The Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for national peace, unity and tranquility which he said are the pillars to strengthen Nigeria’s quest for socio-economic development in 2018.
The Ooni of Ife who is the Spiritual leader of the Yoruba race said this in Ile-Ife on Saturday at the Grand-finale of the interdenominational New Year Prayer Programme organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ife Chapter.
The highly respected monarch acknowledged the goodness of God for the gift of life and the opportunity to witness the day.
The Co-chairman of National Traditional Rulers Council Of Nigeria also urged Christians to let their thanksgivings always supersede their requests from God.
“God is the Almighty King of Kings that spares our lives throughout 2017 till date despite all challenges facing each and every one of us.
“There is nothing we can offer Him than to give Him all our praises throughout the days of our lives.
“Only God is worthy of our praises for we are still alive to see the new year, who can questioned God, if we all have been buried in the year 2017?”. Ooni said.
The African foremost monarch called on Christians to always pray for peaceful coexistence before, during and after the forthcoming elections across the state and the entire country, saying they must support Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun and his cabinet in their efforts to make the state a better place for businesses to thrive and for peace to reign.
He ended his speech at the inter-denominational event by counselling the youths to always shun violence and to work assiduously for a brighter future of the country.
It will be recalled that Ooni Ogunwusi had earlier on 31st December 2017 in his New Year message through his Director of Media, Comrade Moses Olafare prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuff who was involved in a motorbike accident and charged the Nigerian youths to rather start seeing themselves as leaders of today instead of leaders of tomorrow which sounds like a cloak of social bondage denying them the right to national position in Nigeria.
Preaching earlier on the topic: “GOD OF HOST IS A CONSUMING FIRE” Pastor Samuel Akinsulure, the Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC) Ife District Coordinating Council (DCC), prayed that God will fight for Nigerians as a people and Nigeria as a nation this year 2018.
He, however urged Christians to abstain from all forms of immoral activities and rededicate themselves to the sacred service of God. He urged them to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ, adding that only those who believed in His resurrection would be saved.
Also, Dr Wale Bolorunduro, former Commissioner for Finance, in the State of Osun urged Christians to be faithful to God and worship Him without limits.
Mr Bolorunduro, who noted that there was hope for the country, said that all the challenges facing the country would soon be overcome.
He urged Nigerians to be prayerful, adding that with God all things are possible.
The Secretary of CAN, Ife chapter, Apostle Segun Olatokunbo had earlier appreciated the physical presence of Wale Bolorunduro and Comrade Gbenga Awosode, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperatives.
He lamented that apart from Senator Iyiola Omisore who sent an apology letter for his absence, all the politicians and Public office holders from Ile-Ife invited to the programme never showed any acknowledgement.
“It is sad that the so called politicians representing this town in various government positions local, state and federal did not think it is necessary for them to be here where prayers are being offered to the peace and progress of their people except Mr Wale Bolorunduro who is even from Ilesa and Comrade Gbenga Awosode, the Governor’s SA on Cooperatives.
I must also say that even though Senator Omisore didn’t come, we appreciate his letter of apology”. He said


Even though they have left Marymound, the impact of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd continues to be felt today.
Sister Lorraine recently shared an email she received from Maureen, a former youth at Marymound many years ago. The message was one of gratitude and appreciation for the care the Sisters’ provided.
“I owe everything to Sisters of the Good Shepherd! If it wasn’t for all of you my life would be completely different so I am extremely grateful to all of you! Sisters of the Good Shepherd were my example on how to raise a family and have a good happy home! God Bless you all as you are all Saints!!!”
The prelude to the appreciative correspondence was Maureen proudly informing the Sisters that her daughter Nadine received a recent promotion and will be moving to Ottawa as a third Supervising Senior Crown Counsel in the Domestic Violence Unit. Nadine’s experiences since 2004 include prosecuting sexual offences, domestic violence, child sexual abuse and exploitation while appearing in Provincial Court, the Court of Queen’s Bench and the Court of Appeal.
The Sisters could only smile after reading the news and responded, “The Sisters congratulate Nadine on her promotion! Maureen you need to be congratulated as well on the wonderful support you have given your family throughout these many years! We thank you for being such a Mother Shepherdess to them & now your grandchildren as well! Thank you & God bless you! We are very proud of you & your family!!!”
The care provided at Marymound by the Sisters created a ripple effect. By helping a once lost youth and providing her love, guidance, and support, she was able to proudly raise a successful daughter who in turn helps many more families and vulnerable youth.


The Presbyterian Women’s motto is “Living for Jesus”
PW encourages women to become disciples of Christ and has been supporting mission in the Presbyterian Church both at home and overseas for over 140 years.
We welcome women of all ages from within and outside our congregation.
PW offers fellowship, friendship, encouragement and support through our programme of events – you are assured of a warm welcome at our meetings.
We meet once a month from September to April on Monday evenings at 7.45 PM do come and join us –
Ebrington has had a Ministry to Women for over 90 years. During that time it has evolved from being a purely Overseas Missionary Organisation to be one with a Ministry to Women in every place including those in our own neighbourhood.
The latest phrase in this evolution occurred in May 2008 when ‘Presbyterian Women” was launched. At that time the General Secretary, Caroline Hawthorne said; “We must seek to fulfil the Great Commission, both locally and globally. We must see our local communities as mission fields, just as much as we do with countries further afield.”


My work sometimes takes me to a place far away that I never know before. Sometimes this makes me tired but encouraged me to have a constant discipline to make things easy and orderly. I still learn to manage time for my family and me, my life, my hobbies, my social life, my spiritual time (Bible study and pray), and also social media time. There are many things to do. Laundry piled up, cleaning my room, pay a fee of rent, managing money, shopping list to do, rest, art, cooking, praying and seeking God, caring for family and friends (and the most important is the job).
Sometimes I let everything fall apart, I don’t care and too lazy. As a result I found a lot of laundry, no time for exercise, sleep deprivation, unhealthy food and sick then (I was infected by dengue fever last month-will tell you about the last one). Discipline is a big problem but always manifest in things that are simple to do. Like, put stuff in its place, washing clothes while showering (the advice from my mother), prepare a simple breakfast, have enough sleep, set reminders in your phone, etc. It’s easy to discipline you just needs to remind yourself not to get carried away in feeling lazy.
When I feel gave up becoming a discipline person, I would look at this verse. This verse is the main driving force for those who want to be discipline person, I think (focusing on the last word).
“For the spirit of God gave us doesn’t make us timid, but give us the power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
This verse spoke to me: God is pleased me because He knew I could, He knew my capacity, how much “to do list” that I can accomplish. How difficult a task that I can accomplish, how many things I have to prioritize. The Lord gives me the strength, the ability to carry out my “to do list” and priorities. Then be as fruitful in disciplines, you never know how great is the Lord, until you try to implement your discipline in His power within you. He cares for you and provides you with his strength, like superheroes eh? But He is the true Superhero with the greatest strength for supporting you in your journey to becoming a discipline person.


There are many Bible courses available on the Internet today. Some of these are free while others require a small fee. I encourage you to use discernment and ask around before you buy a course of some sort. Many people who enjoy the Word of God have become discouraged in recent years due to worldly distractions and the lack of solid Biblical knowledge. I urge you to remember that the foundation of any good religion is a Biblical understanding of the Bible and what it means for you today.
What Should You Do For Fast Where Can I Find Free Bible Courses Online?
There are hundreds of different types of programs offering Bible courses for all levels of learners. They range from beginner Bible classes, through to advanced classes that delve into more theological studies and even occasionally into life experiences that touch on subjects such as leadership and the impact of the Bible on our lives. It is my recommendation that you do some research to make sure that you are getting a quality program for your money. I have personally tried many free online Bible courses and although most of them were informative and had good content, I did not feel that I gained anything substantive or significant from the experience.
If you are looking for a Christian based curriculum designed to teach you and help you understand the teachings of the Holy Bible, then I highly recommend that you look at some of the courses being offered. The best ones will teach you about the importance of the Bible and how to incorporate it in your daily life. They will teach you the basics of biblical studies and provide you with insightful Biblical information that will enrich your life. They should also teach you the basics of theology, including the nature and purpose of God, the universe and man, and help you develop a deeper understanding of the scriptures. These are the types of courses that will really help you grow as a person and grow in your theological studies.


When taught well, history is a positively fascinating and enjoyable subject. Here is a positively superb example of how history should be taught:
It is impossible to understand the role of the Christian Right in American culture unless we first understand its two predecessors: the Second Great Awakening and the Fundamentalist Movement.
In this second article in this four-part series, then, we will ask how the Second Great Awakening and the Fundamentalist Movement sought to transform the United States into a distinctly Christian nation and, in that way, paved the way for the Christian Right of our own time.
By Richard Hughes: The Christian Right In Context: Building a Christian American
Introducing a subject with a statement like “It is impossible to understand ___ without first understanding ___ is almost always a positive harbinger.
I truly do admire men like Mr. Hughes who have the depth of knowledge and eloquence to simplify such a complex issue.


