It was all of 14 years ago that we moved into our cosy little home in Australia. Since then, my husband and I have enjoyed a little ritual as he leaves for work each morning. He kisses me goodbye at our front door. Then I walk outside with him into our front yard so I can wave him off. The first wave is as he reaches the road from our ‘oh-so-steep’ driveway. The second and last wave is just before he disappears off my horizon.

In the first few years, I’d stand in our little patch of green outside our front door. However, after the passage of many years, the foliage in our neighbour’s yard had grown taller. It prevented me, (‘shorty’ that I am) from being able to see my man once he turned the corner. And so I had to stand on a large rock to see him and to wave him off.

Last week was Shan’s 55^th birthday. Our little pet giraffe Raffy and I did our usual routine. Afterwards I stood for awhile on my rock, enjoying the cool morning air and the beauty of a new day. Once I returned indoors, I couldn’t resist putting in a FaceBook post about Shan’s birthday. After all, 55 is a significant age and should not be passed by, should it? There were many caring wishes from many lovely people in response. One of my friends had (naturally) asked me ‘Why are you standing on a rock?” Good question. Why indeed?

After I explained I needed the height in order to see my man, I found myself smiling. It did sound strange, no doubt. The words ‘Standing on a rock’ resonated in my mind. I thought to myself ‘I am still standing on a Rock.’ But it wasn’t the rock on the edge of our driveway that I was thinking about. The Rock I was thinking of was Jesus.

The Word tells us that Jesus is a Rock. What does it mean? I wonder what you see in your mind’s eye when you think of a rock? Let me tell you the picture that comes to my mind. Something large; strong and dependable; steadfast and immovable. When I stand on a rock, my feet feel secure. Even if the earth should shake under me, my rock would hold me. A solid base. One where I can hold my head high even when storms rage and the darkness falls. Where the storm waters cannot reach. One where I need never fear.

Here are some verses from the Word which describe this Rock to us:

“For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?”

Psalm 18:31

 “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32:4

"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”

1 Samuel 2:2

"The LORD is my Rock, my fortress and my deliverer.” 2 Samuel 22:2

“For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?”

2 Samuel 22:32

These verses tell me He is sure. Steadfast. Faithful. Holy. Unlike any other. A Fortress. My Deliverer. Have I found Him so? Yes, yes and yes. He has been all of that and more. And yes, I am now standing on that Rock. A Rock that will never give way under me.

How then should I respond to Him?

1. With Praise and Adoration.

    Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation.

    Psalm 95:1

2. By standing firm, unshaken by the events in my life.

    He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

    Psalm 62:2

3. By seeking His guidance. It is sure.

    “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide

    me.” Psalm 31:3

4. By desiring to please Him.

    “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.

     LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

5. By sharing Him with all the world.

    The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!” Psalm 18:46

Sometimes I am too short to see the road from my vantage point; sometimes the way is too dark. Sometimes the gales of life blow too strong for me. Then I climb upon my Rock. I stand firm in Him. I find in Jesus my Strength and my Song; my Rock and my Deliverer; my Fortress and my Strong Tower; my All in all.

Have you found that Rock?

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. “

Isaiah 26:4

It was six years ago that God called me to an exciting journey – that of becoming a Writer.  It has been a thrilling ride. I’ve found much fulfillment and joy in writing. Picture a graceful swan moving serenely across a sparkling blue lake on a beautiful summers day. Or a bouncy dog running happily along a beach, exhuberant and alive! That’s what writing does to me. Aliveness. Contentment. Joy. A rosy glow within.

Soon however, I discovered a different aspect of the writer’s life. A rather alarming one. I found I needed to learn to speak in public as part of my repertoire. A very daunting task for someone as shy as me! What could I do? There was of course only one course open. I had no choice but to say ‘Yes’ to God as He brought several speaking opportunities onto my horizon. Gradually, I began to look on speaking too as an exciting aspect of a writer’s life! I even began to enjoy myself.

Two night’s ago, I spent an invigorating evening with a lovely group of women at a church not far from home. Debbie – my contact there and her team conduct  5 ‘Ladies Nights’ each year and do a great job of it. About 80 – 120 women attend usually. I could well appreciate that a lot of thought and care, planning and preparation are fed into this excellent women’s ministry. I was blessed to be be included.

It was a night that warmed me. The organisation was excellent; the ladies welcoming. I loved being there. The audience was very receptive to what I shared. It was a night to remember. In the course of chatting to a number of ladies I heard something interesting from one of them. She told me that a friend of hers, Liz, from the another Baptist church in Adelaide had gifted her with a copy of my book. I pricked up my ears. Oh?

