Wednesday 26 December 2018

Strive

When Jesus visits
the lure of being with him
is irresistible.

Like Zaccheus, we
strive our best to see him,
be undignified.

How far will we go?
To the wise men, Bethlehem
far across their world.

Perhaps we also
could patiently make our way
wherever he is.

He deserves our best.
Distance or difficulty
should not deter us.

Advice

A word to the wise,
to those who follow Jesus:
PRAY! Do NOT stop, but keep on

praying and asking
God to intercede for us.
And He WILL answer.

Yet, perhaps, there is
a condition? Be humble,
give your life to Him.

After all, He gave
HIS life to us and for us
in His birth and death.

Nothing is too big
nor too small in return, when
He has done so much.

Be aware

Watch ourselves. Jesus
warns to keep faith, unfailing
in constant duty.

Let us continue
to love and serve and praise God.
This is the Kingdom

he preaches: this the
Way, this is Him among us.
Lord Emmanuel.

Tuesday 25 December 2018

Riches

Jesus comes. He warns
to use our money wisely.
For eternity.

This tiny babe grew
to have so much wisdom, that
we might see truth.

Wealth is for this world.
How we use it affects our
heavenly destiny.

Lost

Jesus comes to seek
and save the lost. He searches
for us, His treasure.

Invited.

Jesus invites us.
All are welcome at His feast
in humility.

Jesus invites us
with a warning first to count
the cost of following.

Jesus bids us come
to give our selves completely
keeping no thing back.

Monday 24 December 2018

Repent or perish

Words from our loving
Saviour. Turn in faith to ask
forgiveness, healing.

Imperceptible
as a mustard seed is faith,
only a narrow door

will lead us to the Kingdom.
Dare we enter?

Without our Jesus
is only sorrow
and weeping.

Sunday 23 December 2018

Do not fear: stay watchful.

In this Advent time
Jesus warns us not to fear
nor worry ourselves.

Instead, be watchful.
Focus on eternity,
on real matters.

Watch for God to act:
stay awake for his coming
Choose what is right.

Sunday 16 December 2018

Waiting. Asking. Waiting.

Advent. We wait.

But perhaps Advent
is also a time for asking anew.
Those prayers we hide in our hearts
and rarely look at. For God is good.
And all things come in due time.

But perhaps sometimes
we are to unpack those desires
retrieve our buried wishes
ask again. And again. And
In our shameless audacity

our Father welcomes us.

We wait together.

A God of Second Chances

Again, Jesus sends
disciples, preaching good news,
out to the people.

Did some of them go
where others had already
been sharing the truth?

Were there some of those
who had not listened first time?
Did they receive peace?

Christmas is coming.
Are we, too, ready to speak
Good news to listeners?

Jesus sends again
out to tell this hurting world
the Peace he offers.

Friday 14 December 2018

Lights, camera, action!

The pace picks up. We
see event after event
begin to hurtle

towards fulfilment
of the Promised redemption.
Jesus our Saviour.

He sends out his 'staff'
travelling, to heal and preach
the Kingdom of God.

They go with nothing.

He sends out his 'staff'
to find food for five thousand
hungry listeners.

They provide nothing

save a few bread loaves,
some fish. Jesus takes it all
feeds all those people.

Jesus knows the Truth
of approaching persecution
and ultimate glory.

Jesus shows heaven
on a mountaintop of glory
too marvellou for words.

Jesus heals a boy
from demon persecution:
such love and power.

Jesus shows the way
to follow God, humble
as a child.

Jesus knows our hearts
heading towards memories
of Bethlehem birth.

Jesus bids us follow
single-hearted, focussing
on Him. No looking back.



Monday 10 December 2018

Extra ordinary

Reading between lines
we see the unusual
surrounding Jesus.

Women leave their homes
and families, following
this young preacher man.

What did their husbands
think? Was there resentment, anger?
Think of the scandal?

Jesus, meanwhile, caused
more embarrassment, healing
unmentionable illness,

raising from the dead,
Extraordinary sights.
Miracle worker!

This Advent, we wait
in expectation for Him,
hoping that we too

will have our lives changed.
Embarrassment? Certainly.
Jesus changes things.

Such priceless knowledge
to know the King of all kings
come to save us all.

This Man, who calms storms
restores the broken-mindedr
aises dead to life.

