Faith, grit & daily prayers
One of the most challenging things I've had to come to terms with in my faith is the difficult idea of living through a winter season. When I first became a Christian I noticed some lingo that only Christians tended to use.
One of the most challenging things I've had to come to terms with in my faith is the difficult idea of living through a winter season. When I first became a Christian I noticed some lingo that only Christians tended to use.
Holy Father, there is nothing I have that You have not given me. All I have and am belong to You, bought with the priceless blood of Jesus. To spend everything on myself, and to give without sacrifice, is the way of the world that You cannot abide.
Holy Father, there is nothing I have that You have not given me. All I have and am belong to You, bought with the priceless blood of Jesus. To spend everything on myself, and to give without sacrifice, is the way of the world that You cannot abide.
I have hope (Ephesians 1:12). I am included (Ephesians 1:13). I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18). I am the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5).
I have hope (Ephesians 1:12). I am included (Ephesians 1:13). I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18). I am the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5).
Leaning in is not easy. It demands courage, grit and dog eared determination. To lean in well you have to have the guts and stamina to say no to the wrong things.
Leaning in is not easy. It demands courage, grit and dog eared determination. To lean in well you have to have the guts and stamina to say no to the wrong things.
If I'm feeling like I can't be bothered, tired, bored or uninspired I check to see what's going on for me. What's taking my energy and where are my priorities at. There's usually something after my attention and creativity. You have to nurture what's inside of you. Creativity is a bit like a bucket. Once it's been dished out it's pretty hard to create on the reserves leftover.
If I'm feeling like I can't be bothered, tired, bored or uninspired I check to see what's going on for me. What's taking my energy and where are my priorities at. There's usually something after my attention and creativity. You have to nurture what's inside of you. Creativity is a bit like a bucket. Once it's been dished out it's pretty hard to create on the reserves leftover.
Anyone I meet who is trying to build something different, creative, interesting or problem solve has been on a harder path compared to someone who doesn't. Part of my spiritual growth at the moment has been an internal commitment to getting stronger and more equipped to wait.
Anyone I meet who is trying to build something different, creative, interesting or problem solve has been on a harder path compared to someone who doesn't. Part of my spiritual growth at the moment has been an internal commitment to getting stronger and more equipped to wait.
This isn't exactly a timely Saturday night post, but one worth exploring anyway. It's November in Manchester, the sun set around 4pm, it's cold outside, I've got a lot of crisps and chocolate in the cupboard. What's harder is a good friend lent me access to the Prime account and I'm keen to watch Ten Percent.
This isn't exactly a timely Saturday night post, but one worth exploring anyway. It's November in Manchester, the sun set around 4pm, it's cold outside, I've got a lot of crisps and chocolate in the cupboard. What's harder is a good friend lent me access to the Prime account and I'm keen to watch Ten Percent.
I'm putting down my right to know I'm letting go of my need to control the outcome I'm making space for things that hold eternal weight I'm resting more in the sweetness of who you areI'm less anxious about the future I'm not going to settle for a quick fix even if it makes me feel a bit better nowI'm deepening my levels of hope I'm fixing my heart on who you say you areI'm less likely to be blown around by my circumstances I'm more secure in who I am and where I'm going
I'm putting down my right to know I'm letting go of my need to control the outcome I'm making space for things that hold eternal weight I'm resting more in the sweetness of who you areI'm less anxious about the future I'm not going to settle for a quick fix even if it makes me feel a bit better nowI'm deepening my levels of hope I'm fixing my heart on who you say you areI'm less likely to be blown around by my circumstances I'm more secure in who I am and where I'm going
Don't worry about what you'll wear Don't worry about your next meal
Don't worry about what you'll wear Don't worry about your next meal
When I'm processing a no, it's now more than ever I've got to know what my foundations are built on.
When I'm processing a no, it's now more than ever I've got to know what my foundations are built on.
Today I got a no from a job interview I was on tenterhooks waiting for an answer to last week. It came after a lot of praying, waiting and other nos I'd had to what I thought would be straightforward work like coffee shops.
Today I got a no from a job interview I was on tenterhooks waiting for an answer to last week. It came after a lot of praying, waiting and other nos I'd had to what I thought would be straightforward work like coffee shops.