Sandra had in turn lent my book to Debbie. Debbie who’d liked it was one of the organisers of the Ladies’ Nights. Debbie knew my friend Lorraine. And that was how Debbie was able to contact me. I was privileged to meet Debbie last year – a friendly, caring lady with a heart for God’s kingdom. She invited me to their Ladies' Night as a speaker. I was happily surprised how a single incident could cause a ripple effect leading to other exciting events in our lives. As I reflected on it, I knew that it was the kindness of two friends which led to my evening at the Ladies Night last Friday.

One was my friend Lorraine; the other my ex Pastor Jeff. When my first book was published in 2010, I’d received 300 books as payment from my publisher. I shipped the books to Australia. I gifted about 100 copies and sold the rest. I first sold them at my own church – the Golden Grove Baptist church where I promptly sold 52 copies. Magnificent!

“Where could I sell them next?” I wondered. An idea popped into my mind. I asked my ex Pastor Jeff if I could sell them at his church. I was pleasantly surprised and grateful when he said ‘Yes’. My friend Lorraine was gracious enough to drive me all the way there – and helped me sell my books. In fact, we enjoyed a beautiful day out together. ‘Two are better than one’ as the Bible says – and her being there made all the difference.

And so, it was the kindness of both Jeff and Lorraine that made my recent speaking event possible. If I’d not gone to to Jeff’s church (where incidentally – I sold 26 books) – I would not have sold copies of my book to Liz. And Liz would not have gifted one to Sandra. And Sandra would not have lent her copy to Debbie. And Debbie would not have read my book. Which meant I would not have received the invitation. See what I mean?

Often a single event can trigger off a series of serendipitious happenings. As this one did. As I thanked God for the kindness of two friends – who helped a new Writer in more ways than one – I also pondered over the cheerful ripples that kindness always sends out. Toss a stone into a river and watch a ripple start. Toss a few words or deeds of kindness into the world and watch what happens. 

There are many ways of being kind aren’t there? Sometimes it’s just by listening to someone one who needs a listening ear. At other times it’s by stepping out of my comfort zone to bless another. There are times when saying ‘Yes’ to a request is being kind. There are other times when saying ‘No’ is a better way of showing kindness. Sometimes kindness doesn’t cost me much. Sometimes it costs me a great deal; my time, my energy; my resources. But what joy for both me and its recipient. Kindness may be something as small as a hug or a smile. It can be as large as a sacrificial gift of time and love. As Mother Theresa pointed out,  kind words are often easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

I think this world could do with more kindness, don’t you?

O Father God, teach me to be kind.

As I look back on my life, certain dates are imprinted in my mind - gold figures engraved on black marble; glittering, shining, sparkling.

12^th May 1974 – the day I became a follower of Jesus.

9^th August 1984 – the day I said ‘yes’ to my husband.

15^th Feb 1986 – the day we got married.

1^st April 1990 – the day our only child was born.

There are more special dates; some recent. Like…..
July 10^th 2010 – the day my first book was published;

1^st Oct 2010 – the day I obtained my driver’s license.

Sunday, 12^th May 2013 is yet another of those special days – one which will remain in my heart for a long time. It was 39 years since I became a Christian that day – 39 years of experiencing the faithfulness of an amazing God. It was also Mother's Day, so I was pampered by my men & attended a special Mother’s Day service at church. All very special. That wasn’t all. It was also the day I was welcomed into church membership by my church family. Even more exciting was that I was commissioned for my new role at church as CareLink Director. I was energised and empowered; filled with God’s joy.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, God provided the icing on an already delicious cake. A worship song I’d composed was sung by the worship team as a special item. I flew on Eagles wing that day, God’s breath on my face, the sweet sense of His Spirit deep within. May 12^th 2013 was also ‘World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day’. Interesting. Interesting to me personally because I’d been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia earlier in the year – a relief to have 7 years of symptoms and health issues given a name at last.

When I have a flare up of Fibromyalgia – life gets tough. Just doing the simplest tasks becomes too difficult. Getting through my day is very hard. I have been determined not to give into it. But there are days I struggle with unbearable pain and debilitating exhaustion. And so, I found it interesting that the 12^th of May – a very exciting day for me in many ways was Fibromyalgia Awareness day. After all, that also applied to me.

But you know what? As I thought about it, there was a grand awakening. In the joy of that day – this undesirable part of me was minute. Not worth bothering about. It struck me with clarity that while health issues or any other difficulties in my life often take centre stage – the truth is, that in Christ – they have no power over me. I am not my illness. I am not my troubles. I am much much more than that.

