GOD NEVER LETS US DOWN

I woke up this morning at 5:00am, worrying I suppose,about today's lunch. Would anyone come? Would there be enough food?etc, etc.I panicked a bit, as the first lunch guest arrived.Then I simply had to trust, try and forget my nerves and just get on with things.We had a steady stream of people traffic for well over two hours and everything went very well indeed. We had a wonderful time of food and fellowship and I felt so blessed.
I couldn't hold back the tears when we eventually got everything cleared up and arrived home, because we were overwhelmed by peoples' generosity and God's continued faith fullness. Jon's fundraiser was a wonderful experience and I will always be thankful to God for the way it all came together so perfectly.
I'm annoyed with myself for my attitude of panic this morning and simply say,

" Dear Lord, please forgive my unbelief".

PRESSING FORWARD UNDER PRESSURE

The pressure's on for the lunch tomorrow. There's tables to set, flowers to arrange and food to prepare. There's so much to do, but it's all good fun when you actually get into it. You just get busy and throw yourself fully into the task in hand. There's no going back now, the invitations are out and every one's expecting a hearty lunch. So we start about 4:00pm, immediately after coming home from school and stop about 12:00 midnight.
When God calls us to serve Him, it's sure to be hard work, often exhausting at times. Sometimes, we even feel daunted or overwhelmed by the enormity of the job, but when we obediently follow, we really enjoy being in His will.
So, let's not be shaken and let's go ahead and throw off everything which would hold us back. He's waiting to bless us.

GETTING PREPARED

We're getting ourselves organised to make a lunch at church on Saturday to help with fundraising for Jon going soon to Ecuador. So today,out came Ian's little book and we began to make notes about the order in which we were going to get things ready. We would be very foolish to think that things would just simply happen. We all know better. We have to put the effort in to make things happen and it always requires sacrifice and a lot of hard work. So today we gotta buy fruit and veg, check that the meat will be delivered on time and make sure that we've actually got everything we need.
It's the same when we do something for God. We need to prepare carefully, as He deserves our very best efforts. The most comforting thing for me to know on a daily basis is that He knows exactly what I need and will supply my every need,
AMEN!

FEELING OVERWHELMED?

I've taken this notion that the inside of school needs a complete makeover and indeed it does.All the staff agree that it's well overdue a good lick of paint, as it's been years since the men in white came, although husband and secretary might say they should have been here sooner, given some of the decisions I make.( I'm joking of course). Anyway, now that we've agreed a price and starting date, let the grand clearing begin. It sounds all very well, but where are we to store everything? and have we really thought out how inconvenient it's all gonna be over the next month?
Anyway, the notion of it all overwhelmed me today, given everything else school wise that has to be done over the next while........
However, my level headed, spiritual secretary gently and knowingly said in her own way, today,
"It'll be alright, we'll just take it a bit at a time, you'll see".
How I needed those words of reassurance this morning. It had an immediate calming effect on me, by letting me know that I shouldn't panic, it'll all get done.
God speaks like this to us too, if we let Him.We may feel overwhelmed by something which we're facing in life. It all consumes us and we can't see how we can cope. We need to let Him carry us through our difficulties, a little bit at a time, all the while giving us enough strength and grace to meet our every need.

SHARE GOD'S LOVE

Today was such a blessing for us at our school. A musical ministry group from Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Alabama came to share God's love with us. We learnt some new songs, watched as the children took part in a drama presentation of The Good Samaritan and listened to our visitors sing and tell us what God means to them. It's wonderful to meet people who you really don't know at all, but because of a deep, shared love for God we are all automatically connected together. These special moments happen only now and again in our lives and we know that God uses such times for us to encourage one another as we all continue to serve Him.
This morning, I was able to tell the musical director of the group just how much a worship seminar he led four years ago had blessed me as I was searching to know exactly how to go about assisting my husband and others to develop the concept of "Worship" in our church.
Tonight, I urge you not to wait that long,pick up the phone, send a text, write a short note of encouragement, but do it now.I've told you before, it always comes at the right time, just when a brother or sister needs it. This is the way we SHARE GOD'S LOVE!

