Reason no. 1300...

Thankful for so many things this year! It has had it ups and downs, but there are still many things to celebrate. This year I graduated after studying for 4 years, I got my first Speech and Language Therapy job and I moved back to Ashford with my lovely husband. We got our first car together! David completed his Access course and he started his social work degree. We have found a great church in Ashford to be part of! I am so thankful for the many blessings we have had this year! Reason no. 1300 :)

Reason no. 1299...

Thankful for a time of rest after the busyness of Christmas! It is has been great to have time to play lots of games, do sewing and go to the cinema! It has been good and a time to recharge! Reason no. 1299 :)

Reason no. 1298...

Thankful for having enough money to be able to go away on holiday. Excited to be planning our next holiday for 2018! Reason no. 1298 :)

Reason no. 1297...

Thank You God that You are patient and kind. You are faithful and look after me through every circumstance. You are a wonderful father and a good friend. Reason no. 1297 :)

Reason no. 1296...

Thankful for the year ahead - declaring that God has our housing situation in His hands and it will be sorted, David and I will settle into our new lives in Ashford together, this will be a year of victory! Reason no. 1296 :)

Reason no. 1295...

Thankful for having God as a good friend! He is the One who is always there and always ready to listen. He is the One who is constant in the good and bad times. Reason no. 1295 :)

Reason no. 1294...

Thankful to now be better from a yucky sickness bug and that I can now enjoy nice food and I can now go outside and cope with a walk round the block! Reason no. 1294 :)

Reason no. 1293...

Thankful for a good Christmas time! Great company, food and presents! Thank you Jesus that You chose to come and live amongst humanity! Thank you Jesus for everything You did for us and still do for us! Reason no. 1293 :)

Reason no. 1292...

Thank you God that even in my tiredness You are with me and strengthen me for all the things that are ahead of me today! Reason no. 1292 :)

Reason no. 1291...

Thankful for having cineworld cards this year! It has been great being able to go to the cinema and watch new films! Reason no. 1291 :)

Reason no. 1290...

Thankful for having a week off next week and getting to spend time with family and friends! I am ready for a week of rest and sleep as it has been a long and tiring term! Reason no. 1290 :)

Reason no. 1289...

Thankful for David getting a job at uni that is so flexible and that he can pick up work as and when he chooses. Reason no. 1289 :)

Reason no. 1288...

Thankful for the team I work with. It is a positive place to be. In a meeting I was reminded just how different it could be but also from hearing stories of another locality I applied to work for. Thank you God for the job You have given me. Reason no. 1288 :)

Reason no. 1287...

Thank you God for giving me David as my husband. His heart for people is beautiful and seeing how he is someone people confide in the midst of pain and fear and then how he can speak Your truth into situations is so wonderful. Reason no. 1287 :)

Reason no. 1286...

Thank you God for heaven! Thank you God that I get to spend an eternity with You in a place where there is no pain, no tears, no hurt! Reason no. 1286 :)

Reason no. 1285...

Thank you God that You drown my fears with Your wonderful love. Thank you God that when my eyes are fixed on You, fear is silenced. Help me fix my gaze on You because a life living knowing Your love far far far far far outweighs a life living in fear. Reason no. 1285 :)

Reason no. 1284...

Thankful for only having 4 days left of work before breaking up for Christmas! Reason no. 1284 :)

Reason no. 1283...

Thank you God that You are the One who is with me in the moments of joy and the moments of sadness. You are  a good friend, never leaving or forsaking me, You are the One who listens, the One who comforts and the One who is with me in everything! Reason no. 1283 :)

Reason no. 1282...

Thank you God that You are the One who strengthens me for all that I face this week. You are the One who equips me with all the things that I need. Reason no. 1282 :)

Reason no. 1281...

Thank you God for safe journeys to and from Somerset over the last 2 days.

Reason no. 1281 :)

Reason no. 1280....

Thank you God for Your promises over my life and that when You speak Your words come to fulfilment and there is life! Reason no. 1280 :)

Reason no. 1279...

So thankful for the wonderful home God has and is providing for me and David to live in. He is a good God and so generous! His timing is just right. He turns what seems like a bad situation into something good. By buyers pulling out of purchasing my parents house, me and David get to rent the home instead! Reason no. 1279 :)

Reason no. 1278...

Thank you God that You have wonderful plans for my life!

Reason no. 1278 :)

Reason no. 1277...

Thank you God for my job and for money so that I can do nice things!

Reason no. 1277 :)

Reason no. 1276...

'Your feelings are your slave, not your master. You get to tell your emotions what to do, not the other way around.'

Kris Vallotton

Reason no. 1275...

Thank you God that You tell me how to move into the abudance of joy and peace that You have for me...Find scriptures that bring life and actively decide to put your mind on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8). God there is so many things that are like this and that is what I want to be quick to do when I am struggling, rather than dwell on the difficulties! Reason no. 1275 :)

Reason no. 1274...

Thank you God that You are the One who surrounds me, protecting me and keeping me! Reason no. 1274 :)

Reason no. 1273...

Thank you God that You want to walk with me in every step I take in life. You take interest in the smallest of details - both the good and bad, easy and hard! Reason no. 1273 :)

Reason no. 1272...

Thank you God for a great day in London yesterday with one of my housemates back in Manchester and her boyfriend! Thankful that we were in the same flat when in halls of residence and she was one of the first people that I met when moving in! Reason no. 1272 :)

Reason no. 1271...

Thank you God that You are the One who keeps on loving me. Thank you God that You are the One who continues to pour grace into my life. Thank you God that You are the One who chose me to be Your daughter. Reason no. 1271 :)

Reason no. 1270...

Thank you God that You help me to forgive others. In my strength it can feel impossible but You make it possible. Thank you God that You have forgiven me much and so I want to be someone who forgives well too. Reason no. 1270 :)

Reason no. 1269...

So thankful for everything God has given me. In Him I am abundantly rich!

Reason no. 1269 :)

Reason no. 1268...

Thank you God that Your love is for me not against me!

Reason no. 1268 :)

Reason no. 1267...

Thankful for tomorrow. I get to see the first friend that I made in Manchester! Super excited to see her again! Reason no. 1267 :)

Reason no. 1266...

Yesterday I watched 'The Shack' for the first time. It is a film that highlights so many wonderful attributes of God. He is my Papa, He loves to spend time with me, He cares about the hurts and the One who heals them, He is Judge and how good it is that it is Him that judges and not me, He is the One who sees the big picture. Reason no. 1266 :)

Reason no. 1265...

Thank you God that You are the One who knows everything including everything that I am thinking and yet You love it when I come to You and tell You things. You are interested in me and my thoughts. Reason no. 1265 :)

Reason no. 1264...

Thankful for a good day yesterday and learning lots of interesting things - some of which was so useful and relevant! Reason no. 1264 :)

Reason no. 1263...

Thankful for all the music lessons my parents gave me as a child. The other week I got my clarinet out of the loft and it was amazing to think how my brain could somehow remember all the different notes and what my fingers had to do for each note after so many years. Memory is such a clever thing! Reason no. 1263 :)

Reason no. 1262...

Thankful for a little gift I got at the weekend - a little Christmas decoration sewing kit! Reason no. 1262 :)

Reason no. 1261...

Thankful for Christmas time and having a week and a half off! Rest is good! Reason no. 1261 :)

Reason no. 1260...

Thank you God that You are the supplier of wisdom and God I come to You knowing that You will give me the wisdom I need for each situation that I face because You give wisdom generously. Reason no. 1260 :)

Reason no. 1259...

Thank you God that You give me strength to do all things and that includes: things at home, things at work, things in my marriage, things with friends and so much more! Thank you God that You help me to do all things that are before me and I can do it with confidence as it is not in my strength but in Yours. Reason no. 1259 :)

Reason no. 1258...

Thankful for having people around me who care about me.

Reason no. 1258 :)

Reason no. 1257...

Thankful that God has given me a job in Ashford. He is the provider and He chose me to work there in this season with the children that I am seeing. He is not a God of mistakes. Reason no. 1257 :)

Reason no. 1256...

Thank you God that I don't need to let the pressures of life bother me as I can take courage and know that Jesus has overcome the world and it's tribulations (John 16:33). Thank you God that You are greater and stronger than any struggle that I face! Reason no. 1256 :)

Reason no. 1255...

I am so thankful for having some wonderfully wise people around me. Reason no. 1255 :)

Reason no. 1254...

Thankful for my loving and kind sister. At the wedding yesterday she had wrote such a beautiful message for her that was read out as she could not make the wedding due to being in Canada! Esther has such a beautiful way with words and God uses that to speak powerfully into peoples' lives and that is truly wonderful. Reason no. 1254 :)

Reason no. 1253...