"And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’" ~ Matthew 25:40
I suppose there's no argument when it comes to the ultimate difference-maker. Thankfully, His job is done and the victory is won.
But, Scripturally speaking, there are a host of human examples of difference-makers as well.
Ruth was a loyal and steadfast support to a woman who only saw her life as bitter. One woman changed that life, not to mention a whole lineage while she was at it.
Esther saved her people, by being in the right place at the right time, and being willing to step up when God called.
A stuttering Moses reluctantly saved those same people a millennium before. He didn't think he was the man for the job, but God said, trust Me, I'll give you all you need.
Gideon was a hot mess, but God called him a mighty man of valor, called him to lead, called him to victory... but, not in the traditional sheer numbers way of human thinking, but by becoming small and allowing God to shine.
Caleb chose wholehearted steadfastness and still makes a difference today.
It's not always about a parting the Red Sea level of difference-making. If you're called to do truly epic things, God bless. May your days be filled with ease and grace in the Spirit as you walk it out.
But, not all of us are called to be a Moses or a Joshua or a Paul.
I bet if you made it your life's purpose to give an authentically joy-filled smile to everyone you meet, it would make an epic difference. If that's what God calls you to, the Spirit will be there to grant the joy, I'm certain of it. Frankly, I know a few people who seem to be called to this kind of interaction with the world, God bless them.
It can be the small things.
Ruth thought she was making a difference for one grieving woman. That was her whole purpose. But, God made it something more.
Before my mother passed, I told her that my feeling was that if I never did anything else of value in my life beyond having had the privilege of walking with her through the last year of her life, of being her support, then I would have lived a life of worth. Hopefully I'll offer much more of value and worth, but, point being, it's not always the mission of William Wilberforce or the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for us all.
Some of us are called to be the whispering difference-makers.
It may be small, but it is no less significant or valuable or worthy of our heart and effort.
Whatever you're called to... Whatever the difference...
May your days be filled with ease and grace in the Spirit as you walk it out.
In any given moment, in any given difference-making calling, be it small or large, mid-sized or grand, may you be greatly blessed in the endeavor.
God is calling you to it and I know you don't want to miss out on being the blessing or receiving/living out the blessing of doing the work of His hands. So, when the whisper of that Still Small Voice arises, step up and step out, you beauty... even if it's just a smile or a wave or a hug. There may be nothing minor about it to the person on the receiving end. God knows what they need, and He knows what you need as well, and He is weaving it all together for the good...
You are so sweet and good and kind. Thank You for writing us into Your story. Thank You for creating on purpose to live a life of purpose.
Thank You helping us to hear the whispers of the Still Small Voice when it comes to the differences You would have us make in this life. And, thank You for giving us the motivation and strength and will to obey quickly.
All of this we pray in the name of Your most Holy Son.
"And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." ~ Hebrews 13:16
"Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." ~ Hebrews 10:23-24
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." ~ Philippians 2:13
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... (Funny, I'd never heard this song until I finished writing and went looking. I love it when the fit is so unbelievably perfect.) ♥
Sharables! ...and, hey, thanks for sharing. ♥
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Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.


This ministry is in no way, shape or form, associated with "The Way International"!
Welcome to "The Way" Ministries web pages! Come on in and look around. If there's anything we can help you with, please contact us and we'll get back to you. Brother Jay
Folks, this is a very simple web site. If you're looking for organized religion, denominational docturine, ect., then you need to move on and go somewhere else. This site is for the Word of God, without bleach added to it. God's plan of salvation is so simple, don't make it something hard.
I was led by God to develope this site. I am trying to reach those who are looking for the Lord, and also to people that know him, but have a hard time connecting with the traditional church setting.


Defiant Kentucky clerk Kim Davis met briefly with Pope Francis during his historic U.S. visit, an encounter she said validates her crusade against gay marriage.
The Liberty Counsel released the following statement about Davis' meeting with Pope Francis:
"Media is buzzing about the Pope’s comments in support of conscientious objection and whether he knows about the Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk of Court who was jailed for six days for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses. The Pope met privately with Kim Davis and her husband, Joe, at the Vatican Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, September 24, which was the birthday of Kim’s father. Pope Francis spoke with Kim and Joe Davis in English.
"During the meeting Pope Francis said, "Thank you for your courage." Pope Francis also told Kim Davis, "Stay strong. He held out his hands and asked Kim to pray for him. Kim held his hands and said, "I will. Please pray for me," and the Pope said he would. The two embraced. The Pontiff presented Kim and Joe Davis each with a Rosary that he personally blessed. Kim's mother and father are Catholic, and Kim and Joe will present the Rosaries to her parents. Kim's mother was the elected Clerk of Court for Rowan County for 37 years until her retirement in 2014.
"Kim Davis said, "I was humbled to meet Pope Francis. Of all people, why me?" Davis continued, "I never thought I would meet the Pope. Who am I to have this rare opportunity? I am just a County Clerk who loves Jesus and desires with all my heart to serve him." Kim said, "Pope Francis was kind, genuinely caring, and very personable. He even asked me to pray for him. Pope Francis thanked me for my courage and told me to 'stay strong.'"
"The challenges we face in America regarding the sanctity of human life, marriage, and religious freedom are the same universal challenges Christians face around the world. Religious freedom is a human right that comes from God. These values are shared in common by people of faith, and the threats to religious freedom are universal. Kim Davis has become a symbol of this worldwide conflict between Christian faith and recent cultural challenges regarding marriage," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel.
"Speaking with reporters on board the Papal plane to Rome, Pope Francis told Terry Moran of ABC News that conscientious objection is a human right, even for government officials: "Conscientious objection is a right that is a part of every human right. It is a right. And if a person does not allow others to be a conscientious objector, he denies a right. Conscientious objection must enter into every juridical structure because it is a right, a human right. Otherwise we would end up in a situation where we select what is a right, saying 'this right that has merit, this one does not.' It (conscientious objection) is a human right. It always moved me when I read, and I read it many times, when I read the "Chanson de Roland" when the people were all in line and before them was the baptismal font and they had to choose between the baptismal font or the sword. They had to choose. They weren't permitted conscientious objection. It is a right and if we want to make peace we have to respect all rights."
"The ABC News Chief Foreign Correspondent asked if that includes government officials as well, and the Pope reiterated that conscientious objection is a human right: "It is a human right and if a government official is a human person, he has that right," Pope Francis affirmed.
"After the above statement of Pope Francis was published, some in the media wondered if the Pontiff knew of Kim Davis. "Not only did Pope Francis know of Kim Davis, he personally met with her to express his support," concluded Staver.
"Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics."


Rhyse & Joax
Rhyse letters by me.. self portrait bij my crewmate Rhyse
Bez - Joax - Soar
Rocking it in the dockz yo
You See Bones - I See An Army
The theme for this thing was based on the prophecies of Ezekiel chapter 37
The Valley of Dry Bones
1 The hand of the LORD was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know.”
4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath [wind/spirit ~ Ruach] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’”
The point in this partly being that we often consider things or people worthless.. dry bones.. long gone.. dead.. (i.e. drug addicts, bums.. or even money crazed bankers lost in their love for money..)
While these people can be mighty tools in the hand of God.. they can be transformed.. be enlightened.. changed..
If they meet the real Jesus
All for Jesus
Blackbook skecth for Hip Hop in je Smoel
Stand for something or fall for anything
Changed my graffiti life
Joax & Tiefoo
Left one says Logos.. referring to the greek word for "word" that the apostle John uses in the beginning of his gospel. The word practically means (at least in historical context of that time) "The reason for being".
By using this word as a name for Jesus he confronts some philosophical issues which are again quite relevant in our time, with "science" claiming that there is no reason for being..
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Jesus on a piano
Joax & Tiefoo @Torque Festival - Glasgow area
the one true king
@Torque Festival - Glasgow area
Jesus is the answer
The truth will set you free
Opwekking festival 2011 - Bams & Joax
Joax - Rotterdam Overschie
Free Land festival
On some readability thing Yo!
Reds vs. Yellow - Jesus
Joax - Capelsebrug
Jesus loves u all
Christmas decoration for a church
Watch the video here:
Jezus in Amsterdam
an expression of my love for the one who saved my live.. the whole lot of ya may think i'm nuts.. but it's nuttin more nuttin less.. Jesus is a real life saver
For my man Zeak
With Soar, Remo & more
Saviour to all
Background by crewmate Tiefoo
יהוה - Yahwe - I AM - Ik Ben
Graffiti wall @ Opwekking 2010 by: gospelgraffiti.com
Jesus Saves! - London
James 'Jay' Brooks, Daniel 'Mek' Castro, Jeremy 'Bams' Johan, Arend 'Joax' Maatkamp
Gold from the Dockz
View On Black
Joax & Ols - Amsterdam
Joax - Channelized Expressionism
Graffiti in Breukelen.. the town where the famous NYC borough Brooklyn was named after.
Joax - Ols - Bez
Imre - Soar - Me
Imre did his first piece with us :) he got a lot to learn.. but he's in good hands
GG in full effect
Katwijk aan Zee
Joax & Bams
Jezus Graffiti piece @ Delft
If you die tonight.. Where do you go?
Graffiti Painted with Rhyse, Phone and the gang
Apeldoor last week
Fluro - Rhyse - Joax
Today in Hengelo.. with homeboy Rhyse and Ms.Fluro from New Zealand.. wall came out pretty nice I think..
Schellingwoude with Fluro, Rhyse & Soar
Ruach piece by me


