Reason no. 61...

Yesterday evening was lovely! I went for a curry with a few friends down Curry Mile, followed by some form of pudding (or rather dessert!) in another food place! Being so close to the Curry Mile, the people I spent my evening with and just having a great time - I am blessed! Reason no. 61 :)

Reason no. 60...

Love love love this book by Stef Liston: Just Like Us. I read it for the first time this year and it definitely challenged my perspective of what prayer is. He takes different people in the bible and draws out what we can take from their lives. There's a chapter all about Gideon. He writes:

'To have high expectations of God is to have a high opinion of God, and to have low expectations of God is to have a low opinion of God. God doesn't need people to make excuses for what He's not doing. He's looking for people who won't listen to excuses. He's looking for a church that will dare to ask Him questions and enquire why His glory isn't being made known as it has in the times gone by...'

Gideon asked God questions. He's totally honest with how he's feeling. He looks at his current situation and compares it to what God's done in the past. He's the same God, with the same power, so we can have confidence when coming before God. That should mean that our expectations rise. With increased expectation all the more God loves to totally exceed them, just read Ephesians 3:20:

'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...'

 

Reason no. 60 :)

Reason no. 59...

Having a lecture which talked about what happens to your voice when you breathe in helium - funny, yet really interesting! I love that I'm on a course that I find so interesting, even if I don't understand it all the time. This week I also found out about whether it's better for parents who don't speak English as a first English to speak English or their mother tongue to their child - for me this is really really really interesting! Learning little facts and gathering information is exciting! I love how God's led me onto this course! Reason no. 59 :)

Reason no. 58...

I love authenticity! This week God's reminded me of the community culture He is creating. A culture where people are totally open and not holding back. A culture where struggles are shared. As people step out and become vulnerable with one another, barriers are broken and relationships are strengthened. This enables people to come alongside and encourage. This culture makes it permissible for others to do the same. It's not easy, in fact in can be tough! But glimpsing at it within the church community - it creates the opportunity for God to step in and do something amazing! Reason no. 58 :)

Reason no. 57...

Yesterday, I had an incredibly creative day. I made a communication passport as part of my course. A communication passport is essentially a book all about me and if I could not communicate would assist or prompt a conversation. To have a task that is so creative is such a blessing, especially where I'd been struggling to motivate myself to do work for the past few days. I love being creative and essentially I spent the day cutting and sticking! Reason no. 57 :)

Reason no. 56...

This afternoon was great! I finished my lecture half an early. This meant that I had time to join my hall group (linked with the Christian Union) and help them with the mission event for half an hour. We gave out mini chocolate bars with bible passages on. It was great to see people surprised when we said it was free and seeing them wonder off reading the passage. To think that over 100 people potentially read something about the true God is exciting and have found out that the Christian Union exists! Reason no. 56 :) 

Reason no. 55...

'He does not treat us as our sins deserve.'

 

What amazing truth! This weekend God reminded me just how blessed and  how much of God's goodness I have in my life! It can be so easy to think that I'm entitled to everything in my life being absolutely perfect and nothing short of that. Yet, the reality is, I don't deserve the goodness and I don't deserve the blessings. My default position should be far from what I'm describing. The fact that God delights in me and loves letting His goodness into my life - has got to put a smile on my face! Reason no. 55 :)

Reason no. 54...

Beautiful reminder this weekend...

 

I've done absolutely nothing to win God's approval, to be loved by Him, to be adopted into His family...but He has done it all! It's not about me, but it's all about Him. My salvation is totally dependant on Him. That's so releasing...it means that any attempt I make - be it good behaviour, spending time reading the bible - whatever I may try to do to be 'right' before God is pointless! It doesn't make God love me, why because He already loves me. This truth is awesome! Reason no. 54 :)

Reason no. 53...

The fact that God is Sustainer, is another reason! He's the One who supplies my every breath. He enables me to get up each morning. He gives me the food and drink I need. He's put a roof over my head. He's supplied running water...And, the list goes on! Without Him, where would I be? He's so gracious in providing all that I need to keep on living and to live the life I'm living. Reason no. 53 :)

Reason no. 52...

These past couple of days God's been reminding me of where I was and where I am now. The journey He's taken me on has been soooo exciting! And more is yet to come!! God's brought breakthrough - wooohooo! One thing I really wanted God to break in with was all to do with praying out loud...I absolutely hated it, in fact I'd dread it. I'd be embarrassed and I'd be more concerned with how the prayer sounded than what the prayer was actually about. But, over this past year God's been dealing with it. He's shown me the value of praying in groups and the breakthrough that accompanies. He's taught me to not pray because I have to, but rather to pray out of what God has put on my heart and He'll provide the words. Reason no. 52 :)

Reason no. 51...

