How far has my relationship with Christ grown in the last 12 months?

This semseter at university, I have started using some Bible study books, which I bought at Keswick in 2010. The first is called 'Grace People' and is all about living and being rooted in God's covenant love. This blog post is the rest of one of the challenges layed down at the end of a chapter.

How far has my relationship with Christ grown in the last twelve months?

Between January and August 2010, I volunteered full time with Scripture Union in the North East and Yorkshire. During those eight months there was several key moments when I felt that my relationship with Christ became closer.

Firstly in March, my mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, this was a horrible time in our house. I was out full time working, so Dad and Mum had to pull together to see her through the treatment. I felt guilty for not being there as often as I would have liked. But with hindsight, I feel that this brought mum and dad closer together, they faced the struggles as a team united with one head, Christ. I was so encouraged by the constant love and support friends and family were showing us. People brought food, stayed for an hour or so, chatted, laughed, cried, I was struck by the imperfect image of the body of Christ pulling together to make the best of a bad situation, which God used for His glory. Mum has returned to work, she is on the mend, her illness has allowed us all the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord, in pray and thanksgiving.

The Second occasion when I came closer to God was at Spring Harvest last Easter, specifically as part of the X:site 8-11s childrens programme. This week has given me life long friends, I was able to share in one girl's wedding, I have laughed, and cried in the presence of some of the lovliest people I have ever met. It is a joy and a privelige to pray with Christians, to have a bond in our Lord, which goes on.

Thirdly, Keswick 2010 was an amazing three weeks. The theme of Christ Centred Renewal was highly appropriate for me and my family. I was blessed to again serve as part of a fantastic team. To build up friendships and meet some very special people.

Looking back over my time with Scripture Union, I can see that God has used me in his plan, I have grown in my love and faith. I gave a year of my life to serve him 'full time' and his blessings have been poured out.

At University, I am living with 'not-yet christians' which is a challenge. To live everyday with the integrity that Christ deserves is rather difficult, but with a daily asking for mercy and forgiveness, we're getting there, slowly but surely.

A God Given Purpose...2011

It has been a while since I last posted here, but today seems like a super opportunity to share what God has been doing with me in recent weeks, espeically in the light of this morning's WordLive Bible readings.

In November, my last post, I was relatively positive about why God had put me in Edinburgh. But over the last few weeks, this has become even more clear.

Shortly before I went home for Christmas, I was asked to become the new president of Queen Margaret University Christian Union. I was amazed, scared, and felt this huge sense of responsibility on my shoulders...I was being asked to lead the Christians Union. And how did God guide my thoughts in the following weeks? Well, 1 Timothy 3 came up in two different, unrelated conversations, on two consecutive days. I had chats with several close friends, and at the end of the week was really aware that this was something which I could not run from...I wasn't going to do a Jonah, and run away, I couldn't do a Jeremiah, and say I was too young. I accepted the responsibility, tentatively.

As a university Christian Union, we will be working closely with UCCF:The Christian Unions, and on Christmas Night I chatted and debated with my sister and brother in law through UCCF's Doctrinal basis, (I recommed you take a look and see what you think).

So, chatting through all the points, and the slipper fits...I agree and can sign up to them! (Another confirmation)

And then today, 10th January 2011, I read 31st December's WordLive reflection based on Matthew 4:12-25, which was entitled Embryonic New Family...and talked about the calling of the disciples. The first page, pause and reflect, had the following words... "A new light is about to dawn, and new calling to follow...are you ready for what Jesus has in store for you next?'

AMAZING.

This has been a mad busy day, but pausing to reflect at the end of the day has turned into a real blessing...just thought I'd share this with you!