Spot the Easter Egg

Have you seen the first Easter Egg of the season yet?
I spotted mine on 21st December. Not the big ones in boxes but a whole shelf of Creme Eggs and similar and my major weakness Mini Eggs (btw the packaging in the photo is wrong. In the UK it is yellow. These things matter)

But...
Easter Eggs BEFORE Christmas?
Maybe shops have just had enough of Christmas after 3 months and are hoping we have too.
Or maybe they are making a theological statement about the links between Christmas and Easter.
One which I think is best expressed in the service of Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day when we share bread and wine and remember that the child born came to die for us - to be the best present we could ever have by offering himself to be broken for us. That the broken world may be made whole again. And that resurrection - symbolised by the eggs we eat - is part of that present.

So perhaps those Easter Eggs were acting as, well, Easter Eggs to point us forward so we don't just get misty eyed about babies but are are struck in awe and wonder about just what Immanuel - God with us - means.
As the carol I love to sing on Christmas Eve goes (to the tune of Greensleeves if you want to sing along)

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

and, perhaps even better, the rather wonderful poem by Steve Turner Christmas is really for the Children

So, to celebrate the season of birth and death and new birth for us all - God's present of his present - I am going to eat a (yellow) bag of Mini Eggs.

The greatest gift

Christmas Day is almost upon us - and, indeed, might well be over by the time you get to read this post - so it is a time to reflect upon the greatest gift ever - the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah foretold:

'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:6.

When the angel gave Joseph the news that Mary would bear a son, he said:

'She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'

There are accounts of the birth of Jesus in both Matthew's gospel and Luke's - may I encourage you to read these - perhaps you have read them many times before, or perhaps this will be your first time of pondering upon them.

At Christmas time we don't so often turn to the gospel of John because he didn't actually record an account of the birth of Jesus, but in John 1:14 we read:

'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.'

John chapter 1 gives us a profound insight into the purpose of the coming of Jesus to earth - He is indeed the divine gift that John talks about in John 3:16:

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life'

The greatest gift we can receive this Christmas time is Jesus.

In writing to the Ephesians, St Paul says:

'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.'

Among the busy-ness of Christmas, let's be mindful of the real reason for the season - the birth of our Saviour.

I (Hazel) asked the team to reflect upon that wonderful verse from Isaiah 9:6 and respond creatively. Perhaps you too would like to join us and be prompted to create your own response - we would love you to share your creations with us - please leave us a comment so that we can visit your blog.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog.

We wish you a very Happy Christmas
and every blessing for the coming New Year

Hazel



Pauline

Kim

The Perfect Gift

I've been getting slightly frustrated this week as I've been waiting for an order from an online store. It contains 4 presents for various family members and friends and was ordered at the end of November. This would have been ample time for it to arrive, but then in Central Scotland and across most of the UK we had huge snowfall which has caused chaos on our roads, railways and with our postal service.

I have an admission to make to you...I am a perfectionist. I love things to be 'just right'. I love to be organised. It makes me really happy to be on top of things, to be in control. However, in this instance it's completely out of my hands. I have no way of changing the situation, I just need to sit back and wait for the store and the mail system to catch up after the chaos of the beginning of December. It's out-with their control and it's out-with mine. That's not an easy thing for me to deal with. I don't like things being left in limbo.

There are many passages in the Bible that speak of waiting, of expectation. In Isaiah 9:1 we read,

"Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee...will be filled with glory."

and then in verse 2,
"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine."

It's not about the 'perfect gifts' that I've chosen for people. Christmas is about the joy that is found in Jesus, He is the perfect gift.

It's just over a week until Christmas Day. In that time I hope you will reflect on the joy in our faith, and in the perfect gift given to us by the Father.

Pauline
x

Believe

Proverbs 14:15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps

When I grew up, we had next to nothing. My parents were divorced and often did not see my Dad for long periods because of his line of work. Shortly after my Mom's second marriage failed . My mom started school to finish her high school and get a secondary education so she could provide for us. There was never any extra money because of this or that. It did not help my Dad was again married himself and had a family to provide for there. We often went without , during this time we got involved with the local food bank . When i say got involved we did lots of stuff with them. Christmas parties, Easter, and generally whatever else was going on at the time. My Mom did a lot of community service with them because often that was how we got food for the table. The people were always interesting and kinda off balance but it made things special. I think even as a child I believed in God , I have shared my testimony a bit here and there. About how i grew up in a church setting that i no longer believe in. I believe God was always there guiding and directing my sisters and my path.My friend said to me just the other day that she is dreaming of the simple life. Where no one is too busy to help and give of their time or even of their pocket books. To believe to show other by being the evidence of God to show others he does exist. To believe-to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.Have a look at this link to a beautiful song or this
song.............................

