A few weeks ago, I had an appointment with a Foot and Ankle specialist in North Adelaide. It was long overdue. Due to increased pain in my feet over the years, I knew that one day I would have to seriously consider surgery. The pain had got so bad last year that Shan and I felt we could not postpone it any longer. Even a half hour walk around the Oval would often be too much as I hobbled around in pain. I knew the hour had arrived.

I sat in the waiting room, watching men and women of all shapes and sizes, most of them elderly, coming in for their appointments. Some limped in, crutch in hand. Others sported a fascinating gadget they rested a foot on, while they wheeled themselves in. Many had a spouse or carer helping them. I wondered if I’d look like them when I next came in.

Before I met the surgeon, I was dreading the operation and dreaded 2013. I knew there would be lots of pain to contend with. I knew I would not be able to walk for several months. I knew my usual tasks around the home would need to be abandoned for awhile. I knew I would be uttterly dependant on my husband and son for even my most basic needs. I knew that any jaunts to the church, my volunteer job, the village, catching up with friends and all else would cease for awhile. I knew I wouldn’t be able to even enjoy a walk around the Oval for ages. I also knew I didn’t want any of the above to occur.

I pushed aside the thought, whenever it surfaced in my mind like the unwelcome visitor it was. Then came the day I met the surgeon. He took one look at the x-rays and told me it was urgent. I had a pretty misshapen bunion that needed fixing. A badly dislocated second toe which required attention. Tendons and ligaments that had to be stitched. Toes that should be re-aligned. Yes, a lot of exciting work was afoot, so to speak!

I called Shan at once. We agreed we should go ahead with the operation. As I left the Medical centre with the paperwork completed, my perspective suddenly took an amazing 360 degree turn. It was like a switch that was suddenly turned on, giving me a sneak peak of a brilliant sunrise while it was yet night.What made the difference? The confidence and hope I placed in an experienced surgeon. He’d told me there was 90 – 95% chance of success. I believed him. I looked forward to being able to have a foot that worked the way it should by and by. Yay! It would be worth it.

There was such a change in my attitude before and after I met that surgeon. Before – I dreaded 2013. Now I embraced it. Before, all I could think of was the pain I would have to endure. Now I could see a reason for the pain. I knew it could herald great gain. Before, I didn’t want my independent active lifestyle curtailed. Now I decided to treat it as a special blessing from God Himself.

Three whole months of not doing what I usually do. But three whole months of a special bonus. Being able to pray, study the Word, read books, spend time in quietness, listen to music, spend time with my family, draw closer to God. Yes a package of precious blessings. Perhaps once the pain was under control, I could even engage in what I love to do – WRITE!

And so….I now dare dub the next 3 months in my life as an Adventure.

And you know, when I think about it, I realise that it’s like the difference that Jesus made in my life. Before I knew Him, I often had a sense of lack. Not that life was difficult. I had a great life as a teenager; loving parents, six caring siblings, many friends, a good school, plenty to keep me going. But I’d often wondered if there wasn’t more to life. I sensed a need I could not place my hands on.

And then I met Jesus.

Suddenly, there was meaning to life. Forgiveness. Love. Hope. Purpose. Direction. Work to do. Fulfillment. Contentment. Joy.

You can picture me in the next 2 weeks lying still, with my right foot uncomfortably elevated above my heart – unable to do much – not even allowed to sit at my computer to have a go at next week’s blog. You can picture me in pain. You can picture my hard working boys scurrying about me – doing the tasks I usually do. (Bless them both! I thank God for them.)

But you can also picture me having an Adventure of a lifetime.

Before I met Jesus, I thought that a good life meant a life without heartache or pain, difficulty or tough times. How little I understood life then. God has taught me different. I’ve found that a painful season (in whatever form) teaches me many lessons. I understand myself and others better. Life becomes richer for it. My soul grows. My bond with Jesus deepens.

Before the surgeon – the focus -  pain.

After the surgeon – the focus - gain.

Before Jesus – the focus - an easy life.

After Jesus - the focus – Letting go and Letting God.

May He continue to make a difference in your life and in mine in the coming Year!

Let the Adventure begin! 

Did you receive any special gifts this Christmas? I did. My friend Loraine’s thoughtful selection combined with her unique presentation, touched me deeply - three cute little gifts tied together by a pretty ribbon – looking too attractive to be opened. And when I finally did - I received much pleasure. My son’s gift of a music CD warmed my heart. My brother’s gift of chickens to a struggling family in our name gave us joy even as he helped and blessed a family in need.

