One day, some years ago, I found a precious something that became important to me for awhile. It was a little ‘gift’ God brought my way when life had been very difficult. I’d needed something to hold onto and this seemed perfect. A visit to our Christian Bookshop had brought me a few treasures. Not least of them was a small glass pebble. The pebble was translucent; brown in colour. The words printed on it spoke deep into my heart.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:4” was what it said.

Only a few days before, God had spoken to me as I’d sought Him over my difficult circumstances. This same verse had leapt out at me and struck me forcibly. He was asking me to be still. Not to fret. Not to be anxious. But simply to be patient, trusting Him to work things out for me. I knew that in His time, He would work things out for my good. And so, when I saw the same words a second time on that little stone, I knew I had to buy it.

It didn’t cost much. But for me at the time, its value was far exceeded its price. I’d often take it out of my bag, look at it and reflect on what it said. It brought me comfort, reminding me that God was in control and that I was wise to wait on Him, trusting Him to work in my life. I treasured it for years. After some time, the writing on the pebble faded. A bit disappointing. But the stone still remained precious for what it signified. I loved fingering it. It was a reminder to me that God was working His purposes out in my life.

Fast forward five years after I’d bought the stone. I was shopping one day when it occured. Several of the contents in my bag accidentally fell out. Hastily, I picked them up. I found my house keys and my car keys. What else had dropped? I looked around. As a customer in the store passed by, his foot inadvertantly kicked something – something that sounded like a little pebble – and it rolled away under the magazine rack. Of course I knew what had gone rolling under. My precious stone.

A little old lady stopped to help me. We peered behind the magazine rack. But it was hard to spot anything there. I felt God tapping on my shoulder. ‘Let it go, Anusha’ He said. “Let it go.”

“Let it go, Lord?” I asked. I believe the Lord smiled. Then He nodded. I was loath to let it go. I wanted to keep it for ever. I wanted the comfort of the promise the stone gave me each time I looked at it. But God was saying different.

You see, I didn’t need that stone any more. God had worked above and beyond what I’d asked Him for. Many of my prayers had already been answered. The season of its usefulness had passed.

Now, God wanted to trust Him without that stone. Could I do that?

Yes, of course I could. I smiled with God and agreed with Him that yes, I didn’t need the stone any more. I would let it go. I would instead trust in God alone.

There are many times in our lives when we cling onto Things. Or People. Or Memories. Trophies. Accolades. Power. Prestige. Even Pain. Sadness. Unforgiveness. Worry. Clinging onto stuff seems almost the right way to live?

But God wants us to let it all go. The problem is of course that nothing is ours to keep. And that we don’t need any chains. We live best when we live in freedom. We don’t need to cling onto people, possessions, power or prestige but simply to walk in the freedom Christ came to give us. Sad to say, we human beings often seem to find security and hope in the wrong places.

Sometimes He brings blessings into our lives to help us through a difficult patch. And that’s not a bad thing. We are helped greatly through those blessings. But then suddenly He might take those blessings away. And that’s not a bad thing either. A lot of my learning and growing has occurred when the rug was pulled out from under my feet and I was forced to trust in Him alone. Sometimes He brings people into our lives to help us. But then He may take them away too because our need for their help has ended.

I remember a time when God seemed to prise everything I valued in my life. ‘Let them all go!’ He said. It was a painful time. But also a time of great freedom. Opening our hands and untying the cords that bind us is very freeing isn’t it? It was a new beginning. You see – the season of pruning gave way to a season of deep blessing. Blessings I would not have known unless God had not forced me to let go of those things that held me back from a closer walk with Him. I realised afresh the truth of a well known poem.

“God cannot fill hands that are already full. “

Are you holding onto something today? A Dream? A Person? Something you Like? Or even something you Don’t like? Like Worries and Cares which you might feel you need to carry? It could be that the time has come for you to let whatever it is adrift? Having people and possessions in our lives is good. And may bring value into our lives. But they are valuable to us only as long as they are given to us by God. They remain blessings only as long as they don’t take the place that only God can fill. What do I mean by 'letting go'? I mean letting go of placing too much importance on it. Or thinking too much about it. Or allowing it to rule everything else in your life. Does that make sense?

Perhaps you’ve heard Him asking you to do so before – but have not wanted to heed his whisper? Are you ready to let it go? Your hands may feel empty for awhile and your heart too. But you can be sure that when something is taken away – God is present to fill those spaces with Himself.

Perhaps it’s time to let go?

Perhaps it’s time to welcome a new season of blessing that will follow your obedience?

One day some weeks ago, I realised I had forgotten to buy any avocados with my weekly groceries. I enjoy eating avocado and usually eat one fruit a week. A fine source of good nutrition and excellent for heart health. At least, that’s my excuse. So that evening, when I trundled off on my evening walk, I did two laps around the Oval and then had a walk to the shops and back.

I went into the little supermarket in our modest shopping centre. I chose one avocado, pulled out my coin purse and queued up to pay for it. When I handed it over, the young girl at the counter punched in the code for the item. She said ‘$2.90’ please’. I was surprised. $2.90? It was only $2.69 when I looked! (Call me pedantic if you like!)

She sent someone over to check it out. Yep! I was right. $2.69 it was. A mistake on their part. I decided to say something that was a bit hard to say. Many shops have a policy – that if the amount charged differs from the amount stated, customers can have the item for free. I knew they followed the same policy because I’d obtained another free something when I’d shopped there once before.

“Ummm… do you think I could have the avocado free?” I asked a little diffidently and with a teeny weeny smile peeking out the corners of my mouth - like a shy toddler peeping out from behind her Mum. The girl looked at me. She turned to the man who stood nearby. He nodded. ‘Yes’ she said.

