EGGS

This photo is in someone's garden. These people have been selling Eggs for several years. They are lovely eggs and very good value. They have an honesty box for people to put the money in. Sadly people were stealing the eggs, so they put up a security camera. Dishonest people then started putting their hands over the box so it appeared to the camera that they were indeed paying for the eggs. Last summer they took the decision to stop selling the eggs as they were loosing too much money. This is understandable, even though we were deeply saddened by this choice we knew that it was the sensible thing for them do. Equally we were overjoyed to find that they have decided to resume selling again. We don't know these people very well, we say hello and exchange pleasantries if we see them when we go to buy their eggs. What a wonderful lesson in forgiveness that they are now trading again. I don't know if these people are Christians but I do know that by giving their neighbours and the tourists another chance they are behaving in a very God-like way.

MORE THAN AN ADVERT

I love these colourful boards on the side of the beach shop. I think they epitamise all the fun of a traditional seaside holiday. For me though they serve another purpose, they act as a piece of fitness equipment. I often like to work out on the prom in good weather. I use a bench for push ups, body dips and single leg lunges. I use the steps on the lifeguard's hut for step ups and calf raises,(see my post ) these boards are great for wall squats and wall sits with a heel lift. One of the nice things about working out here is the number of random conversations I have as a result. They tend to be light hearted usually staring with some one saying "do one for me will you?" I always have a bit of a laugh and joke with the person, and they leave smiling. I like to think that when we spend time with God we will leave Him smiling too.

THE BALL'S IN YOUR COURT

This ball court provides a lot of fun for local young people and tourists alike. Often in the summer both residents and visitors meet up to play. These two groups are often from very different backgrounds. Despite their obvious differences friendships are formed and a good time is had by all. These young people touch each others lives albeit briefly. Some parts of the experience will stay with them for a long time maybe even for life. Encounters with God are the same. Some we are barely aware of but others will stay and shape us for the rest of our lives.

A CHEERFUL CHAPPIE

What a cheerful chap he is, with his big smile. He is there to entice us into the cafe. The word on his jumper declaring to all around that the cafe is 'open' for business. When we see him we know that we can get a lovely cup of tea and possibly some scrumptious food as well. He makes us smile as we pass. Does he bring in more customers though? I don't know the answer to that question I just know he makes me smile. He seems to be very friendly, of course I know he is just a figure made out of wood; an inanimate object. How much better would the world be if real people were to evoke such a response in people who pass by. I hope that the friendship I have with God can be shared in my face in the same way the possibility of friendship is conveyed by this cheerful wooden man.

SNUGGLE DOWN

Experts tell us that we feel batter about our lives if we make our bed first thing in the morning. I do this but as you can see from the picture this bed is not very tidy. This is because our dog 'Ginny' has jumped on to it and pulled the covers back before beating up my pillow. (I'm sure the pillow probably deserved it, in her mind). It means however that I now have to remake that side of the bed. If I don't it will be cold when I get in later tonight. Also she may well have some grit in her coat that has dropped off. If I do not clear this I will be scratched and uncomfortable, making my rest difficult. Serving God is like this, we have to keep doing the right things or we feel uncomfortable, and unsettled. Today I am glad that I have the perseverance to keep trying to get it right!

THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCESS

Walking through the park this morning I was greeted by the glorious scent of these wall flowers. They come back year after year and provide a lovely burst of colour, which is much needed after the drab winter. These plants are amazing. They grow in the cracks of walls. Not many plants can flourish in such barren conditions. It is amazing that God can create plants that thrive where anything else would starve.

UP THE WORKERS

This lorry carries gardening equipment and workers for East Lindsey District Council. They have been planting rose bushes. Now they just look like a lot of dead plants, but in the summer they will be covered in beautiful yellow roses. They will make the area around the public lavatories a lot more pleasant. Despite all the budget cuts in local government it is really great that there are still resources to make this part of the village nicer. It shows that there are still people who can pay attention to the small things that make life more enjoyable. God pays attention to the small things too. He is interested in every aspect of our lives. We are all special. This is a real blessing.

A FASHION STATEMENT

When I See these clothes like these on display I started to think about how much time I spend planning outfits. Not every day; but when I have a special occasion. Sometimes I think I need something new as "I don't have anything to wear". This is not true I have plenty of clothes, just not special ones I want to wear at this particular occasion. I know this is not a first world problem. Many people don not have adequate clothing. Jesus told us not to worry about our clothes. So I will make a conscious effort to make the most of the abundance I have and give thanks for being so lucky.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAIL

I was wonder-struck today by this tulip. The bright colours really stood out under the tree, and brightened up a dull corner of the park. This in itself is great but on closer inspection of the plant, I find myself being filled with wonder at the detail on the flower. The way the pink and yellow seem to melt into each other, yet still remain two separate entities. If I tried to draw this I'm sure that I would end up with an orange in there. Then there is the shape of the petals gently curving and interlacing to form a beautiful cup. Again I find myself thinking about creation. How amazing is God taking the time to go into so much detail for something that will only last a few days or weeks. How much does he love this flower to take the trouble to make it so lovely? It reminds me of how much he loves us to create our bodies in such intricate detail to last for many years.

WELL READ

I love books! It's not just about the reading but the whole experience, the feel of a book, the layout of a page and the smell of a library. I will happily immerse myself for hours in a good book. I'm not fussy about what I read, but I do often return to favourite authors. I have learnt so much from reading especially skills like cooking and D.I.Y as well as escaping into other worlds and stories. I have had many adventures as I've fought, laughed, cried and traveled with many interesting and sometimes eccentric characters. The book I read everyday is the bible. As I read I become awe inspired at the wonder of this mighty tome. I often get amazed and delighted as a new truth is revealed to me, or something I need to know for my life jumps off the page and into my heart. As I read I know that this book was written to show us how much God loves us and is interested in our lives. It is an instruction manual, a history book and biography. As the old song says "read your bible pray every day if you want to grow".

WORD TO THE WISE

I love today's picture. It has a fun way of explaining the purpose of this large hole in the ground, while at the same time giving good advice about keeping away. The message is clear and it uses language we all understand and can relate to. Perhaps if more notices were as witty as this one we would be happier people. Jesus used language that the people around him could relate to and understand. We too need to adopt this practice when we talk about our faith, and our relationship with God.

WELCOME

This is part of the ruins of Leicester Abbey. It was at one time a very important Cistercian Abbey. The remains you can see in the background were the walls of the guest house. The Abbey provided a welcome and hospitality for travelers. Now they provide a welcome for visitors to Abbey Park. I often walk through the ruins. When Zelda was a puppy I would take her into the ruins to do basic training. She still runs in there expecting to 'play' and receive treats when we are on our way home. Ginny our other dog has also adopted this practice. It seems a bit strange to think that where we play was one a house of prayer and reflection. It does show us though that things change. God never changes but He will change our lives if we allow Him to.

WILL THE ANCHOR HOLD?

This is a water feature. It looks great when it's working and when it's lit up at night. As an anchor though it isn't much use. It isn't connected to anything and certainly won't help to slow anything down or hold it safe in a storm. luckily God as our anchor will always hold us safe in times of trouble wherever we are and whether we are in calm or stormy times.