The Best of 2011

I can't believe that a whole year has passed.

Seriously, that went quickly, right?

I have been thinking about all that 2011 held.

It got me thinking about the best bits.

I could list all of these things..but I'm not going to (not today anyway)

But I think the best part of the year was probably a couple of days ago for me.

My brother is home for Christmas.

He is in the Royal Navy and has been away since July.

As you can imagine I was pretty excited to see him.

I have so enjoyed spending time with him.

Anyhoo, back to my favourite moment.

We were on our way to town the other day and Fin let me pick the music.

FYI - in my family this never happens because I will either put music from musicals, soppy romantic songs..etc. They don't go down well (secretly I am sure that they enjoy this!)

SO...I had picked a few wonderful songs.

Dancing Queen, by Abba, came on.

I was sure that he would as me to change it, but he didn't.

He joined in with my and sang his little heart out.

Ok, he might have been taking the mic a little bit but it was hilarious.

I had a huge smile on my face, and sometimes I couldn't help but laugh.

I thought to myself

" right now, this is the best moment of my year"

There was no time to think about everything else that was going on, no stress, no worry.

Just fun times with my little brother.

I am going to leave you with the music video for Dancing Queen.

Don't try and resist dancing. I think it is impossible.

So dance along and smile as you think about all the wonderful blessings of 2011.

On purpose, with purpose.

I am really going to try and work on being more consistent with my posts.

I think one a month is a little bit pathetic!

 I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and took some time to reflect on the real reason for the occasion. I have to admit that Christmas became a whole lot more special when I really appreciated all that the birth of Jesus meant for me.

He is really the greatest gift we could ever ask for.

I am back in Scotland for a little bit.

Hopefully, I will be back in California soon.

(please pray for me)

I am enjoying spending time with my family and especially the little brother.

He is a such a blessing to me.

I do have some fun photos from Christmas day, but I need to get them from  brother first.

We had a some what eventful day.

My brother, Dad and I headed to Bridge of Earn for Christmas day to spend it with our Granny and Great-Aunt.

They were very excited to have us spend the day with them, as were we!

We arrived, and I put the pavlova safely in the kitchen.

(I don't know how you are supposed to travel with a pavlova but I was holding the plate, the pavlova was sliding all over the place so I had to hold it with both my hands. I had 2 fingers on one side of the pavlova and 2 on the other and still had to have hold of the plate. I don't know how it made it there in once piece because I dosing in and out of consciousness.)

Annnnnyhoo.

We said "Merry Christmas" to the girls (the old girls) and started unpacking all the presents from the car.

As I was coming back in Aunty was on the floor in the house.

She had tripped and must have hit her head off the cabinet.

She had a cut just above her eye.

She sure gave us all a freight.

Thankfully she was alright.

It was crazy because on the way there I had been thinking about how old they are getting (Aunty will turn the big 9-0 next year)

For the most part she is doing great. But she has had a few little bumps now.

I do worry about her.

But honestly, I think (ok I know) that I fall over more often than her.

I was putting up Christmas decorations last week and stepped back, lost my balance and took a heavy step back and smashed a glass bauble. Great.

No glass in my foot though! Phew.

I am enjoying relaxing these holidays.

It is horrible outside. Really it is.

I think I could quite easily go into hibernation right now.

I have no desire to go outside. The wind is crazy, and throw rain in there and it is just nasty.

There is no fear of me blowing away though, I have not stopped eating since Christmas Day.

Why does that happen around this time of year?

You just see food and think that you need to eat it or something terrible is going to happen.

I just want to eat all the food so it is gone.

I've not just been eating.

What I've been enjoying more than eating is reading.

I am finding it hard to put down a book just now.

I am readying a book called The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian.

It is very challenging, and encouraging.

I started reading it a while ago, I may have spoken about it here before.

But I haven't read it for a good few months.

It is actually a 3 in 1 book and it also have The Power of a Praying Wife and The Power of a Praying Parent.

I have been reading parts of all 3.

Now is hasn't been that long since I have posted.

I am neither married, or had a baby.

But I still find it relevant.

As I read through the different chapters and sections I find myself agreeing with what the writer is saying.

