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By Nemo, on February 2nd, 2012
 Thank you, Lord Today I’d like to express my gratitude for so many different things, but the main thing I’m thankful for this week is Fellowship.
Christian Fellowship is also known as Communion, for which the Greek word is Koinonia.
Wikipedia describes it like this:
The essential meaning of the koinonia embraces concepts conveyed in the English terms community, communion, joint participation, sharing and intimacy.
I have just recently joined a church and for the first time in my life I’m regularly taking part in Sunday Worship services. I have also started attending Women’s Fellowship and Bible Study evenings.
I love being able to spend time with other Christians, talking about God and what He has done in our lives. Studying His Word together and learning from each other.
I have such joy in my heart even though times are rough and uncertain, I have that peace that passes all understanding.
I can’t wait for the next meeting when I’ll get the opportunity to spend time with my new friends again, in the company of our Lord as we pray, worship, read and thank Him together.
So today I say: Thank you, Lord, for leading me to such a beautiful church.
Technorati Tags: Calvary Chapel, Christian, Church, Communion, Fellowship, Koinonia, Thankful Thursday
By Nemo, on January 31st, 2012
I realise it’s been ages since I last wrote a blog post, but here we go, I’m hoping to get it right this time!
Life has been an incredible journey since I moved to England in November 2010. In a year I have moved house four times! I was living in shared houses with a friend of mine, but I am now living on my own with four strangers in a shared house, a new experience to say the least, but it’s rather interesting and definitely builds confidence!
I still have the same job I got in Feb 2011 and for that I am truly grateful. God has blessed me so much in this past year, I am just amazed when I think about all the leaps of faith I have taken and how He has got me through.
I have also finally joined a church, for the first time in my life I can say I have a church! I love it, I love Sunday worship services and I love the Friday women’s fellowship and tomorrow I’ll start Wednesday Bible study and I’m sure I’ll love that too. God has placed me in a church full of the most caring and lovely people I have ever met. They are truly a blessing and I am so thankful for this season in my life.
There are many things that are uncertain in my life right now, but I have a peace and a joy that seems to be immune to whatever is happening out there. It’s that inner peace that passes understanding. Thank you Jesus!
My plans for this blog have always been to write regularly and share my walk in life and in faith, but till now there has always been something that has stood in the way of that. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a sign that I should give it all up or whether this time it will finally work, but I’m going to give it another try!
Thank you to those who still stop by and leave comments on my old posts, I’m amazed at how many visitors I still get even though I’m no longer updating the blog. I will do my best to give you new posts to read!
You are all such a blessing, being able to read about your walks in faith and your lovely families and hobbies, I really enjoy that. Thank you.
I wish you a (very belated) happy and blessed 2012!
Technorati Tags: 2012, Church, House Share, London
By Nemo, on April 28th, 2011
Thank you, Lord
This week I’m thankful once again for Providence, but also for Peace, the kind of peace that only God can give.
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.
(Psa 29:11)
Recently I’ve been falsely accused of things and just generally been picked on by somebody I am forced to face daily. At first I felt angry and so surprised by all of it that it was consuming me – it really had a bad effect on my mood.
Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
(Psa 6:7-10)
As things just keep on the same negative path with this person, regardless of my attempts to be friendly and talk things through, I’ve come to learn more about this person and how totally irrational, hypocritical and selective said person is with their accusations and actions. After careful consideration, Bible reading and some prayer, I’ve come to realise that I’ve done nothing wrong and should not let such people dictate the way my day(s) go.
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
(Psa 7:9-10)
I also realised that there is no sense in being angry with them for not being able to see things as they are. This person has clearly made a choice to ignore reality and has simply chosen to wage war against me at all costs. No, I no longer feel anger, instead I now feel a little sorry for them.
After letting go of the anger I started feeling much better and something else came over me… peace.
I realised:
God doesn’t want us to be angry with each other, He doesn’t want us to hold grudges, He wants us to forgive and forget.
Each day that passes is a new clean slate for me, but no matter how I’ve tried to do the right thing, this person has chosen not to see it. So be it. All I have left to do now is pray for them.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
(Mat 5:44-45)
I have peace of mind that I’ve done nothing wrong and that the Lord will hear my prayers.
You know what’s really amazing? Every verse I quoted here is a verse I read today… How AWESOME is our God, who speaks to us through His Word!
~ Peace ~
Technorati Tags: Christian, Meme, Peace, Scripture
By Nemo, on April 27th, 2011
 click image for full size
Bible verses:
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
I chose this verse because it’s something that many people who question God’s actions or inactions in the events written in the Bible (or even today) just don’t seem to link.
