I'm on call for the festive period so don't expect to get to a computer that allows me on to Blogger until Boxing Day, so don't think I've done another disappearing act!

One website that I do get access to is Free Rice. While extending your vocabulary, you will donate 20 grains of rice via the United Nations World Food Program for every word you get right.

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
Rudyard Kipling, English author (1865 - 1936)

It's again been a while since I shared my scripture memory, but it's such a lovely verse to read and remember.

Moses records this proclamation of God just after the Israelites have made their golden calf (Exodus 32). Moses had chastised the people and pleaded for mercy for them from the Lord. Despite their rebellion, God forgave the Israelites and gave this wonderful promise to his people.

The Lord is completely just in his actions towards his created people (Numbers 14:18) and is jealous for our undivided love and devotion (Exodus 20:5). He will show mercy to those who have turned away from him (Nehemiah 9:17) but now turned back (2 Chronicles 30:9, 1 Samuel 7:3). Despite our rebellion, he shows his grace in drawing us back (Daniel 9:9).

This declaration of God's is repeated so many times, underlining its importance to us, his people, to remember this great truth and promise to us (Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2).

The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,
Exodus 34:6

"Hmm, hello," she says, shyly sidling up to you all. "Not seen you in a while, eh?"

I hope you will all forgive me for my sudden and lengthy departure from the blogging world. Quite a few things, some good, some not so good, have been going on - I'll tell you about them all at some point.

Then: I was looking for a job
Now: I got jobs in Scotland, Newcastle and Cambridge and decided to move all the way to the other end of the country to Cambridge. It's been an amazing experience of God's care and plan so I'll definitely speak more about that over the next few weeks.

Then: my best friend was being courted by a wonderful godly man
Now: I went to their wedding a few months ago. It was the best wedding I have ever been to - so focused on God, his grace and his family

Then: my sister was pregnant
Now: my nephew Ruairi was born in August. Photos to follow!

There's a lot more to tell you and I am really looking forward to catching up with you all. I have missed you all in my blogging hiatus. I miss being stirred up by you all and hope that I can be part of encouraging you in my turn.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25