Thank you God that You are so faithful and loving. Thank you God that You never give up on Your children and You are forever pursuing them. Reason no. 1253 :)

Reason no. 1252...

Thankful for friendships. Moving back to Ashford has been tricky as many of the friends that were here are no longer here and it takes time to make friends. At the wedding it was lovely seeing friends again! Reason no. 1252 :)

Reason no. 1251...

Thank you God for marriage! Yesterday one of my friends who I grew up with in church got married! She looked beautiful and it was such a lovely celebration. Over the day it was so lovely to hear of God's grace over them. God is good and the redeemer and the transformer! Reason no. 1251 :)

Reason no. 1250...

Thank you God for my job. It is such a challenge and I often feel out of my depth, but thank you God that this is the job You have provided me. Reason no 1250 :)

Reason no. 1249...

Thank you God for small victories! I spoke in a meeting that I was so worried about on Monday. Thank you God that each meeting I have You will grow the confidence in me even more so that I can do the job well. Reason no. 1249 :)

Reason no. 1248...

Thank you God that in the busyness of life, You are constant and a rock.

Reason no. 1248 :)

Reason no. 1247...

Thank you God that the car was fixable and passed its MOT yesterday!

Reason no. 1247 :)

Reason no. 1246...

Thank you that today is Yours. Thank you God that You are triumphant over fear and that Your love is so strong! Reason no. 1246 :)

Reason no. 1245...

Thank you God that You have called us to carry Your peace into situations. Thank you God that in the midst of chaos and uncertainty Your peace is here and that it transforms situations around. Reason no. 1245 :)

Reason no. 1244...

Thank you God that as I give thanks to You, You shift my perspective and remind me of how blessed I am by You. Reason no. 1244 :)

Reason no. 1243...

Thank you God that You saved me so that I get to spend eternity with You!

Reason no. 1243 :)

Reason no. 1242...

Thankful for having the opportunity to go on free training at work! Looking forward to having a day on selective communication. Thankful for having people with so much more knowledge in different fields around me. Reason no. 1242 :)

Reason no. 1241...

Thank you God that even though it so cold outside, You have provided me with a warm place to live. Reason no. 1241 :)

Reason no. 1240...

Thank you God that it is a new week and that You are with me when I see every child and make every decision. I pray for wisdom and for a good week! Reason no. 1240 :)

Reason no. 1239...

Thankful for having a such lovely and welcoming colleague at work who invited me and David over for dinner. Thank you God that in the moments I feel like I'm finding it really difficult, You break in and do something that reminds me that You are with me in everything I do and that You care about me. Reason no. 1239 :)

Reason no. 1238...

Thank you God for church and how You want it to be our family. 

Reason no. 1238 :)

Reason no. 1237...

Thank you God for having a team at work who I can ask questions to and they are so supportive and helpful. It is so helpful, especially when I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing! Reason no. 1237 :)

Reason no. 1236...

Thank you God for moments of quietness in the day and having a chance to recharge. Reason no. 1236 :)

Reason no. 1235...

Thank you God for providing us with a car - a car that runs and is such a good size. Having a car means that I am able to do the job that I'm doing and means we are able to travel and do nice things. Reason no. 1235 :)

Reason no. 1234...

Thank you God that You care about the details and that nothing escapes Your attention. You care about the little things and in that You remind me of how important I am to You. Reason no. 1234 :)

Reason no. 1233...

Thank you God that You are the Renewer and the Restorer. Thank you God that You transform the broken into something beautiful and in that process You are glorified! Reason no. 1233 :)

Reason no. 1232...

Thank you for a lovely day celebrating a lovely friend who is getting married in a few weeks. A morning of plate painting was such a great idea! It was so nice to do something creative and be reminded of the joy creativity brings! Reason no. 1232 :)

Reason no. 1231...

Thank you God that You are wise. Thank you God that You give wisdom to those who ask for it. Thank you God that Your wisdom can guide me through all situations. Reason no. 1231 :)

Reason no. 1230...

Thank you God that You are with me in every moment. Thank you God that You are cheering me on every day and that You never stop loving me! Reason no. 1230 :)

Reason no. 1229...

Thankful that Esther is having such a good time abroad! I love hearing about all her adventures! Reason no. 1229 :)

Reason no. 1228...

Thankful for having a few days off after today! David and I are off to stay in a treehouse for a few days! So excited! :) Reason no. 1228 :)

Reason no. 1227...

'Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…” In other words, we need to proactively manage our thoughts because they will become manifestations in our lives.'
Kris Vallotten

Reason no. 1227 :)

Reason no. 1226...

Thank you God that You never fail, You don't know how! Reason no. 1226 :)

Reason no. 1225...

Thank you God that You are my victory. Thank you God that You have called me to be an overcomer and someone who sees breakthrough. Reason no. 1225 :)

Reason no. 1224...

I am thankful for being back in Ashford. I love being able to walk into town and as I walk through see different people that I know. I love that Ashford is that bit smaller than Manchester and less busy and squished down the high street. Reason no. 1224 :)

Reason no. 1223...

Thank you God that You are forever providing. Thank you for this job and the money that comes with it. Thank you God that it provides enough to live off and enjoy life and enable David to be a student too! Reason no. 1223 :)

Reason no. 1222...

Thankful for being able to come home and have other people cook for me at the moment. It makes a huge difference whilst settling into work! Reason no. 1222 :)

Reason no. 1221...

Thank you God that You are my banner and that means that You are my security and my victory! Reason no. 1221 :)

Reason no. 1220...

Thankful for a lovely couple from our new church inviting us over for food yesterday. It was a lovely answer to prayer in helping us know whether we were going to the right church! Reason no. 1220 :)

Reason no. 1219...

Thankful for prayers being answered and that improvements were seen in my uncles health today after going through a series of big health issues. Reason no. 1219 :)

Reason no. 1218...

Thankful for a job that I get to have so much variety and get to meet so many different people. Reason no. 1218 :)

Reason no. 1217...

Today at church 2 youth got baptised. Thankful for God's heart for His children and how He breaks in and turns situations around. Thankful that God turns fear, hopelessness and disappointment around. Reason no. 1217 :)

Reason no. 1216...

Thank you God that You are with me through everything, never leaving or forsaking me! Reason no. 1216 :)

Reason no. 1215...

Thankful for the first 4 weeks in the job. The team is so welcoming and supportive and giving me lots opportunities to develop as an SLT! Reason no. 1215 :)

Reason no. 1214...

Thank you God that You are my protector and You are the good shepherd! 

Reason no. 1214 :)

Reason no. 1213...

Thankful for a cineworld gift card we were given from a family in church. Yesterday David and I got to enjoy it! Reason no. 1213 :)

Reason no. 1212...

'Very often God does not give us exactly what we ask for. Instead he gives us what we would have asked for if we had known everything he knows.' 

Tim Keller

Reason no. 1212 :)

Reason no. 1211...

Thank you God that David has now joined me in Ashford after 2 and half weeks apart! Thankful for someone from our church in Manchester driving him down with the remainder of all our stuff. Reason no. 1211 :)

Reason no. 1210...

Thank you God that You have been with me as I have moved to Ashford and started my new job. Thank you God that You opened up the job for me and have provided me a home to live in. Reason no. 1210 :)

Reason no. 1209...

Thank you God that You are healer: physically, mentally and emotionally. 

Reason no. 1209 :)

Reason no. 1208...

Thank you God that love is greater than fear. 

Reason no. 1208 :)

Reason no. 1207...

Thankful for moving down south again and excited for the next adventure that awaits for me and David. I love how God opened up the door for David getting into uni and providing me with a job in just the right location to his uni! Reason no. 1207 :)

Reason no. 1206...

Thankful for newday next week and getting to spend a week with a great bunch of young people and knowing that God will speak and do some incredible things! Reason no. 1206 :)

Reason no. 1205...

Thankful for a week away in Herefordshire with my extended family. It was lovely to get away, stay in a beautiful part of the country and see most of the family together! It was great to go for walks in the countryside, explore a castle, go to a rare breeds centre, play foot-golf and see David's grandparents for lunch on one day! Reason no. 1205 :)

Reason no. 1204...

Thankful for a wonderful graduation ceremony just over a week ago! It was so good to see course mates again and hear how so many of them have jobs already! It was great to have David, my parents and sister there celebrating with me! I am so thankful for everything they have done to help me get over the finish line - from prayers, finances, encouragement and treats along the way :) Reason no. 1204 :)

Reason no. 1203...

Thankful for having places to go with internet whilst being without broadband for the next few weeks (until I am in Ashford)! Reason no. 1203 :)

Reason no. 1202...

Thank you God that in Christ Jesus God does not condemn me and my future is free for everlasting joy. Reason no. 1202 :)

Reason no. 1201...

