A long overdue blog!

I'm sure you have all been eagerly awaiting my next blog post and wondering why it has been nearly 2 months since my last one (pahahah)... all I can say is blame my incredibly busy schedule! This term is absolutely flying by and the closer we get to the summer holidays, the more sad I feel at the thought of having to leave. 

The past two months have been packed with all kinds of things. My highlights probably have to be:

• visiting Northampton with my Mum for a weekend in May. It was great to get to know the town a bit more and lovely to spend some time with my Mum :)
• having my first choice for uni accommodation accepted. This means I will be living in student halls with my own bedroom and a shared bathroom and kitchen. It's all starting to feel real now. As sad as I am to have to leave St Leonards, I am so excited for September!
• seeing friends who are back from university. I've had quite a few extended lunchtimes where I've got carried away talking and come back to the office late ;)

At work, we've been doing lots of fundraising for Soul Survivor. Amongst other things, I've found myself collecting money at the toll bridge in a blue onesie, washing 27 cars in 6 hours (with other people), and swimming 96 lengths of the Witney leisure centre pool in 2 hours. It has actually been a lot of fun and I'm so excited for Soul Survivor!!

This week is a crazy week for my family with a baby due at any moment, my 21st birthday tomorrow, and my older sister moving out on Friday. Work is busy too and Olly is away in Sweden this week so Beth and I are holding down the fort. It's funny how it's worked out that everything is happening in one week! What an amazing week though :) I'm exhausted already!

Beth baked me a delicious birthday cake and brought it into the office yesterday. It has been sitting there the whole time tempting me... 

I have a college deadline looming (14th July) and at the moment it feels a bit like I'm never going to get everything done, but I just need to be organised (we'll see how that goes ;)) and keep on top of things. Rather than getting distracted... 

I'm off now to try and get an assignment written before cell group. No rest for the wicked as they say!

An eggscellent two weeks… (sorry, that was a terrible joke)

Hello again! I hope you had a very happy Easter whatever you got up to. It seemed to pass in the blink of an eye and I can hardly believe I'm back sitting in the office having just had 2 weeks off. I can hardly believe that I only have one term left of interning either! We are back at college next Monday and it will be nice to see everyone there again as it has been over a month since we broke up! 

I have had a good couple of weeks off, although I was ill for some of it. I am obviously allergic to holidays as the same thing happened at Christmas ;) I went to Spring Harvest for 5 days which was amazing. The theme was focusing on the Apostle's Creed and how as Christians we can possibly believe in an unfathomable Father, unbeatable Son and unstoppable Spirit. Pretty awesome really. It was lovely to be able to spend more time with people from Hanborough church as well, because I miss seeing them every week at church. 

Apart from that, I didn't do a lot. I had a lovely weekend seeing family and friends :) But I was really ill on Sunday morning so unfortunately couldn't go to church. I managed to muster the strength to watch Frozen and eat some chocolate in the afternoon though! 

I have lots coming up this term so it should be very busy, but lots to look forward to as well. The application for my university accommodation opens this weekend. I'm hoping it will be straightforward and I'll be able to decide where I would like to live before then, haha. I also need to get back into doing college work as I haven't done much at all over the Easter break. Then there are lots of exciting things happening in the youth work, as well as my birthday to look forward to and of course (most excitingly of all) becoming an auntie!!  

For now, I'm going to carry on attempting to tick off my to-do list…

"...Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 

I asked Beth to think of a title for this blog and she said, "I'm no good at thinking up blog titles". Thanks Beth.

It's been 3 weeks since my last blog, and it has been a busy 3 weeks. I went to Spain for 4 days to visit my friend, which was lovely. However, last week my brain was still in holiday mode so quite often I had to be told things more than once! 

We have just done 3 weeks of project nights with the younger Pathfinders which was fun. I was really impressed by the bird boxes that two of the boys had managed to make during the woodwork sessions, and enjoyed watching the magic tricks Harry had taught the others. We have finished Pathfinders for this term already as we are hosting a slightly different evening tonight for the young people. The aim is to give an introduction to Christianity and explain why we do what we do. I'm excited as I think it will be a great outreach session and it's always good to have discussion. 

I've finished college for Easter now - it was nice to have this Monday off as I got to visit the board game cafe with some friends (slowly becoming one of my favourite places!!) I've also been on a two day conference with Beth, enjoyed the sunshine while it stuck around (seriously, what is going on with the weather today?!), and been catching up with friends when I can. I'm looking forward to having a bit of time off over Easter especially going to Spring Harvest in a couple of weeks, but I'm sure I will miss all the young people! 

