Uni offers, sour Skittles and cups of tea with Kate Feast (which are my favourite and she is just so amazing)

So it's come to that time again when I write a blog. It's been a busy few weeks getting back into the swing of things. There have been some really big positives though :) like I got into my first choice for university! Northampton, here I come... and it's been great spending time with the wonderful youfff again.

I had to say good bye to one of my best friends on Sunday. Rachel has jetted off for 7 months of travelling all over the world! I am really excited for her and it is an amazing opportunity :) but also gonna miss her a lot. I've already heard some funny stories about her adventures including being sick and taking selfies on a plane. What can I say really?! I would've been shocked had she NOT got up to mischief ;) 


I'm really looking forward to going to the SoulNet retreat next weekend with Olly and Beth. It's a weekend run by the people who do Soul Survivor, aimed at youth workers/people who work with young people and giving the opportunity for a bit of a break and some fun at Center Parcs! Unfortunately, I am missing my little sister's birthday (for the second year running) as she turns 19 on the Saturday, but I've got some surprises planned so I hope she won't be too annoyed :D


Recently in the office we have been: thinking lots about the youth weekend away coming up at the end of February, watching Prank vs Prank videos, drinking hot chocolate (shock), planning fundraising activities for Soul Survivor, eating sour Skittles, and keeping busy with all our usual weekly goings on. I'm still loving every moment of being a minion ;)

I've been encouraged in lots of ways over the past week. I think people don't realise how a tiny little comment can sometimes be the most encouraging thing I've heard all day! I feel very blessed to be surrounded by such lovely people.


Before I go, the title of this blog might sound a bit weird, but a certain someone was saying the other day how I never mention her in blogs and seeing as we've done quite a lot of tea-drinking this week...

Why hello there 2014...

Happy new year all! I hope you had a lovely Christmas and enjoyed all the new year celebrations. I'm glad to be back after the break. I mean, there's only so many days you can spend watching films and eating chocolate... it's a hard life! I was quite ill over Christmas which was rubbish, but it seems like lots of people were being struck down with bugs or colds. I think next year, I'll be dreaming of a healthy Christmas!


I came back into the office on Friday along with Olly and Beth, and it was really cool to have some time to pray for the upcoming youth work this year. I think I'm right in saying we're all excited :) we've got some ideas for one-off events in the next few weeks as well as being inspired in the more long term work that's happening. I can't believe how quickly time has gone since September. Yesterday Olly and I were feeling a bit sad that the internship will be coming to an end in the summer... part of me wants to stay forever! But I'm also excited about what's coming next, plus there's loads of time before the summer so I'm going to enjoy every moment.


I haven't really got any new years resolutions. My friend Emma has started this “one word” resolution thing. (Check out her blog http://juststepoutoftheboat.blogspot.co.uk to keep up with how her year goes) Basically, you choose one word to sum up what you want to achieve out of the year and spend time focusing on that, rather than making endless lists of resolutions that you know deep down you're never going to keep. I thought it was worth a try and I've come up with the word MOVE. For those of you who know me well, it isn't just so I can sing King Julian. Every year I dream of being fitter and doing more, so in that respect it's a good word! But it's also making me think about the changes that will happen this year and I know that God wants me to move on from lots of things that have held me back before.


I've finally sent off my university application and I'm pleased that I've had two offers. Things definitely seem on the up at the moment and I'm feeling grateful for lots of things, especially God giving me so many amazing opportunities. I'm praying that 2014 will be a good one!


“Be very careful, then, how you live your life – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity...... always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20