Thankful for the last 2 days celebrating (a few days early) our 1st anniversary! We went over to Bakewell and went for walks in the area and ate some great food! The landscape is so beautiful over there! Reason no. 1201 :)

Reason no. 1200...

'I am convinced that prayer is not only our greatest privilege, but also our greatest source of power.'

Pete Greig

The living God is an incredible Father who loves it when I talk to Him about anything and everything - the good and the bad, the joys and the hurts and everything in between. He is a great listener and whilst He is busy sustaining the universe He still has time for me. He is the One who speaks and tells me who He is and who He has designed me to be. He speaks truth and brings wisdom. He is the One who is all powerful and can turn situations around - nothing is too big, too complicated or too insignificant for Him.

Reason no. 1200 :)

Reason no. 1199...

Thank you God that Your blessings are new every morning and today is no exception! You are continually good and forever generous to Your children. Reason no. 1199 :)

Reason no. 1198...

'God’s glory consists much in the fact that he is happy beyond our wildest imagination.' 

John Piper

He is gloriously happy and as His children we get to spend eternity with the One who is not unhappy or grouchy but indefinitely happy! Reason no. 1198 :)

Reason no. 1197...

Thank you God that time is in Your hands and You are the eternal One. Thank you God that You always fulfil Your promises. Thank you God that the promise You spoke 9 years ago (in 2008) is now in fulfilment with me finishing university. Thank you God for all the bursaries that I was provided with whilst at university - You said it would happen and it did! (Absolutely incredible as now everyone starting the course will no longer have the same bursaries available! God's timing for me studying was perfect!) You said I would combine education and medically related things. At the time I had not even heard of a Speech and Language Therapist, little did I know that the role works in both education and medical arenas. Thank you God that You work everything together for good and You always keep Your promises! Reason no. 1197 :)

Reason no. 1196...

'The Spirit gives us eyes to see the beauties of Jesus that call up joy out of our hearts.'

John Piper

Reason no. 1196 :)

Reason no. 1195...

Thank you God that You have enabled me to overcome difficult situations. Thank you God that I get to partner with You and see breakthrough! Reason no. 1195 :)

Reason no. 1194...

This week I finished a novel called 'Bridge to Haven' by Francine Rivers. I am thankful for time to read and rest. The story speaks of God's redemption and incredible love. It shows how God's love reaches those that are in the depths of sin, guilt and shame. It shows how even if we think we are running a million miles from God, He knows exactly where we are and we have not escaped His attention. Reason no. 1194 :)

Reason no. 1193...

Thankful for days out in the countryside! Yesterday I went to Tatton Park with 2 of my old housemates. The landscape around the property was beautiful even if it was grey and wet! Reason no. 1193 :)

Reason no. 1192...

Thank you God that You loved me before I was even created and even when I was lost in sin. Reason no. 1192 :)

Reason no. 1191...

Yesterday I found out that I finished my degree with a 2:1! This means that I am a qualified Speech and Language Therapist! Thank you God for Your faithfulness over these past 4 years. You are so good! Reason no. 1191 :)

Reason no. 1190...

Thank you God that I am a new creation: made holy and righteous! Reason no. 1190 :)

Reason no. 1189...

Thank you God that You are the One who sustains me, You are the One who puts breath in my lungs and gives me life! Reason no. 1189 :)

Reason no. 1188...

'To find God is the fountain of all joy.' 

Augustine

Reason no. 1188 :)

Reason no. 1187...

Thank you God that You are the One who stills the storms!

Reason no. 1187 :)

Reason no. 1186...

Yesterday my parents and granddad put an offer in on a house and it got accepted! Great answer to prayer! Reason no. 1186 :)

Reason no. 1185...

Thank you God that You already know where David and me will live when we move to Ashford and that You will provide us with a great affordable home in the right location. Reason no. 1185 :)

Reason no. 1184...

Habakkuk 2:3

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;

it speaks of the end

and will not prove false.

Though it linger, wait for it;

it will certainly come

and will not delay.

Thank you God that promises spoken by You will come to life in Your perfect timing. Although the promise may take days, weeks, months, years, if it is a promise by You it will not be delayed. Thank you God that You fulfilled Your promise to Abram (Abraham) of a child many many many years later. The promise came, even if it was a long wait! Reason no. 1184 :) 

Reason no. 1183...

David (as in David and Goliath!) 'knew that each breakthrough would only come through intimacy with God and awareness of God's perfect timing.' David knew that when a breakthrough was needed that he had to inquire of God and seek His direction rather than respond to situations by himself (2 Samuel 5:19). Rather than repeat strategies used from the past for similar situations, he found out the strategy God wanted in this specific situation/time. (Leif Hetland)

Thank you God that You want us to see breakthrough in our lives. Thank you God that You love it when we come to You for advice and the strategy. 

Reason no. 1183 :)

Reason no. 1182...

Thank you God that You are my protector, my refuge and my fortress. This is who You are every day and in every circumstance. Reason no. 1182 :)

Reason no. 1181...

Thank you God for marriage. In a couple of weeks I will have been married to David for 1 year! Thankful to have someone so loving, kind, supportive, encouraging, gentle, fun, wise, funny to be my amazing husband! Reason no. 1181 :)

Reason no. 1180...

Thank you God that You give wisdom to those who ask for it. Thank you God that You give it generously and draw it to mind at the right time.  Reason no. 1180 :)

Reason no. 1179...

A good evening with David's sister and her fiance yesterday. Thankful for the time they spent travelling to come and see us for a few hours.

Reason no. 1179 :)

Reason no. 1178...

Thank you God that You love being part of my life and love it when I include You in it. Thank you God that You love it when I talk to You about anything and everything. You are a friend who is so dependable, a wonderful listener and overflowing with wisdom. Reason no. 1178 :)

Reason no. 1177...

Thankful that the green 'p' s for my car have arrived! It meant that I felt a little bit more confident when driving today. David has been a great driving instructor whilst I get used to driving again. Today I managed to get up to 40mph for the first time since passing my test, which is one small achievement towards being ready to drive for my job in August! Reason no. 1177 :)

Reason no. 1176...

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

 

    a time to be born and a time to die,

    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

 

    a time to kill and a time to heal,

    a time to tear down and a time to build,

    a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

    a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

    a time to search and a time to give up,

    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

 

    a time to tear and a time to mend,

    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

 

    a time to love and a time to hate,

    a time for war and a time for peace.

Thank you God that You hold our lives in Your hands. Thank you God that You are with us through every time and season. 

Reason no. 1176 :)

Reason no. 1175...

'David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.'

1 Samuel 30:6

In the midst of difficult situations David reconnected with God and was strengthened to a place where he could move forward. How did he strengthen himself? With praise and prayer. David focused his attention on the promises of God not on his problem. David enquired of God and asked for His direction. David knew that he needed a strategy from God to reach a place of victory over his problem.

Reason no. 1175 :)

Reason no. 1174...

'Who dares despise the day of small beginnings?' 

Zechariah 4:10

'Small beginnings are the seedbed for greatness.'

Leif Hetland

Thank you God that You place so much value in the little day to day things. Thank you God that You took David who was a shepherd and made him into a King. Taking care of the sheep on a daily basis trained David to defeat Goliath and become a champion. The lessons David learnt on the field prepared him for what was required when ruling a nation. 

Reason no. 1174 :)

Reason no. 1173...

This week my uni results should be released! Thank you God that You got me onto the course in the first place and You have been with me every step of the way - every assignment, exam and presentation. Thank you God that You were with me in every lecture and seminar too. Thank you God that You have a job lined up for me already. Thank you God that You will get me over the finish line this week! Reason no. 1173 :)

Reason no. 1172...

Thank you God that You are the One who restores brokenness.  What may look impossible to man, is truly possible for You. Reason no. 1172 :)

Reason no. 1171...

Thank you God that I am part of your family and because Jesus makes me holy, You are proud of me! Reason no. 1171 :)

Reason no. 1170...

'...because Jesus already won the battle against sin and death, we are fighting from victory, not for victory.'

Leif Hetland

Reason no. 1170 :)

Reason no. 1169...

Thank you Jesus that you endured all the pain of the cross, even though you could have saved yourself from it, because you loved me and wanted to save me. Reason no. 1169 :)

Reason no. 1168...

Thankful for these past 4 years with my some great coursemates. We are now in the process of all parting ways across the country as we soon start our first jobs! Thank you God that many of us already have jobs, but I pray that you will provide jobs for those who are still looking. Reason no. 1168 :)

Reason no. 1167...

'For God has said, 'I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.'

Hebrews 13:5

Thank you God that regardless of whether we 'feel' your presence, the truth remains that You are with us, still watching every detail of our lives, still loving and caring for us.