Stacy



Pauline

Hazel


Kim

Ruth

Crazy Love

I recently started reading a book by Francis Chan titled, "Crazy Love" and I'm 'loving' it! Here's a quick blurb from the back of the book, "It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe - the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not...we all know something is wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts - it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same."

In reading the beginning of the book I realized that Francis and I have had some similar life experiences, in particular with our fathers. He relates that his emotions about his earthly father often got mixed up with his emotions about God. I understand those feelings and they have often made me struggle with the idea that God loves me. I know He loves other people but really...He's just kind of tolerating me, right? I mean I still sin so much...I don't deserve His love.

The truth is...I don't deserve God's love but for some reason, in His most wise and infinite knowledge, He called me unto Himself. I know that He has because I can see the changes that have taken place in my own heart and conduct. Changes that I would have never made on my own for I dearly loved my sin far too much to give it up for "religion." This alone should cause me to be overwhelmed by His love but...I tend to hold back...to be conservative in my emotions for letting someone really love you is too risky...at least that's how I was raised. But I recognize that isn't a very healthy or right view of God and that is what led me to pick up the book Crazy Love. So far it has been a real blessing...God has used it to soften my heart and to enjoy His love and to allow real change to take place...not just from aquiring head knowledge but as a love and affection overflowing from my heart, a gratefulness for all that God has done in my life, for allowing me to want to really reach and help those around me. It is so good to let go and embrace all that our great God and Savior Jesus Christ has to offer because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

I would highly recommend Francis Chan's book, it's a quick and easy read, but full of straight forward talk and honest ideas, based fully on Biblical principals about God, His nature, and His overwhelming love. A love so great that He sent His only Son to die...so "that man might have life and have it more abundantly: (John 10:10). All praise and glory be to our great God!!

Providence

Hello Salt followers, thank you for joining us this week. Happy Thanksgiving to our American readers. Some of our Saltines are very busy at this time of year so we're a little down on numbers this week.

Ruth here with the theme of Providence. I have been reflecting recently on God's timely provision of a home to our family and how he truly does meet our every need. So often we get a little confused and think our 'wants' are our 'needs' and may even spend time praying for things that our Heavenly Father know will not be right for us. I recently heard a sermon where the preacher said sometimes God answers yes, no or later. However what we can be assured of is the promises God does give us. He has made eternal provision for us. Through his Son we are provided for in the most crucial way possible, and although there are promises about our practical needs...

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

there is an even more precious promise...

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4

We hope you will join in with our theme this week, please let us know if you do!

Ruth

Hazel



Pauline

Stacy

Reflecting on change

Following on from the 'transformation' challenge that Pauline set last Thursday - and, by the way, that challenge is still current, so we would love to see you design something for it - I'm continuing to reflect upon 'transformation'.

We all go through various changes in our lives, from childhood, through adolescence into adulthood - eventually becoming middle aged and later on, senior citizens - I now fall into that category. Of course, sadly for some an early death denies them the later stages of life.

But we also go through changes of circumstances - relationships, career, health, friendships, where we live etc. And, apart from personal changes, there are many changes going on around us, most of them outside of our control, but they affect our lives - changes in society, in government policies etc.

As our 'transformation' crafting testified, Jesus is transforming Christians - we are 'new creations'. I know that He still needs to make many more changes in me even though I've been on the Christian pathway for many years.

But amid all this, I am so thankful that, despite all other changes, God Himself is unchanging. 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,' Hebrews 13:8 is one of my favourite verses - I know that I can depend upon the One who never changes, whatever I face in life.

Transformation

Before I introduce this week's challenge, we have some Design Team news - Julie and Tanis are stepping down from the team after having been involved in SALT for a long time. We're all incredibly sad to say goodbye to them, having been inspired by their thoughts on the challenges and having enjoyed the fellowship we've had on the team. Thank you to both of you for everything you've done for the SALT blog, for your insights on the challenges, and for the friendship we've been able to have with you.

We hope you will join with us in wishing Julie and Tanis every blessing. Hopefully they will both keep in touch with SALT, maybe even joining in a challenge every now and then!