“Thanks so much”, said I, flashing my thirty two. I took my precious avocado and walked out of the shop. I had saved $2.69. And that felt good. OK. I do agree with you that $2.69 saved is no big deal. Or perhaps it is?

I thought it was. I felt rich!

There are other items in life that are free and call out to us all the time. They add richness to our lives. But sadly we often forget to claim them for ourselves. We forget to ‘ask’ God for them. We forget to enjoy those ‘free’goods and the many intangible blessings that are all around us. We lose out.

“What are you talking about?” you ask.

Let me explain. Laughter is free, and so is every smile. Enjoying the moment doesn’t cost me a cent. Loving another is always on the house. Pausing to enjoy the beauty around doesn’t have a price tag; only a wee bit of my time. How about these? An enchanting flower on the roadside. Trees swaying and dancing to soft breezes. White cotton clouds as they decorate a deep blue sky in amazing new patterns every minute. The sight of a dog’s mad, glad exhuberance after his bath.

And then, there are many precious sounds in our world which also add much to our lives and are free to enjoy – with no strings attached. The sweet chirping of a bird on a tree singing its little heart out. The sound of silence – a precious sound indeed in this media driven, loud, entertainment filled world. The tinkling of a mobile playing in soft summer breezes. Encouraging words from a friend’s heart to mine. Your spouse’s nods laced with a few “ahems’ to show you he cares enough to listen to you. Your child’s happy shriek. Laughter. Music – what joy!

The sad fact is that all too often, anything free is discarded or forgotten or trampled on. Things that have a cost often seem to be more valuable to us over things that don’t. But perhaps there are far greater riches from the free commodities in our lives as opposed to those that arrive with an expensive price tag? Friendship is free. Rest and sleep are free.  Fresh air is free. Lending someone your ears is free. Building a sandcastle at the seaside has no cost to it.

And wait…. there’s more.. 2 Peter 1:5 tells us that God has given us all things for life and godliness. All things. Not “some things”. Not a “few things”. But all things. So yes, God’s gifts to all who ask for them are absolutely free, just like an incredible spring sale with a 100% discount on all items in the store. No cash is needed. Instead, choose the goodies you like and walk to the Cashier to present your items. He will assure you that He has paid for all of it many many years ago on  a cross at Calvary.

First, He offeres us free Forgiveness through Jesus and a New Birth. (Have you received that yet?) And then, He showers on us everything we need for our journey. The Holy Spirit, Grace, Wisdom, Courage, Kindness, Compassion, the Fruit of the Spirit, His Word, Love and ….much much more.

What do you need today? Do you need patience as you wait for His answers? Or do you need courage to face life’s tough times? Strength for your day? A Shoulder to lean on? Wisdom to make the right decisions? God's Healing Touch? The ability to Forgive someone who has hurt you? Do you need Peace of mind? Contentment? Love for others? Do you need a wholesome dose of Joy?

Unless you ask, you will not receive. Unless you decide to take it, it will never be yours. Go on, ask God for it. He is a God who rewards those who diligently seek Him.

“Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.”

Mathew 7:7,8

It was time we left for my son’s music lesson. My son and I were hastily getting dressed to get there quickly. I realised with a start that I’d forgotten something important. The night before, my husband had gone out in order to get the money needed to pay Asela’s music teacher the term fees. It was due when Asela attended his Music lesson on Monday. The problem was that Shan had forgotten to give me the money.

So there I was on that Monday afternoon, acutely aware that I didn’t have the money I needed to pay my son’s music teacher. She was very particular about it too. We couldn’t stop at the bank en route either, since that would make him late for his lesson. Oh dear! I called my husband on the off chance that he’d left the money at home. I found he was on the road when I called, so I didn’t want to keep him talking. I told him it was OK and called off quickly.

Oh well, I shall have to go again tomorrow to give her the money, I thought to myself.

My son and I walked down our driveway and we got into my car. I turned on the engine, turned the right signal on and kept my foot on the brake pedal, ready to drive off. Another car came down our road. As I looked up, the car came alongside mine. I turned my head to find myself looking straight into my husband’s handsome face. He was smiling at me from inside his car.’ You wanted something?” he asked.

“Oh! Yes! As matter of fact I did. Asela needs his music fees!’ I responded with surprise. Relief flooded over me. Shan dug into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He removed three crisp 50 dollar bills. He handed them over to me. We both grinned. What a perfect co-incidence that he arrived home at exactly the right time – many hours before he usually gets home on a week day.

I was pretty surprised. The Timing could not have been better. Could it? Amazing. As I drove off, I turned to Asela and said ‘Now that’s what I call perfect timing!’ and my son had to agree.

I wonder if you are waiting on God for Him to work in your life? Or perhaps in the lives of those you care about? Do you wonder why He delays to answer? When you asked Him for an urgent response, did it seem as if God was too busy to care? Did it seem as He was driving His own agenda and not hearing you or responding in any way?

Sometimes it does seem that way, doesn’t it?

But you know what I think? I think God knows what He is doing. I believe we can trust Him. We see only part of His plan. He sees the whole. We see only a pocket sized view. He sees the entire Universe. We know something…… but what we know isn’t very much at all! God knows everything about everything.

Yes, bad things happen. Yes, hard times are often inexplicable.  Yes, prayer sometimes seems to go unanswered. Yes, sadly good people often suffer. Sometimes those who are undeserving of a good life seem to have it handed them down to them on a platter. Life is very unfair.

There have been many times when God didn’t seem to heed my prayers rightaway. There are prayers which I am still waiting on God for answers after more than twenty years. But I do know something. It wasn’t that He didn’t hear me. Because I know He did. It wasn’t that He didn’t care. Because I know He cares. It wasn’t that He had no power to help me. Because I know He is Almighty.