STRETCH A LITTLE MORE

Today was a Bank Holiday.Most people had a day off work. We managed to get some overdue jobs done and I feel the better for that. Somehow, we don't like to waste time when we know there's stuff to be done and we don't always feel like doing it when we come home tired from a long day at work. May is slowly slipping away and we're all starting to think about making preparations for summer holidays. I can't believe how quickly time goes these days, did we really even live through each day?( as one week runs headlong into another). I'm getting more and more conscious of the need to make every day count and I know that having undergone many changes over the last two years, I'm on the threshold of yet more, with Jon heading away for a year, very soon.
I have to reach out further into God's wide open arms. I feel Him calling me to stretch just a step more.I'm gonna do all I can to content myself for today and yet hold my hands wide open for tomorrow and be ready to do or go as He calls.

GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO COME.....

Today was busy church wise. We seemed to be on the go all day. We started with a worship practice just after 9:30 am and ended up last night at a concert listening to a group of singers and musicians from Alabama.We got back home late and yet one song kept on resounding in my ears. It rang out,
"Greater things are yet to come, Greater things are still to be done in this city".

God challenges us to give ourselves in service to Him. Sometimes a line from a song, or a word from our minister, or a spiritual friend is all it takes to move us yet again.My bible reading commentary for today talks about this very subject.It states that Esther's vision meant putting her life on the line for God. I wonder if we are willing to go all out no matter what it takes..........

Then we'll see great things done!!

TELL ME THE OLD OLD STORY

As I write this blog the dreaded Euro vision Song Contest can be heard faintly in the background. I can't believe it's that time of year again. If anything was ever played out, in my opinion, it's this.When I think that Ireland's entry this year was sung by a turkey puppet, I'm glad it didn't make the final.What's the world coming to, I ask? Anything seems to go nowadays and somehow we are accepting of so much and nothing surprises us anymore.I think people want to shock by what they say, do or wear.
We are blessed to know tonight, that with God there's no need for gimmicks, or shock treatment.We just need to hear and accept the gospel truth, as it was,is and evermore shall be,
Amen!

TELLING THE LITTLE ONES

Today we let the children relax and watch a dvd, after a long week of exams. Next week we start into project work and our Primary seven age group begin to complete their records of achievement, as they look back over their years with us and recognise what they have accomplished.
I love to work with the kids at this time of year, as in many ways we can be more free with the curriculum content and of course go on trips and spend a lot of time outdoors.As the older children prepare to leave, we look at old photos and have a bit of a laugh with them.So much time has passed since they started with us, but hopefully we have taught them things that they will be able to hold dear for the rest of their lives.
I feel blessed tonight, that we are free to tell these little ones about God's love, as I'm sure I've said before and this morning a local minister and myself were just thanking God for this,yet again.

ALWAYS BE HONEST

I'm getting a little tired of people telling me that I must be winding down at this time of year. I've never been busier.Exams are now over but the mammoth task of report writing weighs heavily on our minds. Our reports are very detailed, because we believe that we need to inform parents properly and tell them how their child has been getting on throughout the year.For example, what does "Good" tell you? we'd rather know exactly how well things are going and if there are any pointers for improvement. So we need to be completely honest in our opinions and yet choose our words graciously.
There's a lesson for us all here. We can apply this to our everyday lives, especially when we interact with others. May we be gracious and honest in all our dealings and may we be accepting when others are honest with us.
I was pleased to be able to tell my children they had nothing more to revise and they could rest tonight. Their little smiling faces said it all. They eagerly await their results now, so let's always be honest and "say everything we have to say in gracious love".

HOW MUCH HAVE I LEARNT?