Absolutely awesome weekend away with the CU. He most certainly blessed me with a weekend that far exceeded my expectations. The company was so good -just spending time with a lovely bunch of people. The timing was great - to have  a weekend off and not have to constantly think about deadlines or the workload being too much. But ultimately being reminded of the awesomeness of the Gospel - who God is and all that He did! It may have been a tiring weekend, but it most certainly was so refreshing! Reason no. 51 :)

Reason no. 50...

The joy of the Lord is my strength! I love how God is the source of joy and in Him joy abounds! Simple - Reason no. 50 :)

Reason no. 49...

I love how there are endless reasons to praise God! This week someone worked out how long it would take me to reach 10,000 reasons - on an estimate of 300 reasons a year it will take over 30 years!! I'll be 50!!!!! :O But, as I was thinking about it today, there are soooo many reasons and it's actually something so good to do! To reflect on the goodness of God, to have stories build up of what God's done - it's going to shift my perspective and give God the glory! Reason no. 49 :)

Reason no. 48...

I love how my course is so much less intense and busy than what I was originally expecting! To have the course spread over 4 years rather than 3 is showing itself to be such a blessing. It means that I have time to invest with other people and do things outside of study - something I rarely did throughout sixth form! Reason no. 48 :)

Reason no. 47...

Recently I found this poem I wrote a few months ago. Being reminded of what God has done in me and what He's doing in me each day is incredible. God's so good! Reason no. 47 :)

 

My story, what's yours?

I'll tell you a story,

just sit back and read.

Where I'm at right now

is by no means a mistake.

My life speaks of adventure,

and I've survived every storm!

If I'd faced them alone -

where would I be?

To help set the context -

let me start at the beginning!

Just take one step at a time

and I'll unveil the story!

If I said the word 'rescue',

what would you say?

Salvation, delivery, disentanglement -

they're all one and the same.

Everyone needs to be saved -

but, saved from what?

Emptiness, meaningless,

lies, ruin, destruction,

loneliness, death and sin -

it's only the beginning,

but the list could go on.

What could be huge for me,

could be less for you,

what could be huge for you,

could be less for me.

To some degree,

every word on that list

is relevant to you and me.

The problem is there,

but how can it be countered?

Money? Friends? Sex?

It may counter for a moment,

but how long will it last?

If I told you there's a solution,

what would you say?

But before I give it away,

let me tell you the outcome!

Love: undeserved but unconditional,

Joy even through the storms,

Peace that transcends understanding,

Friendship when all others fail,

Family: become an adopted child,

Strength when drowning in weakness,

Freedom: unlimited and without end,

Hope: even in hopeless situations,

Grace: no striving required,

Acceptance for just being yourself,

Meaning - your life has purpose!

That's what's on offer -

would you dare turn it down?!

If 'yes' is the answer,

I hope that you're sure!

If your answer is 'no',

then what an adventure awaits!

How do I access the outcome above?

There's only one way

and that I'll now share!

It's all to do with one man: Jesus.

You may have heard of him?

He lived 2000 years ago,

yet has a HUGE impact on you and me.

He's made a way for you to be rescued.

No other could do it - only him,

why? Because of who he is!

He was not just a man,

but fully God too!

He lived a perfect life -

without wrong and blemish.

He was sentenced to death -

death on a cross!

His sentencing was unjust,

he had done no wrong!

When put to death,

he paid a great price!

A price that you and me

ought to have paid,

yet the price is so high -

it is far out of reach,

unless you are Jesus,

the son of the living God.

What debt has to be paid?

Every wrong-doing: sin.

Sin cannot be left unpunished,

the penalty is death.

It leads to separation from God

and all you need rescuing from.

Every person alive today

is guilty and deserves the penalty.

That's a fact: but there is a way out!

Believe in Jesus - the Son of God,

lay down your sin before him

and he'll take your place.

Through Jesus' death -

you can now be free!

The barrier of sin

has now been demolished!

It has no hold,

you are no longer entangled!

What once separated you and God,

has been silenced once and for all!

With the barrier gone,

you can now be with God

and enjoy the life

he has planned for you!

Although Jesus died,

death could not hold him -

he conquered it and is living!

This is a story that's true of me,

but it only speaks of the beginning!

From that day of Jesus paying my price,

I decided to live for him!

What a joy that has been!

I've joined his adventure

and he's given me a unique role.

He's taken me out of my comfort zone,

he's led me to Poland and Berlin,

he's taken hold of my weaknesses

and using them for his glory,

he's opening up doors

which I'm surprised should be open,

he's investing in me,

in ways unimaginable,

seeing as I deserved the penalty of death,

he's given me life -

that's one big adventure!