My friend Vicki’s beautiful Calendar is one that will give me joy through the year. The pretty blouse I received from my husband is one I enjoy wearing. I’m looking forward to reading the book he gave me for Christmas. His gift of cash (he knows I love getting money) will go a long way. (Ooo! Nice!) Yes, I did get many special gifts this Christmas. And I hope you did too?

But you know, the best gifts I received were even better than these. As the 25^th of December approached, the reason behind the season filled me as I dipped into and pondered over the Christmas story afresh. Hearing my Father’s whispers to me through His timeless Love Story was a priceless Gift and one of my best presents this year.

My husband surprised me with two beautiful heart-gifts. On a 40 degree day, he was pottering outside –I hadn’t a clue as to what he was up to. Later, I found out. He’d been washing my car. That took my breath away. Exactly what I needed. A gift which cost him much. And a gift I shall treasure always.

On Christmas Eve he gave me another heart-gift. Shan called me from the shopping centre just as I was leaving to do my weekly grocery shopping. He said there was no parking available. And so he waited (again in 40 degree heat) till I got there so I could use his parking space. The place was jam packed. There was no way I could have found a spot to park in. What a thoughtful, considerate man. And what a heartwarming Christmas gift!

At church I received a few more heart gifts. When we entered the church on Christmas morning, we found the doors covered with black paper and the lights were all off. The atmosphere was mysterious and alluring. There under the cross, waxed eloquent a beautiful shimmering display of lights – flickering candles; a myriad beautiful lamps lighting up the darkness. How beautiful it looked. It took my breath away. It reminded me of what we were celebrating. Or more to the point, THE PERSON  whose arrival we were celebrating.

Jesus, the light of the world!

It was the most memorable and most joyful Christmas service I’d ever attended. My heart overflowed as we worshipped.

Christmas is also about family isn’t it? Often my son and I arrive at church at different times. So when my son got ready in time to come with me to church that day it was yet another prized heart gift. Remember that first Christmas family – Mary, her heart full, her eyes shining as she gazed at her beautiful baby son. Joseph, standing tall – proud of his family; protective of Mary and little Jesus. A family. We too are family. Not just those who bear our own name – but also every one of us of us in wider family of God. We are Family. Another Gift for us to enjoy.

After our Christmas service I delighted in many joyful wishes and hugs. One hug stood out. As I wished a new friend I’ve made this year, we hugged once. And then she reached out again and hugged me all over again. I felt warmed. I felt loved and appreciated.

That too is what Christmas is isn’t it? We are bound in Friendship to the One who made it all happen. And we are bound in friendship to each other, through Him who loved us. Finally on Christmas Night, after a beautiful day together, a walk under the stars holding my husband’s hand – was a perfect gift to end my day.

Yes, there were many heart gifts this Christmas. They were the best gifts of all. As I step into a brand New Year – I wonder what gifts I could offer to God and to my world. Who needs a gift from me today – one of those special heart gifts? A gift of a listening ear? A gift of love? A gift of time? A gift of prayer?

I don’t make New Year resolutions. Instead I make Goals and Aims for the New Year. I have many hopes for this one too bubbling merrily within. I know one gift I’d like to bless God with in 2013. Each year, I choose a theme to focus on. One year was my ‘Year of Rejoicing’. Last year was ‘The year of Loving’. My gift to God in 2013 is that I learn to worship Him And so, this year, 2013 will be dubbed ‘The year of Worship’. May praise and worship fill my days. And in all I do – may my God be glorified.

The best gifts of all are not those wrapped in shiny tinsel or expensive wrapping paper. They are ones that warm the Father heart of God. May our gifts to Him this New Year be ones He will delight in. May we reach out to help, to serve, to witness, to glorify, to enrich, to bless His world with the light of the glory of the gospel and the tender warmth of His Love.

After all, God’s Love for us, through Jesus is His Best Gift of All!

A few months ago, I picked up a book that I enjoyed. It was by one of my favourite Authors – Jeffrey Archer. The name of the book? “Only Time will Tell”. It was the kind of book that gave me pleasure not just while I was reading it but also during those in between times when I was anticipating getting back to it. Know the kind I mean?

Well, I savoured it very slowly, because I didn’t want the book to end. But of course, one fine day I had only a few pages left and knew this was it. I remember that day very clearly. I’d spent a long productive day at my Volunteer job and came home exhausted. I clambered into bed (at 4 p.m.) with a few pieces of chocolate and my book. (Ah! The life!)