God is God, without Him there is nothing, not even those who doubt Him would be if He wasn’t God! How can we as humans even dare to question what God does or doesn’t do? He created the heaven and the earth and last of His creation was mankind.
God made only one rule which carried a very significant consequence – the rule was broken – and for this reason everything bad that happens in this world has come about. It is not God’s fault, it is our nature to want things our own way, do as we please and disobey, as a teacher I often see it in young children already.
God gave us each a measure of faith and our free will as a gift to us. That we might have freedom to make our own decisions, unfortunately too often we make the wrong choices and then blame God for the bitter consequences.
God is God. God created everything and without Him we have and are nothing. That is my message for today and I hope it comes across in my WFW photo. I’ve gone on to add another verse:
1 Corinthians 10:26
For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.
This verse just seems to confirm the point I was hoping to make, some translations say “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it”.
It’s something that I think is key to understanding the evil in this world and why bad things happen to people we (as flawed humans) believe to be innocent or good, but until people realise who God is and how Holy He is, and what that means to us as part of His creation, they will never understand our explanations. It must be something that clicks in them. For unless they have seen who God is, they will not understand Him or His wonderful plan.
Photo Location: a park I visited last week in South London
Word Filled Wednesday is a fun way to meet new Christian friends and discover beautiful verses from the Bible. Participating members add a scripture photo to their blogs every Wednesday, if you’d like to join us for Word Filled Wednesday click here!
If you have participated in WFW, please leave a comment, I’d love to come and see yours!
I’ve discovered another post over at Paper Angels that shares a similar message in such a beautiful, clear way that I thought I’d link it here for you.
Technorati Tags: Christian, God, Meme, scripture tags, Word Filled Wednesday
By Nemo, on April 26th, 2011
Once I found a job here in England, I decided it was time to get serious about making healthy lunches everyday. Not only for the health benefits, but also because it’s almost always cheaper than eating anywhere else. So off I went into the centre of London to the one place I knew I’d find the perfect bento box for work, Japan Centre.
I’m really pleased with my little lunchbox. It’s amazing how much food can fit in there! I must say I was a little surprised at how small the other bento lunchboxes were. The one I’d seen on the website, and really had my hopes set on, was tiny! I was quite disappointed, but then I spotted some plain black plastic boxes stacked in the corner, not the prettiest sight, but definitely the size I was looking for!
click on photos for full size
 2 layer bento box from Japan Centre, London I have come to like the look of it now. It works wonderfully and is quite compact too.
 Stackable layers It has 2 layers which stack on top of each other. The bottom layer has a little flat lid on which the upper layer sits. This creates a nice space for a napkin. The top layer has a movable divider to separate foods and has a rubber seal lid. The lid also comes with a compartment that holds 2 black plastic chopsticks.
 The Lid Once assembled there are 2 large flaps on the sides that fold down and click into place holding all the pieces together and sealing the top compartment with the rubber seal.
It’s microwave and dishwasher safe (without the lid which has metal parts) and the rubber seal is removable for proper cleaning.
It’s so much fun making my lunch every evening (or early in the morning!) and quite exciting taking it out at lunchtime. The food is all kept in place and I’ve not once had a spill. I do keep it in a plastic ziplock bag just in case, but haven’t had to change the bag yet! I am surprised how good I feel about eating my lunch, I feel like I’m doing my body good by eating fruit and vegetables, leftover meals from the night before, or a bit of protein and tomatoes on a slice or two of wholewheat bread. When I add a sweet snack I always make sure it’s under 100 cal.
Now all I need is to find the perfect no-spill waterbottle!
Technorati Tags: Bento, Japan Centre, Lunchbox
By Nemo, on April 25th, 2011
 What's for dinner? Last week’s menu plan worked well till I got some days mixed up and then yesterday (Sunday) I ordered a Chinese take-away.
I’d been craving Chinese food and stir-fries lately so I really enjoyed it! I must say I’m pleased that I ate only one serving this time, not overdoing it like I’ve been in the habit of doing for the past few years – eating enough for 2-3 people. I’m proud of myself!
Monday:
Toasted sandwich with ham, cheese and tomato. (had a late afternoon snack so not really hungry now)
Tuesday:
Chicken stir-fry on rice. Contains a big selection of vegetables and chicken breast meat.
