Wednesday 31 October 2012

Faithful in every way .....................

Gracie, so moved by the inspiring stories she saw last night continued early this morning.............

"Mum losing the tip of my finger seems like nothing compared to what some of those people have been through."
I smiled, acknowledged the sentiment she was expressing, gave her a hug and reminded her of God's abundant grace ................... he healed her finger completely, with a new tip.  All that is left is a very slightly differently shaped finger nail, a reminder of a life experience that was traumatic at the time, to say the least, but also a reminder that she came through it.

God is like that isn't He, a master craftsman and surgeon, perfectionist, faithful in every way and I am so thankful today (day 310).

Tuesday 30 October 2012

In awe of so much courage..................

I don't think there was a dry eye in our house tonight after watching the Pride of Britain awards.  Where does one begin, as one inspirational story followed another, stories of lives overcoming the greatest of adversities, spirits digging deep to summon the courage to go on.

Doreen Lawrence, the mother of Stephen, whose racially motivated murder, started her on a journey that would last nearly two decades, but cause a complete overhaul of the justice system has always been a woman I am in awe of.  Her closing statement on receipt of her award, "I would swap this award to have my Stephen back" summed up the depth of a mother's love.  The pain in her heart was so evident and the passing years had not diminished it.  Despite her unimaginable loss she has been able to do so much for young people through the charity she and her husband set up in Stephen's memory.  She is indeed an inspiration..............

My Gracie and Aaron both looked at me and said "We have so much to be thankful for."  Today (day 309) I couldn't agree more!

Monday 29 October 2012

Don't stop them now............ they're having such a good time

First day of half term and all I can say is "Where do they get their energy from?"  Gracie in particular has been on the go since she woke up this morning, taking gold in the 'how much can I pack into one day award', whilst Aaron, although proceeding at a more leisurely pace was not too far behind.  For them the idea of slowing down and chillaxing is a completely foreign idea.  I looked at Aaron's face as he consulted his social network calendar to investigate what was available for him to partake off and today there was nothing......... much to his dismay.  Tomorrow though is another story as he has already informed me of his possible social engagements!  Me on the other hand, well I pushed the boat out and stayed in bed until 10.30 this morning and enjoyed a lovely breakfast of scrambled egg on toast made by mine truly............. who said I didn't know how to have a good time!!!!!!

Today (day 308) I really just want to give thanks for all that my God has provided for me and mine today; our beautiful home, plenty of food to eat, warm clothing on a cold day and the pleasure of each other's company.

Sunday 28 October 2012

Stepping out .....................

Sometimes when we step out of our comfort zone we find out that it's not too bad.  My husband does not like anything that causes him to be the centre of attention (not in a vain way), but rather, any situation that causes the focus to be on him.  Even in his capacity as leader of the worship team he tries as much as possible to be in the background although it is not always possible (thankfully) because his beautiful voice and guitar playing are always a joy to hear.

Now today he took the pulpit to deliver the morning message in the absence of our pastor and deliver he did.  His message packed a punch and really gave us food for thought.  He would catch my gaze at regular intervals just for affirmation that he was doing alright!  It was just wonderful to see how much he had grown in confidence and looked very much at home behind the pulpit.  He actually seemed to enjoy it and said he would welcome opportunities to do it again and so today (day 306) I give thanks. 

Saturday 27 October 2012

Just the tonic ............. no gin necessary!

It is such a blessing to kick off and just relax in the company of lovely friends................... and put all things work related on hold.  Armed with my slow cooker bubbling with a tasty stew and dumplings (tasty even if I say so myself) we set off for an evening of sharing and caring.  Nothing warms the heart like good food, lots of laughter and great company, three essential life ingredients.

Thanking you Lord for days like this (day 305)!



Friday 26 October 2012

Embracing predictable days..................

Believe it or not we have now completed a sixth of the academic session.  At the end of what has been, for us as a whole school a quite challenging, draining first half term we were sitting marking and tidying up our classrooms this evening when our Headteacher walked through
to wish us a restful half term and gave us pecks on the cheek.  We returned the sentiments
by wishing him the same.  He just smiled.   When he left the room we were silent for a moment because we all knew why he just smiled.  Half term should be a time of rest and relaxation, but he has shared on a number of occasions that sometimes it is anything but
that.  One of his daughters has the most extreme form of autism, as well as other complications, making everyday unpredictable and emotionally draining.

