Cold nights, warm hearts...................

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, it was somewhat chilly today!  In fact absolutely freezing........... even at school,  particularly at the end of the day when the children have left the classroom.  I am so thankful today (day 338) for a warm welcome and a hot meal, so lovingly prepared and waiting for me!

Soaring to great heights!

It is wonderful to see children grow in confidence isn't it? 

Today we had held the auditions for parts in the school play and were overwhelmed by the number of applicants.  In fact nearly half the year group auditioned for just 13 parts and we had a tough job after school deciding who had been successful.  At least half of those who auditioned would not have done so last year.  Seeing such development makes me so happy.  Children who are confident feel empowered to take risks in their learning without the fear of failure.  There will be disappointment tomorrow for those who did not get a part, but again we will celebrate and applaud their auditions and explain that success is in participating and trying and not just in being chosen and that they must not be discouraged for trying again next time.  I am confident that they will!

I am reminded of this beautiful poem....................



If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

 

I am thankful today (day 337) to be in a profession that affords me the privilege of being in a position to encourage and praise efforts and watch children soar to great heights.

sufficient grace,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Your grace is sufficient for me today (day 336)!

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

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

That's what I have done today (day 335) and am giving thanks ...............

JUST DO WHAT GOD’S CALLED YOU TO DO!

In the light of the recent Government inspection (OFSTED) at school this really ministered to me.

JUST DO WHAT GOD’S CALLED YOU TO DO!

‘…Stay within the [boundaries] of the work which God has set for [you]...’

2 CORINTHIANS 10:13

Nobody is good at everything, and nobody is called to do everything. God has given each of us clearly defined roles in life.

 ‘Our goal is to stay within the [boundaries] of the work which God has set for us.’ Only as we do that will we be successful, as God defines success.

God says:-
‘Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else’ (Galatians 6:4 NLT).

Wonderfully wise words today (day 334).

Recharge ..........................

It doesn't happen as often as I would like, but it is just wonderful when it does.......................
What am I talking about?  A most lazy, lazy day and boy am I just thankful today (day 333).  Even my Sam commented "Mum this is just lovely isn't it!"  Just allowing the body, mind and soul to recharge itself, in the best company of course.

Hoping your Saturday was all you wanted it to be!

I testify!

It's a wonderful blessing when you come out of the other side of an experience and can truly give God all the glory.

Testify that God works in mysterious ways?  I can testify to that!

Testify that God intervenes so that the glory may be His?  I can testify to that!

Testify that God has a sense of humour?  I can testify to that!

Testify that God answers prayer?  I can testify to that!

Testify that over the past 3 days I have witnessed non believers declare that they have been on their knees and said a prayer?  I can testify to that!

Testify that God gives you the strength to carry on when you are running on empty?  I can testify to that!

I testify and give thanks today (day 332)

Having a sense of humour......... or not!

Day two ............... here we come!

Thanking You Lord today (day 331) for being there when displays fall down and technology threatens to fail!!!!!!!!!!

Giving thanks in all situations............

The phone call came, this afternoon!  OFSTED................

Giving you thanks Lord today (day 330).......... in all situations, for all things!

My Father ......................

Today (day 329) I give thanks that My Father is truly the pearl in the vast ocean of life
                                                         He is the rose amongst the the thorns that are our life experiences 
                                                         He is the sunshine on a cloudy day
                                                         He is the source of answers to a million questions
                                                         He is the true path in a hazy maze of uncertainty
                                                         His words quench the thirst of those that seek so that they will
                                                         find
                                                         My Father ..................... 

Feeling and spreading the love...........

I arrived home today with a warm feeling, you know, the sort of feeling you can only get from knowing you are loved.  As I pulled up on the drive I spied my guys coming to the door, excited to see me.  It really does fill my heart with a joy that quite frankly I cannot put into words.  I am just truly thankful and humbled today (day 328) that my Father loved me so much that He blessed with my 'A' Team. 

Talking of feeling the love, my colleagues and class were not too impressed with me as they came into class being serenaded by Cliff (Richard)!  Well he gets to make an annual outing, namely during the festive season and I know I am a bit early, but I could not help myself.  I did warn them that he is out now until January .......................  If they come into class tomorrow wearing ear muffs I'll know why!

The Book of Life .......... what an inspirational read!