So tell of his deeds,
show His love shining from us
so all, too, may know.

Luke 8

Sunday 9 December 2018

Faith

That baby, renowned
the world over from his birth,
grown to be a man

of stature, wisdom,
and now miracle worker.
All had heard of him.

Even foreigners.
This Roman centurion
desperate for healing.

"Speak Your Words," he said.
"Speak healing to my servant.
Nothing else needed."

This man knew Jesus.
He recognised the power
of the Son of God.

Such faith. We also
come to the manger, trusting
in Him to save us too.



Friday 7 December 2018

Wisdom

This baby! Who would
have ever thought such wisdom
would come from a child

grown man, wise in years
with godly inspiration
teaching all who hear.

Lord of all, yet he
chose those special friends, teaching
love and forgiveness.

Following this man,
basing my life on his life
and words, brings me life.


Luke 6: The Beatitudes

Healer

The baby has grown
into a perfect man, so
free from all wrong.

Miracle healer.
Freely giving forgiveness.
Astounding man.

He invites. No one
who comes to him excluded.
We too can come

This Christmas, turning
our hearts towards that baby
who came our Saviour.


Tuesday 4 December 2018

Arrival.

Jesus arrived to
temptation, testing, trial.
rejection, ridicule.

So he healed.
delivered.
prayed.

Did any one dream
that this babe would overcome
and save us all?


Luke 4.

Monday 3 December 2018

Advent: the Coming

The media is filled with frenzy.
Imperatives are the new emperor.
Buy this. Plan that. Go here. Do. Do. Do....

Christians, succumb. Or struggle bravely
against the prevailing culture
while still shopping.

Me? Me too. But I
also choose to plunge
deep into the Word.

Daily Bible readings
doubled with Advent studies
and attempts at prayer.

Culture calls.
Holding my course
I hold the things of Christmas lightly.

Only Christmas correspondence
hovers
on the edges of my soul.

This time of year,
this time of reconnection,
where friendship feeds my soul,

bringing joys and sorrows
as I read of change and loss
in dear lives.

Shadows of the Saviour
fully like us.
I dare to think, like me.

Here, on this little page,
this tiny unnoticed corner of a vast world,
I share my thoughts with Him.

Preparation

And so, John presciently preaches Isaiah:
"“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
    every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
    the rough ways smooth.
And all people will see God’s salvation.’"

All were waiting on
this preacher man John:could HE
be the Messiah?

No. That humble man
deemed himself too unworthy
even to untie shoes.

He prepared the hearts
of those who turn to God in
humble repentance.

His job done, Jesus
was baptized. Next we learn of
his royal lineage.

We prepare to be 
surprised by this man Jesus.
Descended of God.

Sunday 2 December 2018

Waiting

The saga continues
with Roman emperors,
humble carpenters
and a Baby.

Shepherds, too,
experience angels (oh,
so many angelic visitations
these two chapters before His life.)

Waiting is rewarded. After nine months
Mary, with her babe
knows all is well. She guards
words in her heart.

Faithful Simeon and Anna
waiting at the temple
for the One.
Rewarded with His presence.

I may not see angels,
nor do I yet know the art
of waiting patiently.
Yet I practise
awaiting His presence.

Saturday 1 December 2018

Advent comes

Today in darkness,
now December has arrived:
day before Advent.

Luke 1: an orderly account
that we might know
the certainty of things.

Zechariah: no longer waiting
for a child: only doubting.
Even an angel
could not convince him easily.

Yet Elizabeth knew. As did Mary.
These long-suffering women
accepted news of undreamed
pregnancy gladly.

This first chapter
of the Jesus story
is full of songs of certainty.


Thursday 17 May 2018

Is it simple?

Grappling with the conundrum of a loving God and unmentionable suffering, I wonder: is it simply that we live in a broken and corrupt world, the result of sin upon sin upon sin and selfishness, but our good and perfect God, who loves and delights in us, will break through with His kingdom WHEN WE SEEK HIS FACE AND ASK HIM TO REVEAL HIS GLORY?

Reading Habakkuk, Chapter 3, at the moment, with First5. Written in the face of impending invasion and destruction of all that he holds dear, Habakkuk remembers God's glory. He sings this prayer:
"I have heard all about you,Lord.
    I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
    help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger,
    remember your mercy."


