Julie came into my life 8 months ago via a Facebook message. Julie wrote that she’d read my weekly blog and loved it. She added that she would continue to follow my blog. I was so happy to hear it. I asked if she’d like to be on my blog mailing list and she said ‘Yes’ at once. And that’s how Julie and I became friends.

That was on December 17^th 2012. Today, as I write this, it’s August 8^th, 2013 and Julie has passed from death to life. Beautiful, inspiring Julie has left us to a better place. She is now rejoicing in the presence of Jesus. I’m glad she’s not suffering any more but I also grieve her loss. In my brief acquaintance with Julie, I’ve discovered that she was a very special lady. And so I dedicate this blog to her. I thank God for her life.  I was blessed to have known her.

What grabbed me about Julie from the time I came to know her was the way she radiated God’s love and presence – no matter what was going on in her life. Less than 3 months after we made our acquaintance, Julie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Most people would have a pity party. And that would have been perfectly understandable. Not Julie.

Her faith was strong, real and unwavering. Her courage and positive attitude throughout her illness were inspiring. The many warm, heart-felt sentiments expressed by Julie’s family and friends over the last few months are a tribute to the kind of person she was. 

I grieve today that a special lady was taken from the world too quickly – Julie was too young to die. I feel sad that I didn’t have enough time to get to know her better. I grieve for her family and close friends who must feel her loss so deeply. I feel very sad that I couldn’t say goodbye to Julie although I wanted to.

I thank God for the many lessons I’ve learnt from this remarkable lady in a brief space of time. 

So what are some of the lessons Julie taught me?

1. Live each day as Julie did.

       a. Live as if it were my last with courage, faith, love and joy.

2.   I am sad today that I couldn’t do much for Julie.

         a. But I should not waste time in regret. There are others who need me.

               b. Go and bless them. (I’m sure Julie would say the same.)

       3.    Life is short – so use my time well.

                    a. Spend time with people I love.

                    b. Appreciate them.

                    c. Do whatever I can, to whomever I can, whenever I can.

        4.    Trust God as Julie did.

                    a. Don’t waste time in asking ‘why?’

                    b. Instead ask ‘What now Lord’? Then go and do what He asks me to.

                    c. Claim God’s miracles but with calm acceptance of what life brings.

                    d. Be thankful – Julie’s amazing thankful spirit was evident even during her darkest days

        5. Reflect God's love to others the way that Julie did.

                a. Connect deeply with my loved ones.

                b. Smile often.

                c. Love others.

                b. Live fully.

                c. Proclaim the love of Jesus to a hurting world.

Thank you Julie for the brief time I enjoyed with you. Thank you for allowing me to share in your journey. I look forward to having that long conversation that eluded us in life – on another Shore. I look forward to seeing your lovely smile once more in a place where there’s no pain or tears, as we enjoy God's presence together.

“Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our vision.” Rossiter Worthington Raymond

Au Revior Julie. Till we meet again. Enjoy your well earned rest. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord’.
 

A few weeks ago I shared with you the story of my beautiful new navy blue jacket. Did you know that I possess another blue jacket? My old blue Jacket? I’d better tell you about that one too. After all, it’s been around much longer than my new one. While my new blue jacket is only a few weeks old, my old blue jacket is a little bit older. No. Not 1 year old. Not 5. No – it’s not 20 years old. Just a wee bit more.

My old blue jacket is all of 25 years old! Can you believe it?

And I still enjoy wearing it.

We were poor students. My husband was doing his PhD at the University of Bath, UK. I was job hunting. And so we had to keep counting our pennies. They were never enough. I was homesick. Shivering in the throes of a ‘Bathonian’ winter. The job hunt seemed to go on and on. And on and on. But … eventually…. 8 long months later – it finally occurred.

I got myself a job. Yay! You can imagine the excitement. The relief.  It was time to do some shopping. And guess what I bought? Yes, I bought my lovely light blue jacket. It was soft and comfortable. Large enough to wear a few layers of jumpers inside it. Just right for an English Winter. I wore it every time I went out. It kept me warm.

When we came to Australia 11 years later, that same jacket travelled with us. I wear it even now during our mild South Australian winters when I’m out walking. I’m not the slim young 30 year old I was in1988 but I can still wear my old blue jacket. (It’s being kind to me, isn’t it?) I like the way it looks – even 25 years on. Yes, my old blue jacket is just as precious as my new blue jacket. And it has a history that makes me proud of it.

