Sometimes when Don walks Dusty, our quirky wee cat Indy comes along. Now Indy is short for Indiana Jones, but I'm not sure she quite measures up in the intrepid characteristics. However, she does her best and loves to walk round the back of the woods with Don and Dusty, miaowing most of the way and with her tail flared in fear.
When they get home, she flings herself on the floor, spread eagled on the cold tiles, and regains her composure and strength before heading for a quiet pillow on which to curl up and sleep off the exertion.
I was thinking of Indy when I woke up today, and feel a kindred spirit with her desire to fling herself onto something safe and just breathe for a few minutes til strength returns. The last weeks have required composure and foresight and compassion and faith, while continuing to battle with a painful back, and this morning I threw myself on Jesus much as the cat throws herself on the floor. Just breathing. Hanging on.
Unlike the cold tiles, though, Jesus is warm and full of love and compassion. Held in his arms, his Spirit breathed again into my being, I am just about ready to face all that this day holds. Even if the freeway is a mess and my back is sore. I know my Saviour and I will remain as close to him as I can as I navigate the unknowns of the day ahead.
Thanks be to God.
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Can it be too hot? Really?
I guess the thing is, that when you live in the land of pretty much one season year round, and that season has temps that only vary from say about 25F to 65F, and you grew up in the paradise weather of Southern California, you begin to think that it can never be too hot.
Yes, today may be about 90F, and my face after some mild exertion of a walk resembles the clichéd comparison with a beet or a tomato, but I am loving it. I know that next week I will plunge back into the freshness of spring at barehillock, which will be beautiful and full of blossom and daffodils and tulips and primroses and the fresh scent of clean air ... Oh, hang on, that is sounding pretty fantastic as the fumes of the freeway drift across the back yard here, so I will not finish that sentence with a 'but'.
Two different places. Every place has its great things, and its not so great things. The thing is to enjoy what you have when you have it and not be envious or longing for something else.
The man in front of me at the store this morning was grumbling about the heat. It made me think of the Israelites who, having been saved miraculously from slavery, taken through the Red Sea and fed on quails and manna, then kept complaining about how tired they were of eating quails.
It seems a poor thing of human nature to complain and grumble. We do it about the weather. We do it about our work, our friends, our enemies, our families, our bodies, and so on ad nauseum.
God hated to hear his people moaning. He is such a God of love, who has blessed us all with the gift of life. Everything is a bonus. We don't deserve anything.
Pretty poor show if we can't be grateful. Say thank you. And quit grumbling.
So, I maybe should print this out and pin it on my sleeve, because basically, I'm talking to myself.
God bless you, whatever your circumstances today.
Yes, today may be about 90F, and my face after some mild exertion of a walk resembles the clichéd comparison with a beet or a tomato, but I am loving it. I know that next week I will plunge back into the freshness of spring at barehillock, which will be beautiful and full of blossom and daffodils and tulips and primroses and the fresh scent of clean air ... Oh, hang on, that is sounding pretty fantastic as the fumes of the freeway drift across the back yard here, so I will not finish that sentence with a 'but'.
Two different places. Every place has its great things, and its not so great things. The thing is to enjoy what you have when you have it and not be envious or longing for something else.
The man in front of me at the store this morning was grumbling about the heat. It made me think of the Israelites who, having been saved miraculously from slavery, taken through the Red Sea and fed on quails and manna, then kept complaining about how tired they were of eating quails.
It seems a poor thing of human nature to complain and grumble. We do it about the weather. We do it about our work, our friends, our enemies, our families, our bodies, and so on ad nauseum.
God hated to hear his people moaning. He is such a God of love, who has blessed us all with the gift of life. Everything is a bonus. We don't deserve anything.
Pretty poor show if we can't be grateful. Say thank you. And quit grumbling.
So, I maybe should print this out and pin it on my sleeve, because basically, I'm talking to myself.
God bless you, whatever your circumstances today.
Monday, 7 April 2014
Hummingbirds
He ... Or she ... Was just there, hovering beside a flame orange flower, his long thin beak plunged deep into the nectar of the plant. I can't hear a hum. Why don't they call them hovering birds instead? It would be more accurate.
