

Is it any wonder when I get in and have something to eat, the last thing I want to do, is go back out.

No, I just want to get into warm pj's, have a nice fruity tea and hot water bottel at my feet and go into bookland, and every so often look through my window to the snow falling..

Where ever you are, I hope you are warm... bring on spring..

2012-02-01T00:36:00.000-08:00

It Begins...

2012-02-01T00:12:00.000-08:00

By your words I can see where I'm going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I've committed myself and I'll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Every thing's falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word. Psalm 119:105..

Today I start my year volunteering at my church. I am very excited about this. Over the last 2 weeks I have got abit of a battering from the Devil, to say the least, feel like i have gone a few rounds and am still in it.

God did tell me I was going to get a kicking, but as per usual you underestimate him and it comes from somewhere you never expect and it was alot more brutal. And as per usual, it takes me a few days to get my head around it stop making God so small and the devil so big. So at the moment I am defiantly in a battle, but also I am having to deal with a few issues, which is a good thing, but really scary and hard to do.

But God says in Galatians 5:1 'Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. '

So this is where I am at.. I am very excited and know, there are lots more battles to come, but God will be with me, every step of the way.

An ILL Weekend...

2012-01-29T01:03:00.000-08:00

So its turns out i havent gone to brigthon this weekend, as i dont think my body could handle it at the moment, with still not being 100% in my body.

So Instead, on my weekend off, I have been sleeping,drinking lots of Green Tea, catching up on TV (Documentary on David Bailey and Jean Shrimpton famous photo shoot in New York in the 60's and a film called Education with Carey Mulligan , both very good), reading and generally feeling sorry for myself, which is never good.

But it has given me a chance to catch up on some reading, last night I finished Rebecca By Daphne Du Maurier, it was recommended to me by a friend and its really good, very dark but keeps you hooked.

But now i have nothing to read, well I do but, I might just go back to faithful Jane Austen, who always helps me in these times,

Whatever you are doing hope your weekend is better than mine. Muchas love xxx

No Energy....

2012-01-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

I am ill, well tired beyond words, the whole head body thing, having no energy thing, has been my life for the past week. So, hence not being on here for a while. Its quite funny how this all comes on when in a weeks time, i start my volunteering work at church.

Also had a small nearly fatal bike collision the other day. shook me up, its time I buy a bike helmet,(I know responsible people,) no how much it squishes my beehive, its worth my head not getting squished.

I have been made to do the whole doctor, hospital thingy.. which is never fun, but needs to happen. This morning I was playing bingo in the hospital, with other patients waiting to have our blood taken in the waiting room, in the end we were cheering when our number got called for the needle, such fun!

But I am not letting it stop me jogging off to Brighton for the weekend, (no alcohol will be passing my lips) nah way man, if i have to have small granny naps every so often, i am willing, to wallow in Brighton Baby, bit of sea air will do me good..

Stay cool. X

Birthday Love.xx

2012-01-18T06:52:00.001-08:00

Its my birthday today... I wont tell you what age, but inside I definitely still feel 19....

My presents were bad boys this year, one of my top presents eva was my new pimpin bike, Vera Lynn (middle picture) shes a doll.

Also I had a vintage camera, which is awesome. But the best thing today was just having the day off work to chill and go out with the mother for a coffee, and tonight I get to spend it with the boomerang crew. Even brought a caterpillar cake.

Fun times.....

2012-01-17T01:31:00.000-08:00

We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. -1 john 4:19..

A Touch Of Frost.....

2012-01-15T00:28:00.000-08:00

This morning I have woken up to find the village that I live in covered in White dust. It looks very magical and pretty, but I will admit I am starting to get annoyed at the cold and long for days when I don't have to put 3 pairs of socks on to keep warm....

Bring on spring my favourite time of the year....xxx

The Boomerang Blog...

2012-01-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

http://www.lifechurch.eu/boomerang/

Hi, just wanted to put the link to the boomerang project blog, which i am a part of at church on here

The boomerang project is at the moment a Wednesday night run food outreach which is for homeless and people on the poverty line. But Gods is showing ways in which to expand into.

God has really blessed this project with great volunteers, finance but most importantly an opportunity to share his love and laughter with people who are going through tough times...

