The End From The Beginning

Our Netflix binge of the pandemic season is a show called “Once Upon A Time”, a seven-season commitment that we now have plenty of time to fulfil! In it, the writers have combined various fairytales and myths of old into one show. This makes for compelling viewing as they entwine the stories of numerous characters. Major themes constant throughout are the age-old battle between good v evil; heroes v villains and true love v revenge. It’s a fun show to watch but because it’s a mammoth seven series long, there’s more ups and downs and unexpected curveballs than my need for instant gratification can handle. 

I have a very vivid imagination and if left unchecked it can run a little wild. This is an asset when I’m tasked to come up with some creative ideas and employ some resourcefulness. However, it’s not always useful when it comes to peacefully falling asleep. Let me give you an example, I once dreamt of a man with bread for a face (yes you read that right) who for some reason, in slumberland, seemed to bear a grudge against me (shudder) Ridiculous I know, Rich and I often laugh when recalling tales of Mr Crustface, but I assure you whilst asleep his “crumby” threats felt very real. 

So because of my shattered nerves, an overactive imagination and a lean towards curiosity, the other week I caved in and #googled the ending of the entire show. Some of you reading this will be in utter horror at such a crime, others I know will totally be with me, even if ashamed to admit it. I have no regrets! Without giving too much away, knowing the final outcome of the plot and fate of the characters gave me a solid sense of resolution and therefore the ability to carry on watching the show. The cliff-hangers and nasty villains don’t seem so fatal now that I’ve seen the end from the beginning (please don’t @ me!). 

What does my slightly melodramatic tale have to do with anything of real importance? Well, arguably not a lot, but it’s funny how God speaks through our everyday experiences. Truthfully, it reminded me of how grateful I am to know The Ultimate End from The Beginning. If this pandemic has taught me anything, and I hope it’s teaching me a few things, it’s that as Christians, we are blessed to know our ending. No matter how this current crisis pans out both globally and personally, the finale to our “tale” has a happily ever after. No matter the intricate details of how our individual and collective “storylines” develop, the twists and turns, the beautiful highs and inevitable lows, the Author and the Finisher of our faith, the Alpha and Omega Himself has written our names in the book of life.

Whatever this side of eternity throws at us we find strength knowing that He’s already won the ultimate battle and the final victory has already been paid for. I don’t know about you but this gives me the courage to live another day, fight another battle and pray one more time. It is not immortality that the Christian hopes for, but eternity. Eternity with our Heavenly Creator, Lord and Saviour. Our hope remains in the finished work of the cross. 

 

 

 

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Do It Anyway

A few years back now, I trained as a professional dancer. The entertainment industry can sometimes be a negative and ugly space that offers huge highs and equally deep lows. There are often more performers than jobs available which can breed comparison and bitterness if left unchecked. What I noticed after graduation is that it wasn’t necessarily the ablest and talented that found and kept work. Rather it was those that continued to work hard and persevere. It was those tenacious in their self-belief and/or pursuit of work that enabled them to find success. It made me realise that our beliefs are so crucial to our victory. We hear it all the time from self-help-quotes, podcasts and books and yet I wonder how many of us actually take note and do anything to actively guard our hearts and train our minds. When we get to the edge of ourselves do we give up or keep going? I once saw a greeting card with a picture of an elderly couple on it that read something along the lines of, “People often ask us how we’ve managed to stay married all of these years, we answer, we come from an era where if something was broken we’d fix it”

For some reason, we’ve grown up in a western culture that can feel entitled, that feels like just because we want something we should have it, just because we’re passionate about something we should be able to do it. Previous generations who fought wars for our freedom were just grateful to be alive. No doubt they fought for the freedom of opportunity that we have today, and in many ways, it’s a blessing. However, our ease of opportunity if we’re not careful can lead us to lose the fight to make things work. We must remember and learn from our elders that victory doesn’t just happen.

