SUMMER - RELAX AND RENEW THE MIND

School's out at last and the signs of freedom are in the air. Deadlines are over and suddenly nobody is expecting me to be in a certain place at a certain time and doing a certain thing. I feel I have come to the end of my blogging for the next while and I look forward to a good rest. I'm thankful to God for helping me keep up this discipline for nearly a year now and I feel that my faith has grown deeper because of this. I thank you for tuning in and will pray that God will clearly show me the next step He wants me to take. I feel blessed to be able to relax my body and mind and will remain obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in my life. Wishing you God's richest blessing in the months that lie ahead or until we meet here again.

'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself' (Matthew 6:34)

HE WAS THERE ALL THE TIME

Today has been a hard day. Jon left for his missionary year in Ecuador and as we stood and watched the plane soar into the clouds we were filled with emotion. The feeling was all consuming and almost overwhelming. I suppose you could say, humanly speaking, I'm all cried out now. I know the meaning of "a mother's love" being something special. I am so blessed that Jon has strongly felt God calling him to go, yet it's natural to want to hold on to your son.
I can't imagine what God must have gone through to give up His only Son for us all.
In the middle of writing this blog my mood has dramatically changed. A godly friend just texted me Isaiah 41.v.10.
"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous hand".
Jon just phoned, he got the verse too and God has given him a real sense of peace whilst he waits for a connecting flight. God's timing is perfect- He's let me know He 's been there all the time, Amen!

I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU

Today has been a difficult one. Friends and relatives have called to say their goodbyes to Jon. The packing has been done and now he faces his last night at home before leaving for Ecuador tomorrow. I'm fighting back the tears and every phone call and text sets me off. We can't help feeling all the natural human emotions.
Yet in the midst of everything, I am blessed to know that God makes His presence so real. I turned the key in the ignition of the car this morning and the Michael W Smith track, "Draw me close to you" rang out. Then tonight, Ian was tidying some paper work when he found a note in my handwriting-
"I will never leave you "366 times, it said. This means that it appears in scripture in various different forms, that often. Those words came at just the right time tonight to bolster up our family. God knows exactly how we feel and is always there to guide , strengthen and encourage.

MAKE SURE YOU'RE READY

The last day of term has finally arrived. We sang our worship songs, played recorders, performed little sketches and gave out medals, cups and shields. We hugged many pupils, their parents and staff members and said our goodbyes in preparation for the long summer break. We're all so tired and yet the end of term has crept up on us so quickly. We're going on holiday soon and as yet I'm not prepared. I've been absorbed with so many things that I know I must change my focus now or I'll run out of time.
This reminds me of life in general. We become so busy and think we'll have plenty of time to do so many things, but sadly some leave it all too late and never get round of giving thought to the most important decision of all- making sure that they are ready for Heaven.
We don't want to be left standing with an out of date passport finding that we can't board the flight, but more seriously than that no-one wants to leave thinking about their eternal destination until it's too late.

WISDOM FOR TEACHERS

I wrote the final part of my end of year speech this morning for our final assembly. A child gave me a lovely little gift a few days ago and as I flicked through the pages of "Life's little book of wisdom for Teachers", I was struck by the following quote-
"Lord, help me to remember the importance of the little things".
It speaks to me of why I do the job I do. It's all about making an impact on the children in my care. I feel so blessed that we can share so much more than the curriculum- we can share God's love.
I pray that the memories of primary school assemblies will always stay strong in the minds of our little pupils and that they will find peace in Jesus Christ.

EVERYTHING FOR HIS GLORY

I've just read my little calendar verse. It states-

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God".

1 Corinthians.10:31.

There's a thought worth pondering over. I've been reading John Piper's "Desiring God" blog every day and also his book "Don't waste your life" and he refers so often to living every day for God's glory. I'm trying to focus more and more on this thought as I go through my every day life and sometimes it's hard, as we get bogged down with more and more administration, initatives and so on and our time gets used up on so many tasks.

But Ian reminds me in the catechism words he learnt as a child-"Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever".

I am blessed to know that when I obey the above then that is how I am able to enjoy all the experiences God wants me to have.