Reason no. 1167 :)

Reason no. 1166...

Wonderful answer to prayer for my family! After concerns about whether the offer someone put in for their house would stay, today they found out that their buyer is happy to progress with the sale! Next prayer: great house for my parents and granddad to buy and for that to be found/released soon! Reason no. 1166 :)

Reason no. 1165...

'Normal life was, in fact, the training ground that uniquely prepared David to take down a giant no one else could....Some of the greatest victories in life begin with being faithful in the small things...We must never forget to do well with what God has already given us. Taking care of what is right in front of us is the best way to get to what is ahead of us...Showing up in the small things is what prepares us to show up when we face the greater pressures of the battlefield and the throne room. This was true for David, and it's true for us, too.'

Leif Hetland

Thank you God that You know what You are doing and You know all things from the beginning to the end and all things in between. Help me God to be faithful with what You have put before me at the moment.

Reason no. 1165 :)

Reason no. 1164...

'As children of God, made in His image, we are people of destiny. We are destined to overcome giants and to accomplish great feats for the Kingdom of God.'

Leif Hetland

Reason no. 1164 :)

Reason no. 1163...

Thank you God that because of Jesus I am on the winning team!

Reason no. 1163 :)

Reason no. 1162...

Last week I heard an amazing story of how God is working in Vietnam! Absolutely incredible! It is wonderful how God places the church in positions of tremendous influence that allow kingdom values to come into culture! Reason no. 1162 :)

Reason no. 1161...

'Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.'

James 4:8

Reason no. 1161 :)

Reason no. 1160...

This week I and someone who used to work as a speech and language therapist had a conversation with a lady about some speech and language related concerns with her child. At the end the lady was saying how she felt a lot more reassured and at ease about the situation. I am thankful that these past 4 years of training is not confined to be used inside a job but can bless and reassure others even when I am not working!

Reason no. 1159...

Thank you God that You are with me in every situation. Thank you God that in the good and bad times You never leave me. You are Emmanuel. Reason no. 1159 :)

Reason no. 1158...

Thankful for the hot weather allowing washing to dry really quickly. It is so much better when our flat is cold flat is cold and the washing would take nearly a week to dry! Reason no. 1158 :)

Reason no. 1157...

Yesterday David had has final day in college (with exception to graduation!) - he achieved everything he needed to begin his social work degree in September! I have loved being there along the journey and seeing him so interested by some of the topics. It amazes me how someone who managed to leave his assignments so last minute managed to achieve so so so many distinctions! Reason no. 1157 :)

Reason no. 1156...

Yesterday I went for a walk with David round a park we have gone past nearly very week this past year. When we arrived we realised it was so much bigger and beautiful than we had realised from the roadside. Such a nice surprise! Definitely a new place for some nice walks these next few weeks :) Reason no. 1156 :) 

Reason no. 1155...

Thank you God that Your creation makes You smile! You watch us as we do the things You made us to do and when we use our talents and abilities it brings You joy! Reason no. 1155 :)

Reason no. 1154...

Thankful for David taking me out in the car and letting me get used to driving again. Thankful for his encouragement and help! Reason no. 1154 :)

Reason no. 1153...

Thank you God that You want to be my friend - not just an acquaintance but a close friend! Reason no. 1153 :)

Reason no. 1152...

'When Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, the veil in the temple that symbolized our separation from God was split from top to bottom, indicating that direct access to God was once again available.'

Rick Warren

Reason no. 1152 :)

Reason no. 1151...

One of the key messages from the conference: There are 8 domains in society: medical, economics, agriculture and water, social and civil society, education, communication, science and technology, governance. Church is present in every area wherever a disciple is present. There is value in being present in the workplace. Reason no. 1151 :)

Reason no. 1150...

When we retuned home from the weekend, a letter was waiting for us from the council tax people. It turned out we were in credit. Perfect timing seeing as my student status is now gone and we would have to pay the extra 25% for the next 2 months before moving in with parents for a little while. God is looking out for  our finances! Reason no. 1150 :)

Reason no. 1149...

Yesterday I heard an amazing testimony from a lady who prayed for boldness. Her prayer led her to pray for someone at church with a bad back and God growing that person's leg to a place where discomfort in their back significantly decreased. The lady then went to the cinema later that day and saw another person with a bad back and asked whether she could pray with him. He said yes and God broke in and the man's leg grew. He had no more pain! God is good and God is healer. Reason no. 1149 :)

Reason no. 1148...

Whilst sat next to someone at the church leadership conference, I ended up chatting to a lady who was a physiotherapist.  The conversation allowed me to dream beyond what the next few years of my career and perhaps not see myself confined to what uni has described for the past few years. Reason no. 1148 :)

Reason no. 1147...

This weekend David was keen to buy a book but when he looked at the price it seemed really expensive. The next day we were given some cash that meant that not only did he buy the one book but we got 3 extra ones too! Reason no. 1147 :)

Reason no. 1146...

Yesterday was Father's day! I am thankful for my dad. He is so loving, encouraging, funny, caring and thoughtful. I love how he loves God and encourages others by sharing what is on God's heart for them to hear. I love how he enjoys playing board games and going for walks as that meant I got to spend time with him. I am thankful for the past 4 years and all the financial support he is provided to help me get through uni and now stand on the other side of having finished the degree. I love how he freely releases me and my sister to move to Manchester and Birmingham and Esther to Canada this coming year. I am excited to get to see him on a much more frequent basis than the last 5 years! Reason no. 1146 :)

Reason no. 1145...

Thankful for David's aunt and uncle and grandparents for letting us stay with them whilst we attended a conference down in Milton Keynes. Reason no. 1145 :)

Reason no. 1144...

Thank you God for family.

Reason no. 1144 :)

Reason no. 1143...

Thank you God that You are a faithful friend and are with me through every situation. Reason no. 1143 :)

Reason no. 1142...

Thank you God for guiding David with the access course he has done this year. So happy that yesterday he submitted his final assignment. He has worked so hard and done so well to get back into studying. Looking forward to see what the next 3 years of studying have in store for him! Today we went and celebrated by heading into town ad treating ourselves to some cake! Reason no. 1142 :)

Reason no. 1141...

'Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving him and giving ourselves to be used for his purposes.'

Reason no. 1141 :)

Reason no. 1140...

Thankful for the sunshine after days of wind and rain!

Reason no. 1140 :)

Reason no. 1139...

Thankful for the next week - spending a few days in Ashford and then Milton Keynes and being able to catch up with lots of family. Reason no. 1139 :)

Reason no. 1138...

Thank you God that You will sort out the right location and right accommodation for David and I as we move to Kent. Thank you God that You already know where we will live and You have the timing in Your hands. Reason no. 1138 :)

Reason no. 1137...

Amazing answer to prayer at youth today! We were praying for one of the youth leader's for a new job and whilst we are praying her phone starts ringing and it is a job offering her a trial shift tomorrow. God is good! Reason no. 1137 :)

Reason no. 1136...

Thank you God that You say  I belong. Thank you God that as I start my job in August You say I belong. Even though I feel like I know very little especially compared to my future colleagues, You have called me to be in that place and have given me a voice with those people. Reason no. 1136 :)

Reason no. 1135...

Having passed my driving test just over 2 years ago...I drove on some quiet roads near where I live for the first time since the test. So thankful for David being brave and talking me through what to do! Reason no. 1135 :)

Reason no. 1134...

'For the Lord takes delight in his people...'

Psalm 149:4a

How amazing that I bring Him delight!

Reason no. 1134 :)

Reason no. 1133...

'You, O Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.'

Lamentations 5:19

Thank you God that in everything that has happened in this general election and the uncertainty of what will happen: You are God, the One ruling and reigning, the everlasting One.

Reason no. 1133 :)

Reason no. 1132...

Voting day! Thankful to live in a time and a country that allows me to vote. Reason no. 1132 :)

Reason no. 1131...

'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.'

1 Corinthians 10:31

Every part of my life has the potential to glorify God. In my sleeping, in my eating, in my walking, in my socialising, in my reading, in my TV watching - it can all be done to bring Him glory. Martin Luther said: 'A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God.' That means that even the even the most everyday activity can bring Him glory. Daily activities can become worship to Him when it is done for Jesus and dedicated before Him each day and knowing that He is with me as I carry out each task. God wants me to include Him in every aspect of my life, not just give Him access to a small allotted time in the day, but wants to be with me as I study/work and clean the house. It brings Him such delight when I spend time with Him. Reason no. 1131 :)

Reason no. 1130...

