I was feeling a little despondent that day. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake off my feelings of sadness. I decided to go for a walk so I’d catch a little sunshine into my spirit. As I wended my way up the hill I asked God for a gift. The world that day was filled with sun and cloud; of sunshine and raindrops. A perfect day for a rainbow. I whispered to Him. “Lord, you know I’d love a rainbow today. Please send me one”.

As I entered the Oval, my heart brightened. Sunshine streamed down on the moist green grass. Raindrops glistened. Birds flew around chattering excitedly. The grey morning clouds were replaced by azure blue sky. My heart quickened. I looked around me feasting my eyes on the beauty around me. I looked for the rainbow I'd hoped for. It wasn’t to be found. No rainbow on the first round. No rainbow on the second. No rainbow even on the third. Perhaps God was waiting for my final lap to give me a grand finale of a perfect rainbow?

I set about enjoying my walk and some of my gloom lifted. It was a perfect winter’s day – no doubt about it. Rainbow or no rainbow I couldn’t have asked for better. The cold winter air rejuvenated me as always. I love walking in the winter cold – bracing breezes invigorating me with a fresh burst of energy.

As I left the Oval I felt much happier than when I’d started out. I thanked God for the gorgeous day He’d created. For taking me out at the perfect time to enjoy it. But I also asked Him a question. ‘Where’s my rainbow Lord?” His response came back at once. Distinct. ‘Nushi – you don’t need a rainbow. I gave you what you needed. Didn’t you just enjoy it?’ I listened. I heard the deeper truth of what He said to me that beautiful day. Sometimes you don’t need a Rainbow!

I did have all I needed that day – a sun kissed, colour-splashed, soul stirring world. God had ministered to me through the enchanting day He’d created which was very very good. I didn’t need a rainbow And you know, I realised then that there are other things I don’t always need. There are seasons in my life when God might remove some of His blessings to ensure that I change my focus from my blessings to God Himself. 

These past few months, God stripped me of things which had brought me deep joy and fulfilment for many years. A ministry which I was passionate about for over 10 years - where I was thrilled to be used of Him. A fellowship I’d poured myself into for 15 years and had made my ‘home’. They were important. They were needed… but only for a time. God chose this season to take away good, satisfying things in my life so I could focus afresh on what’s really important. Jesus. Grace. His Will. Love. Life that satisfies. Through God alone.

Sometimes we don’t need a rainbow. His love is enough.

Sometimes we don’t need the outer trappings. His grace is enough.

Sometimes we don’t get what we ask for. God is enough.

Some years ago, I attended a session on Pastoral care. The speaker shared the fact that some of us might need to needed. It was a deeply sobering thought. ‘Did I need to be needed?” I hoped not. I love to bless people. I believed it was because encouraging others was my spiritual gifting. But perhaps there was an element of selfishness tied up. Did I need to be needed? It was a question that brought me disquiet.

Losing my ministry this year was a good opportunity to figure the question out. I've often felt God’s pleasure as I’ve strived to be His hands and feet to hurting people. So yes, I do miss my ministry. I love caring for people. It was a joy to pray with those who had never prayed before. It was a precious blessing to be involved in the lives of others. I miss that. But perhaps ... it was a good thing. Perhaps I needed to lose it so I re-discovered that my primary joy must only come from God. A life giving lesson. A soul enhancing season.

Sometimes you and I don’t need a rainbow. We only need what He has given us today. His love. His forgiveness. His grace. His smile. His hope. His Word. His Holy Spirit. His Presence. Sometimes we need a reminder that our significance comes not from what we do for Him. Our significance comes from Jesus and all He has done for us on the cross. My significance comes from the knowledge  that I am a child of God.

Sometimes, you Don’t need a Rainbow.

Sometimes, His Presence is enough.

Always - God alone suffices.

A few days ago, my husband handed me a little something, and asked me if I’d lost it. It was a small laminated picture - a gift given our whole church (the Tea Tree Gully Baptist church), about 10 or more years ago. I pounced on it. I've often gazed at this remarkable picture trying to understand what it depicted. It was a picture of the Three Strangers who visited Abraham. Andrei Rublev – an artist of the 15^th century painted it.

The picture’s said to be filled with symbolism and is an Icon of the Holy Trinity, because as we discover in Genesis 18, it was God Himself who visited Abraham that day. There is rich meaning in the painting – from the manner in which the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are seated; to the special colours they wear, to other images included in the scene. What’s especially heartwarming is that there is an open space in the front of the tableaux so we too can approach the divine table. To join the Threesome in their banquet. So we can fellowship with God Himself. Isn’t that awesome?