I can hardly believe it's round to this time of year again. Today I made my annual visit to one of our feeder secondary schools to pass on the names of pupils due to transfer in September. We always have a pleasant lunch provided and meet with other primary school principals to talk about end of year school business and inevitably, impending holidays. The years just seem to fly past as we get older and we view what we do in school as part of a continuous cycle really. We say goodbye shortly to children who have been in our care for the past seven years and start again after the holidays with a new eager band of little ones, ready to embark on their educational journey for the first time.
As we sit this week marking exam papers and we comment on how much the children have learnt throughout the year, I can't help asking myself how much have I learnt?
I hope and pray that as I have become more worldly wise, I have indeed matured spiritually also. I know I have so much further to go, but I long to go deeper with every passing day.
The verse on my desk today blesses me so much.

"I have written your name on my hand." Isaiah 49:16.

STEPPING OUT OF THE DARKNESS

I watched about ten minutes of a programme last night, in which Sarah, Duchess of York went to live for a week with a family from Hull.I suppose it didn't really capture my attention that much and it certainly didn't get off to a good start, considering the family didn't even recognise her.That can't have done her ego much good. But just before I changed channels, I heard her talk about how she got up every morning to a sense of darkness around her and in order to get rid of it, she simply had to have a rigorous workout and then a bath full of ice cubes. Sounds like torture to me. She seemed to be a very sad individual who craves positive comments from all around her, especially the media. There's somebody who you'd think had so much going for her, but in effect she has so little happiness in her life. Do we really know what's behind any one's false smile?
We're so blessed tonight to know that we have everlasting hope and joy through trusting in Jesus. He loves us with an everlasting love.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are." 1 John 3: 1.

A FAITH WHICH DOES NOT FALTER

I happened to read a passage by J.C.Ryle this morning and it spoke volumes to me.It explained clearly that many of us are obliged to walk a path which is not of our choosing and we often cannot see the usefulness of what we are involved in.However, we need to be patient and believe that God knows best and what we can't understand now will become clear later on.We mustn't rush God.
He wants us to grow in grace and wisdom and sometimes the road we travel feels so painful and hard to endure.
"Father God, tonight I ask you to help our faith to flourish and not falter, as we leave everything that concerns us with you,
Amen."

BE STILL

At the beginning of our church service this morning, one of the worship songs was-
"Be still for the presence of the Lord". I know this song has been around for many years now, but it always touches my heart. It takes me to a place of calm and suddenly any anxieties seem to melt away.
No matter how much we try to live as stress free a life as possible, we can't but get caught up in things which are going on around us. We all have deadlines to meet, letters and calls to attend to. But then in the midst of it all, we hear the mighty words which speak so wonderfully to our hearts. I hope they bless you tonight.

Be still for the power of the lord is moving in this place:
He comes to cleanse and heal,to minister His grace-
No work too hard for Him.In faith receive from Him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Ian and I went to a barbecue tonight. It was run by the missionary organisation which Jon goes away with in the summer-OMS. We had a good time, as we met folk who had been on mission trips already and we also listened to Jon telling others how he felt called to go in the first place.It was lovely to share fellowship with people we knew and some we were meeting for the first time.We watched two very moving dvd presentations about mission work and the first one had a particularly moving start.It began with three young people standing motionless at the edge of (what I didn't realise was) quite a big drop. They looked at each other and then, jumped. This opening shot had a big impact, exactly as it was supposed to, in that it encapsulated stepping out into the world of mission. We need to "take the plunge" for Jesus, if we mean to be a serious follower. Remember, He may not call us all to Mexico, Africa or even Ecuador, but we all have some sort of mission work to do and that could even be on our own doorstep.
I wonder if we're ready to serve!

THE STRESS BALL

A little lad from my class brought a present into school. He'd been at our local agricultural show and managed to pick up a few goodies before going home, as ye do when you're eight years old. This one was an orange stress ball with a great big smile on it. He told me that you squeeze it when you feel angry to get rid of your rage and apparently it allievates any stress you may be feeling. I brought it into assembly this morning and showed the children the big smile. We certainly didn't need it in school today, as the singing was mighty and the children were already smiling their heads off because they love singing their favourite worship songs.We're blessed to know that we don't need an orange ball to get rid of our stress. We simply need to give it all over to God and believe that He can help us through any difficult situation which we might face. The verse on my desk pad for today reinforces this message--

"My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you."
2 Corinthians. 12:9.