Habakkuk takes his fearful eyes off the impending doom and gazes at God. He recounts God's awesome power:
"I see God moving across the deserts ...
His brilliant splendor fills the heavens,
and the earth is filled with his praise.
His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise.
Rays of light flash from his hands,
where his awesome power is hidden.
Pestilence marches before him;
plague follows close behind.
When he stops, the earth shakes.
When he looks, the nations tremble.
He shatters the everlasting mountains
and levels the eternal hills.
He is the Eternal One!
I see the people of Cushan in distress,
and the nation of Midian trembling in terror.

Was it in anger, Lord, that you struck the rivers
and parted the sea?  Were you displeased with them?
No, you were sending your chariots of salvation!

You brandished your bow and your quiver of arrows.
You split open the earth with flowing rivers.
The mountains watched and trembled.
Onward swept the raging waters.
The mighty deep cried out,
lifting its hands in submission.
The sun and moon stood still in the sky
as your brilliant arrows flew and your glittering spear flashed.

You marched across the land in anger and trampled the nations in your fury.
You went out to rescue your chosen people, to save your anointed ones.
You crushed the heads of the wicked and stripped their bones from head to toe.
With his own weapons, you destroyed the chief of those
who rushed out like a whirlwind, thinking Israel would be easy prey.
You trampled the sea with your horses, and the mighty waters piled high." (vv3 - 16)

God is mighty. Incomparable. Nothing can stand against Him.

And so Habakkuk finishes, declaring his utmost faith in our good God.

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength! (vv 17 - 19)"

So I wonder: is it just this: we are to gaze on and acknowledge God's mighty power in the face of 

Fear is dispelled by a powerful recipe of POWER, LOVE and a SOUND MIND. The power of the Holy Spirit, the love of our Father in heaven, and a disciplined mind which remembers, recalls and relies on God's living word.

Simples, really.

Sunday 11 March 2018

Filling up....

Last week I filled up my car with petrol. It had been ‘running on empty’ for quite some time – I had been keeping a watchful eye on the gauge which had hit the red several trips earlier...so it was with some relief that I made it to the petrol station.

As I drove away with a full tank of petrol and a hefty hit to the credit card, I couldn’t help but reflect on my suddenly lighter feelings. No longer was I keeping an anxious eye on the gauge, or trying to reduce my petrol consumption by not accelerating wildly (not that that is ever really possible on Guernsey with a 35mph speed limit) and then braking sharply. Instead, I was liberated to drive further afield to do some errands I had been putting off for a couple of weeks. I felt confident that I could achieve what needed to be done. I felt quite carefree and content.

It made me realise how I feel when I am ‘filled up’ with the Holy Spirit rather than petroleum spirit.

I also started thinking of various people in the Bible who God had ‘filled’, and what the effect was on them. As I considered their lives, I asked myself these questions:
What did he/she do?
How did such an action fill him/her?

Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son.
2 Samuel One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked.
“Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied.
The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.”
Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”
“Where is he?” the king asked.
“In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”
So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. His name was Mephibosheth[a]; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”
Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”
“Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”
.... 11 And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table,[c] like one of the king’s own sons..... 13 And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.

Mephibosheth did nothing but was ‘filled’ not only with actual food, but also with the knowledge of the king’s acceptance.
David extended grace and was ‘filled’ with the knowledge that he had kept his word to his friend Jonathan.

What did he do?
How did such an action fill him?
Elijah
1 Kings 19 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.
Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”
So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai,[a] the mountain of God. There he came to a cave, where he spent the night.

Elijah did nothing, but was filled with literal food which gave him the strength to continue his journey. The gift of food also encouraged him that the Lord was caring for him and had not abandoned him.

What did they  do?
How did such an action fill them?

The Israelites

Nehemiah 9:24-26 New Living Translation (NLT)

24 “They went in and took possession of the land. You subdued whole nations before them. Even the Canaanites, who inhabited the land, were powerless! Your people could deal with these nations and their kings as they pleased. 25 Our ancestors captured fortified cities and fertile land. They took over houses full of good things, with cisterns already dug and vineyards and olive groves and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate until they were full and grew fat and enjoyed themselves in all your blessings.
The Israelites ‘took possession’ – they obeyed God.
This action gave them everything they needed to live well.