Yesterday my sister cooked me some amazing food and treated me to some cake - super yummy and kind of her. So thankful for Esther and know she is going to be an amazing blessing to those around her in Canada in a few months time. These past 2 years, God has taken her on an amazing journey and I love how He has revealed so much truth to her whilst being in Birmingham. I am thankful that as she steps foot in a new country God has even more in store for her. Reason no. 1130 :)

Reason no. 1129...

'You weren't put on earth to be remembered. You were put here to prepare for eternity.'

(Rick Warren)

Reason no. 1129 :)

Reason no. 1128...

'You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You.'

Isaiah 26:3

God, I want to be someone who has their purpose secure in You. I don't want it to be driven by success and fear but I want it to be rooted in You. I want my life to refined by You so I focus my time and attention on what You want me to be doing. I want to trust You with everything that comes my way, knowing that whatever the circumstance I am in, You are there with me. Thank you God for who You are and that You are totally dependable. Thank You God that You offer me perfect peace and that is what I want. Thank you God. Reason no. 1128 :)

Reason no. 1127...

Thank you God that You are the One who recharges and restores and that rest is found in You. Reason no. 1127 :)

Reason no. 1126...

Thankful for spending time with Esther's housemates (and her church yesterday) and being reminded how much I love students and getting to know them. It is really good timing, to be reminded of this, as David and I are about to move to a new place and church. Thank you God that You place different things on our hearts. Reason no. 1126 :)

Reason no. 1125...

'He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.'

Isaiah 40:11

He is protector, He is strong, He is guardian. He is loving and draws me close to Him. He is not distant  but lets me come close to His heart. He is gentle. He is God.

Reason no. 1125 :)

Reason no. 1124...

Thank you God that everything got started in You and finds its purpose in You (Colossians 1:16).

Reason no. 1124 :)

Reason no. 1123...

'No one is more influential in your life than you are. Because no one talks to you more than you do.'

Paul Tripp

What is capturing my meditation, my thoughts and my focus? Is it the difficulties of life or is it formed by the glory of the gospel? Which one is speaking louder to me? Is it fear, loneliness, despair or is it the gospel?

God wants us to look at life through the gospel lens, knowing who He is and who we are because of Him.

He wants us to preach the gospel to ourselves and consequently live in the light of it, so circumstances are not influencing how we see life and ourselves. He wants us to self consciously and intentionally reminding ourselves of who God is and what He has done in us.

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/preach-the-gospel-to-yourself

Thank you God for Your amazing gospel.

Reason no. 1123 :)

Reason no. 1122...

Spent the day with my sister's church family - joining their meeting and bbq. It was lovely to meet her friends, eat great food and play uno too. Reason no. 1122 :)

Reason no. 1121...

Thank you God that You are the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Reason no. 1121 :)

Reason no. 1120...

Thank you God that You are ALWAYS good. Thank you God that it is who You are and who You are is not dictated by situations as it is Your very nature and being to be good.

Reason no. 1120 :)

Reason no. 1119...

Thank you God that in You there is joy everlasting!

Reason no. 1119 :)

Reason no. 1118...

Lovely day with my family in Birmingham yesterday. We explored a beautiful park near where Esther lives, went for a lovely roast dinner, saw a nice national trust property, then went to see Baywatch at the cinema, then went on a short walk and got to see loads of really nice houses near where my sister lives. Thankful for a good day! Reason no. 1118 :)

Reason no. 1117...

Thank you God for making me a co-heir with Christ!

Reason no. 1117 :)

Reason no. 1116...

Thankful for evenings of playing board games with David, even if I did lose every game last night! Reason no. 1116 :)

Reason no. 1115...

Looking forward to spending a few days in Birmingham with my sister and seeing my family for the day tomorrow. So thankful for everything they have done to support me whilst at uni. Thankful for the skypes in the midst of the assignments which left me panicking. Thankful for them continually encouraging me. Thankful for them visiting me up here for weekends. Thankful for them paying my rent. Thankful for them letting me come back for weeks at a time in the holidays and feeding me. Reason no. 1115 :)

Reason no. 1114...

So thankful for time to relax and time to be restored. Having time to read and bake are 2 things that I did not have time for this semester, but now I can enjoy! Reason no.1114 :)

Reason no. 1113...

'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.'

Ephesians 2: 8-9

Thank you God for salvation. Thank you God that it is not something I earn or deserve, but a gift from you. Thank you God that it comes from Your heart and the overflow of Your love for Your people. Reason no. 1113 :)

Reason no. 1112...

Thank you God that You sing songs of delight over me. Thank you God that You did that before I even knew who You were. Thank you God that You are smiling at me and cheering me on. Reason no. 1112 :)

Reason no. 1111...

'The joy of the Lord is my strength'.

In the depths of the valleys, in the midst of the darkness, during the hard times: Your truth remains. You are the unchanging God remaining faithful, loving, good, my shield, my refuge and my defender. You are the One who chose me before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in Your sight. You have redeemed me and forgiven me. You have deposited Your holy spirit in me as a guarantee of my incredible inheritance to come. You are the One who is faithful to every promise You have spoken, so in the midst of the struggle I will cling to what You have said knowing it will come to fulfilment. You are a God of joy and as Your beloved child with the Spirit of God in me, I will walk in joy too. Reason no. 1111 :)

Reason no. 1110...

Romans 1:16-17

'I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation for everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'the righteous will live by faith'.

The youth group I grew up in was called 'unashamed' and it was based on this passage. It was a reminder  that we should not be embarrassed by the gospel. The fact that Paul has put it so bluntly that he is not ashamed of the gospel, perhaps suggests that there has been a time when he was embarrassed by it. This is encouraging as Paul is no longer in that place of feeling ashamed as he is now boldly proclaiming the gospel. If that can happen for Paul, then it can happen for the likes of you and me too.

What reason is there to be ashamed of the gospel? 'Has God reconciled us to himself through Christ, forgiven our sins, made us His children, put His spirit within us begun to transform us, and introduced us into his new community?' (Stott, 1994) ...This is the incredible gospel!

It is through the gospel that we get to know the 'righteousness of God': 'God's just justification of the unjust, his righteous way of pronouncing the unrighteous righteous, in which he both demonstrates his righteousness and gives righteousness to us. He has done it through Christ, the righteous One, who died for the unrighteous...' (Stott, 1994). His righteousness is a gift and the direct result of trusting Jesus as the Son of the living God.

The gospel is powerful and it is for everyone.

Reason no. 1110 :)

Reason no. 1109...

Thank you God that You know my name and You know me.

Reason no. 1109 :)

Reason no. 1108...

Thank you God for an amazing answer to prayer with my parents getting an offer on their house and that the person who put the offer in got a job so they could put the offer in! Reason no. 1108 :)

Reason no. 1107...

'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.'

Isaiah 6:3

Holiness speaks of greatness, perfection and worth. God's holiness is incomparable and matchless. He is set apart from all things, in terms of His greatness. His glory is essentially the public display of His holiness for all to see.

When God saves us, redeems us and restores us it is all for His glory. It points to His greatness. It points to His outrageous love, grace and kindness. He is the holy and glorious God.

(John Piper gives a great definition of the difference between holiness and glory http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-god-s-glory .)

Reason no. 1107 :)

Reason no. 1106...

Thankful for good friends! These past 4 years have been a time of building some great friendships! Reason no. 1106 :)

Reason no. 1105...

Let me grab the promised hope with both hands and never let it go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching right to the very presence of God where Jesus has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us. It is an anchor for my soul, both firm and secure. Reason no. 1105 :)

Reason no. 1104...

Thank you God for the rain in the heat of the summer, cooling the temperature and bringing life to dried plants and land. Reason no. 1104 :)

Reason no. 1103...

He rules and He reigns over every city and every nation.

He is victorious, triumphant and undefeated.

He has no rival and He is  completely unshakeable.

He is ruling with peace, love and freedom.

In the midst of the darkness His light is breaking in.

He is the father to the orphan  and the comforter to the lost.

He is the stronghold and refuge in midst of the chaos.

He is the anchor for the soul in the middle of the storm.

He is the shepherd to the sheep when the lions are there.

He is protecting, defending and saving His people.

He is the One who is the lover of His children.

He is God, the mighty King of Kings.

Reason no. 1103 :)

Reason no. 1102...

Thank you God that You are a life and joy giving God.

Reason no. 1102 :)

Reason no. 1101...

Thank you God that You stand through time. Thank you God that You are the One who knows all of our days. Thank you God that nothing escapes Your attention. Reason no. 1101 :)

Reason no. 1100...

Thankful for time to rest after a very demanding final semester at uni. Thankful to have completed my final exam after 4 years of studying. Thankful for my husband, family and friends who kept encouraging me - prayers and bible verses were certainly needed!Thankful to God for fulfilling the promises He spoke to me back in 2008. Reason no. 1100 :)

Reason no. 1099...

