This is my brother

We were in York when we decided it was a good idea to try to get mid-air jump shots.

The Superman

The Failed Attempt

The Ultraman

The Guitar Hero

I love my brother. He's always great to hang out with.

Provision

Manna is the name of a food which was eaten by the Israelites during their travels in the desert. It was said to be sweet to the taste.

God provided the Israelites with manna every day of the week (except the 7th day) and He told them that they could not store manna up. They didn't have to as God had promised to provide them with new manna every morning.

Now, I certainly don't think this translates to saying that we do not need to save as God will provide new riches every morning. In fact, God provides, despite, over and above what we need just because He loves to bless us. I have never considered myself poor. In 1 Timothy 6, God says to us that "if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that". I have food, and I have clothes, therefore I am content.

God also teaches us to save, and to be wise with our money. Proverbs 21:20 says "the wise man saves for the future but the foolish man spends whatever he gets"

In this past year of going from full-time employment to being a student again, I have been living on manna. I'm not used to not being on an income. I had some money saved up when I was working and also a small grant from my employer, which was a real blessing indeed. As the academic year went by, I was slowly eating into this sum I've prepared for this year of full-time study.

Time and time again, God has blessed me generously and in a timely fashion. Every time I was in need, a cheque came in the post to meet that need, and a little bit more. They didn't come from my parents or family members as my family doesn't have much. I've checked the cheques (heh) to make sure they weren't sent to me by error, and can confirm they are legitimately, ethically and legally mine. God is so gracious, and this year has really taught me to live by faith in God as my source, and not by faith in my monthly payslip.

Today I felt a little defeated as I watched my bank balance drop dangerously low due to rent and bill payments. I've tried diligently to cover all bases, and apply for part-time jobs but interviewers are telling me my availability period (mid-April to mid-August) is too short. Today, I was told again that they "need someone until end of September". There doesn't seem to be a job for the period which I'm looking for. My studies require 40 hours a week (although I've managed to do with less) and I'm willing to do part-time work around that. Maybe I'm meant to focus on studying and finishing this very intense course.

I'm tightening the belt and honestly, I cannot see how I'm going to last until end of August this year when I start my full-time job. However, I know God is with me, and as long as I stay close to and delight in Him, and work hard, I have nothing to be anxious about.

I want to...

...get married already! I don't see any reason for putting it off any longer. I miss D, he's my best friend, my boyfriend, my fiance all rolled in one. God didn't answer my future husband prayer-list (which was admittedly very superficial - I was 16 when I made that checklist!). He gave me something far better in D.

Resolutions

You know how a lot of people make New Year resolutions? Well, my resolutions tend to happen during the start of the fiscal/tax year rather than 1st January. I know, I'm such a rebel. It's either that or I'm just a little bit slow...

So here we are, my very practical new year resolutions.

1. Read God's word every day. At the moment I miss some days out then read loads on other days. I really want to grow in Him and one of the best, most practical yet powerful ways is just to read God's truth in my life.

2. Do pilates training every morning except when I'm running.

3. Run twice a week - Wednesday and Saturday

4. Lose 7 kg by 30 June 2010, and a further 6kg by Christmas 2010. I'll be keeping tabs on that on the sidebar -->

5. Keep up to date with commercial awareness.

And that's about it folks!

Little blessings

The following things make me smile.

1. Surprise flowers from D - delivered to my doorstep when I least expect it. He earns brownie points to last him a whole week. At least. I'm just kidding, he doesn't need brownie points.


2. When my flatmate decides to bake cupcakes (a very rare occurence). She's got the best cupcake recipe in town. Sans frosting as we don't like frosting - too sweet! This, ladies and gents, is a tray of freshly baked Awesome.


3. Drinks with fresh strawberries in them. I don't like strawberry flavoured things but I do love fresh strawberries in a cocktail or smoothie.


What are your favourite things?

New look blog

Yay or nay? It's definitely a far cry from my simple white background (which I still love!). Just thought I'd mix it up a little.

Template adapted from, and courtesy of Simply Fabulous.