Although my half term break will include days when I will have to prep and I may possibly
go into school for a morning I will embrace each day, giving thanks for them,
as I do for today (day 304), however predictable they may turn out to be.

I thought I would share this message ......... it will bless you!

You're Forgiven
'Bless the Lord...who forgives all your [sins].' Psalm 103:2-3
We tend to forgive others more easily than we forgive ourselves.
This is especially so when we fail in a major area like a marriage or career,
or our actions have hurt others, or our habits have hurt us, or we know we
are not doing what we should. So what should you do?
1) Acknowledge it. Don't be afraid to confess what you've done.
You're not unique. You're not the first, and you won't be the last to fail.
Once you've obtained God's forgiveness, get the support of a trusted friend.
'Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another,
that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man
avails much' (James 5:16 NKJV).
2) Delete it. Often it's not the offence itself, but the guilt and stress
associated with remembering our actions that make us feel bad.
Our reaction is the problem! Continually revisiting our failures doesn't
help at all, and it disappoints God. So catch yourself doing it-and hit
the delete button! Focus on the fact that God has forgiven you,
then put it behind you. 'In Him we have...the forgiveness of sins...'
(Ephesians 1:7 NKJV).
3) Replace it. Instead of guilt, choose gratitude. That's not hard to do;
just begin to reflect on God's goodness. That's what David did:
'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives
all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from
destruction, who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies'
(Psalm 103:2-4 NKJV).
When you start to look for them, you'll find lots of things to thank God for!


Thursday 25 October 2012

Recharging my batteries................

Tonight (day 303) as I lay my tired head on my pillow I am simply thankful for a warm bed in which I can recharge my batteries!

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Work, rest and play.......................

The half term break is nearly upon us and I am a tad bit glad.  Gracie and I have already pencilled in our lengthy lie-ins and our must do breakfast date at one of our favourite stores.  The other day I heard her tell Aaron that he was not invited as it would be a girlie day!  We also have a very special birthday to celebrate during the break so are busy making plans..................

It is always wonderful when you have had several weeks of hard grafting to have some down time and even though it won't all be rest and play (work will sneak in), I am so ready for it and am giving thanks today (day 303) in advance!

Tuesday 23 October 2012

10,000 reasons for my heart to sing................

I woke this morning with this song on my heart..........

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes


only to find Gracie & Aaron singing it too as they brushed their teeth....................

Thanking Matt Redman today (day 302) for such inspirational lyrics.

Monday 22 October 2012

Keep counting those blessings..................

I did an extra day today to cover for the other unit teacher who was not in which meant I was teaching the other year 5 class.  The looks on the faces of the children in my class as I walked past them to collect the other class from the playground this morning........... they naturally assumed that if I was in school when I shouldn't be then I must be in for them.  They jokingly shouted 'traitor' and 'how could you' as I led the other class in.  It was funny. 
We do get used to things being just so don't we?

Now on a different note my beloved PT Cruiser, my loyal car of 10 years is seriously beginning to show its age and is needing far more TLC than my husband thinks she is worth.  Parting though is not going to be easy.  Today however my husband was most concerned about whether or not, in his absence, she would be reliable enough for me to use this afternoon for a few errands I had to run, as well as taking Grace for her dance lesson.  Well it was a wonderful blessing when as I left school to walk home to be met by my boy Sam who had come to help me carry my bags to quicken my journey.  He knew I would need to get home quickly to see if my car was going to humour my pleas to play ball.

They are everywhere aren't they.............. blessings, the God things sent to us when we most need them, but particularly when we don't even know we need them.  Thank you Lord for giving me such a blessing today (day 301), from my precious boy!

Sunday 21 October 2012

That He first loved me.......................

I was pondering on so many different things today, but you know what they all led me back to the same point.  I really do thank God that I do not have to do things in my own strength because quite frankly I just couldn't.  Just knowing that He loves me more than I could possibly imagine and has my best interest at heart means that I can confidently face each day no matter what it brings.  Each day I still marvel at that ultimate sacrifice that was paid for me, so undeserving, but for His Grace.  I still struggle to get my head around it completely, but I am humbly thankful today (day 300).

Saturday 20 October 2012

A day for lounging..............

W have enjoyed a restful day and were joined for a while by one of Aaron's friends.  Thanking you Lord for today (day 299).