Or would it? Perhaps the frantic, speedy beating of those tiny wings creates a hum. If I could get a bit closer and the freeway traffic would momentarily halt I might be able to hear it.
You may be able to pick it out in the picture, though it's hard enough to see when I am just a couple of feet away from it. It is silhouetted on the right, etched against the white of the garage.
Oops, sorry. Don't seem able to add a picture on my iPad.
The thing is, it takes a lot of energy and effort for the wee hummingbird to hang suspended in the air, taking sweet sustenance from the flower. But it perseveres, instinctively aware that it's life depends on it.
Why are we humans so proud, that we think we can manage our lives very well, thank you, without any need to hover daily in the presence of God, to be filled with his sweet sustenance and re-energised for the day ahead?
I think when we do find ourselves in the presence of wise people who do, in fact, linger in God's presence regularly, we may be able to hear the soft hum of a heavenly chorus or sniff the lovely fragrance of Jesus.
Have you ever noticed that?
Or would it? Perhaps the frantic, speedy beating of those tiny wings creates a hum. If I could get a bit closer and the freeway traffic would momentarily halt I might be able to hear it.
You may be able to pick it out in the picture, though it's hard enough to see when I am just a couple of feet away from it. It is silhouetted on the right, etched against the white of the garage.
Oops, sorry. Don't seem able to add a picture on my iPad.
The thing is, it takes a lot of energy and effort for the wee hummingbird to hang suspended in the air, taking sweet sustenance from the flower. But it perseveres, instinctively aware that it's life depends on it.
Why are we humans so proud, that we think we can manage our lives very well, thank you, without any need to hover daily in the presence of God, to be filled with his sweet sustenance and re-energised for the day ahead?
I think when we do find ourselves in the presence of wise people who do, in fact, linger in God's presence regularly, we may be able to hear the soft hum of a heavenly chorus or sniff the lovely fragrance of Jesus.
Have you ever noticed that?
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Urgent?
It's so important to know our goals and where we are going, today and tomorrow. Otherwise the screeching interruptions which assail our ears so often these days distract us and can cause us to veer off in another direction. It might be a direction for which we are not fitted and are certainly not gifted. Not only can we find ourselves scrambling around doing something we aren't very good at, but we also miss doing that in which we are gifted and for what we were destined.
Critical to spend regular time with God, growing accustomed to his voice, becoming adept at scrambling to obey him. An effective life is a proactive life, not a reactive one.
How's your life going today? Been running the race well, focused on Jesus, or sitting in a lay-by wondering what you are doing?
Critical to spend regular time with God, growing accustomed to his voice, becoming adept at scrambling to obey him. An effective life is a proactive life, not a reactive one.
How's your life going today? Been running the race well, focused on Jesus, or sitting in a lay-by wondering what you are doing?
Friday, 4 April 2014
Nothing is Impossible
The daily blessings fall like rose petals from the heavens, but so often we are moving so fast we crush the petals underfoot, oblivious to the fragrance that rises up to meet us.
God is good...all the time. He goes before us and even when the way looks dark and uncertain, full of potholes and bends, when you take one step at a time with him, there is nothing to fear.
I was apprehensive about navigating the freeways which are probably more clogged than mom's carotids were. I had some misgivings about finding the correct parking lot at this vast hospital which has about a dozen buildings and seven parking lots. Mostly my concerns were for Mom. How would she, at nearly 90, hold up under a general anaesthetic and a two hour operation. I felt kind of alone, and yet comforted in the peace of Christ, wrapped in the prayers of so many.
Mhairi was there with me most of the time. Two cousins, one from each side of my family, were there, encouraging, chatting, passing the long hours. Mom came out of the surgery just fine. Bruised and battered, tired and sore, but here she is 24 hours later, back home, up and about a bit, with a good prognosis.
One day Mom, like all of us, will be called home to Jesus. But not yet. He must have more jobs for her to do.
