2014

Things I learnt and took away from this past year.

Don't be afraid of the wrestle - January
At the beginning of my second semester at university, Ruth spoke in church about HOPE and how it is something you have to want to do. God isn't afraid of the wrestle, why should I be?

Be kind not crazy - February
Whilst looking at Ephesians 4 in my lifegroup, Jon said that all too often we can respond to people with an off-handed craziness rather than with simple kindness. "You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together both outwardly and inwardly."

Carry each others burdens - March
Life does sometimes get tricky. I thought about where I got my emotional support from and the importance of having people to talk to when you just aren't sure about things.

Embrace the spirit of an adventurer - April
This one stems from my spontaneous trip to Paris with Becki, Natascha, Ellie and Kathryn. I was given a prophetic word that I have the spirit of an adventurer and I have kept this word with me ever since. I love it!

You are worth the Son of God - May
This had me thinking for days. HOW?!?! This is my value. This is our value. The Son of God. How my head will ever wrap itself around that I do not know. Incredible.

People and stories have transformative power - June
I read The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne for our staff training at camp and this was one of the things that stood out to me.

Community. Family. - July
Finding another home on the north shore of Long Island is one of the best things that has happened in my life. Spending all of July and August there we became a family. Such a joy.

Even if - August
I heard about the story in Daniel 3 - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's statue and were thrown into a furnace. "If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us. But EVEN IF he doesn't, it wouldn't make a difference, we still wouldn't serve your gods or worship your statue." Even if. Because it's not about what Jesus will do but what he has done.

Encouragement reinforces community - September
That it does! I am so blessed to have community in many places - Manchester, Croydon, Camp DeWolfe.

Sacrifice always releases power - October
This term, my church  has been focusing on being lavished by the father heart of God. Mark said this when talking one Sunday and it stuck with me. I am not sure what it completely means yet.

Carry this heart - November
This got me thinking about the kind of heart I want to have and carry. I heard this in the context of calling other people home; carry this heart.

Embrace the freedom he has given you - December
"God wants to give you a greater source of freedom in all areas of your life. He wants you to be free to love and worship him in everything that you do. He has so many adventures in store for you and you'll realise this more as you embrace the freedom he has given you." This is what I'm taking forward into 2015.

Happy New Year,

Love Bethan