I was excited; looking forward to attending a seminar at my church. I knew it would be both interesting and helpful. But there was one small hitch. The meeting was not to be held at our church premises which are just 5 minutes away. It was to be held instead in an area I’d never driven to. It wasn’t a long drive – perhaps only 15 minutes away. But... I’d be driving in the dark. And into brand new territory.

Those who know me well know that driving is not something that comes naturally to me. I got my license after I turned 50. My reflexes are not those of a 16 year old. Multi-tasking challenges me. No! Driving has not come easy for this little lady. And so… I was a trifle nervous.  I studied the Google maps. I worked out a possible route. I asked my beloved if he’d accompany me to test out my driving route. Bless the man, he did.

My plan didn’t work out too well I must admit. I took a wrong turn. We ended up somewhere different. Thankfully, with some concerted effort on my part and timely help from my driving partner, we finally made our way there safely. Hooray! A good thing I tried it out beforehand, don’t you think? The next morning, I had a fresh challenge. A request from a friend asking for a ride to the event. Gee… God was testing me thoroughly, wasn’t He? But I knew I had to say yes. I started re-checking my Google maps with purpose.

Guess what! My friend called later to say she was getting a ride and so I was off the hook. When I admitted to her that I was nervous about driving there, she thoughtfully suggested I ask someone for a ride. I almost did. But then… I knew what God required of me that day. Not to shirk the challenge. To stretch my trust muscles and my driving abilities. To drive there on my own. And so I said ‘Yes’ to Him.

I zoomed off into the sunset that night – my Google map on the passenger seat next to me. I safely reached my destination. Intact. Whole. Alive. My fears had been groundless. I parked my car. I got out. I joined the rest of my church family and we had a wonderful evening. And what about the drive back? Do you know – that was even better. There was little traffic on the road at 10 p.m. so I flew on eagles wings. I returned home in no time. And may I share a secret? I even enjoyed the drive. Yes, I did. Yes, I did.

Sometimes when God calls me to do something difficult, my immediate reaction is often not what it should be. I might say ‘Do I have to Lord?” even though I know in my heart all that He requires of me. There is only one way to please God isn’t it? And it's very simple.

Remember the old hymn? I believe it expresses it beautifully.

“Trust and Obey,

There’s no other way,

To be happy in Jesus,

But to trust and obey.” John H Sammis 1887

Today, what does God call me to do?

His scriptures are clear about His general will for me each day.

1. To surrender myself to Him

2. To worship Him

3. To spend time with Him

4. To trust Him implicitly

5. To live a life saturated in thanksgiving and praise

6. To be holy and blameless

7. To please Him

8. To walk and talk with Him

9. To love God and to love others

10. To bless His world

But then, He often asks me to step out of my comfort zone to do something more; something specific; something difficult. It might be…..

1. To drive somewhere new in the dark (yes, that one’s for me)

2. To befriend a lonely person

3. To forgive someone’s who’s hurt me

4. To stand up for injustice

5. To lift the fallen

6. To encourage the hurting

7. To use/sacrifice my time, talents or treasures to bless others

8. To speak when I’d rather stay silent

9. To stay silent when I’d rather speak

10.  To do something new that is difficult

What will my response be this time? Will I say 'Do I have to, Lord?"

Or will I say ‘Yes Lord’, 

with a cheery smile on my face,

a willing heart,

and a will that bends to His own?

“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus 

“He (Jesus) humbled himself and became obedient to death

– even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8

“And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12

I once faced a difficult day when I just couldn’t see Jesus. What do I mean? What’s it all about? 

Well, it happened during an unusually perplexing season in my life. ‘Unusual’ because it should have been a great season. But just when I was basking in the glow of walking and working with Him, cold winds blew unexpectedly in from the East.  Darkness fell around me like a thick grey curtain. Rain pelted down hard and fast. An unpredicted storm raged around, fierce and relentless. No matter what I did, the storm only turned bigger and more menacing. I was bewildered. I didn’t know what to do.

In the midst of that season came an event I feared, so I armed myself for 'battle'. I bought myself a lovely little bracelet which had JESUS in black letters marked distinctly in a sparkly silver background. I decided to wear my new special bracelet when I faced my Goliath. It would serve as a reminder that Jesus was with me in the storm. His presence would give me the strength I needed.

And so, armed with that precious knowledge, I stepped forward. My family, close friends and I prayed, asking God to undertake. But, no. The storm did not abate that night. Instead it got even worse. More rain fell in ferocious gusts; more wild winds buffeted me. Desperate, I gazed on my bracelet, hoping so much to see the life giving name of ‘JESUS’. His Name would calm me. His Name would soothe me. His presence would comfort me. But no! That did not happen either. Light dazzled the letters and completely obliterated the word. What a shock! I couldn’t read it. A  distressing night. Worst of all……

I couldn’t see JESUS!