REMEMBERING NEIL

We had a football tournament today in memory of a lovely little lad from school who died a couple of years ago in a tragic car accident. Lots of kids from neighbouring schools took part and all in all it was a successful event. The weather was kind to us and the rain just started as the children got their buses to leave. It was lovely to see teenagers who used to be in Neil's class return for the day to support the tournament and spend time reminiscing with Neil's parents. It meant so much to them that their special son was being remembered in this fitting way.
Neil asked Jesus to be his Saviour just three weeks before he died and his passing has touched the lives of so many over the last few years.
I feel blessed to have known him and have the calm assurance that he's in Heaven today.

HAVING FUN?

We had a fun night in school tonight. It ended with a fancy dress parade. I asked an impartial judge along to pick the winners in different categories. It was still a very hard job to do. The first winner to be picked was "Bart Simpson". The child and parent had put so much effort into making the costume. It wasn't simply a mask and ready made outfit. The evening was very successful and lots of funds were raised for the school.The kids really had lots of fun, getting their faces painted, throwing hoopla, going down a bouncy slide etc.
However, some parents sat with sober faces and as I questioned them further, they admitted that they were sad because the time had come for their kids to leave our school on Friday for the last time.They were pensive about their next step into the outside world.We agreed that change is inevitable and we as parents just have to let them go forward.So amidst the chatter and excitement of the young ones, the older ones stood somewhat apprehensive with their friends.
As I say these words, Jon and a friend are playing the piano and violin in the room below me.The fitting words ring out--
" My troubled soul, why so cast down.................
Jesus cares, He cares for you".
Let's always remember whatever preoccupies our minds from time to time, that we can share it all with Jesus and what a blessing to know that we don't have to bear our worries alone, even while the world goes on around us.

RISKING ALL

Our assistant pastor spoke tonight at church about being serious about following Christ. He talked at length about "risking everything" and stepping out in faith. I have a couple of close friends who have done exactly this and have not been disappointed at all, in fact, quite the reverse. They are living examples of how God provides everything we need, when we simply trust. This morning Jon said goodbye to everyone in church and again, I saw evidence of this peace and assurance that he is in God's will, written all over him also.
What a blessing to know that when we risk all for God, He fills us with His unexplainable joy, amidst the trials.
Lord tonight, show each one of us the next step of Your plan for our lives and help us not to hold back anything which would keep us from "risking all" for You.

EXERCISE YOUR GIFT

It's my turn to do the flowers for church tomorrow, so I had a go at flower arranging this morning. They look fine in a nice vase, but I recognise that, well, this is not my gift and never will be. In fact, I like the minimalist idea in vogue at the moment of a few little vases distributed here and there with one flower in each. There's no way I can ever get that effect wrong.
It spoke to me of the importance of recognising our individual gifts and of accepting what is not ours but someone else's and being able to graciously encourage them to develop their gift. Sometimes people need to be more discerning nowadays concerning their God given gifts and I believe that if we earnestly ask God to show us our gift and how to use it for His glory, He most certainly will!

THE WALK IS NEVER EASY

Our eldest left this morning to help lead a team of young people on a two week missionary trip to Philadelphia. It was poignant, however, as he had to say goodbye to our youngest, his brother, who leaves for his year in Ecuador in one week's time.His parting gift was a lengthy dvd containing loads of their mutual friends sending good wishes and godly advice to Jon which will be a great comfort to him, while on long term mission.We watched it together this evening and no surprise, the tears flowed.
I realised just how painful "walking the walk" could be. I feel so blessed to have two lads who have a heart for mission, yet humanly speaking, I feel the pain of loss as God calls them so far away from home. I'm asking God tonight, to use them both mightily in His service to reach many and I'm reminded of a little verse I was handed one day, which I've proved so true, over and over again--

"I will pour out my blessings on your offspring",
AMEN!

THE CYCLE OF LIFE

I spent today at our local grammar school. I accompanied a small class of our ten year olds as they had an introductory tour, tried out some activities and generally got a flavour of the place, as this could be their future home for some years to come. We were shown around by a few of our former pupils, neatly turned out in their lovely uniforms. It seemed no time since these kids were nervously being shown around themselves.
Even more poignant for me was the fact that both of our lads had attended this same school, completed their education and since moved on to university.The cycle of life just keeps moving and there's nothing we can do to slow things down.
I 'm reminded tonight, that's it's important for us all to "cherish the moment we find ourselves in", as it all too quickly passes.
I'm grateful that with God we are blessed that every stage of life holds a new adventure for us and I pray that we will be found "in His will".