What did they do?
How did such an action fill them?
The crowd following Jesus.

Matthew 14:19-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. 21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
More than 5000 people were fed, because they obeyed Jesus.
They had more than enough.

What did she do?
How did such an action fill her?

The woman with the alabaster jar.
Mark 14:3-6 New Living Translation (NLT)
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating,[a] a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages[b] and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me?
She was generous... and filled herself with satisfaction for doing a good thing to Jesus.

What should we do?
How would such an action fill us?
Us

John 6:57-59 New Living Translation (NLT)

57 I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.”

As for my car... well, I still had a couple of litres left in the tank. I could, possibly, have driven the car a little longer. How often do I put off letting God refill me, choosing to run on empty instead? A timely reminder not to put off going to the filling station. To read, or listen to, the Bible. To meet with a friend for prayer. To take a few extra minutes in the morning, or the evening. To pause at lunchtime or another convenient break in the day, perhaps by listening to a worship song. To open myself up and let me be refilled once again.

What is it that fills you up? What really satisfies your soul, renews, refreshes you?  When was the last time you felt like that? How long did the feeling last?

Saturday 17 February 2018

Being ready

Last weekend we were invited to our neighbour's 40th birthday party. Having moved in barely over a year ago, we hardly know her, so it was very sweet of her to ask us. We accepted, looking forward to meeting new people and getting to know our neighbour's family a little better. The small boys often visit our garden to collect the football they have inadvertently kicked over the hedge, but we only rarely see their parents. We really don't know them particularly well at all.

So it was with a little trepidation that we prepared to get ready. We suspected that there might be high-flying business colleagues there, or some very yummy mummies, so took greater pains than usual to get ready. Dress code? No idea. Smart casual perhaps, whatever that means.

We are sociable, often inviting friends round, but tend to dress very casually ourselves. 'Smart dos' which involve cocktail dresses or black ties are not our thing: indeed, you could say are to be avoided with plague-like responses. So my husband had to hunt through his wardrobe for smarter shoes - deck shoes being the best he could come up with, in contrast to the trainers he usually lives in. Then there was the problem of a smart shirt whose collar was not in the slightest bit frayed or worn: we eventually found one and quickly got out the ironing board. Then, the trousers. The bottom half of a suit? Or perhaps a clean pair of jeans, if such a thing existed? There was indeed a pair at the back of the wardrobe which had somehow survived gardening, woodwork, car repairs and loft insulation. Finally, what to wear on top? The most respectable sweater seemed careworn, to say the least, but there was nothing else better, so I dusted off bits of fluff, a wealth of dog hair and the odd strand from one of the two humans who live in our house.

As for me, I pulled on a stretchy, lacy black dress which seems to fit the bill for almost every occasion. It's taken a while to settle on a 'go to' outfit, but this dress seems to work for me without too much trouble. was ready, at least.

But this got me thinking. How am I spiritually dressed, ready to engage with an unfamiliar culture? Are my feet "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."? Do I need to clean my shoes, brushing off strife and unforgiveness, polishing them so that they reflect a patina of peace, friendliness and calm?

Do I need to ensure that "the belt of truth  (is) buckled around (my) waist"? The truth that, regardless of what I look like, whether my clothes are expensive or off the cheapest rack in town, or are old and in need of refurbishment, I am a precious and loved daughter of The King? Do I know that it really doesn't matter how good (or not) my make up is, I am adored and beautiful in God's sight? Do I know that I do not need man's (or woman's) approval or favour, because the GOD of ANGEL-ARMIES has sacrificed the world for me? 

Ephesians 6:10 - 17 says:"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,   In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

The Message says:
 "God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."


So we were, indeed, prepared. We giggled over our scruffiness and inept attempts at 'being smart', but went next door confident that we were taking Jesus with us. And it was a very enjoyable evening. Drinks and nibbles, lots of noise, but a warm welcome to a crowd of lovely, ordinary people, friends and family gathered to celebrate a birthday. And we got to know these rather reserved, shy neighbours just a little better.

Grateful for the opportunity, grateful to be serving a Commander far more powerful than anything the world can throw at us. Even in the face of the possibility of smart, suave, super-chic and 'high-powered' people.