Wednesday:
Pasta with tuna and green olives / tuna, black olives and capers
Thursday:
Chili con carne on rice. Includes bell peppers, onion, garlic, lean minced beef, tin of peeled tomatoes, 1/2 tin of red kidney beans and chili pepper.
Friday:
Spicy crumbed chicken with green beans and potato chips.
Weekend choices:
Curry on rice, unsweetened pancakes with meaty gravy, toasted sandwiches with ham, cheese & tomato or tuna & mayo, pasta with aubergines.
Happy cooking everybody!
Technorati Tags: Diet, food, Meme, Menu Plan Monday, Recipes
By Nemo, on April 25th, 2011
 Pasta al Tonno with Green Olives This is a recipe you can easily make on a tight budget:
I bought 3 tins of tuna for a pound at Poundland, a bottle of olives at Sainsbury’s for under a pound and the tomato sauce for about 40p at Tesco. Onions and carrots don’t cost much at all and last quite long so the cost per meal is really tiny. The salt, pepper, origano and chili pepper can be found in the spice area of any supermarket and are quite cheap since they will last for at least a month or two.
Ingredients for 2:
- an onion
- a carrot
- about 12 olives
- 1 tin tuna
- a box or 1/2 litre tomato puree (passata)
- chili pepper (optional)
- origano
- salt & pepper
- 200g pasta (fusilli, penne, spaghetti, etc)
Method:
- chop onion and carrot into fine pieces and start frying in a pot or deep pan
- meanwhile, cut olives into rounds and drain tuna
- add tuna and olives to the onion and carrot in the pot and fry for a few minutes
- add the tomato puree, origano and a sprinkle of salt, chili and pepper
- let the sauce boil while you prepare the pasta according to package instructions
- once the pasta is cooked and drained, add a few scoops of the sauce to the pasta and mix it well.
- place pasta into plates and scoop remainder of sauce on top
Buon appetito!
Technorati Tags: Olives, Pasta, recipe, Tuna
By Nemo, on April 22nd, 2011
Today is Earth Day!
I’m not really the most green person on the planet and admittedly I waste a lot of water and probably even electricity. Earth Day has been a driving force in spreading awareness about environmental issues and sustainability for about 40 years, that’s longer than I’ve been alive! But I haven’t heard much about them until recently, so I think they need a bit of help from us bloggers.
A Billion ACTs of Green
The Earth Day Network has set up a webpage where people can pledge to do things (act) to make their lifestyle greener. I thought I might join in and pledge to change some things I know I do wrong.
Here’s my list of things I pledge to change:
- Switch off the tap while brushing my teeth
- Switch off the lights when I leave a room
- Take shorter showers
- Use both sides of paper when writing
- Use less paper towels
These are the things I know I need to work on and my conscience has been nagging at me for a while about things like leaving the water running while I’m brushing my teeth and taking such long showers so I’ve been working on those two already.
I definitely can help save some trees by reducing my use of paper and paper towels or at least using them wisely and thoroughly.
Some things I’m already doing to minimize my footprints:
- Recycling
- Walking wherever possible instead of taking public vehicles
- Bought a filter jug so I can drink tap water instead of bottled
- Bought a bento lunchbox instead of using plastic/paper lunch bags
- Wash my clothes in low temperatures and hang them up to dry
What are you doing to reduce your footprints?
Do you consider your lifestyle to be green – why / why not?
Technorati Tags: Acts of Green, Charity, Earth Day, Pledge
By Nemo, on April 22nd, 2011
This week I’m thankful for Providence. No matter how difficult a situation may seem, I have peace and joy knowing that the Lord, my God, will provide a way.
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?”
“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
“If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more [will He clothe] you, O [you] of little faith?”
“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.”
- Luke 12
Technorati Tags: Christian, Faith, Meme, Providence, Scripture
By Nemo, on April 21st, 2011
I’ve come accross a new meme that I’d like to participate in. It’s just my kind of meme! It’s called Simple Pleasures and the title says it all.
My simple pleasure this week is: Walking in the park
This week I have been at home as it’s Easter break and school is closed (I work in a primary school) so I’ve been spending some of my free time outside in the spring sun. I’ve realised recently how much I enjoy being outside in the fresh air especially now in the spring when the sun is warm and there is a fresh, cool breeze.
Everything seems to be springing to life and I take pleasure in seeing all the colours and hearing all the sounds of spring.
 A Walk In The Park I took this photo a few days ago as I walked in a local park.
What’s your simple pleasure?
Technorati Tags: Meme, Simple Pleasures
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