SNOW

The amazing snow we've had definitely deserves a post, just because it is so absolutely beautiful and magestic!

'He does great things beyond our understanding...He says to the snow fall on the earth' Psa 37v6

What a fantastic playground a field of untrodden snow is to a child (and an adult!) The fun that can be had building, crafting, moulding, throwing snowballs, sledging, skidding, breaking up icicles! It's such a treat for our boys this year, as we didn't have a decent snowfall last year. It's a great talking topic also to remind them of how 'clever' God is at making these amazing elements and what a pretty world he's made for us.

Not sure how long this snow is going to last so going to enjoy it while its here. Time to get the wellies and mittens back on!

The Depths

When the tears just don't stop running, flowing down my cheeks faster than I can mop them. When my stomach feels hollow and there's a lump in my throat. When I don't feel like eating and all I want to do is go back to sleep...THAT is a day we look forward to saying goodbye too, hopeful that the next is not the same.

These are the days when the only way to cope is to look up. My day will be a constant and continual converse with God of tears and questions. At the time it feels so painful, to have to cry so much is hurts your face and feel so utterly desperate. It feels like it might not pass and you hide away so the kids can't see you this way. Then it does pass, and you can breathe again and your heart is not racing as if you've done a sprint. It is only then that you can make sense of it.

What if I never had these emotional breakdowns, I wonder? What if things never came to a head and I always felt in control? My conclusion is that life would be a lot smoother and less complicated, but my relationship with God would not be the same.

So I sit here in the calm after the storm and wonder what I am learning and what God is trying to teach me. I am a huge believer that the challenges in life are a healthy thing. A smooth and straight path would be too easy, we'd never learn to navigate. The pitfalls are essential for our growth. I am thankful that these days happen from time to time and it reminds me that I am human and can't do anything in my own strength. I don't want to trick myself into thinking that I am so strong and clever that I can always stay on top of life. It is not about being on top, it is about walking with God, and trusting the journey he is leading us on.

So I am comforted as I think of my saviour Jesus, who might have despaired the way I do. The pressure and the strings that pulled him must have felt too much at times. His refuge was his father, who reassured him and showed him the goal. By his Grace Jesus was able to overcome. By his Grace we can also overcome.

Reflection

So that was a pretty good year, apart from the rain! Probably the major talking topic of 2012, the awful weather! We were lucky enough to escape it for a few weeks in the summer, but generally we should have enough rainfall to see us through 2013!

The year has started well with a beautiful sunny day yesterday. After very little sleep and a few hours of clearing up after our new years party (which was AWESOME, thanks everyone!) we went for a lovely walk with friends, which helped wake me up! It's been a crazy, hectic and busy past week, but the highlight has been family and friends. I honestly cannot praise and thank God enough for this blessing and gift. I hope to pray for and reach out to those more who are without family in 2013, because I cannot imagine not having this in my life. 

I wonder what this year will hold. A wise friend told me that we must not fear what might be ahead, but look forward in faith. Whether hardship or joy is to come in 2013, we know what God has always been faithful to us, and will be again. 

This past year has consisted of many things, surgery, losing a family member, Diamond Jubilee, Olympics, meeting the Queen (!), going back to Canada and seeing loved ones, meeting Sara Groves and listening to her in concert (inspirational), tension in the middle east,  lessons learned in faith and relationships, contentment and patience.

I hope in 2013 I can embrace God's word more than ever, realising that there is nothing that will satisfy more than this. Pray without ceasing, use my time for others, listen, show my children the love of Jesus, pursue my childminding career, keep fit!

Time's up and dinner needs to be made...

God bless all of you in this coming year, and I hope God grants you peace x