It is very real, very honest and I can relate to what she is talking about.

I find myself reading it and saying "YES" in my head.

Yesterday I read this.

" We have to put our expectations in the Lord and not in other things or people."

Emm, yes.

How often do we forget this? I know I do.

As I wait  and pray for my visa sometimes my prayers are not focused on the Lord and His plan but focused on the outcome I want.

That is not to say that I don't believe that the Lord wants me to be in California.

I do.

But my prayer should be, and is, that the Lord's will be done in my life.

His plan is far more perfect than any plan I have for my life.

"We want to live life on purpose and with purpose"

It is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world.

I want to be part of something greater.

My prayer is that I will live my life on purpose and with purpose.

Ladies, I would definitely encourage you to get this book if you haven't already done so.

My dear friend, Juliet, gave me this book for my Birthday 3 years ago.

I have picked up it a few times in these 3 years but I am feel challenged to study it more closely.

I'll leave you with a photo of my in my new Christmas Pjs!

Yes, they are covered in robins and holly.

And yes, they are beautiful.

Praying that you have time reflect on the things/people that really matter this holiday season.

How Great is Our God

Listening to this right now. Wanting to share the encouragement.

Listen and enjoy praising God.

How GREAT is our God!!

p.s.

I realise that all my posts are kinda the same.

Sorry, but you are just gonna have to bear with me.

Because I am in California just now the visa is heavy on my mind, well I guess even if I was in Timbuktu it would be heavy on my mind. What I mean is the Lord is confirming that this is where He wants me to be and I am getting a real feel for what life would be like here.

I get frustrated because I don't have my visa, then I get frustrated with myself for being frustrated. AH.

The Lord is working in me to change my attitude!

And I am praying.

Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Ok...I'm going this time. Probably for another month...just kidding, maybe...;)

Glorious.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

This was the verse I was looking at in my devotionals yesterday.

I stopped and read this over and over.

That word 'glorious' really stood out to me.

It definitely put a smile on my face.

I was needing this reminder, as the Lord knows. He is always fully aware of what we are forgetting and ignoring and is quick to provde a friend or direct us to a scripture so that we get that encouragement or that kick that we need!

I have been thinking far too much about my visa and having to go home and what will I then...and the list goes on as I start to think about everything that I would need to do.

I need to stop. 

I find myself doing this a lot and there is no need for it.

All of my needs will be met, according to God's glorious riches!!

God is so rich in love for us all and is fully committed to us.

I know that he will meet all of my needs and I trust in His great plan.

At the end of my devotional was this prayer:

Lord, I sometimes take half-measures in my walk with you. But You never befriend me halfheartedly. Teach me to trust all you've promised in Christ Jesus.

Amen.

A perfect plan.

I have been in California for over a month now.

Yeah - that is crazy.

It seems like yesterday that I was feeling sick because I was stressing so much about what I needed to do before I left. Remember, I am a worry wort.

 Now I am here, and pretty much stress free.

It is so wonderful to be here.

Let me try and fill you in a bit more.

So, I don't have a visa yet. I am here on a visitor visa and just visiting with my friends.

I am getting a glimpse of what life would be like if I lived here.

So far, I like what I see.

I have been so encouraged since I got here. Everyday, in the little things.

The Lord sure has surrounded me with the some of the greatest people.

But at the back of my mind there is always this visa.

I can't hardly say "If I get this visa"

I have to say "when I get this visa"

I worry about it and think about it a lot.

I find myself thinking "what if" I don't get the visa, then what will I do?

My mind wanders onto plan making.

Over the past couple of weeks the Lord has really been working in me to change my attitude.

Do I trust that the Lord has a perfect plan for me? Yes.

Do I believe that if I don't get this visa that the Lord has something else in store? Yes.

Do I sometimes forget to leave it all in the Lord's hands and take a step back? Eh, yes.

I believe that whatever the government decides about my visa, the Lord is in control.

Being reminded of this really puts a smile on my face.

My prayer is that I don't forget this.

I take comfort in knowing that His will be done.

On Saturday our friends celebrated their 8th Wedding Annvirsary.

Every year when this date comes round I am so thankful for them.

I get excited when I think about it.

Maybe that will be my next post.

Such a beautiful story showing the Lord weaving away at His masterpiece.

They are a big part of the reason that I am sitting in California writing this.

But the Lord plays the lead role.

The Lord has a perfect, wonderful plan for all of us.

'For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

So thankful for this.

"I will yet praise Him, my great Redeemer
I will yet stand up and give Him glory with my life
He takes my darkness and He turns it into light
I will yet praise Him, my Lord my God"

I Have a Hope - Tommy Walker.

Praying that I will praise Him and give Him glory in everything I do, knowing that I have hope in Him.

October.

Yeah, it's October and that scares me. Where has this year gone? I know it has been soo long since I have written on here, lots going on and lots to fill you in on. But for now I am going to let you in on a song that has been encouraging me over the past few months. I hope it encourages you too.

Work.

So...I have been really struggling at work.

We have basically got a new management team and they have a very different style to our previous management.

Don't get me wrong, I get on really well with them and I really like them.

But it is just very different just now.

There is a very different atmosphere and the staff are pretty down.

Me included.

I came home from work the other day and had a pretty bad attitude.

I decided that I wasn't going to do anything to help anyone.

I decided that I didn't even care if things went wrong, I was just going to look out for myself.

Yeah, it wasn't pretty at all.

So me and my bad attitude got home and I was adament that I was going to be horrible.

Later that night I was doing my bible study and I don't think it was any accident that I was directed to this passage.

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ² Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ" Colossians 3:23-24

Yeah, message heard. Loud and clear, Lord.

So my attitude has changed. I am not working for the people that are making me miserable and putting me down everyday.

I was working for my Father who brings me joy, protects me and loves me.

Makes it so much easier to get through the day.

Living each day for the Lord, and working each day for Him too.

Needed this reminder, do you?



Distance.

The baby brother called tonight.

It was so so good to talk with him.

He is off at ship just now and only has half an hour each week to call.

So we don't hear from him often.

And the big sister came up and had dinner with us.
Perfect evening.

Here are a few snaps from the last weekend he was home, at the beginning of July.

 Precious - my brother, sister and I.

Love this photo because we just look so similar. Both squinty in the sun.

Look at that blue sky! We sure do love him.

Fin let me have a go on his motorbike. Yes, the front wheel is off the ground. If you look really closely at the photo you can see that Fin has a pretty shocked expression on his face. I was very proud of myself - and also feared for our lives.

On the train having a starring contest. So funny. Not sure when we started holding our eyes open. Please note big sister laughing hysterically. Really, we all were. We are a little bit silly.

It was so good to chat with him, but I sure miss times like these.

I am so thankful for my brother and sister.

I am thankful that we get along so well.

My prayer is that no matter where we are we will stay close.

We went out for dinner when Fin was home, just the three of us.

It was lovely and we were talking about the future and our families.

We were saying how crazy it is that we don't speak to all our cousins more often.

Then we got thinking about our kids.

We couldn't imagine them not being the best of friends.

I pray that we are able to keep stay this close to each other, wherever we are in the world.

I love them both so much.



Home.

I came across this passage yesterday and got excited.

"As for me and my household,

we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15

I can't wait to build a home with the Lord as our foundation.

This might be quite a while away for me, but I know who I will be serving when that time comes.

Jeremiah 1:5

Great reminder. Found here on Pinterest.

Timing.

It happened again.

A whole month passed again.

Oh my goodness, I don't know where it went...but it certainly has gone!

I feel like I am super duper busy right now.

(I hate using that as an excuse)

Don't you feel like time sometimes goes by so fast, but yet it feels like it is dragging?

Yes, I know that doesn't make sense but that you all know what I mean!

I have been quite disheartened these past couple of months.

As you know, I am trying to get to America to work and live.

This has been a long process, like really long.

Over a year and a half has passed since we started working on it.

So I am ready to be there now.

It consumes all my thoughts, day and night.

I long for the day that I am worshipping in the Church where my heart is.

But I know that the Lord is working in me at this time.

He is teaching me so much.

Today a certain story in the Bible was brought to my attention.

Remember Lazarus? Jesus was called to heal him when he was sick. He didn't come then.

He didn't even make it back in time for the dead body to be prepared. He came in after Lazarus died.

Timing. The Lord has is it down.

He knows the perfect time for everything.

I know this, so why do I doubt?

Why do I question it all?

Thinking about Lazarus reminds me that He is in control and will come in HIS time.

I believe that the Lord has called me to go and work in California, and if this is His will then He will get me there. I take great comfort in this.

There is no one else I would rather put my trust in.

He provides for us in every way. 

His timing is so much better than mine.

I don't always remember this though.

So please pray for me.



Random.

It has happened again. I has been nearly a month since my last post. Sorry. I wish it was something more exciting than work.

I have been working ridiculous hours at work. Leaving the house at 6am and not getting home til 10pm.

Not good.

This does not suit me well. I don't really know who this would suit.

But not this girl.

This girl loves her sleep.

I have been told that I have a gift. I can sleep anywhere. Yup, anywhere. If I am sitting down for more than 30minutes, I am sleeping.

On our way to Australia once we have 13 hours to wait at an airport. Most of my family were dreading this. This didn't phase me at all.

It was quiet. I found myself a seat, took my shoes off and put them in my bag (for some reason I thought that someone would take them off my feet when I was sleeping...) rested my head on my bag and slept. Sorted.

I have had so many things on my mind and I have been having a tough time sleeping.

Yup. Totally contradciting what I have just said.

But I guess this emphasises how out of sorts I am just now.

I am not going to go into detail about what exactly is on my mind, but I am struggling just now.

I have been listening to a lot of praise music lately, more so than usual.

On my way to and from work I like to listen and reflect on it.

I was listening to this song the other day and smiled and thought

"how I SO easily forgot."

My troubled soul,

Why so weighed down?

You were not made to bear this heavy load

Cast all your burdens, upon the Lord

Jesus cares, He cares for you

We know this, right?

I constantly need reminding that there is someone who will help me through whatever I am going through and take that pain away.

My anxious heart

Why so upset?

When trials come, how you so easily forget

To cast your burdens, upon the Lord

Jesus cares, He cares for you.

This has been me these past couple of weeks.

Anxious heart and so upset.

And I always forget that the Lord wants me to cast my burdens on Him.

He wants me to find comfort in Him.

I will praise the Mighty name of Jesus.

I am remembering to praise to the Lord whatever I am going through. 

So there is my randome post.

Hopefully I won't leave it so long before my next post...but we have heard this before!

Safe.

A few days ago I received some very sad news from my Church family in California. 

A young guy was killed in a car accident.

I am lifting them up in prayer.

Please pray for them with me.

My heart is hurting for his family.

It is comforting to know that he is safely home and with the Lord now.

This song has been on my mind.

One day we will all be safe in His arms.

Thankful that right now, Connor is wrapped in His loving arms.

Happy Day.

Today my sweet friend, Nikki, is graduatating.

I am so happy and excited for her.

She has worked so hard.

I don't know anyone that deserves this more.

I remember going to look round the college with her in 2006.

I can't believe she is done now!

I am so proud of her.

I am very sad that I am not there celebrating with her and her family.

I have not been able to think of anything else all day.

A couple of days ago I was even looking up flights!

Oh my goodness!!

I just so want to be there with my friend for her special day.

I was hoping that the Lord would have me over there already, but that was in my plan and not His. (more on that soon)

Nikki, I am so blessed to call you friend.

You know that you are like a sister to me.

You are such a caring, loving girl who is full of energy and love for the Lord.

I have learnt so much from you over the years.

I'm sorry that I am not there with you today.

But I am looking forward to all the memories we are going to make together in the years to come.

I know that there will be many more.

I miss you, every day.

I love you.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sisters.

My sister in on holiday this week.

She is spending a week in Barcelona.

I am sitting inside watching the rain from my window.

Yes, I am a little bit jealous.

But I will get over it.

Until I she comes back and will have a beautiful tan.

I am a little (6ft tall) pale thing, and she has olive skin and tans so easily.

Annnnywho..today I am going to share some fun pictures of my with my sister/best friend.

These were taken a few months ago but I never got round to posting them.

So here you go.

Everyone always tells us how alike we look.

I have to agree.

My sister was approached by a man that she didn't know last week.

She said he was staring at her for a while before he came over to her.

Yeah, she was freaked out!

He said to her "are you Harriet's sister?"

It was a dear friend of mine that I used to work with, who she had never met before.

It made me smile.

So funny.

I don't mind looking like my big sister.

She is pretty wonderful.

When she gets home I am going to grab my camera and get some new photos with my lovely sister - and her tan!

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God

Philippians 1:3

I am linking up with  Emily today - actually today it is Amy!

Go and grab someone you love and get your picture taken with them.

You can never have enough photos with your loves.

And while you are at it, say a little (or BIG) prayer for the lovely Emily.

Praying that this sickness will pass soon.

Mr Darcy.

After work it usually takes me a long time to unwind.

You don't stop for a minute while you are there, then I get home and really need to chill out.

So tonight, I got home and got into my jammies, made a cup of tea and sat down.

Nothing beats sitting down after being on your feet for hours.

I put the TV on and started flicking through the channels for something to watch for half an hour.

Bridget Jones Diary 2 was on.

I don't really like this movie, at all.

But I knew that I would be able to watch it and not have to think about anything.

And then it happened.

Colin Firth came onto my screen and that was it.

I went all giddy.

He is just sooo lovely.

He is tall, dark and handsome...and just really cute.

Yes I, (along with half the women in the world...well probably more than that..)have a crush on Mr Firth.

After seeing him tonight (I am making this sound like I bumped into him and had a conversation with him - let's just go with it!!) it really made me want to watch Pride and Prejudice.

Yes, the really, really long one.

A few years ago I spent about 4 months in Australia with my family. It was the best.  

When I stayed with my lovely Aunty Trish, we spent many afternoons watching this.

On rainy days, or when we were doing housework.

That's right, all of it.

It drove my teenage boy cousins nuts!

They don't really get the whole "Mr Darcy" thing.

Ahh...I could daydream about him.

I read a book recently called Mr Darcy.

It was lovely. I wrote about it here.

Now. I am going to leave you with a couple of photos.

I was lucky enough to bump into Colin Firth when I was at the supermarket the other day.

I know, not everyday you run into a handsome star.

Alright, when I say I bumped into him, what I really meant was this.

I was with my sister and the first thing I saw as I walked into the supermarket was this carboard statue of the loved Mr Firth.

Of course, my face lit up and I had to get my picture with him.

I am sure he is taller in real life, and has a bigger head.

Or maybe I am just a giant 6ft tall girl who has a huge head.

hmmm.?

Either way, I love these photos.

Sorry about looking so crazy in the last photo.

I was a laughing and feeling a little embarassed about standing there with my arm around Col-dawg.

Shuffling.

I never put my iPod on shuffle. 

I am usually really picky about what music I want to listen to at a certain time.

But this week I have been enjoying a little random music.

Oh my goodness, I have some funny music.

It puts a big smile on my face.

One minute I am listening to Carrie Underwood, the next some Christmas songs come on!

Then I have some Dreamgirls soundtrack, Taylor Swift, Hillsong, Sam Cooke, Motown Greatest hits, Hairspray soundtrack, Dixie Chicks...and the list goes on and on!

I can go from sitting reflecting on worship songs, to then be wanting to dance.

Some songs come on and I just can't help but laugh - like when songs from the "We Love Life" album come on. (I can thank my sister for that!)  

I think you everyone should go and put there music on shuffle.

You will have a great time!

I am going to leave you with the song that I have listened to most.

Definitely one of my favourites.

Everytime I listen to this song I pray that in my life HIS will be done.

Boo.

 

I have been thinking about my "boo", Karen, all week.

(there is a really funny story behind "boo", I will share one day!)

Do you ever just really want to be with someone, and you can't?

This is how I feel right now.

I wish I could just bake something yummy and take it round to my friend.

I wish we could watch movies.

Make funny faces.

Laugh uncontrollably, until it hurts.

But I am in Scotland, and she is in California.

Thankfully, I have lots of photos of us together that I can look through.

note: the majority of these photos were taken our Church Beach Camp, hence the matching outfits!

Today I am wishing that I was with my dear friend.

If I was, I would take a photo right now!

"Friends come and friends go,

but a true friend sticks by you like family."

Proverbs 18:24 (the Message)

I'm linking up with Emily today. You should do the same!

Fruit.

I was directed towards a passage in the Bible a few weeks ago, and it has been heavy on my mind ever since.

So I typed it out and printed it off, a couple of copies actually.

I have one on my notice board which I look at everyday before I leave my room.

The other I have posing as a bookmark. This way, when I am reading, I am being reminded of the passage.

I am trying to memorise it.

I guess I better share it with you!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

Galations 5:22-25

This is one of my favourite passages.

A few weeks ago I was having a really rough time at work.

I wasn't always being patient with everyone.

I was getting very worked up over little things that would happen.

The Lord's love wasn't always shining through me.

I wasn't being very kind towards others and I was definitely not a joy to be around!

One night after a horrible day at work, where I felt like I was picking up after everyone and doing all the work, I came home and read this passage and was moved to tears.

As I was reading over it again and again I realised that I was not showing any of the fruits. 

I was so annoyed with myself.

I prayed, and prayed some more.

Like I said above, I have been memorising this passage.

When I am at work now and can feel myself getting annoyed I start replaying this passage in my head.

In every situation I think, I am showing the Lord's love right now?

Can they see that the joy of the Lord is my strength? (Nehemiah 8:10)

Can they tell that I am filled with joy and peace because of my trust in the Lord? (Romans 15:13)

I have been working hard at changing my attitude toward situations.

These are the fruits that, as Christians, we should be producing.

I was thinking about how blessed I am to have people in my life who live by this passage.

I am truely thankful to have people that I can look up to and learn from.

I am blessed.

I may get annoyed with people at work, and get frustrated when I feel like I am doing all the work.

But, at the end of the day, I can chose how I respond.
I am giving each day to the Lord, and letting His spirit lead me.

I hope you all have a fruitful day!

Rain.

It was my day off today so I got to sleep in. I was so thankful to be able to catch up on sleep. I can never sleep past 8am so today I was just lying in bed listening to the rain. It was so heavy.

I love the rain.

We have had some crazy weather this past week. We had beautiful sunshine and then this rain came out of nowhere! Yesterday was particularly bad. I was getting ready to go to work and the rain was crashing down outside. I was not impressed. I cycle to work. Don't worry, it's not too far. Only about 8 minutes away (not that I have timed how long it takes to get there...)

So, as you can imagine, I wasn't really looking forward to cycling there in the rain. There had also been some thunder throughout the day. That just freaks me out.

About half an hour before I left for work I could see the sun shining. YES.

But then there was something else shining.

Yup, Lightning!

I had visions of me cycling to work and being zapped by lightning!!

I do not want to leave the house.

Then the sun came out again and I zomed off, hoping to dodge the rain.

I managed to dodge the rain, but not the bird poop! I just couldn't help but smile. What else can you do?

Yesterday I was so sick of rain. I wanted sunshine.

Today, I loved it again.

I was inside my lovely, warm house.

I was listening to music.

I was drinking hot tea.

I watched a movie (Beauty and the Beast!!)

It was a prefect raining day.

Everything is so green outside. It is beautiful.

We never have to worry about lack of water in our country and so often we take this for granted.

There are many countries that long for rain. That count every drop of it that falls.

And here we are complaining because it has been raining for a few days.

Time for a change in attitude I think.

 I found this image here.

I think this is beautiful.

Those kids look so happy in the rain.

They are not thinking about getting wet or muddy.

They are just enjoying the day that Lord has made.

"This is the day the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it"

Psalm 118:24

I hope you are having a wonderful day!  

My Child.

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.

I know when you sit and when you rise up. I am familiar with all your ways.

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. For you were made in my image. In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring.

I knew you before you were conceived. I chose you when I planned creation.

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

I had been misrepresented by those who don't know me.

I am distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

Simply because you are my child and I am your father.

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

For I am the perfect father.

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore.

And I rejoice over you with singing.

I will never stop doing good to you.

For you are my treasured possession.

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.

For it is I who gave you those desires.

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.

For I am your greatest encourager.

I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles.

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.

And I'll take away all pain you have suffered on this earth.

I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

He is the exact representation of my being.

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.

And to tell you that I am counting your sins.

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.

I have always been father and always will be father.

My question is... Will you be my child? I am waiting for you.

Love, your Dad

Almighty God

The letter is based on different verses from throughout the bible.

A dear friend of mine sent me this a few months ago. I remember reading this when I was at Youth Group years ago. I hope this brings you the same encouragement that it brought me.

I hope you are having a Happy Monday!

Joy.

This is going to be a very quick post. I have lots to say about my weekend/week full of blessings.

Today's post is going to be some fun photos taken this morning at work. Today was my first day back after 6 wonderful days off. I usually have an attitude when I am going back to work after time off. I always pray that I will forget all the anxieties that I associate with work. I have to admit that this time I was really looking forward to seeing my colleagues. They definitely encouraged me with messages while I was away, telling me how much they missed me! I am sure that they are full of it but they definitely made this girl smile!

Anyhoooo...As you well know I was off on Friday the 29th, enjoying the beautiful Royal Wedding. I was a little (and when I say little, I really mean little) bit upset that I wasn't working because I knew that there would be a great atmosphere and that they were going to be dressed up. I cycle to work and this morning when I was setting my bike down I thought there was some creepy guy watching me. This was no creepy guy. In fact it was HRH Prince William. Yes, that's right.

Alright, so he was there with Catherine too. Oh, and they were actually cardboard. But other than that I was pretty excited that the Royals were waiting for me at work.

The Queen was there too! It was a family affair really. You might find this hard to believe, but that is in fact me behind a mask. I know, it's pretty realistic! (wink, wink!!)

Who knew that the Queen had moves like that?

She is just so proud of her grandson.

So this morning I had a really fun morning. The Lord really blessed me with friends who had no trouble putting a smile on my face. After we finished work I stayed for 2 hours chatting to the Queen, otherwise known as Abbie.

Today I am thankful for friends and all the joy that they bring!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7

Eighteen.

I can't believe that, today, my baby brother turns 18!!!

I managed to find some cute photos of this little one. Just to warn you, some are really cute. This guy was just the cutest baby ever born.

He was a HUGE baby. He was 10lb 11oz. AH.

Pretty sure that this was his first Birthday. How lucky he is to have 2 big sisters fussing over him!

What was I telling you about the cutest baby EVER? Yeh, I wasn't joking.

I was so excited to have a baby brother because he looked just like by doll, was the same size and could fit into all of my doll clothes! YES.

Swimming in the garden, back in the days when we always had HOT summers.

Check out how sweet he looks here. His sisters sure do love him.

He was SO smart. He could even get his own cereal. Can you see it spilling all over the table? You can't be mad at that face though? This is how I always picture him.

First Birthday again. With Grandpa and big big sister.

I loved holding him. My mum tells me this all the time.



He was full of personality when he was little! That definitely hasn't changed.

He was always busy doing something outside, getting dirty!

He always makes silly faces, making his sisters laugh.



He didn't lose his cuteness as he grew up. Look how angelic he is!!




This kid is SO musical. He is really, very talented. He can pretty much play any instrument you put in front of him. I love this photo because he just looks so happy.

Such a handsome boy.

Look at that smile, and that hair. He has always had the most beautiful, blonde curls.

Did I mention that he is tall and good-looking?

Looking very smart in his uniform. He is in the Navy and it has been SO great for him. He loves it. He has really grown up since joining.

At his surprise birthday BBQ on Friday. Even without his golden locks, he looks just as handsome.

So there is just a glimpse into how wonderful and adorable my little brother is. He is such a blessing and such a joy to be around. He has gone back to Portsmouth today, so we didn't get to celebrate today. But we have been all weekend! I already miss him and it is hard because we don't really know when we will see him again. I am pretty sure that his sisters will be visiting him soon though! I love you, Fin. Thanks for filling our home with love and laughter for 18 years.

 "I thank my God everytime I remember you." Philippians 1:3