So today’s slightly late #wednesdaywisdom which is now technically a #thursdaythought is a bit of a throwback to an insta post I did a while back entitled: DO IT ANYWAY! Whatever your ‘it’ is – keep going and do it anyway.

Do it anyway

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When it’s hard, when it’s going well and when it’s not, if no-one notices, if it’s slow going, if it feels like you’re not making the progress you thought you would, if it’s scary, when people don’t understand, if you’re standing out there on your own..

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Do it anyway

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Keep going, persevere, keep your head down and plough on. If it’s a labour of love it will require some pushing. Speaking as a Mum I can tell you that actual labour isn’t fun! In fact, it’s a lot of hard work! Sienna wasn’t birthed in the ‘natural’ way, I had a c-section after a looooooooooooooooonnngggg labour without my preferred result. So even when things take an unexpected detour, and the road doesn’t look like what you envisioned – keep going and DO IT ANYWAY

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Three ‘W’s to help keep you going

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Know Your Worth – Your validation doesn’t come from others, culture or any outside influence. It’s an intrinsic value you’re born with as a human and discover when you know Him who created you for purpose and died for you motivated by love. He believes you are worth His sacrifice. Before any success or accolade, triumph or failure you’ve made or will make, before any kind or ugly words were spoken over you – your worth was already established

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Know Your Why – Why are you doing what you’re doing? You started because you thought it was worthwhile so remind yourself of that often – like all the time! “Your vision could be someone’s only hope”

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Know Your Where – What’s the vision? “Without vision, the people perish” or in some translations “they cast off restraint” Proverbs 29 v 18. In other words, without vision, we lose sight of things, forget the goal, let it slip, don’t care. Set the vision ahead and look at it often as you take each step

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Hope that encourages someone today. I’m encouraging myself to. Tag someone who needs to hear it. Love y’all 😊❤️

 

#wednesdaywisdom

#wednesdaywisdom on a Thursday! Why not!

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This quote speaks for itself really! What do we believe? How do we feel about ourselves and others? Important things to assess because they determine how we act every day.

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If we believe we can then we will and are more likely to try again and see failure as part of the process rather than a final destination.

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Is each day a gift or a burden? We choose.

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Choose life

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#wednesdaywisdom #thursdaythoughts #believeyoucan #feedyourmind #encouragement #faithdiariesblog #lifestyleblogger #christianlifestyle

Validate Me

There’s been a lot of coverage in the media over the last year regarding social platforms and the detrimental effects they can have on mental and emotional wellbeing. Statistics for anxiety and depression continue to grow at an alarming rate and male suicide is at an all time high. Social media sites aren’t bad things, and in fact, when used for good can have a positive social impact and be a useful marketing tool. However, I do believe they have highlighted some of the deeper heart issues that affect us as a society. They are platforms which magnify the void of their users. The truth is, we all long to feel important, loved and that we have something significant to offer. Social media, along with the constant access to a continuous stream of everyone’s consciousness, helps magnify the brokenness of our humanity which seeks validation and value in the wrong places and for the wrong things.

Little children are the greatest truth tellers because they are unable to mask their feelings like adults. Sienna often searches my gaze for approval when she’s built a tower or swooped down a slide. She now preempts my response with self-applause followed by a proud exclamation, ‘wow’, before I even utter a word. In her little mind, she’s developed a confidence in my affirmation after consistent reinforcement.  Naturally, children seek approval and validation from the significant carers in their life. I’m sure most of us would agree that giving praise and encouragement are an important part of raising healthy children and therefore hopefully healthy adults. As a parent, I’m acutely aware that the way in which I respond to both good and bad behaviour, success and failure, will set the foundation for how she approaches life. As I observe Sienna’s innocence as she gleefully awaits my praise, I can’t help but think that wanting and needing approval isn’t such a terrible thing. Maybe it’s even innate.  However, what’s more important than me praising her achievements is the reassurance of my love in all circumstances. Whether she’s succeeded or failed at a task and whether she’s exhibited good or negative behaviour I try my best to always let her know that no matter what mummy still loves her. What she’s ultimately looking for is acceptance.