Mark 1 recounts Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law (at your own risk, insert joke about not wanting to see your mother-in-law healed).
As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
Having worshipped at Capernaum’s synagogue, Peter brought Jesus home and amazing things happened. It’s always a good idea to bring Jesus home from church!
When you bring Jesus home, amazing things happen!
Too often, we meet Jesus at church and then leave him there. He says some cool things, makes some memorable points, provides some inspiration and we thank him and head out, saying over our shoulder, “Thanks, Jesus. We’ll see you next week.”
Occasionally, we might bump into Jesus during the week at a prayer meeting or a small group gathering. For the most part, though, our interactions with him are limited to Sunday morning.
Imagine for a brief moment how your life might change if you brought Jesus home with you after church every Sunday. He could ride to work with you Monday morning; and as long as you don’t leave him in the car, he will join you as you do your job throughout the week.
He could go to your kid’s sporting events with you. He might even put a hand on your shoulder occasionally to remind you to represent him when you yell at the referee, coach or players.
He could be in the kitchen with you while you hash out a disagreement with your spouse. Would that change the way you listen? Would it keep you from interrupting? Would it remind you to speak with more loving words? Would you be more gracious?
He could be the first person you speak to in the morning and the last person you engage at night.
I imagine there is little question that Jesus would improve your life if you took him home from church. So maybe this Sunday, don’t leave without him!
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Yoga is exercising. It is a type of fitness that promotes strength, flexibility, and stillness. Most yoga classes that I attend are void of religious references. You pose, you hold it, and you release the pose. A lot of instances you happen to be attempting so difficult just to balance, retain your arms elevated, or stand in a strenuous position for many minutes that you do not have the time or power to believe about something else. I am persuaded that most Christians who oppose yoga have by no means even taken a yoga class.
Yoga is also type of meditation. It is a moving meditation. It has a spiritual side, which is most likely exactly where most of the controversy about yoga resides. Yoga has a thoughts-physique-spirit connection. Central to yoga is our breathe. When the breathe slows down, the thoughts slows down as effectively. In reality, the objective of yoga was to prepare the physique for meditation. When the thoughts becomes nevertheless, we enter into a state of inner peace. When our thoughts is at peace, we develop a higher space for God in our lives, to hear and knowledge Him on a deeper level, a spiritual level. The Bible says that “”the spirit of God is inside you.”” Consequently, it is up to us to prepare our hearts to fellowship with Him.
This is why yoga appeals to quite a few Christians. These who are against yoga think it opens Christians up to evil spirits and demons lurking in the darkness. They think by getting nevertheless and quieting our minds, we come to be prey to a host of spiritual unknowns. The majority of Christians who practice yoga know exactly where their allegiance lies and they are not so quickly persuaded or manipulated. We know that Jesus is our Lord and we can use yoga to strengthen our connection with him. We know in our heart and thoughts how to use yoga as a type to worship God. I think there are far far more sinister practices that lead Christians down the path of deception and darkness than yoga. These contain tv, godless films, preferred music, and secular magazines. If Christians want to denounce evil and lead persons towards the path of righteousness and holiness, enable them to recognize how the media is undermining their Christian stroll each minute of daily, not just the many hours per week spent at yoga class.
By means of the media, we are getting feed a day-to-day diet regime of anti-Christ propaganda that is deceiving us and maintaining us from pursuing an intimate connection with the Lord. Yoga on the other hand, does very the opposite. Christians can use yoga to detach from these illusions, enter into oneness with God, and develop a deeper connection with His spirit. Jesus told the Pharisees in Matthew 23: 13, “”Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let these enter who are attempting to. The developing interest in yoga to the Christian is a outcome of spiritual hunger. Going to church, listening to a sermon, serving in the church is not filling the gaping hole that continues to develop in Christians who do not want far more applications but far more God. They are not getting it in the developing, so they are hunting elsewhere. Yoga or a Christ-centered yoga option is just yet another tool that permits Christians to place into practice the scripture that says, “”Be nevertheless and know that I am God.”” When was the final time you we’re taught about meditating on God or practiced meditation in the church? When was the final time you spent time dwelling in God’s presence in the sanctuary?
I can honestly inform you that for me the answer is pretty seldom. Most churches do not worth the quiet. A lot of may well argue that abiding with God is a private matter on the other hand, quite a few contemporary-day Christians are not even familiar with this notion and if they are, they have been discouraged to do so. In reality, there are Christians who have been brainwashed to think that meditation is of the devil. But I think that there is “”no”” higher practice that can enable a Christian recognize a private, thriving, and developing connection with God, than to invest time with Him in silence and solitude meditating on his word and abiding in his presence. In all this condemning of yoga, Christians have forgotten the enjoy and liberty that we have in Jesus Christ. John mentioned in 1 John three:21, “”If our heart condemns us not, we have self-confidence towards God, which means God is capable to convict his youngsters of sin or incorrect-performing.
Consequently, if in your heart you really feel yoga is not of God, then you are obligated to not practice it, significantly less you sin. In quite a few such choices God offers us a private decision. He by no means appointed judges and juries to inform us to do this or that. That is what the Holy Spirit is for. The Bible says, When the Holy Spirit comes you will not have to have any man to teach you due to the fact the Holy Spirit will teach you all factors. I have in fact heard stories of people getting Jesus Christ on a yoga mat. What a superb chance to disciple the globe. They come for yoga and get saved! If Christians practice yoga as a type of worship, as a way to enjoy and honor God and develop in connection with him, what ideal has anybody to inform them any differently? Paul in Romans 14:four declares, “”Who are you to judge an individual else’s servant? To his personal master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is capable to make him stand.”” If as a Christian we practice yoga with the ideal motives and out of a pure heart, God receives our praise.
Are all yoga classes developed equal? Completely not! There are yoga classes that are smothered in Hinduism, so Christians ought to be discerning when picking a yoga class or teacher. I have in fact walked out of yoga studios accessorized with big Buddha statues, not due to the fact I do not think Buddha was a smart or enlightened man, but getting a Christian I do not worship Buddha, I worship the Lord Jesus Christ there is no confusion in my heart. Hatha yoga or Yogafit are many sorts of yoga that have extracted all the religious elements of yoga. Also, quite a few gyms like 24 Hour Fitness gives yoga classes mainly for fitness and relaxation. God does not want us to be discerning just about yoga, he desires us to be discerning relating to all elements of our life as effectively. How we invest our time, cash, what we consume, and exactly where we attend church also have constructive and unfavorable ramifications. Roman 14:two says, “”One particular man’s faith permits him to consume every little thing, but yet another man whose faith is weak eats only vegetables.””


March 5, 2009 marks United Mission to Nepal’s 55th anniversary. That’s
55 years of service in the name of Christ, 55 years of commitment to
the people and country of Nepal, and 55 years to rejoice at what the
Lord has done.
To commemorate the occasion, we have launched a new website.
Welcome to the fresh new face of UMN on the web!
At UMN headquarters in Kathmandu, staff joined for a celebration in the gardens
that included cake-cutting, prizes, and presentations on climate change, global
warming, and green practices such as composting and reducing consumption.