DON'T LET ANYTHING HINDER YOU

We held our Sports Day today. The rain stayed off for the duration and it was a truly successful afternoon. It was fun to watch kids from 4-11 years take part with enthusiasm and they enjoyed watching their parents participating as well. As I helped the kids to line up and prepare themselves for the different races, I was reminded of the bible verse which encourages us to "run the race of life" every day.

Hebrews 12.1. "Let us run with patience the race that is set out before us".

BE OF LIKE MIND

We held interviews in school tonight for a new teacher.The process was lengthy and went on for hours. However, the decision was unanimous and the chosen candidate simply "lit up the room" with personality and was totally engaging. I feel blessed to have been part of an evening like this, because I can clearly see "God at work" in such a real way.When I woke up this morning my verse for the day was --

" I know the plans I have for you", Jeremiah.29.11. How true this all turned out to be.

Whatever we turn our hands to in the future, I pray that-
1. God will be glorified.
2. We will always be enthusiastic about our service.
3. Our decisions will be unanimous because we surround ourselves with people of like mind.

The list could go on and on.........

GOING BACK IN TIME

I went on a trip with my class today to a stately home near our school. We were catapulted back in time about 100 years, I suppose. Even I had to dress up in period costume. We were shown round the house by people acting out the parts of the residents of long ago and they were so convincing that many of my children kinda believed they were real. We just loved the experience, right down to playing with wooden toys.
I would love to go back for a day into bible times and get to meet people like Paul. I'd like to have conversations with Martha and Mary and ask Zacchaeus what it felt like to be having tea with Jesus. I feel blessed to know that these folk were just ordinary, yet Jesus was able to do extra- ordinary things through them, when they felt His touch on their lives.
Tonight I ask that I too, would feel that same touch and be able to be totally used to the glory of God.

"All things are possible to them that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN

Today is Father's Day. It's a special day when we remember our fathers fondly and for those who are blessed to still have fathers around them, it's an opportunity to thank them for their love and care throughout another year.Lots of chocolates arrived in our house today and are being shared round presently and gratefully received. I remember my father this afternoon(sadly no longer with us, but happy to say, present with the Lord) and think of my happy childhood days.Ian says that things I do and say at times, remind him of my father and it's comforting to know that we pass certain traits on to our children, I suppose.
I feel blessed today to have a Heavenly Father who I believe looks after me every day. I celebrate His special love for me today and thank him for His faithfulness. I constantly am aware of His Hand upon my life and just find it hard to express exactly how far He's brought me in my faith and I simply delight in the things He continues to teach me every day.

"How deep the Father's love for me, How vast beyond all measure".

NO PERFORMANCE NECESSARY

I watched "The Trooping of the Colour" on TV this morning with my mum. This is an annual ceremony to mark The Queen's official birthday. As I love horses, I talked a lot about how well trained the large number of them were. Not one horse or man put a foot wrong. The band music was very loud, yet engaging and as the drums boomed out not a single horse flinched. I imagine there must have been unlimited hours of preparation for this amazing spectacle. Everything went according to plan and every bridle, bit and saddle gleamed in the morning sunlight.The Queen arrived in her shining carriage and tapped her feet in time with the music- this, indicated the commentator was her seal of approval for the highly organised event.
Tonight, I feel blessed that I don't have to put on a show, or a performance to impress, or win favour with "The King of Kings". He wants me to come to Him every day just as I am, in simple faith, he accepts my failings and continually lifts me up and encourages me. That is why I really love to sing--

"Our God is an awesome God!"

WE'RE LEARNING EVERY DAY

I'm doing a project on "summer" with the children in my care at school.There's simply so much to explore that the topic can never be exhausted.This morning for a few minutes we did a quick "words and meanings" quiz and I have to admit that even I was stumped by one of the clues. I do tell the kids that even teachers don't know everything and that we're continuing to learn something new every day. I think some of my little ones believe I have all the answers to absolutely everything. (You tend to be that way when you're seven or eight years old).
Anyway, it's good to be totally honest and tell them the truth.
This reminds me that I'm only a child in God's eyes and that I've so much more to learn about Him. I'm blessed when I think of how far He's brought me this year and I believe I've developed spiritually, but I know that in order to grow deeper in my faith, I need to keep learning every day and I thank Him tonight that I have the desire to.

