Thanks everyone for all your messages about the last blog! I’m so pleased the guys are back safe and sound after a fantastic time in Colombia…here’s a few words from them:
“What I loved about Colombia was meeting lots of new people and going horse back riding with everyone. I am so proud of my dad, he is so amazing and I love him so much! Thank you, God, for the most amazing trip ever! Love, Indi.”
“I loved Colombia because I felt part of a big group enjoying themselves and having a great time.” - Noah
“I loved Colombia because I could spend time with Dad, Noah and Indi more as it was just the four of us. Also I loved being part of the conference and singing in front of thousands. I loved meeting new people and doing the video shoot with 600 dancers which I was so pleased to be a part of.” - Elle

Read this and absolutely loved it! Its from Proverbs 3 v13-18, in The Message:
‘You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
  her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
  nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
  with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
  her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
  Hold her tight—and be blessed!

I had a lovely treat at the weekend when I went to spend the night in a country house with some girlfriends. I’m realising how being together and friendship is so important…mixing old friends with new and grabbing pearls of wisdom from eachother.  All women need fellowship and time for themselves - whether that’s just a coffee on someone’s sofa, a chat in the playground, sitting on another part of the train, eating lunch at a different table. I love this proverb - how do we get insight, how do we learn as mums, wives, sisters, friends? By leading, watching, talking, asking bigger questions. Wisdom is often a balancing act and I love the imagery in the proverb: ‘with one hand she gives long life, with the other she confers recognition’. Life is all about balance; the good and sad times. Jesus was good at balancing, sometimes we are too hard on ourselves when everything’s not perfect..but its all in the reality of balancing.

You may have seen an article which has been floating around lately of the Australian nurse who has written a book of the most common top 5 regrets of the dying. Sounds a bit morbid, I know, but my friends and I were fascinated to read that most people’s regrets were centred around making the most of life.
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish I’d let myself be happier. 

How great to be in an environment with friends, some I haven’t seen in a year or more, being real with each other, having a great time partying, and coming away feeling happy. That’s what it comes down to, being together, releasing one another to be free and have fun. Now I know not everyone has the opportunity to go away with a bunch of girls for a night or a weekend, but if you feel like you haven’t had that space and you’d like it, why not go for it?! Take it upon yourself to invite people round and instigate something fun! Movie night (in pyjamas of course!), a bit of dancing round the kitchen (or on the dining table in our house!), or maybe a dinner party where everyone brings food with them. It doesn’t have to be big, just being together, being real and having fun will do. What can you do with what you’ve been given?

I’ll leave you with a poem that was given to each of us on our weekend away. I found it on my pillow with a square of chocolate and a tea bag….
If anyone has any inspiring poems they’d like to post on the fridge door or on my facebook page, please email it! Have a great week, everyone.

Love Anna x

And Relax.

The sound of your breath on the shores of slumber
Feels like a sigh on a summer-filled day.
A peaceful calm descends, and no wonder!
These waves have washed your worries away.

Now, lift your eyes to a glorious greeting:
To gentle birdsong as soft as a breeze;
The golden glow of a perfect sun rising
Rests on your face with glorious ease.

Let your concerns this day be forgotten;
Unhook the load that was strapped to your back.
Carry instead a much happier burden
Of time to yourself, to breathe..and relax.