I felt a twinge of sadness then that I’d finish it. But also looked forward to the ending. I knew that Jeffrey Archer’s books usually finished well. Where would the hero be on that last page? What amazing circumstances would we leave him in?  I had no doubt it would be a great conclusion.

Imagine my shock when I read that last page to discover not the kind of ending I had envisaged. A good ending? Not in my book. (Now, isn’t that a clever answer?) It was a pretty bad ending – the worst I could think of. Or so it seemed. Jeffrey Archer had decided to end with a twist to his tale – but usually his twists were happy ones. I hated to leave this very likable hero in such difficult and unhappy circumstances. It left me feeling very downhearted.

What an ending! I still shake my head sadly when I think of the story.

A few Saturdays ago, my husband and I decided to watch a movie. Harrison Ford, one of my favourite film stars, starred in it. As the film progressed, Shan and I agreed that it was rather a dark movie. No lightness. No humour. A bit oppressive. Nevertheless, we laboured through it.

Thankfully after awhile, the movie improved and I began to enjoy it. I hoped for a good ending. (Yes, I like happy endings – as you may have realised by now). There was some doubt at first whether the character played by Harrison Ford was the murderer. Thankfully, it soon became evident that he wasn’t. Relief flooded over me. I was just starting to relax about who the murderer might be when a very unwelcome surprise plopped into my lap. No. Harrison Ford wasn’t the guilty party. But… the murderer turned out to be…. his wife. His wife? What? That sweet woman? I could not believe it.

What an ending! I had nightmares afterwards.

I guess both stories which disappointed me are just like real life. Happy storybook endings rarely happen to any of us.  Unpleasant events are part of our lives. Today is the last day of 2012. I wonder what kind of year you’ve had? Did you clap your hands with glee a good part of the past 12 months? Or did the year bring you too much heartache and many unpleasant moments? Would you like to re-live this year? Or are you glad it’s over? As you wish goodbye to 2012, do you find yourself exclaiming ‘What a year!’ or ‘What an ending!’?

When I look back on the past year, I find it has, (like most years), brought me a mixed bag of goodies. Plenty of good stuff but also some bad. Many high points but also times of concern. Many precious God moments but also moments I’d rather forget.

But you know what? Good or bad, I love endings. Want to know why? Because an ending always heralds a new beginning. And I love new beginnings. Beginnings always bring hope, don’t they?

Not that I am unaware of reality. After living many many years on the planet earth (yes, a little over 21 years!) I do know that life is very unpredictable. Nasty surprises lurk and spring out at you when least expected. And so – I know that 2013 too might bring some of those uncalled for nasties my way.

But then, I have also discovered that when God is my Guide – I can have hope for all my tomorrows, simply because of His Presence. Bad things do happen. Danger still may lurk around the corner. But I do know I can trust Him to work out His best purposes for me. And that makes all the difference.

So will you join me as we look forward to 2013? Will you to take a deep breath and smile? (Yes, I will too.) Will you put on your party hat of glad expectation? (Why not?) Will you pick up your new (imaginary) journal of 2013 – the pages that have yet to be written - with excitement and hope? C’mon you can do it)

I am deeply sorry if 2012 has been a difficult year for you. May God’s presence be with you as you step into the new year. I pray that in the new year, you will find God’s peace in your heart and a fresh spring in your step. I pray that the next 365 days in your life’s book will be good ones for you. That God would usher in beauty, truth and goodness, comfort, strength and freedom into your life. That your cup will run over.

Only Time will Tell  what the year will be like. But I hope that on the 31^st of December 2013, you might look back with a happy smile on your face and with deep joy in your heart, reflecting on a year well lived and can say ‘What an amazing ending! What an amazing year’!

“I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” Minnie Louise Haskins

A very Joyful, Healthy, Blessed New Year to you and your loved ones.

It has been an extremely very busy 3 months in the lead up to Christmas. Busier than I anticipated. Much of my time has been spent on ensuring that the putting together and the distribution of our CareLink Christmas Hampers went smoothly. I am still exhausted after many days and nights attending to stuff – and pushing my aging body too much. But what a privilege it was to have been involved in it at all.

Helping with the Christmas hampers has been one of the biggest joys of Christmases here in Australia since I started working at CareLink almost 10 years ago. I love it. I love joining with others in our church family to bless those in our community who could do with some extra TLC at this time of year. I love seeing the sparkle in the eyes of the recipients. I love being able to give.