I was elated when I saw my little picture again, because, you see, I’d given it up for lost. Shan had been hunting for an item he’d dropped under the front passenger car seat when he’d stumbled upon my picture. Hooray! As I took it from him, I realised that the last time I’d seen it was a whole year ago. We’d enjoyed a holiday at my brother and sister in law’s home in Whyalla. When we’d returned home, my precious little picture wasn’t to be found – not in my prayer diary, nor in any of the books I’d taken to Whyalla. My brother wrote to say that unfortunately a thorough search twice over hadn’t uncovered it.

No wonder he didn’t find it. It had been under our car seat the whole time. I was delighted to be reunited with my special picture, like a child who at last found her favourite lost toy. What made it all the more interesting was that I’ve lost it scores of times before. Each time, I gave up all hope of finding it. But guess what! It always turned up. Every single time.

It was a poignant reminder that it’s the same with God. His reality and presence remain with me. Always. He is close at hand, even when I don’t know it. It is a great comfort as I think about it. There was a time when I was afraid I might lose God and His loving presence in my life. A friend reminded me gently that we simply can’t lose God in that way. She was right of course. God desires to fellowship with me. I cannot lose God the way I’d lose a possession. Like I’d lose a little earring that falls out of my grasp and rolls out of sight; a pair of glasses I misplace; a prized possession that thieves might steal, or even a trusted friend who forsakes me. Just like my little picture, God will always turn up – because …. He never leaves. He is always there.

Psalm 139 shares this truth beautifully:

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

if I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-9

I can never lose God. God is behind me and before me. On my right and on my left. His presence is all around me. His Holy Spirit lives inside me. He desires my company and my friendship. Sadly, I may sometimes walk away from Him; but it's never the other way around. I’m so glad I found my precious little bookmark.  But I’m even more grateful for the truth it taught me.

Do you sometimes feel alone? Forsaken by friends? Longing for intimacy? Sadly, life often brings heartbreak. Relationships crumble. Marriages break down. Friends forsake us. But there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother. And He is only a heartbeat away. His Friendship lasts for eternity. His love shines brightly – a lighthouse in a dark world where storms rage and the seas roar; where illness is rampant and unfaithfulness abounds. Where there is darkness and death but thankfully that’s not all there is. There is also a precious hope that shines brightly; a beacon that brings us safely to our desired haven.

The Light of the World. Jesus.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; "He will never leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5

"The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them." Isaiah 41:17

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

The noise was deafening. And it began without warning. I’d been immersed in my Quiet time that day, absorbed and enthralled in the book of Exodus, when our fire alarm began clanging; loud and insistent. I rushed to the front door and tried to reset our alarm. I typed in the code twice. I was appeased when the rumpus ceased. But the peace lasted for only a few seconds. Very quickly the clanging started again. Loud.

As I looked into the hallway I guessed what must have caused it. My son had just hopped out of the shower. He’d left the bathroom door open and steam from the bathroom must have swirled around the hallway. Of course our faithful fire alarm decided to do its bit – screaming at full volume at anyone who would listen to it and to those who wouldn’t listen to it as well. I shouted to my son. He rushed out, draped in a towel, wet hair clinging to his head. Obediently he flapped a tea towel under the fire alarm. Would it work? No it didn’t.

Each time I turned off the alarm, the siren stopped. But the precious silence didn’t last for more than a minute or two. I wondered if the neighbours would think our house was on fire. Frantic, I called my husband. Shan gave me a few wise instructions. Would they work? I opened the doors, put on the exhaust fans, turned the blower to exhaust mode. My son opened the bathroom windows. He stood on a chair and tried to remove the fire alarm or to reset it but couldn’t do either. None of our ministrations did any good.

I began to feel very frustrated. Would I be spending the whole day rushing to reset the alarm? It was then that I had a brainwave. Or perhaps God whispered it in my ear. I decided to charge the alarm rather than reset it. A kind of reverse psycholgy. Would that work? I could but try. I keyed in the code, and this time, I pressed the ‘away’ button rather than the ‘off’ button as I’d usually do. And guess what! It worked. Yay!

The alarm system informed me it wasn’t ready. Perhaps the open door at the back was what it was ‘bothered’ about’. I didn’t care. I relished the silence. Ten minutes later it was still quiet. Two hours later the blessed peace continued. I was blissfully happy. Like a child being offered not one but two ice cream cones, enjoying them both at the same time, one in each hand. Life was good. Very good.

The incident reminded me that sometimes doing the opposite works best. Know what I mean? I remember George Castanza in the sitcom ‘Seinfeld’ doing that. He said or did the opposite of what he’d normally say or do. It worked to a T. He found a girl friend; got himself a new job.  Out of the blues, his life turned 180 degrees into all he’d been seeking after. All by doing the opposite. That was of course just a comedy.

But you know, in real life too we are sometimes called to give the opposite of an obvious response. Some years ago, I was presented with a piece of wisdom which I found very helpful. In fact, I still do my best to follow it. (Thank you Jeff) My then Pastor Jeff asked me to consider a question as each situation warranted: “What is the really loving thing to do?”  The fact is that life is rarely simple. Therefore, the seemingly obvious response may not necessarily be the best response.