Fast forward 6 months. The storm had finally died down. I was now in a place of new growth. In a season of fresh unexpected blessing. Deliverance had come but not in the way I had envisaged. After all, His thoughts are often not my thoughts. His ways often not my own. But I was now in a spacious place. Dazzling sunshine lighting up my world; it warmed me with God’s peace. His deep joy bubbled within.

One day during my new season, I wore my JESUS bracelet again. This time I wore it for a different reason. Not because I needed the assurance that God was with me. I knew He was. It was instead to declare to the world that He was my Lord. I didn’t need to see His name this time. I wanted to wear it because of who He is and what He had done for me. To proclaim His greatness. To tell the world He was Lord. And what happened this time? Did the light as it fell on my shiny silver bracelet obliterate the word 'JESUS’?

No, it didn’t. No, it didn’t. This time, as I glanced down at my wrist I saw it. Clear. Distinct. Shining bright. 

JESUS.

I saw JESUS.

My eye-catching bracelet brought me a heart-catching allegory through that experience. The first time I’d worn it – perhaps I was in the wrong place. No wonder I couldn’t see Him. Now – I was in the right place. It was easy to see Him. Right place. Right view. My JESUS bracelet declared God’s faithfulness. It reminded me that He had delivered me from my Egypt and brought me into His Promised Land. 

There are times in our lives we can’t see Jesus. When we don’t hear from him. When we don’t know what to do or where to go. When the East winds blow. When darkness falls. And when fierce storms rage. Does God abandon us then? No, He doesn’t. He is there right beside us. His Word assures us that we are never alone.

In the periods of darkness – you can be sure He will not abandon you.

In the seasons you feel alone – you can be certain He is there, right beside you.

During times you don’t see Him – He is closer than you think.

Yes, there are times when it’s hard to see His face. Or to understand what brought the storm. But I know this as a sure and certain truth. He will never leave me nor forsake me.  So I can trust Him with all I am. It matters not that I can’t see Him or hear Him. His Presence is as sure as the dawn; as real and true as the beautiful springtime world around me.

And always always always, I can ‘see’ Jesus through eyes of faith, hope and love.

“And surely I am with you always,

to the very end of the age.” Jesus

Matthew 28:20

It was time to celebrate the conclusion of my son’s Tertiary Education. We decided we'd celebrate by spending some time away in the charming little seaside town of Victor Harbour. The lead up to our holiday was hectic. But finally, there we were, bulging bags filling the car boot, a profusion of delicious food in our Eskies, three extra pillows thrown into the backseat, our little pet giraffe on my lap – off, off and away to enjoy a relaxing weekend together.

The weather couldn’t have been nicer. There was sun and cloud, refreshing breezes; the best kind of forecast. As our car sped past the city and into winding country roads, we noticed how refreshingly green our surroundings looked. Long hot days of summer hadn’t yet touched or parched the land. Rolling green hills whizzed by in a friendly wave. Tree lined roads swallowed up our car. Cattle and sheep grazed peacefully in pastureland.

Ever the photographer, I grabbed my camera, ready to catch the moment. I clicked. And I clicked again. And again. Like a hungry bear pounces on a starchy tuber. After all – the beauty needed to be captured didn’t it? I slid my camera back into its place each time, telling myself I’d taken enough pictures. But a few moments later I was tempted afresh and I’d pull my camera out again. ‘I must take a shot of this one too!’ (Know that kind of compulsion?)

As we neared our destination, I found God whisper into my heart.  ‘Stop, Nushi. Stop. It’s time to stop capturing. It’s time to start enjoying! “But God….” I began. But my ‘but’ was stilled. Of course He was right. It was time to rest. And gaze. And be. And breathe. Time to enjoy the moment. I looked out of my window and drank in the lush beauty. I savoured each scene as it passed me by through my car window. I gazed at the road ahead and absorbed what it said to me. I stopped capturing the beauty.

I began to enjoy its enchantment  instead.

Too often in life I forget to live. I get mesmerised by beauty and seek to capture it. Or I get thrilled by a discovery and leap ahead to share it with others. I become entranced by the doing. And forget about the being. And then, God gently taps me on the shoulder. He reminds me to stop. To live in the moment. To savour His world. To appreciate life. To worship Him. To live. One moment at a time.

When I’m rushing to take yet another picture it’s often time to stop.

To look. To enjoy. To worship my Creator.

When I am racing to share on an insight Facebook, it could be time instead to stop. 

To reflect on that insight. To thank God for it. To live.

When I have too much to do, it may be time to stop. To breathe deep. Seek His wisdom. 