My old blue jacket may be old but it’s still useful. My old blue jacket may not look posh and new but it’s still valued. A 25 year jacket may sound strange in this throwaway world. We buy too much – and throw them away too soon, don’t we? And relationships? In spite of all the ways we are connected in this modern day world, relationships die too easily. Marriages often end before they even begin. A 25 year old relationship is pretty rare these days, let alone a 50 year old marriage. There’s something solid and dependable about friendships that have stood the test of time, don’t you think?

I’ve been reading a very interesting book on cultures that enjoy longevity. The author mentions three cultures in parts of Russia, South America and Japan where many live well beyond 100 years. Their long lives were attributed to be their diets (very little meat, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, no processed food) and lifestyles (without modern day stresses) and most of all their wonderful close connections with each other.

Something that warmed me is that they look up to older people. It was an insult to be told ‘You look younger than your years’. It was a compliment to be considered old. Perhaps we can learn from them. Our modern day lifestyles boast of many wonderful things – technology, connectedness, better medicine, entertainment, comfort…. there’s much to be thankful for. Yes, there’s lots of good in the new.

But do we sometimes forget the beauty of the old?

Why is getting older looked upon as something negative? Old age does bring many difficulties of course. No doubt about that. There are aches and pains, loss of independence, illness, frailty. But our older folk have much to offer us. Their experiences. Their wisdom. Their maturity. They have more time to pray. They matter.

My oldest friend, my beloved Mum is a testament to it. At 88 she is still making a remarkable difference not just to her family but also to her community and her world. She proves to me that like fine wine that grows richer with age, our elders contribute to our lives, that they are needed; that they can teach the young a thing or two. They matter.

And what of stories? Have you ever wondered about the oldest story in the world? Let me read from the Word. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ Genesis 1:1 In the beginning. Yes.

We can’t go back further than the beginning.

The oldest story starts with God.

Let’s thank God for our older people – who add much richness to our world.

Let’s thank God for relationships in our lives which have lasted.

Let’s thank God that He who existed before time began, still is and will reign forever.

Let’s pursue a relationship with the One who existed even before time began.

In the beginning… God..... (Genesis 1:1)

I saw it as I stepped outdoors that cold wintry evening, as the sun’s rays slanted low across the western sky; as the winter chill increased and dusk descended. I saw it again when I began my walk around the Oval. It was bright but not too bright. A smile. A beautiful curved bright glowing happy smile. Shining down on me. A crescent moon glowing radiant, high up in a deepening evening sky. It had to be my Father's smile.

The bright welcoming smile of my Father God beaming down upon me.

I’d enjoyed a good day. But a matter weighed heavy within. A friend had come to me for help. I’d helped her the best I could. The problem was that I didn’t know if I’d helped her. Whether I’d done it the best way. My intentions were good. But had I failed her? Had I been judgemental? Had I hurt rather than helped? Had I failed to be the balm she needed? I didn’t know. I only knew I didn’t know. So often I find that I have too little wisdom. I need God’s wisdom then. Had I acted with God’s wisdom that day? Or my own?

How could I be sure?

And so, when I began my walk that day, and God’s beautiful smile shone down on me so lovingly, I stopped walking; surprised. My Father’s smile? When I may have failed him? When I may have stumbled? Did I deserve it? Didn’t I deserve harsh words and criticism instead? Shouldn’t He be correcting me tonight?

What if I had failed?

As I walked on, the twilight deepened into a beautiful night. Stars came out one by one. And all the while, my Father’s smile shone down at me. Every time I looked up, there it was. Clear. Visible. A glow around it. A friendly star winked at me not far from my Father’s smile. And my Father’s smile deepened. The darker the night became, the brighter His smile shone.

It struck me then with clarity that I don’t do anything to earn His smile. Neither can I earn His love. It always is. Simply because I am His child. I may falter. I may stumble. I may sin. I may make a mistake or two – too many – too often. But His love remains. God’s love is not based on my performance. His love is based upon grace. The undeserved, unmerited favour of a merciful loving God.

Nothing I can do will make Him love me more.

Nothing I can do will make Him love me less.