A parent not giving a toddler everything he or she wants will protect the little one – from the knife she wants to play with or the hot stove he wants to touch. A teenager may need rules enforced and privileges removed – and then he’d learn quickly that his negative actions have consequences. Not reacting to bad behaviour may teach a child that he doesn’t get his parent’s attention. Ending a relationship, not prolonging it, may be best in particular circumstances – and the most loving thing to do.

Speaking the truth in love may sometimes be the wiser action instead of being overly understanding. Turning the other cheek is often the best response – but not the only one. We need wisdom of course to know how to act and when to act. And of course I find God Himself doesn’t always give me what I want because it may not be the best for me.

Jesus proved it to us. His disciples wrongly believed He’d be a political King – that He’d lead them all into a new social order. He did inaugurate His kingdom. But it was not an earthly one. Instead, the extraordinary amazing loving way Jesus chose to respond was to lay down his life for a world that had rejected Him. To bring life and peace and reconciliation to God through His death and resurrection. Not a temporary state of Kingship but a permanent Kingship for all of eternity.

So today, as I ponder my life, my relationships and all I am called to…..

What is the really loving thing do to?

Would I dare do it?

“Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

It was a beautiful autumn morning; a cool nip in the air and a bird on the wing. Crunchy autumn leaves played a rustling game of tag on the roadside. I hopped into my little blue car; off to visit my beautiful, 91 year old friend Iris. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get to her house the usual way - the road leading to hers was being dug up. Oh well, I’d try a different route then. I did a 3 point turn and turned back the way I’d come. To my consternation, I found that the alternative route was blocked as well.

Hmm. What do I do? Oh! I knew. I turned into a little parking bay on a side of the road. I’d have to walk from there. As I began to stroll towards the Rose garden, it seemed that the world was conspiring against me. The footpath I’d chosen was closed; bright orange flags declaring loudly that that path too was out of bounds. There was only one thing to do. Take a detour. And so I did. As I turned the corner, I looked at the path ahead and my eyes lit up in wonder.

The road ahead lay before me in autumn loveliness; sparkling sunshine dancing. The trees had shed golden carpets under them. Breathtaking beautiful. I breathed deeply. I savoured the scene. My heart was filled. Thank you God, I breathed. A flock of Galah birds descended on the lime green grass in an exotic array of pink and grey plumage. There were splashes of colour all around me – green, blue, gold, pink, grey. I revelled in the moment.

What a blessing then that I’d been forced to take that detour. The cool morning air brushed against my skin; the clear blue sky greeted me with a friendly hello. I soaked in the sight of the colour splashed world that spun cheerfully and brightly around its axis. Joy bubbled deep within, a fountain that overflowed.

It was then I realised the deeper truth of that detour. A lesson about the detours of life. Many times I baulk at them. But they often make a trip more invigorating. Detours help me pause and look at life in a whole new way. They help me find fresh enjoyment in my expedition. New lessons learnt. Old joys re-discovered. 

Recently, I was forced to take a sudden detour on my own life’s journey. I’d been expecting to cruise on life’s highway at 100 kmph. I was blissfully ignorant of what lay ahead. When I reached the end of the road there was a ‘Road closed’ sign flashing in red before me. Sad and troubled, I asked God what to do. He placed His loving arms around me; whispered in my ear. He asked me to slow down; to turn off a side road. To stop awhile. 

Grief became my portion. Bewilderment my attire. Questions my head-dress. I stopped my car on a side road. Put off the ignition. Got out. There was only one thing I could do. To follow my Guide. And of course He did not disappoint. He offered me a glimpse of good things to come on the enchanting new pathway He’d been preparing for me. And oh – how stunning the view!

I have to confess that it took some determined effort to begin to enjoy that detour. But as God’s grace washed over me, I was able to relax. I began to revel in the sights and sounds and new vistas the detour brought me. I was given my heart’s desire. More time to spend with God – just what I’d asked for. More opportunities to read and rest; to enjoy the journey. To seek His heart. To live in the moment. To trust. To grow. To live. To love.

Has a detour arrived unexpectedly into your horizon? Are you perplexed? Wait a minute…. Perhaps it’s a special gift from our Father? Maybe it’s time to stop on a side road. To enjoy a glimpse into fresh vistas. To refresh your spirit. To discover a new route that life’s bringing your way. God specialises in gifts covered in unusual wrapping paper. His detours might seem strange and unplanned.

But the beauty of life with Jesus is that no matter what, we can continue to trust Him. He is always faithful. His ways may not be straightforward or simple. But Your Guide knows where He’s leading you. And He will always lead you through perfect paths planned for you. So let’s breathe a prayer of thanksgiving and enjoy the ride. Our Guide’s blessings never run dry. And we can gladly enjoy the journey.