Two Thursdays ago, I was in my office at CareLink as usual. It was a day well spent. I felt energised at the end of that long day.  It was good to know that all I worked for was finally coming together. That 59 families were blessed this Christmas  through the receiving of our hampers and that 145 children would receive gifts that were chosen and wrapped specially for them. (Why 59 and not 60 hampers? Good question. I aimed at 50. 59 was 9 more than 50! Pity we couldn’t stretch it to 60!)

A couple walked in during the morning. Nothing new there. The man was polite enough and gave me his name. I scanned it on my list and chatted to them, flashing my 32. There was something different and unnerving though. His wife stood with her arms folded across her chest staring at me. I felt surprised. Her attitude communicated to me that I was doing her a favour by giving her a Christmas Hamper. My smile didn’t get a response from her. Her husband too seemed a little ill at ease. No smile from him either.

I did the best I could as I gave them their hamper. But I felt dampened by the look in her eyes and her whole demeanor of disapproval. As I closed the door sadly behind them, I spoke to her in my thoughts. ‘If you only knew how hard I worked to give you that hamper, lady…"!

Perhaps the man wanted the hamper but his wife didn’t. Perhaps she found it hard to accept the kindness of strangers. Whatever it was – it left a sad feeling inside me. A few minutes later, the CareLink door opened again. This time a family walked in. The lady looked very tired and dishevelled. She was obviously finding life difficult. Oh – but she could smile. Her husband looked tired too. Their 12 year old daughter accompanied them.

As they chattered with me, my heart lifted. This was what Christmas was all about. Connection. Communication. One heart reaching out to another. This family seemed far more down and out than the couple who’d just left. But what a difference in their responses. They were very friendly and with their open heart to heart communication, they blessed me. When I moved to touch the youngster as I wished her a happy Christmas, the little girl spontaneously hugged me. I felt warmed from the inside out.

The ingratitude of one family and the gratitude of the other left an indelible mark on me. It raised a question in my mind and in my heart as well. This Christmas, how do I approach God? With folded arms, a stare and a wish for more? Or deep gratitude to Him who has lavished His all on me?

Needless to say God’s Hamper to us this Christmas comes in the guise of a baby. A tiny baby, born in a smelly stable. God become poor so that we through His poverty might become rich. What an amazing gift! A gift that keeps on giving.

Christmas time is such a busy time that often we forget whose birthday it is we are celebrating. Does the Christmas Birthday Person get neglected in our rushing and shopping and partying and celebrating? Does Jesus whom Christmas is all about get even noticed? Does He receive my gratitude?

Oh Lord, help me not miss out this Christmas. Help me ponder again on your amazing love and respond to it today. And every day.

“What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a Shepherd, I would give a lamb.

If I were a wise man, I would do my part.

Yet what can I give Him, I’ll give Him my heart.”

Sometimes, it’s hard to dance. Sometimes it doesn’t seem right to dance. Today is one such day. How does one comprehend the horror of what took place in Newtown, Connecticut three days ago? How does one carry on with life as usual? How does one pray for a community who have been deeply traumatised? How do you respond when you know that twenty of those innocent victims were little children?

Sometimes the music stops. And it is very hard to dance. Too hard! And so today I shall stop dancing. I shall instead pay respect to all who died that day. I will mourn with those who mourn. Life will never ever be the same for that community. Life will never be the same for the rest of the world either. Everything that happens in our world changes us. For good or for bad. Sometimes in minute ways. Sometimes in enormous ways.

When Cain killed his brother Abel and God asked him where Abel was – do you remember his response? ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?” he asked.

Am I my brother’s keeper? Am I my sister’s keeper?

There is only one response to that of course. A simple ‘yes’. We who have been born into this world as human beings share a common bond and a common heritage. We are part of one family. The Human family. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes. Should I be affected by what happens to someone oceans away from me? Of course!

I had written a Christmas blog earlier in the week, but when I heard of the tragedy it didn’t seem right to post it. And so here I am today, trying to make sense of our world as I type these words. Sometimes it is right to stop my dancing. To reach out to someone who is hurting. To hold their hand. To hug them. To be with them. To grieve with them.

Last week, I was struggling with a personal issue, feeling I’d been badly treated. I went to God with my situation as I do with whatever I encounter in life. On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, God spoke to me in amazing ways through His word and I was deeply comforted and greatly blessed. He gave me assurance of His love for me. He gave me practical steps in how to handle my own little ‘storm’. His Word was a light to my path.