St. Bart's 1954: Click on
the play arrow, then on the YouTube logo
taken on 13th June 1954 at St. Bart's, when Father Miller was
Parish Priest. Father Gerald Coates was ordained in our church,
possibly (?) on the day before this
footage was taken.
The organ, choir and
very small original organ loft appear. At the time there was a spiral staircase to the
organ loft from the Ellison Road end of the front (now porch) of the
The only Choir at the time was referred to as the 'Men's Choir'.
They are all singing the Latin plainchant of the Mass from their Libers.
The little organ you see (one manual, no pedals) existed until 1972 after Father Carolin
commissioned our current fine instrument from F.H. Browne & Son in
Wonderful footage, and thanks to
Fr. Z for airing it.
HERE is a picture of Father Coates (in the wheelchair) after
celebrating his 60th Ordination Anniversary in 2014.
His current health
leaves him in need of many prayers, please.
Choir for young people
Would you be
interested in starting and running a Choir for our younger
parishioners at St. Bartholomew's. We have an organist at your
disposal. Please do contact us to find out more if you would feel
able to commit to two early evening practices and two Sunday Masses
Would you like to sing?
Why not come and meet
us? Some experience of singing
is desirable, as is a willingness to commit to the Choir's future
plans. We practice every Tuesday from 8pm (not during the school
We sing on the first Sunday of each month (not August and
September), Christmas Midnight Mass, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday,
Easter Vigil, and the great feast of Christus Rex at the end of
If you enjoy singing then click
HERE to find out more. Please
contact Tony for further information.
To Ged Perkins on the
occasion of his
Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate
by Archbishop Peter Smith
at St. George's Cathedral, Southwark,
on Friday 17th June 2016.
We look forward to his ministry at St. Bart's.
There are some lovely pictures
of the occasion to be seen


The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Here's a link some of you may enjoy...
Merry Christmas and peace to all,
W.Q. Duck (Tanjie)


The Derbyshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir continues its 60th anniversary fundraising concerts with a performance in Matlock.
The choir will be singing at the Methodist and United Reformed Church on Bank Road on Saturday, October 17, at 7.45pm.
Hits from across the decades will provide an entertaining programme for music lovers of all ages.
Tickets are £6 and proceeds will go to the church roof appeal. To book, call Sandra Haycock on 07437 871234.
The choir is aiming to raise £10,000 for charities in its diamond jubilee year. During the past five years, the choir’s efforts have seen more than £35,000 go to good causes.


It is only something that is dead, that can be reborn. If you have not died to the flesh, how then can you be reborn (be born again). That is why Jesus says in John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.
If the unbelievers around you cannot boldly say that you are truly a Christian, then your Christianity is still at the level of religion and not following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. What it means is that you are just converted and not yet convicted by the Holy Spirit.
How you approach any circumstance in life will determine how you will come out of it, whether you win or fail; and positivity attitude towards life will always make you a winner. Your attitude is more important than the situation.
Christianity is not a religion, it is God's way of life, it is living God's Will, it is behaving like Jesus Christ. It is being led by the Holy Spirit who constantly reminds you of the Will of God and guides you into all Truth. Christianity is the Culture of heaven.
Many who allowed anxiety to creep into their lives, only have stories of regrets and scars of failure to show for it. It does not add anything positive to your life, but it takes away everything from you.
Do not wait till tomorrow to embrace the light for the world is full of darkness and habitations of cruelty. There is no peace in the world because the world is not capable of actual peace which only Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace can give; the Peace that passes all understanding, not as the world gives.


Dr. Paul Kingsbury
Dr. Paul Kingsbury was raised in a Christian home and came to know the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior at five years of age. At sixteen he surrendered to serve Christ with his life under the preaching ministry of Dr. Jack Hyles of Hammond, Indiana. He began preaching in jails, nursing homes and rescue missions. He attended Maranatha Baptist Bible College and graduated from Hyles-Anderson College in 1976.
While in Bible College training for the ministry, Dr. Kingsbury was introduced to the ministries of North Love Baptist Church in Rockford Illinois, near the city of Chicago. Becoming a member of North Love in 1972, Brother Kingsbury served and was mentored under the ministry of Dr. James Alley. As an assistant pastor, he was responsible for various ministries of the church including the children's churches, teen and bus ministries.
Dr. Kingsbury has been the senior pastor of North Love since 1982, with a congregation that has grown to nine hundred regular attending members. His ministry includes a private Christian school, Bible College, Bus Ministry, and is the home of Reformers Unanimous, a local church based addictions program which has started in 882 churches across the United States and several other countries around the world. Thousands of people have come to Christ out of serious addictions and are experiencing freedom and victory through this program. Pastor Kingsbury's church has also opened homes for men and women; where they may be discipled from a lifestyle which involved alcohol, drugs and other stubborn habits to grow into spiritual maturity. Dozens of Christian workers have also been sent from North Love Baptist Church into mission fields around the world.
Dr. Kingsbury has been privileged to preach across the United States and in more than two dozen foreign countries in his thirty-six years of ministry. Pastor Kingsbury received an honorary doctorate from Ambassador Baptist College in May of 2003 and also from West Coast in May of 2006.
Assistant Pastor/Music Pastor
Pastor Dan Outler and his wife Nancy have served the Lord at North Love since 1983, raising three daughters during that time...Emily, Amanda, and Katie.
Pastor Outler received his BS in Pastoral Theology from Hyles-Anderson College and a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from North Love Baptist Bible College. He has furthered his music education by frequenting music seminars and classes.
He was reared in a pastor's home affording him an intimate view of the ministry. While attending a youth Bible camp as a teen, the Lord placed a burden on Pastor Outler's heart for full-time ministry. He has served the Lord musically for most of his life. His passion for good music has become a stimulus for the direction of the music ministry at North Love. Pastor Outler reveals his pastor's heart as he dynamically leads the choir and congressional singing in the services. The music ministry has a unified goal of glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ under his leadership.
In addition to musical responsibilities, Pastor Outler directs the AWANA Clubs as Commander; the Jolly 60's Club on Thursday mornings; and oversees and seeks to instill a high level of integrity in the finance department of the church.
Pastor Ron Haese and his wife Diana joined the staff of North Love Baptist Church in 2004. The Lord has blessed them with six children, Matt, Audrey, Gordon, Zachary, Peter and Anna. They are the grandparents of 7 grandchildren.
Pastor Haese graduated from Hyles-Anderson College in 1983 and has been involved in full time ministry since. Having served as an Assistant and Senior Pastor, as well as Bus Director, Camp Director, and in other areas of teaching, he brings a wealth of experience to our staff.
Currently Pastor Haese oversees all aspects of the outreach ministries of NLBC including the canvassing and visitation programs, soulwinning, the bus ministry, and discipliship programs.
Andrew Whittenburg had the privilege of growing up in a pastor's home. He was able to experience ministry first hand long before God called him into youth ministry. Originally from the Rockford, Illinois area, Pastor Whitt has lived in Florida, Indiana, and East Central Illinois before his family returned home to Rockford when his father was called to be the youth pastor at North Love Baptist Church.
At the age of ten, Pastor Whitt attended an AWANA club meeting. He heard a teenage boy preach a salvation message. That night he went home, and his father led him to the Lord.
It was between his freshman and sophomore year of college that God used serious medical circumstances to call Pastor Whitt into full-time ministry. In the fall of 2002, he started attending West Coast Baptist College and graduated with a Bachelors of Bible in 2005. In 2006 Pastor Whitt married his wife Kathy. They have been serving together with their four children in youth ministry for the past ten years.
In the summer of 2013, Pastor Whitt and his family joined the staff of North Love Baptist Church. They have continued to serve faithfully as the Youth Pastor for North Love Baptist Church and as a coach and teacher for North Love Christian School.
Psalm 78:7 "That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."