When I’d left home that day, His smile had beamed down upon me. When I returned home an hour later – His smile followed me. When I reached home – there it shone, outside my front door; warm and bright like the warmth of a fire on a cold winter’s night.

And so I placed my question into his capable, caring hands. Had I done what He required of me as I helped my friend? I didn’t know. I only knew it was enough. Enough that I had sought Him as I helped her. Enough that my motives were good. Enough that even if I’d failed her – God could use any mistake for good. The truth is that I am human. I will not always get it right. What God requires of me is not that I get it perfect every time. But that I look to Him. And try to please and honour Him as best as I could.

If I stumble I can learn from it. If I fall, He can make things right again. Experience will teach me. His Spirit and His Word will guide me. As a parent I know that no matter what my child does – I am always on his side – cheering him on – on his team – wearing his colours – always at hand. How much more does God my Father cheer for me? After all, the death of Jesus settled it once and for all, many years ago didn't it?

He died so that you and I might live. The lifegiving love of God lavished over a world that didn’t deserve it. When I responded to that amazing love, He filled me. His love continues to fall afresh on me day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment.

And so today, I bask in my Father’s smile. I didn’t earn it and I never will. With a smile in my heart, I will enjoy His favour and enjoy His love till the end of time.

It’s 5.42 p.m. on Sunday evening. I sit at the computer and my fingers begin to move. We’ve just returned to Adelaide after a refreshing weekend away. There are bags to unpack and a meal to cook. Clothes to wash and chores to do. But oh dear…. my blog for tomorrow is as yet unwritten. Do I have time to write it today?

On an ideal week, I’d write my blog on the Monday a whole week before it’s due. I’d edit it daily from then on, to ensure it sounds just right. I’d tweak it here and I’d tweak it there, just a little bit more each day. By Saturday I’d have a blog that’s ready to go.

Even on a not-so-ideal week, I’d have at least begun to write my blog by Saturday. I’d have found a few pictures to post along with that blog. And so, when 5.42 p.m. of a Sunday evening arrived, I’d have finished transferring that blog to my website. I’d be busy ensuring that it’s posted correctly. I’d be checking for errors. I’d make certain it was ready for the world’s eyes by Monday morning.

The clock informs me now that it’s 5.57 p.m. Almost 6 o’clock. And here I am….still fumbling around trying to write my blog. Does it matter that I write it this week?

Would it matter if I forget it just this once?

Perhaps there’s someone waiting to read my blog tomorrow?

Does it matter if I fail him just this once?

Perhaps there’s someone out there who needs a word of encouragement?

Does it matter if she doesn’t receive it from me this week?

It did matter that we enjoyed a fabulous two days away. It mattered that we were welcomed with warm hospitality by my extended family in Whyalla (bless them). It mattered that we were fed delicious food and had lots of fun. It mattered that we were refreshed. It mattered that we returned energised and ready to jump into our busy lives once again. It mattered that God Himself showered His love on us - with beautiful weather, safe travels, good health and even the thrill of many rainbows that shone across our path. It all mattered.

There are lots of things I do each week and some of them don’t matter. But many do.

It doesn’t matter if I don’t dust the house this weekend.

But it does matter that I cook dinner for my family tonight.

It doesn’t matter that I don’t have my evening walk today.

But it does matter that I perform tasks that bless my family.

It doesn’t matter if I don’t reply any emails tonight.

But it does matter that I write a thank you to this weekend’s host and hostess for all their kindness.

It doesn’t matter if I don’t do all of my usual Sunday chores.

But it does matter that I remember to  thank God for a wonderful weekend.

Sometimes it doesn’t matter if I don’t have time for things I usually do. But at other times, it does. It may not matter if I make a mistake now and then. It does matter if I don’t learn from it. It may not matter that I keep my house in impeccable order 7 days a week. But it does matter that my son can access me when he needs me, 7 days a week. It may not matter if I sometimes forget to pray. But it does matter if I promise to pray for someone in need and then forget all about it. 

And so…. I stop … and I ponder. It’s 6.24 p.m. of a Sunday evening and my blog is still not completed. Does it matter that I complete it?

Does it matter that I’m faithful to what God requires of me? Yes.

Does it matter that I bless someone with my blog tomorrow? Yes.

Does it matter that I live my life with purpose – striving to bless others - for the glory of God?