Reschedule. Say No. Change course. Live in the moment.

When I start worrying about what might happen tomorrow, it’s time to stop.  

To recall His faithfulness in the past. To claim His faithfulness in the future. To trust Him.

When I look back on tough times in distress, it’s time to stop. 

To thank Him for bringing me through those same hard times.  

And to clamber back into the present moment.

When I begin to reflect on an old hurt, it’s time to stop ruminating. To forgive. 

To breathe in the grace He freely offers me. To offer it to others.

When I am rushing around multi tasking, it’s time to stop. To relish the moment. 

To concentrate wholly on what I’m doing right now. To enjoy the moment instead.

The truth is that I have only one moment at a time. If I've spent my moments trapped inside yesterday or being anxious about tomorrow; in unforgiveness towards others or in tapping my feet in hurried displeasure; in capturing my moments rather than in living them, what would my life look like when I reach the end of my journey? Let me enjoy this moment. Now. And when the next moment comes, let me do it again.

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Jesus – Matthew 6:34

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:34

I was looking for a good picture to post on Facebook on Father’s Day. I turned the pages of an old photo album, recalling the thrill of each moment captured in each picture. A vivid, bright kaleidoscope of memories danced before me in 3 dimensional splendour. Pictures of my husband with his baby son spoke out loud in my ear. From the ‘Hooray! It’s a boy’ moment when our baby first entered the world, to the ‘Well done, son” when he graduated 2 ½ decades years later, the years in between have been filled with a Father’s unique care, pride, sacrifice, commitment and precious potent persistent LOVE.

I would be often be jealous when my little son chose his father over me.  If I was nursing Asela when Shan entered the room, our little man would stop drinking at once – turn his head and look for his Dad, chuckling excitedly. The life giving milk I offered him was apparently no comparison to his Dad’s presence. (Hmmm…) When we took little Asela to our health nurse for his regular check up – our baby would usually ignore his Mum who was his chief caregiver. Instead, he’d interact gleefully with his Dad. It made me feel inadequate as a Mum. Yes, I was a little jealous then. But not any more.

Not any more. A son needs his Dad, especially as he grows up. I’m so grateful that my husband and son have always enjoyed a very close bond. What more could a contented wife and Mum ask for? As I drank in those pictures recently, they opened my eyes in more ways than one. I realised with glad surprise that the pictures I gazed on also told a different kind of Daddy story. The story of God’s dealings with all His children.

A picture of my husband gazing on his baby son, tells me that God does the same with me. The scriptures share that God keeps me as the apple of His eye. He watches over me. He never slumbers nor sleeps. He looks on me with tenderness. He cares for me. He holds me in His arms. He keeps me safe from harm and danger. Precious Daddy God.

Not only does God hold me close, but He also speaks to me; smiles at me; listens; interacts; laughs. He builds an intimate friendship with all his children. He desires to be closely entwined in our lives. Heartwarming knowledge!

God interacts with millions of people in our world – but it doesn’t stop Him from interacting with every single individual, in a deep and personal way (when they too desire it); even for a moment. How does He do it? I don’t know. He is Omni present. He is God the Father. And so I am secure in the ‘sling’ of His care – remaining there with Him – my all sustaining, all powerful Father. Incredible God!

My husband was writing his PHD thesis during the first 6 months of our baby’s life. Our little one often sat on Daddy’s lap as he worked at the computer. The wonderful news is that God too allows us to sit on his lap and work with Him as He reigns over His world. Yes; believe it or not, the great God and Ruler of the Universe asks us to join Him in caring for His Creation. He chooses to use us to accomplish His purposes. Amazing God!

And the last picture… here’s my little six month old being dandled on top of his Daddy’s head. Shan held him high – showing him off to the world. Did you know that God wants to show you off too? He does. He does. Let me give you proof. “Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job 1:8

What was God doing there? I believe he was ‘showing off’ Job to Satan - in the nicest possible way. Just think of it. We parents love to brag about our children. Your heart swells with pride - when your child smiles his first smile, cuts his first tooth, take his first step, starts school, wins a race, does well in exams, graduates, gets married and …on and on and on infinitum. How much more would God’s heart be filled with pride over us – His creation; His pride and joy; His children?

The way that God loves is as fresh as the cool autumn breeze;

as stunning as the stars in a dark night sky.

The way that He loves is as intimate as a lover’s tender glance;

as strong as an Eagle’s wings. 

The way that He loves is as sure as the sunrise;

as all encompassing as Eternity.

