Lost At The Lakes

Hey Guys! I hope you have had a great week! I'm going to share a little story with you today and my thoughts on the story.

It all happened last Saturday 11:00 AM straight after me and Kieran [boyfriend] had been to help and serve at the food bank for the needy. We set off to The Lake District // Elterwater & Ambleside. We had such a fun journey on the way, listening to The Newsboys.

We got their and had such a fab walk around the lake and followed the trails to this beautiful waterfall [photos included]. After a lovely walk and a cup of tea sat in the middle of a field. We carried on the walk following the instructions for the walk. Suddenly it got very dark, very quickly and we took a few wrong turns and the next thing we knew, we were stood in the middle of a boggy, swampy field in the pitch black.

I'm not going to lie, I was terrified. It was a horrible experience, we turned into a private farm accidentally and I shone my torch in the field, then that’s when the first panic attack started, the cows! These huge cows staring at me and I didn't know they were behind a bar, I just seen their eyes, their huge eyes. My thoughts where pretty negative.

 I try so hard to be a positive person but when you’re faced with problems you never thought you’d have to face it’s scary, you have no power, or control and you stress but then I prayed! I had no control but God had! He is always in control. He is our help and guidance. I prayed! And prayed! And prayed! A lot of silent prayers to God. I didn’t feel his presence and this was scarier than the dark cold fields in the middle of nowhere.

Kieran was managing to find adventure and enjoyment out of our mess but I wasn’t having any of it. ‘Drama Queen’ I know but it was something out of a scary movie, the noises, the darkness, the not knowing what could happen was … well I didn’t enjoy that, let’s just say that.

Fortunately after hours of walking round private farm fields Kieran knocked on a farmer’s door and asked for directions… Which were in fact useless, so after walking round another field, and jumping over a fence we made it to a main road, unsure of where it would take us. But we followed a sign to Elterwater. We had walked 16 miles estimate. We walked, and walked and walked until we seen a light, we had no idea where it would take us but we just kept walking because we were freezing, wet and aching and I had twisted my ankle and leg. And after all the stress and several panic attacks we knew this could be ‘the light at the end of tunnel’.

The light was a country pub in Elterwater. Thank goodness we made it back … ALIVE!

I was so happy but exhausted. I wanted to go home. After a few hours of being inside a warm pub and then a warm car. I got to thinking, trying to make sense of what had happened that night.

1.  We had a beautiful walk

2.  We went of the trails

3.  We were in a dark place

4.  A lot of silent prayers

5.  We see a light

6.  We followed the light

7.  We found rest and safety

So I listed what had happened and tried to meditate on it and that’s when it hit me, I needed to be lost to be found. I was lost hopelessly lost and I needed to realise that the one being who I trusted more than anything would come and pull me out from the darkness. I needed to have hope and faith in God. God puts us on the right path when we abide by his commands. We need to think very clearly if we are on the right path, if you’re in a dark place, you need to expect that he will come and help you. His presence will bring you into the light. He is the light.

1John 1:5 - This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

God never puts us in a position he knows we can’t handle, so next time you’re in a dark, scary place in your life, just think he’s there, and he is going to save you. And the main point is that he’s put that journey there for your experience to help yourself or others in the future.

Psalm 54:4 -Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

He keeps us alive, he is your helper and he is always keeping an eye on you and a hand on your shoulder.

I hope you take a little knowledge with you from this blog. I have taken so much from it myself.

• Don’t go to the lakes in the winter (Sunset at 3:30PM is not wise)
• Trust in the Lord fully
• Pray to the Lord
• Ask for help when needed
• Thank God!

Thank you for reading this blog. Speak soon

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

www.bibleforwomen.co.uk

E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

Twitter & Instagram: @bibleblogwomen

New Year, New Job, New Journey

New Year, New Job, New Journey.