It has been running for 3 months and we have seen lots of growth not just in numbers but also in people...

Please pop by the site and have a look and let us know what u think

Thanks so much guys....

Lets share Gods love...

Claire

Horrific bible reading...

2012-01-11T02:34:00.000-08:00

Read this commentary this morning.... Proper punched me in the face with the brutal reality of The Cross. Have a read. from Matthew 27:26

Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

a. When he had scourged Jesus: The blows came from a whip with many leather strands, each having sharp pieces of bone or metal at the ends. It reduced the back to raw flesh, and it was not unusual for a criminal to die from a scourging, even before crucifixion.

i. "Scourging was a legal preliminary to every Roman execution, and only women and Roman senators or soldiers (except in cases of desertion) were exempt." (Dr. William Edwards in the article "On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ" from the Journal of the American Medical Association, 3/21/86)

ii. The goal of the scourging was to weaken the victim to a state just short of collapse and death. "As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck the victim’s back with full force, the iron balls would cause deep contusions, and the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produce quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh. Pain and blood loss generally set the stage for circulatory shock. The extent of blood loss may well have determined how long the victim would survive the cross." (Edwards)

iii. "The severe scourging, with its intense pain and appreciable blood loss, most probably left Jesus in a pre-shock state. Moreover, hematidrosis had rendered his skin particularly tender. The physical and mental abuse meted out by the Jews and the Romans, as well as the lack of food, water, and sleep, also contributed to his generally weakened state. Therefore, even before the actual crucifixion, Jesus’ physical condition was at least serious and possibly critical." (Edwards)

b. The blows of scourging would lessen as the criminal confessed to his crimes. Jesus remained silent, having no crimes to confess, so the blows continued with full strength.

And he did this for me... talk about a head wreck...

The Joy of Books..

2012-01-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

Worried Little Children...

2012-01-09T12:43:00.001-08:00

My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.- 1 John 3:18 (msg)

They Need Christ...

2012-01-05T02:25:00.000-08:00

'There are people hurting in the world out there. They need you. They need me. They need Christ. There are children crying and no one to care. They need you. They need me. They need Christ, And they'll go on hurting in the world out there, And they'll go on dying, drowning in despair, And they'll go on crying, that's unless we care! They need you. They need me. They need Christ.

2. There are people living who would rather die. They need you. They need me. They need Christ, And their Christian neighbours simply pass them by. They need you. They need me. They need Christ, There are people sitting by a silent phone, People cold and hungry, people left alone; Suicides for reasons that remain unknown. They need you. They need me. They need Christ.

3. There's the prostitute, and there's the prisoner, too. They need you. They need me. They need Christ, There's the skid row fella who won't look at you. They need you. They need me. They need Christ, The compulsive gambler dreaming of his yacht, And the lad that's stealing just to get his "shot", And the girl that's pregnant and pretends she's not: They need you. They need me. They need Christ.

4. There are runaways who want a place to go. They need you. They need me. They need Christ, There are alcoholics who don't seem to know They need you. They need me. They need Christ, There are Godless people who have lost their way, And they need God's love but they're afraid to say. If we close our eyes perhaps they'll go away Without you, without me, without Christ. – John Gowans

Boomerang Baby shower...

2012-01-05T02:20:00.000-08:00

Last night at the Boomerang project, we held a small baby shower for our friend Ann Marie who is expecting her child in a few weeks, (I Think it will come sooner), and I am told I will be known as Auntie Claire..

It was really great to bless her with some new items for the baby and be a tool for Gods blessing, but the best bit was when we got to pray with them both, and asked God to really protect this small family and bring them to know God...

A small action that God was in the middle of...

This is why I love God and his Church..

Weaker I get, the stronger I become !

2012-01-03T11:58:00.001-08:00

At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.-2 Corinthians 12:7-10

2011-12-30T23:56:00.000-08:00

Peaceful Night..

2011-12-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

Just got in from the boomerang night we do every week on Wednesday,with people who are on the poverty line.

Am currently lying in bed, thinking about tonight.

It certainly wasn't as packed as last week. Our Christmas extravaganza. To be honest not even 10 people turned up tonight, which could put you on a downer, after the awesome week of last week, but there was some right gems in the last 3 hours.

