It's that time of year again when we celebrate and raise awareness of fairtrade, promoting the principles and products of fairtrade.
The fairtrade scheme currently offers 7.5 million people in the developing world a more secure future.
The food on our tables, the tea and coffee in our mugs, all from farmers who toil, sweat and slog. However hard they work to provide the things we depend on, millions of farmers in developing countries aren’t paid what they deserve. It’s not a new problem. We need to amplify the voices of marginalised producers as much as ever in 2017.
This year fairtrade fortnight is running from Monday 27th February to Sunday 12th March. The theme for this year is “It's Time To Put Fairtrade In Your Break”. Could you buy some tea, coffee or snacks from us and take them into work to share with colleagues over the next fortnight? It’s important to have fun and shout about Fairtrade. We need to let people know that the farmers who grow our food aren’t paid enough. That they aren’t able to provide decent food, education or healthcare for their families. By making a small difference in our lives, buying Fairtrade makes a big difference in the lives of the people who produce our food.
What could you do during fairtrade fortnight this year? Never underestimate the impact of your choices.
- SOPHIE xx

God is the creator and originator of love. If we want to know what love is, and what it is all about, then we need to go to its inventor, its creator to find out what it really is.
As 1 John 4:8 says, 'God is love'. So everything that love truly is, God is; and 'This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins.' – 1 John 4:9+10.
Remember what love truly is, God sending His only Son Jesus to die in our place on a cross. Let us say a big thank you to Him for His great love for us. Don’t forget that the Creator of the Universe loves you.
(Words from a Llandudno YFC Blog Post)

You are deeply loved. There are no cards that can make statements as powerful and profound as these.
'But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ' - Ephesians 2:4+5
'The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing' - Zeph 3:17
'I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you' - Jeremiah 31:3
Since the beginning of time, God has declared His everlasting, steadfast love and commitment to you.
Because of the cross, the Father has not rejected you, but has welcomed you into the family of God.
(Words from a Lies Young Women Believe Blog Post)

- SOPHIE xx

Do you have any special plans for today? How about treating your other half to a drink and something yummy in our coffee bar this afternoon?

What's not to like?
- SOPHIE xx

Yes, these have come into stock today! Be warned, the company has produced less than normal this year - that is why I am talking about them even though it is only February. There will be a limited supply of Real Easter Eggs. First come first served. Don't leave it until Easter Saturday - you won't be guaranteed any chocolate Easter eggs then! I once gave someone an Easter egg for their birthday, so there's nothing to stop you giving someone an Easter egg for Valentine's day!
- SOPHIE xx

Are you all prepared for tomorrow? Has it slipped your mind? Do you need a last minute card for your special somebody?

- SOPHIE xx

Next week is Valentine's day. We have a selection of (clean) cards you can choose from and many gift ideas, whether you want something quirky or more traditional. Just pop in and feel free to ask the volunteers if you need any help!
- SOPHIE xx

Last month I read 'I Wanna be a Woman of God' by Beth Redman. It is a 120 page book written for women and teenage girls (sorry gentlemen!).
The book is designed to affirm and encourage young women in their relationship with God and other people.
Some of the chapters in this book cover topics such as: 'I wanna be a woman of God', 'I wanna know I'm wanted', 'I wanna know who I am', 'I wanna break the cycle' and 'I wanna have a 'big life'!'.
Beth tells stories from her own life as examples, Mary Pytches has written the foreword, Irene Brooks has written a section about overcoming bad habits and addictions and there are a few pages about Nancy Alcorn and Mother Teresa.
So many books for young women based on this kind of subject matter are written in the States by American women, so to read a British, UK-based, book like this was really refreshing for me. I also found it to be quite a noisy read, as I often found myself murmuring in agreement with what was written! Apologies to my family if I was disturbing!
- SOPHIE xx