That's what He's doing in me,

but what could He do in you?

My life may not be perfect,

ups and downs still come my way,

but through it all

I have now got access to Him,

who promises to never leave me,

but help me through it all!

You've heard my story,

but what will God do in you?

Reason no. 46...

I love little quotes, especially ones that are just a few words but speak out truth till it's overflowing! This is one is soooo good - just have a read!

'Jesus loves you right where you are, but loves you too much to leave you there.'

 

 

So, if  I was to expand it just a bit, what does it look like? The place, the situation, the way I act, the way I speak, the way I behave, the way I feel, the way I look - God loves me just as I am right now. He doesn't love me any less than He did yesterday and He definitely doesn't love me any more - why because His love for me has already reached the highest peaks! In fact, His love for me happened before I was even born. His love for me goes on and on and on. If God loved me whilst I was a sinner and was prepared to die for me, give up everything for me - that love is surely something that I should take note of?! But the next part of the sentence says He loves me too much to leave me where I am...that simply means that God has something far better in store for me! Now that's exciting! Reason no. 46 :)

Reason no. 45...

I love how some people are just really helpful! Today as I was collecting my laptop I got really disorientated. I decided to ask a lady - who was rather rude when I said 'Excuse me...' along one of the roads. I was slightly offended and probably showed it on my face as she walked off. However a few moments later a couple of people walk over and ask if I needed any help. They were so helpful and pointed me in the right direction. These kind of situations definitely teach you a lot - to be faced with 2 situations side by side, I can definitely say which one I'd like to be like! Reason no. 45 :)

Reason no. 44...

Sitting on the bus today was soooo lovely I ended up sitting opposite a little girl and her mum. Their conversation was absolutely brilliant, along with all the girl's expressions. I couldn't help but smile - especially when the girl notices a mirror behind her and starts waving at me through the mirror and giving me a really big smile! Reason no. 44 :)

Reason no. 43...

Yesterday a letter came through saying that I was able to claim money back from the dentist and that £18 had been put in my bank account! What a lovely surprise, especially with the build-up to Christmas!! The government/NHS are definitely rather generous, especially where they're paying my uni tuition fees too! Reason no. 43 :)

Reason no. 42...

Having spent ages being quite clueless in a lot of my audiology lectures, this week I've finally started to understand it a bit better! Having gone to the library I've managed to find a book on audiology, which was especially written for speech and language therapists! The book I'd been using before had gone straight over my head. I love learning and  actually being able to understand new things. Reason no. 42 :)

Reason no. 41...

I've survived over a week without a laptop and have actually enjoyed having a break from it! This afternoon I'm able to collect it, which is great news. The timing of not having the convenience of a laptop has been so good too. Most of my work this week has been on paper, note taking or reading. By not having a laptop in my room I've realised just how much time I actually go on it. So instead I've invested time in reading 'Sustainable Power' which has definitely been more beneficial than going on Facebook! Reason no. 41 :)

Reason no. 40...

One reason has definitely got to be my lifegroup (church small/connect/cell group!)...as I was walking back with my friend we were just saying how great it was to be able to spend the evening with such a lovely bunch of people on a week-to-week basis. Yesterday was a social and we cooked and ate together, which was so nice! Often we do high-lights and low-lights from our week, which is such a great way of not only finding out more about each person, but also what God's been doing in each of their lives or what needs prayer! My life group has to be a reason to praise God...reason no. 40 :)

Reason no. 39...

Travelling has got to be another reason! I love the fact that in the space of a few hours you can be outside England and surrounded by a new culture and by a bunch of new people all speaking a completely different language. Last year I started to write down a few dreams, hopes and visions. Why? Because God cares about them and He loves giving good gifts to His children. One of mine was to visit at least 25 countries over my life, which to be able to do such a thing will be amazing!! Reason no. 39 :)

Reason no. 38...

I love autumn: the colours, the fireworks and the anticipation that Christmas is coming! As I look out the window each day the leaves are slowly falling to the ground, it's so beautiful: the red-y, orange-y, golden colours. As the leaves lie on the ground children start crunching they're way through. It also means the conkers are out and the hunt begins! Firework night lies in the midst of autumn and the lights light up the night sky. The Christmas countdown has already begun, the songs are already being played and the shops are full of the Christmas food, presents and cards. Not long to go! Reason no. 38 :)

Reason no. 37...

I love testimonies! Hearing and reading stories of the goodness of God is soooo faith-building. Last week I heard an incredible story of God breaking into a Muslim girl's life and totally transforming her. I've read stories of God breaking away years of accumulated debt and God healing the sick. What's amazing is that this is the same God TODAY! God's heart for these situations is exactly the same today and it's exactly the same for each person. Why? Because God loves and He cares for each of them. Reason no. 37 :)

Reason no. 36...