Thursday, November 5, 2015
Thursday, November 7, 2013
"My children, the events that have been foretold are nigh upon you. Seek solace in Me, your Lord and Saviour, and I will give you My peace within your hearts.
There is an earthquake coming, My daughter, that will precede the 3 days of darkness. The earthquake will happen and then the 3 days of darkness will descend.
First there will be the cataclysmic (cosmic) event. All mankind will see this event wherever they are on the face of the earth. This is your sign that I am coming. You must go to your homes and gather your families to you. Pray to Me to keep you and to provide for you during the coming darkness.
The darkness will descend within 3 days of this cosmic event appearing. The darkness will commence with the earthquake. That is why it is important for you to be inside and remain in your homes. Like the Children of Israel who were protected when the Angel of Death passed over and saw the blood on the door posts, so all My children will be protected by the blood of the Lamb on your foreheads. You are sealed by My blood and My Bride will be protected, no matter what is happening outside of your dwellings.
You are to close your doors and windows, draw your curtains and pray together. During this time I will reveal Myself to each and every one of you. Those who are already Mine will be infused with the Holy Spirit and will be transformed. Those who are not yet Mine will be given the opportunity to receive Me as their Lord and Saviour.
My Bride will be transformed and after the 3 days of darkness I will send her out to bring in the last harvest. She will minister in My strength and power and will be totally protected no matter where she goes. This will be for a period of time until the last harvest is brought home. My Bride will then ascend with Me to her rightful place in her heavenly home.
Come, My children, all is prepared and waiting for My coming Bride! I, your Jesus, your Bridegroom, long for your company with Me in heaven.
Don't fear, don't doubt …. I am not delayed … I am coming now!!
Revelation 6:12-17 (NKJV) - Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances
12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
2 Peter 3:10-13 (NKJV) - The Day of the Lord
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Exodus 10:21-23 (NKJV) - The Ninth Plague: Darkness
21 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.” 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NKJV)
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
The Lord has indicated that this is the last message He wants me to post on my blog for now. I believe the Lord wants to speak to each of His children individually and directly through the Holy Spirit. I would encourage you to learn to listen for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit within.
I will not be posting any further comments other than those already posted. If you have questions, please seek the Lord for yourselves and He will answer you.
I wish to thank all my readers for your support and your encouraging comments and emails and I am looking forward to meeting you all very soon in our Father's Kingdom!
With love and blessings In Him,
Friday, October 25, 2013
After reading Julie's last message on Behold I Come - iamcallingyounow.blogspot.com/2013/10/your-journey-is-almost-complete.html
the Lord gave me this message ...
"Your journey also is almost complete, My daughter. Not much longer now and I will be giving you my final message. You are then to cease writing on your blog for your ministry will have been completed. There is not much more now for Me to say to My children through you, My daughter.
I will be speaking to each of My children individually from now on and there will not be the need for them to read others' words from Me, for they will hear from Me for themselves.
All those who belong to Me will hear My voice and follow Me. My sheep hear My voice and follow Me.
My children, there will be no doubt that it is I, Jesus, your Lord and Saviour and soon coming Bridegroom, who is speaking to you. Have no doubt you hear My words to you, and obey what I say to each of you individually. For I can no longer speak to the masses, I speak now to you individually. This will be my second-last message through My faithful servant and scribe.
This is all for now. Listen for My voice, each and every one of you, My dear children.
John 10:27-28 (NKJV)
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
I WILL NOT BE POSTING ANY FURTHER COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG AND AM UNABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT TIMING OR ANY DETAILS OF THE COMING COSMIC EVENT OR THREE DAYS OF DARKNESS. I HAVE NO ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS OTHER THAN WHAT THE LORD HAS ALREADY SPOKEN OF IN THESE MESSAGES.
I THANK ALL MY FAITHFUL READERS FOR YOUR KIND COMMENTS AND EMAILS AND I PRAY FOR THE LORD TO BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU ALL UNTIL HE COMES!
Monday, October 21, 2013
"Events will come rapidly now, My daughter. They will come in quick succession. There will hardly be any time between one event and the next and you will not be able to catch your breath in between what is coming and the next event on the horizon.
Seek Me now at all times - stay close to Me and focus on My love for you, My children. Remember that I have you all in the palm of My hand and I will not allow the enemy to touch a hair on your heads.
I have told you, My daughter, that My 3-day warning will soon be heard, seen and felt by all mankind. The earth will tremble and shake and darkness will descend.
First you will see the cosmic event that I have forewarned you of, then the three days of darkness will descend. Stay in your homes, My children, as I have told you and I will come to you - each one of you - and reveal Myself to you. My angels will protect you and your families and homes during this time. You will have light in your dwellings, while there is darkness outside and many strange things happen upon the earth. You will be totally protected by My myriad of angels, so fear not, My children, for I am coming for you and will not delay!
This is all for now, My daughter.
Joel 2:28-32 (NKJV)
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
32 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the Lord has said,
Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.
Matthew 10:29-31 (NKJV)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Friday, October 18, 2013
"Write, My daughter, for these are the words I want you to share with all My children ...
You all have many questions about these coming days of darkness. My messenger does not have all the answers for I have not provided these to her. I desire that you all come to Me individually and ask Me your questions and I will answer you.
You all have specific needs and I will instruct each of you individually what to do during these coming three days of darkness. You may think that you don't hear from Me, but you are wrong. I am always speaking to you and I will make Myself known to you and you will hear My voice clearly in the coming days. I will address all your individual needs. You must rely only on Me to protect you. I am your Lord and Saviour, your coming Bridegroom, and I love each one of you in a way that you cannot even imagine. I don't love any one of you less than I love another, for I cannot.
Please, come to Me with your questions and your needs and I will answer and provide.
Your loving Saviour and Bridegroom, Jesus."
John 10:27 (NKJV)
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
Matthew 21:22 (NKJV)
And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
"There is coming so much, My daughter, that it will truly take your breath away. Fear not! Hold to Me. I am surely coming soon! This is what I want you to post for now, My daughter. Tell My children that I have them safely in the palm of My hand - that not one of My sheep will be lost, that I have their families safe also.
My 3-day warning will soon be heard. When this transpires you are to go to your homes and prepare for the coming darkness.
I am giving you few words for now, My daughter. Just enough to let My children know that they are not forgotten and that everything is in My control. Watch now and wait, for My timing is at hand."
Isaiah 49:16 (NKJV)
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.
John 10:27-30 (NKJV)
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
"GET READY! GET READY! GET READY!
The time is now upon you, My children. Don't look to the right or the left for I AM COMING!!
Remember Amos 3:7 - 'Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets'.
I will give you more information as the time approaches for the cosmic event. It is on its way now. I will not leave you in the dark, My children. I will reveal more to you as this event comes closer. There is much coming that will bring fear to many - but for my children, you will know My peace and safety. Fear nothing! Remember always that I alone am in control!
I will strengthen you in the coming days for what lies ahead. There is nothing to fear. All is upon you now. It is here. There is no turning back. Look ahead with confidence and know that I am fighting for you! Don't look to the right or to the left - look to Me, your Lord and Saviour. I am fighting My way to you and I will not delay!"
Amos 3:7 (NKJV)
Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
John 8:12 (NKJV)
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
Luke 21:28 (NKJV)
Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”


Celebrate the perfect Easter morning in New Orleans. Start with Mass of the Risen Christ at one of the most iconic cathedrals in the entire country: St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Experience the beauty and history at the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States. Easter Sunday Mass at St. Louis Cathedral will be taking place at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 12:30pm. After Easter Sunday Mass, enjoy a delicious Easter Sunday menu at Criollo Restaurant at Hotel Monteleone New Orleans.
Easter Brunch Menu at Criollo Restaurant
Criollo will be offering a special menu for Easter, offering brunch and lunch menu items from 11:30am – 2:30pm. Take a peek at some of our special menu items below!
Southern Eggs Benedict
Poached Eggs, Country Ham, Buttermilk Biscuits, Hollandaise Sauce, and Stone Ground Grits
Poached Eggs, Artichoke Confit, Creamed Spinach, and Hollandaise
Bottle of Montmartre Brut or Rose with a Caraffe of OJ
“Liquid Chef” Marvin Allen’s Signature Blend
Death In The Afternoon
Hemingway’s Breakfast of Choise, Lucid Absinthe & Prosecco
Plus, enjoy our usual lunch menu items:
Grilled Organic Chicken, Egg, Avocado, Applewood Bacon, Local Beets and Tomatoes, Manchego, Steen’s Cane Vinaigrette
The Criollo Burger
Smoked Bacon, Bayou Chicot Chutney, Creole-Mustard Pickle, Tillamook Cheddar, Choice of Fries
Shrimp Beignet “BLT”
Crabmeat Beignet Crusted Shrimp, Local Tomato, Smoked Bacon, Remoulade, Mustard Frill Salad
Lake Two Trees Oyster Stew
Vintage Style Local Oyster Stew, Poached & Fried Oysters, Buttermilk Drop Biscuit
Osso Bucco du Cochon
Pomegranate BBQ Pork Shank, White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Covey Rise Farm Vegetables
Plus, many more!
Enjoy Easter Brunch at Criollo Restaurant New Orleans
Join Criollo Restaurant for an Easter Brunch in New Orleans you won’t soon forget! Visit the Criollo Restaurant website to make a reservation, or call at (504) 681-4444.


Home » DIY Tutorials » DIY Holiday » Happy Belated Easter!
Happy Belated Easter!
April 21, 2014 - By Ashley Johnston 30 Comments
Happy Easter…a day late!
I hope your weekend was filled with glimpses of spring and new life.
I will never quite understand the real hatred towards Jesus Christ when he was here on this earth but I will forever reverence His love for each one of us, when he sacrificed everything.
His resurrection symbolizes that I too will live again, even after death takes over my body.
And when I look into these faces……there is nothing I want more.
I hope Easter brings you joy and peace this week!
(And if you believe differently, I hope whatever you believe in brings you happiness this week too!)
What I believe.


"When work becomes play,
Red Lodge, Montana
West Fork Road.
1 perfect cross country ski day.
"We make our way through
The spiritual spa
For several years, Billings First Congregational Church has hosted a Women’s Christmas Spa for the Spirit Retreat on the Saturday closest to January 6, which this year is Saturday, January 8. It is a Sabbath, or day of rest, a holy day, a day at the beginning of the New Year to set your course for the New Year. This year’s theme is “Praying the Labyrinth,” and will take place in the church’s Fellowship Hall on the lower level, on and around the Labyrinth, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To register: https://billingsfirstchurch.breezechms.com/form/retreat2022
Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. to allow for exploration of the church’s beautiful 11-circuit Chartres Labyrinth and for settling in. We will begin at 10:00 a.m.
It was a day we’ll spent.
“ I’ve long believed it’s a worthy act of attention to turn our gaze inward. Not only to tune in to those things that might need tending, but to deliberately seek out the beauty we wish to carry in our heart. To do so is an act of love. Don’t you think? I’m referring to gathering the experiences of beauty that light up our entire being. They can happen in countless ways and unexpected places — we might feel a subtle shift, hear a wordless message or sense a stirring of emotion. We let the moment imprint itself in our memory, in our body. Each time this happens, I believe we are creating an inner refuge of strength that will be there for us, no matter what.”
- Rose Roberts, writer
As a working artist/retired art educator, I've always lived the artful life. Let's share!