Validation:

“The action of making or declaring something legally or officially acceptable.”

“Recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile.”

It’s interesting that the word ‘validation’ finds it’s meaning rooted in legal terminology. When something or someone is validated, it brings credibility and right standing. In a court of law validation of a person’s testimony or innocence could be the difference between freedom and imprisonment, for some even life or death.

When we look for likes and comments on social media or rewards and praise from external sources, what we’re really hoping for is that someone will justify our existence and efforts. The trouble with this is that we will always be required to do more and to be better in order to feel that our existence has purpose or that someone somewhere cares.

The good news for all of us is that there is Someone who always cares, always sees and always approves because we, His children were created in His image and He longs to be connected to us. His approval and acceptance aren’t based on our achievements and what we can or can’t do for Him. The truth is we would never measure up. Our validation is assured because he stood in front of the Ultimate Judge and took all of our pain, shame and guilt upon Himself in order to make us eternally in legal right standing with Him. We are legally approved and accepted with full access to to the goodness of His Kingdom.

Let’s work hard, make goals, post our highlights for family and friends but hold everything lightly and remember that there’s a big fat tick that presides over our lives whatever season we’re in.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Romans 8 v 1 – 4

 

#wednesdaywisdom

We often hear the phrase “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery..” which is taken from a quote by Oscar Wilde. Usually, it’s spoken in the context of frustration or pride as someone attempts to imitate another or their work. However that’s only part of the quote, here’s the full sentence,

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”

Ouch!

It’s good and quite natural to look up to others, to aspire to be like those further along the path. Children do it naturally as they learn from their loved ones. It’s also important and necessary to be teachable and glean wisdom from others, to seek different opinions and keep a keen eye on experts.

What’s not ok is when we start to imitate others. Imitation can stem from comparison, insecurity, laziness or even admiration gone too far. When we imitate we will only ever be second best or second rate and an incomplete version of ourselves. Imitation only takes away from who we really are. We will never fully and truly discover the light within ourselves whilst we’re mimicking someone else or what they do. We must trust in our ability to bring our unique expression to any given situation. It might be similar but it doesn’t have to be the same.

Just as children grow in the discovery of themselves so must we continue to do so as we grow older.

Fortunately, we are connected to and created in the image of the ultimate Creator. He is the ultimate Artist, Physician, Communicator, Scientist, Teacher. We have free and loving access to His unlimited resource. The only person we should imitate is Christ. Beyond that, we can trust Him for what we need in order to fully be free to create and use all that He’s placed within us.

#wednesdaywisdom #inspiration #inspirationnotimitation #encouragement #faithdiariesblog #beyou #unique #aspire #aspiration #christianblog #christianblogger #faithblog #lifestyleblog #lifestyleblogger

A Father’s Heart

Part of Rich’s current work involves quite a bit of travel. For Sienna, our two-year-old daughter, this can be tricky to understand. Sometimes Daddy is here consistently to get her up and dressed in the morning, play, count with and shout bird together and sometimes he isn’t. Sometimes he bounces her down the stairs to breakfast tickles her feet as she giggles hysterically and other times he’s not and it’s just her and Mummy.

Rich is an extremely hands-on Father and he loves both Sienna and me very much and very well. Each parent has their own sacrifice to make when raising children.  For Rich, in this season, as he travels to earn money to keep our family, he is not always being present in the daily routine. Despite enjoying his work, he desperately misses us when he’s away and we both do our very best to keep him in Sienna’s mind. We video call and look at pictures and talk about and pray for Daddy. Whether Sienna is in a stinky mood or full of excitement to see him walk through the door on his return, he still loves her consistently.

