Some weeks ago, I pulled out an old novel from my bookshelf. Mary Stewart is one of my favourite authors. By dint of many visits to several second hand bookshops over the recent past, I have collected most of her books – perhaps not in pristine condition, but who cares? They are books after all. And precious. I love the special blend of adventure, thrill, mystery and romance in her stories.

In spite of it being the second or third time I’d read that particular book, I enjoyed it immensely. It hadn’t lost any of its charm. Before long – I had read five more Mary Stewart novels in quick succession. There was a delicious sense of enjoyment as I went through each one. I finally had to give myself a talking to, so I wouldn’t read all the Mary Stewart books I possessed in one go. I left a few to read later. I went back to looking at the twenty odd other exciting books that were sitting atop my bedside table, waiting to be picked up!

The last Mary Stewart book I delved into was called ‘Touch not the Cat.’ The story contained something rather ‘different’ to the norm. The hero and heroine of the story had the ability to transfer thoughts and thought patterns to each other - a gift that had been passed down from generation to generation. The two were related and were from a family of people who had the ‘gift’ of thought transference. I found the concept fascinating.

The interesting part of this story was that the girl didn’t know who it was who often ‘spoke to her’ this way – although her secret male friend knew who she was. They had communicated in this way for most of her life and she treated it as a natural occurrence. She knew that one day her ‘secret lover’ reveal himself to her. As he certainly did, just as the exciting tale was nearing its nail-biting conclusion. A big surprise it was too as to who this mystery man was – a surprise both to her and to the reader. And then of course came the happy ending, but not quite. They got married.

At the end of the story, the heroine was trapped in a dangerous underground room, at death’s door when her hero (& husband of just 24 hours) found her – just in time to rescue her. His arrival at the nth hour occurred only because of her ability to speak to him through telepathy and to direct him to where she was. No need for mobile phones then! No need for modern communication methods at all, if we can all communicate freely from mind to mind. Doesn’t it sound exciting?

I wondered what it would feel like to talk to someone through my mind. Would it be thrilling and special? Would it add something to my life? On deeper reflection however, I realised that perhaps it would not be as good as I first thought. After all – would I really like it if someone read my mind all the time? Aren’t there some thoughts that I would rather keep to myself? Wouldn’t my space be violated if I couldn’t even think any thoughts without another person (however close he was to me), being aware of them?

As I pondered further – I realised that I do have Someone who can read my mind. Someone who knows every thought I think even before I think it! Someone to whom I can talk to all day (in my mind) and who hears me. A Someone who never slumbers nor sleeps. A Someone who Cares. You and I have Someone exactly like that. A Someone we can summon to our side – if we were trapped, close to death and needed to be rescued, just like the situation the heroine of the story. In fact, He has already done that – He has rescued me from death’s door. (But then…. that’s another story!)

Yes, I am talking about God. About Jesus. About my friendship with Him which is unique and far more special than any friendship with anyone else on the planet. For one thing, He is not “on the planet” in the strictest sense. True, He is here on earth with me. But He is also beyond this world. He is everywhere – in heaven and on earth. He cannot be contained. He is Sovereign. He holds everything together. The Bible calls Him Saviour and Lord. He is my Stronghold and my Deliverer. My Shelter from the Storm. The Shade on my right hand. He is closer to me than I could ever know. He hears my every utterance even before I speak.

I can communicate with Him any time and any where. Communication. Listening. ‘Telepathic thought transference’ if you like between God and His child - that’s what prayer is. But even better. God speaks to me in many ways. Through His Word. Through circumstances. Through other people. But the best way I hear Him speak is through His still small voice within me.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying my walk with Him more than usual. I feel this sense of closeness in an almost tangible way. I find myself smiling inside as I commune with Him – sharing a few jokes that are just between God and myself. I find a special joy in having Him in my life. I find myself saying ‘Thank you’ to Him many times over. I tell Him that I love Him. I am filled with gratitude not just for what He’s done for me, but because He is present in my life all the time. Every day. All year. In every season. And I’m so grateful for the sense of well being His special friendship gives me.

I checked what Wikipedia said on the subject of Telepathy. “Scientific consensus does not view telepathy as a real phenomenon. Many studies seeking to detect, understand, and utilize telepathy have been done, but according to the prevailing view among scientists, telepathy lacks replicable results from well-controlled experiments.”

Science must be right. I would agree that there probably can’t be any thought transference between two persons on earth. I am actually glad about that. However, I do know there is conversation, communication and sweet communion between my Creator and myself in this way. Also between Him and every person who walks and talks with Him.

I was kidding when I called the heading of my blog today ‘I can read your mind’! Don’t you worry - I certainly cannot read your mind, so you can rest easy!

But, I do know Someone who can.

I wonder what He’s said to you lately?

Have you heard from Him?

Have you needed to change your plans lately? It happens, doesn’t it?

Take the other day for instance. I had my morning nicely planned. Or so I thought! I had to leave home at 11.30 on Monday morning to accompany my son for an appointment which was far from home. I was glad I had several hours to myself before I was scheduled to leave. My plan was to leave home after a long, lovely, restful morning with God and his Word. I looked forward to it.

Didn’t quite work out like that. For a start – it had been well past 1.30 a.m. when I went to sleep the previous night. (Tut. Tut. Anusha!) And so, I got up later than planned – a little after 8 a.m. To my delight, I discovered that the tail end of the Olympic Closing Ceremony was being aired on TV. I couldn’t resist watching it while making our breakfasts and lunches. At 9 a.m. I was still wandering around our home in my skimpy nightdress (and yes, it was far too cold for that) – whereas on most days, I’d have donned my clothes as I'd got up. But you see, I didn’t want to leave the kitchen (and the TV) lest the closing ceremony ended while I was dressing.