As we moved into the sanctuary for the service things were in a fog for me. I was still trying to process this amazing story from this amazing person I would be spending the rest of the week with. One thing however did catch my attention. Rev. Duffield spoke of her son, Joseph, during her sermon. I had heard stories of this remarkable young man before but never the details.
Joseph saw a special on TV one day about how little it cost to provide life saving drugs to people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. He then went to his mother and asked her to help him pen a letter to their Congressman, Representative John Spratt. While most people would have written the letter and felt they had done their duty giving a voice to the voiceless; Joseph took another step. He founded the Pennies for Pills project.
Pennies for Pills is simple. People put their spare change in jars at their local churches and stores. Joseph went to these places and explained what he was doing and asked permission. He said his goal was $2000 that he would then donate to the Keep a Child Alive Foundation. Joseph also mentioned to me that he wanted to start up his own non-profit this summer and was in the middle of researching grants.
Did I mention that Pennies for Pills has raised over $5200 and counting so far?
Did I mention Joseph was only 9?
Inspiration is all around us -- just open your eyes to see it.
I saw it in this little church who welcomed us with open arms. I saw it Joseph Duffield as he told me he wants to run for office someday to make the world right again. I saw in Joseph's Dad as he and David Bryden discussed mission work and micro-finance projects in Latin America that their church could undertake. I saw it in Joseph's younger sisters who latched onto Monalisa and spent lunch vying for her attention
and learning about another culture.
Today I got to see inspiration happen and it was beautiful.


LAKELAND - Dr. Junious Bryson "J.B." Buff-ington, 86, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2009 at his home in Lakeland due to dementia.
J.B. was a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He moved to Lakeland in 1963 from Bristol, Florida. He was the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church before his retirement. He is currently a member of the Landmark Baptist Church in Haines City.
His survivors include his wife, Betty Buffington; son, Joel (Angela) Buff-ington; daughters, Sharon (Mike) O'Brien, Peggy (Jimmy) Robson, Debbie (Randy) Starner and Carolyn (Petro) Polanycia; brother, William D. Buffington; eight (8) grandchildren, Melody, Holly, Michele, Andrew, Reagan, Kevin, Bryson and Colin.
The visitation will be held on Thursday August 27, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home (Northside Chapel). Funeral services will be Friday August 28 at 10:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Northside Chapel.


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We are a diverse group of English speaking and Spanish speaking people who desire to love God and love others.
Our vision is to see churches planted all around the world welcoming every language and nation for the glory of God.
Our mission is to expand God’s kingdom through disciple multiplication in gospel-centered and community-centered environments while fulfilling the mission of Jesus.
Our passion is to make Jesus known.
To God be the glory alone. Soli Deo Gloria
Check out our upcoming events both in English and Spanish where you will be able to hear the Word preached, meet fellow Christians and worship God.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
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One of my favorite topics to contemplate is the sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most basic and central truths of my faith, of the LDS doctrine, and of Christianity at large. No matter how much I study it, however, I never get tired of learning more and more about this event. The more I study, the greater faith I come to have in Christ, and the better understanding I grow to have of His Atonement and what it really means.
We use the word Atonement to summarize the Savior’s threefold sacrifice as He sweat drops of blood in the garden, as He died upon the cross, and as He was resurrected on the third day. In the dictionary, atonement is synonymous with a word I love: “expiation,” meaning “the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing.” This definition is exactly what the Atonement means to me; Christ makes amends and repairs guilt and wrongdoing, both when we have done wrong or when we have been wronged against. He can repair and make amends for what we cannot, making it all as new where without we could never make up the difference.
Isaiah’s words describing this aspect of the Atonement are some of the most beautiful in all scripture. He writes, speaking of Christ:
4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs , and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions , he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed .
He was bruised for our sake. With his stripes we are healed. He paid for us and our sins with his suffering, with his blood and with his life. He took our punishment and chastisement upon himself. So we wouldn’t have to feel that pain. So we could always have someone who understands. This message never ceases to humble me, to amaze me, to bring tears to my eyes and deep gratitude to my heart. That I am loved enough that He would take the punishment I ought to have received. That my ability to find peace was worth His chastisement; He who never did any wrong, being chastised, bruised, wounded, so I can find peace. That my opportunities to heal come from His stripes (a blow with a scourge or lash). Knowing this feels like Him saying that I, and each one of us, is immensely loved, and absolutely worth it in his eyes. We are worth all the pain no ordinary man can endure; we are worth the stripes and the chastisement, the bruises and the wounds that He experienced. Anything saying we are not worth it is wrong. Because we are worth it to Christ.
I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and one of the only ways I know to show gratitude is to actually let Him help, to use the sacrifice He has made so we can become more like Him and therefore turn around and better serve Him and those around us. How can we take for granted a gift that came at so high a price? How can we say we are grateful if we will not take the hand reaching down to lift us up? The greatest thing we can do to show our appreciation to our Lord Jesus Christ is by making constant daily use of His Atonement through prayers for strength and through humble repentance. I can’t express how much it warms my heart and soul to think of my loving Savior and all that He has done and continues to do for me each day.