“For as High as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.” Psalm 103:11

“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’S love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” Psalm 103:17

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

The day began well. I woke up with a bright smile on my face; a smile that was worth keeping. You see, I’d spent several months clambering out of a tough season; like wending my way out of an unexectedly difficult maze in a deep dark forest. That morning, it finally felt as if the sun was bursting through the dense foliage. I’d discovered in glad surprise that my joy was back in full force once more. I must be getting back to base, I thought to myself. Yes, I was definitely on my way up. Life was good.

But then, as it happens – I stumbled on an unexpected thorny patch at the edge of the forest. That afternoon I read something which caused my heart to turn an uncultivated summersault. I’d been misrepresented by someone I expected better. It caught me by surprise. The scab of my healing wound split open and my pain re-surfaced. My wound felt  raw. Bleeding. Intensely painful.  

I cried. Then I did what I usually do when hurt. I shared my feelings with a trustworthy friend. I poured out my heart in an email. It helped me to write it. I hoped it would hasten my recovery. But … a little later I began to feel ashamed. What would my friend think of me? Was I right to have written as I had done? What was God’s take on it? You see, just that morning during my daily Quiet Time,  I’d studied all about “Jehovah Rapha”.

Who’s “Jehovah Rapha” you may ask. “Jehovah Rapha” is "God my Healer". The Author of a book I’d studied said at the end of her study: ‘The next time you need healing, run to Jehovah Rapha”. What wonderful advice. I had the perfect opportunity to grab hold of it that day. But sad to say, it wasn’t what I had done. Rather than run to Jehovah Rapha I’d run to a friend. I should have done it the other way around. First run to Jehovah Rapha. Then turned to my friend for help if I still needed it.

I wasn’t proud of myself. I repented. I told God I was sorry. I wrote to my friend and apologised in case I’d said too much. My heart felt heavy and sad. A few hours later I went off on my evening walk. It was one of my favourite times each day. Dusk fell around me; birds chattered as they flew to their nests. A few faint stars twinkled a friendly greeting as I turned into our Oval. And then I spotted it. There it shone – rather faintly at first – my Father’s smile.

A few years ago God had spoken clearly to me through the crescent moon. Since then, seeing it is akin to hearing from Him. It’s as if my Father God is smiling down upon me. With love. With approval. With joy. On His child. I looked up, my heart beating a bit faster and and a bit gladder. There it was – His beautiful smile. I smiled back, my heart bursting with gratitude. ‘Thank you Lord” I whispered. ‘Thank you so much’. Yes, He always smiles at me even after I’ve sinned. Even after I've disappointed Him. His love never changes.

That first round, His smile was very faint; a light curve in a cloudy sky. But during the next lap it got a wee bit brighter. My heart warmed as I looked up. The third lap it became brighter still. And in my final lap it was the brightest of all. It was then that His truth was strongly impressed upon me. The Darker the night, the brighter God’s smile.

Yes. The Darker the night the Brighter His smile.

CS Lewis expressed a similar truth very well. “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” It’s been my experience too. I've heard Him most clearly during my painful seasons. I've drawn closest to Him when my heart has been broken. Yes, God has often used pain to get my attention.

But that’s not all. The more pain I experience in my life, the more real God’s love has been around me – a warm cape thrown over me during a cold cold winter. Like the light of a million stars that shimmer and dance on a deep dark night. Like a life-giving cup of cold water guzzled by a fatigued lifeless desert wanderer. 

The deeper the night, the deeper His smile.

I wonder what kind of season you are ploughing through. Is the darkness closing in? Do you wonder where God is? Let me remind you today. The more difficult the journey – the more you can lean on Him. The darker it gets – the closer He is. The tougher the circumstance - the greater the victory.

So don’t give up. Look up into the face of Jesus. He sees. He knows. He cares.

In Him you will find all you need.

“Fear not, I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. when you walk through the fire you will, not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Since you are precious and honoured in my sight and because I love you.” Isaiah 43:1,2,4

My Computer is old. (Yes, just like me.) It’s all of 9 years and still going. Not bad at all. All except for its monitor. Some weeks ago, each time I turned on my computer, its monitor would start to flicker, like neon lights gone crazy. After awhile it would stop. But then…. just as I breathed a sigh of relief, hoping all was well, it would begin flickering again, intent on making my head dance. My Beloved On site Engineer was concerned.

The problem was that monitors these days are made differently. To find another screen like mine was no easy task. My precious man got to work. He looked it up online. We discussed the problem. He shook his wise head. I finally came to accept that I might have to give up my unique screen to something more modern, but not to my liking. Shan drove off to the shops. And what do you think? Lo and behold, he turned up with a screen just like my own. I was delighted. He’d done it. The impossible. There were a few snags but he sorted them out. Two more trips to the shops and a bit of work and it was ready. So here it is now – my beautiful new screen – just like my old one – but with a posh stand and a lovely blue light that makes it look even nicer. Hooray!