The past few months I’ve struggled often with my Fibro symptoms which surfaced afresh 6 weeks after my operation. It seemed then that Fibro was stealing my life and my dreams and my desires. I took it to God. Faithful family and friends prayed. I told Satan that he could never stop me from following God’s plans for me. Yes, Fibro is only a small part of me. I will not allow it to dominate my life – even on my bad days.

God’s love for me, my love for God, my standing in Christ, my love for others, their love for me, my gifts, my calling, my passions in life – they take centre stage. Not my illness.

Perhaps you are facing a difficult situation or an excruciating illness? I know life can sometimes be too hard. Exhausting. Filled with mountains to climb. Obstacle courses to navigate. And everything gets too much. But…. please don’t forget that your present troubles or your current illness does not define you.

You are a beautiful person created in the image of God. Your life is more than the troubles that have beset you or the illness that may have consumed you. And so my friend, may this day be the beginning of something new. May God touch you with His love. May you be set free to enjoy life – knowing well that your nemesis is only a small part of your story. May you experience healing and strength; wholeness and blessing. This is my prayer for you today.

What’s important is the unique person you are – the special person God created you to be. Your smile, your heart, your love, your dreams, your gifts, your standing in Christ – they define you. Nothing - and no one, can ever take those things away you. What’s most  important is that nothing will ever separate you from the amazing love of God which surrounds you now. It envelopes you every moment, every day, every hour and will continue for all eternity.

You are unique. You are special. You are LOVED.

I was still asleep when the phone rang. My husband hastened to answer it. It was my friend Janet calling. Her news wasn’t good. Janet’s knee was very sore and she was unable to get to CareLink. I felt much for her. I was also perplexed as to what I should do. Janet is our faithful CareLink volunteer on Fridays. Florrie, the other faithful Friday volunteer, depends on Janet for a ride.

The past week had been an extremely busy one. I’d been out every day and had spent a good portion of it at CareLink. I’d reserved Friday for a special task. That of refining my talk due at a women’s meeting in a fortnight. I was determined to stay in all day and give it my undivided attention. In fact, I felt rather possessive of my Friday plans. I thought I had earned it.

Yawning, still half asleep, I asked God to lead me. First area of difficulty – getting Florrie, to church. Should I give her a ride? Or was it simpler for me to ‘man’ the office at CareLink? My driving skills are not the best. I still tremble inwardly when driving to somewhere new. I hurriedly checked Google map’s directions and was ready to do the needful.

But – I had a glad reprieve. David – another hardworking church member said he’d pick Florrie up. Hurray! Problem solved. I now had the gift of a few hours to myself. I did my morning chores. Next was my favourite time of the day - my Quiet Time. Ah! How good it was to pore over scripture and to hear from the Lord. After some thought, I decided I needed to go to CareLink. Fridays have been extra busy at CareLink and perhaps Florrie needed help?

I needn’t have worried. Yes, it was another ultra busy Friday. But 85 year old Florrie had it all in hand. I was very impressed as to how efficient she was, managing many clients. David gave her a ride home at 12, so I waited on in the CareLink Office till we closed at 1 p.m. I thought I could do some planning for CareLink. I was wrong.

Instead, I had the joy of spending time with three clients as they walked in for help. The first to arrive was a couple– refugees from the East of Sri Lanka. Yes, from Sri Lanka. The country of my birth! Fancy that! Perhaps I was meant to be there to greet them? I chatted to them and gave them what help I could.

After they left, I was filling in the paperwork when the door opened and another lady walked in. As I listened to her, she shared freely about the tough circumstances of her life. My heart went out to her. I was amazed to find that although she had no formal instruction about God – God was very real to her. She told me she chatted to him all the time. I soon felt led to share the gospel and to pray with her. She gladly took not just one but two copies of the New Testament – one for her daughter as well. I gave her a copy of my book and she was delighted. She said she’d come to church on Sunday.

By the time I returned home that afternoon, I was filled. Sharing God’s love with a stranger (or a friend for that matter) always does that to me. Refreshes me. Energises me. Restores me. Like the brown patch in my yard turned into lush lemon green when the winter rains arrive. I didn’t have  the Friday I’d planned. But oh! It was a great Friday. I was renewed from the inside out.

I have to admit shamefacedly that I am often guilty of wanting things to occur exactly the way I plan them. I don’t like having unexpected intrusions to my day. I’m sure God must often smile – as He sends something unplanned in my direction. “Let’s teach Anusha what’s important” He may say as he drops a surprise or two into my day.