Last year I ventured on what I thought was going to be amazing! and It was.... in the beginning. It was fun and I really enjoyed being a part of my host family. Unfortunately this didn't last, I was treat unfairly and with a mutual agreement we decided we would be better if I left and went home. So after a horrible few weeks with them I left while I was home alone, I didn't even say goodbye. This was the best thing to do because I didn't want to end on an argument. I left and still haven't heard from them. Not even a thank you for the Christmas gifts I left for them.
My family drove 5 hours to pick me and my boxes of luggage up to take me home. 
I had no idea what I was going to do... No job... no income... no life.
After my 30 seconds of stressful thinking and doubting and panicking I asked God where he wanted me, where he wanted me to live, work, and rest. Within 1 day of being home I had an interview at a dream job, which I never thought I'd even be shortlisted for. After the Christmas weekend I was offered the job! To work with babies and toddlers at a day nursery! My dream job! (Don't get me wrong it's a challenge every day, but I think that's why God opened this door for me, I needed a challenge but be home and near family and my home church for support. 

Because while being away I had no family and only new friends who didn't know my story or my life. I am super blessed to be home and have supportive and positive people who surround me daily. I can't wait to get stuck back into Kids Church at Paradox Church and connect groups and study groups and food bank connect. I am so happy to be home. Thank you Lord. You brought me home where I belong. 
Thank you! 

When God closes a door he doesn't just close it, he slams it so hard you never go back again and he opens brand new doors for you. It might not be as quick as it was for me but he will definitely take and save you from the darkness and bring you into the light. He is the light. Call to God and he will answer you. Give him a call today! His phone number is P-R-A-Y-E-R. It's the quickest way to reach him. It's the hotline to God. Pray to him for change in your life, if you are in a dark place or stuck in a place you know you shouldn't be in or cant get out of. Call him for help. 


1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled.

Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Have a great week and do not be afraid, God is always with you and his light shines in you every day.
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 

New Year, New Pages.

 2 0 1 5 ~ Happy New Year! 

New Year is known for the party scenes and making unrealistic goals and resolutions for the year ahead but by the second week of January you've already broken them all.
I usually set resolutions and goals for the New Year and they usually involve, stopping the naughty foods, starting the gym, and being healthier... these are broken by day 5. So what's the point? What is the point in creating goals which are pointless and selfish.
So what's the point? Seriously? C'mon! Shape up, get your head in the game and do something amazing this year. Be the faith impactor you were called to be. 
From helping an elderly lady in the street to donating to a charity. From a smile to a stranger in the supermarket to a hug to a friend in need. 
Let's make your resolutions realistic. Be more Christ like and be a true 'Christian' Be all that you were called to be. 
Leviticus 26 : 12 - I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.
Jesus walks with us, so whenever your about to do something 'not Christ like' just think would Jesus have done that? If not, then don't do it, simple as that guys.

This year make a promise to yourself and a promise to your God! Promise to commit more of your self to him. No one is perfect so we can all admit that we can improve on our faith and stop holding back. Jump into your belief with hands reaching out. Take that leap of faith.

Personally I  think I need to spend more time studying the Bible. And praying.... I pray every day but sometimes I get lost in the days and sometimes I even forget a simple thank you for the things he encountered for me, just so I could live a day to day life.
We need to plug into our faith and endure the prejudice and opinions of others who don't understand our faith. Put your foot down and lay down the fact that we are proud to be the Lords children as we know that he loved us so that he gave his life for us. 

So while your eating those left over Christmas candies and chocolates, remember to make realistic resolutions and Christ like resolutions.

Let your resolution be connecting more... invest in Christ for your life. 

Have an amazing year! Thank God for the new year in which he has given you. He's added another page to your book of life. Don't waste your time.

New Year, New Pages. Get writing some memories, and be a world changer.
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

www.bibleforwomen.co.uk
@bibleblogwomen

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving to all of the American readers out their! 
I thought that with it being thanksgiving it would be a great opportunity to express what I'm thankful for and urge you to do the same. 
I wanted to tell you of F I V E things in which I am thankful for in 2014......

1. Jesus! I am so thankful for Jesus. If Jesus hadn't sacrificed his life for me and guided me, I wouldn't have anything to be thankful for. 

2. I am super thankful for my Au Pair Job, I have asked God to help me with this for over 3 years and now I am super blessed to living in a beautiful city, five and a half hours from my hometown. But I am enjoying it, it's challenging 90% of the time but I am excited and blessed to be on this life changing journey.

