A comforting thought that is also a challenge to holiness

Romans 8:15 - 17

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

My mustard seeds (aka the SHOCK of growing things)

I'm growing mustard seeds. This is part of a church thing (I go to a great church in the City of London that has many young people) where were all given mustard seeds to grow at home. We had an overview of the life of Christ in the book of Mark, from Mark 1 to Mark 4:34. It ends with Jesus talking about what the kingdom of God is like and one of the illustrations that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which is tiny, but when it dies it grows and grows until it is large enough for the birds to nest in it.

I've never grown anything in my life. Which is why, I suppose, I paid so much attention to my mustard seeds checking them everyday since last week Wednesday. It was quite an experience to watch the seeds change colour, then begin to germinate, growing little white shoots and tiny leaves.

 I checked on them again this evening and to my absolute surprise (I cried out), they had grown overnight about an inch!

I think I was so surprised because I usually have to work hard for something to happen. In this case, I just watered the seed, placed it by the window for natural light and things happened! Mind. Officially. Blown.

I'm really thankful that God does his work without my help. He grows his kingdom. My mum keeps telling me not to worry, God works in his own time and way. I trust that is true, but this does help remind me that God can and will grow his kingdom (and provide for my needs) without me doing anything to help, other than to listen to his Word.

Saturday

So yesterday went so very quickly and was as action packed as ever. I think the most memorable part of the day was my walk from West India Quay to Limehouse on my way back from the gym in the morning. Oh, and I have some very vivid images in my mind from driving to my friend's house in Brockley. I tend to be very visual; there are some scenes that when I see them cannot get out of my mind's eye for days. That was the case with my journeys to work all the way in South London, the view of London over Blackfriar's Bridge was a regular in my thoughts. These days it is Canary Wharf, where I work, with it's vast structures and riverside views.

Today, I was particularly struck by the colours of fall. Not being too windy, I was able to walk and take in the gorgeous scenery that even London can offer, despite not having the breathtaking grandeur of the countryside.

One of my verses for meditation currently is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14, which says "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything". Very loosely translated, I'm not even sure I've got the exact verse, but it's definitely in that book and that chapter. (Correction: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) One of the things I am most thankful for is my ability to find beauty in my surroundings, which can please me all day.

The oranges of the leaves today definitely pleased me.

I am so thankful for that.

I am/will be back!

After a whole one year away (and WHAT a year it's been) I'm fast coming to the decision that I would like to blog again!

So this is just dropping a note to say that I WILL be back! With/without reason as to why I left/why I am starting blogging again - I hope.

Till then. xx