It's weird thinking that one year ago today I was on a plane on the way back to England having just had the worst week of my life. Lots has happened in 12 months! Unfortunately the situation in CAR has not been fixed and has not got better, although there have been little glimpses of hope.

That's all for now. We've got a few things to do before this evening, and I'm sure there must be time for a hot chocolate… ;)

Spaghetti, straws and so many skewers (just some of the things found in the Pathfinders cupboard)...

My goodness, it can't be March already. It's been very busy recently with the weekend away planning and then the actual going away bit! However, as I type this, a pen has just been thrown at my head for laughing at Olly while he is on the phone ...things are all back to normal in the office ;) 

The weekend away was ACE! I was so, so, so tired on Sunday night that I skipped pudding after my roast dinner and went straight to bed (shocking behaviour for me) but it was worth it. We had loads of fun playing games, going on a night hike, eating creme eggs and staying up way past our bed times. I went caving on Saturday and I loved liked tolerated it up until the last bit where we had to commando crawl through a 6 foot long tunnel to get out. I won't be doing that again in a hurry. 

It was great to have some time for the young people to focus on God, and I loved seeing the way they all responded. We had workshops over the course of Saturday and a church service all together on Sunday. One of the things I really loved was the way everyone really cared for each other so the whole group got on so well :)

So now it is a case of getting back into the swing of things. We have lots to do as always; Beth and I have taken on the mighty task of sorting out the Pathfinders cupboards. We started it once before but had to stop as it was taking too long so I think it's going to take all week! The record so far has been finding some blue food colouring in the back of a cupboard that was dated 2009. Beth also spilt spaghetti all over the floor this morning because there was SO MUCH of it :D

I probably won't be blogging for a while again, as I'm going to Spain next week for a few days. For now, I'm off to try and get these cupboards sorted - after I've thrown something back at Olly of course...

"I came in like a pigeon ball"

It's been a while. That while has been taken up with a lot of stuff though like a promise auction, so much training, a retreat to Center Parcs, a sponsored swim, a 21^st birthday, lots of parachute games, a college deadline and a meeting where no-one turned up.


Center Parcs was a lot of fun; some of it “enforced fun” but nevertheless, fun. Olly, Jo, Beth and I got up bright and early (well, early for youth workers anyway) and headed off to SoulNet on Friday 31^st. We arrived and within a couple of hours were in the swimming pool, zooming round the rapids and going down flume slides having just eaten burgers (I did warn them that it's not safe because the piranhas can eat you, but they didn't listen...). The rest of the weekend consisted of interesting talks, amazing time to just be with God and so much activity. I'm not sure what happened to me but on the Friday night I had a massive urge to go for a run, so found myself jogging around Center Parcs at 7.45am on the Saturday morning. When I say “jogging around Center Parcs”, what I actually mean is being forced to keep moving by Olly, whilst moaning and wondering what had been put in my tea the night before to make me think this was a good idea. I was also introduced to the joy that is "pigeon ball" - basically, rugby without any rules where you have to try and get to a certain place with the ball in your hands. We played it in the pool which made it even more extreme. However, I think I did pretty well seeing as I'm usually the one who hurts themselves (I've never done anything serious, not even broken a bone, but I'm ALWAYS the one who gets trampled/accidently punched/hit in the head with the metal frisbee) as I only got hit in the face once. 


We've been really busy in the office as always. I'm excited for the youth weekend away which is coming up at the end of this month. It sounds like it's going to be full-on with not a lot of time left to sleep, but having been once before as one of the youfff I know it's gonna be loads of fun.


I am looking forward to having a holiday, preferably somewhere hot after all of this bad weather! One year ago today I was in Bilolo, having the best time ever and actually able to feel my toes without two pairs of socks on. I have Spring Harvest to look forward to – maybe there will be a heatwave over Butlins?!


I'm off to Northampton tomorrow to have another look around the university so that should be good. Then Beth and I are off for a week as it's half term; however, I've got 4 days of work with Yellow Submarine so I'll still be busy busy busy! I'm hoping I can squeeze in some serious sleeping at some point!


That's all for now. I'm off to find some letters and numbers so we can play Countdown at Pathfinders tonight...

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

IT'S CHRISTMAAAAAS!