__________

As we've moved rather rapidly from summer to autumn and almost instantly (in Scotland anyway!) into winter, I've been thinking about the seasons and how seamlessly we move through the year and each stage of the transformation. As Christians, we are transformed by God, we are new creations when we allow Christ into our lives. We read in 2 Corinthians 5, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come". In our relationship with Christ we leave behind our old selves and are transformed by His love. Dave Bilbrough's worship song speaks of us being new creations,

I am a new creation,

No more in condemnation

Here in the grace of God I stand

My heart is overflowing

My love just keeps on growing

Here in the grace of God I stand.

And I will praise you God

Yes I will praise you God

And I will sing of all that you have done

A joy that knows no limit

A lightness in my spirit

Here in the grace of God I stand

As we move from our current season (which season it is will depend where you're living so I won't assume everyone is getting as cold as me!) I pray that we will find joy in the transformation taking place both in nature and in ourselves.

Remember to link to your blog in the comments section if you are inspired to create something on the theme. I hope you will consider taking part and letting us see your work.

Pauline

Hazel


Lythan
Kim

Ruth

Still thinking about Priorities....

I think Priorities is the theme of my year!

Still seeking and searching for wisdom and growth in this area. It's a busy life, this life of ours. Somehow chaos and stress seem to be the norm - I see it everywhere I look. And it's NOT the life God wants for us.

He wants us to have peace. And He wants our lives to be purposeful, to have goals, to have direction - all to bring glory to Him.

I was reading through this devotional, and just LOVED the way the author expressed these thoughts...

We first need to remember our purpose in this life, and evaluate our priorities. If we fill our schedules with things that have nothing to do with our purpose – if they don’t bring us closer to our goals, then we run around in chaos, being busy but pointless! If we’re not making the important things priority, then we are out of balance.

Jesus paid a very high price to reconcile us back to God, to make peace and give us an abundant life. He is a God of order who never meant for us to be too busy to enjoy the simple pleasures He offers, which lead to contentment, joy and peace. Complicated lives prevent “simple freedom”. It really is that simple.

Dear God, please help me get my life and home organized. Help me make it simple, not complex and complicated. Help me understand what matters most and enjoy life on earth the way You want me to. In Jesus’ precious Name. Amen. 

(excerpt taken from http://womenbygrace.com/womens-devotions/simplify-your-life/)

Who is my neighbour?

This is a question that never gets tired or old. It is a question no less valid today as the world gets smaller and we can find out what is going on in far flung countries. Who is my neighbour? Does my heart grow bigger as my horizons do, or does it grow small and hard when I am called upon to care in a costly way? It is a question no less valid today at a time of austerity and belt tightening when it is all too easy to "take care of our own" first and just give our leftovers to others. Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan may be heart warming in its familiarity but there is a heart warning for us too. We are called upon to love in unexpected ways, to see our neighbour as an unexpected person. Spend some time thinking about what this means for you and your faith today.

As ever the team have come up with some beautiful interpretations of the challenge for this fortnight. Why not visit their own blogs and find out more about their thought, inspiration and how they put their art together?

Hazel

Ruth


Lythan

Kim


Pauline

Life is busy

With the kids returning to much of the school routine things have gotten out of hand for me really , no excuse my priorities are out of whack. To much of work , to much facebook and not enough time to enjoy. My Hubby has been working alot and out of town almost everyday getting home very late at night. His sacrifice has kinda left me feeling very uninspired. So when thinking and praying about what to write about this week I thought what a good time to remind myself of those priorities. To put God first in my life, he will fulfill my every need.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (New International Version)

⁴ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

God's Righteousness

Last week we had a guest speaker at our church and his sermons really stuck with me as he raised some very common questions that I, and I suspect others, hear frequently when talking about God. One of those questions was, “Is God righteous?”
The only way to effectively answer such a question is to head straight to the Bible. Romans 3:21 states, “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.”

Matthew Henry has these helpful comments on these verses, “Never was there such a demonstration of the justice and holiness of God as there was in the death of Christ. It appears that God hates sin, when nothing less than the blood of Christ would satisfy for it. The iniquities of us all being laid upon Him, though he was the Son of his love, yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him. Mercy and truth are so met together, righteousness and peace have so kissed each other, that it is now become not only an act of grace and mercy, but an act of righteousness, in God, to pardon the sins of penitent believers, having accepted the satisfaction that Christ by dying made to his justice for them."