Sunday 11 February 2018

When life gives you lemons - make lemon curd.


A good friend, many years ago, used to refer to James 1:2 - 4: " Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." My friend, a diminutive blond Dane, would ask, smiling hugely: "So, when the elephant of Circumstances sits on you, what do you produce: sour lemon juice, or sweet orange juice?"

Sweet orange juice was, of course, the preferred answer, the one we all aim for. To be sweet and faithful and loving in spite of desperate circumstances. To bring light and joy. Nothing sour about us, please.

Yet lemons are a truly wonderful fruit. Their strong, tangy scent is, in my opinion, far superior to their more insipid cousins, the plain oranges. I could wax lyrical about the many uses and benefits of lemons, but today, it is lemon curd I want to focus on.

When life gives you lemons, make lemon curd.

Lemon curd* - a delicious preserve made from lemons, sugar, eggs and  butter - makes everything better. I make lemon curd when:
  • I feel a little down or discouraged, needing a lift to my spirits.
  • I feel the need to be creative in some way - a good way of relaxing
  • I want to give a friend a little gift: a tiny jar of lemon curd is always gratefully received.
  • I have lemons in the fridge begging to be used up.
  • I crave a little sweetness.
Making lemon curd gives me so much and teaches me so many things. I learn to appreciate that:

Injury can release a sweet fragrance into the atmosphere. Today, I grated the rind before I went out to church, leaving the rind and lemons sitting on the counter. On my return, the whole house smelt deliciously of a subtle citrus fragrance. The wounded skin released its scent into the air, permeating every room.

As I gently rasped the skin against the harsh grater, I  thought of how wounds, willingly given to God, are offered up to him as a pleasing sacrifice. The lemon couldn't but help release a delicate, fresh aroma: I longed to be as gentle and generous when circumstances grate on or trouble me.

Creating is a slow process. The making of lemon curd cannot be hurried. Heat the mixture too fast, and the egg will cook on its own, resulting in pieces of egg white marring the consistency. 

Circumstances can change rapidly. Stirring has to be rapid,vigorous, watchful, so that nothing spills over and the mixture does not stick. 

Cooking requires a degree of concentration and watchfulness. Look away for a moment, and the mixture may curdle or boil over. 

Making lemon curd encourages calm. As I stir the curd, giving it my full attention, I feel my spirit calm and quiet down. I focus on the pan, stirring gently, swirling the mixture first this way, then that; round and round, first clockwise, then in the contrary direction. Sometimes I draw figure of eight in the surface with the whisk.  Sometimes, I just stir. And stir. I contemplate. I wait. 

The final product may not be smooth and trouble-free. When I make lemon curd, I like to keep the rind in to give it extra tangyness to counteract the sweetness. The resultant curd may have bits of rind or pulp. It reminds me that even when God works powerfully to bring about good, there may still be - there WILL be - lumps and bumps, but life is sweet, flavoursome and far more precious than a jar of delicious lemon preserves.

I make lemon curd. I lose stress and hurry. I grow patience. I receive peace.

When life gives you lemons, receive them as a gift. Make lemon curd.



*Lemon curd recipe: makes approximately two 340g jars.
Grate the rind of 3 large lemons (or 2 large lemons and 1 small orange) and squeeze the juice.
Add to a small pan with 2 ounces of butter, 3 large eggs and a cup (or slightly less) of white sugar.
Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice from a bottle - about 2 tablespoons.
Stir, with a wire whisk, constantly over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken. Do not boil.
Pour into sterilized jars, cover, and keep in the fridge.

Saturday 20 January 2018

Reflection on the New Year – January 2018

The old year has gone, yet I’ve hardly noticed. I am already so ensconced in the ‘new’ one that it already seems old. Barely just over half way through the first month, and it feels as if we have been in 2018 for EVER.

Yet, I carry within me the memories and habits of an old year. I wonder how – if – they will become ‘new’; or will I just carry on doing the same old, same old?

So I look back, again, at the ‘old’. The old year was full of friendship and fun but also, if I am honest, what seems like a lot of STRIVING.  What seems like a lot of Hard Work.

For I value friends and family and the fun they bring more than I can say. Heart friends are in my DNA: I cannot live without them. I long to linger over dinner, share sorrows in cups of tea or glasses of wine, giggle with glee and a cup of cold coffee... and make opportunities for this to happen. I invite and arrange and organise.

