I'll say it again. I can't believe how easy it is to go places in this country. All it takes is a few quid, and a couple hours, and you're anywhere in the country.
Since the last time, I've been laying pretty low. I seemed to have managed to be really sick for a week, right after returning from Canada. But I slept for about 2 days straight, and this week felt super. Oh...and ya, I felt like I was Dorothy being blown away in the crazy wind. Thanks to those of you who've asked if I am still 'grounded'.
Yesterday, my friend Aisling (said Ashling) and I ventured out to see Cambridge. Compared to Oxford, Cambridge is smaller and in our opinions, prettier. Same types of old stone buildings beautiful courtyards, all set along the river Cam which is full of 'punters' having a go at boating down the water. If you look closely, you will see that these people have no clue what they're doing. In fact, two boats almost collided, and we witnessed a guy fall in. It was hilarious. A bunch of girls screamed and the next thing we new, he was crawling back in the boat, soaking wet and probably really cold.
We really just wandered through the town, ate at a nice cafe/restaurant, and imagined what it would be like to call Cambridge your uni town.
Today (Sunday) was the Uno championships (pronounced here 'you-know' which gets quite confusing while playing). Now, at the Birmingham Uno Casino, you are always encouraged to wear your best and most interesting attire, so be warned that clothes were selected very carefully. I unfortunately lost to Kamila by 3 points. Too bad.
I look forward to another couple of weeks of rest before heading off to Dublin for a few days over the Feb. break. I am continuing to be learning tons and challenged even more at church and homegroup. We are currently on a series looking at work and rest, and how Christ wants us to live, to prioritize and spend our time. It's really practical and has been great so far. The biggest lesson so far, is that all of us need to evaluate where we get our identity and security from. It is often too easy to look to being good at our jobs, being successful, being recognized, and working long hours, to feel validated, secure, significant and for rewards. I have been reminded that the only security and significance we need is that that comes from knowing we are children of God, loved, and saved, and that our reward is yet to come, sooner than we might think. The only recognition and satisfaction we should be looking for is the 'well done, my good and faithful servant'. Aside from this, our ambitions, and vain attempts for success and reward will only leave us wanting, leave us dissappointed, and leave us restless. I think that the hard work we do, is necessary and useful, as long as we keep in mind that it should be an extension and overflowing of our worship, to bring glory to God, not ourselves. Hmmm....as easy as it sounds?
I hope you all can be reminded to go to work each day with the intention to extend your worship and to do everything for His glory, finding value in working for Him, finding security and significance in Him. For He has done so much, worked so hard for us. Christ worked intentionally and faithfully when he was on the earth, to bring glory to the father, and to rescue us from our sin. Imagine if all the work
we did was to this standard.
Just thought this was an interesting picture. I guess the clouds and overcast weather in this country can be good for something. Just liked the way it turned out. We were walking along the border of England in Wales above a town called Knighton. Absolutely beautiful....and came across these fantastic trees...
with that helmet, you'll fo' sho' make it to the pros Darren
Yes, the antlers came home for Christmas
Good to see the brother although he will be in the UK soon (assuming you book your flight!)
It wouldn't be true holidays without a little chocolate fondue!
Kale I hope you noticed you made 2 cameos in this blog (nice hat by the way)