Talking about God to a few of the lads and hearing what they actually, truthfully think on God. At the end one of the lads stayed whilst we prayed, then we prayed for him, and we had good time, just telling him through prayer and scripture just how much God loves him. It was very good, mellow and calm. God really shone his love to him, through us, in a peaceful way, which was refreshing tonight. A Good chance to focus in Prayer on one person.

This makes me very excited for the year of 2012 and where God will take us...

Nigthty Night.

Lazy dayz...

2011-12-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

Morning world....

2011-12-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

Listen to this to wake you up!

Boomerang Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

Hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!

2011-12-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

I found a photographer whose work is absolutely stunning as the above picture's show...

Lee Jeffries photographs the homeless in black and white and shows the fragility of the human, in a real raw way...

Click on the link above to see the rest of his work.. Love it..

They'll all get to know me firsthand...

2011-12-18T03:45:00.001-08:00

This new plan I'm making with Israel
isn't going to be written on paper,
isn't going to be chiseled in stone;
This time I'm writing out the plan in them,
carving it on the lining of their hearts.
I'll be their God,
they'll be my people.
They won't go to school to learn about me,
or buy a book called God in Five Easy Lessons.
They'll all get to know me firsthand,
the little and the big, the small and the great.
They'll get to know me by being kindly forgiven,
with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean.- Hebrews 8

Mary Revelation.

2011-12-14T00:40:00.000-08:00

And Mary said,

Yes, I see it all now:
I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.

Then the angel left her.

Blessed Among Women

^39-45Mary didn't waste a minute. She got up and traveled to a town in Judah in the hill country, straight to Zachariah's house, and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. Luke 1:

I was reading this scripture this morning, armed with my cuppa tea, Milly my dog and my mum cleaning around me (am reading this along with the 24-7 Advent videos). When Mary has a visit from an Angel and he tells her about the pregnancy she is about to have.

Now what got my head wrecked this morning, is not that she has just been given some pretty big news that is gonna change her life and everyone else on the planet for ever and she needs to start thinking about how to tell her husband to be. Or the fact that she could be put to death because of the issue of her now with child, or the fact that Gabriel Angel extraordinaire, who I bet looks pretty smart in real life, wings and all, has stopped for a quick natter. Now this would all be a mind wreck, but no what got me, is verse 29: Mary didn't waste a minute.....WHAT!

She just gets right on and starts to plan for Gods work to be born. Pure faith. Now if it were me, I would be having a few days ranting at God, then a few days crying, maybe a few more praying, have a few prayer meetings and then my rock up to my church and ask them what they think of this crazy situation. Before starting to get my head around it, But Mary just gets on with it.. How mad is that? Isn't it mad that God knew this young Girl. would just deal with it and have so much faith to just get on with Gods work, where as me, I'd would spend a few weeks in disbelief mode.

Blew my mind this morning. God totally knows what he is doing!

This is alot more poignant this morning, as I had a bit of a moan yesterday at God about the man who went into a shopping market in Belgium and shot loads of people. Asking him, Why did he let it happen, and generally being moody.

How good and wise is our God? He knew Mary could handle it. and he knows I am a moaner, sometimes my heart hurts and I get disheartened.

But he has got it all under control.

Love it. X

The Hunger Games - Official Trailer [HD]

2011-12-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

Have been reading these books, like crazy, the first one took a week, half way through number 2.. love them and am excited to see the trailer for the movie of the 1st book which will be out next year, am also looking forward to the 'The Girl with the dragon tattoo' movie coming out at Christmas

Happy Dayz..

2011-12-12T00:06:00.000-08:00

2011-12-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

The decorations are up, and the planning has begun for a few parties and have been looking at a few recipes for a some festive cocktails... The Christmas season is upon us.... yeah ...!

Best Night of the week....Bommerang Night....

2011-12-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

2011-12-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

The Vicar of Dibley - Geraldine and Darcey Bussell Perform ''The Mirror''

2011-12-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

Inspiration for the Weekend show....

2011-12-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

2011-12-01T00:11:00.000-08:00

he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."-Isaiah 49:6

Happy Weekend

2011-11-26T00:07:00.000-08:00

The Forecast 2012...