My time with God? Change of plans 1!

It didn’t happen for several hours. No sooner had the Closing ceremony ended than a friend called asking if I had a certain DVD she needed. I got busy seeing to her request. A phone call to my son; a hunt for the DVD; several phone calls back and forth with my friend; checking of bus time tables – to work out how I could get the DVD to her and a million other things grabbed my attention.

And so it went on. More urgent phone calls. A few necessary emails. I gobbled down a late breaky at 11 a.m. I reached the bus stand, windblown and breathless at 11.30 a.m. And what of my time with God? It didn’t happen at home. My time with God happened on the bus. A lovely long bus ride on the O bahn and a lovely long time with God. Thank you, Father God.

Usually, when Asela and I travel to get to this particular appointment – we manage to work out a lunch stop as we travelled. A cute little park nestles very close to our destination. We’d go to this spot – sit on a wooden bench and enjoy our lunch together with companiable, quiet conversation – while birds sang, the grass grew sweetly under our feet and the trees whispered secrets to each other. It was the perfect place for a stopover. I was looking forward to it that day. But did it happen? No!

As I neared the city, my son called frantically. His morning hadn’t gone as planned either. The result was that he missed his bus. Oh… oh!

Change of plans 2: Our lunch time rendezvous!

I now had more than half an hour to spend in the city before he arrived. So I didn’t get down at my bus halt. Instead, I got off two bus halts later. I walked to a Food Court, pulled out my lunch box and sat on a stool and ate my lunch. Alone.

As I finished my nice warm lunch, my husband called to see how we were faring. I told him the latest development - that Asela had missed his bus.

Change of Plans 3: Method of Getting from A to B.

My thoughtful, generous husband offered to take Asela and me to our appointment. (“Bless his socks off”, as my friend Janet would say!) As I left the food court, I walked to my right instead of to my left as I’d have originally done. (Yep! Another change of plans!) I walked and walked and walked. (‘Ouch’ to my poor aching feet)! I finally reached the car park! It turned out that it was a very good thing that Shan took us by car that day. Asela’s bus came in very late – and by the time Asela arrived, we had missed all three possible buses we could have taken. (Bravo then, to the Gallant Knight to who rode to our rescue!)

After our appointment – Asela and I had planned a little detour to refresh ourselves. I was to catch up with my friend in the City to give her the DVD she asked for. I promised Asela that I’d treat him and my friend to something delectable from "Muffin Break". Asela’s eyes lit up at that, (and my own insides smiled in agreement)!

Change of Plans 4: Muffin Break

Asela’s appointment went on later than planned. And so we missed our bus. We got later than planned. When we finally connected with my friend and gave her the DVD, (thankfully that plan went all right!) – she said she didn’t want to come in for a bite after all. So the three of us didn’t pow wow over a cuppa and cake at Muffin break as I had planned. We said our goodbyes, then Asela and I waltzed into a food court, made our purchases – and ran off to catch our bus. I spooned a few mouthfuls of chocolate mousse cake into my mouth while standing at the bus stop. Mmmm! Delicious. Asela resolutely kept his cheese and spinach roll till after we got home.

A day bursting with changed plans. But guess what? The final destination was reached. We did come home tired but happy at the end of our adventures.

Are you familiar with my story? Life’s plans change all the time don’t they? Sometimes more times in a day than you expect or desire. If you are like me – you wouldn’t want to have your plans changed. I like to have my day ordered. I like to follow routine. I like to have life turn out predictably.

Mental health experts tell us that our mental well being is impacted by our attitude to change. Life is always filled with the unexpected. Don’t you think? How do I go on with the many surprising and sometimes painful changes life brings my way? How in fact do I learn to dance in the rain?

Four years ago, during a fun-filled day we spent at Disneyland, I learnt something special about life. I had discovered that the way to enjoy the rides at Disneyland was simple!

Cling on tight to the handlebars and then to go with the flow!

How much fun it was! Heaps of wholesome enjoyment despite the surprises and shocks a ride sometimes brought my way! I think that making the most of life should follow that same principle. Of course there are times we should NOT go with the flow, I agree. I am not referring to those times. There are certain situations which warrant us to take a firm stand against the flow. Times when we should grapple with life and do what we need to in order to change a changeable situation. But there are other times when fighting against circumstances will not accomplish anything. When it's wise and sensible to accept the inevitable and to go with the flow!

 And so…. as I face changes in my life – changes in my plans – changes in my relationships - changes in every season – I know what I need to do.

Cling on tightly to God, and then go with the flow.

Plan to enjoy all of life, especially the unexpected moments!

Sometimes I am surprised. At other times I am energised. Sometimes my eyes are wide open. Sometimes they are shut tight. Sometimes I am joyful. Sometimes I am cautious. Sometimes I am exhilarated. Sometimes I am wind-blown. Sometimes I am soaked to the skin! Always, I can enjoy the changes while clinging onto a God who is unchangeable and sure.

May you enjoy your rollercoaster ride through life, with a God who never changes. A God who will always hold you close, as you trust wholly in Him!

"Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever!"  Hebrews 13:8

During these past two weeks, the media has shown us many pictures and videos and live telecasts of the Olympics. I loved watching many breathtaking events - running, walking swimming, rowing, gymnastics, basketball, diving….. all of which made my eyes dilate in wonder and surprise and made my heart race just a little bit faster in awe and delight!

A truly momentous two weeks it has been in the lives of the Olympians, for Great Britain and indeed for the whole world. What an enormous amount of time and effort (and money) has been poured into the event from hundreds of countries and by millions of people! What would the athletes take back with them as they return triumphant or dispirited after their successes or their failures? How many lives would have been changed irrevocably by the event?