It really was just a pleasure to be in the House of the Lord today!  Without bias, the worship time, led by mine truly was simply breathtaking and moved me to tears.  It really did feel like a gathering of family and friends.  Our Friends continued their 10th wedding anniversary celebrations with a special blessing and this was extended to all married couples.  After service we gathered together for light refreshments and my husband commented on how much longer we all tend to linger, that no one is in a hurry to leave our fellowship home.

The Pastor's sermon was about marriage and afterwards I was reminded of something my father- in -law said at our wedding more than two decades ago: -

"If you run into any difficulties in your marriage please don't come to me, but instead go and consult the Book of Life, in which answers will be found!" 

My father-in-law is a most wise man who continues to be an inspirational figure in the Aina family.  I could write a small book full of the many wise life rules he lives by.........

It is so so important to have role models / mentors in our lives to help us to keep a reality check on life and keep us grounded and today (day 327) I give thanks for the blessing of my in-laws.

Milestones......... meant to be celebrated!

Milestones, so many of them and all to be celebrated.

We were very blessed to join a lovely couple celebrate a special marriage milestone, 10 years of wedded bliss!  Actually it was a double celebration as it was a birthday celebration too.

It was wonderful to see the joy and utter surprise on their faces as the party got started............cheers and applause followed with some 'chop, chop' as my dear friend called it.

God is good isn't He.

I am thankful to Him today (day 326) for such a blessed day.

He is wonderful!

Great is he who's the king of kings
And the lord of lords he is wonderful
Al le lu ia! al le lu ia! al le lu ia!
He is wonderful
Alle lu ia! sal va tion and glory.
Honor & power. he is wonderful

You just can't beat a song that sings of His greatness, simple, but succinct!  Young and old(er) coming together in one voice ..............beautiful.  Giving thanks today (day 325) for the beginning of something that will lift the roof tops and minister to all who will hear and receive in their hearts.

Psalm 23:6 ...................

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Amen
today (day 324)

Going with the flow..........

Some days things don't always go the way you anticipated and you have to go with the flow.  An early night turned into a late night..................... but hey it's OK and I am giving thanks today (day 323) for a most productive late night, full of wholesome and encouraging discussion.

Be of courage..............

BE COURAGEOUS 'Be strong and of good courage...' Deuteronomy 31:6

On the morning of September 11, 2001, United Flight 93 from Newark to San Francisco was hijacked by terrorists who claimed to have a bomb. When they received telephone confirmation that other planes with terrorists on board had hit the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, the passengers understood the hijackers' intent. Todd Beamer, a thirty-two year old businessman, picked up a seat-back phone and reached Lisa Jefferson, a Verizon Airfone supervisor. He told her that he and others were going to 'jump on' a hijacker who was guarding the passengers in the rear. Beamer asked her to pray the Lord's Prayer with him. He also made her promise to call his wife, Lisa, and tell her that he loved her and their two little boys. Dropping the phone after talking with Jefferson, Beamer said, 'Jesus help me.' Then, after reciting Psalm 23, he said, 'Are you guys ready? Okay, let's roll.' Those were the unforgettable last words Beamer said before he and others rushed the hijackers. There were screams, then silence. That day brave civilians, complete strangers, rose up against impossible odds and tried to save the aircraft. In doing so, they made the ultimate sacrifice. United Flight 93 crashed into a large field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing all forty-four on board. Of the four hijacked planes that morning, theirs was the only one that failed to hit its target. Those heroes showed courage-at the highest level. Whatever you are facing today, be courageous, 'for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you'. I never have to look far when I am in need of inspirational, real life stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  Lesser things are suddenly put into perspective.  Thank You Lord today (day 322).

And all God's people said ..................

Your grace goes beyond all measure
No measure is big enough to contain Your love for us
Your love runs deeper than any wound ever inflicted upon us
Wider than the mouth of a river is the girth of Your outstretched arms
To embrace and protect
To protect and embrace
Now and for all eternity!