Do you like being interrupted? Do you like having your plans changed? I don’t. And that’s why I need to learn. Jesus’ days were filled with interruptions. A centurion asking for his daughter to be healed. A blind man crying out for sight. A deaf man wanting to hear. A lame man being brought by friends for healing. A rich young ruler asking how he could find eternal life.

What did Jesus do? Did He tell them He was too busy for them? Of course not. He listened. He could have said ‘I am God, you know. I don’t have time for you. I am busy running the world’. Instead He responded at once with compassion and with love.

I wonder if you are like me? With a long 'To do' list each day. Absorbed in all I have to accomplish. But then….what if each interruption is meant to be part of my day. What if it is exactly what God planned for me? What then?

Life is busy - too busy. I hear a knock on my door. The phone rings. ‘Excuse me please. Can you help me?” 

What would Jesus do?

Ten years ago, when my son entered high school, I had a wake up call. My life had been immersed in my son and his activities since the day he was born. Motherhood had actually turned out even better than I’d anticipated – fulfilling and exciting – (most of the time) - like an exhilarating roller coaster ride with bumps and turns, ups and downs but a truly worthwhile ride, replete with many golden moments. I’d revelled in it.

Now, my son was turning 13 and the realisation hit me. It was time I found a life of my own. I did the Math. 12 wasn’t too far away from 21. My little son was growing up. Fast. If I continued living life as I did then – a full time Mum wrapped up in her child – I’d have nothing to live for once my son had grown up. Yes, it was time to build a new life.

First port of call – look for a job. While waiting for that job to come around, I discovered that our church had advertised a volunteer post at CareLink Ministries. CareLink is the community arm of our church. I felt God’s nudge to put my hand up. I expected there would be lots of others applying for the position and wondered if I stood a chance. Guess what! When I approached Vicki, the CareLink Director, I found I was the sole person interested in the position. And she said ‘Yes’ at once. I was in.

Thus began an exciting new season of my life. I loved my Thursdays at CareLink. Being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who came to our doors was very meaningful. I found fulfillment in listening to them, crying with them, praying with them, ministering to them. I eagerly anticipated my Thursdays. Three years later God led me to begin a support group through CareLink. That too was extremely rewarding as I met with many courageous Mums travelling a hard road. I was deeply blessed.

Ten years have passed. I still enjoy my Thursdays. But something new has occurred. Exciting new doors swung open for me and I have just walked through them. This past week, my time at CareLink changed from being a volunteer to becoming the CareLink Director. At last the job I was waiting for has turned up. As I look back over the past 10 years, I am deeply grateful to God.  Here are a few of the many lessons I have learnt during this season:

1. God leads me – all I need to do is to be open to Him.

2. Be faithful in small things. God will then entrust me with larger responsibilities.

3. Be humble. I still have a long way to go.

4. Listen to others. Look to their interests.

5. Trust God. He who leads me will help me as I depend on Him.

6. God is always faithful. He’s proved it to me over and over again.

7. Be a life long learner. Learn from God. Learn from the Word. Learn from others.

8. Offer my gifts to God. There is no greater joy than in being used of Him.

9. Love. Love God. Love others. That is the doorway to life.

10. Be joyful. Life is short. Dance to its music … now!

Last Thursday, as I walked in through the CareLink doors – I felt like a little girl taken to the seaside - enjoying every minute of those salty breezes, swirling seas, soft white sand and shrieking seagulls. I had inspiring surroundings, people I loved, work to do. I’d previously expected CareLink to be a stop gap while I waited for the perfect job to come around. Instead, CareLink was the perfect job. Only I had needed to be patient.

Meanwhile God had been training me for the job. All the hardships in my life these 10 years have helped me understand life, understand myself and understand others better. A good way of preparing to minister to others. The tough times have also thrown me into His arms. Through those difficult seasons I’ve experienced His love more wholly and drunk deeply of His amazing grace. The past few weeks when physical illness and pain have bothered me have also been a preparation. How else could I understand the pain of others – except by experiencing it firsthand myself. Yes, God had been getting me ready.

I can’t explain the deep joy I experienced during my first two days on the job. Connecting with the volunteers, making plans, seeking God, settling into my new role, ministering and praying with those who needed it. Yes, a dream come true. Best of all was the heartfelt contentment of being in His will and doing what He has called me to do.

Have you been waiting long for your dreams to be fulfilled? Waiting is often hard isn’t it? Sometimes God’s answers take 10 years to reach fruition. Sometimes even longer. But the years are never wasted. They are often a training ground – a time of learning – a season of growth, even a place of belonging. Sometimes it’s best not to look too far ahead. Because life’s best moments are when we live in the present – enjoying the ‘now’.

