It was lovely to walk the kids to school in the snow this morning. After I dropped them off, I went the long way round the castle, and I was struck by how beautiful everything looked because it was covered in snow.

I thought of the scriptures about snow and the bride of christ in the bible, here are two of them...

Isaiah 1:18 - “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool."

Rev 19:17 - Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

I was reminded of my identity as a child of God, completely forgiven and holy, loved by Him and that we are to make ourselves ready as the bride of Christ (His church).

Hebrews 12:2 says, 'throw off everything that hinders you and the sin that so easily entangles you'. One of the main reasons things hinder us and sin so easily entangles us is because we forget who we are and what He has done for us. Never forget you are part of the pure, spotless bride of Christ (the church).

You have been made new, holy and blameless. Keep making yourself ready by walking closely with God and knowing who you are and throwing off any hindrances or sins that hold you back.

Have a great rest of your week 💖

For a couple of months, I've been on a bit of a journey with God to re-discover joy. I had a few things that hadn't gone how I'd expected, but I knew that joy was something supernatural, that goes beyond my circumstances.

Just recently, the Holy Spirit reminded me again that, the way that we experience joy, is through seeking Him and simply doing what He tells us to do.

To illustrate, last week I sorted through the chaos of my spare room, which had become a dumping ground for all sorts of things. All the duvet covers and sheets were folded neatly, lost socks were found, everything was put in its rightful place, and order was restored. I little well of joy rose up iny heart as I looked at everything put in order and neatly placed where it should be.

The Holy Spirit said this to me; when we are in the centre of God's will for us, everything is put in order, our relationships are healthy, we have clarity of purpose, we know where everything belongs and we get the job done. We are clear on what is important and what is not, and we are focused and motivated to persevere in His plans, and this results in great joy along the way.

So I encourage you to have a think this week, where is there joy in your life? Or perhaps where are the areas that feel more like my spare room (pre sort out).

As we do, let Jesus, be our example, when we read these words:

'12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

(Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV).

Stay the course and prosperity will follow!

I get tired of routine at times but God is so consistently constant. Just looking at the seasons He brings, they are cyclic and constant. But I often find myself struggling to keep on when I don't see the end product; and I know I'm not alone on this one. So when I saw the picture above from our brothers and sisters in Atlanta I felt faith arise for a word and promise for the year.

I believe God is speaking and saying, 'stay the course, prosperity and all other things will be added on, just stick with me I got you. I have your back WHERE no one else does - I am working in the blind spots'.

I hope the song attached here will also help encourage and stir you, as it has me, to stay joyful on the course while He does His best work in us.

Happy Christmas Eve everyone!

Here is a Christmas encouragement just for you. Whatever you are up to this Christmastime I pray you have time to reflect on the true meaning and celebration of this season.

If your Christmas is going to be a simple one that's ok. Maybe you will be working that's ok. You might be feeling ill or lonely, I pray God gives you health and company. Or missing loved ones during this season I pray God gives you comfort. Maybe this Christmas isn't what you had planned but I pray God uses it for good anyway. Maybe you feel exhausted and can't rest, I pray God gives you peace. Maybe you are simply having a wonderful Christmas time, enjoy.

When thinking of an encouragement I thought of the word CHRISTMAS and came up with this. This Christmas let's try to keep ...

C - Christ at the centre

H - He is all you need

R - Remember others

I - Invite a guest over

S - Spend time in silence

T - Take time to be thankful

M - Make time to unwind

A - Always have fun

S - Sit back and relax

Wherever we are we can bring Jesus to the table and bring his presence to others. Be a light and shine bright for Jesus.

I hope that you have time to be truly blessed this Christmas and that 2023 brings more joy, love and laughter to your life!