DON'T BE AFRAID

Today was the beginning of a new term for us at school.I wasn't feeling 100%,but knew it was important be be there,as to a certain extent it's a time for "setting out new ground rules"after the lazy nature of the last few end of term days."Start as you mean to go on" is my motto and it's healthy for us all to know where our boundaries lie.I needed to tighten up the reins again.
However,I was moved by one little girl in class who came up to me timidly, with such a downcast look in her eyes.She whispered gently and tearfully when no-one was aware,that she was desperately worried about starting work again at the beginning of this new year.She said she couldn't help being afraid of new things.I reminded her quietly that she had coped so well last year in everything and that she shouldn't worry,as I was always there to help her with new topics and didn't want to see her upset in any way.This word of reassurance was enough to gently settle the child for the rest of the day.
How many of us feel exactly the same as this little child? What a blessing it is to know tonight that God is there when we call on Him and gently come in faith believing that He can take away our worries and fears and HE doesn't want us to be upset.So don't be afraid of what this year will throw your way,just "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you".Psalm.55.22.

LET GOD HOLD YOU AND YOUR FUTURE

I just heard on the radio that today is "National Cuddle Up" Day.How amazing is that?There's a day for everything nowadays,even if we've never heard of them,we could always invent one.Anything goes and somehow we're never surprised with what we hear.I wonder if this means that you cuddle up in front of the fire,under a duvet or give someone special a cuddle today!I suppose you do what you feel inclined to.
Seriously though,a cuddle suggests a feeling of security and warmth and all of us know the precious feeling a hug can mean.I was reading a book this morning, given to me by one of my sons,called"The one year book of Hope" and at the end of chapter 1,the author Nancy Guthrie writes the following prayer suggestion,

"Praise God that His hands are big enough and strong enough to hold you and your future,no matter what happens".

That's not just for a one off day,that's for always!

DON'T GIVE UP

I've had a really bad dose of the cold for the past couple of days now.I pick things up so easily that if you breathe over me I'm sure to get what you're suffering from.But,I find that when you are laid low,it's often then that God chooses to make His presence most real and it's also then that we slow down long enough to listen to what He has to say to us.As I walked through the kitchen,I stopped to notice a beautiful paper weight that one of our sons had bought Ian as part of his Christmas present.It said,

"In the morning,O Lord,You hear my voice;in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation......psalm.5.v.3.

I immediately was blessed to realise that God was speaking so directly.I had just spent a wee while reading some psalms and in particular,Psalm 119 in which David was asking God to strengthen him and help him.So be encouraged wherever you are,don't give up,God is watching and none of us want to miss the answers to our prayers!

THE LAND OF INNER PEACE

Ian once wrote a song with the above line in it.I think it's a wonderful thought to ponder as we look forward and make plans for 2008.It doesn't matter where we are,or what we're doing,the important thing is that we have "inner peace" about everything in our lives.It's only then that we know our plans are what God wants for us and not just centered around our own desires.I spoke to two dear friends on the phone last night and this morning and in their own different ways and circumstances was able to see God at work in their lives in such a real way.It fills me with excitement just relating this to you,as when I started this blog months ago,I thought maybe it was a tall order searching for blessings every day.But truth be told,I have never had to look for any of them,they have always been there right before my eyes and because of this I have learnt so much about myself and the importance of my daily walk with God through"365 Blessings". I hope that God will give you a real sense of His "inner peace" this year and that you will find His blessings overflowing in your life.

THE BLANKET OF PROTECTION

It began to snow this evening.This was the first snow of the winter.Soon everything was covered in a blanket of white.It was lovely to look out at from the comfort and warmth of our home,but not so pleasant if you had to drive in it.It's funny and hard to believe,I suppose,that snow although wet to the touch,forms a blanket over the ground,which keeps the roots of plants warm and protected.God knows exactly what He's doing when He decorates our landscape at different times of the year.It's all for certain purposes.
Just like He knows what He's doing when He spring cleans and redecorates our hearts and lives.I know January can be a hard month for many of us,but if we allow the Master Decorator in to make us more like Jesus there's no telling what exciting new plans are around the corner for us all and His blanket of protection will keep us covered.

"You will know that God's power is very great for us who believe". Ephesians.1.v.19.

BOTTOMLESS BLESSINGS

A dear friend sneaked a lovely wee calendar into her Christmas present for me.She knows I write this blog and the calendar is called "Bottomless Blessings"how appropriate,I thought.From time to time,I'm sure you'll get a gem or two from it.Each month has a different kind of coffee painting with a verse to meditate on and the whole month in days below.They all look so inviting and I reckon it's a good idea to mull over God's word when enjoying your coffee break.January's verse states,

"Dear friends,let us love one another,for love comes from God.Everyone who loves knows God".
1 John.4.v.7.

Let's go into this new year and make a real effort to Show God's love to each other.Now there's a challenge and it's something we can all do!

NEW BEGINNINGS

January 1st,New Year's Day is here.Most of us have had a wee lie in and are taking it easy,even entertaining family or friends again today.When will all this eating end we wonder? Many go back to work tomorrow.Both our sons go back to university to prepare for exams next week.I think the time has come for us to take stock and discipline ourselves once again.It's not only good for the body,but also the mind.We need to discipline ourselves spiritually too.Here's to new and exciting beginnings.How blessed we are to know over and over again that God chooses to use ordinary folk to do His work here on earth and the more spiritually disciplined and available we are the more able we are also.So whatever has preoccupied you or I last year that is not of Him,let's shake it off and look forward to "New Beginnings."
I go forward in a positive frame of mind,as I look at the lovely little cushion given to us this Christmas,which blesses my heart.It states,

"For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."Matthew.6.v.8.

Wow,how good is that?