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEAVEN?

I finished a book today called "90 Minutes in Heaven", by Don Piper. It captivated me over the past few days.It's about a pastor who died in a serious road accident and came back to life after 90 minutes due to much prayer.It talks about the experiences Don had and not at all in a sensational way. I know that his story has given comfort to so many people. He believes that God brought him back to his family so that he could spend the rest of his life helping people who are on the verge of leaving this world to realise the importance of getting ready to go to Heaven.
I've been so blessed by this book and am not sceptical because of the sincerity of this man and his desire to use his experience to bring glory to God and nothing else.
I believe that God allows us all to have experiences in our daily lives, so that we may grow and learn to trust him more as a result. I've no doubt that he then brings folk our way who we can help as a result, because I've proved this in my own life.
I recommend this book to you, tonight. It will definitely make you really look forward to Heaven.

EVERYTHING ELSE CAN WAIT

Today was yet another busy day in school, preparing for exams next week. I came home a little tired, yet was able to relax outside in the beautiful sunshine for a little while before tea. Later I began to do the usual household chores. I hadn't quite finished when the doorbell rang. A good friend arrived wanting to sort out some worship music for a busy weekend ahead. Ian and I immediately stopped what we were doing and began to listen to songs to see what would complement certain themes.Before we knew it we were all "Lost in worship". The evening turned into a precious time of praise.
I'm blessed again tonight to realise that "bringing glory to God" is paramount and everything else can wait.I'm gently reminded of the story of Martha and Mary and clearly see that to rest at Jesus' feet is the most precious place to be.

EXPECT THE HARD TIMES

Today Jon rang me to tell me that while getting ready for exams this week, he has developed a dreadful toothache and would have to come home to pay the dentist a visit.This evening things aren't much better, even though the tooth has been dressed he has severe pain caused by an abscess. The last time this happened he was preparing for a mission trip to Mexico and this time it's Ecuador.
Whenever we decide to do something for God, we can expect obstacles to occur and fiery darts to come from all angles. We must stand firm and hold onto the words-

"The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ". Psalm.46.v.1.

Let us remember always, that it is such a blessing and privilege "to carry everything to God in prayer".

FORWARD PLANNING WORKS

I went to see a teacher teach an infant class today. I had to write up a report as part of her induction year in our school. It wasn't a difficult thing to do on a Monday morning, as she was so well organised in advance. Her careful preparation meant that the lesson ran smoothly, was interesting and catered for the needs of all the children in her care. It ran like clockwork and the teacher was able to relax and enjoy the lesson. This is exactly how it ought to be.
There's a lesson for us all in this. We can't expect to do anything effectively for God if we have not put in proper planning and careful preparation. He deserves our best efforts and we needn't think that we can fool Him for one moment. When we come to serve God, we realise that everything we do should bring Him glory. So let's take the task seriously and know that if we do His blessings will reign down upon us.

INFURIATING SITUATIONS

We went outside this morning to have breakfast in the sunshine, as we don't get to do this too often given our Northern Ireland weather. Everything was going well until I heard some cattle noisily calling to each other and racing around, in what I thought was a nearby field.How wrong I was.I caught a glimpse of one , then another and another out of the corner of my eye and suddenly my peace was shattered. They were charging around our garden, knocking down shrubs and anything else in their way. We managed to herd them into a nearby field and it wasn't long before the local farmer arrived, making all kinds of excuses for them being allowed to run wild.
Suddenly I wasn't so relaxed anymore and though the day got better and I was blessed by the message spoken in church, I was a little disgruntled that this was the third time these animals should make my acquaintance in the last few weeks.
This is so true of everyday life, things are going along fine and then all of a sudden, something happens to destroy the balance. We really need to ask God to give us grace to cope when things go wrong for us, or someone really annoys us. He can help us to control ourselves, even in the most difficult of circumstances and help us remember that once we say something, we can't take it back!

