pockets of darkness

' What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do: and the God of peace will be with you.' Philippians 4:9

In the dawn of the day I could see, dotted in folds of the dark hills and lower ridges of the mountains the occasional house light, bright, shining, evident in the dark, some alone, some in clusters.

When I was in rehabilitation the patients would gather in the small dining area together for a meal and I would listen as some talked and some sat in silence. I thought about how some people sit in pockets of darkness and what an opportunity for a light to shine. As I sat with a small group of about 4 people someone asked me what work I did. My revelation lead to being invited to say grace before we ate, it allowed the others to let down their guard and allowed them to share their life story, their fears, anxiety and apprehension and their faith. After that conversation more and more gathered to share a meal and many hovered there at supper time to ask for prayer.

Steiner Rice says:

'Give us strength and courage, to be honorable and true, practicing your precepts in everything we do.'

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Advent

' Those people who keep their faith until the end, will be saved.' Matthew 24:13

Recently several people have spoken to me of pain and difficulty and hardship in their lives, and where is God. Sometimes its easy to lose focus. Sometimes we struggle to know who we are and why God can seem so 'far off 'yet in all of that we can cling to the fact that we know that God never lets us down, he never lets us go, he never loses sight of us and regardless of how 'far off he can seem, we know that in actual fact he is right there with us, we just sometimes cant see it in the cloud of the moment.

Advent is on our doorstep and that draws us to remember that Christ came, and will come again, and our relationship with him may need rebuilding, refocusing or refreshing. We also need to remember that Advent is about getting our relationship right with God so we can serve him fully in caring for his sheep, giving a drink to the thirsty, tending the Christ in others.

In Portuguese, a person who has the ability to 'hang in' and not 'give in' has 'Garra.' Garra means 'claws' What imagery. Lucado says: 'A person with Garra has claws which burrow into the face of a cliff and keep him from falling. So do the saved. They may get close to the edge, they may stumble and even slide, but they will dig their nails into the rock of God and hang on.'

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Inclusion, welcome, embrace.

' When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind and you will be blessed.' Luke 14

A couple of Sundays ago we were so blessed at church when there was a celebration for disability awareness Sunday. All the participants from the special group were invited to take part in the service.Welcome rs in wheelchairs,sides persons in wheel chairs,others with disability using their ability to light the worship candle, pray the intercessions and be overall included.

The spirit moved right across the congregation, some were in tears of blessings, some offered to help with this special group when we gather, others said lets have more and more of this inclusion.

'Set before our mind and hearts, O heavenly Father, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, when he was upon this earth, found his refreshment in doing the will of him that sent him, and in finishing his work. '(Charles Vaughan)

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Christian Blind Mission in Melbourne has many resources for ministry with people with disability. Their program is called Luke 14. Their website is:www.Luke14.cbm.org.au

Is God the first daily appointment in your diary?

'Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.' Psalm 96:6

There is such an urgency and an excitement about the dawn.Its like a 'calling' that can't be resisted.'Come, it says,come quick before I pass and we haven't met.'

The blackbirds calling,

pockets of clouds sitting on mountain tops,some drifting,mist hovering

cobweb in the wire

stillness, quiet.

God hour,God's hour.

How important, life giving and refreshing it is to be with God.

Top priority for the new day.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne

'symbols' of Gods presence

'......when he is revealed.............we will see him as he is.' 1 John 3:2

Ever present God.

We only have to stay conscious of that to receive daily blessings and encouragement from him. Many of us have 'symbols' in nature that remind us of the presence of God.....we see them and God speaks.

I remember when in hospital, looking out the corridor window with longing ,in the direction of home and I looked down to a new building site. The building had been completed but alongside it were piles of builders rubble in the mud of recent rain and there, sitting precariously on a piece of wire, in all the mess, was a blue wren, singing his heart out. and in that moment God spoke.

All I could say was, 'Thank you, thank you Lord, as my spirit rose.

In all the rubble of daily life, if we keep watch, we see and feel the 'symbols'in life, the reminders of Gods love and hope.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Keep watch, keep listening

' I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me in.' Matthew 25:35

I was at an Archdeaconry meeting last night and was so blessed by many stories people had to tell of how God's Spirit is moving amongst us and the excitement was contagious. It was a wonderful evening of affirmation and encouragement.

One person told a story of their church ministry to people who sleep in their cars in the church grounds, and how they leave the amenities open for them and provide them with a substantial breakfast the following morning before they move on. One lady felt so safe, so loved, by the care given that she came to the early church service in her dressing gown!

I wonder who receives the greater blessings in this ministry? The recipient may, the ones who are serving may. But you know what? I think its God.

FB Myer says: Show me, today , dear Lord, one of your little ones to whom I can give a cup of cold water in your name.

