Gingerbread Foundations

Christmas is just around the corner! The last minute shopping, the trees are up and the festive clothing is out in full force! Last night at Helen's Bay Youth, we had our Christmas Party and everyone was in the holiday spirit.

We of course had the obligatory game of Pass The Parcel, a little party with snacks and drinks, but the highlight of the night had to be making our Gingerbread Houses. Chaos isn't usually a word I'd associate with Christmas, but after some of the houses yesterday I think that it is most appropriate. Of course not all of the house were bad. 2 were brilliant, 1 was decent enough (my group yeooo) and then 1 was pure awful. You can guess which ones are which below...

However, with our group particularly we struggled with wobbly walls. The group that had a pile of gingerbread rubble for their house would also say their wobbly walls were at fault. I think that most groups struggled with the shaky nature of the houses. Why? Well there were no foundations...

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew  7 v 24 - 27

It's exactly the same for us as people. Not even just Christians. Everyone has foundations - it just depends what you build them on... and whether or not they are solid. Some people have friends, family, or wealth as foundations. Whilst these things may not be bad inherently, if you look to build your life on them they will surely let you down and your 'house' will collapse.

You want solid foundations? Choose Jesus. He's the only one that will be able to keep your walls firm and your house steady in even the most troubling storms of your life - just make your foundation in Him.

How can I make a foundation in Jesus? What's that even mean? Start by accepting Him into your life and living the way God wants you to. Taking time to get to know your Father by reading His word and talking with Him in prayer is vital.

Take a look at the Gingerbread houses again. Which one are you going to be?

Christmas Came Early

As soon as Christmas last year had ended we were already starting to see Facebook status' counting down the days until next Christmas. It's that one time of the year that everyone is waiting for. I was waiting for Christmas for a different reason than the festivities, the copious amounts of turkey and of course the presents. I was waiting until I was off University for Christmas so I had time to travel back to Latvia.

Have you ever had Christmas come early? You got some good news. Your football team got an unexpected great result. Or maybe a relative has sent you a Christmas card with money in it a week early. Well my Christmas had came early being in Latvia last week.

I was only there from Monday until Friday, but it was surprising how many things I was able to fit into 4 days. My main reason for going back was to visit the Children's Centre in Karosta, Liepaja, where I used to volunteer. I was living and serving in this Centre for around a year and a half, and it became home to me. The children became my brothers and sisters, and it was the hardest thing to leave behind when coming home. Naturally I miss them, and I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to visit them.

They weren't so pleased. Well they were happy to see me as well, until I told them that I was staying only until Friday and the next time I'd be back would probably be the summer. Needless to say, I was the victim of a few bad words and slight physical torment. I had also brought over a pile of clothes for the kids and teenagers - some second hand and some brand new. Thank you for anyone who gave me clothes or money to support the need of these children. I was able to buy 20 pairs of gloves, 20 pairs of socks and 12 hats for only £65 in Primark to bring as well as the tonne of second hand clothes too. The director of the Centre will be able to give them out to those in need, and they are extremely grateful of this support.

On the Tuesday morning, I was able to return to 5-a-side football with my friends from the Liepaja police. I used to play with them twice a week when I lived there, and can't really remember how I got involved in playing there! But there great guys and I miss them too, so it was great to go and play some football with them, and to keep our friendships going. I ask you to be praying for those guys too! On Tuesday evening, I was able to meet some kids from our summer camp and play bowling with them. It was a great time together, although I suck at bowling, and its important to not forget about the work we did in the summer. God is still working in these children and we need to continue to work with Him in our prayers.

Finally, I was able to spend a substantial amount of time with our friends - a family of 4 in Liepaja. I met Igor and Liga in YWAM originally, and our friendship has continued since then. They have two amazing sons, and are people of God, whom I respect and love. It was great to have a meal at theirs and to just enjoy fellowship together again. Be praying for this family together with me! I am looking forward to the next time I can see them again.

All in all an amazing week - just too short! Please be praying for all the people I have mentioned in this post, I am thankful and I know they would really appreciate it too. If you've any questions or would like to know some information then please get in touch with me! Maybe you'll even want to come along with me next time ;)  Blessings.

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”