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

During the past three months of recovery, I’ve had more time than usual to spend with God. I loved it. As I spent long extended times with God each day, my spirit was revived and refreshed like a thirsty plant drenched by summer rains. Two books grabbed my attention for study during my Quiet time. The first was ‘Celebration of Discipline’ by Richard Foster. I found immense spiritual wealth studying the disciplines of Prayer, Fasting, Study, Celebration, Simplicity, Service and more. The book changed my life.

The second book I studied was one on prayer called ‘Alone with God’ by John MacArthur. I studied the Lord’s Prayer with his help and learnt more on what prayer is all about. Thirteen weeks on … I suddenly was at a loss. “What do I study next?’ I wondered. I didn’t need to wonder for long. The books of Philippians and Ephesians are some of my favourite spiritual foods – yummy finger foods, scrumptious main meals and delicious desserts to quell any spiritual hunger. They’ve built me up in the faith and have given me direction and help in walking in God’s ways. I decided to treat myself to them.

My ex Pastor Jeff had preached a series on Philippians which had helped me before. I hunted for his sermons and found them. A godly man or woman’s perspective always aids my learning when I study the Word. As I glanced at the printed copies of Jeff’s sermons, I noticed that the one of them was formatted differently to the rest. It was double spaced rather than single spaced. Lots of white space was embedded in it.  The sermon covered 3 ½ pages of A4 paper unlike the rest which were only 2 pages. It seemed that someone other than Jeff had preached that particular sermon.

A few days on, I sat in our family room, praise music wafting in the air, enjoying my time with Jesus. After I studied that day’s portion of Philippians, I eagerly picked up the sermon. It was the ‘differently formatted sermon’ – the one I assumed someone other than Jeff had preached. A few things struck me. First, I was amazed that the preacher had been able to write almost four A4 pages on those few verses. I’d found the reading helpful and inspiring. But if I’d written a sermon it probably would have been just a few lines long. Not four pages! Oh no!

As I read on, I discovered with sure certainty that it had to be Jeff who had preached it after all. How did I know? I’ve listened to over 8 years of Jeff’s preaching when he’d been our pastor. The sermon I read that day was exactly his style. Consistent with not just what he preached – but also consistent with his vocabulary. Who else would use the word ‘Bloke’ when referring to St Paul?

As usual his sermon inspired me, encouraged me and challenged me. I then mulled over something else. The reason that I was sure it was one of Jeff’s sermons was simply because it was consistent with the kind of sermon he always preached. It sounded almost as if Jeff was speaking. It was his ‘voice’. Yes, I had no doubt it was his sermon.

It made me reflect awhile on what it means to be consistent. How consistent am I in my walk with God? Do my thoughts, my words, my actions, my life - all prove that I am a disciple of Jesus? All the time? It’s very easy to be a Sunday Christian and exude cheer and goodwill for a few hours on a Sunday morning. It’s also easy to be a some-of-the-time Christian, where I act with integrity, and live a perfect life for a part of my life.

But Jesus calls me to be an “All-day-Every-day-Disciple-of-Jesus”. That means I should ideally possess a thankful attitude no matter what my circumstances – in good times, but also in bad. It means that when I am treated well I would choose love; but if I am ill treated, then too I would still choose love. It means that when life hands me lemons, I don’t take a break. Instead I cheerfully go on to make lots of lemonade. It means that I use my time wisely. That I treat every person I meet with kindness and compassion. That I respond rather than react. That tiredness is no excuse for grumpiness. That my family’s opinion of me is the same as the opinion of those who meet me for a few hours when at my Sunday best.

Most of all, it means that God will be pleased with me. After all, It’s only God who knows me fully – even more than I know myself. He sees me from the inside out. He sees my heart.

What areas of life I need to work on today in order for my walk to be consistent?

Patience? Discipline? Trust? Sacrificial love? Endurance?

Help me Lord to become an “All Day Every Day Disciple”.

“So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God.

You'll be changed from the inside out.” Romans 12:1,2

Last Monday, I did several loads of washing and went outdoors to hang my clothes out. The sky was overcast. Lots of rain on the horizon. It looked like an uninspiring kind of day; the kind of day that sneezes and trickles, grumbles and whinges. You know the kind I mean? No bright sunshine. No blue sky. Only lots of grey.

I quickly hung most of my washing out and went back indoors. An hour later I looked out to find that raindrops were gently falling on the paved area in our backyard. I rushed out to prevent my drying clothes getting wet. With a sigh, I steered them undercover and came in. Yes, it certainly looked like a dreary day all right.