Watching Rich pursue Sienna over and over again not only sets her up for high expectations in a future spouse but also I believe reflects the heart of a loving God who so desperately loves his children. Time and time again God pursues us, is patient with us and is faithful in His love for us despite how we might receive Him. And, just as Rich loved Sienna first and initiated their relationship before she was even aware of what a ‘Daddy’ was, so our heavenly Father also first loved us. Before we even knew of His existence, He spoke ours into being. He chose us to be His own and He set into motion Heaven’s plan.

Sometimes it might feel like God is distant, but be encouraged that He’s already put so much groundwork in so that we need not doubt His heart towards us. The famous John 3 v 16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son” is the foundation on which we pin our faith and the good news of the gospel. We can find assurance in the lengths He’s gone to in order to make clear to us the pursuit of His heart. Us. Even death wasn’t too much for Him! 

This work season won’t last forever and as Sienna’s language and comprehension improve, she will be able to understand where he is and that his love for her is consistent regardless of his location. He’s laid a strong foundation already in her short life so that when he calls she’s excited to see her Daddy. Whilst she can’t quite grasp why he’s trapped inside my phone, she recognises his face and his voice. With increased age, they will be able to have regular conversations and their relationship will continue to grow. He will never stop pursuing her with his Father’s heart. Whenever she stops to think of her Daddy, she will know him as available loving and consistent based upon her experience of him regardless of whether she can see him or not.

Whether or not you have a consistent and loving earthly Father or not I pray you’d know you have a Heavenly one Who is always on speed dial.

 

#wednesdaywisdom

A little injection of encouragement into your inbox this Wednesday lunchtime 🙂

Rich, Sienna and I over the last few months have been traveling back and forth, living out of suitcases, starting new jobs and nursery whilst also selling our house and buying a new one! Pretty much every weekend since February has been spent either showing people around our house of viewing prospective new ones. Before that, it was clearing and decorating ready to sell.
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We knew this would be a crazy season and so we decided from the offset that we wouldn’t panic, we would trust God and have faith.
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Worry is a choice and faith is a choice. I can’t say we’ve had a 💯 record of worry-free days but by and large, we’ve felt calm as we’ve DAILY relinquished control of what the outcome of each endeavour might be. In doing so we’ve left room for God to move and honestly, He has, in every way! In provision, timing, and peace. I can’t say it’s because we’re super wise or holy but we looked at the future and decided who we wanted to be and what we wanted to have achieved by the end of it all. AND what we didn’t want, which was to only survive to the end of this having clung on by our fingernails with full heads of unnecessary grey hair.
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What I’ve learned is that when we panic we plan our way out of miracles. It’s really ok to just take one day and week at a time and do what you can and hand over the rest to God. We either live by faith, or we don’t.
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I just started Erwin McManus’ book, “The Way of The Warrior” on Audible today. As I was driving to work I heard the above quote amongst a plethora of golden wisdom that the book contains. His words just rang so true.
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How will you act?
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#faithdiariesblog #dontworry#encouragement #christianblogger#lifestyleblogger#wednesdaywisdom #faithblog

No-Man’s Land

There’s a place I remember from childhood that is approximately a metre squared and can be found at the end of two adjoining roads. Amongst friends we used to refer to this small section of real estate as ‘no-man’s land’. Whilst it lay between two street signs it belonged to neither one. If we straddled our legs from one side to the other we would proudly declare that finally, we could be in two places at once. However, being neither fully in one street or the other turned out to be more novel than practical as having one foot in both streets allowed the opportunity to do little other than stand still.

Perhaps the absence of regular blog posts over recent months can be accredited to the navigation of our own ‘no-mans land’. We’ve made some key decisions as a family over the past year that have propelled us into a transition period. Reaching an ambiguous crossroads we have had to redefine, rethink and revaluate what’s important to us as we move forward. A process which takes time and is easier to type than do.