Tonight and today was hard. I’m challenged to give thanks CONTINUALLY in the midst of not being asked to my senior prom. It’s hard. I’m going to be the girl that didn’t get asked to prom and that went to prom by herself. That is a hard pill to swallow. Through this, I haven’t had a cheery attitude. A cheery attitude is not an honest representation of how I’m feeling. It’s not fun is phrasing it generously. But I still need to give thanks. I need to be joyful, but I also need to feel what I’m feeling to get to the joy. Brené Brown knows what she is talking about when she says you have to go through vulnerability to get to courage. Preach. She also said words that are comforting my soul and making me grateful, “you’re imperfect and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” These words remind me that I’m worthy and that worthiness deserves taking care of myself. And when I’m down and out, it’s time to reach out to those who I care about that will care for me. It’s time to complain over Skype to Beka and tear up because this is hard. It’s time to plan to go to Pure Barre, to walk the dogs, to go throw the rugby ball outside with my brother to get my body moving so my mind can stop. It’s time to reach out to those in my Bible study to meet them and have them pray for me. Even if it’s only stopping by for thirty minutes on the day of prom. These are the moments when I have to care for me, even when my ISFJ nature is to care for others. Sometimes I need to be taken care of, too, and that is such a valid reminder. Take it easy. Take a break. Take care of yourself. Don’t worry. Easier said than done.
Tonight was the night I needed. After a rough day of realizing more people had gotten asked to prom than I had realized, I was sad that I hadn’t been asked. It hurts. But I came home, talked to my mom and we moved on from it. Life is much more than one dance and once I stick up for myself in the ways that I know I need to, I think I’ll be able to have a really good time. Praying this to be true and praying, praying, praying for what I would like to happen for prom. Knowing all along that God will work things together for my good no matter how horrible I feel like it may be in the moment. I will be able to count it all as good, I just have to wait.
I watched Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday with Brené Brown after school and loved it. That’s the kind of TV I crave after a rough day, shows that bring me back to what matters. Being vulnerable, dealing with guilt & shame, living wholeheartedly are topics that I love to hear about on Super Soul Sunday. All such positive and encouraging messages when the day got a bit bumpy. Then I watched Real Housewives of Orange County before dinner, which I realized I can handle in moderation. It’s my guilty pleasure and I know when I can watch it and when I can’t. Today, I could. That doesn’t mean that tomorrow I will be able to, though. I know that just as much as I know that I should still be fasting from Instagram. I don’t know how long this will last, but so far it has taught me how much information I really need (WAY less than I thought) and how much I compared my life to others instead of investing in relationships. God is bringing good things out of this fast, I just need to focus on those instead of the desire to log on and procrastinate.
And instead of procrastinating, I logged off feedly and wrote down four things I needed to do and did them. Bam. That productivity feels so good and I am now proud of the work I was able to accomplish. So. Good. Then I was able to tidy up my room, my desk, and sit down to read The Twelve Tribes of Hattie. I love nights like these that seem to have restarted my day. Today is truly an example of the ability to start your day over at any point throughout the day. I just wish I knew how to “fix” those bad days like I was able to today more often. I am so grateful to have had the time and the ability to read and be quiet today. I love reading and am plowing through this book. It’s good! I wish I didn’t get as tired when I am reading but I guess I should learn that if I always read in bed before going to sleep, my body associates reading with sleep! Time to start reading more throughout the day, hard to complain with that!
I am in love with words. Reading is like waves for me, it comes in and out and I never really know when I’ll be dying to read or when it needs to be on the back-burner. One thing is for sure, the desire always comes back. Last night I started The Twelve Tribes of Hattie and I already love it. I love the way Ayana Mathis ties words together. The way she makes me think about love, home and acceptance in regards to race, family, and death. And I’m nineteen pages in. I am so grateful for the ability to read. Natalie Norton shared a picture on Instagram when she started the Natalie Reads group on Instagram and Facebook. There was a quote on this picture that I loved, caused me to repost and ended up in me winning three books in her giveaway. Even though I’m not on Instagram now, I am so grateful to have seen these words: because people who don’t read are no better off than people who can’t read.
I don’t read books to get an advantage over others. But I see how those who don’t read are in no different than those who don’t have the ability to read. I can read and should treasure that gift. It is a gift from God to be able to read His word in the Bible, to read books and articles and stories that challenge who I am and what I believe constantly. It is incredible for me to be in a situation where I am constantly getting an influx of information. Whether it being a stirring story about something I understand and love and cherish or one that I don’t understand that makes me realize what is important to me and what isn’t. Books allow me to know myself better and I love the way that they can change me.
Change is alkhgtrmvjdflna. Crazy pants. One second I love it, the challenge, the adapting, the unknown. It’s exciting. The other half of the time? Terrifying, completely unknown, irresponsible, and uncontrollable. I’m in a complete, 100% period of change and my emotions are on as much of a tidal system as my love for books. Crazy pants, again.
This weekend I was worried to death over my thesis defense last night. But then I got up there, I did it, and it was fine. It went really well, I got great feedback from the jurors who watched and spent more time frustrated over the questions my mom asked a classmate about euthanasia than I did celebrating that I had DONE IT! With that done, I feel light. Filled with clarity about what matters, about what matters to me. Trying with my WHOLE heart on something, knowing that God will honor that completely when I do. If I am scared, I need to TRUST God. Oh, so easier said than done when worrying is ideal.
What I need to remember most when I am worrying up a storm is that worrying is like praying for what you don’t want to happen. It is important to me to start recognizing when I am letting worry and fear take over, when I can actively be praying about my fears boldly to God. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” -Hebrews 4:16. I love this verse. I love this verse for worrying, for fears, for anxiety. It reminds me of how I am to be bold in the eyes of a loving God who is full of mercy, one I do not need to fear in thanks to Christ. When I pray boldly, I receive His mercy and grace when I need it most. My heart is full with praise to the Lord our God for His words that I cannot find words to explain the contentment or peace that I feel. Our God is so good.
I’m happy. Happy, happy, happy. I’ve had a great night with my dad. We went to Red Mill and got fish and chips (for me) and a burger (for him) and had a really nice night together. It was so much better than eating by myself, or with the three dogs, and it was wonderful to just be out of the house. After dinner we talked about the new chairs the designer picked, how my day went and then how I’m going to spend my summer working at the office. I’m really excited about working there and am hoping to have a positive attitude throughout my ten weeks there. One thing I know is that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I got through my AP test today and even though it was a lot more difficult than I had expected, it’s over. Done! I’m grateful to only have my project left to worry about for that class. Then my thesis defense is on Monday, we know our groups and I’m sad that mine changed, but I know that God is in each and every person in my group and that He has me in this group to bring out good in my life. The experience itself may not end in a way that I think is good, but if I learn anything from the experience I cannot say I failed. I have a lot of sayings going for this event, I even calculated that it’s 1.5% of one day. That has me looking at it with perspective, along with the statement, “people are just people, they shouldn’t make you nervous.” Hoping and praying that the evening goes well and that I will prepare effectively this weekend. That means a lot of practice and work tomorrow, but I’m ready to be done with it.
This week has been full and really, really challenging, so I’m excited to sleep in tomorrow and work, work, work so I can enjoy Sunday by going to church, volunteering, stopping at the market and then reading. I love to read and don’t have enough time, so that’s what I’m going to do tonight after I break down what I need to do for tomorrow. I want to set myself up for success tomorrow and the only way I can do that tomorrow is to do the prep work tonight. It will be better than watching Greys Anatomy. I know it. Because as I was driving home with a huge smile on my face because a) happy, happy and b) my dad has peonies in his yard that I got to bring home (love, love, LOVE peonies!) I was listening to this song and all I could think about was how I need to start living my life right now, because this moment is the time to start. That seems to be the hardest part in so many ways, but starting allows life to happen and living life is always worth it, even when the work seems to get in the way. And I don’t want to let down God, that’s for sure, so I better live this life, this day that I am given as a gift, and celebrate every single moment. Life is too short not too!
This week has been hard. It was a rough Tuesday when I started taking my AP Stats practice exam and it was HARD. I thought I was going to fail and was frustrated that I felt I knew the material, but didn’t know how to properly answer the questions. Then on Wednesday yearbook hit the fan in every. way. possible. It felt like the ground was falling out under me as I felt like the teacher was upset with me and disappointed with me, but then it got worse. Someone thought that their name was misspelled on their senior page and was rightly frustrated and upset with that. With me not able to find anyone else related to yearbook that could help me, I ran around the school like a mad man trying to figure out if her name was misspelled. Little did I know it wouldn’t matter because right now that senior page in a certain yearbook I helped design is being shipped to my school and will be here next week or so. Eeeeek!! Finally, I was able to confirm that her name was not misspelled and all my prayers to God were answered and I learned that if only I would have just trusted Him in the middle of it, I would have had a much better day. I guess it’s not that easy. And then it just got stressful. Everyone seemed to be frustrated or hurt and upset with how things happened yesterday and today was just stressful. Stressful for confrontation that never happened, apologies that were never received in person and incredible disrespect that seemed to be felt by everyone involved. Yet how am I called to be joyful through this and actually be joyful? I certainly wasn’t joyful when her name could have been misspelled and when I was consumed with worry running around the school, my goodness, I was the farthest thing from joyful let alone graceful.
Looking back on these past 72 hours, I’m just exhausted. Emotionally and physically. This all takes a toll as I try to use my words kindly and thoughtfully instead of to hurt others through gossip, and I feel like all I did was gossip. Talk badly. Negatively. Hurtfully. That is certainly not the way God wants me to use my voice, not even close. And what hurts even more, is that when her name could have been misspelled, I was praying to any God that existed, any God when I believe in one. That stings as I type that. I physcially cringe to relive that moment where I didn’t trust God or even believe that He was the only one that could truly help me. Because I can see right now that He was there, teaching me a lesson in trusting and remembering that there was a draft where her name was misspelled and that we caught it before the final draft was sent. Grace in the fact that that is why we have drafts, to catch those errors. Abounding grace that overflows through every aspect of my week when I felt like everything was going so, so wrong. That AP practice exam I was so worried about? I did great. I didn’t get 100%, but thankfully that’s not what it takes to get a good score on the AP exam. Every single time I stop and start looking towards God, He shows me what matters. He shows me that this is just one test. One. test. One test that will not define me, that I will not worry about in five years, let alone more than six months. God will work the good score, bad score, perfect score I receive tomorrow for my good. And something so key about Romans 8:28 is what Beka noted at the end of the verse that so frequently gets left off: and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. God is working every single thing I am experiencing this week together for my good, because I love Him and am living the life that He has called me to live. I am living my life for Him, not for a stats grade or a perfect yearbook. For every good thing, I give Him all the glory, AP practice test score included. God is good.
