A SENSE OF DIRECTION

Today I listened as my husband gave directions to our two lads. They were going to take part in a church youth service in a place they had never been before.I couldn't help thinking it was well I wasn't driving,as my sense of direction has never been that good and there were far too many instructions to take in.I work better when I follow things a step at a time,but sometimes in my work, the nature of the job means that you can be involved in so many new initiatives that you don't ever seem to get anything completely finished and you can get a little frustrated.Tonight,having attended a service for a dear friend embarking on full time work for God, it became so clear to me that God only means us to take one little step at a time as we move forward with Him.We are not meant to know "The Big Picture."He tells us that His grace is sufficient for us and it's such a blessing to realise that He walks all the way with us and will keep us pointing in the right direction,when everything around us seems just too much to take in.

TRAFFIC JAM

Today we went out in the car only to discover that there were road works along the way and it seemed to take an age to get to our destination and home again.I simply hate having to sit in traffic or drive around the world for an hour on an alternative route when my journey should only take half the time.You see I'm not very patient and keep thinking of things I should be doing.Yet during the wait I listened to some music and chatted to my husband and the time passed quite quickly really.I'm blessed today when I think of how continually patient God is with me and I realise I have such a long way to go along my journey with Him.Every hold up along the way is simply there to develop my character and help me to grow spiritually.

SWEET PERFUME

When I was about fifteen I started to wear a certain perfume.It wasn't expensive and yet it seemed to match my skin type,because many friends and even teachers in school used to comment on the pleasant fragrance it left lingering in the air.As the years passed by I've tried many perfumes,received as gifts and some even quite expensive,yet none can compare with my old favourite. Shops stopped stocking it over the years,until,by chance I spotted it in a nearby town a couple of years ago.I couldn't quite believe it.It made me very happy to wear it once more.Then,quick as it arrived,off the shelves it disappeared again,until this week that is.My friend,who works in the local chemist shop texted to say she'd managed to get it ordered for me.I went there today and she greeted me with the bottle,saying "I know what you've come for." What a thoughtful friend who knows me so well.I'm blessed when I think that God knows me even better,indeed He knows all about me.I pray today that as I strive to be more like Jesus, my life will be a blessing to others and that I may always leave the sweet fragrance of God's love wherever I go.

THE PRODIGAL CAT

We were getting a bit concerned today.You see,our pet cat had not appeared for a few days now and we began to think that maybe something was not just right.I watched and waited,but no sign came.Then,just when I wasn't expecting him,his little head appeared outside the kitchen window tonight.We were so delighted to see him safe and well,that he got a banquet for tea and stroked and fussed over all evening.My joy was complete.Whitie was home.If this was a reception fit for a cat,how blessed are we tonight to know that when we slip away from our close walk with God,what a wonderful welcome awaits our return when we truly desire to renew our fellowship again.

SPIRITUAL FREEDOM

Tonight,at a local service I watched a dvd about people who were worshipping God in secret.This was because they lived in part of China. They had to be so careful because they could face imprisonment if they were discovered.I realised immediately what a blessing it is for us in our country to have such freedom to worship God and I pray earnestly that this will continue throughout my lifetime and beyond.

THE PLANT IS STARTING TO GROW

A little lad at school today showed me his new yellow and green martial arts belt.He proceeded to do some wonderful self defence moves to prove why he was worthy of its gain.I was enthralled just watching him and inquired what the belt stood for.He quickly told me that it meant "The plant is starting to grow".I was moved by his explanation and could clearly see that this was true. Since he gave his last little demonstration for me he had obviously improved a lot.
It reminded me immediately of how we can grow in knowledge of God through studying His word and keeping in close fellowship with Him and His people.I am blessed to know that by staying as close as I can,I am starting to grow and cultivate the "Fruits of the Spirit" within me.This is nothing of me, it's all God at work changing my heart daily and continually crushing the weeds which would choke new growth.When God comes right into your life He completely sorts out your garden.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

Today we were talking about food rationing during World War Two and one little boy was quick to point out that a week's food ration could be consumed by him in one day.Today I also watched as another little boy in the dining hall took two spoonfuls of dessert and no amount of coaxing by myself could stop him from leaving it back up to the hatch to be thrown out.We have everything in abundance,more than we need and still we are never satisfied.Just talking to several friends who went to various underprivileged countries to work during the summer,it's funny how they all agreed that the folk they met had so little,but what they had they wanted to give away to others.What a blessing today to know that God will supply our every need and above all give us spiritual food in order to make us grow more like Him.How hungry are you right now?