2011-11-23T06:13:00.000-08:00

So after lots of prayer and seeking God. I have decided that the year of 2012 for me, will be one of serving... I have decided to take a year out from my normal work schedule to volunteer with my church. Helping out with the different community projects that we have started and would like to nurture. Being able to work on a few dreams and visions for my church and also get back into some serious bible study ..

Working in a church is so out of my comfort zone, those of you that know me, know that being around a structured church is not my most comfortable and natural area. But I am excited about the lessons and growth that will be learnt from this. Also getting back into some serious study of the word and applying it to my local Neighbourhood and mentoring is going to be so freakin awesome..

I will be keeping two days a week at the shop, for a small amount of fiance and help and prayer from our great customers.

This is so exciting and scary (good scary). I am so stoked as for what I will be taught and just to be able to focus on Gods work.

But I also know its going to be a season of pruning of excess baggage in my life that I don't need and that is going to hurt but God loves me so much, he wants to see me grow more in him.

Matthew 10 : 5-8 really nailed it for me where it said 'Go to the lost confused people right here in the neighbourhood' and further down in verse 9 it says' you don't need alot of equipment, you are the equipment'.

Thanks so much if you have been praying for me. I really appreciate it...

What an unrestrained loving God we serve!

x

Matthew 20: 24-28

2011-11-23T01:11:00.001-08:00

'And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Yet it shall not be so among you is a stinging rebuke to the manner in which the modern church looks to the world for both its substance and style. Plainly, the church isn’t to operate the way the world does.

Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant: In the Kingdom community, status, money, popularity should never be the prerequisites for leadership. Humble service is the greatest - and only - prerequisite, as exemplified by Jesus’ own ministry.

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve: Real ministry is done for the benefit of those ministered to, not for the benefit of the minister. Many people are in the ministry for what they can receive (either materially or emotionally) from their people instead of for what they can give.

I read this from 'Blue letter bible' this morning and thought it was pretty good...Espically with where and what I am thinking about for the future... ewww exciting...

2011-11-22T12:52:00.000-08:00

2011-11-16T09:07:00.000-08:00

Don't waste what he gives you....

2011-11-16T01:47:00.001-08:00

The feeding of the 5,000 gives us three principles for God’s provision:

Thank God for, and wisely use what you have.
Trust God’s unlimited resources.
Don’t waste what He gives you.

Belfast..Autumn 2011...

2011-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Belfast, was great to catch up with friends.. I went out with a Friend's Night club ministry team and saw Maverick Sabre On sunday night. Also went to 'Made in Belfast' one of my favourite restaurants and had a laugh and a banter...

Gotta love the Northern Irish Crew....

2011-11-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

I Am off to Belfast for the weekend, seeing friends and maybe some dancing and lots of eating food and cups of tea.

Have a good one, whateva you do!!!

2011-11-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

You are the Equipment...

2011-11-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

^9-10"Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.- Matthew 10...

Book Writing...

2011-11-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

k

For the first time ever, I am actually trying to write and finish it. My spell check at the moment is getting thrashed. I am doing this with the help on NANOWRMO. I am 5 days into it and I am actually getting into the writing process now. The first day was freaking hard, was literally at war with my body to say still and write, but am now really enjoying it, its just hard finding an hour out of each day, so at the moment I am writing mostly on my lunch break, on the bus and a few half an hour slots here and there.

I have always wanted to write a book, it doesn't matter if its the worst book ever written, as I don't plan on showing it many people, but its just another thing crossed of my list.

Only another 45,000 words to go....

God Questions From a picture...

2011-11-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

God, Today, I have had to eat, a blueberry muffin, a bowl of mushroom risotto, a stir fry, peach cake and whipped cream, and Scottish Toffee tablet and countless cups of tea.

God ,what has this other Child of yours had?

Why are the Tables so turned in My favour God?

I am not moaning, but sometimes I just don't understand...

I see the above picture, and I just cry, and I know this is nothing to the way your heart hurts...

I can't imagine the pain of this...?

Why do you not step in?

How Ridiculously blessed am I ?

'What a Huge Harvest'.

