judysteapot

For Christmas I asked 'Santa' or 'Nigel' for a goldfish tank and fish.  It's not a sudden whim but I have been thinking about it for a few months  but whilst I was still in the thinking stage John and Marta bought theirs!! and that has spurred me on. So last evening, after finishing the weekly shop, Nigel and I popped into 'Pets at Home' and purchased my new tank which I set up all by myself because Nigel was too busy playing on his computer!!  Next Monday I have to take a water sample, from the tank I hesitant to add, to the shop which the very nice man will test to make sure that it is 'ok' before I purchase any fish!!

Considering that I am only buying goldfish I cannot highly commend the shop assistant who took great care in explaining to me what to buy, how to look after etc etc etc and even came running after me with a leaflet to help me set up my new tank.  God bless you Sir.

Whilst browsing a blogger friend's sites - Simply4God - I came across this poem and thought it intriguing...

Our Deepest Fear
by Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

 What's your greatest fear?

 These photographs were taken in our favourite location - Watersmeet, which is just outside of Lynton and Lymouth.

Nigel & Karl have for the last couple of years disappeared for a few days walking trip.  This year they went down to Devon and visited Watersmeet, Lynton & Lymouth but the hightlight for them was finding a river on the moors - even though it meant going through a miltary firing range!! and walking up a hill ankle deep in mud

I read this as part of my devotions this morning (Daily Bread www.dailybread.org.uk) and found it most helpful and challenging so would very much like to share it with you.

Bible Reading: Acts 13:1-12

A missionary life - where to begin?

A missionary community (vs1-5). These verses show that this 'missionary journey' was the work of an entire community, not just one man.  We're shown a diverse group of believers worshipping the Lord and fasting, responding to his direction, and sending out a team.  It's a contrast to the many times I've tried to work out my calling alone.  How different would it be if I got together with some Christian friends, and we sought the Lord and listened to him together?  What if we tried to reach our workplaces, schools, communities...together?

One person at at time (vs 6-7). Paul and the team preached from town to town, but the story rapidly zones in on one person who is open to the message - Sergius Paulus.  We can get overwhelmed by the size of our 'mission field', but perhaps as in Paul's case there is one person God wants to hightlight, one colleague, school friend, family member.

A battleground (vs8-12). If Sergius Paulus responded to the gospel, he'd no longer need his sorcerer.  But Elymas wasn't going to give up that easily.  Not everyone wants their world changed.  Perhaps some of us recoil from mission because we know it gets tough.  Mission is not for the faint-hearted.

Respond - Who are your 'God community'?  Arrange a time to share and pray with them about your mission field.