Walking with God

"All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all."   Cecil Frances Alexander ----- As I was relaxing in bed and about to watch a RomCom film (Notting Hill) on my laptop, I felt something land on me.   It was a ladybug. 🐞  How wonderful! I have no idea how it got in my bedroom or what it was trying to say to me.  After showing it to my flatmate, I carried it to the kitchen and took a photo. I then let it out in the garden.  I hope it's going  to be okay, as it's cold out there compared to my warm and toasty bedroom. 😂 Thank you, God, for creating this beautiful creature. ❤️                  My ladybug friend ❤️      All Things Bright and Beautiful 

 LWhenever I receive a gift, while I thank the giver, I always thank God, the real Giver of all good gifts, who never changes. (James 1: 17) For instance, this cute handbag was a birthday gift from an old "friend" who I have lost touch with. I use it at work to carry my mobile phone. People come and go in your life, but God's love is constant. Thank you, God, for giving me this bag. ❤️ ---- Relevant Bible verse: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1: 17 Photo of the handbag

I'm back to wearing black again, which can only mean one thing - it's back to work time. Thank you, Christmas.  It was lovely spending a few days with you. The Good News is I don't have to wait for a whole year to celebrate the birth of Christ and the season of goodwill to all men. Jesus is always with me. In fact, He is coming to work with me. 😂 Yay, thank you, Jesus! Have a blessed day, everyone! ❤️  --------- Related Bible verse: "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen." Matthew 28: 20

Zeus doesn't care whether I am wearing makeup or what I look like. He loves me anyway. Thank you, God, for Zeus. ❤️

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20, NLT ---- Yesterday while I was out,  I checked the TV guide to see if there were any interesting films I could watch later in the evening. I noticed this film channel was showing "Romancing the Stone" a 1980s Romcom  lstarring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Although I've seen that film lots of times before, I thought it would be nice to see it again. By the time I returned home in the evening, I had forgotten about the film and  was watching this Youtube video on my laptop. I then took a moment to browse Facebook on my phone. Right at that moment, Michael Douglas' Facebook page popped up on my newsfeed with a video, which I watched. It then  reminded me about the film. When I logged on to the film channel on my laptop,  I noticed the film was just starting.  After watching it for about 15 minutes, I...

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10: 10, NIV ------ Merry Christmas to all! ❤️

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," Ephesians 3: 20 ----- As I'm meeting up with friends this week, I'm having a quiet Christmas Day all to myself. Actually, I'm not alone, I'm with Zeus, my flatmate's cat. I've just opened my flatmate's gifts.  I am wearing the huggable gown she got me. I love it. Thank you  Lord, for blessing me with lots of wonderful gifts through my loved ones.  Photos of my gifts, me wearing my gown and of Zeus lying on my bed watching a Christian channel with me.

For the last three years I've been going to this arts centre on Christmas Eve to watch people jiving and listen to Jive. This year, I decided to share the joy with a friend.   First, my friend treated me to lunch. After we finished lunch, we went to watch people jiving. By that time, there were no seats available so we had to stand. It was fun and I filmed a few clips.  After a while, I told my friend I needed to sit down. I suggested we go upstairs where they had some comfortable sofas. Before we went, my friend needed to use the toilet.  Right near the toilet was an empty table with two empty chairs. I told her I would sit and wait for her there. When my friend returned, we were both so comfortable at that spot, where we could also hear the music, there was no point going upstairs.  Suddenly, I noticed a familiar face - a  friend I've worked with on film projects. Although we haven't worked together for a while, he's a Facebook friend and I interact with ...

"And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”" John 9: 39 ---- My bus arrived at 7.10am. When I got on, I looked for some empty seats on the lower deck. As there were no window seats available, I sat next to a passenger. A few stops down, some passengers got on and sat in the vacant seats in front of the bus. Hang on, how come I never saw those vacant seats? I realised those vacant seats were Priority seats for the elderly, pregnant women and passengers who are unable to stand. Because it was very early in the morning, anyone could sit on those seats.  I have been so conditioned to avoiding those Priority seats, I couldn't see when they were actually vacant. I wondered how many good things my conditioned mind was making me blind to. It got me thinking of when Jesus started his ministry. He said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the g...

Reminder to self: "Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation!  Our God is the God of salvation;" Psalm 68: 19-20 ----- "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1: 21 Jesus or Jeshua is God who saves.❤️

For a few days this week I was working at this arts shop. It was very busy with customers rushing to get their Christmas gifts. I got chatting to this customer who was with her daughter. Her daughter was pointing out which toy she wanted her mum to get her for Christmas. I said to the woman that knowing what someone is buying for you in advance ruins the surprise. I said the whole idea of unwrapping your present is not knowing what you're about to receive. She agreed with me. She said that's why when she was pregnant, she didn't want to know her baby's gender as it was wonderful finding out at the birth. When I first started working at the same shop, I asked my manager why they weren't playing popular Christmas songs that get on your nerves. How come I'm not hearing Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" or Wham's "Last Christmas"? He said those songs were not on their playlists. I reckon those pop Christmas songs were not hi...