As I was scrolling rapidly through Facebook the other day (as I am wont to do), I saw a picture of two tired Athletes. They were walking arm in arm. I didn’t read the whole story but I read part of it. I read enough to be warmed from the inside out. Now, as I started writing my blog, I googled it, looking for this particular story. Unfortunately I couldn’t find it. But here’s what I remember of what I’d read.

The girl coming last in this race was about to overtake the one but last competitor who was struggling to make it. But…. she didn’t overtake her! Instead, she did something inconceivable. She walked alongside this competitor, holding her so she too could make it. And they finished it together. What a wonderful story. I was greatly moved. A little like the story about the Downs syndrome children’s race – where when one little girl fell – all the other children else ran back and helped her up. Then they all went arm in arm to the finish line TOGETHER!

The media has us believe that all that matters is winning gold medals. Yes, winning gold medals is something to aspire to. We applaud those who won medals for their respective countries. But that’s not the end all and be all, is it? Just to be selected to take part in the Olympics is something more than admirable. Every single competitor in the Olympics, be they gold medalists or the last in their events are all winners. I am sure you will agree.

We have Olympics for great Athletes. But all of us can’t be great athletes. Some of us, me included are not even good Athletes. I have to admit that although I loved taking part in games while I was growing up, I failed dismally in any kind of competitive sport. When I played netball, I would often drop the ball. When I ran, I often ended up among the last five.

The only time I did well was at home when I played Table Tennis with my family. I did pretty badly when I played with my Dad who was an excellent TT player. I remember the scores being something like 21 – 3 – and guess who got the 3? But I did improve my game, by playing with our TT Maestro. And I didn’t play too bad a game at all (or so I think) with the rest of my family.

As I pondered over the Olympics, I thought about many heroes in the world – many who will not get a gold medal and who will die unnoticed and unrecognised. Have you met any? What are the medals that God would love to adorn on us – each and every one of us if we try? Medals for Kindness and Compassion? Integrity? Perseverance? Discipline? Medals for Loving others? For Standing up against injustice?

Medals for being Long suffering and Patient? For Courage? For Joy? For Walking in God’s ways? For Pleasing God? For Faithfulness? Medals for Goodness? For Doing the best we can? For Honouring God through our lives? For Loving God? For Humility? For Going the extra mile to help someone is in need? For Endurance through chronic illness? Endurance through chronic pain? Endurance through trying circumstances? For being Hard Working? For being a Good enough Parent? For being a Caring Son or Daughter to an aged parent? For being a Good Neighbour? For showing Forgiveness?

The world looks up to those who achieve. All of us may not be able to achieve great things. But we can all live our lives the best we can. I can’t achieve a gold medal in the Olympics. But I can set out to finish the race I am on. To be a woman of integrity. To become the kind of person God is pleased with. To bless others through my life. To stand up for injustice. To show compassion. To be disciplined and hard working. To aim at living a life that glorifies my Creator. To not only do good but also be good in God’s eyes.

To fulfill my calling. To be there for others. To be a good wife and mother. To please God through my life.

The list is endless. I have many wonderful gold medals to aspire to – ones that would count for Eternity. Not ones that I will claim today and see with my eyes. But ones I know God will pin on me if I choose His ways over mine every day for the rest of my life.

The call is from God.

The choice is mine.

The challenge is one I can accept today.

I know many heroes and heroines in my world – those who will receive the Father’s “Well done”. And I thank God for each of them.

May I too run my race with courage and perseverance!

When I venture out of my home, I carry three Keys in my bag. The first, my house key – a key I could not do without. I need to get in and out of the house, don’t I? And no, I don’t want to be locked out when I return home. Yes, I need my house key.

My second key is also important. It’s the key to my car. Having ventured late in life into the world of driving, I am sometimes filled with surprise as I look at this key. ‘Can I really drive a car?” I ask myself. I am still rather diffident about driving. Still very careful to drive with utmost care. But every now and then, (especially when I have an empty road), I really enjoy myself as I drive. At other times I have a sense of it being unreal. Me behind a steering wheel? Really? I think I’ve managed to surprise myself there!

My third key is also essential. It’s the key I use to get into the rooms at my volunteer job at my church. I am very careful with it; more so since my previous key vanished one day while I was at work. Now, I wear it around my neck when I am at CareLink. It’s been the right place for it – not easy to misplace and always at hand.

Yes, I have 3 keys which are very important to me. I would find it hard to live without them. I suppose it’s not impossible to live a life minus my three special keys. But losing them would make me very dependant on others. Whenever I left home or returned home, I’d have to ensure my husband or son was in to let me out or let me in. I’d need to take a bus or to use my legs to get to places. I’d have to ask others who work with me to open and close doors inside my workplace. A nuisance to them and rather problematic for me. Yes, I am very glad I have my three keys!

Those are my tangible keys!

I have three other keys in my life which are a little different to the ones I just mentioned. But they, like my metal keys are also a vital part of my life. Life would be very difficult without them. In actual fact, life as I know it would be impossible for me. Unlike the first three keys I mentioned, I couldn’t ask other people to open those doors for me.

What are these keys, you ask? Let me share with you.

The first of these keys is FAITH! What then is faith? What does it mean to have Faith? Faith for me has been born out of many things. First – it was born of understanding. God shone the light of the glory of the Gospel into my heart. And I was able to decipher (with the help of the Holy Spirit) what this “Good News” meant. I repented of my sin and was born into the family of God.

Now, my ongoing faith means that I am living a life based on the faith that began my journey with God. It means I believe what I read in the Bible. It means that I try to live out this belief, by following God in the best way I can through the help of His Holy Spirit who resides within me. At every season of my life, (be it one that flows beautifully like a gurgling stream or a tough season that feels like I am fighting lions in an African jungle), I grab onto this key and open many doors with it. It works - every time. Yes, I need my key of Faith not just occasionally but every single day. It has sometimes been used to open doors that had been stuck fast and impossible to open. What a gift it has been!