There are some prayers he hasn’t answered yet. But He has always answered the fervent, constant prayer on my heart. That when I lean on Him, trust in Him and walk in His ways, He will work all things out for good and for His Kingdom through my life.

I know that my ways are often not His ways. Neither are His ways mine. I am a mere creation of an Almighty God. He is God. All I have seen of life in the presence of God and in the power of His Spirit, teaches me to trust Him totally for all that I have not seen. God may not answer my prayers now. He may answer with a ‘No’. But He will answer my heart prayer – that I stay within the perfect will of Him who knows best.

And what more could I ask for?

So yes just as Shan’s timing the other day could not have been bettered, I dare to suggest today that God’s timing on our lives could not be better. Life is often not easy to fathom. But all I know of my God teaches me and assures me that I can trust Him totally.

If God had answered prayers too soon or differently I would have not grown in my Christian life. I look back now on what I couldn’t make sense of before and perceive a beautiful pattern emerge. God’s timing has worked well in my own life. His ‘wait’ deepened my trust in Him. His ‘No’ helped me grow. And His ‘yes’ blessed me more than tongue could tell.

Are you waiting? Waiting with a body that is aching and a throat that is parched? With a mind that is perplexed and a heart that is crushed? If you are, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you. I am so sorry. I often wish that I had a magic wand to wave over all the hurting people in the world. I know that waiting for His answers can often be very painful. And difficult. Often too hard to bear.

But you know what? I realised that God has given me something far far better than a mere ‘magic wand’! Something that brings answers. That "something" is called prayer.

Today I pray for you that this waiting time will be a blessed time as you draw nearer to the Saviour; as you continue to grow into His intimate child and friend. And when the gates finally open for you and you see the stars shining around you, the sparklers glittering and you hear the fireworks go off with a glorious bang, and your prayers are finally answered, may you experience much joy and much blessing. And I will be thrilled to join in the happy dance with you.

Till then, do join me as I dance in the rain.

And with the answer to your prayers, may you also receive the Father’s glad ‘Well done’ for being faithful to Him as you waited.

    "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- 1 Corinthians 2:9   

I sit in the dining area at a Conference Centre on the Sunshine Coast. A fan whirrs above my head. My body feels weary due to lack of sufficient sleep. My mind is filled with of too much information crammed into it in too brief a time. My fingers get busy as I begin to type. Opposite me sits my new, beautiful friend Elaine. Elaine lives in Perth. I live in Adelaide.

We connected through a Christian writers group on Facebook. We finally met face to face at the Writer’s Getaway in sunny Queensland. We didn’t ‘know’ each other till a few days ago. It has been a specially warming experience to connect with her in person. To get to know the beautiful person she is. To pray with her. To add her to my friendship circle.

I sit here now – a day after I began this blog. Not in Alexandra Headland. But in my own cosy little nest, in front of my own computer. What should I write about on my blog today? My brain has many ideas swirling around. Which of them should I choose?

Many thoughts try to get their attention, one like an impatient student in class who raises her hand shouting ‘Pick me! Pick me’! I pick her. One word jumps out at me. Relationship! What makes me pick her? I know. I am refreshed this morning. Not due to the 9 ½ hours sleep I enjoyed last night! I am refreshed because of relationship. With God and with His people.

Four days ago, I stepped onto a plane that took me 2000 kilometers away from home. My friend Aruni was there to greet me at the Brisbane airport, to drive me around, to offer me gracious hospitality in her beautiful home, to cook delicious meals for me, to share with me and to pray with me. It was a very happy interlude. I was pampered. I was well fed. It was a good time. A very good time. I even got to play with her friendly, affectionate, playful dogs Zoro and Zara. I was revitalised when I left her charming abode.

The next three days changed from that refreshing relaxed pace to an action packed, frenzied one. Like a walk in the park had become a 100 meter dash. Like a seaside holiday had turned into a mad and merry discotheque. About 70 – 90 of us Christian writers gathered together at a conference centre. They were days jam-packed with many informative, inspiring sessions. It was a case of go – go – go!

I loved meeting many lovely people with similar passions to mine. I enjoyed hearing their stories. Celebrating their accomplishments. Learning from their expertise. Praying with them. Worshipping together. As I reflect now on the past few days, I find the conference exceeded my expectations. The weather? Tick! The people? Tick! The meals? Yum! The accommodation? Tick! The seminar I ran? Yes, even that went well. Thank you Father God. (And thank you to those who prayed for me)

What made it so memorable? The connections with God’s people. As I get back into life’s busy merry-go-round today – I know I have continued strength for it, because I’ve once again been refreshed in mind, body and spirit. My batteries have been re-charged. My time in Queensland began with a friend I’d known for 30 years. My time in Queensland ended with a friend I’d just met in person. Both connections blessed me deeply. Many other connections in between blessed me greatly too. And that wasn’t all.

Besides all the new connections I made this weekend – there were other precious links which kept me going. Many in my family and friendship circle were praying for me. I felt those prayers. Their love for me made a difference. I kept well – because of their prayers. I was able to do my own session with ease – because of their prayers. I enjoyed a wonderful God given time – through their faithful prayers.

What made my time away so special? Not just the amazing weather, the delicious food, the warm hospitality, the time out of my usual routine, the gathering together with those of like mind. No it was far more than that. It was all about Relationship. Having many beautiful people in my life who care for me adds rich layers to my life.

The riches that will last forever are the connections I make with other people. I pause today and thank God for relationship. That He created each of us to commune with Himself and with each other. It was His special gift to us.