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” 

Jeremiah 6:16

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” 

Isaiah 42:16

“Whether you turn to the right or left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying ‘This is the way walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

Recently I picked up a book with an appealing title: ‘Flourishing” – How to achieve a deeper sense of well being, meaning and purpose – even when facing adversity. It was written by an academic and clinical psychologist. Some of her sharings were fascinating. She mentions that the magic ratio of 5:1 positives to negatives was required in order to lead a flourishing life. Also that couples who have a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions are blessed to have flourishing marriages. Interesting.

We’ve just spent a flourishing kind of week. My beautiful, lovable, bubbly American niece spent a few happy days with us. We showed her some of the sights of Adelaide and enjoyed ourselves immensely in the process. Allison brought with her, her sense of irrepressible humour, her excitement at being alive, her enjoyment of the present moment, her infectious laughter. It’s been awhile since I've laughed so much.

I loved Allison’s knack of finding enjoyment in everything and everyone. She was a tease – but it was all in good fun. Allison’s stories were absorbing. She asked us numerous questions so it was not all one sided. I found it really funny how she posed for photographs – each time with a different twirl or dance. In fact, I’m now surprised when I come across a picture where she isn’t doing something strange or outlandish.

Allison certainly flourishes where-ever she is. We too have been flourishing thanks to her presence. Allison’s flight out of Adelaide was at 6 a.m. on Friday morning. I awoke at 3 a.m. to pack her a breakfast and to wave her off. After she left for the airport with Shan, I settled back in bed with a book before I went to sleep - ‘Virtue Reborn’ by Tom Wright.

Tom Wright shares the importance of character growth for us Christians and how character transformation can be brought about. He mentions that 350 years before Jesus, Aristotle had developed a 3 fold pattern of character transformation, the goal being to develop into a mature human being. The word Aristotle had used to describe the making of a complete, rounded, wise, thoroughly formed character had been ‘eudaimonia’, which is often interpreted as happiness. But Tom Wright says it is actually closer to our idea of ‘flourishing’. So there it was again - the word ‘flourishing’. It was with happy surprise that I read the word.

The picture that the word 'flourishing' conjures up in my mind’s eye is one of a lofty tree; striking, luxuriant; its roots going deep; its leaves green; its branches heavy with fruit. The Bible often uses similar metaphors. Isaiah 61 verse 3 presents an attractive image of those who follow Jesus. 

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61: 3

How then do we flourish? Here are a few ideas:

1. Delight in God

2. Trust Him implicitly

3. Dig deep into His Word

4. Seek to grow in character 

5. Be led by the Spirit. Live in the moment

6. Engage in meaningful work

7. Find meaning in adversity

8. Love. Bless His world

9. Let Gratitude flow

10. Choose Joy

Despite the complexity of life, despite the thorny paths we often tread, despite the ruggedness of the terrain – living a flourishing life is not as difficult as it sounds. I must seek to stay on course; God’s will as my own; God Himself my compass; God my resting place; God my shelter; God my strong tower; and God also my goal. A quote from Oswald Chambers puts it into context. 

"The one aim of the call of God is the satisfaction of God, not a call to do something for Him." 

Yes, flourishing begins with my delighting in Him.

Would you like to flourish? His Word points us in the right direction:

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7, 8

And there's more.......

Blessed is the man… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1, 3

May I make a confession? Although I love God, I love people, I love God’s world and I love this journey we called life…. there’s an entity that I sometimes struggle with. It makes me tear my hair out on occasion. I get irritated by the way it operates. I wish it worked differently. I’d welcome changes on its face. I prefer life to be without it. Have I piqued your curiosity sufficiently?

My pet dislike is….. my Pet dislike is…. my Pet Dislike is…. my PET DISLIKE is…. (Drum roll please)…. GMAIL! Gmail and I are rarely on the best of terms. Thankfully, my regular mail is not on gmail. Gmail just acts as my temporary email account when I am travelling or when spending copious times in bed (as it happened after my two operations). It’s an address I can hand out to anyone and everyone safely. It’s also the right place to receive all my junk emails. Earlier this year, I was forced to use mainly Gmail for all my interactions with the outside world as I was in bed 95% of the time.

Unfortunately, I have often grinded my teeth over its frustrating set up and its annoying ways. I can see all you Gmail fans raising your eyebrows at my unbecoming language about such a good and useful commodity. So let me hasten to explain why I feel so strongly:

1. Gmail bunches up emails together

2. I can’t find messages easily

3. And so I often miss replying them

4. If I delete one from one folder – it removes every occurrence of it from all folders

5. The layout looks messy and complicated compared to my trusted Outlook

Now that I have blown off steam, I shall make confession number 2. Despite my frustrations with Gmail, – there was this one time when it brought me deep blessing. Yes, my Pet Dislike came up trumps for me earlier in the year. And I am the first to admit it. On the 5^th of March 2014 – my special friend Leanne passed away very suddenly. Leanne was my first Australian friend. We shared a deep connection and bond. When Leanne died so unexpectedly, I grieved long and hard. I found myself hunting all over my gmail folders for our conversations. There was something positive. I’d been spending weeks in bed after my operation, so having had time for it, Leanne and I had enjoyed a prolific email correspondence in the 6 weeks leading up to her death. I was so glad about that!