And then – I heard the news. The sad sad news of the loss of 20 little children and 6 brave teachers who had also died. Senseless. Brutal. Unforgettable. And of course my own puny problems diminished to their real minute size. Instead, the plight of those who were facing that horrific situation jumped into my heart and stayed there as the urgent need of the day.

I turned to Psalm 46 and studied it – seeking God’s peace and comfort on behalf of all the families who were affected in the tragedy. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” is how the psalm begins. How comforting to read it.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging “ Psalm 46:1-3

There are times we have to stop dancing. There is a time when it’s right to ask questions. A time to grieve with those who grieve. The Psalm offers us something more.

"The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46:7

At church this morning, my eye fell on our lovely Christmas tree, which sparkled with its beautiful lights. And then it suddenly clicked. ‘That’s what we have!” I thought to myself. Light. We have Light!

The world is at times a scary, dark place. Sometimes there is too much sorrow and far too many tears. But Jesus, the Light of the world shines brightly into that same darkness.  That is the message of Christmas. He is the Light that dispels all darkness.

"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." Mathew 2:16,18

There was a dreadful massacre of children in the days of Jesus too. Herod tried to kill baby Jesus – he gave orders that all baby boys in the area under two years old should be killed. What terror! What trauma. What heartache even then. The truth is that God doesn’t always avert tragedy. Although He could. We don’t always understand why. We do know that He is sovereign.

What God does do, is to walk into our situation and be there with us through every difficult circumstance. The message of Christmas brings us hope. Death is not the end. Death was defeated on a cross at Calvary over 2000 years ago. Psalm 46 ends with hope. Hope that God is still in control. And the knowledge that He is with us. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”  Psalm 46:10, 11

Today is not a day to dance. And so I remove my dancing shoes and stand in silence remembering the beautiful children who died and the courageous adults who died shielding them. I weep with their loved ones.

Will you join me?

A few weeks ago, we celebrated the 6^th birthday of Refresh! “What’s Refresh?” you ask. Refresh is a support group I’ve run in our church for Mums of children with learning difficulties. That birthday was a very happy one. It was filled with laughter, fun, games, music, presents, awards, birthday cake, 12 Mums, 1 Dad, 1 child and one 7 week old baby.  But there was a catch! Its 6^th b’day celebration was also its final program. Does that sound unusual? Yes, it was our very last program.

Endings usually are bringers of sadness. And so, there were a few bittersweet moments for me that day. But I have to add that the predominant emotion for me was not sadness but a deep elation. My heart sang from start to end of that day. In fact as I look back on the 22^nd of Nov 2012, it is with a deep well of joy stirring within me. Joy in being entrusted with this group. Joy in making many wonderful friendships through Refresh. Joy in watching God at work. Joy in sharing with others.

There was joy in being used of God – even in minute ways. Joy in the connectedness we enjoy when we people of like mind meets together. Something that came out of the games we had that day was the sense of isolation that Mums and Dads of special needs kids go through. Many have felt judged by a world that has no idea what they endure. When children behave badly society often judge their parents.

And so, in addition to the difficulties these Mums endure 24/7, there was the burden of being judged and misunderstood. Coming together therefore was meaningful – a place where they knew we empathised with them. A place they felt safe. The truth is that many of these parents are doing an amazing job. And are heroes and heroines of the day.

Rachel – one of my faithful helpers at Refresh this year brought us a gorgeous bunch of flowers. It was just what was needed for our party table. It added to the air of festivity. When I brought the flowers home, I continued to enjoy the sight of that gorgeous posy. It was bursting with colour – oranges, reds, whites, pinks, purples…. yes all of that and more. As time went on, some of the flowers started to wilt – as of course flowers do. So I removed the wilted ones from the vase. After several days, a few more started to droop. I removed those too.

One by one, the withered flowers were taken out. All except for one proud beautiful flower which stood fresh. Tall, glad and unfading. It lasted. Two whole weeks later it was still standing. Very unusual since most flowers I’ve received haven’t lasted for more than a week. Two weeks was twice as long. Wow! Good on you gorgeous flower! Not only did it last but it was the prettiest of them all. It was a beautiful soft yellow outlined in an amazing red. I’ve gazed at it many times over the last few weeks. And found much pleasure in it.

Endurance. That’s what that flower taught me.