A few hours later I went to the backyard once more to hang the rest of the clothes out. Surprise surprise! The dreary day had turned around. From grey clouds to white ones. From cheerless skies to bright. From grey skies to blue. From raindrops to dancing sunbeams. The change was amazing. I had wondered if the rain would force me to bring my clothes indoors. Instead the world welcomed me to hang my clothes in the bright warmth of the sun. And so, I moved my clothes from the undercover area to a place where the sunshine fell on them. That was a happy surprise.

As I drank in the splendour of that bright beautiful sunny autumn’s day, my heart sang praises to our Creator. You see – it was not just that I enjoyed the sunshine although it was certainly very welcome. It was much more that that. In that sudden change in weather God spoke into the recesses of my heart.

Over the last 4 or 5 weeks my body has been vigorously protesting, like a hungry baby screaming for her mother’s milk. I'd previously enjoyed a blissful first 6 weeks after my operation where everything seemed to go right and where I’d felt whole and rested. However, the next 6 weeks were ones where everything seemed to go wrong. My foot was doing pretty well on the whole and I was deeply thankful. But the rest of me seemed to be falling apart like a well made piece of furniture now breaking down to little bits of timber and nails and making a resounding plonk as they fell on a hard, cement floor.

Taking the anti inflammatory tablets prescribed for the healing of my foot had caused other complications. Plenty of nausea and heartburn, lots of pain in my body. It was most disconcerting. The biggest problem was that I found it hard to keep walking. Those same wonderful anti inflammatory tablets taken 3 or 4 times a week during the past few years have kept me walking without these 4 years or more. Now, the doctor had forbidden me their use. Oh dear! Even a brief trip to the shopping centre ended with very sore feet and slow steps. Ouch! I felt I was a prisoner! In spite of the success of my operation, walking freely was a big luxury these days.

Of course I knew that God asked me to trust Him just as He did in every circumstance. And so I tried to do that. But my body seemed to have aged. And my spirit rebelled. I’d been looking forward to jumping into life with both feet 3 months after my operation. Surely that wasn't asking too much? Besides, God had called me to a task starting on May 1^st. How would I cope? Not with this body. Perhaps I needed a new body? 

And then the sun shone. As I saw the sunshine splashing around me that day my heart found fresh hope. It was as if God had whispered comfort and encouragement into my ear. “Look Anusha” He said. ‘A few hours ago, you would not have expected any sunshine today. And yet, here it is. In the same way, trust me. Trust me with your health. I am in control and I care. I have called you to a task and I will surely heal you. I will also equip you with all you need.’

‘Yes Lord” I whispered back and smiled with God. Sometimes the only way out is by trusting Him not with my sight, but simply by placing my hand in His strong Hand and walking close to Him.

Is there something that’s holding you back? Is there a situation that seems impossible to get through? Perhaps God is asking you too today to step out in faith. To trust Him in spite of the depressing messages the world throws at you. The world says there is no hope but God says – keep going. I am with you unto the end of the world.

“Trust me” He tells me.

“Trust me” He says to you too.

Let’s keep trusting Him. We have nothing to lose. And everything to gain.

I was without hope one day.

And then the Son shone!

The two months of enforced bed rest after my operation meant that my computer was out of bounds. Thankfully, my gallant man came to the rescue. He lent me his old laptop. What a relief! I was able to sit up in bed with my foot elevated, writing emails, checking Facebook, doing some brain training and also dabbling in a wee bit of writing. I was deeply thankful that despite being in bed I still had contact with the outside world.

Unfortunately, using Gmail in place of my usual Outlook Express was not something I found any joy in – especially with a screen that was too small and a lap top mouse that was very unfriendly. Typing while lying down was difficult; placing the laptop on my lap made me feel hot and uncomfortable.

Happily, 9 long weeks later I was promoted - allowed to be up and about again. Hurray! So there I was, back at my desk, gazing at the lovely large screen of my lovely large computer. In fact, the screen now looked much larger than I remembered. I felt like Gulliver who’d been in Lilliput-land finally back home, savouring the incredible largeness of his world once again. I was thrilled to see things clearly without needing to squint at them. I loved the (now) huge pictures on my screen. I enjoyed being back at my own desk.

Small to Large. What a difference!

As my foot continued to improve, I was able to do more. Finally one glad day, I could actually put on a pair of sneakers. Wearing sneakers meant that I could WALK properly. I could also DRIVE. I could go out freely. Brilliant! Of course, I was still a long way from enjoying my evening walk around our community Oval but I was slowly getting there. I began daily walks in our garden – walking up and down a narrow paved area in our backyard. I could see the blue sky. I could enjoy the trees in my surrounds. I could breathe fresh air. Life was good.