Today we had an anonymous gift of money! A huge blessing and timely provision! He is so good to us and looks after us so well. Thank you God and thank you whoever blessed us with the money :) Reason no. 1099 :)

Reason no. 1098...

This week David and I got our first car together! Thank you God for Your provision. It is nice and small, perfect for he job I will start in August! Reason no. 1098 :)

Reason no. 1097...

Thank you God for the beautiful weather and sunshine!

Reason no. 1097 :)

Reason no. 1096...

Thank you God for Your protection and Your safety.

Reason no. 1096 :)

Reason no. 1095...

Thank you God for giving me such an encouraging husband and family who kept declaring Your truth over me whilst I was struggling lots with all the exam preparations. Reason no. 1095 :)

Reason no. 1094...

Yesterday I had my last ever uni exam! I am finished!!!!!!!! Still hasn't really sunk in though. Thank you God for getting me over the finish line. You finished what You started! Reason no. 1094 :)

Reason no.1093...

Thank you God that You love Manchester. Will You fill it with Your peace and Your Hope and break off fear in this city. Thank you God for the wonderful emergency services that have people who go above and beyond in the midst of crisis. Thank you God for the amazing unity within the churches in Manchester who are standing as one and praying to You. God will You turn sorrow into joy and fear into peace. I pray that You will protect this city and these people. You are strength, You are love, You are peace, You are kind and You are good. Reason no. 1093 :)

Reason no. 1092...

Thank you God that You are life, You are strength and You are joy! Reason no. 1092 :)

Reason no. 1091...

Thank you God that You have got me this far through my degree, You will get me through the final hurdle. I pray that deadlines will be met, I will pass and as I write You will inspire what I read and what I write. Reason no. 1091 :)

Reason no. 1090...

Thankful for the new mayor in Manchester, someone who values seeing homelessness end and supporting the NHS. Reason no. 1090 :)

Reason no. 1089...

Thankful for beautiful weather yesterday and being able to sit outside in the lovely sunshine. Reason no. 1089 :)

Reason no. 1088...

I am thankful for having a bus pass this year. Having the freedom to travel across Manchester so easily is such a blessing! Living close to a bus stop is so good too. Reason no. 1088 :)

Reason no. 1087...

Yesterday David, a friend and I played risk! I love games evenings at home. Thankful for evenings like yesterday :) Reason no. 1087 :)

Reason no. 1086...

Thank you God for generous friends who look after me so well - cooking for me and taking me out for food. Reason no. 1086 :)

Reason no. 1085...

In less than a month I will have finished my degree! God, You have been so good to me! You have provided so well - rent every year, money for every bill, a holiday to Paris with friends, incredible housemates in 2nd and 3rd year, amazing friends and coursemates throughout my time at uni, a wonderful husband, a job lined up for when I finish, plus so much more! Thank you God! Reason no. 1085 :)

Reason no. 1084...

Next week I get to spend the weekend with my sister in Birmingham! She is really great - creative, fun, beautiful and passionate about Jesus! Reason no. 1084 :)

Reason no. 1083...

Thank you God that Your love for me is so HUGE! It is more than I know and more than I deserve. Thank you God that Your love is constant and forever faithful. Thank you God that You place worth over my life. Thank you God that You leave the 99 to come after me. Thank you God that You pursue me! Reason no. 1083 :)

Reason no. 1082...

I am so thankful for passing and getting through placement! Thank you God that it was a placement that was so supportive, encouraging and helpful. It was exactly what I needed when entering something completely new for my final placement. Thank you God that You know best! Thank you for giving me clinical educators that let me know that I would be a good therapist! Reason no. 1082 :)

Reason no. 1081...

Thank you God that You have made me a child of God and I am not a slave to fear.

This week I have been reading Jeremiah 1:4-10.

Verse 4: God speaks to his children - 'The word of the Lord came to me, saying'. God let me be in a place where I am listening and expecting you to speak.

Verse 5: 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.' - God knows me and he has chosen me. He has plans and a purpose for me. He is the one who stands through time, the eternal King. He is the One who knows all things.

Verse 6: 'Ah, Sovereign Lord', I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.' Jeremiah is fearful and sees his weaknesses and limitations through his own eyes.

Verse 7: 'But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say 'I am only a child'. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.' - I am a child of the living God, NOT 'only' a child. God is taking Jeremiah and using Jeremiah in what he deems to be his weakness. God will display His glory through Jeremiah. God is shutting down the lie Jeremiah is believing so God's truth can rule in that place.

Verse 8: 'Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you', declares the Lord. - With God fear has no place. Fear is a choice. Do I recognise what it means to have God with me in every situation that I face? He is the conquering King and the one who promises to never leave me or forsake me. Do I truly believe it?

Verse 9: 'Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'Now I have put my words in your mouth'.' - God is not distant but comes to us. He is the One who equips for what He has called his people to do.

Verse 10: 'See today I have appointed you over the nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.' God has plans and purposes for His people. He wants nations and kingdoms to turn to Him and represent Him and His kingdom's values. He wants my sphere of influence to see His love, grace, peace and joy to be in it - for these to be grown let strongholds of fear, anxiety etc. be teared down and destroyed.

Reason no. 1081 :)

Reason no. 1080...

God, let my soul be happy in You each day. Let me learn to pursue You and be truly dependant on You. Reason no. 1080 :)

Reason no. 1079...

Thank you God that You are so good, so faithful, so true. You are peace and full of grace. You are hope and You are my strength. You are my foundation and my refuge. Thank you God that You are my father and my friend. Reason no. 1079 :)

Reason no. 1078...

'Faith is an inner confidence that God above and God alone is enough.'

Reason no. 1078 :)

Reason no. 1077...

'We feel pain but are designed to bring it to God and put it at the foot of the cross.'

Reason no. 1077 :)

Reason no. 1076...

My last ever block of student finance came in. I am thankful for how well my course has been funded! I love how before I even had a clue what degree I would be doing God knew I would receive loads of grants to help get me through! He knows all things and always provides for me. Reason no. 1076 :)

Reason no. 1075...

Just finished reading the book 10,000 reasons by Matt Redman and it was a book filled with testimonies that are really powerful and thought provoking. I love how in the midst of the deepest of valleys God is still with His people. In the midst of facing death, people are still able to worship Him because they have truly grasped who He is. Despite facing death the people in the book have an eternal perspective that keeps them singing in the midst of their pain and suffering. When people receive awful diagnoses, they face a decision: to run from God or to run to God? In this book there are many examples of people of faith who stand on the truth of who God is and use that to get them through their situations. Reason no. 1075 :)

Reason no. 1074...

I had a lovely catch -up with my old housemate this afternoon! I am so thankful for the past 2 years in my house-share. I was blessed with some truly amazing friends! Reason no. 1074 :)

Reason no. 1073...

Back in Manchester after a lovely time back home with my family! David met me at the station to help me with my super heavy suitcase, which was great! Reason no. 1073 :)

Reason no. 1072...

On placement the other week my clinical educator described me as a swan, how when I am with patients I am really calm and glide through smoothly, but inside (my feet) feel really chaotic/ stressed with how the session may be going. Initially I was really happy, I was thinking that's great that is how I am coming across. The other day I began to think about it even more - God's got even more! He doesn't want my exterior to display peace, He wants the whole of me to be authentically at peace. There's been a story about an iceberg in the news recently. Icebergs can be huge, but in fact they are even huger still as there is only a small proportion above the surface, even more is below. God wants all of me - not just the surface. Reason no. 1072 :)

Reason no. 1071...

Thank you God that You have redeemed me! Thank you God that You loved me before I loved You. Thank you God that You loved me before I had a clue of who You were and You loved me at my worst. Thank you God that You thought I was worth bringing into Your family. Thank you God that You want a relationship with me. Thank you God that You showed Your love for me in such a powerful way - Your perfect son died on a cross for me. Thank you God that You forgive me. Reason no. 1071 :)

Reason no. 1070...

Thank you God that You are so faithful and look after Your children. Thank you God that You have lined up a job for me when I have finished and You will get me to the point of starting! I pray that my placement result and my final exam at the end of May will go well so that I qualify and graduate in July. Reason no. 1070 :)

Reason no. 1069...

I am thankful for having people around me who encourage and build me up. In the process of doing it, they are calling out God's heart and God's truth for me. Reason no. 1069 :)

Reason no. 1068...

I am thankful for spending time with my dad! We went out for cooked breakfast and for a walk along the sea front and canal in Hythe. Reason no. 1068 :)

Reason no. 1067...

I am thankful for time with my family. A couple of days ago I went for a lovely walk in the woods filled with bluebells with my mum and sister. I am thankful that as a family we love walking and that means there's nice opportunities to catch up with each other. The landscape was so beautiful with bluebells covering expanses of woodland floor space! Reason no. 1067 :)

Reason no. 1066...