Go OUT in peace to love and serve the Lord

Anne

Here I am Lord

...'Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature's night: thine eye defused a quickening ray---I woke: the dungeon flamed with light! my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.' (Charles Wesley TIS 209)

One of my favourite hymns is that of Charles Wesley: 'And can it be....'

I thought of this as I arrived at Galong Monastery for the retreat. I stopped on the outside of the gate and peered in through the fence at peaceful setting within the grounds and I immediately was struck by Wesley's words and I felt a sense of the business of the world falling away and a peace filling that inner emptying space.

Oh the joy, the necessity and the blessings of retreating into the lap of God in a place of peace and quiet.

Its absolutely essential to take a retreat. A holiday is refreshing but a retreat is refilling.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne

new life

'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' Matthew 21:28

I could almost see the new life pulsating through the pruned vines, getting ready to grow and bear fruit and I thought of the man in the hospital chapel who asked the question, 'Tell me, how do I talk to God?'

What wonderful places God puts us in to help others and show them the way. We never know when we step outside the front door each day, who he will lead us to.

A prayer for today:

Heavenly Vine! Pour your life through me so that I may bear much fruit for your sake. (FB Myer)

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Anne

THE gate

' Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.' John 10: 1-2

I love the King James version that says 'verily, verily. I think that has a richness and a deeper meaning that reaches deep inside ones being......verily, verily I tell you.

I like to think of this gate as something we all pass through, or should pass through each day before we go out into the world,into the sheep fold, where there are sheep and wolves. Unless God is with us in mind and heart and prayer, unless we have sought strength through him, then its a bit like the wolf entering the fold.

I like this prayer:

You are the gate, O Lord!

Through you may I pass, out to my daily work and back again to rest, and whether in work or rest, may I abide in your safekeeping. (FB Myer)

Lets set about our daily work, having passed through the 'gate' first.

Grace and peace.

Anne

your love for us is manifested

' You well deserve the praises of your children, O God.......you that answer prayer.' Psalm 65 (Psalms Now)

Its our humanity that gets in the road when we give up hope, or begin to doubt. I think of the anxious years of the recent drought and our fears we would never see again the abundant spring rains, lush grass and full dams but there it is, God has stayed faithful, he has answered prayer and delivered.................he reached out to save us.

All around we see the power of God in the grandeur of the mountains, the roar of the sea, grain laden fields and new life in all creation yet we doubt and become anxious when we are threatened.

I love this last verse of psalm 65: The meadows are clothed with sheep; and the valleys stay so thick with corn, they shout and sing for joy.

When times are tough we need to stay close to God, right by his side and trust.

Blessings on your day and peace from God the Father.

Anne

The travelers psalm

' I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come?' My help comes from the Lord., Psalm 121:1

This is one of those ' grounded' verses that stay with you always. Every time I look at a hill or mountain, every time I 'need' God close, every time I am feeling a bit anxious, every day on the walking track overlooking the mountains and before the day begins....... it comes straight to mind.

It doesn't matter if you are on a journey to Israel, traveling down the highway or heading for the operating theatre, God's comfort and protection, is there with you. His help is only a whisper away.............'from where will my help come?' 'It comes from the Lord.'

Grace and peace on this glorious day.

Anne

Seek ye first the kingdom of God

'One thing I will ask of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his temple.'

There they were this morning, tiny capsules of pure delight, bursting with God's love and I thought of those who do not know of that love and my heart was on fire for them.

Go seek and find the lost in the name of the Christ we server.

Grace and peace.

Anne

Love from God

Morning has broken and the blackbird is the only sound, high on the power line, singing and singing and singing in the rain. What a beautiful blessing for the day.

Longfellow has a saying:'Into all our lives, in many simple, familiar, homely ways, God infuses this element of joy from the surprises of life, which unexpectedly brighten our days and fill our eyes with light.'

I think that is so profound and fills one with joy just to read it. Think of your days and those blessings that comes so unexpectedly......treasured gifts from God, that's what I call a blessing. They are mine, they are rich, they are special, they are personal, life giving, faith affirming, exciting. They are like 'love' from God directly to our heart.

Sometimes it comes when we serve others and we end up with the blessing.

Sometimes it comes from a glorious sunset

Sometimes it comes from a beautiful sing flower.

When you settle down tonight, count the blessings from this day and you will be blessed again.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Rejoice!

This will be familiar to many from the Thursday daily office but I wonder how many stop to really meditate?

'As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you, now and forever.'

As I was praying this I looked up from my place of prayer and saw the gifts already being given, and the presence of God was so visible in the breaking day.

A glorious tree, naked, standing proud with buds of new life ready to burst open, daffodils and jonquils at its base, bright gifts of joy interspersed with violets, their perfume only imaginable from within the room.

