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Showing posts with the label Blessing

Working at Art Venues

When some people hear that I work in museums, galleries and theatres, they think I am "lucky" to be around artefacts; and get to see lots of art exhibitions, great masterpieces and many shows for free.  I would say yes and no. Let me address the "no" part first.  As a Christian, my world view is totally different from the world of the contents and artefacts in those places. So I have to protect myself from those ideas.  When I first started working at this particular museum, a colleague and I went into this gallery to see the artefacts, but I wasn't feeling comfortable around them. That night, I had a dream where I was being stabbed in my heart. This happened twice.  After calling on the name of Jesus, it stopped and I woke up. Later, while I was sharing my dream with my colleague, the duty manager overheard our conversation and asked me if I had been around the artefact that had nails. He said people still come to worship it. After that, I never went to that ga...

You're either In or Out

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Recently, Prince Harry and Meghan (the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) and their two children returned from America to live in the UK. King Charles has made it very clear that Harty and Meghan will not be allowed to carry out royal duties or use their HRH titles as they have chosen to live as private citizens.  In other words, they can't be half in and half out.  They're either going to represent the royal family 100% and abide by the royal household rules or do their own thing.  Harry and Megan's dilemma reminds me of what it means to live as a born again Christian.  The essence of Christianity is crucifying your self and allowing Christ to live in you. (Galatians 2: 20).  In other words, you no longer have a life of your own, you are representing Christ according to His teachings in thought, word and deed. While King Charles isn't going to disown his son, Harry, and his family, he's not going to allow them to enjoy the benefits of being in the royal household. Sim...

Sweet Gesture

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When the bus we were waiting for arrived, this woman got on before me. After she tapped her card on the machine, a beep came on signifying she didn't have enough money on her card. She tried again and got the same result.  Just as the passenger was about to get off, I pulled out my Oyster card that had cash on it and paid for her. After thanking me, the woman offered to reimburse me, but I refused. She asked if she could buy me coffee, but I declined. I was amazed how she was having difficulty receiving my gift. It was only £1.75. During the journey, the woman approached me again and insisted on giving me a box of sweets which she said was from Cyprus. She told me she used to live in London, but now lives in Cyprus with her family. She was currently in London visiting her son and grandkids. She told me all about her family in Cyprus and what the weather was like. After we got off the bus, I showed her where she could top up her card and then wished her well. As for the sweets, I to...

60+ Oyster Card

My birthday is around the corner, which makes me eligible to apply for a 60+ Plus Oyster Card.  With this Card, I get free travel on public transport all around London after 9am on weekdays (after 9.30am  for overground trains) and unlimited travel on all public transport at weekends. I received my Oyster Card today. Hurrah! 🙂 With this huge benefit, I intend to visit lots of parks and places of interest around London.   Thank you, God for this wonderful benefit. ❤️

Blessed to Be a Blessing

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On my flatmate's last day at school before they broke up for the summer holidays, her class kids (and their parents) gave her gifts to show their appreciation. She shared some of her gifts with me, including a bouquet of flowers. (See photo below). I'm even going to share some of those gifts with my friends.  The flowers and gifts are a reminder that God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. Thank you, God, for constantly pouring Your infinite blessings in and through me. ❤️ ---- Relevant Bible verses: "I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." Genesis 12: 2 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5: 14-16 "I beseech y...

Heatwave

The other day, I read about this man who slapped another passenger on the tube. When other passengers intervened, the "attacker" apologised to the victim. I reckon the unnatural hot weather (for the UK) is making people act out.  I don't care how much some people say they love the heatwave, it's not natural. Otherwise, there would be no need for air conditioning or fans, nor would countries like Spain have Siestas that allow people to have naps in the afternoon. As the UK is not used to extremes of temperatures, our infrastructure is not equipped for them. That's why air conditioning on public transport are ineffective at certain temperatures.  I hear some parents are complaining about schools closing early because of the heat. When I worked at primary schools, there were no air conditioning, we just opened the windows. When it got too hot, we couldn't let the kids play outside for safety reasons. They were very uncomfortable staying in the classroom.  I under...

Chocolate Ice Lollies

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Two months ago, I met someone at the bus stop who gave me a chocolate ice lolly. I hadn't had that particular brand before. Since it got warmer, I've bought a few, which I have shared with my flatmate.   Now she's been buying them and sharing hers with me. Thank you, God, for providing chocolate ice lollies that keep me cool when it's boiling hot. ❤️

Easter Eggs

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I usually buy Easter eggs to share with my flatmate, but as she can't have chocolates at the moment, I haven't bought any this year. Today, she gave me these Easter eggs. What a wonderful surprise! Thank you, God, for the Easter eggs. ❤️

God's Reality TV Show

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One of my favourite films is "The Truman Show", which I've watched numerous times. Truman doesnt know that he was born and has been living in a reality TV show his entire life. All his loved ones and colleagues are actors, and the strangers he meets occasionally are extras. Every day of his life has been created, scripted and directed by Christof.* (See note below).  When Truman eventually realises that he's in a TV show, he is given the choice whether he wants to remain in the show or go out into the big bad world. Truman chooses to exit the show. I believe when I gave my life to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour, I chose to live in a Reality TV show where  the Living God is the writer, producer, director, casting director, actors and extras. Here are some examples of God at work. I had been thinking of several colleagues I have worked with at museums and galleries and wondering how they are, as I haven't seen them for a while.  I was booked to...