I find it hard to just BE.

I suspect many of us are like this. Many of us are activitists and doers.  Go-getters and grabbers, snatching at snippets of socialization. Secretly dreading desertion or discouragement, refusals and rejection. Trying to make sure that we stay protected with others’ approval and love.

Unwilling to step out, only baring our souls in safety.

Nothing wrong with that, of course. We need to be wise who we share with, who we open up to. Yet, elusively, I can’t help feeling that I need to find a better way.

Bonnie Gray(Whispers of Rest)  writes in timely manner: “When you return to a place of peace in Jesus’ arms of love and complete understanding, your heart will open like petals to the sunlight. And in that place of rest, your heart will hear God’s gentle whisper to do as you feel prompted with His hand in yours. HIS LOVE WILL GIVE YOU COURAGE TO DO WHAT YOU MUST DO.”

Chrystal Evans Hurst has some wise words at www.incourage.me:
“I had to own my story in order to fix my story.
It takes one brave chick to admit that her life is not quite shaping up to be the life she envisioned. It takes courage to assess your disappointment, realize where you’ve been disenchanted, and identify the source of your distress.

It’s human nature to hide our shortcomings, disappointments, and mistakes. We tend to avoid the truth of our vulnerability, of our lack of control, of the pain of our predicament.

But without confession and admittance of pain, true restoration and healing cannot begin.

Can I encourage you to own your story? Will you choose to be honest about your pain and seek help and healing? As much as you may not want to stop or pause the ride of your life to do so, here’s what I can tell you for sure — whatever has happened in your life, good, bad, or ugly — you have survived. You are still here. Honor your life by being honest about your story and then taking brave steps to get whatever help you need to heal.”

I may not feel as if I need to ‘heal’, but I do. So looking back on the pain can prepare us for the future....

So...
REFLECT
REST
BE REVITALIZED

Let’s rediscover our gifts:

“One thing is for sure…God has created you with a distinct purpose in mind. He’s given you something only you can give to the world.

Friends, my prayer for you today is that you’ll begin to see the gifts inside you. That someone in your life will see those gifts in you and encourage you to share your gifts with others.

And if you see a hidden gem of beauty — a special gift — inside someone else, tell them today. Be the one who gives the gift of encouragement to those around you. Indeed, encouragement is one of the kindest gifts we can give.”  Denise J Hughes at Incourage.me

Sunday 7 January 2018

One word for 2018....

Always a challenge, this. To think of a word to focus on, remember it AND, the biggest challenge of all: put it into practice.
Lisa over at LisaNotes has three steps to help, Reposting them here:
3 steps to choosing one word for 2016

"3 STEPS TO CHOOSE ONE WORD
1. N – Notice God’s messages
Pay attention. God is already at work in you, doing new things, preparing you for new things.
Are you hearing repetitive messages on a specific theme lately? Does a particular song touch you deeper than others? Have you been drawn to a certain book or author?
God can work through any of these avenues. Dig out a single word among those messages. Stay present to his wisdom. It’s not something you sweat over, but something you notice and receive. Accept what comes without having to understand it fully. God will reveal more when the time is right.
2. O – Only one thing
Keep your focus narrow. It’s better to give your full attention to one main word or concept than be distracted by a hundred little resolutions. Be most attentive to one thing at a time. This thing. At this time. With this person.
Your one word choice doesn’t have to be profound or complex. Keep it simple and relevant to this season of your life. It’s a step, not the complete journey.
When you welcome whatever comes in this one day—accepting it as your reality and being with it (even if it’s something that needs to change in the next moment)—you stay most in the presence of God. Once you own it now, he’ll guide you what to do with it next.
3. W – Withdraw anticipated outcomes
Release expectations now of where your one word will take you later. Let go of a specific outcome you may have in mind.
When you lay out too detailed a specific future (or conversely, linger too much in times past), you’re less alive for times present. Yes, still plan for the future (thankfully, because I love to plan!), but hold those plans loosely.
There’s no way you can predict how God will use your word. Just know this: God will honor your intentions to honor him through it. Trust that his grace will be enough.
Today is when God moves and where grace lives.
Pray about receiving your word from God, then hand it right back to him.
Let him embed it into your life one relationship at a time, one day at a time, one situation at a time.
He knows what he’s doing. Now."
Ah.