What of the second key? Ah! That key is one called HOPE! What is hope? Can you imagine a life without hope? A life without hope would be hard or even impossible, don’t you think? We all know the well known saying ‘Where there’s life, there is hope!’ Yes, hope keeps us going long after we have wanted to give up.

Some years ago, when I went through a very difficult patch in my life – all I could do was to cling onto God. I held fast onto hope. That hope was not disappointed. Several years later, I can shout out with confidence that God came through for me. He answered my prayers. He kept me sane through it all. He gave me a firmer ground to walk on. How glad I am that I clung onto this key called HOPE because it was worth it. I’m so glad that through His faithfulness my hope was realised. Yes, my key of hope is worth keeping and using time after time after time.

And now for the third key. That would of course be LOVE! The last key, but by no means the least. On the contrary, it is probably the most important key that I need in order to live life well.

Love makes the world go round, they say? Love is what keeps me going.

What is love? I believe that the best love of all is God’s love. A perfect love – an ‘Agape’ love – a selfless giving love, an unconditional love. I don’t believe that I could really understand the meaning of the word ‘love’ if not for the fact that God took the initiative in showing me this amazing love through Jesus.

1 John 3:1 tells us “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” Don’t you love the word ‘lavished’? It gives me a beautiful picture of being surrounded by God’s amazing love. Love that is before me, behind me, on the side of me, inside me and out.

Yes, I have found this incredible love, (as have many others). Love that loves me ‘in spite of’ and not ‘because of’. His love will never let me go. His love gives me the impetus to love others. To see beyond their actions into their hearts. To live out His kingdom by the power of that love. The key of love is one that is indispensable for living life as I know it. I use it every day.

Which key do you need today to unlock life’s door?

Is it faith? Do you need faith that would guide you as you take your first steps into a season of change? A faith that knows that as you trust in God – He will make a way for you?

Or do you need to cling onto hope through a season of difficulty? Do you need hope’s key just to keep going through that dark tunnel you may be stumbling blindly in right now, trying desperately to get to the other side?

Or perhaps it is love you need? A love that will never let you down? A love that carries you? A love that is born in your heart that helps you to respond rather than react to the difficult people around you? A love that bears the winning tag for all eternity?

Today I hold out these keys to you. Faith, Hope and Love! God has given them to me so He could open life for me in amazing ways. I will guard my God given keys; I will use them – I will unlock doors with them to bring life and light and joy into my world.

Wishing you the keys of Faith, Hope and Love! And many new keys, which open doors to God’s truth, God’s ways and God’s joy in your life, today and in the coming days!

I’m so grateful to God for CareLink. I’m thankful for the many happy hours I’ve enjoyed inside its four walls. “What’s CareLink” you ask! CareLink is part of our church – an ‘arm’ of the church if you like, that extends itself to caring for our community. Nine years ago, I saw an advertisement in our church newsletter: “Wanted – a volunteer to work at CareLink”. I felt God’s nudge to put my hand up and to say ‘Here I am’.

And so began my Thursday mornings at CareLink. I loved being there then. I love being there now. Through my time volunteering at CareLink, I’ve been privileged to meet many beautiful people and to share part of their journeys. In affluent Australia, one doesn’t always realise that there are lots of needy, hurting people in a community. But oh! There certainly are! God has blessed me by my interactions with those who come to our doors. Yes, my life has been far richer for the experience.

Six days ago we had a lady walk in. I will call her Esther. Esther was a very likable woman whom I took to immediately. She was a bit weather beaten and had a sad look in her eyes. But Esther held herself with courage. With haltering words, she shared something of her very tough situation. As I listened to her, my heart went out to her.

She’d run away from a bad relationship – sadly, a story we have heard far too many times at CareLink. Esther’s new to South Australia and has no family here. She has an 8 year old son to look after. Esther and her son had been homeless for several months. Now, she’d finally found a house to stay in for a few months till more permanent housing could be found.

What endeared Esther to me was her positive attitude. She wasn’t asking for sympathy. But I realised she was fighting tears, especially as I sympathised with her over her plight. But she also laughed ruefully and said with a smile ‘I think all the good things happened in the first part of my life’! Now isn’t that an amazing way of looking at it? Esther has had operations for 4 tumours and will need to start chemotherapy soon. She didn’t have a shred of self pity as she talked about it.

Esther also had an empty house and nothing to furnish her new home with. My co-workers at CareLink, Dorothy and Debbie, like myself wanted to help Esther as much as possible. And so… we did what we could. We gave her a bag of food; frozen bread, some pies and pasties. We gave her a warm purple jacket which she put on at once, over her own. We gave her a clothing voucher which she could use to buy some clothes for her son.

I offered to pray with her and she agreed, readily enough. Dorothy and I sat on either side of her and prayed for this brave woman and her many needs. I offered her a Bible which she accepted gladly. I also felt prompted to give her a copy of my book ‘Enjoying the Journey.’

After Esther left, I spoke to someone I knew could help her even more. David, one of the members of our church immediately jumped in to work out ‘Operation Esther’. We found furniture to offer her - a desk; a dressing table; a bed; a rectangular table with 4 chairs; linen; crockery. I was very excited. I got on the phone as soon as I could to share the glad tidings with her. I dialled her number eagerly. Her phone rang on. But she did not pick up.

An hour later I tried again. No – she didn’t pick up this time either. I felt a bit frustrated. But of course, I kept trying. I called and I called and I called. Perhaps 5 or 6 times. After I went home that evening, I called her again from my home. No – no response at all. Had she given me a wrong number? Was this was an old phone number? What could I do?

