This morning I went to my third and final Harvest Festival of the year. Once your children get to school, you don't do these things once - oh no... once is for wimps!
The first of these was Joel's. Years one and two in school trek off to the local parish church; sing some songs, and listen to a chat from the vicar there. All good fun. I particularly enjoyed not having a squirming toddler on my knee. In years gone by, I have been the parent chasing a wiggly and noisy toddler about whilst everyone else is trying to hear their pride and joy say their one line in the school production. It was nice to not have to think about taking enough toys / snacks / nappies to get through thirty minutes, plus the always-longer-than-you-think waiting for something to actually happen time. I also particularly enjoyed the kids singing 'Cauliflowers fluffy'; with additional dance moves. Marvellous.
The second Harvest Festival was actually a harvest / thanksgiving / 1st birthday service at our church (how's that for multi-tasking?!) Our congregation have been meeting in the local primary school for a year now. It was a good chance to celebrate all that has happened over the last year; and to thank God for all He has given us individually and corporately. We did this through the medium of huge ice-cream Sundaes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, singing, bacon sandwiches and prayers of thanks chalked on the playground. We have learnt a lot over the past year, and look forward to what God has for us in the years to come. I'm sure God would have us dream big dreams for our future together; after all, as Bill Hybels would say: "The local church is the hope of the world".
My third and final part of my Harvest Festival trilogy was this morning. The Nursery and Reception age children aren't traipsed down to the church - they do their celebrating in the school Hall. They all came in wearing headbands with certain vegetable pictures attached; Nathan was a cabbage... They told us the story of Oliver's Vegetables; where a small boy searches his Grandad's vegetable patch in the hope of finding some potatoes to make some chips; in the process, he finds lots of other vegetables, which of course turn out to be very tasty... My favourite part of the proceedings had to be the rousing rendition of 'Big Red Combine-Harvester'. They were brilliant.
So what have I learnt from my Harvest Trilogy? Well, I've certainly learnt that it's hard to pick songs that are perky tunes, fun for the kids and that actually thank God for the amazing things he gives us. What's your favourite harvest song? My personal favourite is probably 'Blackberries in the Hedges', but no-one around here seems to know that one...
Also, and I know this makes me sound old, but there is always something to be thankful for. I think whether it's the joy on a child's face as he sings, the fact that you don't have to worry about wiggly toddlers, or something bigger like the sun and the rain that help things grow. God has given us so many things, and I think it does our perspective and mental health endless good to be grateful. Life might not always be easy (I know, no surprises there) and I'm not advocating pretending life is all shiny when it isn't; however, I know I'm more likely to be content if I focus on the multiple blessings from my heavenly Father than on the things that bug me, or that I don't have.
Today, try to cultivate (ooh, appropriate gardening term alert... pleasing!) an Attitude of Gratitude. What are you thankful for?
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Monday, 4 July 2011
Precious
I've recently bought a limited edition (ooh-er) shower gel (not so ooh-er) that calls itself "Precious". It's supposedly made with Jasmin and Cotton Milk... I'm not sure it makes me feel more precious, but it smells nice, and it is a girly pink shade - so it can't be all bad.
It did prompt me to remember a song I know by a singer songwriter called Martyn Joseph:
This song always makes me realise that ache that we all have inside to feel precious; to be valued; to be cherished...
The pearl in someone's hand.
I think many of us struggle to feel like that.
We doubt our own value, often linking it to our achievements. I have many young friends who have just finished exams, and the pressure to achieve has been immense. Don't get me wrong. I know studying is important; but the moment the results you get seem to explicitly affect your value as a person - things have gone badly wrong.
There are many other things that we rely on to boost our self image. Things like how attractive we are, how popular we are, or how influential we think we are. These things are so precarious. Relying on any of these sorts of things is fraught with uncertainty. Unless we find something or someone entirely trustworthy and unchanging, we are destined to never be secure in our value or anything else.
Thankfully, we don't have to waste our time and energy worrying about these things. In fact, if we take the Bible at it's word (something I'm trying to do a lot more...), we don't have to worry at all. In Matthew 6 it says:
It did prompt me to remember a song I know by a singer songwriter called Martyn Joseph:
This song always makes me realise that ache that we all have inside to feel precious; to be valued; to be cherished...
The pearl in someone's hand.
I think many of us struggle to feel like that.
We doubt our own value, often linking it to our achievements. I have many young friends who have just finished exams, and the pressure to achieve has been immense. Don't get me wrong. I know studying is important; but the moment the results you get seem to explicitly affect your value as a person - things have gone badly wrong.
There are many other things that we rely on to boost our self image. Things like how attractive we are, how popular we are, or how influential we think we are. These things are so precarious. Relying on any of these sorts of things is fraught with uncertainty. Unless we find something or someone entirely trustworthy and unchanging, we are destined to never be secure in our value or anything else.
Thankfully, we don't have to waste our time and energy worrying about these things. In fact, if we take the Bible at it's word (something I'm trying to do a lot more...), we don't have to worry at all. In Matthew 6 it says:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?So today - even if you don't know anything else - know that you're precious to a God who made you just the way you are, and who is capable of meeting any need you might have. And that can do more for you than Jasmin and cotton milk ever could.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
I was made for this
What do Bruce Springsteen, Steppenwolf and Vin Diesel's character xXx have in common?