2011-11-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a meeting about one of our church initiative's. The Boomerang food project.. We were discussing idea's for the future, and it's got me really excited, about all the possibilities and visions for this program....which is really good, after last week I had a pretty tough night, speaking to one of the men...

The Scripture below is just so apt of how I am feeling at the moment. Even though some of them are like lost sheep, wandering aimlessly. Jesus heals hurting and bruised lives and leads the wayward sheep home.There is so much work to be done. And I cant wait to start to see real fruit from it..

'Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!" -Matthew 9:35-38...

Medieval Banquet...

2011-10-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Friday night, I went to a Dark Medieval Banquet at Coombe Abbey. An old abbey in some gorgeous woodland,about 20 minutes from where I live. Which is suppose to be haunted, but is just interior gorgeousness, if you are into architecture, this place is a must see.

The best part of the night was exploring the abbey, and getting scared going through to the food hall, by some evil monks and other dark people in the stables, didn't see them coming and I did scream, but a woman in front of me screaming and yelling ' Don't hurt me I'm a christian' was classic..

A very Unique experience..

Winter Rain...

2011-10-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

Questions in Prayer..

2011-10-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

The other day I was looking for a folder of paper to do some writing and I found an old pile in the bottom of a drawer. I Picked it up and this single piece of paper literally fell out. Its scribbled in crazy handwriting, which looks like mine, but with passion and urgency behind it. I read it and I have absolutely no recollection of penning it. But it sounds like me all over. Lots of questions, I think it must of been of when I was a christian about a year, and was really wrestling my some self worth stuff..'

Its Defiantly Interesting, let me know what you think!

'To Be a servant of Heaven and all the things it brings, to walk into the shadow places. where darkness rests and and draws more strength for its evil schemes. To walk boldly into these destitute places, daring to go, with my lamp burning brightly. To walk the path of uncertainty and yet at the same time know that I will be looked after is certain.
A light bringer, a vision of sunrises to the Hell's on Earth's. Can I be that bold?
To speak to those whose eyes and face tell of unspeakable pain, to try to break through their built up facade. Can I do it ?
To know that I may never see a harvest, yet plant so many seeds. Can I be that patient?
What would happen? If the places of hurt, that can't feel God were to come to his glory?
Am I bringing my full potential to God?
What do I have to offer?
Can I be used in his grand scheme of things?
I want to be on fire his his kingdom. I want to see society's fall down in awe of the holy spirits presence. I want to see nations come before you God, thousand getting baptised at a time, where heavenly songs proclaiming your name as mighty, will be heard all over the earth, bringing peace to all.
Can I have a part to play in that?
Am I already?
Am I of any use in that plan? I know the lord will use me, but with my small head I cannot comprehend how.
But the lord is mighty and I don not worry about such things, he will guide me and lead me to still and beautiful waters.'

I feel I can answer these questions back to me, from 4 years on down the road with God ... What an Amazing journey it has been so far....

Jason Upton - Clouds & Creeds (HD Live in London)

2011-10-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

I love listening to this guy, and this song is really just about Gods Joy over us. and how he loves to bestow us with glimpses of his beauty....

I defy you to listen to this song and not lift your arms in praise,,,,

2011-10-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

2011-10-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

2011-10-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

So much beauty in the world

2011-10-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

This morning on the Bus, my ipod was on shuffle and this song came on. And at the risk of sounding corny... it was so fitting walking into work, the sun was proper shining, no clouds, but crisp and cold. I literally floated to work, it was beautiful..this feeling lasted only a few seconds once in work, but hay ho. And the song just reminded me of how much of a good film American beauty is....

It really was a Hollywood movie moment, in Coventry...

Creativity Not Clones..

2011-10-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

In the week, I was in church and I met a nice lady on the Alpha course. Later that evening when she had done that session, We met by the cakes, she was saying goodbye I was still eating...I asked her how she was getting on, and she said yeah good, she was (her actual words) just trying to focus on fitting in at the church at the moment...

This really racked me off, (not the lady she was just being truthful and to be honest I did the exact same thing, for the first few months I came to church). I replied not very gracefully 'sack fitting in at church', I told her God didn't make her to fit in. I did want to also add ' Be who God made you to be we don't need any more clean faced christian clones'. But I held my tongue for a change. Its a miracle!