Thank you God that You care about me. Thank you God that You are for me. Thank you God that Your love for me is everlasting. Reason no. 1066 :)

Reason no. 1065...

I love how quick the train journey is between Manchester and Ashford. I always forget how easy the trip is! From Manchester station to Ashford, it was just 3 hours 10 minutes! I love travelling by train and being able to sit, read and do some work :) Reason no. 1065 :)

Reason no. 1064...

On Saturday, David's cousin got married! It was such a beautiful day. The wedding was near Milton Keynes, so we borrowed a car and travelled there and back in a day. I am thankful for people's generosity in lending us their cars this year, but also for the safety of the journey! Reason no. 1064 :)

Reason no. 1063...

Thank you God for enabling me to easily take a week off placement for the interview. I was so in need of a rest and it meant I could prep well for it. Reason no. 1063 :)

Reason no. 1062...

Thank you God for getting Esther home safely and easily, despite the disruptions at London Euston due to the fire the day before. Reason no. 1062 :)

Reason no. 1061...

Thank you God for Your faithfulness! Thank you for helping me get my first Speech and Language Therapy job! Thank you for just bringing it all together so well. Thank you that it is in the most perfect location and I start at the most perfect time! Thank you God that even though I was so convinced the interview was pretty naff, the door still opened for me to get the job. Thank you God that the interview was on a day which my mum was free to be my chauffeur between sites over the day. Reason  no. 1061 :)

Reason no. 1060...

Thank you God that is the midst of everything being so busy, You are still God, still good,still loving and still pursuing me! Reason no. 1060 :)

Reason no. 1059...

Some people are so generous! The youth group received a donation paying for 4 of the youth to go to newday - so good! :) Reason no. 1059 :)

Reason no. 1058...

Thank you God that Your timing is perfect. Thank you God that You will release the right jobs that are suitable to be applied for at the right time. I am thankful that at this very moment in time there are not any band 5 speech and language therapy jobs in Kent as I would be too busy with placement to apply for them. I pray that as things start to quieten down, jobs will be released! Reason no. 1058 :)

Reason no. 1057...

God certainly knows best! I love how I tried to change my placement so I would be working with children, but I was told that I couldn't. At the time I was really annoyed! But 6 weeks in, I am pleased that I was never allowed to swap. If I had, I would have never known that a) I actually can and have the skill-set to work with adults and b) I actually enjoy working with adults! Reason no. 1057 :)

Reason no. 1056...

On Friday night, David and I went for some lovely Mediterranean  cuisine with David's best-man, followed by a trip to the pub! It was a great evening and a nice way to start the weekend  :) Reason no. 1056 :)

Reason no. 1055...

On placement I have met some truly incredible patients, many who have had a stroke and have been left unable to speak. It has allowed me to witness some incredible marriages that are surviving the impact of the stroke together and how despite such a life-changing event it has not stopped them smiling and laughing together. Reason no. 1055 :)

Reason no. 1054...

I am thankful for such beautiful weather these past few weeks, which has meant lots of nice walks and ice cream. A couple of weeks ago I went to a lovely vegan ice cream bar with my coursemates, which is literally less than 5 minutes from where I live! Reason no. 1054 :)

Reason no. 1053...

Only 2 weeks left of my placement! It has certainly been a time of growth and left me wondering whether I want to eventually be working with adults instead of children. Before I started placement it was the last thing I ever thought I'd even be considering! It has been a good placement so far! Not long until the very end! Reason  no. 1053 :)

Reason no. 1052...

Thankful for getting a 2:1 on my dissertation!!! After months of work it was such a relief to not have to redo it! Whist having to submit that piece of work another piece had  been set where I had to set a proposal for a clinical audit...I got 90%!! A mark so much higher than I have ever got before at uni :) It was definitely a confidence boost! Reason no. 1052 :)

Reason no. 1051...

This week David selected his first choice university for September on UCAS! We will be heading to Kent as he will be starting at Canterbury Christchurch Uni then! I love how one of the first conversations I had with David about 2 years ago was all about him maybe changing jobs and heading down a social work route. Last Catalyst (Christian conference) in May time, God spoke about someone trying to decide whether taking up studying was right or not and God said do it! David is now near the end of his Access course to get him onto this uni degree for social work. I love seeing how God spoke and David listened. What an adventure awaits for these next 3 years in Kent! Reason no. 1051 :)

Reason no. 1050...

David made my lunch yesterday! Having gone to bed early I remembered that I had forgot to make anything for the early morning. I told David and he made me some yummy sandwiches! Reason no. 1050 :)

Reason no. 1049...

These past 2 days I have arrived at the station as a train is due within one minute and managed to pay and make it on the train in time! Not having to wait for at least 20 minutes is certainly something to be thankful for after a long day! Reason no. 1049 :)

Reason no. 1048...

I have just completed my 3rd week of placement! In 5 weeks time it will be the last time I see a student face-to-face as a student! Placement definitely has it challenges but I love getting to have a small glimpse in seeing patients take steps forward and overcome some of the obstacles in their communication. Reason no. 1048 :)

Reason no. 1047...

Thank you God that You triumph over my fear and stress! Thank you God that Your peace transforms situations! Reason no. 1047 :)

Reason no. 1046...

I am thankful for church. A couple of weeks ago David and I were trying to get down to Ashford for my grandmas funeral when storm Doris was causing chaos. We'd booked our trains but they were all cancelled. David texted a lady from church and she put him on her car insurance that afternoon there and then! So thankful! Reason no. 1046 :)

Reason no. 1045...

Last weekend I had a day trip in Macclesfield with my old housemate. It is such a beautiful town with beautiful scenery in the background. It was great to explore the area. Reason no. 1045 :)

Reason no. 1044...

So thankful for the journey to placement. Originally I was planning to be take a bus, a train and walk to placement, instead I now have a 15-20 minute walk and a car journey, which nearly halves the journey time! Reason no. 1044 :)

Reason no. 1043...

I am so thankful for getting through my first week of placement and actually be enjoying it. Such a huge answer to prayer. There was so much fear of having an adult placement, but I have been put with clinical educators who really understood that I'd never done anything like it before. I have met some incredible patients who have gone through some big things in their life yet they are still smiling and being so positive. Thank you God that You yet again exceeded my expectations! Reason no. 1043 :)

Reason no. 1042...

I am thankful for passing the exam I sat after Christmas! 1 exam left for my degree! Reason no. 1042 :)

Reason no. 1041...

I am thankful for finally submitting my dissertation the week before last! After months of reading and writing it is finally finished!! In fact, my last ever written assignment is now out of my hands for my degree!! Reason no. 1041 :)

Reason no. 1040...

At the weekend I went to see Hacksaw Ridge, which has an incredible story. There's a scene in the film, which just shows God's incredible faithfulness and how He is the source of strength too. The main character knows there are many wounded soldiers on the battleground, the rest of his battalion have left the area, but he stays put. He goes into the war zone to rescue these people unarmed, not knowing whether the enemy is close or not. As he rescues each person he turns to God and asks Him to help get him one more. He knows he can't do it in his own strength, but that he certainly can with God. He knows God to be His Equipper, Sustainer and Strength. At the end of the film it says he rescued 75 men that time. Reason  no. 1040 :)

Reason no. 1039...

This is a wonderful story of God's kindness and generosity...Last week I was sat in the library and working on my dissertation and texted David how nice it would be to go on a date. That same day David gets given £40 and told to take me out for a meal! The money also paid for a cinema trip too! He really is the God of the detail and not just wanting to meet what we need, He goes beyond! Reason no. 1039 :)

Reason no. 1038...

I am thankful for people who are so gently remind me to stand on His promises. When I feel like I am failing my degree and I am way out of my depth, I take hold of God's prophetic word about the degree and can stand confidently that I am where God wants me to be. Reason no. 1038 :)

Reason no. 1037...

It has been a while, but there's a lot of reasons waiting to be written. It's been a time of stress and fear, but I am thankful for the people that God has put around me who have kept praying for breakthrough when I struggled to lift my eyes above the circumstances. He is a good Father. Reason no. 1037 :)

Reason no. 1036...

You are the God of the details!

Reason no. 1036 :)

Reason no. 1035...

You are my wonderful shepherd,

the One who guides and the One who leads.

You are with me in the depths of the valleys

and You are with me on the mountaintops.

You take me by the hand and hold me close,

You speak truth into my two ears -

reminding me of the promises spoken.

I can stand as a child of the living God,

I am free - fear and sin are broken off.

You are my refuge and my strength,

the One who protects and defends me.

You are with me on the battlefield,

You are with me in every situation everyday.