Two days later, I wrote a letter to Esther and told her that we had a list of furniture, crockery and cutlery we could offer her. I told her to let me know if she wanted them. I sent her my home number and my mobile number. Surely – she would call? She had sounded desperate for furniture hadn’t she?

On the following Monday, the day she would have got my letter – there was still no call from Esther. On Tuesday – no call. On Wednesday – no call! I was having a cuppa with a friend at our church café that morning when David passed by and asked me if I’d contacted Esther. I had to tell him that I was still waiting on her. After my chat with my friend, I went to CareLink, and tried her number… just ONE MORE TIME!

Was I wasting my time again? Perhaps I was! As I dialled, I prayed under my breath ‘Please Lord, let her answer…answer Esther… answer Esther… please….’…! The phone rang once, twice, three times, four times….. and then –

‘Hello’!’ said Esther.

Hurray! I was so relieved to hear her voice. Esther told me she’d lost her phone and had only found it the day before I called her. And yes, she did want the furniture. My heart was singing as I went home. It was going to be all right. My persistence had paid off. Another friend had suggested to me that perhaps Esther didn’t want to be contacted. And that perhaps I needed to leave her alone?

But I didn’t leave her alone! You see – I felt strongly in my heart that Esther was a genuine person who needed our help. And I gave her the benefit of the doubt.

When things don’t work out, it’s easy to make wild guesses or surmises, isn’t it? Esther probably was too embarrassed to call me – after ALL those messages I’d left for her. I am so pleased that I’d kept calling her. She told me she was very glad I called again. And I’m delighted that at least this little piece of Esther’s story had a happy ending. David kindly delivered the furniture and other items to her a couple of days ago and Esther was very grateful!

Perseverance! A long word with 12 whole letters. Perseverance is a long term thing. To keep on keeping on, often against the odds. Sometimes giving up seems the sensible thing to do. Sometimes it seems to be wiser course of action. Sometimes perseverance is not ‘cool’! Always perseverance is not easy. But is it worth persevering?

You bet! Ask Esther. I’m sure she’s glad I persevered. I am too! And…. don’t forget – it won’t hurt to do whatever it is you need to do……

  – just one more time!

May your faith (and mine) be a tenacious kind of faith that will never ever give up!

The other day, our son Asela urged us to join him in watching a DVD he had bought - ‘The Truman Show’. I’d never heard of it. I didn’t even like the sound of it! I imagined a TV program containing frivolous chatter; talk that would neither interest me nor hold my attention. So although I agreed to watching it, I did so with reluctance.

How wrong I was! I should have known that Asela always chooses books and films which are exceptionally good. Unusual ones. Interesting ones. As he did in this instance. From the start of the film I was riveted. The Truman show is based around the life and times of a man called Truman Burbank. Truman Burbank’s character was portrayed with grand finesse by Jim Carrey. In this movie, practically every single person is an actor.

All but Truman himself.

Before Truman was born, he’d been chosen to be the star in the show. A special island had been built for him where he would grow up. Even his own parents in the movie were not his true parents. Truman had been a son of a teenage pregnancy – given away at birth. A perfect victim then, for this kind of story. He had no one looking out for him. Millions of TV addicts were entertained as they watched his untrue life being portrayed 24 hours daily on the Truman Show.

The movie goes onto show us how Truman at around age 28 suddenly realises that something is amiss. He doesn’t know what it is. But feels that everyone else is in on some secret which he is not aware of. And he is right of course. Even his best friend can’t help him understand what’s going on, because he too is an actor. I felt sad as I watched it that Truman was being used in this way. There was nothing real in his life. Every memory he had was false because everything was contrived. It was all made into entertainment.

The story made a big impact on me. I wonder if the name ‘Truman’ was chosen deliberately. Truman – as in True Man? He was the only True man in the movie. All the others were actors. It made me think of our lives and how we figure out what truth is and what isn’t.

What is true in your life? What isn’t? How do you find out?

The devil often whispers many lies into our ears.

1. There can’t be a God – or the world would not be in this mess!

2. If God cared, this would not have happened to me.

3. I am not as bad as she is.

4. If I don’t look out for myself no one else will.

5. It’s OK if I sin this once.

6. I could never do it!

7. There’s no point hoping. Nothing good ever happens to me!

8. I am a loser; no doubt about it

9. There’s no one I can trust in the whole wide world

10. It’s silly to hope in a God I can’t even see!

Does any of it sound familiar? All of these lies rob us of life in all its fullness. Here are a few brief answers from the Word of God for what Satan would have us believe.

1. There can’t be a God – or the world would not be in this mess!

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His Hands.”

Psalm 19:1

2. If God cared, surely He would help me?

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him" Psalm 103:11

3. I am not as bad as she is.

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

4. If I don’t look out for myself no one else will.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

5. It’s OK if I sin this once.

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; for without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

6. I could never do it!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13

7. There’s no point hoping. Nothing good ever happens to me!

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”1 Corinthians 2:9

8. I am a loser; no doubt about it

“I have come, that they may have life, and have it to the full”. John 10:10

9. There’s no one I can trust in the whole wide world

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, is faithful”.

1 Corinthians 1:9

10. It’s silly to hope in a God I can’t even see!

“Then Jesus told him ‘Because you have seen me you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Truman was the one True Man in his little world. I know a Man who is True in our big, real world. His name is Jesus. He speaks to me through the Bible. He shows me what life is all about. He leads me in amazing ways. By the guidance of His Holy Spirit, He clears my mind of all the cobwebs of deceit, that lurk there, till I see TRUTH shining in all its splendour.

Till I realise with amazement what life is all about.

Would you like to find truth? Truth, I believe is a Person. His name is Jesus!

Try Him! He will never fail!

PS YES, Truman Burbank’s story had a happy ending. I love happy endings!