How are your relationships today? Are they healthy? Are they strong? Are they all they should be? Do grab hold of them. Deepen them. Work on them. Don’t give up on them. RELATIONSHIP is one of the keys to enjoying life and reaping eternal rewards.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:1, 13

The ‘Simple Life’! What does it mean? What does it cost me? Where does it take me? On a road to freedom? On a new path to happiness? On an adventure of a lifetime?

I’ve just spent a few minutes, checking the dictionary definition of the word ‘simple’. Here are the first 3 definitions I found. 1. Easy – to be done quickly and without much effort, 2. Lacking decoration or embellishment and 3. Not complex – made up of only one part of element. These definitions helped me understand something of what simple living is all about. Uncluttered. Not complex. Without any frills.

What interests me in the simple life is not the practical aspect (although that too) but especially its core. Over the past few years, I have been on the road to enjoying a ‘simple’ lifestyle in certain aspects of my life. No – I don’t live in an empty house. No – I don’t do away with luxuries. Yes, I do go to the shops and splurge some money now and then.

What then have I aspired to and reached in my search for a simple life?

I like to think of the simple life as something that begins deep within my being. A way of looking at life. A life that begins in the heart. An uncluttered heart. A childlike heart. A life that seizes each moment as it comes. A life that doesn’t take on unnecessary baggage. A life that lives in freedom.

My simple life began 38 years ago, when I found life that included Grace, Forgiveness and Love. What an awesome discovery it was! Life began afresh for me because of the death and resurrection of Jesus; because of the amazing, free gift of of eternal life He offered me. It was a brand new beginning. 38 years on, I am still learning. Still growing. Still striving towards attaining this simple life, with the guidance and help of God’s Holy Spirit who dwells within me and who in fact indwells all who follow Him.

I have worked out a few guidelines to enjoying such a life. And these I share with you today. Not that I have achieved it. But this is the kind of life I aspire to live and breathe.

Firstly, a simple life for me means having the freedom to live life not to please others but to be authentic to myself and to the God I believe in. At the centre of it is my relationship with Him – all else flows very naturally from that. Secondly, it means not cluttering my life unnecessarily. It means saying ‘No’ whenever I need to say it. A simple life includes lots of time each day spent in solitude, so I can nourish my soul with God and His word. The all important Quiet Time is the fuel for my simple life.

Following a simple life means doing things that bring fulfilment to my heart and joy to my spirit and of course it has to include blessing others. The simple lifestyle means laughing often (especially at myself), getting sufficient rest and sleep, drinking plenty of cold fresh drinking water;  eating wholesome food; spending quality time with family and friends. The simple life also finds time to stop a moment to admire the splash of sunset colours or to sit quietly on my garden swing, communing with my Creator. It means that everything I do is a part of a life filled with gratitude, praise and wonder.

The simple life means I ensure my relationships are not complicated. That I aspire to be a loving wife and mother, a caring daughter, an affectionate sister, a good friend, an ever  learning and ever growing disciple of Jesus. It means I reach towards integrity of purpose and integrity of character. That I say what I mean and mean what I say. That I carry out my promises. The simple life includes child likeness. Living intensely in the present. Letting go of past failures. Forgiving others and also forgiving myself. Embracing change. Doing something for the child in me every day.

The simple life helps me to appreciate everything – the clear fresh air around me; the sound of the birds, the love and affection of my spouse; my son’s engaging smile; a ‘normal’ day as an exciting, happy day that’s pregnant with possibilities. It helps me stop and gaze at a flower by the wayside. It helps me wonder each time I see the night sky and marvel at the millions of stars that twinkle in the darkness. It teaches me to let go – not to carry the burden of others’ sins. Or mine.

Not a collector of hurts. Instead, a collector of joy!

And so, the simple lifestyle makes me appreciate things that don’t have monetary value over things that do. Creation, good health, friendship, sleep, a new day, love, laughter are appreciated as far more precious than houses, lands, cars or jewels. It makes me grateful for everything money cannot buy as opposed to be constantly striving towards accumulating possessions. The simple life means contentment deep within me for life as it is in the present moment, no matter what I am going through.

The simple lifestyle teaches me to listen well and listen truly. To be there for others. To allow time in my schedule to be disturbed when others need me. To not tarnish my heart and mind with violence, envy or selfish desires. To seek God’s help in being pure. To be disciplined. To be kind. To stand up against injustice when needed – although that could complicate life. To do so with God’s perspective and His leading, leaving the outcome to Him.

The simple lifestyle involves being organised – with things in their proper places (mostly) – so I can find them when needed. To buy what I need and to not accumulate things I do not need. (I think I need to work on that more!) To give generously. To care generously too. To not be anxious about things I can’t control. To hand them over to God instead. To say ‘No’ when I need to and ‘Yes’ when I can. To be a faithful steward over the blessings I enjoy each day – my Time, my Talents and my Treasures.

The simple lifestyle means I remember than less is often more. That I allow God to be God and I remain His child – in the way I view life; and especially in the way that I trust Him. Implicitly. As a child who’s placed her hand in Her Father’s Hand and is deeply secure in the knowledge that He will take care of her. The simple life is displayed in the ways I accept and adapt to change. In how I obey and please my Father God.

Gratitude. Forgiveness. Laughter. Love. Joy. Generosity of spirit. It means doing less but doing it to the best of my ability. Aiming not at perfection but at excellence. To be totally present in life. To live so I have no regrets.

No. I certainly have not arrived at this kind of life – yet! Far from it. But I reach towards it with all my being through Him who gives me the strength.

Living life like a bright, beautiful kite that rises joyfully in the wind – glorious and free – bringing joy to those that see it, its long strong thread reaching all the way down, deep into the Heart of God Himself.