ALL I ONCE HELD DEAR

Jon said goodbye to his piano pupils this morning, as he's getting ready for exams and then Ecuador.I tried to put myself in his position and thought of all the changes this would mean for him. He will be leaving family and friends, indeed everything familiar. Things of sentimental value would all stay behind, like his precious electric piano. It's hard for us to give up " stuff". Yet when God asks us to follow him, He prepares us for everything that lies ahead and he loosens our grip on even material possessions.
I was struck today as Ian's sister talked about the difficult task of clearing out her best friend's house following her death. She said that no-one wants second hand stuff nowadays and things that we hoard that are dear to us, well, we have to all leave them one day. This sheds new light on everything, surely. "Let's not store up treasures here on earth and let's realise that we have to lose our lives in order to find them".
I'm blessed tonight, that God teaches me so much every single day.

PUSH YOURSELF, DO SOMEONE A GOOD TURN

I got my little children to each write a thankyou letter to the four ministers who visited us last week and today got feedback from one of them.He was excited and pleased that they had taken time to say "Thankyou".A few of them had asked him some questions in their letters and he took time to answer them.
I realised again this morning, that it doesn't take much to "make someone's day".
So tonight when my son asked me to bake some buns for a coffee morning his friend was having tomorrow , even though I was tired,I got to work and now I'm really glad I did.Sometimes we have to push ourselves and make the effort to do something for others, no matter how inconvenient it may be. God will bless us when we are faithful to Him, and ye know what, we end up feeling a whole lot better.

A RESTLESS NIGHT

I didn't sleep well last night.Thunder and lightning filled the air. I know after all these years, I should not be concerned about something like this when I'm tucked up safe and well in bed, but I suddenly remembered how fearful I was as a child when I experienced a night similar to this. I found it difficult to cope with the room being filled with huge flashes of light, coming at intervals. So I did everything I could to waken Ian, because I didn't want to be awake, alone.
But I wasn't alone and never am.
Jesus said, "Low, I am with you always". What a blessing to know this truth.
We need to keep trusting God, not only in the light hours, but also in the hours of darkness, when fear sets in, because I believe, that in the night hours, that is when He can really speak so clearly to us and we can feel His presence really near..

PUT INTO PRACTICE

Jon's trip to Ecuador is getting nearer.His prayer card has just arrived and as I read it I realise our youngest will soon be serving God in a foreign place.I marvel at his enthusiasm and desire for Christian service and tonight I want to share the verses he has chosen, with you.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent and praiseworthy- think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put into practice.And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians.4.v.8 and 9.

I'm struck over and over as I read these verses, by the words- "Put into practice". I feel them speaking strongly to me. I realise it's not enough just to be "hearers of the word", but we must be "doers" also. I'm not saying that God will call us all to service in Ecuador, but I am saying that if we hear the call, then not to obey would be to be disobedient.

GOD KNOWS BEST

I think it's such a blessing when we look back over situations in our lives that we can see evidence of God at work, because we know that without Him things would not have turned out the way they have. As I am reminiscing tonight I'm thrilled to think of past events which clearly point this out to me.We struggle with problem after problem and try to work things out on our own, when really God just wants us to trust Him more, rely fully on Him and believe in our hearts that He knows what's best for us. This very evening I've had the joy of bringing important good news to a person about a certain situation and the greatest blessing for us both was to be able to recognise that God's hand was upon the whole situation all along.
If you struggle tonight with something, I urge you to hand it over to God and you will be amazed at the lessons you learn on your daily journey.Try your best to keep a positive perspective on things and believe that whatever happens, God knows what's best for us!

The Almighty says: "See if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it". Malachi.3:10.