Amen (day 321)

7 Up..............

The 7 Ups

1. Wake Up!!
     Decide to have a good day
     "This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!!
    The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.  A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your
    looks. 
    "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at outward appearance, but the
    Lord looks at the heart."  1 Samuel 1 6:7

3. Shut Up!!
    Say nice things and learn to listen.
    "God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much
    listening as talking.
    "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!
    for what you believe in. 
    Stand for something or you will fall for anything.  "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the
    proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
    Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."  Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!
    ...... to the Lord.
    "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!
    ....... for something higher.
    "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways
    acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!
    ....... your prayers.
    "Do not worry about anything instead
    PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."  Philippians 4:6

Thanking you Lord today (day 321) for all that You mean to me....

'Ellevate'.........just what the Father ordered

'Ellevate' was the name of the conference and elevate it did, in relation to taking our relationship with our Father to another level, to remind us of how much He loves us, how much He has each and every one of us in His hands and his special purpose for us as women!

It is so good for women to get together, come as you are, wherever you are at in your life kind of get together, just to praise, worship, pray, laugh, encourage and be encouraged.  I was so, so blessed.

There was an unexpected treat at the beginning for me.  One of my all time favourite recording artists is Phil Collins, my favourite of his albums is 'But Seriously.'  An awesome track on the album is 'Find a way to my heart' and it was the opening song at the conference.  Truly there are many secular songs that could have been penned by a gospel artist and this is one of them.  The lyrics are like a love song our Father Himself.............  Check it out on youtube, but read the lyrics in the meantime as they are truly profound.

"Find A Way To My Heart"

Find a way to my heart, and I will always be with you
From wherever you are, I'll be waiting
I'll keep a place in my heart, you will see it shining through
So find a way to my heart, and I will, I will follow you

This journey's not easy for you, I know
If your footsteps get too faint to hear, I'll go
Cos you know, questions are never that easy
And never the same
You have the answer believe me
If you have the faith

Find a way to my heart...

Time may come, and time may go, I know
If you should call out for me, I'll go
But you know, there is a code to be broken
I wrap it around
Without a word being spoken
Without a sound

There's a reason I hide my heart
Out of sight out of mind
And when I find out just who you are
The door will be open for you to..

Find a way to my heart...

                      Phil Collins

Giving thanks for a most wonderful time of fellowship today (day 320) and hoping your Saturday was full of blessings too!

 

 

 

 

Celebrations of 'royal' proportions...........

 I wouldn't normally go into school on my day off, but today it was necessary.  One of our loveliest of teaching assistants was celebrating a very special birthday, she was turning 60!  Together with all the children we were surprising her with gifts of song as well as the more traditional form of gift giving - carefully chosen presents.  Her work space was heavily decorated with banners and balloons and a camera ready to capture treasured moments.  We knew she would be very emotional so made sure tissues were at hand to mop up the tears.........  We managed to delay her arrival into the classroom until all the children were strategically placed to give her the 'royal' welcome she so derserved.  The look on her face was just priceless!

Today (day 319) I am reminded of the impact going an extra mile (or two) can have in making an ordinary day an extraordinary one, or in this case, pulling out all the stops to give the wow factor to a landmark celebration.

A God day is a good day

To a God who makes the impossible possible
                 who makes dreams come true
                 who makes every day a God day


I give thanks today (day 318)

There'll Be Blue Birds Over the White Cliffs of Dover

We ran under tables, played games with sweets, enjoyed a special meal, played skipping games outside and sang songs.  World War II day was a success; the children embraced it all, arriving in vintage wear that actually isn't so vintage and home made gas masks round their necks.  To see them give the day a thumbs up makes all the planning and preparation so worthwhile. 
Thanking You today (day 317) for team work that made such a day possible.

When the dressing gown beckons!

I chuckled this evening when I got home after school at the sight of Aaron in his dressing gown.  The cold winter evenings mean that unless he is going out after school he settles into grandpa mode, snug and cosy.  We are creatures of seasonal habit are we not!  In the summer we do no see Aaron for dust as he fully embraces the sunny outdoors.  He plays out far less and when he does returns home much earlier than planned!

I was really blessed by something so simple so let me share it with you .................... about standing out from the crowd.

'Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it
without...thinking...' Romans 12:2

A man walking into a bank held the door open for the lady behind him.
Instead of thanking him, she said, 'You don't have to hold the door because
I'm a woman.' Smiling, he replied, 'I'm not doing it because you're a woman,
I'm doing it because I'm a gentleman.'

Profound I think.