PPS And YES, your story and mine will have a good ending – no, a great one; as we yield ourselves to God, living lives that please and honour Him; through the grace, wisdom and strength He provides.

Alex is a little 8 year old boy whom I love dearly. I worry when life is difficult for him. I care when Alex encounters a bad day. When Alex is happy, my heart is full. When Alex is unhappy, a cloud darkens my own horizon. When Alex’s future seems bleak – I try my best to pave the way to a brighter future for him. Alex is one special little 8 year old and I care about him. My friend Debbie told me she finds him a very loveable little boy and that made me so glad.

Who’s little Alex?

Let me share first about Someone who cares for me, exactly the way I care for Alex, but even better. My Heavenly Father! What do I know about Him? I’ve learnt that He is a God who’s far far bigger than I could ever imagine or understand. He is vast. Amazing. Filled with Glory. Majestic.Holy. A God of Love. A God who has chosen to make Himself known to me.

He is the Creator of the Universe. He sustains it by His Word. He is the Beginning and the End; the First and the Last. He is faithful. The One Person I can lean on totally for all of my life. When life is difficult, God looks out for me. When good things happen – He rejoices with me. When bad things happen to me (as they sometimes do), He takes my hand and sees me through. He is the Author of all that’s true, good and beautiful in my life.

God cares for me not because I am worthy of such love. He cares for me simply because He created me and because I’m His child. And in the same way, I care for Alex because I have created him. Yes, I did! But no….. in case you wondered…..Alex is not my son.

“Who’s Alex?” you ask impatiently. Let me tell you. Alex is simply a figment of my imagination. He’s the centre of my latest (and only) children’s novel (to date). A couple of months ago, feeling a distinct nudge by God, I began to write a children’s novel. First, I borrowed many children’s stories from my local library. I guzzled them up. I studied all I could about how to write for children. Yes, I did my homework. Then, I grabbed my writer’s head and went deep into my writer’s heart to dream up a good story.

I spent lots of time thinking; lots of time dreaming; lots of time writing. I had three short weeks to do it. But by the time my novel was due to be handed in, I was done! I’d written about this little boy, Alex. He was very special. But Alex had a few difficulties. My story was about how he surmounted those difficulties. And of course the story had a happy ending. I made sure of that.

By the time I finished writing my story, something curious had occurred. I’d become very attached to my little character. He felt like a real, live person. I cared deeply about him. I’m certain many of my fiction writer friends will nod your wise and experienced heads at that? It’s true! Alex was only a character in a story, but he was very real in my mind. I felt very protective towards him. He was in my heart; in my mind and in my life.

As I thought about Alex, I realised again what God’s love for me is like. I felt tender concern for Alex. I know God’s concern for me exceeds all my expectations – His love is higher, deeper, wider, stronger and bigger than any other love I could ever encounter or even imagine. Alex’s well being was a source of concern for me. My well being is always a source of concern to God.

Alex’s future was important to me. I know my future is on God’s heart. Every time Alex was distressed, I was distressed. When I hurt, I know that God feels and understands my pain. When Alex rejoiced, I rejoiced with him. It’s the same with my heavenly Father who rejoices with me in all my joys! When Alex learnt something about life – I said to him ‘Good on you, Mate’. When I learn the lessons God brings my way – I hear my Father’s ‘Well done’ ringing in my ears like the sound of music; melodious, joyful, glorious!

I wonder if Satan has whispered a few lies into your ears lately, when things didn’t turn out the way you hoped? “How could God do this to me? Why doesn’t He do something? Does God even care?”

I tell you this. Don’t believe those lies! My little character Alex taught me something important. God cares for me; especially during those times I may be tempted to doubt His love. God cares for you in exactly the same way. Alex was my creation. But Alex isn’t truly alive. I am God’s creation! I am a character in God’s story. And I am alive.

And you know something else? Even though Alex went through some rough times in his life, I made sure he would be OK. I made certain that his future was bright as the promises of God! Yes, I directed Alex’s life the way I wanted to. I made Alex’s story have a happy ending.

And just as I wrote a happy finale for Alex’s life – I know with absolute certainty that when I follow God’s ways in my life, He will ensure that my life too has a grand ending.

And yours!

Do you dare believe it?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

I received it from my dear friend Kumu as a gift - a pretty, colourful cloth mobile made of lovely little elephants that were decked in orange, brown and red. I do enjoy mobiles. I do enjoy elephants. And so, that little Elephant mobile was quite the perfect gift!  (Thanks Kumu! However did you know?)

I was eager to hang my new acquisition somewhere I could spot often during my day. I hunted enthusiastically for a hook I could hang it on. There were none visible. Finally, I discovered an interesting spot for it. A small magnetic robot stands on our fridge door. I fixed the picturesque mobile so that it hung down from the robot’s foot. Yes, I liked that.

But then…there was one little problem. The fridge door is of course opened many times a day. And so, the mobile would sometimes get dislodged from the robot. Or the robot and the mobile both would both unceremoniously crash to the floor. I told myself with a sigh that it wasn’t the ideal place for to hang the mobile after all.

A few weeks later, there was a lot of activity in our home, initiated by my beloved. My husband was very busy tapping panels in our home, his head ablaze with ideas, looking for the perfect spot where he could fix a couple of speakers for a new TV sound system. I found him hard at work one day. Lo and behold, he fixed one of the speakers in what he reckoned was the ideal spot – on the ceiling of our kitchen.

But… wait a minute! The spot was right above the place I often stood, as I heated food in the microwave. We both gazed up at his clever handiwork, looking up at the heavy speaker hanging precariously from above. And realised that this was not the ideal spot for a speaker. It could fall down with a mighty bang on my pretty little head! It had been fixed securely. But if by chance it did take a tumble – I would be in the way. Oops!

