This week I noticed the first sprouts of new life in our front garden. Tucked away in a sheltered corner by the laurel hedge in a spot that catches the sun, a few bulbs are starting to show their bright green shoots. It was refreshing to see after a cold hard winter (that it seems, as I write, isn’t quite over yet) that the earth has been carefully storing and protecting that new life. Our seasons always do a good job of reminding me that we live within a faith that understands the centrality of life and death, the importance of sacrifice and resurrection.
Recently our Methodist Churches have had their annual Covenant services where we think again about God’s promises to his people and his relationship with them. A relationship that begins at the dawn of creation and is constantly re-created. We believe that God did not simply create a world for us to live in and then abandon us to our own devices but rather that he is ever present influencing our world and being an intimate part of our lives. It is through this close relationship that we are able to find truth in the words of Christ who says, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10b). It’s a truth which gives much to us but also asks from us.
We cannot exist within that relationship without understanding the sacrifice that God has made for us. That, in turn, leads us to live out God’s mission in our own lives. So as we seek to live within God’s plan we also seek out the things that help us to be recreated in him. Our recreation in Christ is an important part of our discipleship. Do you allow God to be as much a part of your hobbies as your study?
God Bless your work and your play
Minister Me 
Hi Liz,
welcome to the blog. thanks for your comments. I think you’re spot on about trying to treat people right and I think that’s one of those things that grows out of living a life full with God
Hi Graeme
Just thought I’d mention it’s great to see snowdrops out. I’ve always liked them and bought some snowdrop bulbs last year – great to see they’ve come up again this year – without us having to do anything except plant them the first year !
I’ll show our daughter Yvonne the rabbit pictures – she is very keen on animals and is a doting owner to her 2 guinea pigs !
All the best
Liz
Hi Graeme
SMC notices said check out your blog, so here I am !
I guess we all hope to show God’s love and care in the way we treat other people, whatver we are doing – hobbies or whatever- even if we acknowlegde that we don’t always manage it.
All the best
Liz