A GENUINE ACT OF KINDNESS

I needed a favour this evening to do with my car and decided to make a call to a friend of my son's who he assured me, would be able to help out. Immediately, he came to my aid and said that he was delighted to be of assistance.He told me that he felt privileged to have opportunities in his work to minister to people and witness of God's love and grace. I was blessed by his sincerity and touched that even in his line of work, he made it a priority to share with folk he encountered on a day to day basis.I will always remember his genuine act of kindness.
This challenges all of us, not only to drop what we're engaged in to assist others, but also to take every opportunity to share God's love and to do so-- every day!

ALONE BUT NOT LONELY

I stayed on my own last night. Our boys were clearing out their university lodgings and Ian was on a school residential trip. It felt a bit strange as usually our house has the boys coming or going and suddenly I found myself alone.I began to really feel what it must be like for folk who find themselves like this permanently and my heart went out to them.Somehow it's fine when you're busy, but when the lights go out and you find yourself with a tv for company, then reality sets in. I felt blessed to know that although I was alone, I was not lonely, as I was certain of God's presence watching over me in the midnight hours. I had no difficulty sleeping because I could rest secure in the knowledge that I was in His care.
I remember those tonight who find themselves alone. Please know and believe that you too need never be lonely, simply entrust yourself into His precious hands and He will fill you with -

"A peace which passes all human understanding" and you'll be able to have a good night's sleep.

LIVING WITHOUT DESIGNER LABELS

I happened to tune in to a programme this evening called "Living without designer labels". This must be the latest in the trend of reality programmes to hit our screens. It followed a family for a certain length of time as they tried to cope without certain cars, clothes, jewels and so on. I was saddened by the family's reaction, as their possessions were boxed up, only to be replaced by cheaper brands. The father said he felt cheap and worthless as he was forced to "dress down". The mother refused to wear cheaper brands of make-up and even the son didn't want to be seen out without his armani shoes ( and he was only about eleven or twelve years old).
I switched the television off and went out for a walk, wondering what the world was coming to.
People are so taken in nowadays by having to look right and "power dress", it seems to give them their confidence. I feel blessed tonight to know for certain that-
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at our hearts".
Let's find our confidence in God!

GREAT REJOICING

Ian lost a pair of glasses recently, he talks a lot about them and has been searching endlessly for them.Well, I'm delighted to say I've just found them while rummaging through a bag of cds. I know he'll be so pleased and able to relax at last.Even though he has other pairs of glasses which do the same job as the ones he lost, somehow he has been pre-occupied with searching for these ones.
This immediately reminds me of the parables in the bible of The lost sheep, The lost coin and The lost son.We think of the wonderful rejoicing there was for example when the son returned to his father and the sheep and the coin were found.We're blessed today to know that God is persistent with us. He never gives up on us and rejoices greatly when we live according to His will.

A WHOLE NEW ADVENTURE

I went to my little niece's first birthday party today.She's just starting to take her first tentative steps and every day she encounters something new. It's all a great big adventure and she is becoming more and interesting to watch and play with.I'm sure she didn't know the celebrations today were all for her, however, she just went on enjoying herself and discovering new things, regardless.
When we decide to follow God in sincerity, we too take some tentative steps into a whole new experience. Suddenly, we may be called to leave what is familiar and just "step out" in faith. We let everything go on around us, but we become all consumed with the desire to do what's in God's plan for our lives and glorify Him in everything. We too discover new things as we mature in our christian walk. So let's be serious about following God, because He offers us a whole new adventure and a deep peace which passes all human understanding.

PULLING OUT THE WEEDS

I went out into the garden this afternoon.It was a glorious day and I felt I ought to check on the weeds I'd pulled out a while ago. There were plenty around again. They just seem to pop up out of nowhere and whether we like it or not, we have to keep them in check. So I got stuck in and it's a relief tonight to have them all removed once more.
It reminds me of the sin in my life. I have to examine myself closely, check my attitudes, dealings with people and root out the things that are not pleasing to God and just like the weeds, I'm never done. It's a constant process that has to be kept in check. I've seen how a huge weed can grow up and try to choke a plant and stop it from developing properly. Tonight I ask for God's guidance to help me make sure that nothing is hindering me from being of use to Him.
It's a blessing to enjoy the open air and to be able to relax in our gardens, because very often, it's there that we can focus on the deep stuff.

GOD GOES AHEAD OF US.

