I have set myself a challenge, over the next 2 weeks as I finish my degree with 2 exams I would like to blog each day a thought, song or quote that has challenged, moved, annoyed or inspired me. I don't know how realistic it is to make a commitment to write something every day, but I will give it a shot.
I hope that through my random musings, findings or thoughts that you too may be encouraged.
Today is a quote from a reading that I'm going through in preparation for my Pastoral Care exam....the theme is stories and how we use them in our everyday lives to express meaning, communicate with one another and make sense of our world. I love listening to people and hearing the story of their life so studying for this question on my exam isn't too much of a chore, although the danger will be that i'll want to spend too much time on it!
“Through narrative, we become spiritual travellers undaunted by time, distance, or new landscapes. It is as if stories have mystical power to invite us, willingly or unwillingly, to enter unknown worlds.” p.4 Anderson and Foley 'Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals
I adore this quote, as I read it I'm drawn into a mystical world in my imagination. I can't tell of the times that I have been drawn into stories this way, real and fiction. Stories are powerful because they connect people, and we are connected to God through His story of redemption.
I love knowing that I belong to a story that is way bigger than myself. And as I reflect on my life at this current moment I know that a chapter is about to end...and I have no idea what the next chapter looks like but I know I am excited, I know I'm scared but I also know that "Our God is greater, Our God is higher, Our God is greater than any other. Our God is healer, awesome in power. Our God."
“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.”
As my farewell to the incredible year that was 2010 I have put together some top 10's as a reflection of my year. It has been one of challenges and joys. I have learnt oh so much and there are so many moments and memories that will continue to stop and marvel at. Top 10 moments
Seeing Valerie B’s face when we held a surprise birthday party for her. Seeing Petra Hr on her first day of a year spent in NI. Hearing a Czech student at English Camp share this phrase ‘I don’t know what it is, but there is something different about the people here. They are so nice.’ This being said on the first day of discussion groups. Taking my nephew Corey to play in the autumn leaves. Praising Jesus with some of the most amazing students at Fuel 10. Being reunited with beautiful friends in the summer (both in Czech and NI). Spending time with Erin and Talitha for Erin’s birthday.
Grace and love filled conversations over coffee with Brittany and Bec. Spending intentional quality time with my family. The honour of meeting beautiful God seeking girls for coffee.
Top 10 Songs
Standing out for You- Bluetree
Awake my soul- Mumford and Sons
How He Loves Us- John Mark McMillan
What Happens When the Heart just Stops- The Frames
The Story- Brandie Carlile
Beloved- Tenth Avenue North
You Make it Real- James Morrison
You’ve Got the Love- Florence and the Machine
Heaven Song- Phil Wickham
White As Snow- U2
Also worth a mention are: Strangers like Rock and Roll- Ray LaMontagne
Your Song- Ellie Goulding He Reigns (this child)- Rick McKinley
Top 10 photos
Your love makes me high, August 2010.
Winter Sunset, 2010
Hello cupcake.
Love like you're forgiven, April 2010
University Square, Autumn 2010
Brittany, March 2010
Sunrise, Prague, July 2010
Cardiff, November 2010
Christmas Bussle, Cardiff, November 2010
Pride&Joy, June 2010
Charles Bridge, July 2010 (with help from Amy B)
All you need is Love, John Lennon Wall, Prague, July 2010
LOVE, White Rock Beach, Portstewart, August 2010
Top 10 Verses&Quotes
Bible Verses, quotes and song lyrics that inspired, motivated and encouraged me throughout this year...
"I'll be with you. I won't give up on you. I won't leave you. Don't be timid, don't be discouraged for God your God is with you every step you take." ~ Joshua 1:1-9 (paraphrased)
"Free me Lord, to live this life believing all I really have is You Free me from these binds Lord, I am choking on the gifts this world gives Jesus I am waiting on Your love." ~ Justin McRoberts- Waiting on Your Love
"If the world hates you, remember it hated Me first" ~ Jesus - John 15:18
"This is easy for Jesus" ~ Paul Bowman
"If you could allow yourself to feel it, are there not times when you would love to cry on God's shoulder, to let God tell you that you are worthwhile and beautiful? And is there not something in you that would be delighted if you could bring a smile to God's face?" ~ Gerald May
"Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." ~ Jesus- Mark 2:17
"Where you invest your love, you invest your life" ~ Mumford&Sons - Awake my soul
"Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful."
~Genesis 29:17 (one Jesus spoke to me)
"God couldn't have brought you this far to leave you." ~Val Bowman
"Remember your history...His Story. Remember where and what God has saved you from." ~ James Hyndman
"I am slow to anger and abounding in love. I understand you." ~ Psalm 86:15 (parapharsed)
There are my top 10's for 2010.
2011 will be a year of challenge as I enter my final semester of my degree, I hope and pray that I will graduate in the summer and then I will step into the unknown.
It is terrifing and exciting all at the same time.
I wrote last year that I desired to continue on the journey of letting God love me and with His grace and patience I feel I have moved small steps forward. But I am so looking forward to continuing on this journey with Him.
I am sure over the next few weeks I will continue to refelct on the year that has been 2010 but for now I will say farewell to 2010 and Hello 2011.
May your 2011 be filled with peace, hope, love, joy and adventure!