If I’d been using my Outlook account though, I’d have deleted all her letters and thus lost all those conversations. But my Pet Dislike did me proud. I found many lengthy deep conversations with Leanne in my Gmail folders. I was able to retrieve them all. They gave me a great deal of comfort. All the threads appeared in sequence, so it was as if she was chatting with me. They brought her closer to me. I guzzled them thirstily.

I was able to grieve. I was able to weep. I was able to even laugh because Leanne often made me laugh. Yes, I was deeply grateful to Gmail for connecting me to Leanne even after her death. Gmail helped me heal. Thanks Gmail!

You know, it taught me that often the things we dislike in life can bring unexpected blessing. People who make my life difficult help me see myself clearer. They force me to take stock of myself and to learn fresh lessons. They teach me how not to behave. Difficult times propel me forward into the arms of God. Facets of life I don’t enjoy help me enjoy deeply the things that do. Yes, even dislikes have their place in life, don’t they?

If not for an experience with a night time mosquito I wouldn’t realise that a normal night without one buzzing in my ear is a blessing. If not for people, places and experiences that are tough to handle – I might not appreciate the ‘normal’ great life I enjoy. More importantly I may not grow in character. If not for the hard times in my life I may also not have drawn so close to God.

Do you have a Pet Dislike? Is there a person in your life who seems to have been sent to torment you? Is there a job you hate doing? Is there a facet of your life that irritates you?  I wonder if your Nemesis too would turn up trumps one day. I’m always encouraged that God uses the difficulties in my life to bless me in fresh amazing ways. May He bless you too with fresh discoveries from your own Pet Dislike.

Gmail did something right after all. Thank you Lord for Gmail!

Thank you Lord for the little things and big things that make my life difficult.

Through them I grow.

Through them I learn life’s lessons.

Through them I find Your Grace and Help in time of need.

Through them I've discovered you as my Deepest Treasure.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Don’t you love it when you hear God’s whispers in your heart? God seems to speak to me mostly when I read His Word. He also speaks to me through the wisdom of others – through books, audio books, messages, sermons, conversations. Many times He speaks to me as I gaze upon His magnificent Creation. And sometimes…. yes sometimes… God speaks to me through His still small voice when I am least expecting it.

One Saturday evening some weeks ago, my husband and I relaxed together watching the film ‘Gravity’. It was an excellent movie. For those who don’t know the story, Gravity is about an astronaut who gets stuck in outer space. She tries to return home to earth against horrendous life-threatening odds. It’s a terrifying journey filled with frequent heart stopping moments. The creators of the film have done a great job.

I wasn’t expecting God to speak to me that evening. So it was both startling and exhilarating when He did. At the beginning of the film, a male astronaut (played by George Clooney) tries his best to encourage the woman astronaut (played by Sandra Bullock). She was terrified. As she was struggling to stay alive in space, stark terror in her eyes, he asks her to repeat after him ‘I will make it’. She doesn’t respond. He persists. There is a long pause. Then she speaks. Faltering; soft, fragile. ‘I will make it.’

It was then that God spoke to me. Powerfully. Distinctly. Clearly. In that moment I knew I would make it. You see, I had just been through a season of difficulty myself. I’d been bewildered. Sad. Shocked. Hurting. I did know of course that I could trust God. I knew He’d make sense of my losses. But although my brain had all the right answers, my heart and my emotions had some catching up to do. Hearing His voice speak into my heart when I least expected it was exactly what I needed to make me whole again.

“Thank you Lord”, I whispered, hope flickering in my heart; a candle in the darkness. Today, as I type these words several weeks later I am in a good place. I did make it to first base. I have come out of that tough season with a song in my heart and praise songs resounding on my lips. I feel strong, energised and joyful. I am at peace. I rejoice often as I discover fresh blessings in this new season of life – a toddler delighting in her Christmas gifts, squealing in excitement. I’m amazed and blessed by the bounty and love of my Heavenly Father. His faithfulness has once again been my fortress and strong tower; my strength and my stay. 

It doesn't mean that all is hunky dory all of the time. There are still days when I remember; when I hurt; when I grieve. Making it through life is a process after all. But if I have made it to first base, I know that with God's help I can make it to the next one - and the next.