As believers we do what we do because of who we are 'in Christ',
not because of how society thinks we should act. John says, '...
The Holy Spirit...lives within...so [we] don't need anyone to
teach [us] what is true...' (1John 2:27 NLT).

As Christians,...our citizenship is in heaven...We belong to the kingdom
of God...We need to be on our best behaviour, otherwise people will get
a distorted perception of what our homeland is like...Our earthly culture is
pagan to the core...God left us here for a purpose...to demonstrate what it's
like to be a member of another country, to have a citizenship in another land,
that we might create a desire for others to emigrate.' Think about it!

Wise words for which I am thankful today (day 316).

Saying goodbye is never easy...............

Saying goodbye is never easy in any context.............. even when it's to your faithful friend of 10 years!  I did today, to my faithful PT Cruiser.  Having previously been a person who really viewed a car for its functionality the arrival more than 10 years ago of this beautiful piece of mechanical artistry with its retro styling (in my opinion anyway) changed my mind.  My eyes have never felt the need to steal a glance at another vehicle even when it was clear she was beginning to feel her age.  However when potentially serious, safety faults appeared my husband encouraged me to let her go!  Never an easy thing to do though.  Parting photographs have been taken, well she deserves to be pride of place on a wall in our house, I am sure you would agree!

Such is life though.  I give God thanks today (day 315) for the 10+ years of safe motoring my family, friends and I enjoyed in her.

lazy hazy cosy Sunday

A lazy, hazy Sunday was in order after the festivities of my hubby's birthday.  To be honest the heavy rain was a great excuse to just stay in and have a PJ day.  Ayo commented that he didn't mind the cold, grey, often wet skies that is winter................... it means cosy, cosy, warm evenings at home with all of us pottering about.

So with that in mind, potter we did.  My kind of pottering, well it did involve making a start on cleaning the conservatory windows, putting some washing on and a bit more school work.  Well pottering about comes in all shapes and forms! 

With left overs heated up and devoured and the smell of orange and chocolate cake, just baked by my boy Sam filling the room we cosied up on the sofa..........., but only for a short while as I am off on a date with mine truly to see one of my other favourite men, Bond, James, of course.  Yes a date to the cinema, courtesy of a dear friend.

Hope your Sunday has been a chilled, family one too, today (day 314).

Happy birthday to you......................

When the telephone rang at 6.30ish this morning we knew too well who it was, but were somewhat still in the land of sleep.  It rang again at 7.30am and then at 8.30am, at which point I suggested to the birthday boy to answer the call, which was from his mum, wishing her baby boy a happy birthday.  A happy birthday is certainly what he has enjoyed; fun and laughter, wrapped up in a lot of love from family and friends!

I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing my husband take centre stage on his special day, something he does not like to do.  We have enjoyed spoiling him to bits too and if not for time the celebrations could have gone on and on and on and.........................

Birthdays are a wonderful invention and today (313) I am thankful to have been part of the celebrations for a very special one.

Happy weekend............

Thanking God today (day 312) for the weekend ahead and praying that yours is a blessed one too!

How sweet it is to be loved by you...........

October marks the end of the financial year for the company my husband works for and like most privately run companies there has been a mad rush to collect all revenue possible.  The pressure has most definitely been on for my hubby, to write reports in order to close and collect!  During the last few days he has not had a full night's sleep and really has been running on near empty.  He arrived home absolutely shattered tonight, but pleased he had given all he could to the targets he had been set.  The invitation from the bed to lay down his weary head and aching limbs was too hard to resist and he retired soon after dinner.........  Despite his busyness he has still found time to hang with me, sitting next to me working on his laptop as I did school work on mine, making me early morning cups of tea!  I was listening to this old song today, sung by a very talented lady, Ruby Turner and it really summed up what I often tell my husband ............. another song to add to our archives of personal anthems!


How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you
I needed the shelter of someone's arms and there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were
With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotions
I want to stop and thank you baby
I want to stop and thank you baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I close my eyes at night
And wonder what would I be without you in my life
Everything was just a bore
All the things I did seems I'd done'em before
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways

I want to stop and thank you baby
I want to stop and thank you baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

You were better to me than I've been to myself
For me, there's you and nobody else
I want to stop and thank you baby
I want to stop and thank you baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

Thanking you Lord today (day 311) for a most remarkable, inspirational human being I am proud to call my husband.