Friday 19 October 2012

Giving thanks for all things........

Giving You thanks Lord today (day 298) for solutions to challenges and the beginning of the weekend.

Thursday 18 October 2012

Surprises are a lovely thing..................

Surprises are a lovely thing............

Today I was busy marking homework in my classroom when our school receptionist walked in to my class.  Guess who was behind her?  My dear friend.  It was just such a wonderful blessing because we had not caught up for a while.  We soon made up for lost time, nattering about this and that.

Yesterday I wrote about the simplest of gestures being the most meaningful and having great impact (thank you Kristi for seconding that notion) and my friend's visit today really did bring sunshine to what has been a pretty hectic and challenging week at work.  The fact that she came to bring that sunshine to me, at my place of work made it all the more special and today (day 297) I am so thankful!

Wednesday 17 October 2012

What a blessing....................

It has been a long old day and I came home somewhat weary after a second night of back to back parent consultations.  My or my, the legs were weak and the throat dry from all that talking!!!  After catching up with my crew and later on seeing Grace and Aaron to bed I decided to have a quick shut eye before finishing off prep for tomorrow and lay somewhat sprawled on one of the sofas.  Ayo had popped out for a quick meeting and returned clutching one of my most favourite treats and just placed it by my head................

I woke a little later and saw it.  The simplest of gestures are more often than not the most meaningful and have the greatest impact.  I am thankful today (day 296) that even in the pouring rain my husband thought of me and my long day and knew just what would do the trick.  What a blessing he is to me!

Tuesday 16 October 2012

One down, one to go!

One down, one to go.........................

Parent consultation evenings mean a lot of talking!  What's that you say............. I should be well within my comfort zone!  It was a busy evening, but I enjoy being able to share with parents how well their treasures have settled.......... and even if there are issues or concerns to bring to the table I always make sure I put what ever I have to say in a way that leaves them encouraged. That is always my aim and prayer.  I am thankful today (day 295) for the opportunity to have been able to do that.

Monday 15 October 2012

mathematical chunking and colourful stopwatches ...........

Having just begun to embrace my long(er) weekend I had to work today.  As I finished my prep I could see the children peering in wondering why I was in school.  When I went out to collect them they were very excited to see me and obviously quizzed me.  Although I had not been left the work I was supposed to teach I just had to improvise and get on with things as best as I could.  We had a lovely day, some of my children were very excited to be doing division using the chunking method!  And me?  Well I was thrilled to be presented with a brand new box of rechargeable stopwatches.  Yes I know how to live on the edge, stopwatches and they are colourful ones.

As His words reminded me to 'make the most of where He has placed me'.......... that's what I tried to do today (day 294) and so I give thanks.

Sunday 14 October 2012

Not my words today, just His...........

Not my words today, Just His................

Make the Most of It
'When it prospers, you will...prosper.' Jeremiah 29:7
Are you at a place in your life and you'd rather not be there?
Well, God has a word for you, but it may not be one you want to hear.
It's the same word Jeremiah brought to his people when they were slaves
in Babylon, far from everything near and dear: 'You're not going home
anytime soon, so change your attitude, dig in and make the best of it.
Buy homes, plant gardens, let your children get married...and in addition,
pray for the peace and prosperity of the city where you're living because
when it prospers, you will prosper' (Jeremiah 29: 5-7). The Israelites were
in exile because God had allowed them to be taken captive. So, could it be
that you are where you are today because God placed you there to bless those
around you? Instead of putting your life on hold waiting for circumstances
to change, start sowing into other people's lives what you want to come back
as a harvest in your own. Why? Because when they are blessed, you'll be
blessed too! How do we know? Because Jesus said, 'Give, and it will be
given to you...the measure you use...will be measured to you'
(Luke 6:38 NIV). Martha Washington said, 'I'm determined to be cheerful
and happy in whatever situation I may be. I've learned that the greater
part of happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon
 our circumstances.' That sounds just like Paul: 'I have learned [to be]
content in...every situation' (Philippians 4:12 NIV). If you want to go
from surviving to thriving, make the most of where God placed you.

Just thankful today (day 293)..........

Saturday 13 October 2012

Saturday...........

