“It’s the little things…”

A long time ago, I started noting down all of those little things in life that bring great joy.

And then amidst life happening - life with illness and tragedy and hectic busyness - I just.. stopped. Not consciously, I just forgot, in the stress of the here and now, to be still and remember to be grateful for all of the things in life that bring great joy when we simply stop to notice them. During testing times it is so easy to simply focus on the current trials we’re facing, in order to make it through.

For my baptism, my parents gave me this book. Ann Voskamp wrote one thousand everyday gifts in a journal and this book is a series of beautifully written devotionals which talk of the simple graces and hard graces that we experience every day of our lives.

It has really encouraged me to stop and slow and to pick up my pen again, and take note and be thankful for all of those little things in life. I only deepen my wound of the world when I neglect to give thanks for all of these good things. Good things that a good God gives.

Ann Voskamp writes that - “the brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy, even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world”. This, this is what I strive to be.

All my love, always.

(by liz.rusby)

Walking in the Garden of England...

I am loving Kent’s country walks :)

I believe…

I believe in God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. And this is how I came to believe it.

I believe in prayer. And the great power in it.

I believe knitting and keeping a journal are the best therapeutic activities.

I believe in being on time.

I believe in family traditions.

I believe in building dens. The ones in the living room with sheets held up with chairs.

I believe in road trips with music and friends and sunshine.

I believe in laughing, especially when life feels difficult.

I believe there are fewer things more beautiful than when a person smiles.

I believe in the beauty of flowers around the home.

I believe in long walks along the beach or through the countryside.

I believe in taking photographs. Lots of them!

I believe in Jesus’ never-failing love, guidance and reassurance and that I am never alone.

I believe in all the little things.

I believe in love, a lot of love.

21st Birthday :)

Thursday was my 21st Birthday and whilst there was no big bash or even alcohol involved (as you might typically expect from a 21st birthday), it was such a lovely, busy, day filled with friends, family and lots of tea and cake :)

BAPTISM DAY!

17/03/2013

On Sunday, I was baptised.

I read out my testimony in front of a few hundred people and was dunked under water by two men, in what is effectively a posh paddling pool.

I hate people looking at me (and there was a lot of people!), yet I think it was probably the best day of my life.

I was reminded of how I blessed I am to be able to attend such an amazing church (with such welcoming and loving people), to have such a supportive family, to have a group of friends I am able to share fellowship with and friends who came to support me even though they didn’t believe just because it was such an important day for me.

Wow.

Sunday was filled with smiles (my face ached!) and laughter (and my tummy hurt!) and an abundance of joy - I didn’t want it to end!

Thank you to everybody who came to the service and/or the lunch afterwards, it was such a privilege to spend such a memorable day with you. And thank you to everybody who sent such beautiful messages of support and encouragement, I really do appreciate every single one. You really are so amazing.

I really hope that you had a great weekend too :)

All my love, always.

I just logged into facebook to about a gazillion status’ about the end of exams.

As of midday on the 23rd May, my degree will be over! That is only 78 days away! Oh my goodness me, that is such a terrifying and exciting thought!

Why is time going so quickly?! And how on earth is everything going to get done in that time?! Well, it will get done - it always does! And it all feels much more do-able now that the sun is shining and spring is here!

Spring is here :)