GOD'S BIG GARDEN

I've just come back from a long walk with Ian around our local park and although we walked quite briskly, I stopped in my tracks at one point because of the beauty before my eyes.To our left was a blanket of bluebells and to the right wild garlic spread out everywhere and its strong scent filled the air. I marvelled at God's big garden in full bloom. It reminds me tonight that fellowship with God began in a garden and I long for that fellowship. We spent a lot of time in our garden today and as a result, tonight I feel quite at peace. We were able to look at plants we'd grown from tiny shoots and see bushes start to blossom and I began to know the truth of the saying-"You're closer to God in a garden........"

"How many are your works, O Lord!In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures." Psalm 104:24.

CAN YOU SEE NEW GROWTH?

It's May and I look around me today and growth outdoors seems to be somewhat delayed. We have apple trees everywhere around our little village and although today is traditionally known as "Apple blossom Sunday", the blossom is only just starting to form. We've had a very wet spell of weather and it feels more like March than May. However, today the sun shone and every one's mood seemed to change. While out in the car, I noticed that people sat outdoors to chat for the first time this year , I suppose. The weather is on the turn I hear and suddenly we can move from the confines of our living rooms into the fresh air and engage in "The great outdoors".It's important for us to realise that our mood changes dramatically when we let "The Son" shine right into our lives. He gives us a new, fresh vision and is able to rectify the problem of our delayed spiritual growth. Through continually focusing on Him, we too can begin to "blossom". I feel blessed tonight by realising the truth in the above words and pray that I can not only blossom but bear fruit also.

ARE YOU EVER LUKEWARM

We got our microwave back today after a minor adjustment.Everyone in our house was pleased, because we all use it frequently and missed it over the last two weeks.. It's amazing how handy it is. Everyone uses it for a different purpose. I like to heat up croissants, muffins and so on , so that they always taste like they've just been freshly baked. Also, something from the freezer can be defrosted and changed from a cold, hard block in a matter of minutes. We all know exactly how long to press the buttons for without even looking up the handbook now, we've practised enough you see. It made me think that, as Christians we often need the heat turned up to breathe some warmth back into our lives. We grow cold so easily, by neglecting our quiet time or simply slotting something into it's place to keep us busy. We need to from time to time, remind ourselves that a lukewarm temperature is not warm enough.We need to look out for the warning signs,keep our hand on the right buttons and make sure "The Handbook" is not packed away in a drawer somewhere, but always close beside us.

COMING BACK TO THE HEART OF WORSHIP

Today four different ministers came to school to watch the children enjoying worshiping God in assembly and then to visit them in their classes and find out what they had been covering in RE during the year. We had a lovely time of fellowship together.Indeed, the whole morning was taken up with praise and worship really. How blessed we are to be able to do this in our school and just to watch our little ones taking part in the lively worship songs fills me with so much happiness.
I'm conscious too, that in our churches we must engage in the spirit of worship right from the very start of each service.Everything which happens must lead us and prepare our hearts for the spoken word which is yet to come. So never underestimate the place our worship songs should have in our services. They must be chosen carefully and we should be able to truly "get lost in worship".It does not matter if we sing two more choruses if we feel lead to, it matters that "The Holy Spirit" is able to work.
I remember the words of a little chorus I learnt as a child--"The praises go up and the blessings come down....."

STAND FIRM AND DON'T MOVE

Do you ever wonder why things turn out the way they do? We very often sail along for a time and when something out of the norm happens which blesses us so much,then you can be sure that there'll be a huge mountain waiting for us to climb around the next corner. I've felt a bit like this over the past few days, however, I persevered with an issue and refused to let it beat me and I'm pleased to say that keeping focused and persevering paid off.
If only we would apply this principle to our spiritual lives too, what blessings would abound. Many of us say "Don't pick me for that job in church, I could never do that", or something to that effect. When in truth, we need to stand firm, ask God to show us what we can do for Him and let nothing move us.Giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord,because we know that our labour in the Lord is not in vain".

1 Corinthians.15.58.