Exactly two years ago, on October 1^st 2010, I climbed up my personal rugged mountain and reached its peak. It had taken me a long long time to get there. What peak? Learning to drive a car! It was an enormous challenge for an over 50 year old. But with an excellent Instructor, a patient husband (who gave me lots of practice), the prayers of my family and friends and God’s abundant help, I finally made it.

And today, two years on, I received my full fledged Driver’s license! Yay!

It was a rainy day. As I came down our road that wet winter’s day I looked for my usual spot opposite our home to park in. Oh! A visitor to our neighbourhood had decided to park his car in that exact spot. I slowed down, wondering what I should do. There were many other cars dotted all over our street. A busy day down our usually quiet street.

I have to confess that parking is not my thing. In the early days after I’d got my provisional license, I would often need to park several times before I got it right. Either I was too far from the curb. Or I parked at a strange angle. It amazed even me how dense I could be about parking straight. And now – two years after I’d got my license – I still don’t get it right every time.

On this wet, wintry day where our neighbourhood seemed to be swamped with too many visiting cars, I drove towards the cul de sac at the end of our road. I decided to park near a neighbour’s house. But the road curved awkwardly just there and I didn’t do it right. Sigh! I moved the car. I did a U turn around the cul de sac and came back towards our home. Perhaps I could park in between two cars parked ahead? I did. Did I get it right? No. And there wasn’t much space to try moving out and re-parking. I decided to move again. It was beginning to feel a bit like a game of musical chairs (or cars) by now!

Next solution – go over to a side street, turn, come back and try again. So I did. I went up another little street, did a 3 point turn and came back towards our street. I couldn’t park by my home because there was a car parked right opposite and my parking there would block the way for other motorists. So I went further along and found yet another place to park. But guess what! No sooner had I parked there, than the car which had taken my usual spot decided to leave. Oh! After all that effort, my parking spot was finally available! Fancy that!

This time I was able to do it right. I went confidently along the cul de sac for a second time and came right up to my usual spot. And parked. Perfectly. And all was well!

You know, sometimes, I don’t get it right. And I’m not talking about my parking this time. I am talking about doing life. I make mistakes. I regret choices I make. I go down a wrong road on life’s pathway. I park in the wrong place. I wish I didn’t but I do. I say things I don’t mean to say. I am selfish. I want my own way. I am not sensitive enough to someone else’s need. Or I realise it but am too wrapped up enough in mine to care sufficiently. I get stressed. Or unhappy. I feel as if I can’t cope in life. Sometimes!

Do you find it happens to you too? Life is like a game of cards where I am dealt varying types of hands. I juggle my cards trying to win. Wanting to make it work. But not always getting things right. Trying hard. But stuffing up. Sometimes finding it hard to forgive myself when I do. Does that sound familiar?

I am encouraged to know though that I don’t have to get it right every single time. It’s good if I do. I can strive towards that end. But my goal is to live as best as I can. To live to an audience of One. To please the One who has my heart – my Father God. To love Him and to love others. If I live as best as I can in His eyes – all else will follow.

So yes, I will make mistakes. Mistakes that might make me wail, blush or shake my head in shame. I could grovel in them. Or I could grow through them. I could reject myself for every mistake I’ve made or learn through them. I could judge others when they fall or view their mistakes the same way I should view mine. With grace. With forgiveness. And with a special helping of God's amazing love.

Did you know that our God is a God of second chances? He is. I’ve made mistakes. Too many! Did they matter? Yes. But did they matter as in forever? No! I’ve gone to God with my sins, my shortcomings, my mistakes and have asked His forgiveness. And you know what? He’s forgiven me every single time.

When I was learning to drive, I made a very serious blunder. I pressed the accelerator instead of the break pedal. Thinking my foot was on the ‘break’, I kept pressing it! The car leapt forth like a horse, with painful repercussions. I went into a parked car. It turned into my worst nightmare.

I could have stopped then and there in my driving adventures. I could have told myself ‘It’s no use. I will never be able to drive.’ But God told me different. He told me to keep learning. And so I did. I have a healthy respect for my car now and also am cautious about my driving abilities. I depend totally on God as I drive so I would never make such a dreadful mistake again.

Yes, He is God of second chances – not just when it comes to driving but in every sphere of life. When I read the Bible narratives I am encouraged that God called many who didn’t always get it right – Peter, Moses, David, Jacob, Abraham… to name a few. They stuffed up. But He used them. Mightily!

How about you? Have your forgiven yourself for that wrong you did the other day? Have you forgiven your neighbour for the wrong she did to you? Our God is a God of second chances. And His grace is always enough. Do you need it today? Go on. Grab hold of it. Life is too short to live with regrets. He offers a brand new slate and a brand new beginning. Every day.

His grace is also available, today.

It’s yours! Please take it!

Have you ever danced with a knapsack crammed full with heavy stones on your back? I have! Well, not literally. But figuratively. I like dancing in the rain, remember? It’s a grand act…. to dance in the rain. A freeing one too. Dancing my cares away…. as large raindrops splash on my bare skin, zig zag silver streaks of lightning flash across the sky and while the deafening thunder booms around me. Yes, dancing in the rain is always good for my soul!

But dancing while a heavy load weighs me down? No, no no! That’s not called for!

Of course not!

Oh! But I’ve tried. How silly can I get? It happened just the other day. After a wonderful spell on the mountain tops of life for awhile, I was suddenly tested. A few large boulders of difficulty came crashing onto my path. They spelt DANGER! People near and dear to me were threatened. A deeply loyal streak in me rushed to their defence. I felt like a lioness whose cubs were being attacked. I wanted to stand up and fight for them.