Sometimes life is difficult and we feel like giving up don’t we? The bills pile up. The world sags. Difficulty pokes its ugly head in our faces. Sad times happen. Relationships crumble. The world seems too hard a road to navigate. Life sucks. Bad health bears down upon us. We are misunderstood. Forsaken. Life is hard. As I looked at that one amazing flower that stood the test of time, I prayed that I too would endure.

God calls us to endure. To persevere.

To be steadfast and immovable even when the world crashes in.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

What I find interesting in the verse is the inference that if we persevere, we prove our love for God. And so the question is not whether I would persevere but how deep my love for God is today.

Would you like to show God how much you love Him today?

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

The crown of life would be special wouldn’t it?

And even better, I’d love to see my Father’s smile of welcome when I meet Him.

One morning last week, I dropped my son at the village bus stop. He was off on a jaunt to a place further south of the city, a fair distance away from home. Asela’s been learning to play the keyboard and was doing very well. But his chief desire was not to learn to read music. Instead, he wanted to learn to play by ear.

Many people told him that learning to play by ear was not something that’s taught but instead is an innate ability. Asela was not deterred. From a young age, he has reached towards goals he sought after with single minded perseverance. No matter any discouragements, he usually got to where he wanted, mainly because he just would not give up. In this instance too.

After a long and diligent search, he found a teacher who would teach him to play by ear. The night before, Asela and his Dad poured over the Journey planner on the Adelaide Metro website. They figured out bus time tables and routes. He was geared up, ready to go. So there we were, Asela and his Mum, on a very hot spring day, at 5 to 10 a.m., sitting at the bus stop, waiting for the bus that would take Asela to his destination. The shopping centre was a hive of activity. Shoppers were parking their cars and making their way inside the shops. The sun shone down warmly upon us.

I noticed that my son seemed a little nervous, so I offered to pray with him. He gladly accepted. I asked him what he wanted to pray about. We sat there and talked to God, sharing his concerns and mine. The bus turned up soon after and he climbed into the bus, his backpack on his back. I smiled at my smart, handsome boy and waved him off.

As I wended my way home, it occurred to me that a parent’s perspective about their son or daughter’s needs is possibly very different to their child’s viewpoint. Shan and I were concerned about his trip that day on many counts. Would Asela get over-carried on that bus? Would he cross the railway line OK? Would he faint in the heat because the temperatures were soaring that day? Would he have enough water to sustain him, seeing he planned to be out till late afternoon? Would he return home safely in one piece?

Asela’s anxiety wasn’t about any of those things. What worried him was simply the difficulty of communicating to his new music teacher what he desired to learn from her. That made me reflect. I wondered if my own concerns in life matched my heavenly Father’s concerns for me.

Here’s a list of some of my own concerns for the next little while.

1. Will I get the Church Christmas Hampers all done and done well?

2. Would I mess it up in some way, no matter how hard I worked?

3. Would I manage to finish my latest book by its deadline?

4. Will my health hold up till I am through?

5. Will I be able to earn an income next year?

I wonder what God thinks of that list? My guess is that His concerns are very different to mine. Here is a possible record of what God is concerned about on my account.

1. Is my daughter Anusha living a life of Obedience?

2. Has she learnt to Trust me completely?

3. Is she Loving towards her family, her friends, her acquaintances – towards everyone whom she encounters in life?

4. Has she learnt to Let go and to Let the Holy Spirit handle her life?

5. Is she walking in Integrity and Holiness, shining My Light into the world?

As a Christian, I have such an awesome privilege. Promises from His word that could make my life uncomplicated and full of joy. Psalm 37:4 says ‘Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Don’t we sometimes do it backward? We worry about the desires of our hearts. But forget the promises of God.

What that verse says to me is that I have only one thing to concentrate on. “Pleasing and enjoying God’. He will take care of the rest. What a magnificent promise! Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

Let me learn today not to get anxious and worried; not to fret or fume; not to be consumed by the one hundred and one concerns of my day. Instead, let me give my attention to delighting in my God. He will take care of my needs. I have His Word on that.

What joy to know that I have a heavenly Father who not only cares deeply about every aspect of my life. But that He is also more than capable of meeting my every need.

Let me delight in Him.

Let me bring pleasure to Him.

He will take care of me.

PS And in case you wondered....

Asela's lesson went off really well. He hopes to keep going for more lessons! 

I was having lunch with a friend at the church café when I suddenly saw a little lad. He wore blue shorts and a light blue T shirt. He looked around three years old. His little eyes were bright. His dark hair rumpled. His purpose definite. He was walking towards the Christmas tree. My eyes were drawn to him.

