It is the right time to update you all on my journey of faith, as I have been rather quiet as of late. I have recently become a Mrs. I have finally ‘tied the knot’ to my wonderful treasure and best friend, Joel. The wedding day was perfect and we were blessed in so many ways and I will always look back on the day with fondness and joy. However, married life is the adventure of a lifetime that I am excited to share with you and I have a feeling it will be a journey of love, grace and even more grace through those tough times! 

We have a new house together which I have been trying to make into a ‘home’ which has been tonnes of fun, but there is a lot to do yet! Also, although I have not seen the British Bake Off programme that everyone is talking about, I have got the ‘baking bug’ and I aim to start making some delicious treats! Of course, you are welcome to try some… provided it doesn’t burn! I am not sure I have been gifted with being the most domestic wife out there, but hey, I can start from somewhere!

It has been very quiet during the days which has given me plenty of time to reflect and to appreciate the importance of solitude, which does not always come easy. Jefferson Bethke in his book ‘Jesus > Religion’ said the following:

“We refuse to turn off our computers, turn off our phone, log off Facebook, and just sit in silence, because in those moments we might actually have to face up to who we really are.”

In a world dominated by connectivity and social media etc, this is not really hard to believe.

As for the world of work, that has been pretty quiet too. However, I am hopeful and peaceful that the right job will come at the right time. Patience and perseverance are characteristics that I am developing slowly, even though it is challenging. The Lord is good and has taken me on an incredible journey so far, full of hills, shadows and narrow roads, but He has remained faithful and has never left my side. He promises that He will never leave, nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), but it is not meant to be an easy journey. In Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) it says:

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Also, Jesus makes it very clear that those who believe in Him should:

“…deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 NIV) 

Therefore, it is no easy feat being a follower of Jesus. You do not get an easy ride. I think of what is going on in the world at the moment, especially regarding the Christians in Iraq. I understand that Christians are not the only people being persecuted. Also, I know that under the umbrella of ‘religion’, there seems to be unending wars, conflict and social unrest which gives people reason to get angry, often dismissing religion, or treating one another in the name of religion in horrific and hurtful ways. In times of war and upheaval, we often see the darkest side of humanity. Whether this is on a large scale, such as wars between nations or within a nation. Or perhaps on a smaller scale within a family unit through disagreements and conflict. 

However, in this darkest hour shines the greatest light. In Christ’s darkest hour nailed and beaten on a cross, he became the light that casts out the darkness in us and illuminates our path back to Him. We may stray a little from the path, but He pursues us. The question is, will we choose Him to light the narrow path? Will we believe that He has overcome the darkness?