*Obscure connection alert*
They all know what they were born to do.
They were born to run, be wild, and 'for this ****' (ie jumping off tall buildings whilst shooting at random bad guys etc...) respectively.
I know it's sometimes difficult to know what you were made to do. Sometimes it's difficult to know what to do from one day (or hour) to the next. I know that life with small children can make it very difficult to see beyond the end of your own nose, and that actually - just keeping everybody fed and clean, and not so sleep deprived that they are constantly crying (this applies to both big and small people) is enough to be managing, without thinking about anything more long term.
I know young people (I know this makes me sound like an old bag, but bear with me...) find this whole thing particularly stressful. From early on at secondary school they are expected to be making choices with an eye on their future career path. Just studying History because you like History isn't seen as good motivation... You have to know where you are going with everything. It's easy to feel completely at sea. Like you're drifting aimlessly with no real purpose.
It's at times like this when I cling onto the promises I find in the Bible. Things like:
In his time on earth, Jesus was passionate in his desire to help people become all they were created to be. He claimed:
And yet, sometimes I catch a glimpse - a tantalizing taste - of what life can be like.
I had one of those moments on Sunday evening at church when I was leading the worship. All the elements of the service had come together as if we'd spent hours planning it (which we hadn't!), and we were singing a song that I just knew was going to be right for that moment. The band and the congregation were altogether as one unit, singing about the amazing God who we have come to know and love, because He first loved us - and gave everything for us.
And I just felt like God whispered in my ear... "I made you for this". In that instant, I knew there was nowhere in the world I'd rather be, and nothing I'd rather be doing. I was 100% me, living life to the full, and loving every second.
I felt humbled and yet so joyful that - for that moment in time at least - I was doing exactly what I was created for.
I guess that's maybe how it works. We don't always see the big picture, or where it is we're heading. All we can do is try to offer up each moment to the God who has the plans, and do our best to walk where He's leading.
*Obscure connection alert*
They all know what they were born to do.
They were born to run, be wild, and 'for this ****' (ie jumping off tall buildings whilst shooting at random bad guys etc...) respectively.
I know it's sometimes difficult to know what you were made to do. Sometimes it's difficult to know what to do from one day (or hour) to the next. I know that life with small children can make it very difficult to see beyond the end of your own nose, and that actually - just keeping everybody fed and clean, and not so sleep deprived that they are constantly crying (this applies to both big and small people) is enough to be managing, without thinking about anything more long term.
I know young people (I know this makes me sound like an old bag, but bear with me...) find this whole thing particularly stressful. From early on at secondary school they are expected to be making choices with an eye on their future career path. Just studying History because you like History isn't seen as good motivation... You have to know where you are going with everything. It's easy to feel completely at sea. Like you're drifting aimlessly with no real purpose.
It's at times like this when I cling onto the promises I find in the Bible. Things like:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12I find it amazing that God has even given me a single thought. After all, He does have quite a lot to be getting on with. But there it is in black and white; He doesn't just think about me - He has plans and purposes for me and my little life. Amazing.
In his time on earth, Jesus was passionate in his desire to help people become all they were created to be. He claimed:
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10It's reasonable to state that this is still what Jesus longs to do for every person. I'm sure that it is. However, sometimes I wonder if I would recognise 'life to the full' if it jumped up and bit me... I can be so preoccupied with other things. So easily distracted.
And yet, sometimes I catch a glimpse - a tantalizing taste - of what life can be like.
I had one of those moments on Sunday evening at church when I was leading the worship. All the elements of the service had come together as if we'd spent hours planning it (which we hadn't!), and we were singing a song that I just knew was going to be right for that moment. The band and the congregation were altogether as one unit, singing about the amazing God who we have come to know and love, because He first loved us - and gave everything for us.
And I just felt like God whispered in my ear... "I made you for this". In that instant, I knew there was nowhere in the world I'd rather be, and nothing I'd rather be doing. I was 100% me, living life to the full, and loving every second.
I felt humbled and yet so joyful that - for that moment in time at least - I was doing exactly what I was created for.
I guess that's maybe how it works. We don't always see the big picture, or where it is we're heading. All we can do is try to offer up each moment to the God who has the plans, and do our best to walk where He's leading.
Friday, 18 March 2011
Reflections on a poo pile - part 2
I wrote part one of this blog a while back - so if you haven't read it, you might want to click here to catch up with part one; otherwise this won't make much sense...
Done? Good.
So, the big pile of poo is gone. Spread out all over the field to do it's (quite literally) dirty work... Actually, it only took the farmer and his (very fascinating to small boys) machinery a few hours to sort out.
Prior to the spreading, it had got to a point of just sitting there, present - but not really noticeable. I remember this time last year, when the previous poo pile was hiding under a layer of snow, trying to be even less conspicuous. I don't think it's stretching the analogy too far to say that sometimes the rubbish (or poo pile) in our lives can just sit there, not dealt with, not benefiting the surroundings - just being ignored...
The thing is, whilst the muck spreading was going on, the poo was smellier than ever. Moving the poo somehow released the smell to a new and smelly height. For the unfortunate farmer tasked with this smelly job, it would have been less stinky to leave the poo in a big pile - but then how would it have done it's job of nourishing the soil? Of course, it wouldn't have.