Now this lady has made a huge step by her coming into our church and now she feels she needs to change.. WTFlip.....

How did this happen. What does that say about me and my church?

Go back to NT days.. did people join the apostle gang and think 'Crap, I need to become like Paul or peter, nah man, the group was full of weirdos and specials and average peeps, they couldn't copy each other if they tried...

Like that guy you see walking down the street and you pray to yourself 'please don't talk to me ' He would of been in the gang.. or the guy doing the street cleaning job that is so beneath you... He's
in... Would they join Gods church and also feel the need to change?. I am not sure I am gonna like the answer to that.

'Is committing ones life to Christ also a commitment to a loss of identity and individuality'... what do you think Jesus would say?

Difference is what makes the world and the church amazing.... In fact this diversity glorifies God. So why does someone go into a church and automatically feel the need to stop what Gods made them in personality? Does this mean in fact we are stopping his Gods glory shine through that person... The church puts a bucket over a shining light and says stop glowing that way, only sparkle like this...

Maybe it sounds like a rant, I don't mean it too, I am preaching to myself as much as anyone... but as a person who has never really fitted into church and hopefully will never fully do, I still get shocked, have I lost some of my God given Identity by walking through the church doors every Sunday ? Urrhhh. Wobble!

As to the lady, this week I am gonna sit with her and tell her to be as unique as possible... hopefully that comes into the Alpha course at some point. When she has only been going to church 2 weeks and already she is trying to put on the religious front, she needs to Know, what the church sometimes makes her feel and what God thinks of her don't always, actually alot of the time don't always match..

God delights over her uniqueness, Yes mate.....

AMENxxx (End of Rant)

Joining him in the work he does....

2011-10-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

Just got in, after an evening serving but mostly being little miss chatterbox, to the people who come to the food Kitchen in our Nuneaton Church and it was brilliant..

Lots of great chats and love shown... Its brilliant when you get to show Gods love in really simple practical ways..like giving someone some nice warm apple crumble to eat and they go back for 2 more portions or give out a coat/blanket to keep them warm, when they are sleeping rough in really rubbish places..

I was reading the below scripture yesterday from Ephesians 2 and it really spoke to me, about how I go about carrying this this church time in my life as sometimes I can carry too much ....

^'7-10Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.

I love that its his work and he loves me being a part of it... It's not my job to way myself down with thinking' its how good we are as a team.' He saves not us !

He has showered me with grace and kindness, now I get to do the same to his hurting sons and daughters..

Flippin awesome...

NEVILLE HAS THE LAST LAUGH...

2011-10-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

HE'S TURNED INTO A HOTTIE.....

2011-10-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

I have found a website that gives you all the series of Doctor Who from the series one, Rose and Christopher Eccelston...

This makes me very happy, I am now gona cane it, I have forgotten just how good rose was, way better than Amy, Bring her back BBC....

Here's to series 2 to be watched in a day, me thinks... xx

And I have found out that the old doctor who Mr David Tennant is in Coventry,doing some filming, as half of Coventry have phoned me up to let me know. I think people think I would go and hide in a bush and wait for him to walk by and pounce on him...which is not true, it would be a large shrub or hedge for the best disguise. haha...

2011-10-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Howling Wind

2011-10-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

Last night at the Food program we do at church. I met 2 guys who are sleeping in tents. On some green field somewhere. they said its been okay when the weather has been nice and sunny, but as today defiantly feels the beginning of winter, I can't help but think of them.

Right now I am lying on a nice comfortable warm dry bed, with clean duvets and thick woolly socks from M&S ... whilst they are out there freezing, only a thin piece of canvas to cover them from the blazing wind and relentless rain, I hear outside crashing against my window... and to be honest I feel like a hypocrite.

I rant about trying to help them, yet here I am, all snug as a bug in a rug... But do I want to give this up and go and join them.. Flip No !

So what Am I suppose to do? I am praying for them but it just doesn't seem enough, we are trying to get them sorted with supplies and are feeding them and trying to get to know them, but it doesn't help the instant problem of 'tonight and tomorrow and the day after that they are in the cold' .

It's a tough situation, but there is nothing more really I can do , they really need to help themselves...

But no matter how much I try I can still hear the wind and is it me or does it keeps getting louder and louder....