Nothing is impossible for God. Praise Him.
Now I will go finish cooking that chicken soup.
God is good...all the time. He goes before us and even when the way looks dark and uncertain, full of potholes and bends, when you take one step at a time with him, there is nothing to fear.
I was apprehensive about navigating the freeways which are probably more clogged than mom's carotids were. I had some misgivings about finding the correct parking lot at this vast hospital which has about a dozen buildings and seven parking lots. Mostly my concerns were for Mom. How would she, at nearly 90, hold up under a general anaesthetic and a two hour operation. I felt kind of alone, and yet comforted in the peace of Christ, wrapped in the prayers of so many.
Mhairi was there with me most of the time. Two cousins, one from each side of my family, were there, encouraging, chatting, passing the long hours. Mom came out of the surgery just fine. Bruised and battered, tired and sore, but here she is 24 hours later, back home, up and about a bit, with a good prognosis.
One day Mom, like all of us, will be called home to Jesus. But not yet. He must have more jobs for her to do.
Nothing is impossible for God. Praise Him.
Now I will go finish cooking that chicken soup.
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Can't find your car? No problem!
Funny how things coalesce sometimes to hammer home a message.
Reading a very good book by Bob Ekblad on reading the Bible with those on the margins of society. His refreshing take on the story of the Fall, and of Cain, have opened my eyes to the way that we see God in our own image, or at least in the image we imagine him to be. We think he is mad at Adam, Eve, and Cain, when in fact his tone is full of compassion and love. He invites honesty, makes provision and protection, though his beloved children must bear the consequences of their acts of rebellious independence.
Then I was reading the story of Elijah. What are you doing here? I have always read that question in my own tone of voice, the tone I would use if I discovered one of my children in a place they shouldn't be. But suddenly this morning I heard probably what is nearer to the authentic voice of God. A voice full of care and love, coming from the God who was there to prepare food and provide a helpmate for Elijah.
Ours is a God of love. But ever since Eve listened to the snide and lying words of the snake in the garden, we have feared a God of judgment and harshness, who is not slow to punish.
Jesus came to save the whole world. For God so loved the world, he gave his only and much loved son so that whoever believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life.
Should not perish. Whoever believes.
Mom and I parked her car in one of the many hospital car park buildings. All the appointments went well, but then although we had noted the section in which we parked, we could not find the car. In a slight panic I approached the kiosk, and in a jiffy we were whisked into a big 4x4 and driven right to where it was. We were running around (well, bear in mind Mom is nearly 90, still moving well but probably not running in the strict sense) searching for our car while all the time a dedicated staff member was ready to take us right to it.
How often do we run around in life trying to do things under our own steam, while Jesus waits patiently in his heavenly 4x4, waiting to be asked for help.
If you take anything from this pot luck of thoughts, it should be that God is there ready and waiting for you to call out and ask for help. Don't be shy. Today is the day.
Reading a very good book by Bob Ekblad on reading the Bible with those on the margins of society. His refreshing take on the story of the Fall, and of Cain, have opened my eyes to the way that we see God in our own image, or at least in the image we imagine him to be. We think he is mad at Adam, Eve, and Cain, when in fact his tone is full of compassion and love. He invites honesty, makes provision and protection, though his beloved children must bear the consequences of their acts of rebellious independence.
Then I was reading the story of Elijah. What are you doing here? I have always read that question in my own tone of voice, the tone I would use if I discovered one of my children in a place they shouldn't be. But suddenly this morning I heard probably what is nearer to the authentic voice of God. A voice full of care and love, coming from the God who was there to prepare food and provide a helpmate for Elijah.
Ours is a God of love. But ever since Eve listened to the snide and lying words of the snake in the garden, we have feared a God of judgment and harshness, who is not slow to punish.
Jesus came to save the whole world. For God so loved the world, he gave his only and much loved son so that whoever believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life.
Should not perish. Whoever believes.