Shan and I looked at it and then we looked at each another. We started to laugh. And we continued laughing! It was so funny. A disaster waiting to happen. I’d feel very insecure standing under that speaker umpteen times a day with the threat of it falling on my head. No – I didn’t want anything heavy to fall on my head – and neither did he!

The very next day, my clever man found the perfect solution. He fixed the two speakers on the wall on either side of our TV. They looked pretty good - two little black speakers hanging in perfect symmetry, on two sides of a brand new TV, their black a striking contrast to the cream coloured wall. Problem solved. And then…very happily, he solved yet another problem. The little hook he’d fixed on the ceiling for his speaker was now empty. Guess what went on it?

Yes, my colourful cloth elephant mobile. It looked pretty good hanging there!

Even now as I type – I turn my head and look behind me, and see it hanging there. I like what I see. We both like the look of our new mobile in that unusual spot in the kitchen. But when I first began to use the microwave after the mobile was fixed, I’d felt a wee bit strange. Because the mobile was in my face. Well – not quite. But it was in line with my nose. An irritating feeling it was, like having a cobweb touching my face or seeing a dark spot on my nose. You know the feeling?

I decided that I’d probably get used to it. And we could give it a go. I suggested we wait a week before we remove it. I was right. In less than a week, my nose and eyes (and the rest of me) were fine about this hanging contraption in my kitchen. It didn’t bother me a bit. In fact – I enjoyed having it there. Yes, I had got used to it.

As I mused on what had occurred, I realised that there are some things in life which I need to get used to. Which I need to accept. Which I need to allow, even if they are difficult to accept. There are other things in life though that I should not get used to. I should not allow. I should challenge and fight. I should change if I can with God’s help.

“What am I talking about”, you ask? Let me explain.

Some of the things I need to accept are matters like the ever changeable weather, (I don’t think I could change the weather, do you?) a mishap that occurs, an irritating habit of my spouse, a friend’s mistake, ill health when it comes, a prayer that God answers with a loud ‘No’ and many others that are part and parcel of our daily lives. Those things that are not pleasant but which we cannot change by wishful thinking or otherwise.

Some of what I should not get used to are those I can change – or should change. They include these things. My bad attitude to bad news or tough circumstances, the unhealthy food I eat, injustice wherever it happens, abuse - whatever source it comes from, negative traits, harmful habits, an ungrateful heart,  sin of any kind… yes, the list goes on. There are lots of those too aren't there?

Two good questions then for you and me to ponder on today!

What would God want me to be accepting of and to trust Him with this week?

And what does He want me to be uncomfortable with and to work hard to change?

The Serenity prayer encapsulates these thoughts beautifully, doesn’t it?

“Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen”

I sit typing on my little lap top, as the sun sinks low in the western sky and the stars come out one by one. The pretty pink & grey curtains are half drawn across the window. I enjoy myself at one of my favourite occupations.... writing, writing, writing! My husband is a few feet away, relishing a few nibbles and a cold beer as he relaxes over a good novel, stretched out comfortably on a large, pink and grey recliner. We’ve had a lovely day, a day that smacked of family togetherness and holidays, seaside rambles and fresh air, long country drives and small town charm. Yes, it’s been a glorious day, more since God blessed us with unexpectedly good weather.

The three of us disappeared last weekend to the Yorke Peninsular for a little holiday. We returned refreshed and invigorated after 3 beautiful days together which included many blessings. My Blog today will not speak of what we did at the seaside. Perhaps that will come later. I will speak instead of recliners and fine china.

Recliners? Fine China? What does that have to do with a seaside holiday? Exactly!

Six years ago, the three of had spent a weekend at this very same caravan park. We had warm memories of it. What I remembered best was the room my son had occupied. Many of the kids’ rooms in caravan parks contain four bunk beds crammed into an infinitesimal space. This park was different. The room he’d occupied before contained… not four bunk beds, but instead two single beds. The room was light and airy. Asela loved it.

And so, we entered our cabin this time with many a high expectation. The Port Hughes cabins were special. We should know because we’d used them before. And this year, we’d booked an Executive cabin which should be even more comfortable. Right? Wrong!

Our high expectations crashed when we saw the inside of the cabin. It may have been an Executive cabin, but it didn’t look like one. The colour scheme seemed garish – pinks, grays, oranges, blues and greens. Too much colour in too little space. Asela’s room didn’t have the two beds I thought it would. It was very small; crammed with 4 bunk beds. I was disappointed!

But of course – we soon counted our blessings and began to enjoy ourselves. The cabin was clean, comfortable and well equipped. Our unsightly orange & green bedspread was removed and hidden out of sight – doing so immediately made our little bedroom look more warm and cosy. The heater in the cabin worked well, spewing plenty of lovely warm air when the temperatures dropped. The bathroom was spacious and had four special bright lights that gave warmth as we showered. Talk of luxury!

In addition, we discovered four huge, comfortable recliners which were ideal to relax in. I loved pulling the little lever at the bottom of the one I sat on – it made the chair bounce up jauntily as the bottom part of the recliner shot upwards. I so enjoyed putting my feet up and burying myself a good novel as I sipped an orange juice or savoured a few pieces of chocolate. Yes, the recliners were one of the best parts of that executive cabin.

There was something else I especially liked. The chinaware in the cabin delighted my heart. Most cabins we’ve stayed in have sported white crockery. Not this one. These cups and saucers and plates were also white, but also had colourful and attractive pictures of fruits– orange pears, red cherries, blue blueberries, purple grapes. Beautiful! Each time I took a piece of crockery out – I derived much pleasure in just gazing at the pretty pictures on the white background. A treat for the eyes.

And that’s why I talk of Recliners and fine china today – they were the two big “inside joys” I enjoyed on my holiday. The Recliners and Fine China not only gave me hours of pleasure – they also reminded me of two very important facets of life –

a) Caring for myself & b) Finding nourishment in God and His Word.