The little boy walked to the tree and stood for a few moments looking at it. He cautiously put his hand out and touched a bright red Christmas bauble. He took it off the tree and ran back to his Mum. He showed it to her. She must have asked him to put it back. Very obediently, he trotted off and gently placed it back on the tree.

He pulled a chair and placed it to face the tree. Then he sat down. And watched it intently. His eyes shone. After a little while, he got down from the chair and went up to the tree. He bent down and touched the parcel of teddy bears that had been placed under it.

Yes, the tree fascinated him. And there I was, fascinated by his fascination!

Remember the Christmas tree I talked of in my last blog? The tree that I almost placed upside down? This was it. I wished then that I’d put the tree lights on beforehand. I was sure they this little tree gazer would have appreciated it even more. And then I realised it was never too late. I got up from where I was seated and went across to the tree. I bent down and flicked the switch to an on position. The lights came on at once, dancing around the tree bringing with it a myriad colours and fresh beauty to the Christmas tree.

Did the little lad like them? Of course he did. He stood enjoying the flickering of the reds, the blues, the yellows and the greens as they came on and went off intermittently. Sometimes the yellow lights stayed on for a few moments. Sometimes it was the red and green. Sometimes the blue lights danced merrily.

I turned to him and smiled. “Do you like the tree?” I asked. He nodded, looking a little solemn. And then, he flashed a cute little smile that revealed a lovely dimple on his cheek.  I had another idea. I bent down and picked up the large parcel of teddy bears that had been placed under the tree by a generous lady from our church. I took one of the little bears out of the bag and offered it to him. Did he like it? He was rapt. He took it from me with a quick shy smile and went running to his Mum.

I walked over and explained to her that I’d given it to him as a gift and he could take it home with him. She was very grateful. I went back to my friend and my lunch with fresh joy in my heart, the joy of Christmas and the joy of giving. Putting on those lights wasn’t difficult to do. But what dividends it paid! Seeing the little boy’s elation made me feel warm inside of me. Watching the lights flickering on and off that tree made me think of Christmas and what it means to the world.

I wonder what other ways I could light up the Christmas tree this year?

Not literally but figuratively.

The world is full of sad and lonely people. Those for whom life is very difficult. Those who are unhappy. Those who are terminally ill. Those who are friendless. Those who don’t have sufficient money to buy gifts for their children this Christmas. Those who will eat their Christmas lunch alone.

How can I light the lights of their ‘Christmas tree’? Whom can I share some Christmas joy with? Whom is God asking me to bless this Christmas?

“Whatever  you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Jesus (Mathew 25:40)

There I was lugging a heavy box from one area of our church to another. In it was a Christmas tree. The time had arrived to put the tree up in our church foyer, all part of the special joy of the season. While I do love to admire Christmas trees and their decorations, (while feeling all warm and fuzzy inside), I am not too hot about putting up a tree. It requires a few skills that I lack. Like figuring out how to put it together in the first place.

And so that Monday, two weeks ago, the job demanded a lot out of me. I pondered long and hard on how to fix all the pieces together. I was convinced it had to be placed one way. But I was wrong. If one of our church members hadn’t seen me struggling and hadn’t come to my rescue, I would have ended up with the tree being placed upside down. I kid you not. It is true.

What a relief when Arthur turned up. He thought about it for a few minutes and soon told me how it worked. He was right. I finally got all the branches in place with a tree that stood the right way up. Yay! Thank God for Arthur. I got home very tired after two hours of solid work. Very thankful I was that as always – God had provided for me.

A reminder too to be thankful to God for men! From time to time, I receive lovely emails about women and about what a wonderful gift we are to the world. I can’t say I disagree. There is no doubt about it. I love being a woman. I am glad God created me as a woman. And I thank God for many amazing women in my life. They have blessed me richly. And continue to do so.

But…. today I will not extol their virtues. Instead, I will extol the virtues of men. After all, God did make them first. (Although perhaps He left the best creation for the last? What do you think?) I have to admit that my life has been better for having many amazing men in it. Men have certain strengths that we women don’t always possess. Like knowing instantly how things work. Like putting things together. Fixing leaking taps. Opening the lid of a new jar. Solving the frustrations of a computer gone crazy! Navigating their way successfully in unchartered territory. Protecting their families in a way that only men could do. Being big and strong when a woman feels small and unprotected.

I discovered that I must be trusting men professionally.