But it became even better (much, much better!) when a few weeks later, I could actually walk around our Oval again. How sweet the air smelt. How fresh the breezes. How beautiful the scene before me. Hills stretching serenely to the left of me. Trees draped in red and yellow with carpets of gold at my feet. Like the city mouse who visited the country mouse, I was awed and amazed to view a world I’d almost forgotten. Beholding expanses of green grass, sun swept plains, rolling hills and chattering birds at play made my heart sing. Yes, it was far larger and far better than what I’d previously enjoyed when walking in my garden.

Small to Large. What a difference!

Several years ago, I discovered the freedom that Jesus gives when I allow Him claim to every part of my life. Previously I’d held parts of my self back, like a grudging little girl who shared only a small part her lollies with her playmates. I would give Him the verandah of my heart’s home. The kitchen. The bathroom. The living room. The garden. Most of it. Ah! But I kept the master bedroom of my heart to myself. Know what I mean? He was almost allowed full reign in my life… but not quite. Not wholly.

I justified myself. I reasoned it was natural. I was only holding onto part of it in order to help God along. After all, who better to run my life than Anusha who knew Anusha intimately? Then came a day when He knocked on the door of that master bedroom. As I let Him in, I was shocked to notice the sorry state it was in. There were unswept floors, an unmade bed, a mess on my desk… unwashed curtains. It wasn’t a pretty sight. In an instant, God stripped me bare. I was horrified.

The master bedroom of my heart sorely needed the Master’s touch.

I turned to Him. I asked His forgiveness. I gave it all to Him. I finally let go. At last! Of course the realisation hit me squarely that only my Creator knew how to furnish my heart, care for it and make it the beautiful place it could be.

I also discovered afresh the joyful freedom that’s mine when God has all of me. Not little bits. Not one large part. But all of me. Not that it comes easy even now. Not that I don’t try to grab it back in a weak moment. But I found that cultivating a constant daily attitude of total surrender to Jesus is the best thing I could do for myself. The Difference it made in my life was phenomenal. Now I would never have it any other way.

Part to Whole. What an enormous difference!

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1, 2

A week ago, (after 10 long weeks), I was finally able to make a trip to the library. My husband patiently walked alongside me as I hobbled slowly from the car park; and stepped triumphantly into our well stocked local library. An hour later I emerged with a big smile on my face, armed with 3 bulging bags filled to capacity with 23 books and 4 DVD’s.

I first decided to bury my nose in ‘Starting Over’ by Tony Parsons. I’d read a few books by this author so I knew his books were good. This particular story was about a 42 year old man whose heart stops working. He receives the heart of a 19 year old boy. His life changes. Drastically. He gives up his job. He becomes someone he was not - a buddy to his teenage son and daughter rather than a father to them. His happy marriage of 20 years starts to unravel. He craves his old life back. But he can’t have it. A good story.

Next, I picked up another book that piqued my curiosity called ‘The Piano Man’ by Marcia Preston. You know what I found surprising? The plot in this book was very similar to the one in the previous story. The main character in the book, loses her 17 year old son in an accident. Her son’s heart is given to a middle aged man.

Another story then, where a teenage boy’s heart is gifted to a forty-something man. A very similar story but also very different. The difference was in perspective. A Mum’s perspective in this one compared to the heart patient’s perspective in the book I first read. I was surprised I’d chosen to read two books with similar stories one after the other. I have a good feeling about this one too. I’m enjoying it and wanting more.

As I reflected on the two stories – I pondered the different perspectives we are offered in life. I thought of how different life could be on my side of the fence compared to life on my neighbour’s side of the same fence. Years ago, at a Christian camp, I was shown very vividly how  two people’s perspectives on the same situation could be very different but both equally valid. Two youngsters were asked to sit  with a large piece of cardboard between them. They were asked to share what colour the cardboard strip was. One insisted it was ‘white’. The other that it was ‘black’. Who was right? In actual fact, both were right. One side of the board was painted white and the other side painted black. I never forgot the lesson. The truth is that you and I may experience identical situations but our perspectives could be very different. But we could both be right – even if only partially so.

How important then to stop, consider, and understand another’s point of view before jumping to conclusions. How important that I not judge him. In order to get along with others, I need to keep my heart and my ears open – to listen to others. To hear them. Not to make assumptions. To try walking in their shoes so I can understand them better. How could I empathise with others unless I see life from their side of town?

And then – there are also different perspectives on the one event. As I look back on my own life, I find occasions when I was offered the choice of holding one of two very different perspectives. The choice of feeling sorry for myself and thinking dark thoughts or alternatively seeking God’s perspective on what happened. I admit that I didn’t always choose God’s vantage point. Sometimes when life threw me lemons, I floundered badly, unable to make even a drop of lemonade.

