I want to write...

but rarely know what to say or where to go with it. Ah well... instead I will simply say that I've had a really nice chilled Easter, spending time with family and friends. However, I'm really looking forward to seeing my lovely friends back in Preston!! :D

A couple of the days I have particularly enjoyed during my holidays have been the past couple of days. On Tuesday afternoon, the bestie and I went to the woods in Formby (famous for their programme for the conservation of red squirrels). Although we did not see any squirrels as their numbers have dropped due to squirrel pox, Olivia and I had a leirsurely stroll through the picturesque forest and had a good catch up and a chat before chilling out at her place for the evening.


The following day we ventured to Chester Zoo and we saw Lions and Tigers and Bears (oh my!) amongst other creatures. The weather started off a little dreary but by early afternoon the sun had come out and the shades were on and so it turned out to be a lovely day; lots of fun, if a litle tiring. I seriously don't know how my parents managed when my sister and I were little; traipsing around with two miniture girls in tow, along with the pram and packed lunches. Despite our mild fatigue we managed to see the whole zoo in a couple of hours. I particularly enjoyed the bat cave and the spider monkeys whilst Olivia took a shine to anything with a long neck or tail. For example, giraffes, llamas, lemurs and ostriches. We got many photographs of the latter.

We spent about 5 hours there in total before waiting almost an hour for a bus from the zoo to the train station, by which point we were feeling quite drained. Despite that we had a really great time and memories were made, which is something I always look fondly upon.

(Photos will follow shortly...as soon as Olivia puts them on her computer. For now...this will have to do!)

Love

A recent conversation with some friends promted me to write this blog. I don't know about you but I think about love a lot.

As little girls especially, we were always encouraged to believe that we were little princesses just waiting to find our Prince. As corny as it sounds, and you can dismiss it if you choose, but I think we can all agree that we have all seen at least one Disney movie- one of the classics; Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty- for people of my age certainly- these are the films I grew up with. Whilst there is nothing wrong with the films as such, they do encourage us to expect a fairytale life that won't happen for most (if any!)

Most of us all think we know what true love is. Can real love be explained with mere words? Or is it actions that demonstrate this complex and multi dimensional emotion. Even the word 'emotion' seems too simple to describe it. I do believe, however, that love can only ever be true. If it's not true, it's not love, it's something else entirely. And whilst there are many different kinds of love, to identify them is sometimes just too hard.

I try not to be cynical when it comes to love, because is it a wonderful gift that when shared, can make a profound impact on people's lives. However, that is not to say that it doesn't come without it's problems. You see, there will always be conditions with love between mankind. You only have to look to the selection of glossies that grace our TV screens and corner shops. Pre-nups signed before marriage; people anticipating that something will go wrong as they simultaneously declare their vows of faithfulness to one another. I'm not saying that all marriages were meant to be- we need to be realistic here, but part of learning about marriage and relationships is being by patient with one another, letting things go, being understanding. And in due course, when married, being adoring and compassionate, despite faults and flaws. It's not going to be a perfct little picnic of partnership, but a journey of adventures where there will be ups and downs, but ultimately, sharing in that together, growing closer and falling more in love as each day goes by.

I sound like I'm speaking from experience which I can tell you, I'm certainly not having never been in love before. However, my once jeuvenile fantasy has been transformed, by the grace of God, into a realistic, achieveable adventure that I'm really excited to begin. Most of us will get married, but regardless of whether we do or don't, truth is, and at risk of sounding incredibly cheesy once again, we have all already found our Prince. We all have a Prince of Peace who loves us unconditionally.

Unconditional love can only be found in God, through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ. Who else would really give their life for you? Who would suffer the most horrendous death imaginable so he could live through you and have a relationship with you? Who would sacrifice his one and only son, for you? Only one God would do that. He loves you. He will always love you. Revel in that gift of real, true love. Enjoy his unconditional love today.




This track is on Phil Wickham's most recent record: "Heaven and Earth". Enjoy!

Itching to write, but wasn't inspired until this evening...

It's been a little while since my last ramble so I was just itching to write something but couldn't find anything "good" to write about... until this evening, I guess.

My church in Preston has started this year by reading the Bible in a year with daily readings. We jump around the good book, whilst maintaining themes throughout the daily readings. I started this month and should finish reading the whole Bible by next January. That's the goal anyway. Let me tell you, already, 3 days in, it has been SUCH an amazing blessing. God's Word is just the best thing you can ever read because every word is true, it's "God breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16), it helps me to live righteously, it guides me in making decisions; good decisions=God decisions.

A friend and I have started meeting weekly to discuss the readings over a coffee or lunch (if funds allow!) This is another thing I'm incredibly thankful to God for. The way He brings people together in relationships and friendships is another thing that amazes me about God's character. To share in the good times and to comfort in the bad; true friendship.

The past few weeks God has really been speaking to me about friendship and companionship. Having like-minded friends is a gift that is so invaluable. People who know our gifts, our strengths and weaknesses can give us genuine advice and we can be confident in that. Being able to pray and share faith with a fellow Christian girl these past couple of weeks has been a great gift and a blessing for me. So thank you; you know who you are! :)

The scriptures we have been reading have also been a comfort. Just knowing the almighty power of God and His compassion for us that lasts for all eternity. It's often difficult for me to even grasp that concept! Isaiah 45 and 54 talk about a God that will never shame us or disgrace us; He will strengthen us and uphold us. Even though we may face difficult times, we will be persectuted and hated, but God will not let us fall. Proverbs 3 tells us that the Lord will be our confidence, which means we have NOTHING to fear! How crazy-incredible is that?!

As you all (probably) know, I'm a huge Phil Wickham fan, and love to listen to him when I'm reading my Bible. I want to share this song with you, the words just really spoke to me as I was reading. Enjoy the song and GET INTO GOD'S WORD!! The more you read about His character; each divine dimension, the more your life will be changed- for the better!

Happy New Year.... although it's a little belated.

Last year; 2009, was quite a year for me personally. There were a lot of changes and momentus 0ccasions.

• I performed for the last time in my school drama studio which was a big deal for me. I have many fond memories of past rehearsals and performances that I will hold dear to me forever. I owe my drama department for playing a part in who I am today.

• I turned 18! I think it's funny the way some ages are deemed more important than others. What is it about 18 that makes it special? You can vote? You can drink (legally)? You can buy cigarettes? The latter aren't really anything to get excited about I wouldn't say. Neither is voting, come to think of it. Although of course I recognise its significance.
  

• I finished college and came out with results that I was really happy with.

• I had one of the best summers ever with some fantastic trips and holidays which made memories that will last a lieftime.

• I started university at UCLan which was scary but very exciting. Thus, I have met some great friends and people who have encouraged me daily for which I am very thankful.

However, despite all of this, I have found it to be a year of comfort. I asked God for strength in the challenges, and He gave it to me. I thanked Him in the good times and He blessed me. Yet still, I have remained quite comfortable.

I think 2010 is going to be a year where I will be stretched. Stepping out in faith is difficult because we feel like we have no control. We are all control freaks, thinking sometimes that we can handle our own lives best. We know ourselves better than anyone else can. We can only rely on oneself. We try that approach time and again and we come out defeated. It is only when we ask for strength and provision when we need it that we will see results. If we have everything before we need it, we won't rely on God, our faith won't be tested and we won't grow. God gives as and when so we learn to trust in Him, have faith in Him and surrender to His ways because HE knows us best. He is the Creator, He is the Father and He is our Provider, our Judge and our Advisor. My prayer and desire for this year is that He will reveal a little bit of His plan for my life and show me and that I will believe and trust in that, because He knows best. He knows everything.

Even though we are tested at times, when we need something and we don't seem to be able to see the actions, doesn't mean we won't be able to see the reactions. We don't realise that it was God's plan until after we see the results, and then we realise that it was God.

I hope you understand that jumble ^ and maybe take something away from it. Have a blessed 2010! :)

Christmas

Most of us really enjoy Christmas; its a happy time of year and is filled with fun and festivities and lots of food. But its so easy to take everything we have for granted. My prayer is that I don't forget how blessed I am.

We have so much, but its so easy to focus on what we don't have. I guess though, what it all boils down to, is the fact that I have everything I need. I have all my hopes and trust in the one who is the center of Christmas; the real meaning behind the extra details and traditions that people have added over time.

Christ came as a child. He was born into this world of darkness and became our light. God was born humbly in human form, to save us. To rescue us from the darkness that we created and so He could feel our pain and bear our shame and take all of that weight on His shoulders as he died on the cross.

Our sins were nailed into his perfect palms,
our transgressions were seared into the soles of his feet,
our imperfections were that crown of thorns crushing his forehead,
so we could be free.
Because of his death, I live. And that is what I am thankful for. Unworthy, but thankful nontheless because I know that He is all I need.

I pray you have a blessed Christmas and remember the hope in Jesus which is all we need. Don't focus on what you get or don't get, but what you already have.

Thought(s) for the day

Get over it.
There are more important people/things to worry about than yourself and your issues.
Don't be selfish.
Love.

The Day's Events

After working through most of last night and going to bed at 5am, getting 5 hours sleep and then getting up at 11am to finish off my essays, I had a free evening.

Some friends were desperate to see Spike Jonze's "Where the Wild Things Are" and so I went along primarily out of curiosity, as well as something to do as the latter part of the afternoon could have potentially been a little bit lonely. I could have learnt my lines for my drama assessment on Monday, but I really needed a break from working to tell the truth. And so, we ventured to the Odeon to watch, what I thought was going to be light children's entertainment.

As soon as it started, I gathered that it wasn't just all fun and laughs, but that there was actually something of magnitude to be considered in the story. Although the plot is unbelieveably simply, and not much seems to happen, there is a lot which goes unsaid. However, words are not needed. There was more said without words, and this added a real deep sadness and weight to each character. There is a real melancholy atmosphere thoughout the whole film, even the happy moments are tinged with a certain sadness. However, by no means is the film depressing. It is reflective and has a lot of depth to it. The plot is overtly simple, yet there is a lot which is unspoken and that is what really grabs your attention.

Holding it, however, is a bit different. My only criticism is that it dragged a little, although I can understand that this is unavoidable when making a film from such a simple story. Effects wise, the animations were really wonderful. I barely even noticed them because the 'Wild Things' were just so life like. The soundtrack by Karen O was also really wonderful, its quite moody yet has a sense of joy simultanteously. It corelates beautifully with the images. I would give it 4/5 *

Afterwards, Luke dropped Geraldine off and went to pick Heather and Charlotte up. Then we (Luke, me, Sam, Charlotte and Heather) all went to a pub to watch some wonderful musicians play. The drive there was SO scary. It was a really foggy night and we were driving along some country lanes with twists, turns and sharp bends. Not pleasant. Especially not for Luke who had to cope with our 'worroed' sound effects. i.e. "ARGH!!!" When we arrived (safely, thankfully) we were so hunry and so were forced to eat over-priced food and drink because the pub was super-posh. The decor was really nice though and the atmosphere was laid back and relaxed, despite the fact that we felt really out of place compared with all the older, richer people who made up a vast majority of the audience. After a couple of hours of just enjoying the company and the music, it was time to head home.

Sleep is beginning to catch up with me now. So hopefully I will be able to get a good 10 hours in tonight before work tomorrow. After that, I think I should probably learn my lines. Ahh...there's no rest for the wicked. I never got that phrase...anyway, explanations welcome. Night all.