So today, I guess I want to encourage you... If you are dealing with something difficult, with your own (hopefully metaphorical) pile of poo; keep going. I think it was Winston Churchill who said: "If you are going through hell, keep going" as obviously he understood that the alternative was to stay where you are...
I know that God can bring good out of seemingly hopeless situations... He is, as stated in part one, the master recycler...
My prayer is that God will take hold of the struggles that you have and, as Rastamouse would say: "make a bad ting good".
Done? Good.
So, the big pile of poo is gone. Spread out all over the field to do it's (quite literally) dirty work... Actually, it only took the farmer and his (very fascinating to small boys) machinery a few hours to sort out.
Prior to the spreading, it had got to a point of just sitting there, present - but not really noticeable. I remember this time last year, when the previous poo pile was hiding under a layer of snow, trying to be even less conspicuous. I don't think it's stretching the analogy too far to say that sometimes the rubbish (or poo pile) in our lives can just sit there, not dealt with, not benefiting the surroundings - just being ignored...
The thing is, whilst the muck spreading was going on, the poo was smellier than ever. Moving the poo somehow released the smell to a new and smelly height. For the unfortunate farmer tasked with this smelly job, it would have been less stinky to leave the poo in a big pile - but then how would it have done it's job of nourishing the soil? Of course, it wouldn't have.
So today, I guess I want to encourage you... If you are dealing with something difficult, with your own (hopefully metaphorical) pile of poo; keep going. I think it was Winston Churchill who said: "If you are going through hell, keep going" as obviously he understood that the alternative was to stay where you are...
I know that God can bring good out of seemingly hopeless situations... He is, as stated in part one, the master recycler...
My prayer is that God will take hold of the struggles that you have and, as Rastamouse would say: "make a bad ting good".
Monday, 28 February 2011
"I feel pretty..."
Don't ask me why I'm wandering around singing songs from 'West Side Story'... Heaven only knows. I am (completely unreasonably) blaming my friend Sarah - who I recently went to see perform spectacularly in a local production of Iolanthe (no - not even close to West Side Story - I know)... Just seems to have made me remember every musical theatre production I have ever been in, or even seen...
Still, any excuse for a good sing...
Today I am extra pleased having bought a couple of items of new clothes from the local fashion house (Sainsbury's), that not only fit, but were in the sale, and look nice. Marvellous.
Brilliant timing too actually, as I have recently killed yet another pair of jeans... I don't know what it is about me and jeans - but generally speaking - the relationship never lasts long, and they always end up dead! Ah well, just as well my relationship with jeans has no correlation with my relationship with people...
Anyway, moving on...
Last week when it was raining (again), and we were stuck in the house (again) I decided to calculate my BMI. BMI (or Body Mass Index) is a guide which uses your weight and your height to calculate whether you are a healthy weight - or not. There are other ways to do this, and it's by no means a cast iron rule, but it gives you an idea.
I guess writing about my Dad losing weight in my last post made me think about it. Since having my children I've lost a little bit of the weight I gained through having them, but not all of it... I guess that's not unfamiliar territory to a lot of mothers. In my experience, looking after small children is very tiring - but not actually very good exercise... It seems a bit unfair really.
So anyway, my BMI actually worked out at 26.2, which really isn't bad at all considering the healthy range for BMI is 20-25. It made me think; actually my perception of my figure and how I look is probably not very accurate. I think (or thought) of myself as an overweight person, when really - I'm a 'slightly-less-fit- than-I-could-be' person...
So - what to do... Hmmm... Time for some action points I think:
"See that pretty girl in that mirror there!...."
Still, any excuse for a good sing...
Today I am extra pleased having bought a couple of items of new clothes from the local fashion house (Sainsbury's), that not only fit, but were in the sale, and look nice. Marvellous.
Brilliant timing too actually, as I have recently killed yet another pair of jeans... I don't know what it is about me and jeans - but generally speaking - the relationship never lasts long, and they always end up dead! Ah well, just as well my relationship with jeans has no correlation with my relationship with people...
Anyway, moving on...
Last week when it was raining (again), and we were stuck in the house (again) I decided to calculate my BMI. BMI (or Body Mass Index) is a guide which uses your weight and your height to calculate whether you are a healthy weight - or not. There are other ways to do this, and it's by no means a cast iron rule, but it gives you an idea.
I guess writing about my Dad losing weight in my last post made me think about it. Since having my children I've lost a little bit of the weight I gained through having them, but not all of it... I guess that's not unfamiliar territory to a lot of mothers. In my experience, looking after small children is very tiring - but not actually very good exercise... It seems a bit unfair really.
So anyway, my BMI actually worked out at 26.2, which really isn't bad at all considering the healthy range for BMI is 20-25. It made me think; actually my perception of my figure and how I look is probably not very accurate. I think (or thought) of myself as an overweight person, when really - I'm a 'slightly-less-fit- than-I-could-be' person...
So - what to do... Hmmm... Time for some action points I think:
- Stop worrying about it - the more I worry about this sort of thing, the more I want to eat cake anyway...
- Try to keep up the exercise - I find this is good for the mental health as much as anything, but I'm sure it would help with the toning up a bit too. So God, if you could stop the rain - and make it nice and sunny - I'll do some more cycling...
- Try to dress with a bit more thought... After all, the kids are big enough to not cover everything I wear in snot now... I know there are things I wear that look nice, and things that make me look like a slob. It's not rocket science... That said, we all need to slob sometimes; everything in moderation!
- Pray. After all, God promises He can renew my mind (see Romans 12), and I'm sure most of my issues with my body are actually in my head.
"See that pretty girl in that mirror there!...."
Monday, 14 February 2011
Reflections on a poo pile...
There's a country lane near where I live that is surrounded by a mixture of farm land and houses. I drive down this road every day when I take the boys to school.
Recently, this part of my drive has been a bit more fragrant... Or to be frank about it; smelly... It properly pongs. The reason for this is the huge pile of manure sat in a field, waiting to do its fertilising duty. This poo pile is the size of a house; and it's been sitting there for a while now, steaming away. Lovely.
I was musing a little on this as I drove past it for the 78th time... Obviously the manure is not pleasant, particularly for the farmer who must have to spend more time with it than most. However, it does serve a purpose; after all, you'd have to be completely certifiable to spread muck all over your fields if it had no appreciable benefits...
I think it's pretty amazing (or you could say creative of God) that something that is so obviously a waste product can be so nourishing for the soil. God is particularly good at recycling.
I do wonder though, who first thought: 'I know, I'll put poo on my flowers - that will make them grow better'... Maybe some divine inspiration... Heavenly horticulture?
And then I got to wondering... What about all the metaphorical poo in the world? All the job losses, relationship break-ups, horrible illnesses, sleepless nights, and so on... The 'life's going along OK, and then all of a sudden, you're flattened by an unexpected pile of (hopefully metaphorical) poo that arrives out of nowhere'. Actually, I shouldn't be flippant; sometimes being covered in real poo would actually be preferable...
So here's the thing... What if God can actually create something good out of the apparently meaningless, horrible thing? Is it possible that God can redeem even these situations? Can God - as Rastamouse would say - 'make a bad ting good'?
The apostle Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Romans (see chapter 5:3-5) where he writes:
"...we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Much greater minds than mine have spent a lot of time thinking about the issue of suffering, and whether it causes a problem with belief in a loving God. If this is a big question for you - then it would be another good reason to go on an Alpha Course (I know, I know - more shameless plugging!). I truly believe that God really is the master at bringing good out of a seemingly hopeless situation. He's done it in my life, and He can do it in yours too.
I know it's much easier to write it down than to live it... but I think when times get really tough, it's then we have to trust that He is the master gardener, and He knows what He's doing.
Recently, this part of my drive has been a bit more fragrant... Or to be frank about it; smelly... It properly pongs. The reason for this is the huge pile of manure sat in a field, waiting to do its fertilising duty. This poo pile is the size of a house; and it's been sitting there for a while now, steaming away. Lovely.
I was musing a little on this as I drove past it for the 78th time... Obviously the manure is not pleasant, particularly for the farmer who must have to spend more time with it than most. However, it does serve a purpose; after all, you'd have to be completely certifiable to spread muck all over your fields if it had no appreciable benefits...
I think it's pretty amazing (or you could say creative of God) that something that is so obviously a waste product can be so nourishing for the soil. God is particularly good at recycling.
I do wonder though, who first thought: 'I know, I'll put poo on my flowers - that will make them grow better'... Maybe some divine inspiration... Heavenly horticulture?
And then I got to wondering... What about all the metaphorical poo in the world? All the job losses, relationship break-ups, horrible illnesses, sleepless nights, and so on... The 'life's going along OK, and then all of a sudden, you're flattened by an unexpected pile of (hopefully metaphorical) poo that arrives out of nowhere'. Actually, I shouldn't be flippant; sometimes being covered in real poo would actually be preferable...
So here's the thing... What if God can actually create something good out of the apparently meaningless, horrible thing? Is it possible that God can redeem even these situations? Can God - as Rastamouse would say - 'make a bad ting good'?
The apostle Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Romans (see chapter 5:3-5) where he writes:
"...we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Much greater minds than mine have spent a lot of time thinking about the issue of suffering, and whether it causes a problem with belief in a loving God. If this is a big question for you - then it would be another good reason to go on an Alpha Course (I know, I know - more shameless plugging!). I truly believe that God really is the master at bringing good out of a seemingly hopeless situation. He's done it in my life, and He can do it in yours too.
I know it's much easier to write it down than to live it... but I think when times get really tough, it's then we have to trust that He is the master gardener, and He knows what He's doing.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Wisdom and Tractors
Nathan's been at home with me for the last couple of days, due to him having the same virus as me (we like to share!)... As you know from my last post, being ill and coughing all night doesn't fill me with joy, and I hate seeing the children poorly too; however - there are silver linings if you look for them...
I spent this morning in pyjamas, (Thank you Sarah for doing the school run for me xx) playing snap, having cuddles and warm drinks, and generally chilling out with my littlest boy. Life with Nathan isn't always fun and games, but his concerns are generally less complicated than a grown up. We spent a fair bit of time sat on stools in the kitchen, pretending we were riding on a tractor. The biggest concern in Nathan's head wasn't: "This cough is really annoying and tiring, and I wish I felt better" - valid though that would have been. His head was occupied with much more interesting things, like how to make the best tractor engine noise, and which location we should visit on our tractor next... Obviously it's perfectly plausible to ride on your pretend tractor to Thomas Land, and then continue on to go Ten Pin Bowling... in Africa. And then drive back to your farm again.
Sometimes I think I could learn a lot from Nathan and his approach to life, (although maybe not his geography!) The way he's feeling doesn't interrupt the more important things in life, like playing; or when it is bad enough to properly get in the way, he just comes to me - knowing that I'll do my best to sort it out for him, he trusts his mummy, and doesn't waste his time and energy worrying about things he can't sort out anyway.
After lunch today, he just crawled up onto my lap. When I asked if he was tired, he said he was - so I took him up to bed for a nap. As we walked up the stairs, he said "then I can play later"; something I always used to say to him to convince him to have a nap, 'so he had the energy to play later'. Hmmm... Resting; so you have the energy to do something later. Sounds like another useful tip to me.
In the Bible there are two women called Mary and Martha. They are sisters who are hosting Jesus and his friends, and there's obviously lots to do (sound familiar?) Martha is cross - as Mary is spending all her time listening to Jesus, and not helping her with the work. I feel for Martha, I understand the pull of trying to get everything done, and the frustration of not getting the help she thought she should have; but she missed out. She missed the opportunity to sit and listen, to be with Jesus, to rest - so she had the energy to play later. After all, Jesus did say: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Maybe I need to be a bit more Mary (or Nathan), and a bit less Martha. I think I started today by playing tractors, and ignoring the washing.
I spent this morning in pyjamas, (Thank you Sarah for doing the school run for me xx) playing snap, having cuddles and warm drinks, and generally chilling out with my littlest boy. Life with Nathan isn't always fun and games, but his concerns are generally less complicated than a grown up. We spent a fair bit of time sat on stools in the kitchen, pretending we were riding on a tractor. The biggest concern in Nathan's head wasn't: "This cough is really annoying and tiring, and I wish I felt better" - valid though that would have been. His head was occupied with much more interesting things, like how to make the best tractor engine noise, and which location we should visit on our tractor next... Obviously it's perfectly plausible to ride on your pretend tractor to Thomas Land, and then continue on to go Ten Pin Bowling... in Africa. And then drive back to your farm again.
Sometimes I think I could learn a lot from Nathan and his approach to life, (although maybe not his geography!) The way he's feeling doesn't interrupt the more important things in life, like playing; or when it is bad enough to properly get in the way, he just comes to me - knowing that I'll do my best to sort it out for him, he trusts his mummy, and doesn't waste his time and energy worrying about things he can't sort out anyway.
After lunch today, he just crawled up onto my lap. When I asked if he was tired, he said he was - so I took him up to bed for a nap. As we walked up the stairs, he said "then I can play later"; something I always used to say to him to convince him to have a nap, 'so he had the energy to play later'. Hmmm... Resting; so you have the energy to do something later. Sounds like another useful tip to me.
In the Bible there are two women called Mary and Martha. They are sisters who are hosting Jesus and his friends, and there's obviously lots to do (sound familiar?) Martha is cross - as Mary is spending all her time listening to Jesus, and not helping her with the work. I feel for Martha, I understand the pull of trying to get everything done, and the frustration of not getting the help she thought she should have; but she missed out. She missed the opportunity to sit and listen, to be with Jesus, to rest - so she had the energy to play later. After all, Jesus did say: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Maybe I need to be a bit more Mary (or Nathan), and a bit less Martha. I think I started today by playing tractors, and ignoring the washing.
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Time to worry, or time to sleep?
I've just put my younger son Nathan to bed. He was really over tired, cranky and sad. Throwing tantrums over the smallest things; apparently teeth brushing is tantamount to torture... Above all, he wanted to not go to bed... Unfortunately, this was the only thing that could improve the situation, so Mummy just had to persevere and get the little man into bed. Once he'd calmed down, he went to sleep in about ten seconds.
It got me thinking: how often do we do the same thing? How many problems that we get ourselves worked up about; seemingly disastrous occurrences; could actually be improved by a good night's sleep? How often do we worry needlessly, when we should really just go to bed?
There's a story in the Bible that I find really encouraging that's found in 1 Kings 19. In a nutshell, Elijah has been very busy doing some awesome stuff for God, but then the King (a nasty piece of work called Ahab) and Queen (an equally nasty piece of work called Jezebel) find out about it, and threaten to kill Elijah. He does what we'd all feel like doing in this situation - runs away and hides...
He then goes to sleep, and then is visited by an angel who basically tells him to eat, and then rest again, giving him the food that he needs. God knew that Elijah was good for nothing without adequate food and sleep. Remind you of anyone?
It's only after this that he goes and meets with God who comforts him and shows him the way forward.
I hope that little by little I might be learning which disasters need immediate attention, and which only need me to trust them to God and go to sleep. God knows, I too am good for nothing without adequate food and rest.
It got me thinking: how often do we do the same thing? How many problems that we get ourselves worked up about; seemingly disastrous occurrences; could actually be improved by a good night's sleep? How often do we worry needlessly, when we should really just go to bed?
There's a story in the Bible that I find really encouraging that's found in 1 Kings 19. In a nutshell, Elijah has been very busy doing some awesome stuff for God, but then the King (a nasty piece of work called Ahab) and Queen (an equally nasty piece of work called Jezebel) find out about it, and threaten to kill Elijah. He does what we'd all feel like doing in this situation - runs away and hides...
He then goes to sleep, and then is visited by an angel who basically tells him to eat, and then rest again, giving him the food that he needs. God knew that Elijah was good for nothing without adequate food and sleep. Remind you of anyone?
It's only after this that he goes and meets with God who comforts him and shows him the way forward.
I hope that little by little I might be learning which disasters need immediate attention, and which only need me to trust them to God and go to sleep. God knows, I too am good for nothing without adequate food and rest.
Monday, 18 October 2010
I believe in angels...
Deep breath... OK - so yesterday evening I was at church - and I saw an angel.
I fully accept that some of you will now think I've properly gone bonkers - but honestly, I haven't.
People around me were praying. Asking God to speak, and to make a difference to somebody's life; to show her how much He loved her, and that she could have a better life than the one she had now. There was a whole load of stuff going on - and I looked up - and there he was.
He looked golden. Very tall, and very strong looking - nothing remotely 'cherub' about this guy. He was wearing a robe, and he held a huge sword. He just stood there, with a quiet authority (I don't think he was the sort of being you would argue with), and when I looked around later, I couldn't see him anymore.
It made me think about how amazing it is that there is a whole spiritual world around us that's every bit as real as the physical world we spend most of our time focusing on. How awesome it is that God sends angels into action in response to our prayers. I also thought how cool it is that - regardless of how we feel - we never have to be alone, because God can be with us all the time; and that He has legions of angels at His command, who can guard our every step if needs be.
I'm not claiming to be an expert - after all, there must be billions of angels, and I've only ever seen one - but I'm hoping this experience will encourage me (and maybe you) to look beyond the end of my own nose; to see the amazing things God is doing all the time in the world around me; to look at the world with different eyes.
I fully accept that some of you will now think I've properly gone bonkers - but honestly, I haven't.
People around me were praying. Asking God to speak, and to make a difference to somebody's life; to show her how much He loved her, and that she could have a better life than the one she had now. There was a whole load of stuff going on - and I looked up - and there he was.
He looked golden. Very tall, and very strong looking - nothing remotely 'cherub' about this guy. He was wearing a robe, and he held a huge sword. He just stood there, with a quiet authority (I don't think he was the sort of being you would argue with), and when I looked around later, I couldn't see him anymore.
It made me think about how amazing it is that there is a whole spiritual world around us that's every bit as real as the physical world we spend most of our time focusing on. How awesome it is that God sends angels into action in response to our prayers. I also thought how cool it is that - regardless of how we feel - we never have to be alone, because God can be with us all the time; and that He has legions of angels at His command, who can guard our every step if needs be.
I'm not claiming to be an expert - after all, there must be billions of angels, and I've only ever seen one - but I'm hoping this experience will encourage me (and maybe you) to look beyond the end of my own nose; to see the amazing things God is doing all the time in the world around me; to look at the world with different eyes.
Thursday, 14 October 2010
It's all gone a bit Lemony Snicket...
By this, I mean wrong... Or more precisely - there has been a series of unfortunate events.
Whilst chatting to a good friend of mine this week, we were discussing a particular incident - and having claimed it to be unfortunate a number of times - we came to the conclusion that it had all gone a bit Lemony Snicket...
I've said for a long time (I think since a stressful time during A levels - or even before...) that problems wouldn't be problems if they had the good grace to come one at a time - you'd just deal with whatever it was, and move on. (Granted, this rule doesn't work for the proper grade A crises, just the petty annoyances of everyday life... I understand more about this now).
The thing I find most difficult to cope with, is when a whole load of things seem to come at you at once. It leaves you no time to process each one - let alone find a solution; not even time to file it in an appropriate place for dealing with later. You're just left gasping under the weight of the millions of small, otherwise manageable tasks.
I know I'm by no means the first person to feel this way; and actually, that gives me hope. There are so many bits in the Bible, where people pour out their hearts and their troubles to God; knowing that He understands, and more than that - that He can actually make a difference to their situation too.
Psalm 34:17-19 (New International Version) says:
"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all."
Sometimes you just have to hold on... Oh well, time to just keep swimming I suppose...
Whilst chatting to a good friend of mine this week, we were discussing a particular incident - and having claimed it to be unfortunate a number of times - we came to the conclusion that it had all gone a bit Lemony Snicket...
I've said for a long time (I think since a stressful time during A levels - or even before...) that problems wouldn't be problems if they had the good grace to come one at a time - you'd just deal with whatever it was, and move on. (Granted, this rule doesn't work for the proper grade A crises, just the petty annoyances of everyday life... I understand more about this now).
The thing I find most difficult to cope with, is when a whole load of things seem to come at you at once. It leaves you no time to process each one - let alone find a solution; not even time to file it in an appropriate place for dealing with later. You're just left gasping under the weight of the millions of small, otherwise manageable tasks.
I know I'm by no means the first person to feel this way; and actually, that gives me hope. There are so many bits in the Bible, where people pour out their hearts and their troubles to God; knowing that He understands, and more than that - that He can actually make a difference to their situation too.
Psalm 34:17-19 (New International Version) says:
"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all."
Sometimes you just have to hold on... Oh well, time to just keep swimming I suppose...
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Has anyone seen my show-off gene? (or La la laaaa 2)
I've had another couple of singing lessons now. (I know - it's taken us a while to get going - we're very busy people...) The thing that continues to strike me, is how frustrating it is being a bit shy.
This is so very true in singing. I can sing so much better when I'm relaxed. I can hit notes I thought were well out of the reach of a die-hard alto like me.
I understand why this is. Everything seems to tighten in my throat / pharynx / larynx when I'm nervous... Why I'm nervous doesn't seem to matter. The same thing happens whether I'm worried about what the people listening are thinking, or if there's just a tricky / high note or phrase coming up. I guess I just need to learn to chill out, and practice deliberately relaxing those muscles... Easier said than done though.
It's times like this that I wish I was more of a show-off, hence the blog title. There are times in life when it's easier to be a 'look at me!' sort of person. I used to wish for this when I was teaching antenatal classes; but actually - once I got into it - I actually quite enjoyed it. For me in this context, confidence came through feeling like I knew what I was talking about.
Singing seems different though somehow. There are so many uncontrollable variables. Will my voice crack? Will I breathe in the right place - or will I run out of air halfway through? Will I hit that note, or end up flat? Will people like what they hear? The list is endless...
Helpfully, the place I sing most in public - is in church. When other people can hear me, it's generally because I'm leading the worship at the front - and thus I have a microphone. Singing in this context is immensely liberating, as I know a number of vital things:
This is so very true in singing. I can sing so much better when I'm relaxed. I can hit notes I thought were well out of the reach of a die-hard alto like me.
I understand why this is. Everything seems to tighten in my throat / pharynx / larynx when I'm nervous... Why I'm nervous doesn't seem to matter. The same thing happens whether I'm worried about what the people listening are thinking, or if there's just a tricky / high note or phrase coming up. I guess I just need to learn to chill out, and practice deliberately relaxing those muscles... Easier said than done though.
It's times like this that I wish I was more of a show-off, hence the blog title. There are times in life when it's easier to be a 'look at me!' sort of person. I used to wish for this when I was teaching antenatal classes; but actually - once I got into it - I actually quite enjoyed it. For me in this context, confidence came through feeling like I knew what I was talking about.
Singing seems different though somehow. There are so many uncontrollable variables. Will my voice crack? Will I breathe in the right place - or will I run out of air halfway through? Will I hit that note, or end up flat? Will people like what they hear? The list is endless...
Helpfully, the place I sing most in public - is in church. When other people can hear me, it's generally because I'm leading the worship at the front - and thus I have a microphone. Singing in this context is immensely liberating, as I know a number of vital things:
- The people there are there to focus on God - not on me
- I'm singing primarily for God, the fact that this then helps lead others is secondary
- Most of the people there know me, and love me - so they're not going to be bothered if I throw in a bum note occasionally. (This is just as well - as the likelihood of a wrong note increases exponentially when I'm playing the guitar as well!)
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Just keep swimming...
The same thing happens every year - so it's not like it's taken me by surprise. However, every September, I gain a renewed admiration for anyone parenting alone for any reason. How anyone manages to be a single parent, and still be able to formulate coherent sentences is beyond me - I take my hat off to you.
I'm trying to pace myself with all the jobs that need doing. Gaining wisdom from the fountain of life that is 'Finding Nemo'. When life is tough - I think we sometimes need reminding that all we have to do is just keep going. Just keep swimming...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmyUkm2qlhA
It gives me hope that Jesus understood this feeling of general exhaustion. In Matthew 11:28 it says:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." That's a promise I need to remember today.
We don't have to battle on alone. God never promised that life would be easy, but He did promise to be with us every step of the way.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
The List
One of the great things I've been able to do now I'm not working, is help out with a small discipleship group at our church. This cell group has some very beautiful 16 to 18 year old girls, and it's been a joy getting to know them, and walking with them through some of the joys and trials of being a teenager. It's also put some things from my own teenage years into a new perspective.
We talk about all sorts of things: life, learning, God the universe and everything really. We also spend a fair amount of time talking about relationships.
One story I've told them recently, is about something that happened to me just over ten years ago...
It was the summer after my first year of university, and I was spending the day with Cath, one of my old school friends. Cath wouldn't mind me telling you that she'd had a very bad track record with men; habitually attracted to the bad boy who would behave badly and treat her even worse. It pained me to see her hurt - again.
I concocted a plan. I got her to write 'The List'.
This list was to have all the characteristics she wanted in her next boyfriend on it. The main part of it was full of non-negotiables, the things that weren't up for discussion. Then at the end, she added a few preferences...
She felt a bit daft writing it, so I (happily single at the time) decided to write a list too. I made it comically specific:
Now I know there's nothing magic about writing a list like this - of course not. And I know that sometimes the people we marry aren't always 'our type'. I would have still married Paul if he'd had different colour hair (!)... I still think it's a good idea to think about what you really want in your partner, and then stick to it; it might help in relationship disaster prevention!
Cath, my lovely school friend, now has a lovely list-fulfilling husband of her own, and a beautiful new baby too. It's amazing what can happen in ten years, isn't it?
We talk about all sorts of things: life, learning, God the universe and everything really. We also spend a fair amount of time talking about relationships.
One story I've told them recently, is about something that happened to me just over ten years ago...
It was the summer after my first year of university, and I was spending the day with Cath, one of my old school friends. Cath wouldn't mind me telling you that she'd had a very bad track record with men; habitually attracted to the bad boy who would behave badly and treat her even worse. It pained me to see her hurt - again.
I concocted a plan. I got her to write 'The List'.
This list was to have all the characteristics she wanted in her next boyfriend on it. The main part of it was full of non-negotiables, the things that weren't up for discussion. Then at the end, she added a few preferences...
She felt a bit daft writing it, so I (happily single at the time) decided to write a list too. I made it comically specific:
- Male
- Christian
- Aged 20-25
- Caring
- Secure in himself
- A bit taller than me - maybe 5 foot 10
- Brown, curly hair
- Brown eyes
Now I know there's nothing magic about writing a list like this - of course not. And I know that sometimes the people we marry aren't always 'our type'. I would have still married Paul if he'd had different colour hair (!)... I still think it's a good idea to think about what you really want in your partner, and then stick to it; it might help in relationship disaster prevention!
Cath, my lovely school friend, now has a lovely list-fulfilling husband of her own, and a beautiful new baby too. It's amazing what can happen in ten years, isn't it?
Thursday, 19 August 2010
A side order of self-confidence
Have you ever wished you could just go to the super market and buy something completely ethereal? I know I have... When the boys were small, I used to wish (and sometimes still do actually) that I could just go and buy 48 hours sleep. Or maybe a second pair of hands...
I think we can probably all list a number of impossible purchases that would make our lives better / easier / less stressful. Personally, at the moment, I would really like a portion of boldness, with a side order of self-confidence.
I'm doing a few things that go against my naturally reserved state at the moment, but the thing I really want to feel confident about is playing my guitar and singing at the same time. This is not easy; I'm profoundly impressed by anyone who does it well, as it takes an awful lot of my brain power. I'm playing and singing more at the church I go to; and so far, I think it's gone really well actually. I would just love to be able to do it without feeling nervous and self conscious - after all - these people know me and love me, so how bad can it it actually be?
One of my favourite verses in the Bible is Joshua 1:9. It says:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."(New International Version)
This is pretty clear really. I don't need to worry, because God is always there with me; whether I'm playing the guitar in public or actually doing something properly scary. Now I know not everyone believes in God, or that what the Bible says is true. I do though - and I'm just wondering how amazing life would be if we could actually manage to live out our lives according to some of these awesome promises.
John Ortberg has written a fabulous book (actually - he's written many - check out http://johnortberg.com/?page_id=2) called 'If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat'. It looks at the famous incident in the Bible where Jesus walks on water, and Peter tries to walk to him (see Matthew 14). The book explores how although this looks like a big failure for Peter, he was actually the only one brave enough to have a go; and how much he learned from this experience. Then it goes on to look at how we only develop as people if we step out of our comfort zones and try something new.
So although it would be easier to just buy some boldness from a shop - I know I'll learn more from the process of doing the challenging thing. I think the only true way to gain confidence is by facing up to the scary thing and doing it anyway. So I guess it's time to just 'woman up' and get on with it...
I think we can probably all list a number of impossible purchases that would make our lives better / easier / less stressful. Personally, at the moment, I would really like a portion of boldness, with a side order of self-confidence.
I'm doing a few things that go against my naturally reserved state at the moment, but the thing I really want to feel confident about is playing my guitar and singing at the same time. This is not easy; I'm profoundly impressed by anyone who does it well, as it takes an awful lot of my brain power. I'm playing and singing more at the church I go to; and so far, I think it's gone really well actually. I would just love to be able to do it without feeling nervous and self conscious - after all - these people know me and love me, so how bad can it it actually be?
One of my favourite verses in the Bible is Joshua 1:9. It says:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."(New International Version)
This is pretty clear really. I don't need to worry, because God is always there with me; whether I'm playing the guitar in public or actually doing something properly scary. Now I know not everyone believes in God, or that what the Bible says is true. I do though - and I'm just wondering how amazing life would be if we could actually manage to live out our lives according to some of these awesome promises.
John Ortberg has written a fabulous book (actually - he's written many - check out http://johnortberg.com/?page_id=2) called 'If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat'. It looks at the famous incident in the Bible where Jesus walks on water, and Peter tries to walk to him (see Matthew 14). The book explores how although this looks like a big failure for Peter, he was actually the only one brave enough to have a go; and how much he learned from this experience. Then it goes on to look at how we only develop as people if we step out of our comfort zones and try something new.
So although it would be easier to just buy some boldness from a shop - I know I'll learn more from the process of doing the challenging thing. I think the only true way to gain confidence is by facing up to the scary thing and doing it anyway. So I guess it's time to just 'woman up' and get on with it...
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