Saturday, stay in bed a little longer day
Saturday, soak up the natter and chatter day
Saturday, start the washing machine several times day
Saturday, snuggle on the sofa and watch a matinee day
Saturday, slow down and catch your breath day (well sort of!)
Thank you Lord today (day 292) for Saturday.................

Friday 12 October 2012

Be still and know that He is God!

Friday and another weekend!
It's been a hectic week for all of us, but praise the Lord for a wind-down time.
No cooking tonight, we're all "chillaxing" so it was takeaway night for us.
On the subject of chilling out, Ayo and I have been particularly blessed with this Hillsongs song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6Fw8DgvTQA

It reminds us that He is greater than any circumstance or situation, any storm roaring thunder.

Listen to it if you will, dwell on the words, let them speak to you and be blessed!
Today (day 291), I thank you Lord that I can be still in your presence and know that you are God.

Thursday 11 October 2012

Thanking you Jesus...............

Jesus, thank You for being my vision
For being my path,

For being my guide
Jesus


Today (day 290) thank You Jesus............

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Sunshine on a cloudy day...................

You know the simplest of things; gestures or spoken words can turn even the most grey day into one that is just oozing with sunshine.  Today has been a pretty testing one at school and I was feeling a little disappointed and let down and a busy evening meant I hadn't yet had time to sit and catch my breath.

As I was bathing my Gracie and chatting about the rides she had enjoyed at the town fair she just looked at me and said "Mummy I am so glad that you are my mum.  I wouldn't want anyone else to be my mum."  You just can't top that.  I am thankful today (day 289) for such a timely blessing that brought sunshine into my day!

Tuesday 9 October 2012

He takes us as He finds us.................................

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King

MIGHTY TO SAVE LYRICS - HILLSONG AUSTRALIA

This is the beauty of my Father.............. He takes each of us from where ever we are in our lives, fears, failures, warts and all and fills us anew.  Pretty mind blowing I think.  That fact alone is enough to be thankful for and I am today (day 288).

On a different note you know how it goes...... you are waiting for a bus for what seems an age and when one does arrive it always seems to bring a friend or two along.  Well the same can be said for tap shoes, yes tap shoes.  We ordered a pair from a dance shop in a nearby village three and a half weeks ago and it has been delayed for various reasons so we tried another dance shop and again there was a delay.  Well guess what?  They have both arrived today!!!  Grace will be thrilled.
Life is like that sometimes isn't it.  It can be a waiting game in one form or another; waiting for a job prospect, a home, a partner, a breakthrough of sorts and at times can be frustrating, even when you are seven years old!

Monday 8 October 2012

Creative ironing ....... well that's what I call it!

Ironing, love it or not it has to be done!  I cannot count the number of times I've had a stand off with the ironing basket only surrender to the pleas of it's contents, to iron them............. I have, over the years, tried so many different strategies to help me to get through one of my least favourite chores.  Have I come across a perfect strategy........................ of course not, but I am going to keep searching.  In the mean time I put in my hour's worth today and decided today's strategy was to watch one of my favourite movies as I ploughed through the mound of crinkled clothing.  The movie of choice, Wolverine, was a great distraction!  I'm down to do another hour tomorrow.............. my movie choice, that would be telling.

We all have things that we have to do, but really just don't enjoy.  It is wonderful to know that with a little creativity (well that's what I call it) we can get through them cheerfully and today (day 287) I am thankful.

Sunday 7 October 2012

Running the race ............ and winning!

Phewwwwwwwwwwwww!! Do you have those days, sometimes quite a few of them, when you have so much work to do and you don't quite know how you're going to get through.  Inside there's a mini turmoil going on.  You can see the finising line, but how to get there?  Well I tend to sing or listen to music to help me along the way.  I tell myself that I'll be further along tomorrow than I am today.  I am further along today than I was yesterday and with my current workload that's a good place to be.

It is important not to be despondent when the load is a heavy one or the task seems an impossible one.  Just keep your focus on Him, He'll get you through.  In addition the support and practical help (printing, collating, cutting) of mine truly helped me get there a lot quicker and today (day 286) I really am thankful.

Saturday 6 October 2012

To be a woman.......... even when you are just 7 months old?