3. I am thankful for my boyfriend. We met in New York 4 years ago and dated for less than a year and then didn't speak until January this year. And we started dating again in February. I never thought in a million years that this relationship would ever happen. But our God is unlimited in love and amazement. God Amazed me when my boyfriend came back into my life. It was something I never thought would happen. It was a miracle and I'm so blessed to say that were planning a future together and if it wasn't for God we wouldn't be here. So thank you GOD! THANK YOU! 

4. Health and Safety of my family. Most of family are happy and healthy and I am thankful to have them all and that they all have there health. 

5. I am thankful for my life. I am thankful for every day I get to wake up and have meals, hot meal to eat, to have clean water to drink and shower in. I am thankful for the roof over my head, the bed I sleep in. I'm thankful for my daily life which Jesus sacrificed himself so I could live my life. I live my life in his name because he reigns forever and ever. 
His love never fails for us. He loves us.

What are you thankful for today?

Thank you for reading my thankful Thursday / Thanksgiving Blog.
Have a great Thanksgiving. 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 
E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
@bibleblogwomen

Studying Joel : Bible Study

Hey everyone welcome to the Studying Joel blog. 

I recently decided to write a study every month (hopefully) on a different person or book or theme. This idea came to me when I was reading through my bible and realised that even though I've read the Bible cover to cover I still don't understand certain things. Therefore I hope you enjoy these new blogs, they are written in a simple way so you can get a little information and hopefully leave the blog and do some scripture finding yourselves. I pray that these future blogs bless you and enriches you with wisdom and understanding. Thank you Amen.

Outline of the book of Joel.

- He didn't say that much about himself

- Resident of Jerusalem

- His message is timeless

- Disaster strikes

- Son of Pethuel

- Preached to the people of Judah

- The locusts he mentions in Joel 1:4; Joel 2:25 are best understood as real insects

The theme of this book is Restoration. 

- Restoration and blessing will come only after judgment and repentance.

Joel 1:1-12- An Invasion of Locusts

Joel 1:13 - A Call to Repentance

Joel 2:1-11 - The Day of the Lord

Joel 2:12- Return to the Lord

Joel 2:18 - The Lord Had Pity

Joel 2:28 - The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit

Joel 3:1-16 - The Lord Judges the Nations

Joel 3:17 - The Glorious Future of Judah

Joel 1:13

13 Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests;
wail, O ministers of the altar.
Go in, pass the night in sackcloth,
O ministers of my God!
Because grain offering and drink offering
are withheld from the house of your God.

14 Consecrate a fast;
call a solemn assembly.
Gather the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.

15 Alas for the day!
For the day of the Lord is near,
and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.

16 Is not the food cut off
before our eyes,
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?

17 The seed shrivels under the clods;
the storehouses are desolate;
the granaries are torn down
because the grain has dried up.

18 How the beasts groan!
The herds of cattle are perplexed
because there is no pasture for them;
even the flocks of sheep suffer.

19 To you, O Lord, I call.
For fire has devoured
the pastures of the wilderness,
and flame has burned
all the trees of the field.

20 Even the beasts of the field pant for you
because the water brooks are dried up,
and fire has devoured
the pastures of the wilderness.

Confronted with this crisis, he calls on everyone to repent: old and young (1:2–3)

drunks (1:5), farmers (1:11) and priests (1:13).

He describes the locusts as the Lord’s army and sees in their coming a reminder that the day of the Lord is near. The locusts are known to be actual insects and not representations of the Babylonians, Romans etc.

The locust plague and severe drought was known to be the 'great and dreadful day of the Lord'.

The main idea throughout this scripture is ' Repent. for the day of the Lord is near'.

Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love.

Define Boundless - Having NO Boundaries 

How amazing is that? His love has no boundaries. He is boundless in loyal love for us. Repent your sins, and return to him, your creator, your author, your father, your Lord Christ Jesus.

Christ in Joel

The coming of the Holy Spirit, who applies Christ's redemption, is predicted in Joel 2:28. Jesus Christ is the only one who judges nations but who also restores his people. [Trust me, I know this as a fact, I have been restored].

In Joel 2:18-20 Is Gods response, his agricultural blessing, his promise. He informs us of our glorious future. The people of Judah repented and God restored. There is no restoration without repentance. 

The promise of God follows in Joel 2:25-32 This promise is the greatest promise of hope in the Old Testament. Restoration is so important as a Christian. We need to leave the dignity and proud outer characters out of the picture and just be true to God and ourselves. And ask him for guidance and speak to him about your own pros and cons and he will help you be the person he created you to be. 

