We moved into our new house (finally!) 3 weeks ago. We're very fortunate to have been able to decorate every room before we'd moved in, so for the last few weeks it's been all about the finishing touches. Every house needs a door mat- I got our one from one of my new favourite shops:
Love 13 in Bush Hill Park.
It makes me smile every time I come in and see it in our porch- simple pleasures eh?
I thought it was quite appropriate considering we moved into the house in 2012.
Here are some more British delights I've seen on my wanderings.
All this patriotism got me thinking. Why do we feel pride about where we're from? I think it's mainly because our nationality gives us a sense of belonging and identity. Something bigger than us to feel part of.
Last Sunday, our church had it's annual International Day. Everyone came in their national dress, ready to sing, dance and celebrate the 52 nations represented in the church, as well as praising God for bringing us together. It was (as usual) an amazing time!
The array of colours and the generally celebratory atmosphere made for a wonderful time. I think it gave a little taster of what Heaven will be like- every nation, every colour, every tongue worshipping God uninhibited.
My grandparents on my Mum's side were Irish. My grandad on my dad's side was born in Wales, but I was born in England and am very much English. It's notoriously difficult for the English in our church to dress up for International day- because we don't really have a national dress. So we tend to adorn ourselves in what can only be described as fancy dress: generally Union Jacks made into dresses or capes. Ruby wore her very English, cricket hat. Daddy went his t-shirt with the pint logo on it- the English lout look I think?
On previous years I've proudly worn my Oxford United shirt or my 'I love Oxford'
t-shirt. I suppose it's my way of saying 'I'm not from here, I'm different'.
It's great to celebrate your country or city of citizenship- but as Christians we have something even better to celebrate: our heavenly citizenship. I find it a real challenge to express my faith as freely as I would do my earthly nationality. I could quite easily walk down the street wearing a Union Jack t-shirt or even my 'I love Oxford' t-shirt, but could I walk along the same street with a t-shirt with the words 'I LOVE JESUS 'emblazoned on it? I'd like to think I could, but have to admit I would be a little self conscious.
I think this stems back to some embarrassing childhood memories. I was bought up in an Anglican church, but when my mum and dad split up, Mum and I began to attend a pentecostal church. To be honest I thought they were all a bunch of weirdos, dancing with flags, falling about in laughter after being prayed for. It was like visiting an asylum. I remember a specific occasion when we went on a church picnic. I must have been about 12, just getting into that awkward, self conscious phase. After all the food had been eaten, to my horror, I saw the guitar with the 1980s rainbow guitar strap come out. Everyone began singing in the middle of a busy park. It was completely excruciating. Little did I know that in years to come I would become one of those raving happy clappies.
The teens in our church all wear hoodies with the words 'JESUS IS BETTER' boldly printed on them. I'm always so impressed whenever I see one of them about town wearing one. I never would have been that bold about expressing my faith at that age.
But this is what God calls us to do. Express our faith and love for Jesus- completely unapologetic and unashamed. How can we not? Can you imagine where we would be if Jesus had suddenly been apologetic about his beliefs? I'm sort of the way, and um...the truth, and err...the life...but whatever you believe, that's great too- I'm opened minded. Or what if he'd been overcome with embarrassment, shame and self consciousness and said actually God it's a bit too much for me to die a hideous death for this lot- can I just come home?
I want to be a lot bolder in expressing my faith, and I encourage you to be too. Don't be ashamed to say I'm not from round here, I'm different.
I love designing things that express some part of my identity as a Christian. I like to put scripture on cards or on jewellery.
I recently made this patch for Steve to put on his bag. We both really love this phrase. It's intentionally scruffy to emphasise our imperfection.