When I was a new Mum, my big sister Ranmali gave me some sound advice. She asked me to sleep when my baby slept. And to let some of the other work slide. She told me that in order to look after my baby, I needed to look after myself first. I found it was excellent advice – so yes, I did turn a blind eye at times to other things that needed doing around the house – be it the dusting, cleaning, vacuuming or the many other chores that are part and parcel of our lives. Looking after myself and my baby were my top priorities then.

There are times we feel that the world needs looking after. And so we dash around – blessing others – doing good – keeping busy, changing the world…..but forget the all important task of nourishing our spirits and of keeping our walk with the Lord wholesome. We forget to look after ourselves. I often write to my friends who are leading busy lives, ‘Don’t forget to put your feet up’. I discovered that this was the first time I had had the pleasure of literally putting my feet up. The wonderful recliners in our cabin made it the easiest thing to do! And guess what! I loved it!

The fine china we ate and drank on, reminded me how important it is to feed myself. On God and His Word. Over the past few years, I’ve decided to make my time with God my top priority of the day. I am so glad I did. My time with Him has been the anchor in my life. It has brought me understanding and strength, blessing and perspective; a closer walk with Him and untold joy.

Have you had time to use a recliner today? And have you eaten on fine china? Don’t forget – that caring for yourself is the pre-requisite to looking after others. And remember that spending time with God and His Word are things that will bring you eternal blessing.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…..But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1,2,3

A few years ago, I was feeling spiritually starved. I craved more spiritual food than I was receiving at the time. I mentioned it to my ex Pastor Jeff.

“Why don’t you get yourself an iPod?” was his response.

I dismissed it at once. “I don’t like sticking things in my ears’ I said. And it was true. I loved listening to music. But not through headphones or receivers in my ears. I didn’t think it would work. Or would it?

After some thought, I found myself weakening. Perhaps Jeff’s suggestion did make sense. And so I broached the idea to my husband. I was thrilled when two short weeks later, Shan very thoughtfully (and very generously) gifted me with a lovely little mp3 player on our 23^rd wedding anniversary. And yes, believe it or not, it was exactly what was needed in order to feed my starving soul and spirit.

I was soon able to download free Christian audio books to listen to. Sermons too. And many wonderful Christian messages. I was delighted. I started feeling well fed spiritually again; fully content, just like a parched thirst that’s satisfied by an ice cold drink on a warm summer’s day. And there was more.

What once was drudgery turned into joy. I would listen to many challenging and inspiring messages and sermons while cleaning my bathroom, hanging out the washing or scrubbing the floors. What a difference my little mp3 player made to enhance those mundane, boring chores into times that refreshed my spirit! I was hooked. And very grateful. To Jeff for his suggestion, to Shan for his provision and to God who's the source of ALL that's true, good and beautiful in my life.

As for sticking things in my ears – I discovered it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Shan got me a pair of headphones which fitted outside my ears, not inside. I could cope with that. My set of headphones had a light felt covering which made it soft on my ears. You know, like the throwaway felt that comes in an airtight sealed pack when you’re given headphones on an aeroplane? The kind you tear open and fit on, so each passenger has their own fresh and clean surface on headphones used many times over?

A few months ago, I was dismayed when I found one of those little felt pieces was torn beyond repair. I showed it to Shan and asked if we could buy one of them. He shook his head

 “I doubt it!” he said. ‘You’ll probably need to buy a brand new pair of headphones’.

I was shocked! Why spend money (perhaps 50 dollars?) on a whole new pair of headphones when all I needed was a little piece of felt that cost about 10 cents? It didn’t make sense. A few weeks later, I made a trip to Sri Lanka to spend time with my Mum. I enjoyed a glorious God given two weeks - (but you perhaps know all about that – having read it in my previous blog)?

On my way back home, I opened one of my throw-away felt packs to fit on my airplane headphones and watched some TV. Guess what! One of the felt pieces had accidentally fallen into my handbag. Yes, I was blissfully unaware that it had crept inside my bag. You have my word for it!

When I returned home, I found this little black piece of felt nestling inside my bag. And not only that! I tried it on my headphones. And discovered it was the exact size of my own. It fitted. Perfectly. I had received the right cover for my headphones without even trying. At no cost. What an amazing surprise!

Do you know what I think?

I like to think that perhaps it was a gift from God given to me. I do realise I may be quite wrong. Perhaps it was a coincidence. Perhaps it was a happy accident. But you know, it underlined for me, in large bold letters, the fact that I have a God who cares deeply for me.

I can assure you with all my being that in 38 years of experiencing God’s goodness, I have found Him heaping blessings on my head, over and over again – even when I least deserve it. This one was just as if God had come down and handed me a little gift. It wasn’t needed. But it was yet another way He showed me He cared for me.

Has something similar happened to you?

I have known Him as God who delights in His children and a God who delights to bless. I could be cynical and discount all of it. Or I could be thankful and rejoice at every blessing that comes my way. I also realise that when I look out for His blessings, I find them many times a day. I can guarantee it! Sometimes though, I miss what He gives me because I forget to look for it. But practicing a child’s attitude of wonder is what it’s all about!

What about that amazing sunrise you watched yesterday? Or the breathtaking star show that dazzled the evening sky? How about the beautiful smile of a stranger? Or that answered prayer the other day? Was that a coincidence?  Being forgiven, being loved, being set free, being healed… these too are blessings from a loving Father’s Hand.

Yes, I may sometimes get it wrong. But I do often get it right. There’s much I do not know. But there are some things I do.

I know God exists. I know He loves me. I know His blessings are new every morning.

Have you been blessed this week?

I’d love to hear all about it.