Define Restoration - The action of returning something to a former owner, place or condition. 

We need to be restored and returned to God.

Emphasis in the study

Joel 1:1- 2:11 Desolation

Joel 2:12 - 17 Exhortation

Joel 2:28 - 3:21 Restoration

This book shows that no matter what we go through in life, no matter how dark and challenging things might turn, God will always be there to restore you. In the future remember your past and when he has pulled you through a messy time and then have hope for the future as he's helped you before so why wouldn't he help you again? He wants your companionship, your friendship, your communication and obedience. He wants to be in a relationship with you and by repenting your old ways and habits, he can restore you 'The sins I haven't already forgiven, I'll forgive' God has moved into Zion for good'.

Scriptures to check out-

The book of Joel [it's not that long so if you have time, just sit and study, meditate this book, it's such a great book]

If not check out these:

- Joel 2:12-14

- Joel 2:18

- Joel 2.25-27

Thank you for reading this study I hope it helps you in your studies and bible reading. 

Enjoy your day. God bless

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

 

Goodbye Autumn : Lifestyle Blog

It’s official! Autumn is OVER!

Yes that’s right! Christmas is on the way… The red cups have made a comeback, our shops are filled with Christmas jumpers and dozens of decorations. My favourite time of the year! December!

I love autumn and winter because the cold brisk air when you go for a morning walk and the shorter days which means it gets darker earlier which also means for me, it’s harder to get out of bed. But I don’t mind as I love the dark nights and dark mornings. I love days where you can just stay in bed all day or lay on the couch snuggled up into a fluffy blanket watching Christmas films.

I have already watched Home Alone and Polar Express! That’s how excited I am. I think I’m most excited this year because I’m going home from being away since August and I worked in a pub on Christmas last year which meant no Christmas dinner for me and no family and this year I get both! How amazing is that! 

#JessicasAuPairYear

This year is my first Christmas with my boyfriend too! So I can’t wait for Christmas and lots of yummy food and my little going away trip to a lovely 5 star private birthday treat!

I turn 20 on the 27^th December and usually my birthday isn’t anything special but this year I get to go away and just escape for a night or two! It’s certainly going to be amazing!

The only things I shall miss when I leave Chelmsford when I go home at Christmas are Starbucks and Paper chase and the boys I look after in my au pair job.

I have enjoyed autumn but let’s get excited because the season is upon us. #JesusIsTheReasonForTheSeason #JesusBirthday

Don’t forget to be grateful this Christmas and the real reason for Christmas.

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

@bibleblogwomen

Diary of an Au Pair

[7th October 2014]     //    Diary of an Au Pair 
    #jessicasaupairyear

6:30AM : Rise and Shine 
 - Get ready 

7:00AM : Wake Children up
 - Make sure they have all their uniform sorted 
 - School Bag Check 

7:15AM : Breakfast

7:30AM : Brush Teeth
 - Make packed lunches 

8:15AM : Children set off for school

8:30AM : Dog Walk along the river 

9:30AM : Hoover and Dust the house 
 - Hoover Up stairs once a week 

10:00AM : Quick kitchen and bathroom clean 
 - Daily to keep on top of it

11:00AM : Bike Ride
 - Cycle to coffee shop to have a snack of lunch

1:00PM : Home - [Laundry and Ironing on a Monday]

2:00PM : Website Maintenance 
 - Write blog pieces or publish blogs.

3:30PM : Children are home
- Planners on the table

4:00PM : Start cooking dinner 
 - Children complete homework meanwhile 

5:00PM : Dinner is served 

5:30PM : Children are showered and in Pajamas

6:30PM : Host mother is home from work 

7:00PM : My duties end 

I then have the night to my self which I can either chose to watch television with the family in the living room or retire to my bedroom and do whatever I please. 

My day as an Au pair is structured well, I have chores to do but they are not difficult chores and only a few are time consuming. 
I have heard stories of Au pairs who are treat like cleaners... I'm very blessed in that I am not treated as a cleaner, I am respected and I am mainly here for supervision while the mother is working. 

I shall be uploading a few other blogs very soon! 
Thanks for reading 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo