Distilled

Be still, move on...

2012-01-08T13:55:00.006Z

"As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD.
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground." Exodus 14:10, 13-16

Moses demonstrated godly leadership both of himself and the people around him as Egypt's army overtakes them at the Red Sea. In their anxiety, the multitude of Israelites distort the past and refuse to move forward. They prefer the miserable past to an unknown future with God.
Moses courageously stands alone and calls them to "be still" and to "move on." He picks up his staff and takes deliberate steps to move ahead. By remembering the Lord (being still), Moses courageously does what is best despite other people's lack of support (moving on). He models the delicate balance of "being still" while at the same time "moving on." In doing so, he transforms not only his own life, but the life of all those around him.

Everyone who draws breath "takes the lead" many times a day. We lead with actions that range from a smile to a frown; with words that range from blessing to curse; with decisions that range from faithful to fearful... When i resist thinking of myself as a leader, it is neither because of modesty nor a clear-eyed look at the reality of my life... I am responsible for my impact on the world whether i acknowledge it or not.
So what does it take to qualify as a leader? Being human and being here. As long as i am here, doing whatever i am doing, i am leading, for better or for worse. And, if i may say so, so are you.
-Parker Palmer

'Daily Office Remembering God's Presence Throughout The Day' Peter Scazzero

Forward...

2012-01-02T20:59:00.004Z

'Forward. Moving forward.' These are the words i heard whispered into my heart as i was dropping off to sleep on new years eve. I hadn't been thinking about words or direction for the year ahead, that time for me had been carved out for this first week in January. But as i lay there i knew as clear as anything that this is what God was saying to me for 2012, that it will be a year of forward, of moving forward. I'm going to pray this week, and seek God. I'm going to continue to journey, but before i go any further this year i mark this journey with these words, so that i will remember and not forget. I move forward with Him.

Something out of nothing...

2011-12-21T11:34:00.003Z

"In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, "All it needs is light!" Likewise, in the beginning of our spiritual lives, we also are "formless and void" and God, just as confidently, is still saying, "All they need is a little light!" Remember: it's the Lord's responsibility to create and our
responsibility to submit to His creating.

The Lord only needs three things to fashion life. First, He needs a "nothing." The Almighty always begins His great, creative works with a "nothing" (this is very important because this is where we come in!). Then, His Spirit needs to be hovering over the "nothing." And, finally, He needs His Word, which is the "something" He's going to put in the "nothing's" place."

Francis Frangipane

Grandma...

2011-12-02T13:49:00.008Z

Last Thursday evening i received a message from my aunt telling me that my Grandma's health had deteriorated, on Friday i woke to a message saying that she had died peacefully during the night. On Friday evening i booked my flight so that i could be there for the funeral, to be present among family, to remember and to grieve our own losses together.

I did not know my Grandma well, geographical distance separated us, as did the complexities of life and family situations. But she was still my Grandma, part of the heritage my life has been blessed with. My Grandma served God alongside our Grandad for many years in faithful missionary service. She was an active woman, always preferring to be a participant rather than an observer. I remember many times she joined in with an activity, running around and being involved, even in her old age. I remember she had spirit, she liked to be a part of everything. I remember visiting her home and of a living room filled with many many photographs of family and grandchildren, grandparents who prayed faithfully for us all, this a blessing.

Over the past years my Grandma had become increasingly frail in body and mind, she is now free again. We buried her with my Grandad, on whose tombstone following his name and dates it simply reads 'Missionary to Japan.' This is a blessed heritage of Grandparents who loved and served God but i felt sad that there was no reference to family, that their life was summed up simply by their service, for there were chasms in relationships. I felt sad that my own parents were too far away to be there, that this cycle is seemingly being perpetuated through another generation. It was a comfort to be among family, some of who simply know and understand, because they have felt the same and have been journeying their own ways through. It was good for many of us to be together in that time as opportunities for togetherness are often few and far between. It was good to talk and share heart, to be known and understood, to be accepted and loved, simply for being me, dirt and grace and all.

I thank God for His faithfulness to me, to my family, to my Grandma. He has been so gracious and merciful, so full of compassion and love. He makes no mistake, His plans are perfect - i am blessed!

Pass through...

2011-10-06T18:05:00.007Z

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca [weeping],
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools [blessings].
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion."
Psalm 84:5-7

They pass through, and they make it...

This passage is one i have been holding onto as i have been journeying in this place. My place of intimacy is my place of strength. My pilgrimage must be to the place of His Presence, to the place of His heart. As it says, "How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God" (Psalm 84:1-2).

Although i would not say that this place has been a valley of weeping, it has been a place of restriction and limitation, of trouble, frustration, struggle, and wrestling. But what i love about this passage is that they pass through, it is not a place for settling. And it is not a place simply to be endured, but one to make into a place of flourishing, a place that will bring refreshing, a place in which blessings will be found.

I will not settle here, it is not my place to dwell, but to pass through. And so it is that although this may be a journey through a valley, all is well and all will be well, and these are indeed good days!

My future arises out of my present...

2011-09-30T08:54:00.000Z

They say that this is a condition from which you don't recover, in which the best you can hope for is a life of remission followed by relapse.

I say NO!

I believe that there will be a better day to come, that in a day to come i will look back and say that this was something i walked through but is now no more. I see sparkling waters, the clear breath of spring air. In a day to come i will run again, run free. And although i have not run for over 2 years now, and while it may not be tomorrow, or next month, i will run again!

In January i heard God saying "good days lie ahead." Recently a friend spoke these words that i had shared with her back to me, that good days lie ahead. And she is right. Good days do lie ahead. But the truth is that these also are the good days. God is in them, He is in me, He is with me and He is working through them. There have been precious times amidst the hard. He is doing somehing in me through these days that without these particular challanges, without the need for a faith tested, i would not have known, would not have grown.

"Do not wait for circumstances to improve before you think about your future. Your future arises out of your present responses." Graham Cooke

This is a principle that has been in my heart, that i've been seeking to live purposefully by in this season. As God reminded me at the start of the year, the wise woman builds her house, it's the little decisions that are made in the day to day of life, the perspective we choose, the habits we form, the words we use, the truth we hold fast to. As Graham says, our present responses, to our current circumstances will ultimately make us who we are. In the happenings of our present, the future is being formed. It will not always be like this but i choose to live in the moment while looking to the future He has for me.

"Being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

All is well, and all will be well...

2011-09-21T21:13:00.007Z

And so it was that after many long months of praying, of pressing through, of hanging on, of looking for the break, of waiting, of just getting on with it, that i found myself sitting across from the specialist consultant, discussing my physical health. I had done all i knew to do, but things were getting worse. As things worsened, so the investigations began in earnest.

But this is the word i had, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). And i know it's the enemy that wants to steal from me, to restrict, confine and destroy me, but Jesus came to give me life, a full and abundant life. I wasn't seeing it but i knew that what i had was not my portion. My portion is life and joy, hope and future, peace and Presence. I look to Jesus for He is the healer and restorer of my life.

I stand on His word and Psalm 103:1-5 says,
"Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

And i remember that He was making a way, even before i knew the path i was treading. I heard Him, i heard the specifics and i stepped out to reduce my hours at work, not knowing the journey ahead. And now i see a little more clearly, He was making the way for me and i am filled with awe and confidence and i know that all is well and all will be well (even when physically it is not). As i sat with the consultant, i was diagnosed and prognosed, and after i had left the room i sat in my car, i bowed my head and my heart towards God and was reminded that i don't need to accept all that was spoken over me in that time, i can stand on the word of truth that will save me.

Because the truth is that He has forgiven all my sins, He has healed all my diseases, He has redeemed my life from the pit and crowned me with love and compassion and He has satisfied my desires with good things... my journey right now is walking my way into what He has done, and while it may be taking longer than i would like, the journey is good. The fact that it has also been a difficult road does not take away from the the fact that it is good.

John 10 talks about the sheep, they know His voice and i find my heart kept in that place of intimacy. I see that when times are hard and we are trudging through the valley or walking in a dark place, that is when we really learn what is in our hearts, where our faith is, who our trust is in, where we are growing in Him, and where we are not. These things are seen most clearly in the hard places, and if we will humbly come to Him to learn of Him, we will become like the one we behold in it. Our roots can grow deep, we can find strength, we can be "transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion."
Psalm 84:5-7

By the grace of God i will pass through and go from strength to strength for "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalm 73:26.

Never once...

2011-09-04T13:28:00.004Z

This is forever my beautiful story... You are faithful, God You are faithful! But with joy our hearts can say, never once did we ever walk alone, never once did You leave us on our own... You are faithful, God you are faithful! I love You, Yours always.

Beautiful people...

2011-08-20T10:49:00.000Z

Wait...

2011-08-15T18:42:00.004Z

Your steps... are ordered by the Lord...

Psalm 37:23

What should you do when doors you thought God had opened suddenly slam shut? You're thinking, 'Lord, I did all the right things. Why is this happening?' Be at peace, God is still directing your steps. When your hopes seem crushed and your plans have altered, rely on His superior wisdom and unfailing love. God has already planned your life from beginning to end, so trust Him to work things out for your good (Isaiah 46:10-11). If you give it a little more time, your pain will turn to praise as you realise that He just closed a lesser door to open a greater one. Timing is so important! As you begin to understand God's timing you'll be better able to cooperate with Him. When you don't know, learn to wait with confidence on the One who does. The problem most of us have is that we attempt to take the lead role in our relationship with God and it doesn't work. God has that role, and He won't give it to us! He gives instructions and we're supposed to follow, even when we don't like or understand the way He takes us. 'Why does it take God so long to do things?' you ask. Because unanswered questions create trust. When you don't know, you have to trust the One who does, and that keeps you growing in faith. God has a definite plan and time, and while He's getting you ready He keeps you in His waiting room. If that's where you are today, remember, it's only as you reach new levels of maturity that God releases new levels of blessing into your life.

The Word for Today by Bob Gass

Waiting here for You...

2011-07-18T19:20:00.003Z

Part of the plan...

2011-06-29T21:13:00.003Z

"Waiting on God isn't about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It's part of the meaning and purpose that God has brought into my life. Waiting on God isn't to be viewed as an obstruction in the way of the plan. Waiting is an essential part of the plan. For the child of God, waiting isn't simply about what I'll receive at the end of my wait. No, waiting is much more purposeful, efficient, and practical than that. Waiting is fundamentally about what I'll become as I wait. God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what He's promised. Through the wait He's changing me. By means of the wait He's altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires. Through the wait He's causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom. And all of this sharpens me, enabling me to be a more useful tool in His redemptive hands."

Paul Tripp

God in thick darkness...

2011-06-19T08:33:00.002Z

"The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was." Exodus 20:21

Whenever i think of God's presence, i think of light, and life, and beauty. I don't think of darkness. After all, the Bible says "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5. The truth is, i also know that God is in those dark places, "because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. When times are hard and dark, i know God is there but i don't look for them, i don't want them, i fight against them. However i recently read this verse in Exodus 20:21 which spoke right to my heart. There are times when instead of trying to avoid and run away, we need to approach the thick darkness because God is there and whenever we encounter Him, it will transform our lives. I realise i am often like the people who remained at a distance, but Moses had the courage to walk straight into the darkness and as a result he met God in a powerful way that marked his future and the future of a nation. As i have lived this word over the past week, being where God is in this place has been changing me. There is always something sweet that will come from out of the darkness if we will meet Him in it.

Journeyings...

2011-05-15T14:35:00.004Z

"As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things." Ecclesiastes 11:5

This morning i was speaking with someone i haven't seen for awhile, we were talking about our journeyings with God, what He's been doing in our lives. On the 1st August 2010 my life changed direction as i stepped out in faith in response to what i had heard God saying to me. I had been carrying God things in my heart, some for years, and wondered about how this journey, this new season was going to unfold. It hasn't unfolded as i may have thought or expected!

It was as though God took me aside, just because He wanted me, He just wanted my love, my joy and delight in Him, my intimacy. It has been so sweet. If my life is just about bringing pleasure to His heart then i know that that would be enough. The thing is, we are called not only to abide in Him but out of that abiding to bear much fruit, fruit for His glory. I am sensing again a time of change that is coming, and i want to be ready to obey, ready to do whatever He says.

I will veil myself in You...

2011-05-04T19:21:00.003Z

Doing your thing 2...

2011-04-21T10:46:00.006Z

Doing your thing, this is what life is about... one step at a time, building brick on brick. The wise woman builds her house and keeps on building it. It's the little decisions that are made in the day to day of life, the good times and the hard, that make us what we are becoming. It's about being faithful, about saying yes, yes to Him. To keep stepping out, living by faith, moving forward. Walking in His Presence, just walking with Him, loving Him, learning Him, His heart, His thoughts, His words, His love, His ways...

The season of life we are living today is not just about now, it's about the seasons to come. The decisions and choices we make today, acting justly, loving mercy, walking humbly with my God (Micah 6:8), living with a pure and clean heart, as simple as just saying yes to Him, keeping in step with His Spirit, cultivating the oil of His Presence...

When we're doing our thing, we are really doing His thing if we are living life totally surrendered to Him. Whatever we do, it is all for His glory.

Doing your thing...

2011-04-21T09:21:00.009Z

My sister sent me this card, it touched my heart.

Life is hard sometimes -
crazy, mixed up, messed up.

And there you are, in the middle of it all,
just doing your thing...

Being strong and brave and
beautiful
like it's no big deal.

But let me tell you girl,
it is.
Not everyone can do what you do.

Not everyone can handle things the way you can.
While you wonder sometimes if you're doing ok...

The rest of us are just watching in
wonder.

"Be strong and let your heart take courage,
all you who hope in the Lord."

Psalm 34:24

Be lifted high...

2011-03-03T23:52:00.004Z

An oak of righteousness...

2011-02-01T13:27:00.003Z

"They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor...

...I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness..."

Isaiah 61:3

Words that make me smile...

2011-01-07T14:30:00.001Z

As i have been thinking about words, it has caused me to reflect again on three words that God has spoken over me and about me at different times and in different way. Chosen. Joy. Fruitful. They come from the heart of God and these words make me smile.

"Good days lie ahead..."

The journey of 2011...

2011-01-06T12:18:00.004Z

I have three words which God has put on my heart for 2011. Holiness. Discipline. Intimacy. It has been good to make time and space this past week to just be and listen and reflect on what God's been saying, to pray and read, and to see some of where we're going on the journey this year.

I believe God is wanting more of me this year. "The wise woman builds her house," and i know that this is going to be a year where i build my house. I believe God is wanting holiness to rise up. The waters that flow from my life need to be clean, and pure, and righteous, and holy. No compromise. God wants to build a greater discipline into my life and the way i live life. Some specific things He has put on my heart have gone into my journal and i have planned them into my life, into my diary. I believe that as i bring in the disciplines God has spoken to me, the house will be built and there will be much good fruit. (Some things are for right now, others will be added later in the year as disciplines are established). I love the intimacy i have with God but i long for the deeper intimacy He wants to bring between us.

"Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.
Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God."
Psalm 43:3-4

"Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers righteousness on you."
Hosea 10:12

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-31T20:10:00.017Z

251. A gracious, gentle and quiet spirit.

252. There are different seasons in life.

253. "You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace." Isaiah 55:12

254. Being paid to see the new year in, i am working for possibly about the 8th year in a row.

255. Goodness.

256. Bearing fruit that will last.

257. I am joy and i'm becoming more joy than ever before, growing into my name, my real identity.

258. These are good days.

259. Choosing joy, gratitude and encouragement.

260. "You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life." Psalm 23:5-6

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-30T17:22:00.016Z

241. "Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers righteousness on you." Hosea 10:12

242. "There is no substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true." Charles Dickens

243. A rich heritage, not without pain, but perhaps that's what makes it so rich.

244. Grace which enables the tape to change.

245. Wings to fly, the making of a new legacy of life.

246. "A hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

247. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9

248. Learning together, journeying together.

249. Finding balance.

250. "Spiritual strength comes through feeding on God's Word."

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-29T12:27:00.010Z

231. A quiet heart, at peace.

232. "But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the LORD i cry aloud,and he answers me from his holy hill." Psalm 3:3-4

233. Receiving flowers.

234. A back massage.

235. Sisters.

236. Looking forward to running again next year.

237. A mortgage slowly and steadily being paid off.

238. A memory foam mattress, and the pain in a hip that has eased.

239. You delight my heart.

240. "Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm." Song of Songs 8:6

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-28T11:28:00.018Z

221. Long car drives, good thinking time.

222. Bulbs tucked deep in the soil, waiting for spring, a birthday gift from a friend in the autumn.

223. Warm sun on a cold winters day.

224. Takeaway food!

225. Listening to inspired teaching.

226. Thoughtfulness, some people are just so thoughtful.

227. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

228. Intimacy.

229. Talking through, taking time, sharing wisdom and experience of different ways of dealing with a difficult situation a junior colleague was worried about handling on her shift.

230. We live from a place of victory.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-27T16:30:00.013Z

211. Baby cuddles.

212. Hearing about exciting plans ahead for my brother and his little family.

213. Good food that my sister made.

214. "Amazing things start small."

215. Dreaming God dreams.

216. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

217. "You are in my heart and in my prayers."

218. Building on the Rock, a firm and secure foundation.

219. Having a quiet place to rest and sleep while away.

220. Just being together.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-26T09:29:00.007Z

201. "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Ephesians 1:4

202. The gift of life.

203. Acceptance.

204. “I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
I will build you up again
and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.
Again you will take up your tambourines
and go out to dance with the joyful." Jeremiah 31:3-4

205. Beautiful photographs.

206. Relaxing whilst watching a film.

207. Curling up with a good book.

208. "The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

209. You have transformed my life.

210. "Show me You glory..."

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-25T13:40:00.001Z

191. A season of peace, and joy, and celebration.

192. A Christmas lunch of sushi!

193. Driving a couple of hours to spend the evening with my brother and his wife, my sister and her family.

194. Anticipating family times and fun just being together in the next few days ahead.

195. "Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Psalm 103:1-5

196. He really does satisfy my desires with good things.

197. What can i bring to the King? I bring You my heart...

198. Christmas day nibbles.

199. Laughter, making memories, remembering...

200. I am never alone for You are always with me.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-24T12:24:00.020Z

171. A cute red Christmas skirt.

172. Making the choice to rejoice even when things are difficult on the heart and aren't quite what they should be.

173. Knowing that i'm living what i've been called and equipped to do in this season. Knowing i'm an excellent nurse and do a good job.

174. A holy experience.

175. Your plans are good...

176. I am Yours and You are mine.

177. Smoked salmon.

178. Other peoples successes and joys.

179. "And the Christians joy is simply his gladness in knowing Christ, and in his possession of such a God and Saviour." Hannah Whittle Smith

180. "Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy in his dwelling place." 1 Chronicles 16:27

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-23T08:25:00.012Z

181. Homemade soup, shared with friends.

182. Reply to all e-mails with a group of women sharing what God's been saying, sharing thoughts, encouragement, wisdom. Growing together, even when we can't meet together often.

183. Hearing His heart.

184. It's a beautiful day...

185. "The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights." Habbakkuk 3:16

186. Guard your heart.

187. "Taste and see that the LORD is good." Psalm 34:8

188. The gift of work, the blessing of rest. Finding rhythms in life and enjoying them.

189. Joy!

190. Loving the Psalms this season.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-22T10:23:00.014Z

161. A manager i can talk to about anything i need to and who will support the decisions i make at work.

162. My beautiful god daughter, living in China.

163. Edify yourselves in the spirit.

164. A roast dinner.

165. "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Psalm 143:10

166. Worship God.

167. Hot chocolate and marshmallows with a young friend, a joy to spend time and listen to her heart.

168. Peace, be still.

169. Christmas letters.

170. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." John 15:16-17

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-21T09:22:00.008Z

151. Beautiful God, what a wonderful relationship we share. I love You!

152. "The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:8

153. Gentleness.

154. "Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame." Psalm 34:5

155. I love my job, what a blessing!

156. Time spent in the Word.

157. A peaceful home.

158. The chance to spend an evening encouraging a friend and sharing our lives together.

159. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

160. Sweets!

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-20T16:20:00.015Z

141. Honesty.

142. New music.

143. "There will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying,
“Give thanks to the LORD Almighty,
for the LORD is good;
his love endures forever.” Jeremiah 33:10-11

144. A successful consultant ward round with a group of patients i didn't really know, the new junior doctor telling me they were singing my praises afterwards!

145. A text from my brother, made me smile :-)

146. The opportunity to spend time with an older, wiser woman of God.

147. Putting in a section 5 for a patient in the absence of our discharge co-ordinator.

148. "For who is God besides the LORD?
And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights." Psalm 18:31-33

149. Meeting together to pray.

150. The gift of a beautiful heart friend who gave me joy and peace to hang this season.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-19T11:17:00.012Z

131. The blessing it's been to read the Word out loud from Genesis to Revelation over the past 6 months.

132. For what i have seen of God, His heart, and His ways as i've read and listened and opened my heart in a new way.

133. "The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him." Psalm 28:7

134. Praying for one another, standing shoulder to shoulder.

135. The 2 gorgeous sons of a much loved friend of mine who are like family in my heart.

136. "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

137. Outdoor ice skating, with work friends.

138. There is no-one like you Lord, you make my heart sing!

139. Spending time chatting with people i don't know well.

140. "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-18T22:16:00.002Z

121. Being asked to serve an extra time on Sunday evening set up, stewarding and refreshments at church.

122. Time with friends.

123. The joy of seeing young Christians learning to hear God for themselves and growing up in their faith.

124. I love my brothers and am so grateful for them all, i am so blessed by them and i love that they're in my life.

125. Smiles between strangers.

126. Banter among friends!

127. Making a difference as i work on my ward.

128. Building others up.

129. An invitation to team lunch in January.

130. My health, Lord you are so good to me.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-17T21:15:00.001Z

111. The joy of working as part of a great team, we are stronger together.

112. Leisurely mornings.

113. Hearing God's heart.

114. You make everything beautiful in it's time.

115. Friends who speak the truth in love.

116. Life to the full.

117. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

118. Peppermint pig tea!

119. E-mails back and forth as good plans are made.

120. Lord You are the kindest one i know.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-16T11:41:00.005Z

101. Cooking for a friend in my home.

102. "Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it." Jeremiah 33:9

103. The beauty of music, now this fills my heart with gladness!

104. Strength for the day.

105. "This time next year..."

106. Thermal gloves.

107. A walk to a cute coffee shop with a friend.

108. Little notes from people i love.

109. Musicians totally absorbed in making music. Dancers losing themselves in their dance.

110. Lord, i trust You.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-15T15:05:00.004Z

91. The gift of hope.

92. Looking ahead...

93. A hot bath, with bubbles, and candles.

94. My adopted grandad and grandma, a gracious couple who love and pray for me, who are a godly example to me in their old age.

95. Being able to talk to God about everything, absolutely everything.

96. Friendships that have stood the test of time.

97. The joy of being able to treat a friend.

98. Clean washing.

99. Our small group Christmas meal, enjoying time just being together, and great food!

100. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-14T14:34:00.000Z

81. A scrapbook of photo's my sweet brother made of an awesome holiday in Poland, joyful memories of good times.

82. The delightful find of a Japanese take away in my city.

83. God is full of joy, there is no-one as joyful as my God!

84. "O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?
You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you." Psalm 89:8

85. "They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made." Psalm 145:7-9

86. I am made in His image...

87. A touch of pink, lightly fragrancing!

88. Your plans for my life are good.

89. "Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life." Psalm 23:6

90. Journaling the journey through 2010. Marking the path with words, so that i remember, and do not forget.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-13T10:30:00.003Z

71. Candles flickering and bringing light to my peaceful place.

72. Heart to heart chats.

73.“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37-38

74. I love Your presence in my life.

75. Crystal clear waters reflecting the light.

76. My home, clean water, good food, clothes to wear. I am so blessed and i don't take it for granted.

77. Chatting on the phone and listening to my sisters excitement and encouragement as she shared about a day she had been part of, in what has been a difficult 18 months for her.

78. Passionfruit bath essence, a birthday gift from a friend.

79. Chocolate fudge cake.

80. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but
only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-12T12:03:00.000Z

61. Work colleagues who always call me lovely Lois, as though it really is my given name. Christ in me...

62. "Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26

63. Hearty chicken and mushroom pie with potato chips.

64. Sharing God stories, encouraging one another.

65. Sparkly clean bathroom.

66. Singing and speaking out worship to my awesome God. You are so worthy of all praise and honour and glory.

67. Days off, time and space to catch up on jobs and the things of life.

68. Christmas cards.

69. Warm boots to wear in the snow.

70. A heart which knows joy and gratitude, may it grow!

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-11T11:39:00.001Z

51. Making plans to see 2 of my 3 wonderful brothers over Christmas, they are so incredibly special to me.

52. Smiling that one of my brothers gets to go and see friends in Malawi over Christmas, so right and good for him to be there.

53. Kingdom come. Will be done.

54. The beautiful embers, glowing red, in my fireplace.

55. "I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom i take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:1-2

56. The chance to share a meal and catch up with a work friend.

57. Cute red pajama bottoms with stars on, comfortable and keeping me warm at night.

58. Broken habits, growing finger nails again.

59. Blue sky and sunshine breaking into the crisp cold morning air.

60. "Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-10T16:22:00.005Z

41. Contentment.

42. "See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:19

43. Praying together, seeking God, pouring out our hearts to Him.

44. "You're beautiful."

45. Gifts wrapped and ready to give to friends.

46. "Joy to the world the Lord is come..."

47. Laughter.

48. Face cream recommended by a friend, to moisturise skin dried by the cold winter air.

49. A supportive manager who went into the meeting and fought for me after the events of last Thursday.

50. A wooden keyring engraved with my name, a precious gift from a friend that i've had for well over 15 years now.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-09T12:12:00.000Z

31. "He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul." Psalm 23:2-3

32. Without You i am nothing.

33. You are all i need, my heart longs for You.

34. Establish Your righteousness.

35. Soft, warm socks.

36. A jar of olives.

37. A smile, with the eyes as well as the mouth.

38. Giving and receiving a hug from dear Ang at work, one of those all embracing hugs.

39. Taking the time to sit, and be, and talk, with an elderly confused patient.

40. It's the simple things, the simple things in life that often mean the most.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-08T10:45:00.004Z

21. Thank you that You are always with me, i am never alone.

22. A proper winter coat, the warmest one i've had for years. It has made all the difference to me in these cold days.

23. Friends, beautiful friends with who hearts can be shared and where we can know and be known, what a gift.

24. Podcasts where church sermons can be listened to again and absorbed more deeply.

25. "And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit." Ephesians 2:22.

26. Being part of the body of Christ, we all matter.

27. The beauty of unity.

28. Encouragement.

29. An aunt and uncle who pray, what a blessing.

30. "May acceptance with joy be a hallmark of your life."

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-07T09:17:00.000Z

11. A God who protects me and provides for all my needs.

12. New woolly tights.

13. Colleagues who love me and tell me that they do!

14. "LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance." Psalm 16:5-6

15. Good days lie ahead...

16. The internet which enables me to keep in touch with the world outside my home.

17. My home, a haven of refuge, rest and peace.

18. Hot showers!

19. The sparkly rain/sleet particles gently falling around me as i left work this evening.

20. Delight as i opened an e-mail from my brother and saw a cute picture of my beautiful 4 month old niece.

Thanksgiving and joy...

2010-12-06T11:20:00.005Z

I have decided to end this year with thanksgiving and joy... simple as that.

1. So grateful for the Word of God, which is an anchor for my soul.

2. "You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

3. Blankets, and piles of them, to snuggle under and keep warm.

4. The beauty of work that gives me the incredible priviledge of serving people in their broken and vulnerable place.

5. I am so incredibly loved, cherished and wanted by God.

6. "Who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Psalm 103:5

7. Opportunities to serve in my church, whether it's pouring cups of tea or coffee with a smile or coming alongside to pray for women.

8. A car that has proved hardy enough for the cold weather and got me where i've needed to be in safety.

9. The blessing of a season where i only work 3 day weeks.

10. Chocolate with a cup of tea!

Beautiful...

2010-12-01T19:21:00.000Z

The LORD's joy...

2010-11-10T13:18:00.004Z

"This day is holy to our Lord.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10

I have never really understood this verse, how the joy of the LORD is our strength. Does it mean that if we are happy in God, it gives us strength? Recently i have looked at it by turning it upsidedown, and wondered if it is less about us and more about God. What if it has more to do with the joy of God? If He is happy then all is well, we are well, we find strength, we are strong.

Desires of the heart...

2010-10-26T20:54:00.005Z

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the

desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

Your presence is pure delight, refine and purify my heart Lord. Simply being with you satisfies my heart and yet is increasing and deepening my hunger and thirst, my longings for You. As i delight myself in You, embraced in Your heart, Your love, i am finding you giving me and showing me the desires of my heart. I am seeing more clearly Your heart for me, Your desires for me, Your desires for my life. What i am seeing is surprising me...

Joy...

2010-10-16T10:11:00.000Z

Take the risk...

2010-10-14T13:01:00.000Z

The hardest thing to do is leaving your comfort zone. But you have to let go of the life you're familiar with and take the risk to live the life you dream about.

- T. Arigo

Clear waters...

2010-10-02T17:21:00.004Z

I saw a picture of clear flowing water, it was crystal clear and the light was reflecting off it. And i felt like God was responding to my prayers before Him just recently and saying that i am that clear flowing water, clean and pure. When people come to me they will receive clean waters which will restore, refresh and renew for the glory of God. Christ in me who is my Light will shine through and the Spirit within will cause those streams of living water to flow out.

Kingdom come. Will be done.

Moving Forward

2010-09-29T14:13:00.000Z

You make all things new.
I will follow You.
Forward.

It's a new day. I'm not going back. I'm moving forward and i'm going to keep moving forward. I will follow You.

Build up according to needs...

2010-09-19T15:57:00.000Z

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but
only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
-- Ephesians 4:29

Affirmation...

2010-09-13T18:05:00.005Z

Affirmation is more than a man's desire - much more. Acceptance and encouragement are biblical requirements:

- "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" (Romans 15:7).

- "Encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

- "Encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13).

Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas

Appreciate. Admire. Value. See the good. Genuinely respect.

Fall afresh on me...

2010-09-12T21:27:00.002Z

Spirit of the living God
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God
Fall afresh on me.

Fill me anew.
Fill me anew.
Spirit of the Lord.
Fall afresh on me.

Paul Armstrong

Good Spirit lead...

2010-09-08T18:02:00.001Z

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
-- Psalm 143:10

Saying yes...

2010-09-03T18:32:00.005Z

It's time to say yes and to keep saying yes to the One who i am following, the Presence i keep... to step over fear and doubt and can i really do this, to step over myself, and to say yes, because it is Christ in me who makes all things possible, who makes a way in the desert and streams in the wilderness and who leads me in, gently. How can i say no to His calls? My heart desires fruitfulness, and to this i am chosen and called. My yes is to intimacy, my yes is to continual abiding, my yes is to devoting myself to be close to Him. My yes is to discipline, to growth, to grace, to maturity. My yes is to breakthrough and victory and to seeing others walk deeper into God and His heart for them. My yes is to the unexpected phone conversation yesterday, that will lead into another step of faith, that leads into learning to walk more intimately and sensitively with Him, that responds to the cry of fruitfulness, and that sees God put another piece of the journey in place.

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight..." Ephesians 1:4

You chose me...

2010-09-02T12:01:00.001Z

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." John 15:16-17

You chose me. I didn't choose me, i didn't choose You either. But You chose me, You loved me so lavishly, and it was Your love, Your incredible love. And i do choose you. You chose me for love. For fruitfulness. And i have been appointed to bear fruit, His fruit, which will last. For His glory! And so i can walk in confidence as these days unfold and keep stepping out in faith knowing that He chose me and i am appointed to bear fruit that will last. This is a desire of my heart...

Choose joy...

2010-09-01T10:08:00.002Z

Choose JOY...

Choose GRATITUDE...

Choose ENCOURAGEMENT!

New season...

2010-07-31T15:17:00.005Z

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up..." (Isaiah 43:19). This is a word God gave me at the end of last year and which has come again and again in so many ways as the year has progressed. Follow Him, follow His Presence and even though this way has not been travelled before, you will always know the way to go. Break camp and advance... (Deuteronomy 1:7) and the time has come, i am breaking camp and moving on. I have heard from Him and i'm responding in obedience, i'm taking a risk, i'm stepping out in faith... simple faith, and trusting that God will provide and is making the way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

As from tomorrow i am significantly reducing my hours at work... to make space... for what exactly i don't yet know. As i had been seeking God about different things recently, i heard Him saying for me to reduce my hours, i wasn't expecting it and yet it was as clear as anything. As i spent the week praying and listening about this i realised that it really would be a significant drop in hours! I don't yet know where this will lead but i have heard and i must follow. My manager told me i couldn't have chosen a worse time to do this with the current economic climate, changes of government and much uncertainty within the employment structures of the health service. And yet i know that God has called me, to walk by faith, and He will provide for me. This is a new season...

Presence...

2010-07-19T10:26:00.000Z

"The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

... "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

And the LORD said... "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."

Exodus 33:14-17

All is possible...

2010-07-18T16:20:00.001Z

"God sometimes asks of us things that look

impossible, but they never turn out to be-

because God's command is always His enabling."

Elisabeth Elliot

"I can do all things through Christ

who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

The highway...

2010-07-17T20:57:00.000Z

"And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness..."
Isaiah 35:8

Go out in joy...

2010-07-16T15:08:00.002Z

"You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace..."
Isaiah 55:12

Walking off the map...

2010-07-15T14:14:00.002Z

Divine intervention...

2010-07-08T18:57:00.002Z

"Part of our problem is this: we are accustomed only to doing things for God that are not impossible. If God doesn't show up and help us, we can still succeed. There must be an aspect of the Christian life that is impossible without divine intervention. That keeps us on the edge and puts us in contact with our true calling... So great was the disciples need for power to become witnesses that they were not to leave Jerusalem until they had it. That word power, or "dunamis," speaks of the miracle realm. It comes from dunamai which means "ability." Think about it - we need to be clothed with God's ability!" Bill Johnson

Sovereign LORD...

2010-06-06T19:26:00.001Z

"The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to go on the heights."

Habbakkuk 3:19

Sacrificial serving...

2010-06-03T22:28:00.002Z

A difficult weekend. A dear heart whose sincere wish was to go home to break the news to her family that her cancer was back deteriorated on Friday night, leading to a difficult discussion where she came to realise she may have to tell her family sooner than she wanted. A dear husband who came to visit as normal on Saturday afternoon, stunned by the news his wife blurted out and the following conversation she asked me to have with him. He left later that afternoon with tears in his eyes as he went to break the news to their two sons and her elderly mother.

The family returned later that evening, dear heart a bit brighter as the burden she'd been carrying alone was lifted and her family came around in their grief to comfort and support. I made them all a cup of tea and dear husband took me to one side and told me they wanted to take her home. I explained that this may be very difficult over the long bank holiday weekend because of her needs, the high level of oxygen she was on, the syringe driver she had in place, equipment which would be essential to enable her to manage at home, transport that would need to be arranged, care support that would need to be in place in the community. Despite all these things he wanted her home and told me that this is where she would want to be, that this was their heartfelt desire.

I heard his heart. However it was too late in the day to try and get dear heart home that night but i promised i would do everything possible to get dear heart home on Sunday, although i could make no guarantees. The oncall doctor came to review and i explained the families wish, he expressed concerns and went to speak to dear husband to try and disuade a discharge over the weekend, to await the medical teams return on Tuesday, but when he saw that they would not be disuaded he kindly filled in the necessary paperwork to enable me to try and make the necessary arrangements when i arrived at work the following morning.

I went home and i prayed. This was a huge undertaking and i felt the weight of responsibility. Sunday was full of phone calls and faxes and details as i worked to bring everything together. We were short staffed on the ward but the team came together to release me as much as possible for all that needed to be arranged. At 3pm i recieved the phone call from dear husband saying that the oxygen had just been fitted, this was the last of the equipment needed, everything else had come together, nothing short of a miracle! An hour later, the ambulance arrived to transport her home.

The gratitude and appreciation of the family made it all worthwhile and even more so when i heard on Wednesday that dear heart had passed away at home. What a priviledge and blessing to have been part of enabling dear heart to have those couple of days at home with her family, exactly where she had wanted to be, exactly where they had wanted her to be.

Sing to Jesus...

2010-05-17T19:09:00.000Z

Laughter...

2010-05-14T19:19:00.003Z

A night shift and a quiet Asian lady who spoke only very limited English, alone in her sideroom after her family left for the evening, much later than the end of ward visiting. Having spoken to her husband earlier, i had chosen to overlook the time and allow a dear heart, nervous and scared of being alone in a strange place, to keep her loved ones with her awhile longer. As i entered her room to administer night time medications we exchanged smiles, and simple words. I asked if she had experienced any further vomitting (it had been reported prior to her transfer to the ward earlier that afternoon). She looked at me apologetically and said she did not understand. I reassured this dear heart and fell back on other means of communicating by giving her my best, as yet untried, vomitting impression. Dear heart's merry laughter filled the room as she laughed at me! I guess my impression proved to be not as professional as i had hoped and instead more comical! We laughed together, dear heart more relaxed for the night as i left her room. These moments where we make even a small difference for a patient like this make nursing so worthwhile and such a blessing.

Breakthrough...

2010-05-08T12:19:00.002Z

On Thursday night after over 24 hours of travel i returned home. A fortnight earlier amidst volcanic ash, grounded flights and uncertainty, i prepared to leave. About two years ago, a rugged scar was ripped open again by those who had caused that rugged wound. It was deeply painful and despite everything there was seemingly nothing i could do to bring healing between us in this situation, having opened it up they shut down, something in my heart broke. All i could do was cry out to God in that pain, grief, anger, depression, sadness and loss. I searched my heart and prayed, wept many tears as i poured out my heart before God, learned to forgive and forgive again. I reached out over the distance to see restoration and healing, a restoration and healing that would not come. It left a deep ache within. But God is faithful, He is the healer and restorer of my soul, He guides me in paths of righteousness. For His name sake.

In December i heard the whisper in my heart to go to them and spend time with them where they are. I made arrangements and booked plane tickets, and then the battle became more fierce. I knew i heard His heart and knew that this time would be significant. I was desperate in this situation, needed breakthrough, even if just for me and my heart. I wanted peace and wholeness, freedom and life.

The day before i was due to leave, the skies were again opened to flights. The day after i arrived as i spent quiet moments praying, i read the words posted yesterday, words which God had been speaking to me in the week before i left! And then i received a message from a dear one who had been praying for me, "The Lord will fight for you... you need only to be still" Exodus 14:14.

I could not even have begun to imagine what God did while i was there. All i could do was be still, guard my heart and keep a sweet spirit. The battle is the LORDS! Mighty God you are my rock and my fortress, my deliverer, and i praise You with all my heart!

"But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the LORD i cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill."
Psalm 3:3-4

Sweet spirit...

2010-05-07T13:30:00.002Z

Guard Your Heart

'Looking diligently... lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you...' Hebrews 12:15. The phrase 'looking diligently' comes from the Greek word episkopos, which means to supervise, oversee, and correct (It's where the word 'bishop' originates). So you are the overseer of your heart. Each day you must monitor, direct and correct what goes on there. You can't blame your bad attitude, resentment and unforgiveness on others. You are responsible! When somebody offends you, it's up to you whether or not you let bitterness take root. You can't control what other people do, but it's the 'inside' part - the part you can control - that God holds us accountable for. You get to decide whether or not irritation turns into anger, anger into resentment, and resentment into retaliation. Paul says, 'Looking diligently lest any... root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and... many be defiled' (Hebrews 12:15). The reason weeds take over a garden is because the gardener doesn't pull them up fast enough. When your garden is choked by weeds you can't say, 'I don't know how it happened!' When you are 'looking diligently' you will see them moving in. The only way to stay free of the weeds the enemy wants to sow in your life is to be attentive to the condition of your heart. When you're faced with a hurtful, offensive situation, refuse to let a wrong attitude take root and produce bad fruit. Instead, ask God to help you replace those destructive thoughts with mercy and forgiveness towards the people who hurt you. The Bible says, 'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life' (Proverbs 4:23)

The Word for Today by Bob Gass

My rock, my refuge...

2010-03-27T13:22:00.000Z

"My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge."
Psalm 62:7

You have the words of life...

2010-03-24T23:01:00.006Z

"Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. "
Psalm 73:25-26

How precious to be with God and in God, to know His awesome Presence among us as the worship just flowed from hearts as we poured ourselves out to Him. Then in the stillness, to know His love, to know He heard every question of the heart, to hear His whispers to me. For all the questions and every situation that is being walked through, He has the words of life, the word that bring life. We come to Him and He comes to us (James 4:8). His Presence goes with us...

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:68-69

What i learned...

2010-03-17T16:51:00.001Z

It's not just about it coming together in our thinking.
But does your heart leap within you?

In the Spirit...

2010-03-15T20:02:00.005Z

"If He [the Holy Spirit] is to be free to move in our lives, we will constantly be involved in impossibilities. The supernatural is His natural realm... As the Holy Spirit is ready to bring salvation, healing, and deliverance, we are to flow with Him."
B. Johnson

Who am i walking with? "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25

Sweet words of life...

2010-03-11T00:08:00.004Z

"When we try to live by bread, or money, or material posessions,

or human love, instead of by the Living Word - we begin to die.

I can do without bread, but i cannot do without the life

that comes by the word of my Father."

Elisabeth Elliot

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

What is more sweet than being in His presence, being intimate with Him, hearing all that's on His heart, feasting on His words, just being with Him... It's from this place we go out carrying His presence and fragrance and bring Christ to a lost and broken world...

Recent meditations of the heart...

2010-03-09T19:33:00.003Z

Deeper
A focus on finding God
Of knowing Him
Of following the Presence
Psalm 27:1-4
Of being Presence carriers
Jeremiah 29:11-13
We need to continually seek God - whenever we seek
Him we will find Him
Isaiah 43:18-19
Create in me a hunger for You
Unstop the blocked wells - Genesis 26:12-25

Reaching out of ourselves...

2010-03-08T12:39:00.001Z

"Thinking about someone doesn’t help them.
It’s only when our thoughts translate into actions
that we reach out of ourselves and impact the life of another."
-Chris Guillebeau

The Presence and fragrance of God...

2010-03-07T22:25:00.003Z

Wednesday evening.

Exhausted and in need of stillness and rest i had decided to withdraw for the evening and allow for space. Before i could settle, the phone rang. It was a friend who had been on my heart the past few days asking if she could come round for a cuppa and a chat. I knew it was meant to be and felt the nudge of God to welcome her into my quiet and rest. I knew it would be a difficult conversation and knew it would require me to give deeply. As i waited for her to come i cried out to God wondering what i could give when i felt like i had nothing left to give and yet knowing that this is what He has called me to and He is all i need.

The conversation started hesitatingly as i let her talk and simply listened, creating space and a place of warmth for her to share the words that needed to be spoken. For most of the time she would not meet my eyes as she talked about the dark lines and messy of life where ground had been taken and yet seemingly lost once again. We talked, words of the heart and fragranced by His presence and by the Spirit that brings life and hope and freedom to the captives and all those who are oppressed. I realised my friend needed to do something and the Spirit revealed things to me which i spoke out to her. I saw her eyes widen and she caught mine, surprised at an understanding through the Spirit at what most would not see. We talked it through, at some length, then went out so we could face the mountain and do it together. When my friend eventually left my home later that evening i know that something had lifted, her countenance had changed and God had brought hope and life to her once again. The presence and fragrance of God flowed through.

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Last week i spent time with my student nurse as i went through her outcomes and gave a final feedback on her performance throughout her placement on our ward. When we had finished she turned to me and said, "Lois you have so much goodness that just comes out of you. When i first started placement on the ward i heard everyone call you lovely Lois and i wondered about it. But now i know, you really are lovely Lois, i have never seen a person with so much goodness that just comes out of them all of the time."

These words came from a time where i had been struggling and stretching, a deep awareness of my own inadequacies and many heart cries to the One who has called me to walk with Him and in Him, to serve in that place. Her words let me see Christ in me, Christ being revealed in the place i serve, the place that at times is such a battle, the place He has planted me.

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A card, from a relative of a patient most had found difficult to care for.

To all the Staff on F Ward. We would like to say a very big thank you for all the care you gave our mum Phyllis. When mum was in a talkative mood she always said that you all worked so very hard and should be given a medal for what you all do. We couldn't agree with her more. Mum didn't like to be a nuisance but found it very hard that she was losing her own independence. I would also like to single out two nurses that showed mum she wasn't a bad patient, and these are Lois and Dawn, Both of you should get a pay rise and a medal. Thanks again. From Glynis, Phyllis' daughter and Ron her son-in-law and the rest of the family. Kind Regards. x

I mark these words as a reminder to my journey of the Presence of God, that it's about seeking Him and carrying His presence and fragrance wherever we go, wherever He leads us. The only thing that really matters is a life that is completely poured out in worship to Him. He is always enough, i am not. When there is nothing left in me and it's all about Him, His life will come.

Wake up...

2010-02-15T10:26:00.000Z

"Awake, awake, O Zion,
clothe yourself with strength.
Put on your garments of splendor,
O Jerusalem, the holy city.
The uncircumcised and defiled
will not enter you again.
Shake off your dust;
rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem.
Free yourself from the chains on your neck,
O captive Daughter of Zion."
Isaiah 52:1-2

Strong and mighty...

2010-02-14T22:21:00.002Z

"Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle."
Psalm 24:8

You are my God...

2010-02-06T15:34:00.010Z

We will not forget who You are and what You've done for us. Let us walk in You and with You. Walk with You and for You. Let Your Kingdom come. Let us see with Your eyes and know Your heart and let us live daily from that place of passion and desire for You and Your purposes...

Aching abyss...

2010-02-05T11:58:00.001Z

"The only person that can satisfy the aching abyss of the human heart is Jesus Christ." – Oswald Chambers

My God is my rock...

2010-02-04T11:04:00.003Z

"I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock,

my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation,

my stronghold."

Psalm 18:1-2

You are a shield...

2010-02-02T22:55:00.001Z

"But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill."

Psalm 3:3-4

The Call of Christ...

2010-01-23T15:19:00.003Z

Right here...

2010-01-19T11:06:00.000Z

"And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there." 1Corinthians 7:17 (msg)

Beautiful fragrance...

2010-01-13T19:07:00.005Z

Yesterday i had these beautiful roses with such lovely fragrance delivered to my home :-)

Teach them to be brave...

2010-01-12T13:13:00.019Z

Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.

Psalm 144:1-2

We wait in hope for the LORD;

he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,

even as we put our hope in you.

Psalm 30:20-22

"A third danger is timidity. For every ten men who are willing to face the guns of an enemy there is only one willing to brave the disapproval of his fellow, the censure of his colleagues, the wrath of his society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle of great intelligence. Yet, it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change." Robert Kennedy

The Morning After...

2010-01-11T15:25:00.003Z

There's got to be a morning after,

If we can hold on through the night.

We have a chance to find the sunshine;

Let's keep on looking for the light.

Al Kasha

A new way...

2010-01-09T16:40:00.005Z

"The LORD our God said to us at Horeb, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country... See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the LORD swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them."
Deuteronomy 1:6-8

"When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before... "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."
Joshua 3:3-5

It's time to break camp. There are things that will need to be left behind for the advance that is to be made. We need to consecrate ourselves and purify our hearts. It is His Presence we must follow for we have never been this way before.

An open door...

2010-01-05T10:18:00.001Z

I'd been praying for wisdom, for direction, for guidance. For the door to be closed if it wasn't meant to be and to know with confidence if it was meant to be. Although i didn't feel the resounding yes, i didn't hear a no either. As the end of the year came and with it the agreed time for decisions, i felt i wasn't yet able to say yes so knew i'd have to say no. We went for a cuppa and before i had the opportunity to say anything, a conversation and discussion began which resulted in the removal of the time frame. It didn't occur to me until some time later that i'd been praying for the door to be shut if it wasn't meant to be. Here was an opportunity for that door to shut, instead the door was left open.

Walking in the new...

2010-01-04T11:50:00.001Z

God has been doing something new in my life over the past few months. He said "Taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8). As i stepped into the new, a huge sense of disquiet came on me and although i remained, i stepped back. As i prayed it through, i realised that the old had brought with it a huge battle with fear that stepping into the new had unexpectedly triggered in me. There have been times where if i'm honest i have nearly given in and walked away, wondering if it was all worth it and whether i had it in me to fight this battle to push through and win. Times where all i've been able to do is hold on and not let go, not withdraw, not back away. I have remained because i believe this is where God wants me, what God has for me. The past couple of months haven't really been about us (although it has), it's been about me, and about God, about dealing with fear and breaking through to victory and freedom. This is a battle and the enemy is trying to rob and steal from me. I will not be robbed of the purposes and the future God has for me.

In a recent e-mail to my spiritual mum i was sharing about some of these things, asking for her wisdom on it all. She said the following which summarised what i felt God had been saying to me!

"My advice would be - go for it. Deal with the fear and move on. God will stop you if things aren't right. There is always a risk...! Don't let your emotions and past experiences stop you or you will miss God's best for you."

I will continue to walk in the new...

A new thing...

2010-01-03T16:41:00.005Z

"Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43:18-19

This is the scripture that God has spoken into my life many times over the past couple of months, a word which has applied deeply to me in what i've been walking through, in the effects of the old that i've been battling to push through, in the new which God has been bringing. Today i found out that this is the word for my church this year.

Waiting...

2009-12-21T23:26:00.004Z

She will have to take Christ's yoke upon her and learn of Him. I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts. It is easy to talk oneself into a decision that has no permanence- easier sometimes than to wait patiently.

Truly my heart waits silently for God;
my deliverance comes from him,
In truth he is my rock of deliverance,
my tower of strength, so that I stand unshaken...
Trust always in God, my people,
pour out your hearts before him;
God is our shelter.

Elisabeth Elliot

A seal...

2009-12-15T09:33:00.003Z

"Place me like a seal over your heart,

like a seal on your arm."

Song of Songs 8:6

Love...

2009-12-13T18:10:00.005Z

"Any kind of love is an inconvenience because it takes time, and it makes many demands on us. But the measure of our maturity is the measure of our self-giving. And the measure of our self-giving is the measure of our fulfillment." Elizabeth Elliot