A song that ministers to your soul

'Times' by 10th Avenue North is probably the most beautiful song I have ever heard. When I listen to it I feel like I become wrapped in a warm blanket and that only God and I exist. I feel this song captures so beautifully God's love for us, and his deep desire for us. I hope God speaks to you as listen to it as he always does with me.

Some new fun photos of mine

Marriage Counselling

No, I'm not married yet. And that won't be in my future any time soon, but because of what has happened in my life this past year, I have invested a great deal of time in reading about marriage, praying about marriage, talking to married couples and learning about marriage. I found myself in the most valuable of places a few nights ago on new years eve. Four women, who have all been married for over twenty years came beside me and spent several hours pouring out their words of wisdom into my life. I love and absorb wisdom, so times like these are some of my most favourite in the roller coaster which is life - so I was a most attentive listener and participator. Their advice included things like how hard marriage really is, how they had no doubts, etc etc, it was wonderful. Really it was more encouragement to me, which is something God knew I needed desperatley at the time. Although nothing can really prepare you for marriage, and I am sure I am unable to comment about marriage because I am not married, I feel like all this information is so valuable, and that I won't step into marriage with ignornace like I am sure so many couples do. As a result I feel blessed that my parents have raised me with an appreciation for wisdom and seeking councell, so I seek others input and do not rely on my emotions, movies or friends' advice.
Some books I have read, am reading and hope to read soon are: Saving your Marriage before it starts(read), Love & Respect(soon), Sacred Marriage(read), Cracking the Communication Code(soon), Married Without Masks(reading), Captivating(reading),Beth Moores Study on Jesus (reading), The Purpose Driven Life (reading), Changes that Heal (read), Boy Meets Girl (read/reading)...and ofcourse - the Bible. I love talking about all that I'm learning so shoot me an email if you want to know more.

A life lived in fear is one not fully formed in love

....I love this quote - my sister shared it to me recently when I was having a bit of an anxiety attack. Fear is such an interesting emotion. I feel it, have have no idea where it is coming from or why it is crippling me. God talks a lot about fear in the Bible, I think because he knows how devastating its effect is on our lives. I am fighting and battling fear as of light. I made a really hard decision recently, all the while frought with fear about the consequences my decision could cause, and how blight my future could become. Thats when my sister stepped in with this word for me, and I have repeated it to myself over and over - knowing and trusting that God is a good God, and works everything out for good for those who love him. The more time I spend with the Lord I start to feel the fear in my heart crumbling, and goodness is it a good feeling! I don't ever want to live in fear of things ever again, Jeremiah 29:11, Phillipians 4:8,Proverbs 3:5-6, the Psalms and many other verses have all been a great comfort to me which I am storing in my heart. I want to be fully formed in love...if you have any advice which has helped you to do this please don't hesitate to pass it on.

( The pictures were taken in a small gorgeous little town called Sedona, which is settled among the red rock mountains of Northern Arizona. This is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a beautiful chapel nestled into the rocks which was a place of comfort to me on a really hard day.)