Jesus Loves Me

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I believe like all technology, AI is a tool that I can use to express and share the love of God. I asked a gpt app to create an image of me being loved by the Lord. (I provided a photo).  This was what came out. (See photo below) I love it.  Jesus loves me. ❤️ ----- Relevant Bible verses: "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4: 8 "We love Him because He first loved us." I John 4:19

In Everything Give Thanks

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I had planned to hang out with a friend on Christmas Eve, but I woke up with a sore throat so I decided to cancel. The sore throat rapidly developed into a cough and cold. I spent most of Christmas Day in bed. I didn't even have the desire to open my Christmas presents. As my flatmate hasn't been feeling well either, she was also lying low. She decided to make us Christmas dinner on Boxing Day and invite our neighbour.  I didn't join them, I had mine in my bedroom. While all the drama was going on externally, I was secretly reminding myself that on the cross, Jesus took on all sickness of all humanity and gave us His healing. This means I was and am already healed. Why is my body resisting that truth? Last night, while I was having a coughing fit, I reminded myself of a few Bible verses I have memorised. I was inspired to thank God. The Bible teaches that in everything give thanks. I believe when you're thanking God you are magnifying His presence in your experience.  W...

In God’s Head

At this museum I was working at, I noticed this cute toddler walking ahead of his  mum, exploring that gallery. I said to his mum, "I wonder what's going on in his head?" "I have no idea," she said. "I'm sure it's really nice being in there." I loved that thought. I can imagine the baby's head is full of love and joy.  It got me thinking about what it's like in God's head. I believe in God's head, there is infinite love as He is love. Therefore, when God thinks about me, which He always is, He is thinking of me with love.  In the Bible, I can see how much God loves me and how He expressed His love by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me so I can have everlasting life with Him. (John 3: 16) Because of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, God is constantly thinking: - how much He loves me;  - how to show His love for me; - how to express His love in and through me; - how to bless me;   - how beautiful and perf...

Choosing the Right Gifts

While I was thinking of what to get my friend for her birthday, I went into this store. I found the perfect card for her, which I knew she would find funny.  I decided to also get her a chocolate cake. As I was going through the confectionery section, I decided to get a box of chocolates for my flatmate. I had the idea to get her a box of Marzipans for a change. At another store, I decided to buy my birthday friend a bottle of wine as I know she likes wine.  However, as I'm not a wine connoisseur,  I was overwhelmed by their selection. I asked a member of staff, who was their resident wine expert, for ideas. I said I was looking for something sweet. She asked if I liked Rosé wine and I said yes, but I didn't know which one to get. She picked a bottle of Rosé and handed it to me. I thanked her for her help. Later when I gave my flatmate the box of Marzipans, she was overjoyed and said she loved Marzipans. I told her I wasn't aware she liked them as I usually buy her cho...

In Everything Give Thanks

At work I had on thermals, a long sleeve shirt, my uniform, trousers, socks, a fleece jacket and a scarf and I was still cold. Thank God! ❤️ I'd rather be cold than feeling hot and bothered from hot flushes. 🙏 ---- Relevant Bible verse: "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:18

God is Good

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A few days ago, our boiler packed up. At least it didn't happen in mid-winter. It's going to take a few days to get it fixed. In the meantime, our landlord has provided portable electric heaters for our bedrooms. God is good.❤️ Smile, even though you're freezing. 😀

God's Eternal Blessing

“The Lord bless you and keep you;  The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;  The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26

Jesus is King

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I believe Jesus is King. In His Kingdom, everything belongs to Him. The King provides for all His citizens. The King's provision doesn't always come through the traditional, expected ways. Many times, He provides through unexpected ways.  That's why it's important to be constantly open to receive His blessings. In the photos below, I am modelling the King's recent provision. The jacket was given to me by my neighbour and the scarf and hat were gifts from a friend. Thank you, Lord, for Your constant provision. Jesus is King and I live in His Kingdom forever. ❤️ ----- Relevant Bible verses: “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand...

Gratitude

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While I was at this park, I was overwhelmed not just by the beauty of the trees and nature, but by gratitude for God, the Creator. I felt grateful for my health and strength to be able to walk;  grateful for my senses to enjoy the park and environment; grateful to be living in an area where I have three beautiful parks within 15 minutes walking distance.  Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️ ------ Relevant Bible verses: "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. [2] Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. [3] Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: [4] To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever;" Psalms 136:1-4 I haven't noticed before how the bough of this tree extends across the path.  It's as if it's reaching out to shake hands with the other trees. 😊 Grovelands Park.

Quality Time

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"I only have eyes for you." Spending quality time with Baby Zeus before going to work. ❤️

Trip to Brighton

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On my birthday, I planned to spend the day with a friend at Southend-on-Sea, a seaside town in Essex, but as the time drew near, I had a change of heart and decided to spend the day alone. One day last week on my way home from work, I had an idea to stop at another friend's house for a quick visit. While we were having a chat, he asked me if I fancied going to Brighton with him on my next day off. I said yes. He quickly booked the train tickets online. Today was the day. Although it rained on and off, we still had a great time. We walked through the area of Brighton that has independent shops, had lunch at this pub, walked on the pier and promenade and attended an exhibition at the local museum. In the evening, we got on the train back to London. I didn't plan to go to Brighton, but God blessed me with an all expenses paid trip to Brighton. Thank you, God, for the lovely day out. ❤️ ---- Relevant Bible verse: "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly abo...