“It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go” - well no actually. In some places, it's looked like Christmas since October; I'm just happy to embrace it now. I've been a bit of a Scrooge this year to be honest (I even bought a “Bah humbug” jumper) but I now feel that it's ok to get excited about Christmas! I'm sure Beth will be relieved as she's been going on about it FOR WEEKS. The first time I felt properly excited was on Tuesday at the staff meeting when Beth produced the most amazing Christmas tree made of biscuits and icing I've ever seen. Somehow, the tree disappeared pretty quickly during the morning and weirdly, Beth and I felt sick all afternoon...


I'm sad that I don't get to do my year 7 cell group until January now. I will miss them all brightening up my Wednesday afternoons! I planned a Nativity treasure hunt for Wednesday which sent us all over Eynsham looking for clues. They found the treasure in the church and we had some fun unwrapping chocolates and sweets – Harry even got a harmonica (Santa was feeling generous!) It's been great to spend some time with them over the past two weeks looking at the story of Christmas. I think it's important that we're all reminded what this time of year is really about – and this year I feel like I've learnt loads more about it that I didn't know before. Like I never knew that the Bible doesn't actually say “wise men” or mention how many there actually are. They're referred to as Magi, and the only reason we say there were 3 is because of the number of presents Jesus got. We watched a 4 minute video during cell last week showing scenes from “The Nativity” which was on TV a few years ago and tells the story of Jesus' birth (not the film about the primary school who put on a Christmas play – although that film is hilarious especially watching it with Kate Feast who likes to sing along) which I think is a brilliant reminder :)


It's the last Pathfinders this evening and we have lots of fun Christmas things planned. I'm particularly looking forward to dressing up as an angel and playing pass the parcel (such a child), and then making mincemeat toasties with the older group... not sure that they will taste that nice, but we'll see ;)


We then have the cell Christmas celebration next Thursday which I'm really looking forward to – and then that's it! Until January 2^nd, I am freeeeeee!! I think I know already what I'll be doing... attempting to go last-minute Christmas shopping, writing assignments, seeing friends who are back from uni (YAAAY!) and probably eating far too much.


I'll be remembering what it's all about though, and praying for CAR at this time. If you haven't been watching the news, last night there was a section on Channel 4 news about CAR and if you go onto 4od, it should be on there under “Channel 4 news”. It's strange to think that this time last year, I was there and makes it all the more real. I'd love it if you could keep CAR in your prayers.


That's all for now. I was just about to sign off with “I'm going to get a hot chocolate” but that's exactly how I signed off my last blog... so, I'm going to do something mega healthy, like jog around Eynsham. Pahaha ;)  

Advent (already?!)

Another 10 days has flown by! I'm still reeling from the fact it's December – how is it this close to being 2014?! I've got 5 advent calendars this year, which definitely makes up for not really having one last year! (I'm not that greedy - I share 3 of them, but no way am I sharing my Percy Pig one!!!) Also, it was a bit scary yesterday when I realised at college that I won't be seeing 4 of the people on my course until the new term, and as they left, we said “see you next year!" 2013 has absolutely flown by, yet it feels like it's been one of the busiest, craziest, up, down, memorable years of my life. Still, there's December to go yet and there's a lot happening.


I feel like I live on the bus at the moment. That saying “time flies when you're having fun” is very true. When I'm actually doing something or with other people, the day has gone before I know it. But on the bus, I'm pretty sure time stands still... I've decided to make a real effort to talk to people while I'm on the bus. Yep, I'm gonna be that annoying person who gets all in your personal space and asks you how your day's been. How very un-British of me ;)


The weather is getting colder and colder. I miss CAR weather more than ever right now. I think if I decide to live abroad when I'm older, I will live somewhere hot! There's only so many extra jumpers I can put on before I look like the Michelin man.


There is lots to do in the office and within the youth work at the moment. In fact, it feels like everyone is really busy; preparing for Christmas or just generally at work. This will be the first Christmas Eve for 3 years when I haven't been either at work or extremely stressed, so I hope it's gonna be a good one :) I better stop waffling now as there's lots to do that won't plan/tidy/annoy Olly itself. Plus I walked back into the office half an hour ago and it smelt like hot chocolate, so I now really want one...

Disney, CPR and the rest of my week

This week has been busy but fun. Last Friday night, I was dressed as a cross between the girl from Tangled, an Incredible, someone from High School Musical and a princess. If you haven't worked it out already, it was Disney night at Pathfinders. The best bit was probably watching the transformation from ordinary teenage boys to Disney princesses that happened during one of the games. That, and singing along to Disney songs all evening.


I then went on a first aid course on Saturday, where I learnt lots. I think there's a new test to see if you're an optimist or pessimist – you can do chest compressions to the beat of “Staying Alive” or “Another One Bites the Dust” - I think it says a lot about the first aider which one they choose...


On Sunday, I did a talk in my home church about my time abroad. It was hard, but I'm glad I did it. I realised just how awesome my little sister is when I got choked up at the very end and she came up, gave me a hug and then carried on reading from where I got up to. (Also it's really funny if you watch it back on the recording because she's too short to be seen over the lectern so just sounds like a voice!) However, the highlight of Sunday was definitely welcoming back Paul from his 3 week trip to CAR :)


I've been out and about the rest of the week. Again, I have that feeling like I haven't actually been at home that much. Only to sleep and occasionally eat - oh and watch The Big Bang Theory of course!


I have another really busy week coming up so I'm hoping that things go to plan, I run on time (like that's going to happen) and I can have as much fun as I've had up until now. I've managed to catch up on assignments and my uni application seems to be coming on ok. Plus I had time to Skype my friend in Spain and I went to the second week of an Alpha course, so I definitely can't complain that my life is boring.


If you're reading this and haven't watched the documentary this week on a midwife working in CAR, I would definitely recommend it. You can watch it on 4OD and it's one of the episodes of “Unreported World” called “The Jungle Midwife” - the lady in it is incredible! 

Long time, no see...

It's been a while since I wrote a blog. In fact, it's 27 days, 10½ hours of college, a pub quiz, one sticky chocolate pudding (another one of my classic kitchen fails), one goodbye (not forever), 3 watches of Love Actually, and a gazillion cups of tea since I wrote a blog. 

During half term, Olly jetted off to somewhere nice and hot while Beth and I stuck around in cold England. To be fair, he hasn't properly rubbed that in yet (only a matter of time!!!). I did a couple of days working for an organisation who run days out and holidays for young people with special needs. It was so much fun! And has given me one of those reality checks that I think I need every now and again. The young people are so great and although I was exhausted afterwards, I'm glad I did those two days. I have bucket loads of admiration for people who do it everyday!

Everything has been ticking along as usual but I have so much to do. Alongside all the youthy interny stuff, I am also trying to write a personal statement, keep on top of college assignments and squeeze in some kind of social life outside of work, haha. I didn't feel particularly rested after the half term but I had a lovely time in Wales on a long weekend, last weekend with two of my bestest friends. Time flew by but I have loads more funny memories including going for a walk in ugg boots and falling over in the mud twice! I have since dug out my wellies from the back of the shed and learnt my lesson about sensible footwear :D

I'm praying that this week I can get back on top of work. I haven't looked at my university application in 2 weeks and my to do list seems to be getting longer and longer, yet I still feel encouraged that God has me in the right place and he'll never give me more than I can handle. Just gotta keep trusting (and remembering to write blog updates)...

Learning not to play jelly bean roulette the hard way:

Another two weeks have flown by and I’m still enjoying every moment. The “honeymoon phase” may be over but I don’t feel worse because of that - I love that I now know where everything is that I need and understand more about what I’m supposed to be doing! 

The winter is setting in, which is making me a bit grumpy. This time last year I was in sunny Africa, wearing shorts and sipping Djino coke (cheap version of Coca-cola). Now I find myself wearing a man’s wooly jumper that I found in a charity shop and gulping hot chocolate. So cold. I’ve even had to resort to blow-drying my hair before I leave the house each morning to stop my head from freezing - something I rarely do! But who am I to complain really? At least I have a hot shower, food and a home to go to. Plus I do love some of the treasures that winter brings with it; open fires, Christmas, snow, being allowed to drink Ovaltine without being considered an old woman, ...to name a few. 

Beth and I did our first proper day at college on Monday, which I was a little bit nervous about. I realised I haven't got the right bus pass to get on one of my buses (typical me), but I think I’ve managed to suss it out now. We shall see on Monday when I’ll either get lost somewhere in Cowley or make it to college… 
I enjoyed the teaching on Monday and it was a chance to start getting to know the others doing the same course as us. They all seemed friendly and just from talking to them once, I think I’m going to get along with them all. During lunch time, I was asked the question that has no simple answer - “so, what have you done since school?”. I’m not really sure how to condense down; worked in a chocolate shop where I ate far too many free samples, volunteered at my old primary school where I got totally freaked out eating my sandwiches in the same room as some of my old teachers, went to Africa to tutor two children who ended up being my favourite people in the world, held a gorilla, got evacuated twice… you know, the average ;) but I do enjoy telling people really, especially because normally it’s the first time anyone has ever heard of Central African Republic and are horrified when I tell them about what’s happening out there (not that I blame them - until 18 months ago, I hadn’t heard of CAR). I think it's really important that people know what's going on elsewhere, and maybe it'll prompt people to do something - pray, give money, just something. 