And so I got into battle gear. I prayed. I fought. I knew that doing the 'lioness act' was inviting trouble. But also knew that there are times in life when God calls me out of my comfort zone – to stand up for those who need defending. All good so far. I believe I obeyed God. As a follower of Jesus, there was no other response possible.

But foolishly, I also did something else. I unwisely carried the weight of the situation, squarely on my own little back. There it lay – a heavy weight pressing down upon me. No wonder I felt stressed! No wonder my smile wasn’t in its usual sunny place! No wonder my brow was furrowed!. No wonder God couldn’t do a thing about it! There I was trying hard to dance in the rain, while carrying a large back-pack filled with heavy weights. (Figuratively of course!)

A week later, when I woke up one morning, the realisation hit me. Hard. The load wasn’t mine to carry in the first place. The problem belonged sorely to God. It was His battle. Not mine. Sure - I needed to be loyal. Sure - I must stand up against injustice. Sure – I must do my part! But did I need to carry the weight of the situation on my own puny little shoulders? Of course not!

And so, as I opened my sleep-filled eyes that morning, I smiled at my Father God. “Lord, I hand over this burden to You. It’s all yours!” I said. It was the best thing I could have done. What did He do? He took the burden over. He placed it on His own powerful back instead . Then He told me ‘Daughter. You are free. Go in peace.”

Peace flooded in, just like the warmth of a glowing fire on a cold, cold day. Like the soothing comfort of hot soup inside of me, after a tramp in a biting wintry world. Like the relaxing, tranquil water inside my bathtub, while I blissfully soaked in it. What a difference it made. God’s shoulders are strong. Very strong. Able to carry every weight.

Are you wrestling with a problem that’s hard for you to carry today? Perhaps it’s time to hand it over to the One who can handle them? The One with Strong Shoulders and a Heart of Love?

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon me and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Mathew 11:28-30

Since then,  I’ve been been able to dance, sing, clap and cheer again as I made merry in the ‘rains’ of life. Not that the problem disappeared. No – the problem got worse before it got better. But I resigned as General Manager of the situation. And the real General Manager of the Universe was very pleased. But not half as pleased as I was!

Praise God – He is able!

Praise God – I am free!

No! It’s not what you think. My love affair with shoes is not about a desire to aquire stacks of beautiful shoes. My love affair with shoes is simply about my need for finding shoes that are comfortable enough. My love affair with shoes is my desperate search for a pair of shoes that I could wear and say ‘Ah! This is it. I found the one’.

My feet are not those that could have won any awards for their beauty, their structure or their usefulness. They’ve been feet which have given me many challenges along life’s journey. ‘Blame your parents’ said my  doctor, with a grin. I’ve often asked for a new pair of feet for Christmas but none have been forthcoming … so far. (Perhaps this Christmas? Anyone?)

Twelve years ago, I found a lovely pair of shoes for just $40 – they had been marked down to half price. They’ve been probably worth closer to $4000 for the value I have got out of them over the years! The shoes were made of a soft navy blue cloth and with bright blue plastic pieces securing the cloth on each side. They had attractive, dark blue lacings. I have worn my blue cloth shoes over and over again. They were the perfect shoes for spending the whole day in. Comfortable. Easy on my feet. My ideal pair of shoes!

As the years rolled on, I wore them more and more. Finding other shoes which were equally comfortable wasn’t easy. There were many plush, expensive shoes which seemed perfect when I tried them at the shoe shop. But once I got home, they made my feet hurt. I spent many hours and days looking for another pair of shoes exactly like my perfect pair of shoes. Sad to say, this particular brand of shoe didn’t seem to exist anywhere anymore.

As my perfect shoes got older, I found that they were ideal to wear at home because they even beat my thongs in the matter of comfort. During the past few years, I’ve worn them constantly at home, through the winter months and even in warm weather. Sad to say, my perfect shoes are now falling apart. And so, I have tried hard to replace them. I’ve bought about 7 or 8 other pairs of shoes to wear at home. Each time, I hoped the new pair would replace my comfy shoes. Did they? Alas, no. But not for lack of trying.

There was these smart shoes which I bought excitedly over the internet. I was sure they were the ideal replacement. But no – they did not deliver the goods. Next, I bought a floppy soft home shoe. They were OK - but no – they weren’t a patch on my old shoes either. I found a comfortable men’s shoe that seemed ideal for a little while. Sadly, I had lots of pain when I kept wearing it. I found a fresh pair which were nicely padded. ‘Is this  it?” I wondered! No, it wasn’t! I found a really lovely light pair of sneakers on my last trip to Sri Lanka. Would they do? Nope! They didn’t do it for me either.

One day, as I reflected on my perfect shoes, I realised something interesting. I had hunted high and low for the perfect shoe but never found one to replace my now “old-floppy-ugly-torn-dirty-but-quite-the-perfect-shoe”! It reminded me about my search for a perfect Person in life. Just as years of hunting revealed that there are no shoes that could replace my comfy old shoes – I’ve also learnt that no human being could ever replace the One Important Person in my life.

I knew that in my head for years. But it’s only in the last few years, that it became stamped indelibly on my heart. God has shown me its truth through many varied life experiences. We human beings sometimes have a way of leaning on other people to take the place of God in our lives, don’t we? We often try to fill the God-shaped-vacuum inside with someone or something apart from God. Perhaps a spouse or a child? Maybe a friend? Or perhaps not someone but some thing. Fortune? Fame? Work? A hobby? Money? Achievements?  It’s easy to do, isn’t it?. But a costly mistake. No one else and nothing else could ever fit in into the space meant for that One Person.