Nothing special, interesting or noteworthy happens in the spirit without hunger. Hungry people tend to run after God and get fed quicker and more profoundly. God isn't interested in apathy. He'll move on to the part of the flock that cry out to Him, worship Him and want Him.
Nothing special, interesting or noteworthy happens in the spirit without hunger. Hungry people tend to run after God and get fed quicker and more profoundly. God isn't interested in apathy. He'll move on to the part of the flock that cry out to Him, worship Him and want Him.
You don't fade. You don't faint. You don't grow restless. You aren't sick or tired. You don't give up on us. You don't lose heart. You don't snap. You don't crack under pressure. You don't lose heart. You don't forget. You don't let us go.
You don't fade. You don't faint. You don't grow restless. You aren't sick or tired. You don't give up on us. You don't lose heart. You don't snap. You don't crack under pressure. You don't lose heart. You don't forget. You don't let us go.
I have hope (Ephesians 1:12). I am included (Ephesians 1:13). I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18). I am the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5).
I have hope (Ephesians 1:12). I am included (Ephesians 1:13). I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18). I am the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5).
I was reflecting with friends how sweet it is to meet up and compare notes on what is God up to in our lives? The Christian life is impossible to journey through on your own.
I was reflecting with friends how sweet it is to meet up and compare notes on what is God up to in our lives? The Christian life is impossible to journey through on your own.
There's a lot of content about challenging you to be show up, be strong and work your way towards your future. While there's plenty of good things to say about discipline and hard work - you can't escape the fact that sometimes in life we're out of energy and bravado to keep on working hard or working our own way out of a tough situation.
There's a lot of content about challenging you to be show up, be strong and work your way towards your future. While there's plenty of good things to say about discipline and hard work - you can't escape the fact that sometimes in life we're out of energy and bravado to keep on working hard or working our own way out of a tough situation.
This was the shift in my identity that I only realised in my early 20s, that changed everything I knew about myself and where I operated from. It changed how I rested, how I worked, how I saw myself and other people. It was a total U-turn in how I understood my place in the world
This was the shift in my identity that I only realised in my early 20s, that changed everything I knew about myself and where I operated from. It changed how I rested, how I worked, how I saw myself and other people. It was a total U-turn in how I understood my place in the world
I'm part of a bigger story than myselfI'm part of the global church familyI'm seen, known and loved locally in my churchI can depend on Him to come through for meI've seen miracles happen in my life and for other peopleI have hope in knowing that He's on my side and working for my good
I'm part of a bigger story than myselfI'm part of the global church familyI'm seen, known and loved locally in my churchI can depend on Him to come through for meI've seen miracles happen in my life and for other peopleI have hope in knowing that He's on my side and working for my good
Who am I when I'm out of work, ideas, opportunities? Who am I when nothing much is happening? Who am I when other people say no? Who am I when other people are frantically running after breadcrumbs? Who am I when I've pushed on every obvious door?
Who am I when I'm out of work, ideas, opportunities? Who am I when nothing much is happening? Who am I when other people say no? Who am I when other people are frantically running after breadcrumbs? Who am I when I've pushed on every obvious door?
We are made for more than the 9 to 5 We are made for more than Friday nights out We are made for more than the next paycheck We are made for more than 2 weeks in the sun We are made for more than vegging out We are made for more than a nice house or car You are made for adventure You are made for purpose You are made to tell stories about something greater than yourself
We are made for more than the 9 to 5 We are made for more than Friday nights out We are made for more than the next paycheck We are made for more than 2 weeks in the sun We are made for more than vegging out We are made for more than a nice house or car You are made for adventure You are made for purpose You are made to tell stories about something greater than yourself
I had a coffee with someone this week and they said they'd not met someone like me. Which made me wonder who they were surrounded by. I took it as a compliment. I've been resolute to hold out for work that doesn't just mean I'm selling widgets to people that might not need widgets.
I had a coffee with someone this week and they said they'd not met someone like me. Which made me wonder who they were surrounded by. I took it as a compliment. I've been resolute to hold out for work that doesn't just mean I'm selling widgets to people that might not need widgets.
I've got to watch my heart when I throw everything into one basket. That's what I had done with this job.
I've got to watch my heart when I throw everything into one basket. That's what I had done with this job.
There are two most extra-ordinary loves that I've had the extreme delight in knowing: the love of a real Father God and the love of friends from church. Both loves are distinct and quite different from other ideas and experiences of love.