It reminded me of the time we hunted for the smaller second car I needed. We scoured the ads. We checked out a few possibilities. But the task turned out to be far more arduous than we’d imagined. In fact, I despaired of ever finding a car that suited me at the price we could afford. But then ….one bright, beautiful afternoon, while he was still at work, my husband calmly informed me that he’d bought me a car. Just like that.

What? Really? What’s it like? I couldn’t wait to see it.

When he drove it home that evening I was goggle eyed. What a thrilling surprise. Not only was it a perfect size. It was also the perfect colour. A little blue Mazda – just my kind of car. It’s now over 4 years since little Mitsy joined our family. I thank God often that my husband cared enough to get me a car I enjoy driving. A car that is all I hoped for. Today I give an especially loud cheer for Shan - a warm, considerate, giving man who goes out of His way to look after our family and does it excellently. What a blessing he is!

But now… I turn my gaze from a horizontal one into an upward one. How can I ever forget the God who provided me with that very special husband? How can I not recognise with awe that I have a Heavenly Father who cares for me? During 40 years of walking with Him, He has given me all that I hoped for. And more. Not necessarily all that I ever wanted. But He has over these four decades fulfilled my heart’s deepest desires.

There were times when his answers came differently to what I thought I needed. For instance, when I left school, I hoped to enter university to study Science. Instead He led me to something very different. An exciting career in Computing. And oh how I enjoyed it.  Later in life, I looked to get a job in Administration. Instead he gifted me with something far better. The awesome calling of being a Writer. Need I say more?

Oft-times God doesn’t lavish me with the gifts I hope for. Not because He doesn’t care. Or because He isn’t on my case. On the contrary He does care. Very much. And He is always on my case. That’s the reason He doesn’t give me all I want. He gives instead all that I hope for. Do you see the difference? He knows me better than I know myself.

He may not give me all I ask for.

Who’d give a child chocolates for breakfast every day?

He may not give me all I think I need.

Who’d give a child a 1000 dollars when they are just 5 years old?

He doesn’t always answer my prayers in the way that I’d expect.

Who’d trust a child’s wisdom when they’re bent on making a dreadful mistake?

 God’s given me what I really desire.

1. Forgiveness

2. Hope

3. Love

4. Joy

5. Beauty

6. Blessings

7. Peace

8. Worth

9. Life

10. His Presence

There are times I don’t understand. That’s when He teaches me to trust Him, because of course there are many things I will not understand this side of eternity. He is God, not I. There are times when I rebel. When it seems that He’s not giving me what I need. But you know, my Father who created me, knows what I really desire. Because He created my heart. And completed it with a touch of Himself. So He fills my cup every day. Not necessarily with all I want. But with all I need. All I hope for. And often much more.

Like a fountain with bubbling clear fresh water that dances and overflows.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; he hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:19

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” 

Psalm 37:3,4

I was 3 years old. The nightmare was scary. A parrot screeched. I screamed. I awoke to hear my Dad’s soothing voice. He quieted me. He lifted me from my bed; carried me in his strong arms. I remember him walking around the house with me. I was comforted. When he brought me back to my bed, I fell into a deep peaceful slumber.

I was 9 years old when he burst into my room one day. “The cat’s having kittens’ he announced. I rushed out to join in the fun. ‘April Fool’ he yelled; a wide grin on his Daddy face. He got me!

I was 12 years old. He picked me up after my weekly Girl Guides event. We got home to find Mum in the midst of a meeting. He signalled to me. ‘Let’s get back in the car’. I complied. Off we went to the popular Zellers Cafe up the road. He bought me a Knicker Bocker glory Ice cream. It was a tall mountain of an Ice cream - and.I couldn’t finish it. He laughed at me; he teased me. I felt loved.

I was a teenager. My Dad and I took long walks along the beach. The sun was hot on our necks and sweat dribbled down. The beach was alive. The sea air refreshed me. We returned late morning for breakfast with glad hearts and strong limbs. I so enjoyed those long walks with Dad. They birthed in me a love of nature and a love of walking which has lasted to this day.

I was 28 years old when I walked up the aisle with him on my wedding day. I was 33 when he first met my 9 month old son. My baby and he bonded rightaway; the start of a unique friendship. I was 39 years old when Dad waved us goodbye as we left for foreign shores. He didn't stop us from pursuing our dreams. He let us go with a smile. What a Dad!

I was 47 years old. Dad became sick. I called him at once, concerned. The love in his heart echoed through the phone. Hello Dhu’. He was very ill – awaiting the ambulance that would take him to hospital for the last time. But even in his weak state, he was concerned about everyone else. “How’s Shan? How’s Asela?” he asked eagerly. I said: “I love you Thatha”. His last words to me: ‘I love you Dhu’ in the soft caring voice I loved so much.