Yes, it matters that I finish my blog tonight. It may not be one that dazzles. It may not be read by scores of people. It may not be appreciated by more than a few. What matters is that I’m faithful to God in my calling as a Christian Writer.

If in writing my blog, I obey God – it matters, doesn’t it?

If I can encourage just one person tomorrow, it matters.

Does it matter if I don’t write my blog just this once?

Yes, it matters. It matters very much!

I was busy. Busy making a Handbook of Guidelines for our staff. I typed a statement in page 1 – “In all that we do, may we endeavour to maintain a quality of excellence that will bring glory to God.” I chose the font carefully. It would have to be Bauhaus 93. I liked how it looked. The font fitted the words perfectly.

As I re-read what I’d typed though, I noticed something strange. I was surprised. I’d seemed to have placed a full stop rather than a comma in the sentence. This is what it read. ‘In all that we do. may we endeavour to maintain a quality of excellence that will bring glory to God.” Did you see it? A full stop rather than a comma after the word ‘do’? I did. I hastened to change it.

I went back to where the comma had been and replaced the comma with a full stop. Or had I? When I looked at it again, I found it still remained a full stop. Not a comma. Wait a minute. Perhaps the Bauhaus comma looked more like a full stop rather than a comma? My guess was right. Yes. It had been a comma which looked like a full stop. Oh!

What should I do, I wondered. There was one way to get over that little hurdle. I moved my mouse over the comma that was dressed like a full stop. “Sorry mate, you have to go.” I said. I then changed the font for that comma into ‘Calibri’. That worked fine. Calibri obviously understood what a comma had to look like. A dot with a tail. Not a dot that remained a dot as Bauhaus 93 decided it should be.

Now the sentence looked correct and was pleasing to my eyes. But there in that sentence was a comma that was out of place. Every other character in that sentence was in the font Bauhaus 93 and were content to remain that way. No one except me (and now you!) knew though that the comma was dressed in a different garb to the rest. It was dressed in the font of ‘Calibri’. (Shhh… don’t tell!)

You know what it taught me? That sometimes, I need to step out of my comfort zone and become different to the rest of the world. And you know what? It is not easy. There are times when it is far simpler for me to adapt to the world I am in. To become exactly like them. To walk like them. Talk like them. Be like them.

But the truth is that there are times I have to be like that comma. To go against the flow. To dress in Calibri rather than in BauHaus 93 like the rest. It is not easy. But it can be done. You and I are called to reflect God to a world that has forgotten its Saviour.

Sometimes we have to say ‘No’ to what everyone else says ‘Yes’ to. And that’s hard. Very hard. Sometimes we have to put up with ridicule. Or contempt. Or the temptation to change who we are just so we are accepted.

But no one said that the way of Jesus is easy. He didn’t say it. Neither does the Word. Jesus calls me to deny myself, take up my cross and to follow Him. That means I sometimes need to be exactly like that rebellious little comma. Not dressed in the ways of the world. Dressed instead in His garments of righteousness and purity. Standing up against the crowd. Speaking up for what is right. Willing to be despised. Willing to be rejected.

Being a Calibri comma when the whole sentence is in Bauhaus 93 is difficult. Sometimes it might seem impossible to do. But the truth is – the Calibri comma is doing its part in being a perfect match in that sentence. A perfect little comma.

Just the way it was created to be.

Are you remaining in a Bauhaus font when changing to Calibri takes courage?

Is it time to make a change? To stand up for what you believe in?

It isn’t easy. But there is no other way.

Let’s do it!

"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him." Philippians 1:29

I have six email addresses. Two of them exist for specific tasks – one is for keeping in touch with my man (via Google chat) through the day; the other to access my writer’s group calendar. The remaining four are for email writing. One is my work email address; one is for travel times and junk mail; one’s connected to my website. Last but not least is my favourite email address where I do lots of ‘chattering’ to family and friends.

Ah! That’s my addiction box.

Those who know me know that I love writing emails. Lately, that favourite email address has been overloaded. Life has been extra busy with my part time job and trying to write during my non existent free time. So I’ve had little opportunity to write emails as freely as I’d like. My natural inclination is to reply immediately. So when I can’t do that, I’m like an impatient dog on a leash being kept at bay – straining at the leash; trying hard to move ahead. It irks me.

Would they think I didn’t care?