The one thought that I walked away with from hearing those sermons was that God is good. There is nothing in us that deserves God’s favor, it is only His mercy and long suffering that sustains us, even through those times that we walk away from Him or ignore His kindness. It may be argued that we deserve whatever we want or that God’s requirements are too heavy, too hard. Yes, God requires something from us but it is merely faith, faith in the One who was sent to deliver us from our sins. Christ is the answer, He came to take away the sting of death to stand in our place and take the punishment that we deserve. How great is His love and how righteous His works! May God be pleased to show you the love of Christ today!

Thank you so much for allowing us to share these challenges with you, it is a blessing! And we're blessed when you share your artwork and thoughts with us...If you feel inspired by this week's study and/or art please leave us a comment with a link back to your blog or gallery...we'd be delighted to see your creations!

Kim


Lythan
Hazel

Judge not...

Hi there Salt followers, thank you for following our efforts to be SALT.

It's me, Ruth's turn for the in between post.

I've been pondering lately on what it means to judge others. I find it an area in my life that I struggle with. When I don't know the full picture of a situation and somebody does something I don't like I often make a snap judgement about their motivation.

The Bible says

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

This is the way God wants us to live, and these verses are such a clear illustration of how we should examine ourselves first. But even more amazingly, God the righteous, all knowing, holy and loving God, the one who does have the right to judge us does not judge us when we put our faith in Jesus - "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."

Speaking With Kindness

I (Julie) have been particularly burdened with verses about our speech lately. As often happens when you have children, I hear them making unkind comments, hear them yelling at each other or saying things that they shouldn't. I have been trying to impress upon them the need to speak to each other with kindness and love - or just not speak at all if that is not possible!

Personally I have always been convicted by Proverb 31:26 "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." The note for that verse in the Geneva Study Bible says "Her tongue is a book by which one might learn many good things: for she delights to talk of the word of God." Ouch! Is my speech such that my children "learn many good things?" I desperately want that to be true!

In her book, The Virtuous Woman, Vicki Courtney has a whole chapter about speech. The last paragraph sums it up very nicely:

"A virtuous woman . . . speaks with wisdom because she wisely considers her words because she wisely considers her words before she opens her mouth. When in the presence of gossip or hearsay, the law of kindness remains on her tongue. With an awesome fear of the Lord, she is quick to remember ' that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken' (Matt. 12:36)."

Please consider joining us by creating a card or project with this week's topic and please leave us a link to it! In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful creations the design team has come up with

Julie

.

Pauline

Kim

Hazel

'Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.' Colossians 4:6:



Tanis

Ruth

Lythan

A new year of priorities challenge update

The 'New year of priorities' challenge by Tanis is still open - please go to the challenge here.

So far we have had these two lovely creations:

From Elisha (you can read what she wrote here):


From Lee (you can read what she wrote here):

Thank you, ladies for your beautiful contributions.

If anyone else contributes something for this, please leave us a comment and a link to your creation so we can come and have a look.

And don't forget that Tanis is kindly offered to send her beautiful digital stamp set to anyone who responds to the challenge. Elisha and Lee please let Tanis have your email addresses so she can send you the digital stamps - her email address is on her blog.

To enter please leave a link in the comments section of Tanis' original post here.

Facing the Day

“The time just before dawn contains the most energy of all hours of the day. This has helped me become an early riser and an early doer.... When I wake to see that it's light out already, I feel like the world has started without me.”

_____

“If people were meant to pop out of bed, we'd all sleep in toasters.”

_____

Are you an early riser or the sort of person who prefers a lie in and leisurely start to the day? I started a new job in August which involves a longer commute Monday to Friday. I was full of trepidation about this, how would I cope getting up earlier (I really like my sleep and struggle if I don’t get enough!), would the change in routine for the family have adverse affects, would I hate the hour-long drive…

Several weeks into it and I’m enjoying it a lot. I’m not usually too tired to function in the mornings, I have time to sit and have breakfast and some quiet time before waking everyone else up, the family are adjusting well to the new routine and are actually benefitting from being up and about slightly earlier than previously, and I enjoy the drive to work.

I’ve found it particularly important to have that little bit of time to myself before I wake everyone else up. I get up, have a shower, get dressed then go downstairs to let the dogs out and get breakfast for myself. I do a lot of thinking at that time of day, during the lull between getting up and the ‘activity’ of the day beginning. It’s my time for talking quietly to God and putting the new day into his hands. My day never goes quite so well when I’ve been in too much of a rush to have that time. I always feel there’s something missing when I’ve rushed headlong into the day.

“Morning by morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; morning by morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”Psalm 5:3

The Psalmist starts his day by talking to God. He lays his requests before God and then waits. He doesn’t ‘do’ anything, he doesn’t try to provide answers himself, he just waits. As Christians it is important is to find that time to talk to God, to lay our requests before Him and then simply wait.