We went to a Praise evening tonight. Different folk took part and Jon shared how God has called him to go to Ecuador for a year.The speaker who gave the closing words ( a guy who is a dear friend ) really touched my heart with his challenging message and call to us all to serve. He told us how God was already preparing peoples' hearts in Ecuador for Jon to minister to them and that was something I hadn't given thought to as I'm so conscious of him getting ready to go.
It makes so much sense though, as we know that God goes ahead of us in everything we venture to do. What a blessing for us all tonight, to rest in that truth.

HE KNOWS US SO WELL

Today I sat in the office and read through the reports for the children in the whole school.I checked each one carefully for content and spelling mistakes, etc. Then I signed my name to each one and can quite definitely say I'm fairly tired at this stage in the day, but have to go back to school this evening for another meeting.

Reading about each child, if I hadn't glanced at the name, I would still have known who each teacher was talking about. That's the beauty of school. It's a big, small school if you get my drift, but it's still possible to know every child by name and personality and each teacher seemed to know their students inside out. They knew how to celebrate their strengths and how to graciously address their weaknesses.

Our Father God is exactly like this with us. What a blessing today to know that He cares about every single aspect of our lives. We are His children. Psalm 139.

GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS?

I went to a Principals' course yesterday and began reflecting upon what I'd learnt, today, with my staff.One line in a glossy booklet called "Writing", stated that there should be no more meaningless copying of letters or words from the chalkboard.We can continue to teach the correct formation of letters, but must be careful to do so in the proper context.We then went on to discuss Reading and were told to make sure that we were actually teaching the skills carefully, so that children would actually understand what they read and it would be a purposeful activity.All common sense really.
This reminds me how we need to question things in our spiritual lives, also, from time to time.Are we drinking in what God means us to gain from His word? Are we joining in with worship songs because we like to sing? Is everything we do, done to bring glory to God, or are we simply "going through the motions"?
I feel blessed today in school to have a staff that agree with me on all of the above points outlined.

TEAMWORK

For any of you who happen to read my husband Ian's blog, I just want to set the record straight. We make the tea together every evening, as we both arrive in from school together where we have worked together for the last sixteen years.Now I feel better, as I really wouldn't want anyone to think that he was my slave- cook in the kitchen every evening on his own. The fact is, he is a rather good cook, so we both assign each other different jobs when cooking, just as we do with different areas of the curriculum in school. I tell you this, because I feel truly blessed to be able to work alongside Ian in such a positive way for such a long time now.Whatever we do, it's always team work. We bounce ideas off each other and seem to continually look for new things to be involved in, together.
I believe God wants us all, whether married or single to be able to work really well together on whatever task He places in our path.I believe He brings us into contact with a few people of like mind who we can listen to and take sound advice from.

How blessed tonight, to know that we are all members of the body of Christ.

WHAT CAPTIVATES US?

A traveling theatre group visited school this morning to entertain our children.The actors and actresses were very professional and captivated their little audience for over an hour. Their play finished on a moral note, in that we all were reminded that "true happiness can be experienced when we show love and compassion to others".
I wonder are we captivated by God's word today?Is our minister able to hold our attention when he passionately delivers the gospel?Or do our minds wander a bit?I feel blessed to have a minister who is always faithful to the preaching of the word and when he speaks, we lose ourselves in the scriptures.
Secondly, I ask myself today, am I showing enough love and compassion to others?
I pray tonight, that God will lead me to those who need me to reach out to them at this moment in time, because of something they're going through.

Oh, that we could all say like Paul,
"I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens". Philippians4.12.

CHOSEN AND EQUIPPED

Ian's mum was what I would call a "Kingdom lady". We all know a few of those. She was so godly that her life spoke volumes to all around her and indeed now, two years after her sad passing and in the years to come I will always remember this special lady, my mother-in-law so fondly.Today, Ian and I were reading through a few of her little C.E. notebooks. She served as a leader in this organisation for many, many years.I know that C.E. stands for Christian Endeavour, but she had written on the first page of one book--
C.E. in large letters and underneath it-
"CHOSEN and EQUIPPED".
These words blessed me in a special way today. If we take our stand and follow Jesus seriously, then He will equip us to serve Him in the right place and at the right time.All we need to do is come and be obedient. The invitation's there.

"Come- follow me",
"Come- you who are thirsty",
"Come-you who are tired".