Today, 18^th August 2015, it’s 10 years since he left us. My memories of Dad are as warm as the springtime, as clear as a baby's eyes. My heart fills with joy as I remember with pride the wonderful Dad that he was. He made time for each of his seven. He was a man for every season. He was my Father.

My Dad knew how to do life. Two words stand out when I think of Dad. Gentleness and Integrity. He taught us how to live by the way he faced life. With courage. With discipline. With perseverance. With love for his fellowman. His deep love for Mum gave us children security. He and my Mum did much to bless the community. But it didn't prevent them from being wholly involved in our lives. How did they do it? It remains a deep mystery as to how they found time for all they did. But they did. They did. And I am so very grateful.

Dad was a Director of the Associated Newspapers of Sri Lanka. When the government took over the company, he challenged the takeover, defending freedom of speech. When the takeover went through, he resigned from the Board on principle. It must have been very sad for him to leave a company which was like a second home to him and where he'd invested a great deal of his time and energy. He never complained. Never sat around feeling sorry for himself. He just got busy finding work. He used his skills and expertise for the good of others.

It's hard to write only a short blog about him because there is so much to say. After he died, person after person, some we didn't even know shared with us about the positive difference he'd made in their lives. Dad loved to take photographs. He was an avid gardener. He was modest and  unassuming. In his eightees, he'd walk the pavements near his home with sandwiches and tea for homeless people. Yes, there is much to share about my Dad. 

I was 48 years old. Two months after Dad had passed away. Mum called us excitedly. She’d found a surprise in a secret drawer. A letter for his 7 children to be opened after he died. It was the best gift I've ever received. It expressed the love and pride my Dad felt for his ‘Magnificent Seven’. He said that Mum and his 7 children were his greatest blessing. I cried so much reading that letter. It still chokes me up as I gaze on his handwriting; as I soak in all the love and pride it contains.

I was 55 years old. Going through a difficult season. One that was fast becoming too tough to handle. I was close to giving up. And then… and then…. I stumbled on Dad’s letter. He told us in no uncertain terms how proud he was of us. He said he was impressed by the way we faced problems and adversity, seeking the positive every time. It was exactly what I needed to hear .

My Dad believed in me.

My Dad believed in me.

My Dad believed in me.

I didn’t give up. I finished the task I’d begun. I did it well. My Dad would have been proud of me. Today, I give thanks and praise to my Heavenly Father for the unique earthly Dad he gifted me with. A man who lived 90 inspiring years. Who pointed me to my Heavenly Father. Who impacted and helped countless others. His clan comprises today of his wife, his 7 children and their 7 spouses, 11 grandchildren and their 4 spouses, 1 fiancé, 5 great grandchildren. That makes 37 and still counting. 

The legacy he left for us, his children is very precious. His example says it all:

• To love God and to love others.

• To live life with integrity, purpose and passion.

• To work hard.

• To persevere through life’s challenges.

• To reach out and help my fellowman.

• To love my family.

• To be gentle and fun loving.

• To be kind.

• To care.

• To read widely.

• To appreciate creation.

• To be a lifetime learner.

• To grow.

• To become the best I could be.

His letter ended with these words:

“And so as I pass on, I wish each of you, together with your life companion, long one of us, continuing and greater strength on your spiritual journey, deriving from within you, from outside you as available and always from the Source of inspiration, Above. May you always seek and receive God’s grace and blessings, Your loving Thatha.

Today dearest Thatha, I dedicate my blog to you. I am proud to be called your daughter. With God’s help, I will aspire to live the best I can, so I might leave a similar legacy for my son. I love you Thatha and I always will.

I look forward to seeing you again in heaven; the lovelight shining in your eyes and in mine.

"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him."

Proverbs 20:7

Last year was a year of breakages. You name it; we had it. Or rather …we didn’t have it. Our washing machine broke and had to be replaced. Ditto for our dryer. Our car tyres needed changing – all four of them. Our garage roller door had to be fixed. It was a very expensive year. Ouch! But none of these created as major a crisis, as fixing an inexplicable patch which had crept into a corner of our guest room carpet.  

Where-ever did that patch come from? My brilliant Engineer husband set to work to ascertain if the leak came from our washing machine, the shower or somewhere else. I was very impressed by his scientific experimental methods. They paid off. He found that a tiny leak inside the shower wall gave rise to that mysterious patch on our guest room carpet. One dilemma solved. Another dozen fresh ones evoked.

It’s amazing how one little problem could lead to so many others. The shower tiles needed to be broken so that the leak be fixed. That was only the beginning. Part of our hallway wall had to be removed. Its timber was checked every few weeks for water damage. We lived with this hole in the wall for 8 long months. The carpets would need to be replaced due to the water damage. What a rumpus from one little leak.