I finally had to accept that there were days I couldn’t write emails. I decided not to stress about it. Life was busy and exciting enough and I knew I couldn’t do everything. A few weeks ago, I finally found a couple of quiet days when I could catch up on many things which I’d placed on hold. Not only did I manage to catch up on my overdue writing commitments, I also triumphed in getting my unwieldy inbox under control. It gave me great satisfaction to bring it down from a bulging 60 odd emails to a reasonable 16!

I was very pleased.

However, this happy state didn’t last for long. Before a day had passed, about 26 new emails came in. Another 19 tumbled in the next day. You know how it is. But you know what! I didn’t mind. Not a bit. After all, that’s what it’s about isn’t it? Connections with people. Flow of thoughts between me and my world. I actually didn’t want that 16 to remain static. I do want to hear from family and friends. All the time. So I’m not complaining. If no emails come in – I would be very sad.

I hope my extended family and friends know that when I delay to respond it’s not because I don’t care. Far from it. It’s just that life places many demands on me. I know I have to discipline my times with my ‘email habit’. I need to care for my men, work hard at my job, do my writing when I can and perform those never-ending mundane chores that are part of all our lives. So the writing of emails is a treat to be savoured when I'm blessed with some free time.

Perhaps it’s a good analogy of periods when God seems to delay answering our  prayers. The reason I don’t respond is not because I don’t care. The reason God doesn’t respond is likewise not because He doesn’t care. God’s delays (unlike mine) are not because He is too busy. The encouraging truth is that God’s delays are not delays at all. They are part of a glorious life giving plan that we will understand one day. God doesn’t (seem to) respond at times, simply because His agenda is very different to ours. He is Sovereign. He knows and sees the big picture. Our perception of that big picture is pretty hazy.

Are you tired of waiting for His answers? Life is sometimes a slow walk inside a dark depressing tunnel with faltering steps…. not even knowing if there’s light at the end of it. But you know, in Jesus, everything’s different. We are the resurrection people. We have a song in our hearts and the story of redemption on our lips. One glad day we will see the answers to our prayers in a more glorious awakening than we can ever imagine.

So when you are tempted to wonder why God’s delaying to answer – please don’t give up. Do reflect. And do remember. Remember how He responded before. Remember how you once found a beautiful jigsaw falling into place out of the seeming chaos in your life. And take heart. This season too may well be one of those – where the jigsaw pieces may seem haphazard and unmatched for a little while as you try to sort them out. God in His wisdom knows the end result. And it will be good. In fact, it will be more than good. 

It will be glorious.

Till then you can trust in an all wise, dependable, majestic God.

He is slowly but surely working out His perfect purposes in and through your life.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5, 6

I saw it a month ago when browsing at my favourite clothing store. It was too dear to purchase. 50 dollars was way too much – even for a smart navy blue jacket made in a beautiful, soft velvet-like material. I soon forgot about it. A few days ago though, while doing my weekly shopping, I glimpsed a lady at the shopping centre dressed in one of those stylish blue jackets. I stopped. I looked at her. Yes, it did look lovely. I was tempted!

I had a little chat with my heavenly Father. I’d just received my first salary, so I could afford to buy it. But no – $50.00 was too much. I told God that if it was marked down to $25.00 or less, I would like to buy it. ‘What do you think Lord?” I asked. I believe I saw God smiling in agreement. I got to the store and wandered around for a few minutes looking for bargains, but hunting most of all for that lovely blue jacket. There didn’t seem to be a whisper of it anywhere. However… a very pretty purple blouse grabbed my attention. It was only $15.00– marked down to less than half price.

I tried it on. It fitted perfectly. I liked it. I decided to buy it. As I paid for my new purchase, I looked idly to my left. And then I saw it. Yes, those blue jackets weren’t sold out after all. I walked over and checked their price. Surprise, surprise! They only cost $20.00 each. A 60% discount. I tried one on. It looked great. I confess I bought that too.

The very next day I wore my beautiful new navy blue jacket to work. Dark blue denims, a light pink long sleeved shirt and in contrast, my lovely new navy blue jacket. I looked at myself in the mirror, smiling at my reflection. I liked it. I had another great day at work, thriving on connecting with lots of lovely people. I felt a tad disappointed though that no one commented as to what a pretty jacket it was. They took that jacket in their stride. Perhaps it looked nothing out of the ordinary.