A New Year of Priorities

Happy Thursday! Sorry for the late start today.

For me, September, with back to school, is always a time of starting fresh. It's my "New Year" more than New Year's is.
So this year, when I started reflecting on this fact, that life would be changing again and there is a shift in the balance of the every day experiences, one word kept coming to me.
Priority.
What will be my priorities this year? How can I make sure my own priorities are God's priorities for me? How will I make those big (and even those small!) decisions - in prayer and trusting Him to provide clear direction....or on my own and for my own selfish reasons?
It all comes down to being in constant conversation with my Creator. And making THAT my first priority. All else will fall into place if I'm communicating with Him and trusting Him daily.

So that's my challenge word and my focus for you this time!

And I've got a little "bonus" for you! If you complete the challenge and link your creation up in the comment section on this post, I will send you this digital stamp set (just click the image to see the details).....

Just my way of saying THANKS for joining our challenge!

ON with the projects!! Check out how the Salt DT used this digital set in their creations!

Tanis

Pauline

Hazel

Ruth

Julie

It's hip to be square

Over the summer my family was hooked on a tv show called Amish: World's Squarest Teenagers in which 5 Amish young people - two of whom were on rumspringa, visited various forms of youth culture in the UK and experienced life with different families. At the same time we learned a lot about life for the Amish. It was fascinating. I had wondered if the programme would end up making fun of these naive young people in their long sleeved clothes and funny hats. But it didn't. Instead there was as deep an exploration of Christian faith as I have seen on UK television.

What intrigued me most was how the Amish were not laughed at by the other teenagers, rather were listened to and treated with respect, even if their views were not agreed with. And talking with them helped the UK youngsters reflect on their own lives. This was a big surprise. I confess that I assumed that devout Christians would be treated with derision or simply ignored. That is the message we get about secular Britain today. But instead what I saw was a hunger for something more expressed by many of the teenagers and an appreciation of the integrity of the Amish.

Now, I do not think the answer to Britain being a less faith filled place is to retreat into little communities. But I found this programme both an inspiration and a reminder that people are more receptive to hearing about faith than we can expect. I think the key is integrity - be true to who you are and people will watch and listen. That also tells us that we should watch how we behave as others will take notice. but above all, take to heart the teachings of Jesus about being salt and light. I do love the way that Peterson expresses this in the Message

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Something new

As an ex-teacher who retired quite a few years ago, I (Hazel) still tend to think of September as a time of 'new beginnings'. It was a time for getting to know another class of children and issuing new exercise books - and I well remember my own schooldays when I received those unspoiled books.

So, when I was thinking of today's challenge, my mind went to 'something new'.

With our Heavenly Father there is always an air of expectancy - Lamentations 3:22-23: 'Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.'

This is echoed in that much-loved hymn 'Great is Thy faithfulness', one of my mum's favourites and was dad's too - it brought tears to my eyes at his funeral thanksgiving service.

Great is Thy Faithfulnesss, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy Faithfulnesss!
Great is Thy Faithfulnesss!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy Faithfulnesss, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great Faithfulnesss, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

It is our prayer that those reading this will experience these blessings for themselves.

'New beginnings' can be scary at times, for instance, for children going into a new class, a new school, young people going off to college or uni for the first time - there is an air of excitement mixed with a certain trepidation at stepping out into the unknown.

With Jesus as our Saviour and friend we have no need to be afraid of the 'new beginnings' that He has in store for us, for we have the confidence of knowing that 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever' (Hebrews 13:8).

Perhaps you are going through a dark patch where life is difficult and troublesome. Be comforted by the words of Isaiah, who assures us in chapter 43 of God's presence with us in troubled times and going on to say 'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

So my challenge to you for this fortnight is to create 'something new' - it might be a LO that reflects on a 'new beginning', an event of special significance like a wedding, a new job, etc or a card for a new event, such as 'new home', 'new job', 'new baby' etc - or something that rejoices in God's faithfulness in His provision of 'new mercies' every day.

My own LO is based on those verses from Lamentations 3, reflecting on 'new mercies' even amid suffering. As usual, each member of the DT has her own unique response to the challenge. Please visit their own blogs to read and see more about their creations and thoughts.

If you are prompted to join in our challenge, please leave us a comment so that we can come and share in your creation. We would love to see you joining in with 'something new'.

Hazel





Lythan
Pauline

Kim

Ruth