There are two most extra-ordinary loves that I've had the extreme delight in knowing: the love of a real Father God and the love of friends from church. Both loves are distinct and quite different from other ideas and experiences of love.
Even when I don't see it, You're working. Even when I don't feel it, You're working. Even when I'm tired, You're working. Even when I'm sad, You're working.
Even when I don't see it, You're working. Even when I don't feel it, You're working. Even when I'm tired, You're working. Even when I'm sad, You're working.
You are not on the back foot. You're not behind, lost or gathering dust. You've not screwed up, changed your destiny or off track. You're not unreachable or beyond repair. You're not silenced or stifled. Your talents and gifts aren't lost or meant to be hidden.
You are not on the back foot. You're not behind, lost or gathering dust. You've not screwed up, changed your destiny or off track. You're not unreachable or beyond repair. You're not silenced or stifled. Your talents and gifts aren't lost or meant to be hidden.
I am faithful (Ephesians 1:1). I am God’s child (John 1:12). I have been justified (Romans 5:1). I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15). I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20). I am a member of Christ’s Body (1 Corinthians 12:27).
I am faithful (Ephesians 1:1). I am God’s child (John 1:12). I have been justified (Romans 5:1). I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15). I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20). I am a member of Christ’s Body (1 Corinthians 12:27).
I think this is all too easy to let happen. Dreams are precarious things and need to be nurtured. Frequently in this culture we tend to put having dreams in a box with being child-like, or worse still childish. I've had to surround myself with people who know how to speak into my dreams and encourage them to happen.
I think this is all too easy to let happen. Dreams are precarious things and need to be nurtured. Frequently in this culture we tend to put having dreams in a box with being child-like, or worse still childish. I've had to surround myself with people who know how to speak into my dreams and encourage them to happen.
When someone asked me what helped my recovery after cancer - these were the two things that sprang to mind: PURPOSE and COMMUNITY. We need both and it's easy to underestimate how important they are. For me, both were game changers for my mental health.
When someone asked me what helped my recovery after cancer - these were the two things that sprang to mind: PURPOSE and COMMUNITY. We need both and it's easy to underestimate how important they are. For me, both were game changers for my mental health.
Pursuit is important. It tells someone where your heart's at and what your intentions are. It communicates a level of confidence to the other party and not being fearful of rejection. Pursuit wary people don't move as quickly forwards in their purpose.
Pursuit is important. It tells someone where your heart's at and what your intentions are. It communicates a level of confidence to the other party and not being fearful of rejection. Pursuit wary people don't move as quickly forwards in their purpose.
I'm finding myself walking into a lot of conversations at the moment about money. It's probably the number one pressure that people come up against when looking for work. The only thing is I found no good comes into who I am or what I'm about when I define my anxiety levels and decisions based on money being the main driver.
I'm finding myself walking into a lot of conversations at the moment about money. It's probably the number one pressure that people come up against when looking for work. The only thing is I found no good comes into who I am or what I'm about when I define my anxiety levels and decisions based on money being the main driver.
Consistency enables me to kettle bell press 10kgs Consistency grows my practice and skill Consistency increases my mental stamina Consistency increases my 1% better each day Consistency grows my reach to more people Consistency makes me stronger Consistency gives me a competitive advantage Consistency is me refining my own story
Consistency enables me to kettle bell press 10kgs Consistency grows my practice and skill Consistency increases my mental stamina Consistency increases my 1% better each day Consistency grows my reach to more people Consistency makes me stronger Consistency gives me a competitive advantage Consistency is me refining my own story
When I think about my plans for what I want out of life I tend to gravitate towards what will give me the most comfort, fun and idealism. Where do I get the most fulfilment and rewarding life? That can be through beautiful things life purpose, dreams and creative ventures...
When I think about my plans for what I want out of life I tend to gravitate towards what will give me the most comfort, fun and idealism. Where do I get the most fulfilment and rewarding life? That can be through beautiful things life purpose, dreams and creative ventures...
Today I've been practising getting my spirit stronger than it was yesterday. What does that look like for me? I have to remove myself from distractions and get comfortable with some solitude.
Today I've been practising getting my spirit stronger than it was yesterday. What does that look like for me? I have to remove myself from distractions and get comfortable with some solitude.