No one could ever be a Saviour but Jesus. No one could fill the empty spaces inside my heart as Jesus. No one could guide me through life like Jesus. No one is a better at loving me than Jesus. No one could heal me as Jesus does. No one could ever be the perfect Friend as Jesus. No one would be there for me always, like Jesus.

I would like to think that I can be all things to all people. But it is true to say that I will fail others sometimes. I will often fall short. You see, I am human. I would like to be there for all the people in my life all the time. I could do that some of the time, for some of the people. But never all of the time for all of the people. No! I couldn’t. I would set myself up for failure if I tried. In the same way – no other person on earth could be all things to me either.

And so I’ve learnt over the years to lower my expectations of people and instead place those lofty expectations on God alone. He can take it. He has strong shoulders! If I expect people around me to never disappoint me, I will soon be disillusioned. If I expect them to never make a mistake – I would be in for a surprise! People have the potential to sometimes stuff up. If I expect others in my life to be always available – to be always understanding – to do the right thing every single time – I would be disenchanted soon enough!

With God – it is a different ball game altogether. I have expected all of that and I have never been disappointed. His word says that He is a faithful God. And He is. He has proved it to me. He’s One I can count on. Always. One who neither slumbers nor sleeps. One who protects me. One who leads me out of harms way. One who surrounds me with loving kindness. The One whose death and resurrection paid the price for all of my sin. The One who gave me a brand new start in life. He even gave me a new family. And hope. Life. Joy! Love indescribable!

My shoes? Yes, I have many shoes – some look good – some feel good – some are OK to wear for a little while; some for a longer period. All of them were bought with much thought and care. I appreciate them and wear them at different times. But none can match my comfy 12 year old pair of shoes which were my ‘perfect shoes’.

My family and friends? Yes, I have many in my circle whom I love dearly; they too love me and care for me. They are special. They bring joy to my heart. I love spending time with them. Life has been richer for their presence in my life. But none could ever match my Lord, my Saviour, my King, my Best Friend who’s name is Jesus.

‘My love affair with shoes” was my desperate search for a shoe that I could wear and say ‘Ah! This is it. I found the one.’ But it was very different to my love affair with God. You see, I didn’t have to search for Him. He was always there. Seeking me.

  And He found me!

I sit on my garden swing, breathing in an enchanting spring day. Azure blue skies smile at me. Soft cotton clouds wave gaily as they saunter by. The lush creeper by our back fence is ablaze with delicate yellow flowers; little blobs of sunshine dancing in the wind. A variety of spring flowers seem to have suddenly popped up all over my garden, splashing it with a myriad colours – reds, pinks, whites, purples – what a gorgeous profusion. I gaze around me, deeply content.

Glad mad breezes make the foliage dance vigorously, joyous and playful. The wind tugs at my hair and blows soft breath on my face; a baby’s sweet breath. My shirt sleeves join in the dance as winds make music – melodious sounds like a flute playing clear notes - the song of spring. It’s a day for the outdoors. A day made in heaven. A day to rejoice.

As I sat on my garden swing on that gorgeous spring morning last Tuesday, enjoying happy conversation with my Father God, I couldn’t help but marvel at the difference the winds made. Have you ever wondered what life would be like without the winds that blow? I’ve often realised that the beauty of nature is highlighted by the breezes that dance and play in our world.

Here’s a little exercise to engage in for a couple of moments. Imagine in your mind’s eye, a garden that is still. No breeze. Very quiet. No movement whatsoever. Can you perceive it? Now picture the same garden. But this time with a busy wind racing through it, its trees and foliage dancing madly in the wind. Can you see it? Is it alive?

Which of the two gardens seems more attractive to you? The one that is still or the one that dances? I’ve always loved the feel of soft playful breezes as they tug at me. When I was young, I’d often grab a window seat in a bus– allowing the winds to blow on my face as the bus moved. I loved it. When I was a teenager, I remember telling one of my friends ‘I wonder what it feels like to be a wind’! She looked very surprised! She thought I’d lost a marble or two that day!

I love the feel of cool breezes against my skin on a hot summer’s day. I relish the cold fresh winds of autumn as they play around me. The winds of winter are a little different – a little too cold and quickly cause goose bumps to form on my arms – but yes, I do enjoy even the biting cold winter winds when they arrive.

Breezes make plants move. Breezes seem to add life to greenery. Breezes make my garden come alive. After all – plants are living things and living things should move, right? Thank God for the winds that race around waking up the sleeping branches, bushes and leaves and cause them to move vigorously to its tune. Breezes add life!

Jesus said in John chapter 3:8 ‘The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." What did He mean? Perhaps what He meant is that the Holy Spirit is like the wind in lots of ways. Just like the wind, the Holy Spirit is invisible. Just like the wind, we don’t know the origins of the Holy Spirit. Just like the wind, the Holy Spirit's ways are often unfathomable!

The story of Pentecost is shared with us in the book of Acts. Acts 2:2 says “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.”  It tells us how the gift of the Holy Spirit was then given to the believers. A group of fearful, timid men turned into bold, fearless men who turned the world upside down because the Holy Spirit took residence inside of them.

Just as I’m glad that winds make trees move and dance, I am even more glad that the Holy Spirit resides inside each person who calls himself or herself a follower of Jesus. Isn’t it amazing that God lives inside each of us? That our bodies are temples of the living God?

Fifteen years ago, when my family left Sri Lanka’s shores, God gave me a promise from Deuteronomy 31:8. This is what it said. “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear; do not be discouraged.”  It seemed then that God was telling me that life will bring some hard times. But He also told me not to fear. Why? Because He promised to be with us through it all.

Now – as I look back on the past 15 years, I can joyfully testify to its truth. He has been faithful.Yes, we did have some very tough times. Yes, life has certainly brought us a few surprises. Yes, life has not always been easy. But YES, God’s presence has kept us; led us and been a precious gift to us just as He promised.

