A Moment in....

I recently went on holiday to Bognor Regis with the coach tour operator, KM Travel from Chesterfield, (I would recommend them). We travelled on the Monday to Bognor and travelled back on the Friday. Whilst there we had two trips out, on the Tuesday we went to Worthing, they have a lovely pier, I had a leisurely stroll along the beach and the pier, and went to The Dome, Vintage Tea Rooms and had a scrumptious scone with clotted cream and jam, and dandelion and burdock to drink in a mason jar, fabulous. Thursday, we went to Chichester a place with lots of history, you could walk around the ancient walls around the city. I had a walk to the Priory gardens, it was lovely. I also had a walk around the shops, the art gallery, and the Cathedral. We had about four hours at both places, there wasn't that much time to take it all in, but I did thoroughly enjoy the little time I had.

Wednesday, we stayed at Bognor Regis, and so I had a stroll along the beach, up to Howarth Gardens, another lovely peaceful place for a stroll. They had a miniature railway that went all the way around, there was a separate wildlife part complete with a pond. A café which I didn’t go in but looked good, I was distracted by a rabbit as I was about to go in, and took some photos. They had a fire kiln in the kitchen it looked quite impressive. The squirrels were friendly they came so close, I think they were expecting some food, when all they got was their photograph taken they scampered off. 

Then it was another walk along the beach back to the hotel for dinner. I had a sea view from my room, so I left the window open at night so that I could hear the sea, it lulled me to sleep. When I wasn’t out I spent my time on the bed looking out to the sea, it was amazing.

I had lovely companions at mealtimes, and we had some lovely friendly chats. I must admit it was hard to say goodbye, the time had been so short. It was just three full days there, the other two day where taken up mainly with travelling. Three days out of a lifetime isn’t much, is it? But I think I gained much from it, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Thinking about this, a lifetime isn’t very long in the grand scheme of things, compared to eternity it is just a blip. We are born, and we die, neither of these we can’t have any control over but in between we can. What have you done with the in-between? I have been studying Ecclesiastes for the past few days, the emphasis being that without God everything is futile, vanity, pointless. But with God our lives are enriched and blessed in such a way that we never would have thought possible, even in times of trouble and trials. How then can we have this time with God? 

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

When we repent of our sins and put our faith and trust in Jesus and all that He did for sinners, then we have access to God, who will then be our Father. It is a complete turnaround, leaving the old nature and walking in the new. When we become a child of God, His Word tells us: 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

We no longer want to conform with the world, but our desire is to walk in the will of God, and to please Him, honour Him, and glorify Him.

When we are a child of God not only do we receive new life in this life, but we receive eternal life, we will not be judged and found guilty of our sins because Jesus took the penalty for them when He died on the cross. You are not on this earth long, someone may say “Why would a loving God send anyone to hell?” my answer to that is, “Why would you choose hell over a loving God?” Don’t waste anymore of the precious time you have because this decision must be made in the here and now, when you have died it will be too late, you will then face God as a Judge, is it worth it?

   

A Trip to Melbourne in 2012

I have had a wonderful day; summer has finally arrived (not sure how long for though) and I have managed to go out with my son-in-law on the Motor-bike. We had a ride over to Melbourne in South Derbyshire I have never been before, Joyce from Ripley Salvation Army was telling us all about it at the Home League and she wove such a beautiful picture that I was hooked. She was quite right in her description it is very beautiful with some old houses some of which have thatched roofs, which I love.

Mark isn't a walker so he waited for me as I did some exploring around the little shops on the side streets, 

wonderful. 

We had a late breakfast in the tea rooms which was delicious

their building too had a long history, 

which is next to Melbourne Hall.

I found the whole place fascinating

and would love to go again given the chance.

We then had a walk (at least I did) around the pond,

It was so peaceful and tranquil I could have stayed all day.

We went over Swarkestone bridge to get to Melbourne which also has a wonderful history. Later in the evening I decided to have a stroll through the CoppicePark in Belper which is just down the road from where I live. It was such a pleasant evening

I was surprised though to see the rose already gone and ready to become rose-hips it would seem, that autumn is not too far away!! It was really cool walking in the shade of the trees, the squirrels were doing their usual hide and seek so I didn't get a photo of them. After all the rain, we've had it was just so lovely to walk out on a pleasant summer evening and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Coppice.

I do thank God I could do this today as my health has not been good for some time, so I am unable to do as much as I used to but I am grateful for what I can do and give God the glory for His care and faithfulness. It is good to know that even in the stormiest times of our lives there will be blessings as God sees us through.

1Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.