Home And Dry Although I have to go out in it soon, there's something very comforting about being inside and seeing the rain through the window. It's the feeling of protection and warmth. The rain can be heard but not felt, it's there but I'm sheltered from it. It's like #life in God. Sometimes things we may not want or like are there but God is our shelter if we will run to Him. When we do, it's like the moment you get in from being caught in the rain. The moment you step through the door is a wonderful feeling. Home and dry.

A Word In Season Yesterday, I was thinking about a task I have to do at work that has felt like such a big challenge. It's part of a career development programme called Stretch so I guess the clue is in the name! Anyway, the Holy Spirit dropped the following scripture into my mind: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2) That was encouraging enough in itself and I wrote it in a post-it stuck to my work notepad so I keep it in front of me. However, today I decided to look up the word prosper from that verse in my concordance. The Greek word used here means: - to help on the road - succeed in reaching - (the one that blew me away) to succeed in business affairs! It's a promise to me. Yes, there are more important things than work but God wants us to succeed and that was what I needed to hear. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

The Release Of Creativity Twice this week I've consciously spent an evening being creative. I say consciously because I think creativity comes in many forms and we are often creative without realising it. One night it was making cake decorations (well starting, the coloured powder and glitter has yet to be added!) Tonight, it was a collage of pictures and phrases cut out of magazines that hold significance for me. My friends and I sat round a table for two hours that was covered with paper, card (of many colours and textures), glue, stickers, foam shapes, letters etc. and created what came to mind. The results were as diverse as we are and equally beautiful in their own right. For me, this kind of thing helps me to express myself. I'm learning more and more about who I am and am becoming more comfortable being me. I love giving myself the time and freedom to do that.

Baking I think about baking an awful lot. My reward for cleaning my living room to night will be making some decorations for cakes. I don't have any particular occasion or use in mind, I will just enjoy making them. As well as the joy when baking turns out well and when others enjoy what you've made, I think what I enjoy is the creativity involved. There are so many possibilities, many recipes to try, ways to decorate. Plus, you can always throw in some sparkle for good measure.

Remembering Sometimes people will say not to look back at the past and in some ways, that can be a helpful thing. I know some people have very painful memories. I think it's true that there elements of the past it's not helpful to focus on but I don't think it's always a bad thing to look back. I think there can be great encouragement in remembering. I have been remembering wonderful things God has done in my #life and for those I love. How situations and relationships have been turned around. Looking at what has come out of a circumstance after it is over. I spent about ten minutes doing that this morning and feel encouraged. Looking back doesn't always mean regression, it can give you thankfulness and hope for the future.