Praise in the morning

Thank you Lord for the warming sun and crisp air which co-exist on a winter's morning.

Thank you that many of us are blessed with shelter, food, good health and rest.

We praise you for your creation - the birds that tweet, the flowers that blossom, the people who love us and we love.  

Thank you for buttery croissants & freshly brewed coffee.

Thank you for the talents each person has - for my hairdresser, chiro, personal trainer, doctor....Thank you for their passion!

Praise you that your love is new every morning.

Praise

There is a bridge that I love in a song we sing at church.
The song is 'Hope of all Hearts' by Planetshakers.


The way the lyrics and the tune is written for the bridge is encouraging and reminds me to praise at all times and have hope - 'There will be dancing, there will be singing'.  Hope that even in those moments of grief or trial it's only momentary or seasonal.  And the hope we have in Heaven is before us.


Try and have a listen and you will know what I mean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99-pP-Wzp0k




"Hope Of All Hearts"

The world may fade
You will remain
In the midst of the trial
You will always be, I'll sing
Our God never fails
Our God never fails

With hope and light
You reign over all
Though my heart may fail
You will always be, I'll sing
Our God never fails
Our God never fails

Praise in the morning
Praise in the evening
Praise when I'm laughing
Praise when I'm grieving
There will be dancing
There will be singing

Upon injustice we will tell of our God

The hope of all hearts
The hope of all hearts Is you
Your love never fails
Your love never fails

With hope and light
You reign over all
Though my heart may fail
You will always be all the same
Our God never fails
Our God never fails

Praise in the morning
Praise in the evening
Praise when I'm laughing
Praise when I'm grieving
There will be dancing
There will be singing
Upon injustice we will tell of our god

The hope of all hearts
The hope of all hearts Is you
Your love never fails
Your love never fails
[x2]

In darkness,
In trial, my soul shall sing
Of his mercy, and kindness
Our offering of praise
Our God never fails
Our God never fails

In darkness,
In trial, my soul shall sing
Of his mercy, and kindness
Our offering of praise
Our God never fails
Our God never fails

Loving...

the ambience of this Melbourne coffee shop - the Sensory Lab.

http://www.sensorylab.com.au

Perseverance, Patience and Sacrifice

I've started my new contract 7 weeks ago.  But it was a long while between jobs - 3 months in total.  


After 11 weeks of ups and downs, offers of work arose.  3 opportunities in one week resulting in 2 job offers and acceptance of 1.  I had expected it would take 3 months to find a job, let's just say God's timing is perfect...maybe too perfect! : )


The day I accepted my next job I was thinking - why has it taken so long and why did
He leave it til the last minute.  The next day, like a lightbulb moment, I realised those 3 months I've been able to:
1.  Focus on my physical health - exercising almost everyday and I am definitely stronger and more toned.
2.  Spend some time doing devotions almost everyday (which had previously been non existent)
3.  Be readily available to help friends during the week whether in a practical way or emotionally.
4.  Simplified my lifestyle again returning to the act of simplicity but also the appreciation of simple things.  
5.  With the need for some regular weekly activities, I'm more inclined to go to bible study and church each week to have some people interaction.


There have been a few sacrifices along the way too.  I have had to sacrifice my trip to Canada because I've used the savings.  I will also need to sacrifice my planned trip to Paris in Sept as my new employer have advised it's not a good time.

So unlike other times of trials I've found it harder to know what I'm learning during the journey and more realised at the end.   It has been harder to trust God.  I also feel like I have had to make a few sacrifices.

But maybe that's what being obedient to Him means?