I bumped into an acquaintance in town earlier today as I went to stock up on treats for Aaron and his friends who were coming for a sleep over later.  No it is not his birthday, but Aaron being the social hub of all things decided (with his dad) that a 'how we are settling into year 8 at school) sleep over!    Direct all questions to his dad please................. lol.  Anyhoo this acquaintance was out with his wife and 7 month old daughter, also a Grace and boy was she inquisitive.  She was sat bolt upright taking in everything around her.  She really didn't want to miss a thing and craned her neck to see something that was clearly out of range.  Her parents said she was already crawling and I am not surprised.  Typical woman, perhaps.  We like / need to be kept in full knowledge of everything going on around us.  Or are we just plain nosey?  Bit of both I reckon.  I feel it is just the way God intended it to be....... and I am thanking Him today (day 285) for those divinely given, inbuilt qualities that can, when nurtured serve us well later on in life.

Friday 5 October 2012

Thursday 4 October 2012

Thanking you, Lord.................

Thank you, Lord


Thank you, Lord, for this new day,
Thank you, Lord, for this new day,
Thank you, Lord, for this new day,
Right where we are.
Alleluia, praise the Lord,
Alleluia, praise the Lord,
Alleluia, praise the Lord,
Right where we are.


Thank you, Lord, for food to eat....


Thank you, Lord, for clothes to wear....


Thank you, Lord, for all your gifts....
 
 
I certainly am today (day 283)!

Wednesday 3 October 2012

A teen's world.............

Proverbs 22:6          
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:1-4         
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

There are so many passages in the Bible about bringing up children, but you know the reality is we live in a society that is increasingly against the principle values that these scriptures convey.  Children are more than ever under greater pressure from their peers and society's norms.  It is tough being a teenager today..........

I spent the latter part of these evening chatting to a young girl who very much identifies with this.  It was an eye opener just listening to her perspective on life as a teenager, home and away.  I learnt a lot from talking to her; her daily battles trying to fitting in, insecurities about her image, conflicts with home life / social life, resisting temptation,  combined with raging hormones.  What a melting pot!

I learnt today (day 282) the importance of holding on tight to the messages / instructions from the Bible and am reminded of the need to continually pray for our children and I am indeed thankful.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Turning her frown upside!

The face that greeted me when I picked her up from the after school club today........... it was a face that was not pleased.
"Mummy I've been waiting a long time for you to pick me up," she said. 
Even though it was not my day to work I had gone to school to attend the staff meeting and had explained to my girl this morning that I would pick her up as soon as I could.  There she was, at a table, chatting to one of the lovely ladies who care for the children.  As I scooped her up her frown was instantly turned upside and I was instantly forgiven.

On our way home, still continuing with my apology I explained further that Daddy and I make sure that we limit her visits to the after school club, but sometimes it was unavoidable.

It is so easy to feel dreadfully guilty, but the decision to work affords us the ability and opportunity to allow our children to experience widely some of what life has to offer and also bless our family and friends, but at times there will be sacrifices. 

I remember a couple of years ago we wanted to enjoy an extra week in the South of France and the opportunity arose for me to work an extra day a week for a term.  We sat around the table to put forward the proposal that I took on this extra day in order to pay for the extra week, but that both Gracie and Aaron would have to attend the after school club an extra day a week for that term (they were already spending a day there).  They agreed and I did and we were all very thankful for the extra week of glorious family fun in France!

I am thankful today (day 281) for the provision of a facility of an after school club and its team of lovely carers, but importantly I am thankful for the understanding of my little lady.

Monday 1 October 2012

Who's in charge?

I tell you, boy do the Aina clan have some debates.  As always our topics are always Sam inspired!  Tonight at the dinner table we were debating 'who really is in charge in households, mum or dad?' 

We pooled together our family and friends and dissected.  Boy did we laugh.  Our conversations always allow everyone to put forward their opinions tempered with any facts we have at our fingertips.  We came to the conclusion that whilst Ayo takes care of the bigger picture I am very much concerned with the finer detail which really equates to the day to day running of all things pertaining to home.  It's funny we even talked about who wrote the greetings in birthday cards and when we looked at our friends and family, yes it is us mums, concerned with the finer detail. 

Whilst it might appear I am in charge because the day to day running of our home requires me to be more vocal (tidy your room...........have you finished your homework?........ time to clip those fingernail, the list goes on) it is really Ayo who is in charge!  Of course it is!!!!!!

It is so good to talk and dinner time provides a perfect platform to engage in endless banter.  Today (day 280) I am so thankful we did.