God has used many lovely people (both old friends and new) to help me heal. How I thank God for them! Books I've read this season have blessed me. Two of them helped renew my mind. The first was ‘Switch on your Brain” by Dr Caroline Leaf; the second - “Power thoughts’ by Joyce Meyer. Using the wisdom of both books – I learnt to reframe what had occurred to me into something positive and life giving. I even enjoyed a 21 day brain de-tox as suggested by Dr Caroline Leaf, finishing with a new mind, as we are asked to do in Romans chapter 12:2. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

A long known Bible verse energised me. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13. Simple. Profound. True. Yes, I can do anything through Him who gives me the strength; through His Holy Spirit who leads me and counsels me.

• I can rejoice in my present season, no matter how difficult or painful.

• I can live with acceptance and courage.

• I can discover fresh riches of the spirit.

•  I can stand firm, not giving into discouragement.

• I can reject toxic thoughts.

• I can replace them with new, positive ones.

• I can smile and laugh and be joyful.

• I can forgive.

• I can rise above my circumstances.

• I can trust God.

• I can view life through His eyes of wisdom and hope.

• I can turn my losses into gains.

Yes, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Are you going through a season of despair – of confusion – of bewilderment? Barry Chant in his book ‘When people step out, God steps in’ gives us a necessary reminder. ‘God delights in impossible situations’. Yes. God does delight in impossible situations. Did you know that? He saved the Israelites when they were caught in a hard place - between Pharaoh’s army and the Red sea. And look how He delivered them! God’s power is most evident when the odds are stacked against us. His glory is most revealed when all hope has been lost. So take heart. Does your situation seem impossible? If so, it’s right up God’s street. Our God can turn your darkness into light. And He is on your case.

You WILL make it through Him who gives you strength.

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:30- 32

I settled down to enjoy my Quiet time; my daily cup of tea in hand. I turned the pages of my Bible and read its life-giving words. I sipped my tea. Mmm… That was wonderful. Just what I needed. God’s Word penetrated deep in my inward being; the tea did too;  I was expectant; alert; filled; refreshed. I glanced at my mug, reflecting again with happy surprise that tea in this mug tasted better than in any other. How was that possible?

In the year I turned 50, my co-workers (where I volunteered) had banded together to give me a surprise party. It was a perfect start to a new era of my life. Life had been good before 50. It was even better after. Yes. In spite of my creaking body and greying hair… life in my fifties has been what I call “my Golden Age”.

My special friend Vicki who’d blessed me often through her friendship had blessed me through a precious gift that day. It was a beautiful mug exquisitely fashioned. It’s shape was unusual. The words “50^th Birthday” were written boldly in maroon on its body. Attractive pink roses and dark green leaves adorned the inside and outside rims of the mug. Gold lines ran along both top and bottom. It’s top was extra wide; its bottom smaller; its middle slender. I loved looking at my special mug and I loved drinking tea from it. It always surprised me how good tea tasted inside it. It was something of a mystery as to why it did. Was it because I liked the look of it that it tasted better?

I've been drinking from it for close to 7 years now and still find it very special. During my post operative 3 months earlier in the year, my husband wisely suggested that I put it away and use another one while I was in bed in case it had an accident. I readily acquiesced. A couple of weeks ago, it was time to pull out my favourite mug from the cupboard where I’d hidden it. As I sipped my first cuppa in it for a long time, I realised with a start that I was enjoying my tea more than before. My “magic” mug was at work again.

I enjoyed every sip. A day later I plugged in our new coffee machine. I usually allow myself one cup of coffee each week. Yum! I placed my mug in the machine and watched it fill up. I was surprised to find that the coffee filled right to the top of my mug. The mug I’d used previously would get only 2/3^rds filled. My special mug had to be smaller than a standard cup. It was then that it struck me. That was the reason why tea tasted so good in this mug. It held less, so it brewed a stronger cup of tea. Eureka! Not a magic mug after all. Instead it was a wise designer who’d ensured that not only would the mug look pleasing to the eye, the tea inside it would also taste delicious. Today I am very thankful to my friend Vicki for a gift that has kept on giving over the years.

I would also like to drink a toast to another Special Friend. My special mug and I usually meet with Jesus every day. That’s...let me see… 2400 times when God and I have enjoyed a cuppa together. Worth toasting, don’t you think? Here are 10 reasons why God’s Friendship (like my special mug) has refreshed me greatly.

1. My cup is unique and special; no other mug can match it.  

My relationship with God is unique and special. No human friendship could every match it. 

2. The longer I let my tea bag brew in my mug, the better it tastes.

 The more time I spend with Jesus – the more satisfying my walk with Him.

3. My special mug of tea is flavourful; delicious. It energises me.

My relationship with God is filled with His own Perfect Flavour.

Delicious. He restores my strength. He renews me every day.

4. I need a cup of tea each day to give me the alertness I need.

I need time with God every single day. His Presence makes all the difference.

5. My cup of tea makes me feel good physically which in turn makes me feel good emotionally and spiritually. My friendship with God makes me feel great spiritually – which in turn tops up my emotions and my physical well being.