Today I spent most of my  day at Westminster. First of all, I was working in the Abbey. I had to borrow one of their coats as the church was cold. It was good to see some familiar faces I've worked with at other venues. I also loved greeting visitors from all over the world. When our shift finished, our manager asked if any of us agency staff wanted to stay for the Evensung service. One colleague said yes, but two of us declined. Just as our manager was leading my colleague to the church, I had a change of heart and decided to attend the service. We got to sit in the chancel, with the choir. It was amazing. (We weren't allowed to take photos or record the service). At one point, I was staring at the magnificent architecture and thinking if I can be so in awe of this church that was built by humans, imagine what real churches in heaven look like. I believe the altar in the Abbey represents the Throne Room of heaven where God sits. I couldn't begin to imagine the brilliance i...

New word of the day: sommelier. So I received an email from an events agency I am registered with and they were asking for sommeliers.  As I've never heard of the word, I lookedbit up Apparently, a sommelier is one who is an expert in wine and works in winery and restaurants.  The agency is looking for wine waiters. I know wine is made from grapes, they come in white and red, and can be dry or sweet. Other than that, don't care. So I will not be applying for that events job.  At least I learned a new word today and for that I am very grateful.😀

When I asked a priest at a High Church of England church why they prayed to the saints, he said it was rather like asking for a friend to intercede for you. Instead, they are asking the saints to intercede on their behalf. I am not convinced about praying to the saints, as God has commanded us (in the Bible) not to communicate with the dead. (See  Deutoronomy 18: 10-13) I prefer to pray to  Jesus Christ, the Living God, who was dead, and alive for ever.  ❤️ ---- Related Bible verses: "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass[a] through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are [b]an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. 13 You shall be [c]blameless before the Lord your God." Deu...

I made myself a peanut butter and raspberry sandwich. I'd forgotten how much I love that. It was so moreish I had another one. Peanut butter and jam is not something I can have every day though. Maybe once in a while. I also like peanut butter and raisins.  I eat grapes almost every single day. Thank you  God, for your treats. ❤️ Ps: For my American friends, ^jam" is what you guys call "jelly." What Brits call "jelly", you call "jello." 😊

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6: 38 ---- While I was queueing up at the self-checkout, I noticed this customer behind me was carrying some stuff in her arms. I asked her if I could get her a basket to put them in. At first, she said she was fine, but then she accepted the basket. She told me she was trying to decide whether this was the right queue as there were two customers ahead of us who had their trolleys packed full with stuff. I told I was going to stay put as I believe our queue was quicker compared to the others. Besides, I only had a few items so it won't take me long to get through. While we were waiting, I asked her if she lived locally. She told me she was in the next town, but she was running an errand in the area and decided to do some shopping. I told her I had just come from church. ...

I've never lived in an area that has so many churches. There are actually six within a square mile radius:  three Church of England (CofE), one Catholic, one Baptist and one United Reform. Today, I went to the third CofE, which is about a 15 minutes walk from home It's traditional, but not as High as the church I live next door to.  The service I attended was a Sung Eucharist. The priests were very welcoming and it was a nice service. I even took Communion. The wine did taste like it had alcohol. After one sip, I was thinking woah, that wine is full of spirit.😳 After church, I chatted to this woman who happens to live a few minutes down the road. She told me she's also attended the church near me, but it was way too "High" for her liking and she didn't like the incense. I told her I didn't like the incense either. It's interesting how different denominations suit different types. I enjoy fellowshipping with other Christians who worship the Trinity - F...

"...no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:3 ---- While I was relaxing in bed, I stretched one leg and I started feeling pain on my calf.   No, no, no! The pain quickly became a cramp. I called on the name of Jesus, but I could feel the pain getting worse. Just as I was about to get off the bed and put my foot down, I heard these words deep inside of me, "Jesus is Lord." I said the words out loud: JESUS IS LORD! The cramp immediately left my calf. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for your reminder that Jesus is Lord. ❤️ "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." 2 Corinthians 3: 17 Image of the cross courtesy of Google Images, but I added the text. I use this image as a wallpaper on my phone

I'm glad to be off today as it's not only raining, it's very windy. I don't fancy being out in that gale. Based on what I had in the fridge, I wondered what I was going  to eat.   I have some leftover stew. I could cook some rice or Couscous and have either with the stew and share it with my flatmate?  I could make an omelette and have it with toast? Decisions, decisions! Suddenly, I heard my flatmate calling out to me. She asked if I fancied some bananas, which she got from school (where she teaches). She said if she kept them they might get too soft.  I said yes. She gave me two.They were quite small, the perfect size for the kids at school. When I told her I was going to make a banana sandwich, she gave me another one. I ate one and had the remainder with toast.  Thank you, God, for providing a delicious meal for me. ❤️ This photo was taken a while back at a staff restaurant. This banana is twice the size of the ones I had today.