Bad days are inevitable and are bound to happen. When all things come crashing down around me, it’s time to take it easy and to just accept the abundant grace that God gives so freely. Receiving help, being vulnerable, oh, it is so hard and made even harder on hard days. Sometimes, you have to WORK to make things right, to turn a bad day into a good one and sometimes not enough work in the world will make anything better. (But a new inspirational home page for chrome can help, see above.) I haven’t gone to sleep on time in days, DAYS! That takes a toll on me and not a pretty one. Exhaustion is not what God wants for me. My goodness. But I’m grateful for friends that help me turn the day around like Beka did today. It was an honest, take a break because you NEED IT moment. I need to give myself grace and be more willing to accept it. Yes, yes, and yes. Statistics is hard and my practice exam went really badly during first period, a rough way to start the day. Then, being compared to during lunch by said statistics teacher that proved just how badly I did was salt to the open, raw, and hurting wound. Shooting the play after school was a good way to get my mind OFF of everything that seemed to be going wrong, especially when I felt like the pictures were going right. Then, watching Oprah’s Lifeclass was so good as it talked about guilt. I STRUGGLE with guilt and frequently feel guilted by my mom, it’s a hard emotion to get through. But what I learned tonight? It’s a worthless emotion. My ego, which fuels every little bit of guilt, is pushing me away from God. God & my ego fight for my focus, and when my ego wins, it makes God smaller. That was a HUGE ah-ha moment for me watching today. And as I kept watching, I learned what I needed to do today: give myself permission to be hurt and frustrated with how today went, with how hard this day started and how I felt like it all came crashing down again with my mom. I am a human. I make mistakes. I will own my mistakes, my shortcomings, because my punishment is IN that mistake in that moment (ah-ha moment #2!). Then I will ACT where I can and take initiative that I know needs to be taken. God is breaking me down so that I depend on Him and realize that as I make less of my time on Instagram, I make more time for Him everywhere. God is good all the time. That is the honest, raw, and beautiful truth.
Today was a beatiful day. And I realize that as I have prayed more boldly over the last few days, God has answered my prayers bigger and better than I ever could have imagined. Today, I went to church. I love church. The songs we sing fill me up and encourage me more than anything else. Celebrating Christ in community every single week is the highlight of my week, I love it. And the lyrics from today aren’t escaping my mind on this gorgeous, 80 degree day in May, “my great redeemer, glorious Savior, your name is higher than the rising sun.” And every single time I see the blue skies and the sun, I think of how God is higher than the sun. Incredibly beautiful.
After church I picked up my mom and we were off to brunch at a family friend’s house that I hadn’t seen at ages. As a fellow family with a mom diagnosed with MS, I can relate to the lives of the daughters. And my oh my, did that family bless me today. Liz is sweet, kind, caring, thoughtful and so much like myself. I see her reservations, her grace, her poise, her thoughtfulness as a host and pray that I may one day appear to others in that way. After a delicious brunch and chatting at their home, we walked across the street and went on their boat! Oh my goodness, I still cannot believe that I went boating today! We went onto Lake Washington and went around Mercer Island. I could not have spent my day with a more loving, caring, thoughtful and happy group of people. Reuniting with my true friends from elementary school was a blessing for my heart and soul today. I’ve also learned not to force friendships, because true, authentic and real friendships don’t need the extra work or effort, they’re beautiful just the way they are. After receiving the most beautiful and delicate cross bracelet from Liz after we had chatted about reading C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity and how we both go to church by ourselves, God’s goodness is evident to me in absolutely everything.
Coming home, I’m thankful for the day I had. So, so thankful to have a weekend that has left me feeling full. And at 7:32, I realize I need to eat something, but also realize the work that is ahead of me this week. I realize I need and should be doing more, but I’m not. I have the AP Stats exam on Friday and that has me beyond nervous, my goodness. I don’t feel ready. But I know I’ve worked hard and that will pay off, I just need to make sure I’m doing my best this week, while also giving myself a break. Stress isn’t good for me, but trusting God is. And in that same sense of discipline, I’m conflicted about opening Instagram after giving it up since Wednesday. I miss it a bit, but I don’t miss it incredibly. I want to look at it on my computer, and gave myself the deadline of today to wait to stop fasting, but I still feel off. I don’t feel like opening it is the right decision when I have so much more to do. But opening Instagram isn’t getting in the way of me doing the work, doing the work is my only obstacle. I don’t want to open my bags and start unpacking from my dad’s. I don’t want to work on more statistics. I don’t want to work on my thesis defense that is a week from tomorrow. I just want to relax before this hectic week starts, and right now I think that is the best decision I could make.
I haven’t been right here, physically where I am, in too long. A weekend at my dad’s has finally come where we aren’t traveling and it isn’t spring break. It’s good to be home. Divorced parents allow for multiple homes, each with their own unique home feelings and sentiments. I’m grateful for two homes that make me more grateful for each of them individually. My dad’s house has an incredible view and sitting outside on the deck (in the furniture that was delivered this morning, God is good!) with the sun shining and watching the sun set was incredible. I need and crave restoration. Especially after the week that I’ve had, but also for the lack of rest I was able to get last weekend. I’m so grateful to be here right now.
Yet in so many ways, I feel like I’m somewhere I’ve never been before and it feels incredibly unfamiliar. With thirteen to fourteen days left of school (I’m not sure if I have three or four days of finals), I’m rapidly approaching so many things. Stats AP exam, thesis defense, prom, senior prank & skip day, finals, baccalaureate and graduation. All of these things are happening within a little more than three weeks and I know time will fly.
I feel anxious and excited. I feel ready, yet terrified. High school has been an incredible experience, one with trials and hardships, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. And with high school rapidly ending and that milestone sixteen days away, I realize the transitions I have ahead of me this summer that are so different and so new. This summer I have the opportunity to work at my dad’s office. It’s a job, one that is open and available for me in a time where jobs are hard to come by. Many people work during the summer, but this would be a first for me. Committing two and a half months of my summer to working seems terrifying, but that’s because it’s new. I’ve never worked during the summer or even gone to camp during the summer. I usually stay home and do a whole lot of nothing during the summer and working could be so motivating to keep me moving in the summer.
It’s a decision I need to pray about. And all those things I listed above are things that I need to pray about, too. And instead of writing, “I’m going to work on praying about these things more because they need to be prayed over,” I’m going to pray right here, right now.
Lord, thank you for being so close to me in this time of transition. I pray that I may be able to feel your presence more acutely, because I know you’re there and me not feeling you is my attention being elsewhere. It’s my attention being on worries, events, grades—not on you. Lord, may I remember who I am to you and who you say I am in a time that challenges every single bit of who I am. I pray over every worry in my heart, Lord, and I pray that I may learn to pray more throughout these days. I pray that you may help me have a productive weekend, one full of dependence on you and finding joy in gratitude in everything. May my cup overflow this weekend as I realize how good you are and how blessed I am. Blessed for so many reasons, but if only for the truth in the statement that I have a Savior. God, you are so good. Thank you for loving me, forgiving me, and for giving the gift of your word to us in the Bible. May I look to it more and more every day for your wisdom and guidance. Thank you for today, for this incredible weather, and the current calm & peace that is over my family. Thank you for the clarity to know that I needed to give up Instagram this week and for how well that has been going so far. Thank you for the reminder, God, that when I fast, when I give up something, you bless it. Every. single. time. You blow me away, God! Amen!
Hello, May! This month I’m filling you with honesty and accountability. I’m filling you with new experiences that will challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and into new memories by going to Prom. I’m filling you with more thoughtfulness regarding my time, saying goodbye to Instagram for five days or more, starting today. I’m filling you with a new life milestone: graduating from high school. I’m filling you with new adventures that incorporate more of what I love into my daily life. I’m filling you with more time for prayer and the Bible and trying to figure out new ways to incorporate both of those into my day more frequently. I’m filling you with letters and packages, loving on others in tangible ways through the mail. I’m filling you with new inspiration in a mini-binder that is finally put together. I’m filling you with fresh flowers and peonies. Oh, the peonies! But most of all, I’m filling May with what only the Holy Spirit can produce in my life. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. -Galatians 5:22-23
I’m sitting in bed at the Empress with the windows open as I watch the sunset and I’m so blessed with the incredible day that I’ve had. Waking up at 6am on a Saturday when I was exhausted from my first week back at school was less than desired, but at the end of this long day I am filled with so much joy. I still struggle to smile and laugh with my mom as we struggle to order room service, but I have seen the reasons to be grateful today.
Brentwood Regatta is a beautiful regatta. It’s at Brentwood College School (hello, confusion for Americans! It’s a high school, not a college!) and has a beautiful view of the water that everyone is racing on. There is something incredibly beautiful and graceful about rowing. Everyone in unison, one boat, four to eight people working as one, gliding across the finish line. I truly enjoy these opportunities to see my brother and love seeing him row! It is something that he loves to do and spends a lot of time doing, which challenges me to find something that I love. And when I come back to this idea, I realize what fires me up the most is being in Him. It is reading the Bible, going to Bible study, going to church, volunteering at Sunday school or simply talking about God and how He is involved in everything. His love is abundant and a gift that can be opened and received every single day.
Trips to Victoria highlight my love for God. It’s a forced (partial) social media free weekend as I can’t access Instagram or email unless I am at the hotel and logged into the wifi. This provides a challenge, but a forced break. I can’t create Internet when I don’t have to, which forces me to start doing what I love. What I love is expressed when I’m photographing my brother’s regatta or talking with my dad instead of logging on to Instagram and getting lost for 35 minutes. When self-discipline is taken out of the equation, I prosper and thrive. I find time to be involved in what matters to me and log into YouVersion to read His word at the end of the day instead of check in on others. When I am checked into God first, blessings overflow into my life and into others. I’m so grateful for these weekends to visit my brother and the blessing that boarding school has been for my family. God is so, so good.


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Research from three Cambridge grave sites suggests poor people were at greatest risk of injury
A friar crushed by a cart, another the victim of an attack by bandits: it sounds like the plot of a medieval mystery. But according to new research these are some of the possible misfortunes to have befallen those in centuries gone by.
An analysis of bones from 314 individuals aged 12 or older, dating from around 1100 to the 1530s, and found in three different sites across Cambridge, reveals that bone fractures were common among those buried in a parish cemetery – where many ordinary workers would have been laid to rest. But the team also found evidence of horrific injuries among those buried in an Augustinian friary, suggesting the clergy were not protected against violent events.