How grateful I am to God for His presence in my life!

The Holy Spirit is called by many names. Comforter. Helper. Counsellor. Guide. These are but a few of them. How blessed we are that we are not left alone. Not only does God bring us to new life through Jesus – He also puts His seal into our lives when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell inside of us. He brings comfort. Help. Wise counsel. Guidance.

Without the winds that blow, my garden would not have ‘life’. Without the Holy Spirit, I would be powerless to live life God’s way. All religions teach us excellent morals and good values. The difference in following Jesus is that we have God Himself living within to help us to lives that please Him. He helps us face difficult seasons. He helps us dance in the rain!

Not that I am perfect. Far from it. I am still learning, still growing. But He is with me, helping me each step of the way. He helps me achieve the impossible through His love and His strength. He gives me power to do that which I cannot do on my own. He is present. In fact, His presence is the best gift of all!.

Have you enjoyed the presence of God in your life?

Would you like to share what His presence has meant to you? I'm listening.

Would you like to know how you could find His Presence? I'd be only too glad to share with you.

Last week, I spent two happy days at a gathering of Christian artists of all persuasions called ‘In God’s company’. The purpose of the event was for Christian artists to join together in praising our awesome God; to ‘perform’ and use our talents for God; and to learn more about our craft in an encouraging setting.

It was also hoped that we would form networks to support one another after the event. It was certainly a great way to meet many Christian singers, writers, dancers, musicians, artists, actors and the like. The entire event was free. The food and drinks were free – the workshops were free. We just had to turn up! Amazing! I take my hat off to the beautiful lady who organised it all in obedience to God’s call. It was so good to be able to worship together, eat together and learn together.

I really enjoyed the privilege of composing and singing a worship song at the event. I was also thrilled to liaise with many other artists whom I met for the first time. What I benefitted from most though, was a workshop I attended, where I learnt a lot about how to refine my writer’s craft. It was conducted by a writer who obviously knew everything there was to know about writing “creative non fiction”, which is what I consider to be my special calling as a writer.

He gave us many interesting exercises to try out. I especially enjoyed one where we were asked to spend 5 minutes scribbling about ‘What I can’t Remember”. Does that sound odd? It did sound weird. But no sooner had my pen touched the paper, that I was off – up, up and away into a very interesting five minutes of thought and remembrance and (non remembrance too)!

Here’s what I put down during those 5 little minutes:

I can't Remember

“I can’t remember the day I was born. Was it a sunny day, a windy day or a day when the rain poured down in buckets? Did my six older brothers and sisters crowd around me, wanting to hold me? I can’t remember.

I can’t remember what my first day of school was like except that my friend Prithiva’s Mum stayed around the whole day and mine didn’t. Did I mind? Yes. Did it matter? I can’t remember!

I can’t remember if I have always loved chocolate. Did I? Or didn’t I? I do now and that’s what matters. I can’t remember when I last saw the full moon riding majestically in the sky. Was it last week? Two weeks ago? I can’t remember.

I can’t remember when I started writing stories. Was I eight years old? 9 years? 10 years old? Doesn’t matter. I am 54 years young now and I am still writing.”

Perhaps you should have a go and see where it takes you as you explore this surprisingly interesting exercise – thinking of things you don’t remember! I am told it has great promise as a memory jogger and I can well believe it.

Are there things that God would rather I didn't remember? Hmmm! Here then are few possibles as things to 'not remember'!

1. Did anyone ever hurt me during my lifetime? I can’t Remember!

2. Was I a victim of life’s circumstances? I can’t Remember!

3. Was my name praised and held in high renown by family and friends?  I can’t Remember!

4. Is pain (both emotional and physical) a big part of my life? I can’t Remember.

5. Did a good friend ever let me down? I can’t Remember.

6. Did something dreadful happen to me during the past few years? I can’t Remember.

7. Did I get a pat on my back the other day for doing something noble? I can’t Remember.

God’s given us the wonderful faculty of remembering. It’s a faculty that has blessed me very often. I’m sure you’d say the same. But you know, you and I can choose what we want to remember. If I nurse grievances and cling onto them tightly – I only hurt myself. If I choose to remember the hurts I have accumulated on my life’s journey – I’d be like a silly little pack mule whose back gets heavily laden with too many burdens to carry. I could alternatively choose to remember all the good I have received from God and from life. I’d then feel light and joyful, like a happy young lass wearing a soft cotton summer dress dancing in the park, on a beautiful, warm, sun kissed summer’s day.

If I choose to remember the failures in my life and carry them around, it might be like piling bricks on my head till it hurts like crazy. Instead, I can simply learn from my failures, making those bricks into a beautiful gazebo to sit inside and enjoy. If I choose to carry around any good deeds I do, it might be like a large, ugly, flambouyant medal pinned to my chest. By forgetting them, I could instead put on a lovely soft cloak of humility which becomes me far more.

I can stay stuck in a mud hole as a victim of life’s circumstances. Instead, I could step out boldly onto firm ground, focusing on the many positive things in my life. I do realise of course that remembering the bad is not always detrimental. Remembering my mistakes, my sins and failures can help me feel grateful beyond measure for God’s amazing grace. Remembering the difficult seasons may help me enjoy the good times when they come, far more than if I didn’t. Remembering the faults of others may be a stepping stone to improving myself. So yes, not all remembering of negatives is something to shy away from.

There are many parts of my life which I don’t remember. But I do remember this. God is good. And life with Him is wonderful; one I would not exchange for anything.

So this I will do.  I will confidently walk in his ways in deep gratitude for all I do remember of His love and His grace towards me.

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23: 8