It’s an odd feeling to find yourself in life’s ‘no-man’s land’. To a soldier, the term ‘no-man’s land’ refers to a piece of unoccupied territory that few dare to enter for fear of the uncertainty that lies within. Stepping out in faith often sounds more glamorous and adventurous in concept than it actually turns out to be when walked out, and almost always leads to some kind of ‘no-man’s land’. To venture into unchartered territory is daunting and inconvenient and sometimes lonely. To leave the comfort and perceived safety of the known takes courage, and not everyone will understand the reasons for your venture, or be willing to come with you. As is often the case when daring to step into the unknown, our own in-between season came with neither clear direction nor defined timeline. Living in a culture that is constantly bombarded with information and glorifies busyness, it can be disarming to find yourself temporarily at a standstill whilst in search for clear direction.

What I’ve discovered is that ‘no-man’s land’ can be an uncomfortable place to inhabit. Yet, as uncomfortable as it may be, I believe it is necessary to enter if we wish to make any type of change for the better of ourselves or others. As disruptive as it may be, it can be significant, as lonely as it may feel at times, it can be illuminating. On the other side of ‘no-man’s land’ lies new territory to be taken and new freedom to be attained. If we commit to the process of allowing ourselves to temporarily belong to nowhere, we can find the freedom to choose where it is we wish to eventually settle.

We’ve been navigating this area for a while now, and are hopefully nearing the end of this particular journey through the unknown. There have been lots of things learnt, some ideas challenged, a few things left behind, and much gained. At times it’s been exciting and full of hope and at others, it’s been confusing and overwhelming. The intricate details of our expedition are personal to us and no doubt mostly irrelevant to you but there are some anchors that have kept me going. The following nuggets have lifted my head and helped me to travel through the void rather than get lost in it.

• Find joy, it brings strength. Amongst change and uncertainty, it can be difficult to find joy and easy to see chaos. It requires practice. Joy is a plumb line and perspective giver. I try and think of three things daily that I’m grateful for. This keeps my eyes up, my focus forward and my heart grateful. Each day is a gift and I’m learning to treat it as such. See my previous post written about joy here.

         “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8 v 10)

• Deal with what you know and don’t dwell on what you don’t. Overthinking and over-talking allow worries to fester. Worry blocks faith and feeds anxiety.  Plan for what you know and have faith for what you don’t. 

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What        shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6 v 31 – 33)

• Take one bite at a time. An ancient African proverb asks, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite a time.” When our only focus is the large elephant ahead of us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and want to walk away. Any change, of lasting significance, has to be dealt with one small bitesize piece at a time. Jesus taught us to ask for daily bread because He knows better than we know ourselves. Tackle ‘no-man’s land’ one bite and one day at a time.

“Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6 v 11)

• Trust is a doing word. Trust isn’t passive, it requires courage and practice. When all else is swirling in the storm, there is one in Whom our trust will never be misplaced.

“LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” (Psalm 84 v 12)

• Sometimes you have to lose to gain. Not a weight loss slogan, although it could be. Transition requires moving from one thing to another which often means leaving something or even someone behind. Fear of letting go is possibly one of the greatest inhibitors to change but a closed hand is not able to receive a new gift. It’s not always easy and it shouldn’t be taken lightly, but with wisdom and care shedding some things can be the greatest liberator.

 

 

Wednesday Wisdom

Because it’s Wednesday and to give you a taste of what you’ll find on the new #wednesdaywisdom page, here are a few recent posts to whet your appetite.

Please note they are short with the aim of providing a quick soul ‘snack’ for your midweek break, rather than a full belly filling feast!