My First song.

2011-10-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

'I gave you brokenness , Shame sin and dirt.

You gave me unending love, freedom to be joyfull and hope.

The most unfairest swap, yet you drank it in, Suffered it and lived it for me

The purest heart stop beating on earth.

I don’t always get it, don’t always see...'

the above lyrics are from my first proper praise song, I've wrote and put out into the world..

I played it the other night to people, but didn't tell them before, just slipped it in between some Hillsong, was seriously shaking but they went with it.praising..

Who'd of thought it, me writing a song.. about the goodness of God.

If you'd have told me this 4 years ago I would of laughed in your face, but here I am...

Hilarious... Gods so Crazy cool.

Love him.xx

Elizabeth Gilbert: A new way to think about creativity

2011-10-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

God Wonders

2011-09-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God,
turn your backs on the world's "sure thing,"
ignore what the world worships;
The world's a huge stockpile
of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
Nothing and no one
comes close to you!
-Psalm 40:4

At the moment i just feel totally in wonder . Being in India just gave me a real perspective on how flipping good I have life. I have a family that cares for me and a healthy body and clean running water and a clean place to live and work. Flip, just being able to travel, is a blessing.

During the trip we visited a local house in a village, and its in my head. Just the pure lack of anything. It proper smacked me with the reality of poverty. I asked God how are the tables so turned in my favour and he asked me the question right back. Interesting!!!

the scripture above says 'God-wonders and God-thoughts' I am defiantly feeling this. I am actually walking around in awe and wonder. I have come back to a stunning England . Autumn is bringing the colours out and its so sunny, so green its gorgeous and I love it. But I am also still reeling from the beauty and challenges of India...

I think I just have a realisation of how good my quality of life is. I feel so blessed , cause I know I am.

God is so good to me. God -wonder and God-thoughts, definitely...x

2011-09-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

India.. 2011

2011-09-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Jeep style in Ranakpur.
Goa
Ranakpur temple.

Udiapur. this is on a hotel island on a lake.
Cow in a leather shop.

Sunrise view up a mountain in Pushkar

My word to describe India is for me EXTREME.

Extreme beauty, and extreme poverty. Extreme colour and extreme dirt, extreme tastes and extreme diseases. extreme roads and extreme religion.

It was amazing, and tireing. Its just so different from the UK. at first it seems quite scary, but a few days in and you are all sorted.

We started off in Deli then got a train to Agra (Taj Mahal) then got a bus to Jaipur (the pink city). Then we headed to Pushkar (a hindu holy city). then got a train to Udiapur. Then a jeep to Ranakpur (mounatians and beauty), then an overnight train to Mumbai (metroploitian city) then a plane to Goa where we danced a little.

The food was awesome, had the most amazing food in my life. Saw a bollywood movie, had a indian massarge. rode lots of tuk tuks and rickshaws, made some new friends, well quite alot actually and so much more.

My favourtie things was seeing the Taj Mahal and being in Pushkar and rideing an elephant.

Incredible..xx

India...the beginning...

2011-09-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

So I am off to India for 2 weeks off carrying a backpack and eating dodgy food, with my mate Laura...

Elephants, smells, Holy Cows and road chaos, are bound to be a daily experience, in the days ahead.

Right now I am excited and a bit nervous, not being the greatest flyer, I hate being on planes, so an eight hour flight, is defiantly not my idea of a fun time. ( I do have the whole first season of doctor who, Billie and Christopher Eccleston..to watch.)

So if you Believe and love God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I would appreciate your prayers for the next few weeks. I am sure I will log into here at some point to let you know the score...

Take care...

2011-09-08T11:41:00.001-07:00

‘But sin didn’t and doesn’t have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace.’ Romans 5 :20 (msg)

2011-09-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

2011-09-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

2011-09-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

2011-09-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

Scars...

2011-09-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Another great night last night at the food kitchen. Lots of great people,chatting and sharing, being Friends.

Towards the end of the night, there was an incident that really hurt me, to see someone in so much pain and see the physicality of it, in front of my eyes. Serious wounds and scars, the images burned into my memory.

I actually think I felt a bit of my heart break off it hurt, quite alot... I went home, got my dad to pray with me and then ranted and cried with God for a bit..