But each time I let go of my perspective (‘Life’s not fair. I want what I want!'), gave in to God and asked Him to show me a better view – He showed me His perspective – often how He would make the negative situation work out for my good. So I’ve learnt through experience how wise it is to view the world through God's lenses rather than through my own clouded glasses. When I choose God’s persepective while going through hard times, I can rejoice in the fact that in Jesus, I am always a conqueror.

And so, even in the midst of adversity, I could raise a flag, beat a drum and put on my dancing shoes.

What’s life for you looking like right now? Has it delivered what you asked of it? Or has it once again tripped you up? Let me offer you some hope. The night may be long, but the stars shine brightest at the night’s darkest hour.

I love this quote which my Grandma used to repeat often:

‘Two men looked out of prison bars. One saw mud, the other saw stars.’

Is it mud or stars that you perceive today, my friend?

Let’s look up at the face of God, enjoying the stars. 

The last couple of weeks I’ve been watching an old film while doing my ironing. It was a film based on Jane Austin’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’. I knew I’d enjoy it since I’d watched it a few years ago on TV. This time I had a DVD of it gifted me by my husband. I tore open the wrapper, slid the DVD in and started watching – my hands occupied with the domestic necessities of freshly washed clothes, an iron and an ironing board.

The story was set in the late 18^th century. The main characters in the story were Eleanor and Marianne Dashwood whose father died as the story began, leaving them penniless. Their path to finding true love was fraught with much difficulty but its conclusion was what I’d hoped for. It was my kind of love story. Characters I could fully identify with. Plenty of drama. And best of all, the perfect ending.

I like happy endings. Don’t you? After the film came to and end and I’d wiped away my  tears (happy tears of course), I discovered I still had more ironing to do. And so I picked up a chick flick I’d borrowed from the library. That too was a love story of sorts. But as it turned out – it wasn’t my kind.

The story was set in the present. It was about two different sets of relationships both which went sour as the story began. I found it exceedingly difficult to identify with the characters. For one thing their language appalled me. For another their morals seemed very foreign to me. I began to wonder if I was a creature from the past. Whether I belonged in the 18^th century and not in the 21^st century world. Life in the past seemed much less complicated. And far more pleasing – at least in the world of romance.

Love stories then were truly love stories. Not the modern scenarios of girls who jump into bed with boys the first time they meet. Made me reflect on the ingredients which usually make up a good love story. A storyline that goes like this: Boy meets girls. Fate conspires to keep them apart. Much heartache and difficulty ensues. Finally fate brings them back together and they get together. A happy ending. Right?

I’d like today to consider the greatest love story ever told. It sounds a little like the plot I’ve shared but it is far more intricate; the depths of love offered far more amazing.

A Creator God created a perfect world. He made man in his own image – desiring close fellowship with him. It was the ideal beginning. Man and Woman – living together with a God who loved and cared for them. Unfortunately, that perfect beginning didn’t last long. Man wasn’t satisfied with his perfect wife, his perfect setting and his perfect life. He wanted more. Man (and woman) desired to be equal with God. Wrong call.

The consequence was a world gone awry. A world stained with sin. Death walked in. God and His Creation were separated. A solution was needed to reconcile God with His creation. In walks our Hero. The Hero of this love story deserved a perfect life. Instead, He was put to death on a cross – not because of his sin but in spite of it. He was made to suffer not because he deserved it but because we did. He was buried in a tomb not  because he was defeated but because death was the precursor to LIFE!

Two days later, the miracle happened. Death could not hold him down. He, the Author of Life, defeated death for all time. He burst forth from the grave. Resurrected. Whole. The Lord and Saviour of all Mankind. He now holds everything together in His Hands.

Yes, there was nothing normal about this love story.

Not one boy meets one girl. But One Amazing God who created us.

Not two equal beings in an equal partnership.

But the great God of the Universe who stooped down to bring us back to Himself.

And the ending? The perfect ending is on its way. God’s new Kingdom was inaugurated over 2000 years ago when Jesus came to earth. His birth, death and resurrection were what started that story book ending. It was a love that didn’t count the cost. A love that gave its all. A love that died a horrendous death so that you and I might live. Forever.

This love story is the greatest one ever told. I can guarantee you that it is one that has, not simply a happy ending but a thrilling one. One that reconciles us to God. What it asks of us is a willingness to take Jesus and His claims seriously. It demands a response. A response to the greatest lover of all time. Jesus.

If you haven’t linked your heart with His heart yet – today may be the day to consider it?

Perhaps today is the day to find your own perfect place in the Greatest Story ever told!