Enjoy, comment and share 🙂

#wednesdaywisdom
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“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou
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This weeks #wednesdaywisdom comes to me as a sobering reminder to look at what I focus my energies on when occupying any space alongside others. Whether that be in the home, at work, at church, the street or any other kind of environment that I find myself breathing in the same air as another.
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Task, is important, details are important, taking ground, making traction, pioneering, innovation – all important, but the ‘things’ that have the most eternal significance are not measurable in numbers and growth charts. How we treat people matters.
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Why can’t we be awesome builders and kind? Why can’t we have healthy debate, disagreement and respect? Why can’t we be driven and motivated whilst also noticing people in the process? Why can’t we create excellent things and be full of love?
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Well, I believe we can but it takes effort. It takes intention. It takes assessing our blind spots, being aware of self and surrounding ourselves with loving and honest people who will not only encourage our strengths but also call out our weaknesses.
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“People will follow a leader with a heart faster than people with a title” – Craig Groeschel
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Be kind – it’s free! It could change the trajectory of someone’s life more than a project or programme ever will.
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#wednesdaywisdom#wednesdaymotivation#faithdiariesblog#faithblogger#christianblogger#lovewins#bekind#mayaangelou#leadership#leadershipquotes#encouragement

#wednesdaywisdom
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What does rest look like for you?
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What does it mean to you?
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Is rest important? Is it passive or active? Is rest a weakness or strength?
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In my devotional this week it suggested that rest was a form of worship. Interesting. 

Given that Romans 12 talks about our whole lives being an act of worship I thought, “yes, it would fall into that category so it makes sense” Why did I struggle to see rest as worship?
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As I let the thought permeate further I realised, rest = trust. Rest requires belief, it requires faith that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. Rest allows God to be God. Rest is a gift. Rest restores and heals, physically and mentally, rest gives space to stop and think. Rest is God’s idea, He programmed our bodies to rest, to sleep to re-energise. Nature rests. We have day and night. Rest acknowledges that our value and worth are not found in being unhealthily busy, in doing and having and achieving more by our own merit. Rest creates room for miracles, because when we’ve done all we can, we trust, we wait, we rest, we hope and we sleep because He who is faithful never does.
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Rest knows that God has our back.
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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬
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#wednesdaywisdom#wednesday#wednesdaymotivation#encouragement#rest#bestill#romans12#faith#faithdiariesblog#faithblogger#christianblogger#gritandvirtue#christianlifestyle

#wednesdaywisdom
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Sienna turns two this week and for a whole year, she has loved to run! From pelting it down our concrete garden path to seeing how far she can escape in the vast open space of our local park.
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One thing she absolutely loves to play is chase, the trouble with this is that mid-sprint she often turns her head to look back. As she does this her little two-year-old orientation falters and the inevitable face plant ensues.
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This reminds me that we rarely move forward in our own lives if we’re always looking back. If we pay too much attention to past failures and hurt it continues to define our present. Likewise, if we live on past successes we make no haste to grow into more for our future.
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We mustn’t ignore or bury our past to the detriment of healing, and we definitely must use it to learn from. However, we need to let the future we want to build define our present, fuel our decisions and keep us forward facing.
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“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬
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#christianblogger#wednesdaywisdom#wednesdaymotivation#faithblogger#faithdiariesblog#christianlifestyle#encouragement

A Quick Hello

I wanted to write a short post to say “Hello!” to those of you who follow this blog via WordPress or email.

I’m still here, active and very much invested in these pages but have had to prioritise time and headspace elsewhere over these past few months.

Whilst still posting regularly on social media I appreciate not everyone hangs out in those spaces and so wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for sticking with me. I will be posting some new material on here very soon.

Each week on Instagram I post #wednesdaywisdom which is a short collection of thoughts curated more specifically for social media. I’ve now started to add these to the website (see menu) for anyone needing a little midweek soul ‘snack’. Think of them as a moment to ponder, be encouraged or injected with some metaphorical caffeine. They often include quotes, ideas or inspiration around some of my interests which can be found in the About Me page.

On Friday’s I also post book recommendations with mini-reviews from myself or friends for those looking for new material to read. Feel free to get involved and send your suggestions should it float your boat, my Amazon wishlist continues to grow!

That’s all for now, thanks for reading and keep your eyes peeled for the next post.