Wet grass from a heavy unexpected frost and the deep, sweet melody of the warbling magpies, all before I stepped outside.

'As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence O Lord, set our hearts on fire for you.'

As Steiner Rice says: 'Who but God can make the day!'

Grace and peace, and morning blessings from God our Father.

Anne

amongst the weeds

'Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will be strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.' Spiritual song.

This song was singing on my heart the moment I stepped out the door this morning for a walk and the players of the music were a flock of blue wrens that seemed to accompany me for a short while.

What a glorious morning. God truly opened the lid of his treasure chest and let some of the treasures surround me..............blessed I was by the fresh air, the clear morning, spring flowers and the scent in the air of a deep, rich perfumed flowering shrub, but you know, the thing that seemed to draw my closer meditation was the 'fields' of bright yellow cape weed. While its a weed, it still holds beauty, its given many a child pleasure (and the inner child!) in making daisy chains, its was created by God, yet its outcast in the created world. In a moment I saw in it the outcast, the unaccepted, the rejected, the 'weeds' of society , to the world they mean not much but they hold a special place in my heart and life.

Sometimes we have to set aside the 'devotional books' and take our devotions outside and walk and talk to God there.

Walk well with God amidst so many blessings and hear his voice in creation, his gospel message for you today. Turn your eyes on him and look full in his wonderful face.

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Anne

All that I have

' He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.' Luke 21: 1-2

When I was in hospital I was so blessed by the gifts of flowers from people who came to visit. Flowers beautifully arranged by the florist, lining the windowsill of my room. They were just beautiful in all their glory and gave me much pleasure but I had a visit from an elderly friend who I know struggles to get out and about yet she had bent low and hard, to pick for me a bunch of deep purple violets from her garden.

When I woke up in the night, the room was filled with the perfume of these violets and I thought of her and how she gave what she could, at a personal cost and I was so blessed. Immediately into my mind came the gospel story of the widows offering.

Even the smallest things, given in love, carry a big blessing. Even the smallest blessing brings great joy.

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Anne

I see you Lord

' And all the peoples behold his glory.' Psalm 97 :6

Sometimes we feel we are looking into the eye of God.

I have a beautiful book called 'A Tree full of Angels.' by Macrina Wiederkehr and in one section she talks of a meditation pause quoting Guigo, and it says: .........until your heart is touched....

I looked in awe at the deep pink blossom covered prunes tree

I looked in awe at the deep red of the flowering gum.

And I saw them........a tree full of angels, and my heart was touched and my silent whisper said, 'I see you Lord.'

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Anne

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Sing me a song

' Remember my son, that in your lifetime you were given all the good things while Lazarus got all the bad things' Luke 16:25

'While Lazarus lay at the gates of the rich mans house begging for food, the rich man ignored him, feasting his dogs instead. ' I think of these words in the context of the elderly with dementia who live on our doorsteps. Many a time in aged care ministry I saw over and over again the neglect, neglect in abandonment. ' Why visit' I heard relatives and friend say, 'they don't know me any more.' There is rich and meaningful blessings in visiting with these folk. Reminiscing with visible aids such as photos and memorabilia from their past will be triggers of conversation and connection, these may only be brief and then forgotten but they leave a glow , a warmth,in the heart of those visited .

The Pioneer Girls leaders handbook says:

A friend hears the song in my heart

and sings it to me when my memory fails.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

the sacramental nature

'For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies, for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies. Christ our God to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.' TIS 137

Nice words to a nice hymn or is it more than that.

I notice again the buds are bursting on the Japonica, full and red and there are bunches of deep blue violets beneath the Daphne and the plumb tree is sporting early spring blossoms, all so much more vivid and perfumed in the early mooring while the dew is still on them. And the sky at night filled with millions of stars and that moon! What a wonder its been in all its fullness and glory. But more so, what a wonder when we notice all this through the eyes of God, the creator.

Ron Ferguson from the Iona community writes:

To become aware of the sacramental nature of the cosmos,

to be open to the sacramental possibilities of each moment,

to see the face of Christ in every person,

these things are not novel

but the rediscovery is the beginning of our health.

To that I add stop, take the time to see the face of God and benefit his rich blessings.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne

Spreading the gospel

' I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel.' Phil 1:12

I think of us all and how we have got to where we are, Christian believers, servants of Christ.
I think of 'the road,' the journey, that has lead us to a solid faith, one so convincing that we cant help but spread it everywhere we go and particularly in the areas immediately around us and with those we reach out to with the love of Christ.

I was listening to the garden show on the radio and they were talking about a particular weed that develops a seed pod and once you touch its seeds they go 'wooooosh', up in the air and outwards and land all over the ground around them.' The name of the weed is 'jumping Jesus.'

What an imagery. What a parable.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne