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

Excited.

I think this is what I would have done if I was at Westminster Abbey yesterday! This is how excited I was.

This will definitely make you smile big. :)

Beautiful Princess.

I LOVED the Royal Wedding yesterday. I woke up at 6:30am so excited for the day ahead. Quickly got up and got ready and then watched every minute of the whole thing from 8:00am until well into the afternoon.
I love every minute of it. All the hymns, I loved. The sermon that the Bishop of London preached, I loved. He was so kind and smiled and spoke to William and Kate, I should really say the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge now! Her dress was beautiful. She looked absolutely beautiful, like a Princess really. I thought her hair was very simply and classy. I thought her sister looked lovely too. My goodness, those Princes looked very handsome in their uniforms. I decided I will either have to marry a Prince or someone in uniform. (I am totally kidding, but let a girl dream alright?)

I had so much fun watching it. Everytime I saw a Royal family member I would scream..yeah I screamed A LOT! I found the whole thing so excited and I am so happy that I took time to watch it. I don't care how sad people think I am, I will love telling this story to my kids one day!!

Just in case you have been hiding in a cave all weekend and didn't manage to see ANY footage from yesterday, I will leave you with the highlights from the day.

Hope you are all having as great a weekend as I am!