As I thought about it, I knew it didn’t matter. Not a whit. What really mattered was that I liked it. That I felt good wearing it. And that it was very comfortable. In fact, it occurred to me then, that there are other important things in life where what mattered was the kind of person I was deep within – not whether others knew about it or talked about it.

Take for instance the question of Integrity. What’s more important?

1. That others know me as a person of integrity or  

2. That I really am a person of integrity?

The answer is obvious isn’t it?  My life before Him is all that matters. What I should aim at then, is a life of integrity before God – a life that pleases Him. All else will follow.

Forgiveness. Forgiveness is very important. Right? But often, no one might even be aware that I’ve had to forgive someone who’s hurt me. And that’s perfectly OK. The crucial issue is whether I choose to forgive or not. Not that anyone knows about it.

Prayer. Does it matter if people know that I pray? No. Not half as much as it matters that I pray. Full stop. It matters that I take prayer seriously. That I have constant communication with my heavenly Father. That I care enough for others to intercede on their behalf.

Misunderstandings. There are times when people may misunderstand me. Times they interpret my words or actions wrongly. Does it matter? Yes but also No. It matters because it’s better if I am not misunderstood. Misunderstanding could lead to strife. But on a different level, it doesn’t matter in the least. As long as I am doing the best I can to live and to love well - it doesn’t matter if I am occasionally misunderstood.

Love. Love is the biggie. Love is the way to live. Love is what matters. Ah! But love has different faces Love stands up for its convictions. Love sometimes says ‘No’. Love lays boundaries to protect oneself and to protect others. Love is not always as simple as it sounds. It matters not that I please everyone all of the time. It matters more that I love the way God expects me to love. With abandon. In His strength. And importantly with His wisdom. With the right motives. And the right perspective.

And so, I smile as I think about my new blue jacket. Not only does it keep me warm and snug; not only does it keep me feeling good inside it; my new blue jacket has also reminded me of an important truth.

About living to an Audience of One.

Who is your Audience today?

It was another busy but rewarding day at CareLink. A friend and I had a quick catch-up including a prayer time in the hallway before we went about our tasks. Next came a cuppa with my co worker Dorothy as we shared our prayer needs. We were interrupted during our prayer time by the arrival of a client. As I ministered to that same client I found a delightful God moment in our interaction.

 I offered her a brush and comb set as a little ‘pamper’ item along with the food she took back with her. The lady was amazed. With a sparkle in her eyes and a smile on her lips, she said ‘Oh thank you! I needed a new brush. And don’t  have any money to buy one’. Yes, a definite God moment there. Why did I choose a brush and comb set instead of a different pamper item? I’m so glad I listened to God.

Soon it was time for our Seniors Fitness class. I helped David – one of our church’s Elders cum able Maintenance men – push an unwieldy trolley heavy with fitness equipment into the area the classes were held. After some huffing and puffing (and ensuring our fingers didn’t catch on the door posts on the way) – we finally managed to move it to the right spot. As we left the trolley there, my eyes were drawn to the outdoors. Our church has an amazing view – one I never tire of. A breathtaking backdrop of hills with a lush green Oval before it. I love it. It’s where I have my daily walk. I breathed it in afresh.

My eyes were drawn to the colourful figures of children running around the Oval. A neighbouring school was obviously using the Oval for their Sports day. Little tents had been set up. Plenty of action visible – children moving, running, jumping, cheering. It was an attractive picture – and I drank it in – maroon, yellow and white sports wear – children of all ages running around in glad disarray – flags being waved – yes, a pleasing  sight.

And then, as my eyes moved beyond them – there stood the hills in the distance, serene as always, with the sun’s rays falling on them, splashing brightness amidst the darker shadowy areas. Their quiet stillness stood in stark contrast to the children at play. Movement versus stillness. Busyness versus grounded-ness. Action versus quietness.

You know what the hills reminded me of? God. Yes, they reminded me of God. The Immutable One. Unchanging, Steadfast, Immovable. I was reminded that as we live out our hectic, busy lives, there in the background is always God. Ever present. Waiting. Still. Silent. Prince of Peace. He doesn’t even demand that we notice Him.

But He is the Perfect Backdrop to our lives.

