Well the past few days have brought their fair share of difficulties. Fears or concerns about the future, about preparing the summer, about finances, about work, about flats, about what I should do with my life have been through my head, and because I haven't spent much time with God it all bogged me down. Which means I have not been in very good spirits.

On Saturday night, upon returning home from a fantastic birthday party, I watched a bit of one of Louie Giglio's talks. It's the part about Laminin. And then I read Psalm 33 over and over. So good. As alway, God is just what I needed. What else could I need? Church yesterday did me a world of good. Rebecca sang this song by Bethany Dillon. The lyrics did wonders for my soul!

When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head
You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear

You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need

When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need
You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need
You're all I need

I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You

Pure brilliance. So as I mentioned earlier, on Saturday night a birthday party disguised by ToC happened. It was good. Louise was surprised. They seem to occur a lot. It's all great fun. Anyway, here's a picture of most people present, though some people left early.

Happy birthday Louise!

Camp plans are developing - I have my embassy interview on the 14th May, and then all I'll need to do is book flights. Everything else is done and sent, or nearly sent... hmmm, still need to put those forms in the post. I'll be in the US for close to three months, visiting Derek's family at the end of the summer, and possibly on one of my breaks too. That'll be fun. It's going to be a good summer. And it'll give me the opportunity to think about whether I do want to make that a somewhat more permanent place for me to live. The Boston's children's Hospital and the Salvation Army in Boston both have some pretty interesting vacancies just now to work with them. So we'll see.

All I can say right now is that I'm grateful that God is so big and I am so small. He can do anything, He knows my name, He knows what's coming up in my life, in fact, He has planned it all. Praise the Lord!!

Bedtime Stories

I achieved almost all those things. I never walked along the water of Leith, nor did I print off pictures. My room did get tidied... in the end. But so much more than just those things on my list happened. Thankfully! It was a good wee break and I am so thankful for it. It was a time of rest, I had some good conversations and made memories. Belfast was so nice. I can't say we did anything extraordinary, Ruth and I watched August Rush, a pretty good film with extraordinary music. On Friday we met up with Derek and Alan and together we walked around town. There is not much to see really. But it was so nice. We also met up with Ben, my friend from camp, and Alan's good friend from home. We had good food, good chat and it was wonderful to be away from Edinburgh and responsibilities for a day and just enjoy the company.


Pretty much sums it up.

My trip up to the Abbey (in Edinburgh) was also lovely. We went between rain showers. Actually, it poured on our way back, but we saw a beautiful rainbow, which made the walk even more stunning. The views, the crags, the Abbey itself, the trees starting to blossom, the clouds, the sun shining on the wet rooftops... stunning.



I want to share one of my favorite videos just now. Have tissues handy. But it is an amazing picture of a parent's love, and a husband's love. It is a wonderful story. It is a great outlook on life. It is a beautiful picture of God's ability to show Himself in such small things. A baby's life. "God found great pleasure to take a lowly thing in the eyes of the world and show truth."

Dear Eliot.

As the days go by I continue to wonder what to do past September. Jobwise, whether to continue living in Edinburgh or consider moving. It is still a mystery to me. I find great comfort in the knowledge that God goes before me. God know what is around the corner. And it's ok, what awaits me is good. So I try not to worry. I am a natural worrier. But here is yet another chance to choose not to worry about tomorrow.

I'm sure there is so much more I could say, but I will stop there and make the wise choice of going to bed. It is before midnight and these days that is an accomplishment in itself.

Goodnight.