Last Friday I had to do my first university presentation. Every time I've had to do anything similar before I've been totally gripped by fear - even to the point of being in floods of tears the night before! However on this occasion that was not the case. Praise God! He totally reminded me of my position and how my identity is not dependent on my course (and therefore not the presentation!) but He's also blessed me with some lovely people on my course, which really does make a difference! Reason no. 36 :)

Reason no. 35...

I love how even when I'm stressed, annoyed or simply feeling down in the dumps, God is so so sooooo good! His love, His peace, His grace, His favour and His joy goes on and on and on! God's been reminding me of these verses in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. They say:

'Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.'

This weekend God highlighted all the little thing in my life that I have to be grateful of. My default position can so easily be to moan and to worry etc. - in fact, most of the time it quite possibly is!! But just as I was going through a list in my head of everything that was not going as I had hoped, God stepped in and reminded me of who He was and how blessed I really am. God used a little child dancing in the rain to remind me how God has that joy, that peace, that freedom in store for me too! So that's yet another reason! Reason no. 35 :)

Reason no. 34...

This week my new book arrived! It's called: 'Sustainable Power' by Simon Holley. Since last summer this was a book that was highly recommended, so I thought it was about time I had a read of it! It's a book which is full of stories about God's Kingdom breaking out and people being healed. To read about a church's journey of moving into all that God has for them is exciting. One thing that really excited me was just being reminded of a story in the bible (Mark 7:31-37). This story is all about Jesus healing a man who had difficulty speaking and was deaf. Jesus healed a man with a speech impediment! Being reminded that Jesus heals these things too is incredible, especially where this will most likely be something I encounter on a day-to-day basis several years down the line. Reason no. 34 :)

Reason no. 33...

I love games! This weekend me and a group of friends spent the evening playing games. If you've ever heard of tension, jungle speed, jenga and the slightly messy flour game - that's how our Saturday evening was spent. It was absolutely lovely and a nice way to end a slightly stressful day! I'm so grateful for the people God has put around me this year...reason no. 33 :) 

Reason no. 32...

 I'm so grateful that my home for the year is just 5 mins away from the library! This week my laptop had to be passed over to PC World for over a week, due to the fan breaking. So, I'm now laptop-less and internet-less for the next few days. Although at the time I was reaaaaally annoyed, it's meant that I've had to spend the day at the library in order to have access to a computer.This has meant that I've ended up having one of my most productive days yet! Plus, it means that I'm not constantly glued to a screen whilst sitting in my room! So despite it being a negative at the time - I'm now definitely seeing the benefits! Reason no. 32 :)

Reason no. 31...

Today's lecture was brilliant! I've just got a new lecturer for the next 5 weeks and she's absolutely hilarious :) The whole way through, her comments and little gestures most certainly made my last lecture of the week a real enjoyment. The added bonus is the fact that she finished an hour early! Reason no. 31 :)

Reason no. 30...

This week I got my first library fine! BUT, the amazing thing was when I went to pay it - they couldn't see why I'd got it in the first place and wiped away my debt away - how amazing! I couldn't help but smile! Through that incident God totally reminded me how Jesus' death totally cancelled out my every sin...Reason no. 30 :)

Reason no. 29...

This week I had a lovely evening with loads of the SLTs. We had some pizza and headed out to watch the fireworks. They're such a great bunch of people and I'm excited to think they're the people I get to spend the next 4 years with! Reason no. 29 :)

Reason no. 28...

God has the best plans for my life! I may 'know' it, but whether I live in the fullness of it day in and day out is an entirely different story...it can be so easy to lean on my own understanding and my way of looking at situations, that I can end up giving God a look in only after a few attempts by me! But, God's so good and so gracious - even in these situations God doesn't stop caring or loving me! I love that God has such amazing plans for every area of my life. Reason no. 28 :)

Reason no. 27...

I'm grateful to God giving me strength each day! Since being at uni my body clock has had to shift - much later nights and not always gaining many hours of sleep at other times. The fact, that I'm able to keep going and fit in all that I'm doing each week is definitely a testimony to God's goodness! Reason no. 27 :)

Reason no. 26...

Yesterday, I watched an episode of 'Educating Yorkshire'. It was all about a year 11 boy with a stammer and the effects it had on his life. Watching it reminded me exactly why I want to become a Speech and Language Therapist. Seeing the boy do a talk in front of his entire year, pass his English GCSE (which involves a 20% oral contribution) and leave his time at school smiling! Little reminders of the end goal is definitely encouraging and motivating when there seems to be endless tasks to get through! Reason no. 26 :)