      6.   However sleepy or tired I am each morning, I know that my cup of tea will revive me. My mug spells

            HOPE. God gives me HOPE during tough times and in fact, all the time. No matter how sad I am -  

           He always picks me up, comforts me; revives me.

7. My mug is precious ; I take great care to keep it safe and unbroken.

My friendship with God is my most prized relationship. So of course I need to

to tend it well. God is  my All Seasons-All time-Forever-Friend.

8. My special mug was the best gift I received on my 50^th b’day. (Thank you, Vicki)

      My special Friend was the best Gift I have ever received. (Thank you God)

9. No other mug has matched my special mug. It was a gift that kept on giving.

      No friendship can ever match God’s Friendship. He’s a Gift that keeps on giving.

10. Finally... I've solved the mystery of my Miracle Mug's Tasty Tea.

    As for my Special Friend.... what's the Mystery behind His Amazing Friendship?

     

He is…

The Son of God. The Beginning and the End. The Prince of Peace. The Good Shepherd. The Lover of my Soul. Redeemer. The Great I am. The Ancient of Days. The Bright Morning Star. The Saviour of the World. The Bread of Life. The Chief Cornerstone. Almighty God. Beloved Son. Counsellor. Creator. The Door. Emmanuel. Eternal. Everlasting Father. Faithful and True. God of whole earth. Great I AM. Head of Body. Head of the Church. Healer. Heir of all things. Sustainer of all things. Holy. Jehovah. The Just One. Lamb of God. Light of the World. Living Bread.  Lord Omnipotent. Master. Meek and Lowly. Mighty God. Most High God. Only Begotten Son. Power of God. Prince of Life. Messiah. Son of the Highest. The True Vine. King. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. 

His name is Jesus.

No mystery then as to why His Friendship is one to be sought, savoured and cherished.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 9-11

As I stood outdoors waving my husband off to work, the tree in my neighbour’s front yard beckoned. Its leaves had turned a deep yellow – daubed in autumn’s gold paint. I stood there entranced, enjoying its beauty. I looked towards our own tree. Its leaves too turn yellow each autumn, so I was surprised to discover that they were still green. A few weeks later, I found that my tree was finally beginning to put on autumn attire - its leaves fast turning from  green to gold. It was a lesson for me that day as I drank in the loveliness of my tree.

There are times in my life when I need to wait for “my turn” to arrive. My time to shine. My time to be blessed. My time to LIVE. It seems to take forever. But God teaches me patience as I wait. Waiting times may be difficult but they are seasons of growth.

Lesson 1: 

Be patient. Wait before the Lord. As sure as day follows night, my own season will arrive at the appointed time.

As I glanced at my tree that morning – I realised its leaves were not as healthy as the leaves on my neighbour’s tree. Although my tree had more leaves, it didn’t look as pretty as my neighbour’s tree.  And there was nothing I could do about it. Or was there? Of course there was. As I looked at the gorgeous sun drenched autumn world, I found the new lesson for me that day. My neighbour’s successes are mine. I can derive as much pleasure from my neighbour’s accomplishments as much as from my own. Isn’t that wonderful?

The Bible tells me that as part of the body of Christ, I don't live for myself. We are family. When one member of a family suffers the other members suffer too. We are the body of Christ. If one part of the body is triumphant, why then the rest of the body must whoop for joy along with it. We are inter-connected. We can’t help but celebrate. My physical body attests to that fact. If I hurt my little finger - all of me feels it and my mouth yelps out in pain. When on the other hand (no pun intended), every part of my body is working well - my tongue shouts out praises instead. We followers of Jesus are indeed One Body. So...

Lesson 2: 

Enjoy my neighbour’s successes as if they were my own. Celebrate her joys!

Fast forward a few weeks. As the autumn wore on, the leaves of my neighbour’s tree fell off one by one. Because of its late start, my tree however took much longer to lose them. Now it was my tree’s season to shine. I gazed at my tree often, breathing in its beauty. I  gave thanks to God for it constantly and savoured much joy from its splendour.

Lesson 3: 

When my own season arrives, delight in the goodness of God. Praise Him!

As the weeks went on, autumn deepened. The leaves fell off  both our trees. Soon there wasn’t a single leaf left on my neighbour’s tree. There were a few straggly leaves left on mine. It was time for the next lesson.

Lesson 4: 

Stay Humble. God has work to do in my life. He sometimes strips me of all that’s dear to me – so I'll get the focus off myself and gaze only upon Him.

Today, I walk to my front door and open it. Sunbeams light up my world. A flock of parrots race by. Cool fresh air envelops me. Autumn leaves dance in the wind. I gaze at the two trees standing side by side - my neighbour’s tree and my own. They are both bereft of leaves. They are resting. Waiting. To ride out the winter. Together.