Mom and I parked her car in one of the many hospital car park buildings. All the appointments went well, but then although we had noted the section in which we parked, we could not find the car. In a slight panic I approached the kiosk, and in a jiffy we were whisked into a big 4x4 and driven right to where it was. We were running around (well, bear in mind Mom is nearly 90, still moving well but probably not running in the strict sense) searching for our car while all the time a dedicated staff member was ready to take us right to it.
How often do we run around in life trying to do things under our own steam, while Jesus waits patiently in his heavenly 4x4, waiting to be asked for help.
If you take anything from this pot luck of thoughts, it should be that God is there ready and waiting for you to call out and ask for help. Don't be shy. Today is the day.
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
What are you doing here?
My back woke me up about 4 am, which turned into a blessing as I spent an hour praising and thanking God.
Not, I have to admit, for the sore back. But looking at the big picture, for the myriad blessings he pours into my life day by day. His ways are not our ways, and yet I have to proclaim that his timing is perfect. It isn't ever quite what I might choose, but with hindsight, I can see his hand in so many of the big traumatic moments in my life.
I also have to admit that I didn't find that hour easy. I kept veering off, imagining various scenarios. What if I can't change my return ticket? What if this; what if that? Eventually, after reining my thoughts back into line numerous times and finally enjoying that space where you can just be, like a weaned child, peaceful in God's presence, I fell asleep for another hour.
My Bible reading when I next awoke was about Elijah running away, and God's gentle nursing him back to health but also asking him twice what he was doing hiding in a cave. What are you doing here?
After listening to Elijah's excuses, God gave him a friend to be a co- worker alongside of him.
I guess I kind of felt a bit beleaguered too. Not like Elijah. Nobody is trying to kill me. But just with trying to understand a system and be kind but firm and wise, trusting God to help me make good decisions. And God provided friends alongside of me, praying me into the peace of Christ.
James wrote a letter and said whenever we don't feel wise, we are to ask God for wisdom and then trust that he has given it, and go ahead and make decisions with confidence. That is where I am at now. Despite a frustrating day filled with hours hanging on hold on the end of a phone, I did accomplish those things I needed to do. I did make decisions. I am moving forward in faith, so so grateful for the prayers of many. I can feel the prayers, and I am experiencing the peace.
The peace of Christ.
So, when God asks me what I am doing here when I awaken tomorrow morning, I will be bold in saying, I am listening to You, doing my best, and trusting You to make up the shortfall.
Thanks be to God.
Thank you, Lord.
Not, I have to admit, for the sore back. But looking at the big picture, for the myriad blessings he pours into my life day by day. His ways are not our ways, and yet I have to proclaim that his timing is perfect. It isn't ever quite what I might choose, but with hindsight, I can see his hand in so many of the big traumatic moments in my life.
I also have to admit that I didn't find that hour easy. I kept veering off, imagining various scenarios. What if I can't change my return ticket? What if this; what if that? Eventually, after reining my thoughts back into line numerous times and finally enjoying that space where you can just be, like a weaned child, peaceful in God's presence, I fell asleep for another hour.
My Bible reading when I next awoke was about Elijah running away, and God's gentle nursing him back to health but also asking him twice what he was doing hiding in a cave. What are you doing here?
After listening to Elijah's excuses, God gave him a friend to be a co- worker alongside of him.
I guess I kind of felt a bit beleaguered too. Not like Elijah. Nobody is trying to kill me. But just with trying to understand a system and be kind but firm and wise, trusting God to help me make good decisions. And God provided friends alongside of me, praying me into the peace of Christ.
James wrote a letter and said whenever we don't feel wise, we are to ask God for wisdom and then trust that he has given it, and go ahead and make decisions with confidence. That is where I am at now. Despite a frustrating day filled with hours hanging on hold on the end of a phone, I did accomplish those things I needed to do. I did make decisions. I am moving forward in faith, so so grateful for the prayers of many. I can feel the prayers, and I am experiencing the peace.
The peace of Christ.
So, when God asks me what I am doing here when I awaken tomorrow morning, I will be bold in saying, I am listening to You, doing my best, and trusting You to make up the shortfall.
Thanks be to God.
Thank you, Lord.
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