So so so much pain, and hurt and unlove is hard to bear.. And my only real option last night, was to pray with him. I feel like I want to save him, and am quite powerless to do anything.. but I know, I have to give it to God.

'Break my heart for what breaks yours'

I feel like this prayer keeps getting answered. Which is Good. ( i do wobble, when i say that).

But I feel a right plonker, when people ask me to tell them about the food kitchen and I end up crying like a lunatic. If you are one of these people I am sorry!

What an Adventure....we are on...

We need Boring Christians....

2011-08-29T03:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/26398-we-need-boring-christians

Click on the link above to read a blog which I thought was pretty good and thought provoking...

Enjoy xx

2011-08-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

2 weeks...

2011-08-25T01:45:00.000-07:00

Banquet of Praise.

2011-08-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

Spread for me a banquet of praise,
serve High God a feast of kept promises,-Psalm 50: 14 ..

Last night I was at our Food Kitchen at our Nuneaton church. Each week is different. Last night, because it was raining, there wasn't as many people as usual, just a few of the hardcore regulars. (I love that we have Regulars.)

These guys come in at 7 as the doors open and stay till the end. In fact, usually we are having to kindly say, 'hay we kind of need to close up'. I love it. These amazing people just want to chat, and laugh and eat and feel loved and cared about.

Last night we were all on one big table, and we switched from one topic of conversation to another, but along the way, a few people shared their testimony and we talked about the perception of God and people's view of Christian's.. We laughed about embarrassing situations and funny stories and jokes.

A real intimate group.

I can actually say, to me it doesn't matter if there is 3 or 23, I just have to love who is in front of me. ( I am more shocked than anyone, to actually mean this in truth, I thought this was what I would always say but never really mean it, it sounds a nice idea, But it's actually how I feel, Shocker!!!)

So great times are happening, with the Food Kitchen. I was reading the bible this morning and came across the Scripture above and it really spoke to me, 'Banquet's of praise' .

It hit me that I am serving chicken stew and apple crumble to God's princes they just don't know it yet... whoo hoo, God is good.xx

Robby : Furious Love...

2011-08-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

This makes me Cry and shout Thanks to God at the same time..

Freakin awesome... Thankyou God.xx

The Least Of These - Sing Sing Sing

2011-08-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

2011-08-19T02:07:00.000-07:00

Freshly baked slice's of Love...

2011-08-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Just got in from another night at our Nuneaton church, giving out dinner/desserts/Tea + Coffee/ Juice and some freshly baked slice's of Love, To people who are either homeless or on the bread line.

What an a great night, lots of great conversations, another chance to pray with someone and one of our team ended up giving their bible away.. The last few weeks have really seen it grow, in numbers and God opportunities... its exciting..

Its also a learning curve for me... which is good. Helping people get out their comfort zone, is always a challenge. But God has been so faithful.

And we have had a few hiccups, like tonight's food looked like there wasn't any, and we were on our way to buy 20 burgers from McDonald's when at the 11th hour it came..

Also another blessing from it, is getting to know people who have volunteered, which I never really get a chance to do on Sunday's.. and a few of the food kitchen visitor's came to church last Sunday.

God is so good to me and his children.... Exciting times...

xxx

Quit focusing on your handicap..

2011-08-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

My grace is enough; it's all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Rise

2011-08-12T02:15:00.000-07:00

A Great Song to give glory to God to....

Wish I could play the guitar that good...

Happy Friday...

The one's and two's....

2011-08-10T02:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight is another night opening up our Nuneaton church and feeding people. Just the small act of a hot meal and an ear to listen, seriously that's all some of these people long for in the short term, and we pray and try and help out in the long term...

It has started out very small and I feel that's the way God wanted it with us. We get to have decent long chats with the lads, get to know them, become friends as they slowly open up to us..

God really spoke to me about how precious these lads are... they are his princes, his sons and they just haven't realised it yet and we get to walk the journey with them as they come to see his passionate love for them.....

We are very blessed with the few , we know they have been given to us from God, as they are delicate and need special attention from us...

If you are faithful with a little, you will be faithful with alot.'

God Loves his children...

Love it.. XX