1. My family doctor is a man.

2. My Dentist is a man.

3. My Podiatrist is a man.

4. My Hair Dresser is a man.

Something I’ve also enjoyed in the male of the species is their sense of humour. Sometimes we women seem to take life a little too seriously. But men often lighten it up by their humour. I remember some of my son’s difficult moments during his school days. His male class teachers knew just how to inject humour into tricky situations. It made life so much easier for us.

I know one can’t make generalisations. And so some of what I share may not resonate with you. But today I can say ‘Thank God for men’ and mean it. I have three special men in my life – for whom I thank God every day. My husband is Tall Dark and Handsome, with a lovely dimple in his cheek when he smiles! And that’s not all. He has always been a great provider, he keeps our home and garden in good repair, has an impish sense of humour, is an amazing Dad and works very hard every day to keep his family healthy and whole. Yes, he is wonderful husband and I thank God for him.

My beloved Dad was also a man in a million – and one who shaped my life in splendid ways. I learnt of God’s care for me because of the way my earthly Dad modelled a Heavenly Father’s love for me.

How I thank God for him!

My son is the third man in my life who has filled my world with wonder, awe and joy ever since I gave birth to him. Twenty Two years later – I’m deeply thankful for the way he has enriched my life. He is very special.

Apart from the three men in my life, there have been countless other men in my extended family and beyond who have blessed me immeasurably. There are four dashing men who have been and are brilliant big brothers. I won’t talk of how they teased a little sister sometimes (like pouring hot wax on my finger nails and scaring me in the dark)….! They have blessed and supported me all of my life. I have to also mention two good, caring men who have been and are excellent brothers (in law), five smart, handsome young nephews and the smallest 'man' of our tribe – my gorgeous 9 month old grand nephew, little Rufus.

And so, today is a day to toast all the men in the world – especially those who have contributed to my life in ways big and small. Spiritually, my life has been greatly enriched by the example, preaching, teaching and prayers of many godly men. They’ve helped me find God in deeper ways than before. I am very grateful to God for their lives and for their godly influence and example.

While I am about it, I must extol the Greatest Man that ever lived. Jesus. He holds a unique place in my heart and my life. My life has never been the same since I met Him, almost four decades ago.

Do you know Him?

Yes, today let’s raise our glasses to that peculiar but special breed we call men! My life is so much more colourful, interesting and more vibrant today for the men in my life and the men in my world.

Thank you God for Men!

I wonder what your’ men stories’ are? And would you like to share them?

Today's offering is a little Devotional. I pray it blesses you.

The Little Pill Box

I was obeying doctor’s orders. Specialist doctor-orders at that. Two weeks of a medication – 25 mg a day. He was treating symptoms of extreme exhaustion coupled with dreadful body aches which plagued me from time to time. If life got extra busy, my body couldn’t cope. It fast disappeared into this shutdown mode. Not nice. Not nice at all. I found it hard to function then. Getting through my tasks became very difficult.

After six or seven years of struggling with it, I was willing to try anything. So here I was ready to have a go. The problem was that the pill bothered my tummy. So I decided to take a half tablet after breakfast and another half tablet after lunch. Would that help? Yes it did. It made a big difference. What a relief.

I needed a little container to keep my ½ tablet safe till I got to it at lunch time. I wondered if I would find something to put my ½ tablet into.

I opened my kitchen cupboard to have a look, and my eyes widened in surprise. Yes, I found it. Without even looking very hard. There it was. The perfect little pill box. A small round see-through box with a smiley face on the cover. I’d kept it in my cupboard for ages, just for this kind of situation. It had been so long since I had put it there that I had even forgotten about its existence.

I pounced on the little pill box. I cut my pill. Took one half. Put the other half carefully into it. As I put it away, I reflected to myself that God is like that little pill box. Only far far bigger and far far Greater! And of course very different in lots of ways!

He is God! He is always there. Waiting for the time I need Him. He guards what has been entrusted to His care. He keeps whatever needs to be kept safe for me – with a smile on His Beloved Face.

My little pill box? My God?

Sounds irreverent to compare the two doesn’t it? So I am not comparing. Not that my pill box is like God. No – how can it be? But God is among many other likenesses, a teeny weeny bit like that pill box.

Always waiting. Always willing to be there for me. Always is there for me. He hides what is needed inside of Him. He takes it over. He covers it with His Hand. He keeps what I entrust into His Hands until the time it is needed.

And so, my faith is safe - He is my Guardian. My future is safe with Him - He has already ordained it. He will bring it to pass.

A perfect little pill box.

A perfect God!

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”

2 Samuel 22:31