In You I am more than a conqueror,

I am a champion who stands in Your victory.

Each day I choose to put on what You have provided me:

the sword of the spirit, the helmet of salvation,

the belt of truth and the shield of faith.

You are my hope, my song and my joy,

the One who is the wellspring of life and peace.

Your Spirit is living in me,

You are with me in every breath that I take.

In You, a life of excitement and adventure awaits.

Your goodness and love will follow me all of my days.

How amazing it is to be loved by You:

You are the perfect Father, the faithful friend,

the One who never gives up on me.

Reason no. 1035 :)

Reason no. 1034...

Thank you God for a lovely long weekend back in Ashford and getting to catch up with all the family. Thank you God for a safe journey. Thank you God for reminding me of promises spoken. Thank you God that You have some amazing opportunities in store for me and David. Reason no. 1034 :)

Reason no. 1033...

Thank you God that my last ever written exam for uni is happening tomorrow! Father, please help me - give me the knowledge I need and the peace I need. Thank you that You have been with me in every previous exam faced so I can know for sure that You will be with me again! Reason no. 1033 :)

Reason no. 1032...

Let Your voice alone be louder and stronger than any other,

don't let me be swayed by fear or insecurity,
but let me be guided by Your every Word.
Your Word is life, Your Word is love,
Your Word builds up, not tears down and destroys.
Your Spirit is in me and interceding for me.
Life with the Spirit is joy, peace and goodness.
Everywhere I step I carry Your Spirit in me.
Your presence is in every situation I face
and in every decision I have to make.
You have not ever left me alone.
You've equipped me with Your Spirit
and You are forever speaking to me.
Let me turn to You and throw off all distractions.
I am hungry for a Word from You.

Reason no. 1032 :)

Reason no. 1031...

Open my eyes, ears and heart.

Let me sit and wait.

Bring revelation:

who You are and all You've done.

My heart is hungry

for a fresh glimpse of the King.

To taste and see Your goodness

day after day, year after year.

Don't let me settle:

new adventures with You await.

Let past stories raise faith,

not be the end point.

More is to come.

Reason no. 1031 :)

Reason no. 1030...

'Who can stop the Lord almighty?'

Thank you God that You are the one ruling and reigning with such power!

Reason no. 1030 :)

Reason no. 1029...

Thank you God that You became flesh, lived among us and died for us!

Reason no. 1029 :)

Reason no. 1028...

Thank you God that You place significance, value and worth over my life. Reason no. 1028 :)

Reason no. 1027...

It is so easy to get caught up with the here and now and all the struggles we are facing at the moment BUT Jesus came so that we might have eternal life. If I have eternity waiting for me the issues I am facing now are so small in comparison to what eternity has in store, especially where there will be no suffering or pain but I'll get to live with the King! Reason no. 1027 :)

Reason no. 1026...

I love snow! I love seeing and hearing everyone's excited reactions as soon as we get the tiniest amount. So much joy! I recon parts of heaven must have snow too! Reason no. 1026 :)

Reason no. 1025...

Thank you God for looking after our finances. As some bills go up, we've been left in credit in others! Reason no. 1025 :)

Reason no. 1024...

'Worship isn't just the act of uploading our praise and devotion to God; there's a simultaneous download too. We get a reminder of who God is, we get a revelation of his grandeur and grace. It's the sort of transfer that enriches our hearts and refreshes our souls.' (Matt Redman)

'Worship is a feast of the glorious perfections of God, in Christ.' (John Piper)

Worship shows something of the kindness of God's economy - it may be all for Him, but He does not leave us emptied. Reason no. 1024 :)

Reason no. 1023...

My heart is Yours and Yours alone,

Let no other take my attention,

Not one to the left or one to the right,

Only You shall have my devotion.

Let approval be obtained by only You,

for only You can satisfy my heart -

not anything or any other -

only You and You alone.

You see the longings of my heart,

You see my heart's deepest fears,

yet You love and keep pursuing me

and never letting me go.

Let each beat of my heart chase after You,

may it sing at the wonder of Your works,

may it dance in the freedom You've given,

My heart is Yours and Yours alone.

Reason no. 1023 :)

Reason no. 1022...

'There's never any shortage of treasure to find, never any lack of reasons to sing out our praises to God. Reminders of His goodness and greatness are washing up on the shoreline of our lives every single day. With our eyes open wide and a little digging around, we'll soon find ourselves with plenty of reasons to worship Him. From creation to the cross, from the incarnation to the resurrection and ascension, we never have to invent anything new. Worship is simply a contemplation of who God has already revealed Himself to be and how He has intervened in our lives. It's never about inventing a new story; we're just retelling the precious old story of how God involves Himself in our lives. We remember, and we reply. we recount, and we respond. This is the rhythm of worship: breathing in God's wonders and then breathing out in awe and praise...Two thousand years after Jesus's birth, death, and resurrection, the goodness of our Lord keeps showing up daily in our lives...If you think about it '10000 reasons' is nothing short of a colossal understatement.'

(Matt Redman)

Reason no. 1022 :)

Reason no. 1021...

Thank you God for Your favour and how Your smile over our lives can open doors that would otherwise remain firmly shut (Matt Redman). Thank you God for the favour that has gone before me - favour to get onto the degree I am on at the university I am at and thank you God that what You have started with my degree is not finished yet. Thank you God that You will open up doors for jobs at the right moment. Thank you God that You have always provided me with work at the right time (fitting around all prior commitments) and with the right amount of money before. Thank you God that Your favour to me has not run dry! Reason no. 1021 :)

Reason no. 1020...

I am thankful for my sister. I love how creative, adventurous and loving she is. I love how encouraging and thoughtful she is. I love how much she likes Pride and Prejudice. I love how she has joined a YWAM team and adventured to a country I don't think I really even really knew existed. I love how brave she is to go off to Canada in a few months time for the year. I love how clever she is and  that she is efficient with her cleverness too - she bashes essays out super quick! I love her ability to pick up some pens and produce some beautiful artwork. Reason no. 1020 :)

Reason no. 1019...

I am thankful for my mum. She is so loving, helpful and creative. I love how the house has some of her lovely creations around it and how she made her dress for our wedding. I love how she's always there for me, especially after school and how she would always ask me about my day and she would sit and listen. I love how she always helped me with my studies when I asked, even if it wasn't really a specialty of hers. I love how caring she is and watching her help my grandma and granddad in this season. I love how much she supported us with the wedding, especially with her time - like having the patience to take up my wedding dress! I love how much she supported and encouraged me with doing Impact and going on mission trips.  Reason no. 1019 :)

Reason no. 1018...

I am thankful for my dad. I love how loving, kind and funny (in his own way!) he is. I love how much he loves God and how he would wake up extra early to spend time with Him and how I'd wake up early and see him sat reading and studying the bible. I love how he actively listens to God and uses it to encourage and strengthen people and the church. I love how he encourages me and has supported me with uni and getting married and everything that was before. I love how each Valentine's day before I met David he would give me a small card and present. I love how when he had to go off to Pakistan for a month he created countdown for his return which would be linked with nice treats. I love going back to Ashford and spending time with him - going for walks in the woods or going out for breakfast. This month he turns 50! Reason no. 1018 :)

Reason no. 1017...

It is remarkable to think that more things don't go wrong with our human bodies with just how complex the system really is. There is so much opportunity for something to go wrong, yet it so often doesn't. God's design is carefully orchestrated. Reason no. 1017 :)

Reason no. 1016...

I am thankful to have time to study and specialise in speech and language therapy. It is so remarkable thinking about how people have this capacity to develop language. To think how a tiny baby is beginning to hear people speaking and they begin to implicitly pick out patterns from what is being said, they are able to store it in their memory and eventually take what is stored in their mind and coordinate their lips, tongue and teeth to communicate a meaningful message. The complexity of the system is remarkable. Reason no. 1016 :)

Reason no. 1015...

I am thankful for the NHS. It may not be perfect, but the quality of treatments and services we are able to receive is incredibly high in comparison to many other countries, especially with regards to Speech and Language Therapy. Reason no. 1015 :)

Reason no. 1014...

Thank you God that you deal with my guilt and my shame far better than I ever will. Last week my granddad was talking about an old piece of pottery he had found and had been cracked but someone decided to paint over all the cracks. He purchased it and cleared up all the paint. In the world of Japanese art there is something beautiful about broken pottery being fixed with gold. Out of the brokenness something beautiful emerges. I can choose to deal with my guilt and shame by myself and end up with something very ugly or I can invite God in and something precious can be released through that brokenness. Although it can seem so much more scary and vulnerable as I do not have control of what happens, by trusting God and putting it in His hands He places His high value and worth over it. Reason no. 1014 :)