It was my friend’s birthday a few days ago.

We live in different parts of the country and so she sent me some photos of the day. Lovely photos. Family, friends, birthday cake and candles.

The last photo was of her not-quite two-year-old daughter, Anna. There Anna is, in the garden and dressed in pink. She stands in front of cluster of tall, red, flowers. The flowers are as tall as Anna.

In her wonder she has pressed her little face right into one. To see what it smells like maybe, to get a closer look. Her Dad stands over her, watching her wonder and smiling.

Jesus said “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 18:3.

Maybe Jesus was referring to the trust and dependence that little children have in their dads and mums, their simplicity and faith maybe. But the thing this photo reminded me of about children, was their wonder. Child-like wonder.

To be in awe about God and what He is doing in our lives. To take time to notice Him in the small things and then marvel. To be curious about the things of His kingdom.

I’d like to think that as I am in awe of Him and His goodness, that He would be standing over me, watching my wonder and smiling.

We have stained glass windows at home.

They are one of my favourite features. Our home was built over a hundred years ago, and I think they are original from that time.

They’re beautiful. A panel of swirling shapes. Amber, lilac, sea-green.

I woke early this morning, and when I came into the living room the early light was muted and the stained glass dull.

Soon though, the sky turned pink. I sat with a cup of tea and watched as the sun rose beyond the trees. As it did, everything was filled with its brilliant light.

The stained glass came to life.

Minutes before the glass had been pretty but dull, but now it sparkled. As the light shone through, it was as if the glass was flecked with jewels; amethysts and emeralds and gold. Dazzling. Beautiful.

It made me think about what Jesus said about us. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:14-16.

We have Jesus, the Light of the World, living in our hearts. Our lives have been touched by His light; lit up by Him. In His light, we come alive with colour and vibrancy; we shine.

But have we put this light under a bowl? Do we hide His light that is in us? Or do we allow it to shine before men for God’s glory?

Let’s be radiant for God. Let’s stand in His light and then be bearers of it, so that others might see and believe.

I’ve got this fun fridge magnet of Jesus standing over the world, watching  over us. It says, “Jesus is watching. Give Him a good show.” Maybe it was meant to be kind of cheeky, but the funny thing is, it’s kind of true.

“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling-place He watches all who live on earth - He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do” – Psalm 33:13-15.

How awesome is God that He sees each of one of us. That He considers each one of our actions. That He keeps up with us, and knows us so intimately.

Sometimes it makes me feel uncomfortable to think about it because I don’t think I am giving Him a good show. Maybe I’m time-wasting, maybe I’m holding on to an attitude that is wrong. Lots of things.

Other times I feel in awe of this amazing God who loves me enough to be that interested. It gives me all the motivation I need to try and make Him smile with all that I do and say and think.

How does it make you feel to know that God is watching over you so intimately? For me, for today at least, I am going to try and give Him a good show :).

Here are the white blossoms I mentioned yesterday. Pretty huh? I love spring! I’m busy writing the angel series at the moment which I spoke about a couple of days ago. I’ll start posting these soon. I am learning so much about angels as these awesome servants of God. Today I read about fallen angels, about how they fell with Lucifer and the authority that Jesus has over them. I’ll be focusing on the whole question of guardian angels next, which will be great. More to come soon. Have a good start to the week, and if you’re in London, enjoy this gorgeous sun! 

A couple of photos from today. There was a fair in our local village today. It was a gorgeous walk with lots of lovely spring flowers along the way. I’ll post a photo of white blossoms under a bridge tomorrow. At the fair I got to see a Punch and Judy show, which was great. This puppet show has been in England since 1662 the professor said (that’s the name for the puppeteer I found out). We all sat under the trees by the church; mostly mums, dads, nannies and little ones. The children’s reactions were so funny, Punch was outrageous and they loved it. Here are some photos - Punch, Judy and their baby, and then one of Punch just before he swipes the croc.

Well, I’m very excited to say that I’m working on a new series for my blog and it’s all about angels. There’s a lot of fascination about angels and a lot of information around about them.

The series is going to look at what angels are and what they do; do we have a ‘Guardian Angel’? what are ‘Fallen Angels?’ and who are some of the archangels?

Last year I interviewed a lady who had an amazing encounter with an angel in an ambulance as she was being rushed to hospital. The lady’s daughter has kindly said that I can share this incredible story here.

I’m working on this series at the moment and will start posting the pages soon. So do keep an eye out and if you know anyone who is interested in angels, then let them know too .

I love this verse in the Bible that says – “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge …” Ephesians 3:17-19.

In this excerpt of teaching by Paul Washer, he talks about this love that God has for us – unconditional, immeasurable and eternal love.

One quote that I like from this teaching is:

“ …. I realised I did not have to move a quarter of an inch to the left or the right to be loved of God. That I did not have to be successful in the world’s eyes, nor powerful, nor eloquent, nor intelligent, nor any other thing; that I simply was loved.”

Michael and I have been dissatisfied with our walk with God for some time. We struggle with a church message that seems to major on a Christianity that is about our own personal fulfilment, health, wealth, and being all that we can be in life. Fullness of life is promised when we live in Christ, but is this the same thing as success by the world’s standards?

For me, the Bible majors on a Christianity that is about dying to ourselves and being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. A Christianity where we are to delight ourselves in God, live for His will, and seek those who do not know Him. Where we are slaves to Christ.  

Our hunger continues to grow – God, how can we be more alive to You? How can we serve Your will? What does it really mean to follow You, Jesus?

Over this time we have come across the teaching of Pastor Paul Washer. His teaching is extremely convicting, and for Michael and me, truthful and refreshing. It is helping us come face to face with the reality of Jesus, and of living for Him. I will be posting a few excerpts of Paul Washer’s teaching this week. Today’s brief message is for us Christians. The question is: how do you know that you are saved?

I’ve just finished reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and I LOVED it. If you haven’t already read it, I’d really recommend it. It’s the first Christian novel I’ve read, and it’s amazing! Not only do you get completely caught up in the beautiful characters and story, but you learn so much more about God and the way He seeks us, heals us and never ever gives up on us.

It’s based on the story of Hosea in the Bible, where God asks Hosea to marry Gomer who is a prostitute. Gomer repeatedly turns her back on Hosea, going back to a life of prostitution, but in spite of her unfaithfulness, and his pain, Hosea rescues Gomer from this life, takes her home, and loves her. It is a picture of God’s unconditional love for us - even when we betray Him, He is always faithful and merciful to us. No matter what we have done, we can always have a fresh start with Him.

I loved the way the characters of Angel and Michael made this story and message come alive. I just felt so much compassion for Angel who had never known anything but abuse and pain since her mother died as a child, and she was sold into prostitution. And Michael was just this amazing, beautiful example of someone who was so solid in God. So uncompromising in his obedience to God, and in his love for Angel. It was such a beautiful, powerful picture of love. How loving someone by God’s grace and never giving up on them, has the power to heal and redeem and free. Definitely read it, if you haven’t already .

Reference - Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, Monarch Books (first Published 1997 by Multnomah).