Each time the timber was checked – we were told that it needed to dry some more before action could be taken. We had no choice but to exercise a great deal of patience. Finally one day we received the OK. Hooray! Our bathroom tiles (both wall and floor) were replaced. The half wall that wasn’t, became a half wall that was. It was painted over. Last but not least, the guest room and hallway carpets were stripped and replaced.

I can assure you that the three of us had wide smiles on our faces once the work was all completed. What a to-do over one tiny leak. Who would have thought it would send us on an action packed adventure of breakings, fixings, paintings and doings. It reminds me of a little poem from far back in history.

“For want of a nail, the shoe was lost.

For want of a shoe, the horse was lost.

For want of a horse, the rider was lost.

For want of a rider, the battle was lost.

For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost,

And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.” Unknown

My take on this poem is that little things often have great consequences. My household saga proved it. One little leak in our home cost us a great deal of inconvenience, time, energy, money and patience. The little things in my life have the potential to become the big things.

What then are the little things that my life is built on?

1. My thoughts. My thoughts have a way of creating my life.

2. My Words. Do I speak words that bless and build up?

3. My Actions. Even the littlest of them have consequences.

4. My Relationships. Are they healthy and thriving?

5. My day to day plans. Am I being obedient to God?

What are the small leaks in my life that may cause big breakages?

1. A harsh word. It might be small– but could hurt someone badly.

2. Unforgiveness. Letting go of the past is the only way to live.

3. My use of time. My time is a gift from God. Am I using it right?

4. Misunderstandings. Little misunderstandings often lead to big battles.

5. Pride. If I do not walk in humility – God cannot  use me.

One day, I might wake up and discover that the little things in my life caused a lot of turmoil and heartache. It reminds me to repair those microscopic leaks before my house needs to be broken up. It propels me to deal with minute aspects of life. So that what flows from within me will cause wholesome beautiful ripples which will bless God’s world.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate; submissive; full of mercy and good fruit; impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

James 3:17, 18

I remember the day I drove my son to his weekly music lesson, and we encountered green traffic lights all the way. It made our journey much faster than usual. But it also caused my heart to go thumpity thump. You see, I prefer red lights to green ones. Usually. Most of the time. Does that sound odd? Let me explain.

When I had my driving lessons (in the not too distant past), I would be very anxious as we neared a traffic light – wondering if the green light would turn to amber. A green light’s fine as long as it doesn’t morph into another colour during an auspicious moment. If it changes as I approach the traffic lights, I am known to panic. That split second decision unnerves me.

What if I stop to have someone rear-end my car?

What if I go through and receive a big fat fine for it?

What if I have an accident?

After I received my licence, I've been doing better. In fact I had 3 green lights in succession one morning last week and I sailed through them with a smile on my face. And no, I did not panic. But I have to confess that when I approach a traffic light I still prefer to have a red light stop me than see a green one waving me on. Am a coward? Perhaps I am. But that’s me. You’ll have to take me as you find me. Oh! Before you shrug your shoulders and walk off, let me also share a few happier traits about myself.

I love mountains and oceans; blue skies and sunshine. Does that sound better? I love chocolate desserts. Yum. Cold weather invigorates me. I relish good books. I’m fascinated by the English language and have great fun playing with it. I perform circus tricks with my long strong tongue – I can even touch my nose with it. Weird? Yes! Oh yes!

What else can I tell you about myself? The Word of God is both meat and drink to my soul. Music touches a deep chord within me; I begin the day soaking my spirit in worship songs. I delight in the changing seasons. I enjoy scrunching crisp autumn leaves underfoot. I revel in my own company. So I become extra productive when spending a day at home alone. But I do love spending time with my family too; sharing interesting conversations with my son or snuggling my husband on the sofa, watching a movie together. I love people. Relationship for me is a bright beautiful word!

Why am I telling you all this? Simply because I have traits, likes and dislikes, peculiar to myself. I am unique – or so I am told. But then, of course… so are you. So are you! You are a unique creation, crafted perfectly together by the Greatest Artist that ever lived. Did you know that? Do you realise that there is no one else in the whole wide world like you? This past week, I've been enjoying an interesting study of my strengths and the strengths of others. It made me aware how different we are from one another – and how much we also need each other’s complementary strengths.

The Word of God puts it this way: “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the parts of the body every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12: 17-20

Can you imagine meeting a body made of only eyes? Or noses? Or feet? Or hands? Picture it. Doesn’t it make you laugh? Imagine a body made of only toes. Or one that has an abundance of eyebrows? A body made of only hair? Or one filled with rows and rows of white teeth? It makes me grin and chuckle as I picture that kind of body.