Often you and I are too busy to notice Him. We may rush around in a frenzy, trying to achieve our day to day tasks – not knowing that His peace is within our grasp if we but turn to Him. When we are busy enjoying life, He is there. When we are too busy to talk to Him, He is there. When we are struggling on our own, He is there.

Waiting to be called in. Waiting to help. Waiting to bless.

When life is a walk in the park, He is there. When life is a slow ragged dance in the rain, He is there. When life brings slush and mudslides, He is there. When life is filled with joy, He is there. When the way is dark and too difficult to traverse, He is there.

Yes, He is always there.

Whatever the season and whatever the tide – our Saviour walks before us, behind us, on the side of us and inside of us.  The Holy Spirit is within us. God is the Restorer, the Replenisher, the Helper, the Comforter, the Counsellor; our Guide. Our All in All.

Isn’t it sad that too often we are too preoccupied to notice Him? Isn’t it disappointing that often we forget to call on Him? But isn’t it great when we do remember?

What a difference He makes to my  life!

Yes, God is always at the background if I but become aware of Him.

He is in the foreground as well – when I allow Him be part of my life.

“Be still and know that I am God.

 The Lord Almighty is with us.”

 Psalm 46:10,11

Twice a week I fill our little bathtub with warm water and mix in 2 cups of Epsom salts. I then put on a pair of old goggles (to protect my eyes), and sink into the soothing calm water. I enjoy a peaceful half hour in there praying for family and friends. The reason?  It’s great treatment for Fibromyalgia. I’m refreshed and pain free afterwards, like a wilted bird during a long hot summer, swirling in a puddle; revived, refreshed; restored.

Water and I are good friends. The other day, as I lay in the tub, I fingered the water and delighted in its silkiness. I wondered what it would be like to describe water to someone who had no experience of liquids. Like a Martian for instance?

Perhaps I’d say something like this? “It flows. It takes the shape of the container it’s in. It can be poured. It’s something you can immerse yourself in. (Question: What would ‘pouring’ mean to someone who has never seen a liquid?) Do you think any of those descriptions would make sense? I doubt it!

Explaining what a liquid is to someone who hadn’t seen or experienced it is probably like trying to describe my experience of God to someone who didn’t know anything about Him. It may sound as if I had a blind faith. He or she might say there’s insufficient evidence to believe a God exists. That it’s unthinkable these days of high scientific advances and superior knowledge to believe decisively in a God we can’t see, hear or touch.

How do I explain God and my faith in Him to one who has not known Him?

First – What it DOES NOT mean:

My faith in a holy, just, loving God doesn’t mean that:

1. I never have doubts. (I certainly do. Many.)

2. I haven’t grappled with God’s existence and reality. (I have. Oh yes, I have!)

3. I don’t have questions. (Try me.)

4. I haven’t been through adverse circumstances. (Oh yes, I have. Plenty.)

5. My faith was built overnight. ( It’s been a long journey. An amazing journey.)

6. I don’t have my struggles. (Of course I do.)

7. My life is perfect. (Oh no. Far from it.)

Second – What it DOES mean. I’ve had….

1. The comforting knowledge of a God who is present, through His Word (the Bible).

2. Answered prayer – hundreds and thousands of them over the years. (Yes!)

3. The awesome assurance of His love for me. (Thank you God.)

4. Forgiveness of all my sins; and also power & strength to overcome sin.

5. Joy and peace deep within, even when darkness falls and the storm rages.

6. A Family of believers who encourage me – who know and follow the same God.

7. Purpose, Direction, Guidance; innumerable Spiritual Blessings.

Life cannot exist without water. I believe that life cannot exist without God – the Creator of all life. Water quenches our thirst. God’s grace quenches our spiritual thirst. Water renews and restores. God is the Master Renewer and Restorer. Water is Unique. God has no equal. And did you know…. the Bible tells us that one glad day the earth will be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. Yes, God and Water have interesting similarities. Jesus promises us living water which will quench our thirst for all eternity. 

I’ve had my share of doubts over the years – and more doubts since I became a Christian than before. I still do. But I am not afraid of doubts any more. You see, honest doubts push me towards God and not away from Him. And the God I worship is far bigger than any questions or doubts that spring to mind. I have known Him. I have discovered His reality not once but many times over. His love refreshes me each new day like an amazing view from a mountain top – beautiful, heart warming, far reaching, glorious.

