Why Jesus is Better than a Boyfriend

Yes, the title isn't the most reverent perhaps. But I have been thinking about it now that several of my friends are in various stages of courtship. It is easy for me to feel lonely or left out, especially as I want so much to be married. So I thought I'd make this list. It has 25 items, because I'm 25 years old!

1. Jesus died for me. Most boyfriends won't.
2. Jesus loves me.
3. Jesus is always right.
4. He's paying for the wedding. (See the book of Revelation.) :P
5. He's also giving me a city to live in.
6. If Jesus keeps me awake all night talking, he'll give me energy to get through the next day... unlike some people's boyfriends.
7. Jesus thinks that I am most beautiful when I show a meek and quiet spirit.
8. He wrote me one massive love letter.
9. He has given me beautiful clothing... and this kind of white looks good on me.
10. He's always ready to listen to me.
11. He's actually interested in my problems.
12. He can solve my problems, and He'll do it whenever I ask.
13. He provides for me.
14. He loves kids even more than me!
15. He counts even the hairs on my head.
16. He likes me to talk to total strangers about Him.
17. Other people are able to listen to me wax eloquent about Jesus and not be completely (but politely) bored. (Unless they're not Christian).
18. I can talk about how wonderful Jesus is in front of the whole church. Boyfriends can only be talked about in front of the whole church when you get engaged, married, have a baby, or if it's Valentine's day.
19. When I start looking like Him, it's a good thing.
20. He think's grey hair is a crown. Well, it's not neccessary now, but I like to think ahead.
21. He makes sure that everything works together for my good.
22. He has promised to never leave me, nor forsake me. Boyfriends and husbands leave, even if it's just to go to work.
23. I ignored Him for years, and He STILL loves me!
24. He literally keeps me alive.
25. He gave me the entire world to enjoy and to take dominion of for Him!

Was there ever anyone to compare, with this, my Jesus!

Protest Lives

I was at the Portarlington Celtic festival on the long weekend, and it was incredible. Amongst other things, I found a harp teacher, which is good, because then I might actually practise.

She played, amongst other things, her "protest song" - which being on the harp was this lovely soft lyrical piece. She explained it as being a statement against all the ugliness of the world.

Is that what we do? Do we, as Christians, make a statement against all that is ugly in the world, in our own small ways? Do we make our houses homes? Do we make our churches families? Do we make what we can of our lives beautiful - especially in opposition to all the darkness that surrounds us?

In many cases, it is the little things that make a difference - doing the washing up so that the kitchen looks nice for when you wake up in the morning, tidying things away, smiling rather than frowning, and above all, meditating on the person, the character, and the Word of Chirst?

Are we living our own "protest songs"?

Kitchen Tip Tuesdays: Dish Space

Who doesn't have enough space for your dishes? Okay, maybe just me. But I never seem to have enough space for the washed-up dishes to drain, especially if I am wanting to do some more cooking.

I found a solution. Put the drainer over the sink. Hey Presto! More space!

I have a double sink, so I don't move the drainer away at other times, but the principle is the same.

Ignore the fact that I need to scrub my sink.

Making Your Home A Haven: Smaller Projects

Well, with this week half off, my morning routine is effectively not happening this week. But for other stuff, I have more time. Yay for time!

1. Set a timer for 15 minutes and work on cleaning or organizing in an area that you dread getting started on.
I worked on the kitchen. Washing up done, a few bits and pieces put away, and general tidying up done. No photos - the kitchen is still pretty hideous.

2. Do something you've been procrastinating about.
As I wasn't due into work until 11, this meant... da-da-da-duh! The banks were open! I had two cheques which I banked!

3. Clean up or organize a pile. A pile of dishes, a pile of laundry, a pile of papers... whatever needs your attention most urgently! :)
I went through my tax papers. Not quite all done, but 95%. Now, to get to the last 5%... This actually cleared 3 piles - the tax papers, the old financial papers, the newer ones... my bedroom floor is quite a good deal clearer, which I really, really love.

4. Spend some quality time with your family.
It's my birthday today, so this is going to be happening. I'm hanging with friends now - hey, I'm gen Y - and will be seeing my mum tomorrow and the rest over the long weekend (i.e. from this Friday onwards.)

Now to eat cake!