All in all, it’s been a good fortnight. I’ve had homemade brioche (made by my new favorite baker, Beth), watched School of Rock videos with my “boss” (pahaha, we do do work really, I promise!), cried with laughter so many times :) and I’ve even tried my first vomit flavoured jelly bean - seriously, the most disgusting thing I've EVER eaten. If anyone ever offers to play bean roulette with you, just smile and politely decline - I CAN STILL TASTE IT NOW!!!

1 blue onesie + too many bakewell tarts + a big realisation = happy third week

I cannot believe how time is flying past. I've just finished my third week as an intern, but it doesn't feel that long (I guess that's a good thing really, and I've not just come on here to moan about how much I hate my job).


Nothing is ever straight forward and the last few months especially have felt like every day is either an up or a down, with the possibility to change in a split second – but this week has been full of ups. Even when things haven't quite gone to plan or I'm running late or I'm struck down by the WORST COLD EVER (and it can't even be blamed on man flu), somehow I've felt happy.


Oh, except the morning when I heard that two stories featured on the news were that Ed Milliband's dad (who died 20 years ago) hated Britain, and (prepare yourself for this one, it's a shocker) ......David Cameron uses a bread maker. NO WAY. So, obviously, I vented my frustration all over Twitter, but was still left feeling #angry whenever anyone mentioned bread. It did cause a lady, waiting at the bus stop at the same time as I was waiting with my friend, to smirk rather a lot as I gave one of those speeches (which you secretly wish someone was filming so you could watch it back and be amazed at how passionate you can actually get over something) about how twisted the world is. I initially got annoyed later on when I told this story and got called “a typical youth” - what was actually said was “atypical youth” :)


Anyway, that massive rant aside, I've been happy. A few things have happened in the past couple of weeks that have smacked me in the face telling me how unpredictable life is and you should never take anyone for granted (a lesson I thought I had learnt already) so I've been making an effort to be positive whether that's at home or work. No joke, I actually helped an old lady cross the road on Wednesday because something reminded me that I only have this one life to do all the good things that God wants me to do.


So that's the attitude I want to carry for the rest of this year. And if everything goes belly up I will remember that “...God intended it all for good...” (Genesis 50:20)
Bring on another week of playing miniature tanks, eating far too many of Beth's cakes, being inspired, and spending time with these amazing young people.  And hopefully no more talk about the PM using kitchen appliances.

First fortnight as an intern... AHHHH!

There's not many jobs where you can melt chocolate into nappies, wear a blue onesie to church, or be carried across an assembly hall by some year sixes whilst having water tipped into your lap - but I am blessed to say I have one of those jobs. I am pretty tired after two weeks of madness (I mean, my boss IS Olly Shaw) but I have enjoyed every day.


The best thing this fortnight has definitely been spending time with da youf. Whether that's the year 7 boys in my cell group or the lovely year 10s who bundled on me at last week's Pathfinders, every single one of them is amazing and I am well excited to get to know them better over the coming year.


My big worry for this year is that it will all go wrong again. I say again, because this is my third gap year, and let's just say the previous two haven't gone quite to plan... I wouldn't be the person I am today without these two last years, but I would love it if for once, my plan went the way I expect. But then again, it's not my plan that's important, is it? As a very lovely lady from church pointed out to me, these aren't “pear-shaped” years, they are “God-shaped”. I love that.


So a word of wisdom this week (not that you've asked for it, nor can I pretend that I am all that wise) would be: stop fussing over whether everything is going how you want it to. Work hard, pray lots, and get obsessed with God. He's the best obsession I've ever had. “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30) was one of the verses we looked at in this weeks cell group. It makes so much sense to me, because following God isn't something that requires nothing, but what it does require is simple really. It isn't that I won't be burdened, but I will be burdened with something new, something that God knows I can handle and something that lets me let go of the old burdens. Yippee.


I hope this week holds as much fun, worship and time with the wonderful young people as last week. Most of all I hope this week keeps my eyes focused on God.