Sadly, we too often see the body of Christ that way. We expect everyone to be just like us. We frown upon diversity. Do you wish you had the gifts which your neighbour displays so well? Do you feel you are less worthy because your abilities don’t shine as brightly as hers? Let me remind you that God created you the way you are. With your strengths. With your unique abilities. Your laugh. Your smile. Your walk. Your voice. Made with purpose. Made with joy. To reflect God Himself to the world.

The wonder of the body is in that every part is unique and with its own special function. The wonder of the body of Christ is that we are made to fit together; to work together. You are needed. I am needed. Each one of us is needed. Together, we make sense. Together we have a purpose. To bring glory to our Creator. As an orchestra creates beautiful music with many different instruments. Like a book needs every chapter to create the perfect story. As a house needs a foundation and a roof; its doors and windows, its floors, its brick walls … to make it whole. So let’s link our lives together – making sure that every member feels useful and needed.

Together let’s bring glory to the One who created us.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

I was browsing around Big W, looking to buy a few gifts. The problem was that I was tempted to make an unplanned purchase. Corduroy trousers that looked good – and would keep me warm in the winter. Or denim trousers that were smart and enticing. I decided to try on a few, half hoping they wouldn’t fit. I wanted to have them. I didn’t want to buy them. A shopper’s dilemma.

I disappeared into the fitting room and tried on four pairs of trousers; one at a time of course. Problem. The medium sized dark purple corduroy was too tight. The large size was too big. Then I tried on brown denim. Next a grey denim. They presented with the identical problem. Medium size too small. Large size too loose.

Hooray, I thought. I’m glad they don’t fit. I grinned to myself knowing that I was always a winner. If I’d found one I could buy I’d have been glad. Now that I couldn’t buy them, I was gladder still; relieved that the temptation was taken out of my hands. Hooray. There’ve been other times like that. When I played games with my small son many years ago, I most often liked him to win. It was a thrill to see him happy. Sometimes he won on his own steam. Sometimes I contrived to make it happen. There were other times I decided to win – so he’d learn how to lose gracefully. I was always a winner. If he won, I was glad. If I won, I won! A definite win-win situation.

30 years ago today, August 4^th 1984 was a very special day; one printed indelibly in my heart. It was the day God whispered into my heart that He was working things out in my life. Shan and I had been good friends for 4 years. I’d never thought of him as a possible husband. But that August evening 30 years ago, I finally saw clearly. Like seeing through a once smeared glass window; now wiped spotlessly clean. Yes, I thought in glad surprise. Yes! He was the man I’d been waiting for. That tall dark handsome hero who would swoop me away to live happily ever after. What an awesome discovery! I fell in love.

Marriage turned out to be all the more blessed because I had to wait for it. Always a winner. While I was waiting, because waiting gave me time to serve God and grow in Him; to enjoy my girlhood to the full, to create beautiful friendships with many wonderful women. And then I won a special grand prize when Shan carried me off into the sunset; as we linked our lives together for the rest of our days.

10 years before that, the 4^th of August 1974 was also a special day for me. It was the day I confirmed my baptism. In April 1974 I’d made a commitment to following Jesus, so my Confirmation was a deeply meaningful occasion. I remember the joy and the thrill of standing before the alter, dressed in white, together with many other young men and women, professing our faith before God and His people. What an awesome day that was.

Today on August 4^th 2014, four decades of following Jesus have taught me learnt something. In Jesus, I am always a winner. When times are good – it’s easy to rejoice and to trace His loving Hand. When times are bad, I am still a winner. I may not be able to trace His Hand then. But I can trust His loving heart, knowing He’d bring meaning out of every tough season; like the glorious spring that follows a grey winter. Like the enchanting butterfly which emerges from a damp, broken chrysalis.

Yes, in Jesus, I am always a winner.

1. When I was lost - He found me. Acts 4:12; John 1:41

2. When I was blind - He opened my eyes Isaiah 42:7; Psalm 146:8

3. When I was a sinner – He forgave me. John 3:16; Psalm 103:12

4. When I had no one – He was there for me. Psalm 34:17,18

5. When I stumbled - He put out His Hand and caught me. Psalm 37:23,24

6. When I fell down - He picked me up. Proverbs 24:16

7. When I lost what was precious - He turned it into gain. Psalm 145:18,19,16

8. When I didn’t know the way - He took my hand and led me. Isaiah 42:16

9. When I was sad - His gave me His joy. Isaiah 61:3; Isaiah 55:12

10. When my cup was empty - He filled it with Himself. John 10:10; Psalm 103:1-5

His Word reminds us is that His love remains. Through all of our lives and through every season and until the end of time. Yes! You are more than  a conqueror in Christ Jesus!

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39