When I look at the world around me, I see chaos, hard times, friends facing difficult seasons; or suffering incurable diseases. Good people suffer. I find a world gone crazy. I am deeply perplexed. But then… I look within. And remember. I remember all I’ve experienced of life. A God who loved me in spite of myself. A God whose character of love, holiness and justice is irrefutable. A God who always came through for me.

There are times I have sought God like one who’s drowning; spluttering, gasping; coming up desperately for air. Did He hear me? Yes. He turned up. Sure. Steadfast. Loving me in a way I’d never been loved before. He held me. He didn’t let me go. I was able to withstand the tough times without falling apart. Not because I was strong. But because He was. The truth is that I’ve never had all the answers. But what I do have is a faithful God. A God who’s been there for me like no other, every moment of every day. He has blessed me with life in all its fullness. He has filled my life with joy.

There is much that I still do not know. But….. this one thing I do know.

I know that my Redeemer lives.

And that is enough for me.

It’s been an epic, exhilarating month. After 3 months of hibernation (since my operation In January), I woke up on the 2^nd of May 2013 to join the real world. It has been great. I’ve suddenly felt totally ALIVE!

When I’d begun to hunt for a job many years ago, I had wished that I could work at our church. The reason was that I loved being there in a voluntary capacity. I wondered if I could work for a Christian organisation who’d rented a few of our rooms. I checked it out. But no, it didn’t happen. And I was disappointed. That was then. And now?

This past month, I have been employed in our church. It has been a great joy to drive the couple of minutes it takes me to get there – just across the road from my home. As I’ve been busy with many varied tasks in my office at CareLink, I’ve remembered with awe and gladness that my hopes of working right here at the Golden Grove Baptist Church have now been realised. Yes, I have work to do in God’s house. And I thrive on it.

 I’ve felt warmed in the knowledge that God has placed me there. I love having a room in the church where I can invite people in to pray together if needed. I’ve relished all the one on one connections I’ve had with folks. My new responsibilities have stretched me, because I’ve been forced to sometimes extend myself way beyond my comfort zone. I’ve even found pleasure in tasks I’d expected to find boring. It all goes to show that this Adventure we call LIFE is packed with unexpected bonuses.

One day last week, I was up to my neck in figures. Trying to understand the financial side of things. Studying them as if my life depended on it. I wouldn’t go as far as saying I enjoyed the process, but let me put it this way. I was perfectly content. It was another learning curve. And I was happy. As I added several numbers together, I held in my palm, a little calculator. It was one my son had used for an exam a few years ago. After his exam paper was over, he’d had no use for it. But before he put it away as redundant, I’d asked him for it, sure it would come in handy one day.

As it certainly did. It blesses me now as I use it. I am sure it will continue to be a useful tool in my hands. You know...it wasn’t worth much. So it could have been discarded. But it wasn’t. It now sits on my desk in my church office, waiting to be used every day. Something small but something useful.

My little blue calculator reminded me that in God’s economy, nothing is ever wasted. It’s a truth that I have been reminded of time and time again. When I look back at seasons in my life where I’ve struggled or grieved or been in immense pain  – I now view them differently – as blessings and gifts from an all wise God; it’s just that I couldn’t see it at the time.

Those seasons have helped me grow. They’ve helped me understand others better. They’ve sowed into my life. Built my character. Helped me empathise with others. Without those times, I would not be the person I am today. Like a chrysalis that finally yielded a beautiful butterfly, I’ve needed those times to become all I’m created to be.

As I ponder and reflect, I am deeply thankful. I can use the wisdom and heart knowledge those seasons have taught me to communicate. My writing would connect with those going through difficult times because they would know I understand. Yes, in God’s economy, nothing is ever wasted.

I wonder what kind of circumstances you are grappling with today. Are they good times? Or difficult ones? A season of ease? Or a season of pain? Whatever your present season, I know that when God is with you in it – it will reap blessing as you trust our Father God. He never wastes anything. Not pain. Not sadness. Not ill health. Not difficulty. No, He uses it all for good. Even as the sun rises each day, we know that our God is good. And that His purposes likewise stand sure as the setting sun. And so, we can trust Him wholly.

One glorious day, your present season will be used for good.

May God flood you with His peace as you wait with patience and continue to hope in Him.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28