Lesson 5: 

We are all in the same boat. All in the same place – under our sovereign God. 

All equally dependent on Him and His care of us. Together.

My Neighbour’s tree taught me many lessons this autumn. My own tree did too. God who created them both smiled at me as we watched the leaves fall – as He watched me learning the lessons He brought my way. Three months on, my neighbour’s tree will start to put out little green shoots well before mine. I know what God expects of me. First, to delight in His handiwork. Next to rejoice with my neighbour. Then to anticipate with joy my own tree’s new life as it arrives. To continue to learn and marvel and grow into all that He calls us as His body to become. Connected. Rejoicing. Growing together.

I walk up my neighbour’s drive. “Would you like to have a coffee?” I ask.

She nods. “Sure. Sounds great!” 

My neighbour’s tree looks beautiful – bereft of all leaves but standing tall and proud against the autumn sky. "You know, your tree looks lovely", I say, smiling.

“I was just admiring your tree and giving thanks to God for it” she says, with a grin. 

I am warmed from the inside out.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:4,5

Whom should I weep with today?

Whose joys should I celebrate today?

“But in fact God has placed the parts in 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. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-20, 26

Earlier this year, I spent 2 months in bed recovering from an operation. My time of recuperation was a special time. A Writer’s Grand Prize. A dream realised. Time spent resting. Time to do as I pleased – within the confines of a bed. I used my cherished gift of time to be still, to reflect, to hear from God, to pray, to recharge my batteries, to study, to learn, to read, to write, to build both my spiritual and mental muscles. I have to confess though that it didn’t always work out the way I’d hoped for. There were moments I felt restless; when I wanted to be up and about; when it was hard to be still.

But today, as I look back, I can truthfully say that I reaped many blessings through that unusual season. One of the biggest joys was having precious uninterrupted time to spend with books – to read them and to write them. I usually have little time for both pleasurable pursuits. Now I was offered both on a platter. Thank you God. Thank you!

During that time, I hoped to participate in a short story competition. The problem was that my muse had decided to take a vacation. I couldn’t find her anywhere. Oh dear! After much futile hunting for her (had she taken a walk? I don’t know. Was she hiding? Perhaps!) I remembered I had something that might take the place of my recalcitrant muse until she returned safely. Somewhere in my laptop, there was a page of ideas I’d copied off a book on writing – little prompts that would ignite my brain, like a match being set alight. And so I reached for it.

I hunted for that page in my Creative writing folders. I’d seen the document only a few days before. But when I needed it, I couldn’t find it. Very frustrating! I began to do a thorough, systematic search through all of my 100 creative writing folders! It was a mammoth task. Unfortunately, in spite of all that diligent searching my notes seemed to have vanished beyond recall.

I found this. I found that. I found everything but what I was hunting for. But ….wait a minute. I did find some very useful information during the process. Over the years, I’d taken copious notes about novel writing.; I’d obtained useful information off umpteen books I've studied on Creative Writing. Now all of these different documents kept popping up unrequested as I searched for my document of ideas. One by one they came up on my screen. And one by one they filled me with hope. And one by one I printed them off. You see, another of my goals during this period of recuperation had been to start writing my first adult novel. There’d been a few setbacks to that plan. To many writers writing novels come naturally. To this writer however, (who’s until now been mainly a non fiction writer), writing my first novel is (and was) a gigantic task.

My muse taking a long vacation just when I needed it hadn’t helped either. But God had come to my rescue. If I hadn’t searched for those short story ideas – I’d not have found my many useful novel writing resources. I was so pleased. As happy as a peacock strutting deep into the woods displaying its magnificent feathers. I’d learnt once again that often loss precedes gain. Have you discovered the truth of that?

Many times in my life – when I’ve lost something – I have gained far more. It happens. When I’ve lost a friend, I’ve found a dearer friend. When I’ve lost my perspective; I’ve found a fresh and better perspective. When I’ve lost hope, God has renewed it. When I have lost time spent in serving others, I’ve gained a deep joy that money cannot buy. When I’ve lost what I thought was valuable, I have found a deeper riches.

The way of Jesus is often through loss. Jesus asks me to give up my life in order to find it.  In Luke 9:23 He makes it clear. "Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Yes, the way of Jesus is often through loss. But the treasure He offers us is far greater than anything we could imagine or ask or think. Have you lost something valuable today? Are you hurt and disillusioned? Do you wonder what God what God is up to? Let me encourage you.

God knows what He is about. This past weekend I have been discovering afresh the bounty and care of an amazing God - One who loves me deeply. God has shown me that when I let go of what’s important to me, He fills my hands with deeper treasures. And have you noticed -  you and I can never outgive our faithful God. He is the Giver of all good things. We can trust Him wholly. Always! Yes, today - you and I can trust Him with our futures. God knows what He is about!

“From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another.” John 1:16

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:19,20