tapestry of life...............

as we are on the countdown for the last few weeks of service at shorestreet..we are beginning to realise that there are lots of very special people we are going to miss having in our lives on a regular basis......it is always exciting to move into a new season..with endless possibilities and new experiences...but this morning as i looked around...i must admit to feeling a little lump in my throat....as following Jesus and moving when the pillar of fire moves....is not only challenging for us....but also for those who are left behind.............but i know there are those who are part of the tapestry of our lives..who God has placed in our hearts for a season and then those who we will live this adventure alongside us at different stages yet to come..........'all things work together....'.........yes i love change........but its not always easy in the transition..........

change is here.......part 1

well it has finally arrived...we are moving into a new season.............see stuarts blog for the first installment...........life is never boring chasing the Wild Goose................

learn the unforced rhythms of grace......

i read this on a blog i follow a couple of days ago..and it has stayed with me..i particularly love it in the message....


The words of Jesus from Matthew 11

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

and the same passage in The Message version of the bible

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.


i really love the line.......i will show you how to take a real rest....and .......learn the unforced rhythms of grace...............

it is possible.......

was just noticing a sticker stuart has stuck on the back of his work laptop which says


another world is possible


i love this - and was just thinking afresh what that would look like....if i lived the life i talk about.........

i just don't......

we live in an interesting world.........and again we are rapidly moving into the 'silly season' for those of you that know me well you will know i don't celebrate Christmas.....for many reasons.......this is not a new decision but one i have gladly stood by for more than ten years...i can hear some of you gasp....thinking to yourself..i thought she was a committed christian...how could she possibly not celebrate Christmas of all things.........easy.....i just don't...........the 25th December comes and goes in my house like any other...and it is liberating.........more so than ever before.....when people ask me have i started my Christmas shopping yet....and i say no..we don't buy xmas gifts in my family...but bless each other throughout the year with treats .....instead of going in to debt and stress to buy things not wanted or needed just because it happens to be the 25th December.......instead of the strange looks and disdain i have often been met by..... i am now met with longing eyes and the remark..i wish i could do that.....you can..........we do so many things because of tradition..some good..some not so good....or because it has always been done.......or everyone else seems to be doing it.......without really asking .....why am i doing this...and what is it all rooted in?....well i asked that question years ago.. God clearly answered.... here i stand........standing out.........

i love days off......................

i had a lovely day off toady....started slowly...always good on a day off......then talked hubby into joining me for an hour or two shopping in town..it was time for a cosy winter coat purchase, to fend of the biting wind...its so cosy.....then we got lunch at Nando's ...which certainly helped us see better (lots of chili and spices)......then home again..........and evening coffee with my brother and his family......i love days off.....back to work tomorrow..........

he began to make it beautiful.......

last night as i was talking at one of our youth groups..God reminded me of a moment in my life..when He broke through the silence...and changed my life forever........people can try to use intellectual arguments to try proving God does not exist....some even spend their whole lives trying .......but no one .....no matter who they are can ever rob me of my personal experience with a living God who heard my cry many years ago and broke into my mess and began to make it beautiful..........i got quite emotional as i recounted that moment..cause it is as real to me today as it was then..........that was the first of many....i worship and serve a God who hears me and ...........responds........