I CAME across these words, source unknown:

"Think freely.  Smile often.  Tell those you love that you do.  Hope, grow, give, give in.  Pick some daisies.  Keep a promise.  Laugh heartily.  Enjoy.  Trust life.  Reach out.  Let someone in.  Make some mistakes.  Learn from them.  Believe in yourself.  Believe in God."

In 1964, whilst in the Brownies, I promised, "that I would do my best, to do my duty to God, to serve the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Brownie Guide Law".

That law was to, "think of others before oneself and do a good turn every day".

Since that day, some 60 or so years ago, I have never forgotten that promise.

I have certainly "messed up" many a time down through the years, made many wrong choices with which I then had to face the consequences, there have been good times in my life and plenty of bad ones.

But, whatever my failings I have always tried, to do my best.

Whatever my mistakes, and there have been plenty, I have never broken a promise, to my knowledge.

And that is where my faith comes in.

I believe in a loving, living God, whom I have promised to do my duty to.

The words above can remind us of the simple things in life that we sometimes take for granted.

Enjoy the simple things, but know too that it is OK to make mistakes, own them, learn from them and move on, but most importantly, Believe in yourself.  

Sandra Collier

Assistant Curate

Crediton Parish Church