'"If God is love, then, of necessity, God suffers with us in every stab and twist of pain we feel...The cross of Christ stands as a persistent and persuasive witness that God is not aloof from our pain. "
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Where was God?
The Connecticut shootings have prompted the whole world stop in shock, and in the midst of such tragedy, many will be asking the question 'Where was God?'. The article I've posted below has some really helpful thoughts on the issue. I'd sincerely recommend that you take a read, because in the wake of this terrible evil, God is needed more than ever.
Sunday 16 December 2012
A Term's worth of Thankfulness.
So, Michaelmas Term is officially over! And as I haven't done a blog post since...well...since I started. So, now seated comfortably in a warm home (SO WARM), full to the brim with my mumma's roast potatoes - I thought it would be a good time to do some musings on the past term!
So...Things to be thankful for this term: (In no particular order:P)
1) ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT HOUSEMATES.
You can't get much better than these guys. They are crazy. These are just a few reasons why I love them.
(i) We surfed down our stairs on mattresses to Christmas music.
(ii) Rob replaced the chocolates in Nick's advent calendar with chocolates that had toothpaste on. It wasn't until Day 4 that he realised that they weren't just mint chocolates.
(iii)We had a Pinterest Christmas dinner with fairy lights and paper poms poms. (much to the boy's disgust - needless to say, the fairy lights are still up!:P).
(iv) They make wonderful food and don't mind me being an awkward vegetarian. (And even rated vege sausages as a 7 on the sausage scale!).
(v) Rob makes ducks out of apples.
(vi) Birthday Morning Party Hat Piñata Breakfasts.
(vii) Late night Chats/Pinterest sessions/Giggles with my wonderful Schtinkies.
(viii)The fact that some pretty darn beautiful music floats down from the attic and serenades me whilst I work.
2) A Grandad who sends me letters.
This term, my Grandad's taken to sending me letters (normally with one of my Granny's cakes attached!). I love to read his thoughts on God, life, university and everything in between (and I especially love to read them in an Irish accent!).
3) Luke's Gospel and the Uncover Gospel Project.
...So, what exactly is Uncover?
4) These Pens
5)HOUSEPARTY.
Oh my days, where to start? Long coach journeys. Great teaching. Bad cake decorating. Rejoicing in weaknesses.The Glorious Gospel. Party hats at breakfast. Birthdays. Fives. Loosing at fives again...and again...and again. Organised fun and Meetings to organise it. Bro-Bible character names. Walks and meaningful talks in the Scottish countryside. Reminders of Eternity. 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. Impractical shoes. Stepping in deep mud with said impractical shoes. Potato croquet. Fellowship. Prayer. Sharing bunk beds. Hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. Encouragement from ma HBCU co-rep #thanksbro. Awkward congratulatory baby comments. Falling backwards into mud trying to get signal. No signal. Cake.
The Scottish countryside is just so beautiful!
6) Skype & Staying in Touch
This church is just wonderful. I'm always always thankful for the teaching, encouragement, fellowship and Asian food that I get there! :P They are a pretty marvellous bunch of people (if not a little bit insane!).
Youth Day Sermonettes - Therefore Come Boldy
(These are the sermonettes that Lupi, Jan and I did on a recent youth day - take a listen! :) )
8) The Big Tree outside our house.
Dear Big Tree,
Thank you for being so big. Without you, I'm pretty sure I'd never be able to find my way home again.
Yours faithfully,
Alex
And finally...
9) God's Faithfulness.
Throughout this term God has been truly faithful. In both the little things and the big things, I've been able to see Him working in my life. Everyday, as I learn more about Him through His word, and as I understand more and more what He's done for me, I begin to comprehend even more fully His grace and his love for each and every one of us, regardless.
So...Things to be thankful for this term: (In no particular order:P)
1) ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT HOUSEMATES.
You can't get much better than these guys. They are crazy. These are just a few reasons why I love them.
(i) We surfed down our stairs on mattresses to Christmas music.
(ii) Rob replaced the chocolates in Nick's advent calendar with chocolates that had toothpaste on. It wasn't until Day 4 that he realised that they weren't just mint chocolates.
(iii)We had a Pinterest Christmas dinner with fairy lights and paper poms poms. (much to the boy's disgust - needless to say, the fairy lights are still up!:P).
Gravy in a teapot.
(iv) They make wonderful food and don't mind me being an awkward vegetarian. (And even rated vege sausages as a 7 on the sausage scale!).
(v) Rob makes ducks out of apples.
(vii) Late night Chats/Pinterest sessions/Giggles with my wonderful Schtinkies.
(viii)The fact that some pretty darn beautiful music floats down from the attic and serenades me whilst I work.
2) A Grandad who sends me letters.
This term, my Grandad's taken to sending me letters (normally with one of my Granny's cakes attached!). I love to read his thoughts on God, life, university and everything in between (and I especially love to read them in an Irish accent!).
3) Luke's Gospel and the Uncover Gospel Project.
...So, what exactly is Uncover?
4) These Pens
They make writing fun.
5)HOUSEPARTY.
Oh my days, where to start? Long coach journeys. Great teaching. Bad cake decorating. Rejoicing in weaknesses.The Glorious Gospel. Party hats at breakfast. Birthdays. Fives. Loosing at fives again...and again...and again. Organised fun and Meetings to organise it. Bro-Bible character names. Walks and meaningful talks in the Scottish countryside. Reminders of Eternity. 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. Impractical shoes. Stepping in deep mud with said impractical shoes. Potato croquet. Fellowship. Prayer. Sharing bunk beds. Hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. Encouragement from ma HBCU co-rep #thanksbro. Awkward congratulatory baby comments. Falling backwards into mud trying to get signal. No signal. Cake.
6) Skype & Staying in Touch
Sabbath Morning Teeth Brushing.
When Jody came to visit she left her bag on the train because she was so excited to see me (or so she says anyway!:P)
HEY THERE JESSIPOOS.
I have no Skype pictures with her this term. But she has always always always been there.
7) Newcastle Church.
This church is just wonderful. I'm always always thankful for the teaching, encouragement, fellowship and Asian food that I get there! :P They are a pretty marvellous bunch of people (if not a little bit insane!).
Youth Day Sermonettes - Therefore Come Boldy
(These are the sermonettes that Lupi, Jan and I did on a recent youth day - take a listen! :) )
8) The Big Tree outside our house.
Dear Big Tree,
Thank you for being so big. Without you, I'm pretty sure I'd never be able to find my way home again.
Yours faithfully,
Alex
And finally...
9) God's Faithfulness.
Throughout this term God has been truly faithful. In both the little things and the big things, I've been able to see Him working in my life. Everyday, as I learn more about Him through His word, and as I understand more and more what He's done for me, I begin to comprehend even more fully His grace and his love for each and every one of us, regardless.
So now to Christmas and the holidays - only 4 weeks before a new term begins!
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