I think my one word this year might be.....drum roll......GENEROUS!

Generous...in what, with what?

Money comes to mind, of course. I've been working on that one for some time.

Time: not such an issue. Generally, I'll happily give other people time, when I can, particularly if time is needed to provide a listening ear.

But attitude...well, that will be a challenge.

Saturday 6 January 2018

The end of the beginning.

Epiphany. The Twelfth Day. January 6th.

I have come to the end of an attempt to reflect on a little of the Christmas story every day. What a privilege.

Single words and phrases, as I have leant over them, have jumped off the page.
New learning as sunk into my thoughts as new insights seep into my soul.

I have imagined how Mary must have felt; become better acquainted with Joseph; marvelled with Zechariah and Elizabeth; entered into the simple, harsh world of the shepherds; encountered Herod; journeyed with the wise men.

I have loved these few moments with a tiny portion of Scripture. Now, what next?

Friday 5 January 2018

Motivate

Energy. Or lack of. Sometimes it seems so very hard to put on that bright face, to feel cheerful, to get on and do what oughttobe/needstobe done.

Blame the weather. Blame circumstances. Blame other people. Blame the dog.... but in the end, the Blame Stops Here. With me.

Sometimes, you just have to Do The Next Thing. Tidy the bedroom. Feed the dog. Switch on the computer. Make the coffee.

Sometimes, that works. It’s just enough to set wheels in motion, start rolling downhill before picking up momentum, fill loose sails with long-sought after wind after a period of endless becalm.

Sometimes, though, Silence and Stillness is what is needed. To return to the core of being, the essence of living, just sitting and breathing and remembering the Creator and the Gift of His Son is just enough to just fill me with gratitude and thankfulness and energy and delight, so much that I am motivated to leap up and Go Out and Serve because that is what He has created me to do. To just love and obey and carry on rejoicing while I still have breath.

Taking part in the weekly Five Minute Friday link up. Writing freely, without pause or edit (you can so tell!), for five full, short, minutes.

Thursday 4 January 2018

Advent resources

Beginning the Jesse tree - documented on my home blog, with many other ideas for Advent study - has got me thinking of other resources, too. Pinterest is fantastic for ideas on a Jesse tree symbol exchange.

Brilliant prayer ideas from 24-7, based on Light, Peace, Love, Hope and Joy..

Something to think about - next year.

Dreams and visions. Again.

Later, when Herod died, God’s angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: “Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead.”

Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother, and reentered Israel. When he heard, though, that Archelaus had succeeded his father, Herod, as king in Judea, he was afraid to go there. But then Joseph was directed in a dream to go to the hills of Galilee. On arrival, he settled in the village of Nazareth. This move was a fulfillment of the prophetic words, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Matthew 2:19 - 23

Almost back to where this Story began
with Joseph, second player.
He, who often seems a bystander.

This creative carpenter, dream-inspired.
Obedient to God's quiet promptings.
Instrumental in taking Mary to Bethlehem for the birth.

Strong in faith,
in love and care,
in obedience.

How good is God.
Continually guiding, loving his people
to keep His son safe.

God will continually guide and love us
to keep His son safe in our hearts
if we let him.

May God give us
dreams and visions
and may we be obedient to follow.

Wednesday 3 January 2018

Terror. Terror did not, in the end, win.

Terror. Not the usual word we associate with the Saviour's birth story.

Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he’d gotten from the scholars.) That’s when Jeremiah’s sermon was fulfilled:

A sound was heard in Ramah,
weeping and much lament.
Rachel weeping for her children,
Rachel refusing all solace,
Her children gone,
dead and buried.


Matthew 2:16 - 18

God knew. God knew. Foretold hundreds of years before.
How
do we reconcile the Good News with the bad?

Only simple answers
cut it.

God is good.
(He sent us a Saviour.)
Sin is bad.
(Our tendency, without God's help, is to sin.)

So we wait, in the sin-filled meantime, for His Kingdom To Come
in all eternity.
So we wait, in the power of His Spirit in us, for His Kingdom To Come,
to break into our lives in His power,
in the here and now.

Comments, articles, books, libraries
are written about this truth.
Me, I can only
keep it simple.

God is good!