"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." John 14: 16 --- While an agency colleague and I were waiting to have a briefing with our manager, I heard an email notification on his phone. Me: Are you going to switch off your phone? My colleague spoke to the virtual assistant on his phone, which I'll refer to as Va. Him: Va switch off my phone. Va: Are you sure? Him: Yes. After about a minute, I heard another email notification come through on my colleague's phone. Me: The sound on your phone is still on. Him: Va switch off my phone. Va: Please confirm who this is. Him: It's me. Me: All you need to do is just swipe your phone and press the mute button. He ignored my suggestion and continued to speak to Va. Him: Va switch off my phone. Va: Are you receiving notifications? Him: Yes. Va: Please confirm who you are. By then I was creasing up. 😄 Me: You two sound like you are bickering. Him: I like having rows wi...

Every year (since 1947), Norway gives Britain a Christmas tree. "This tree is given by the city of Oslo as a token of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their assistance during the years 1940-45." (Wikipedia) The tree is always installed at Trafalgar Square. I can imagine majority of people who fought in that war have long since passed away and yet their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are still showing their eternal gratitude by sending us a Christmas tree every year. Over 2,000 years ago, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ took on a human form so He could be the sacrificial Lamb for all of humanity. Whoever believes in Him  will be saved and can have eternal life with God. (John 3: 16)  Jesus' salvation covers all of humanity in the past, present and future. That Christmas Tree is a reminder for me to thank God every day for saving me through His begotten Son, Jesus Christ. ❤️ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trafalgar_Square_Christmas_tr...

As the previous week was very quiet workwise, I emailed my agency's accounts department and asked if I could have the five days I didn't work as paid leave. I also booked some paid leave around Christmas. When I didn't hear from the department, I emailed them again to ask if they could confirm my paid leave. I finally received an email from the guy at the accounts department to apologise for the late response. He said he had been on holidays. He told me they usually require  two weeks notice to book holidays. However, as someone had cancelled their week's holiday, he was going to approve mine, which means I will get paid for the week I've had off.  Thank you, Jesus! He also confirmed my paid leave over Christmas has been approved, as I've already given them more than enough notice. Thank you, God, for always making everything work out for the best. ❤️

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1: 17 ---- When our bus arrived at the bus stop, it was so packed full the driver didn't bother to open the front doors. He opened the back doors to let passengers out. I was hopeful that if  some passengers got off, the driver would let a few of us in, but no one got off. The driver then shut the doors and drove off. I had the thought, "I am sending you an empty bus."  Thank you, God. I was reminded of the Bible verse, James 1: 17 about every good and perfect gift coming from the "Father of lights." I looked up and imagined buses coming from above. Within a minute, another bus arrived and it had so many empty seats, I sat on my own for part of the journey. When I got off that bus, I waited for my final bus, which was due in three minutes. I could see it coming, behind this huge traffic jam. Sudde...

"We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4: 19 ---- While I was on the bus, I heard this young lady asking a passenger behind her if she was on the right bus?  The passenger told her she needed to catch the bus going in the opposite direction.  However, as the bus was on diversion, the passenger suggested for her to go downstairs and ask the bus driver where she could catch the bus back. When we arrived at the next stop, I looked out of the window and saw the young lady had got off, but I knew it was the wrong stop and she would get lost. I was inspired to get off the bus and help her. When I approached the young lady, she looked distraught. "You are lost, aren't you?" I said. She nodded. "I heard your conversation on the bus and I know exactly where you need to catch your bus back. Come with me." While I was walking with her, I could see she was speaking to someone on her phone. Presumably,  that was the person she was meant to be meeting up wi...

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7: 24 ---- For a while, I've been curious about the Church of England (CofE) church which is practically next door to where I live.  I've even spoken to their priest and promised to visit sometime. I finally kept my promise. I received a warm welcome from the priest who formally introduced himself to me. I did the same. I was given a hymnal and booklet and I went to find a seat. After appraising the church, I thought it had a nice vibe to it.  Immediately, I had the thought, "Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."  Thank you, Lord! When the service started, one priest came in with an incense pot.  I'm not a huge fan of incense smoke. As the service progressed, I noticed they mentioned the Virgin Mary. I thought this church was CofE? These rituals and prayers look and sound suspiciously like a Catholic church to me. However, I knew the Creed we recited, T...