Teach us Lord.

Glorify the Lord with me: let us exalt his name together. Ps 34:3

Sometimes a simple statement is all that is needed.
These words from a song by Chris Rice says it all.
' Teach us to count our days
               Teach us to make our days count.'

Go well into your day with grace and peace and make a difference.
Blessings
Anne, servant of the Lord.

Holy is the Lord

' Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the earth is full of his glory.'  Isaiah 6:2-5
I often reflect on the Holiness of God and in one of his books Max Lucado says that ' Gods holiness silences human boasting.'
When I think of the Holiness of God I get a sense deep within of a stirring of the Spirit, not in a charismatic way but in a way that curls me up inside like I am wrapped in a blanket of God's love and held in his arms. I guess we call it humility.  Lucado says that the one occasion that the seraphim occurred in scripture they endlessly sang 'Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.'
In Hebrew scripture repetition acts like a highlighter, a tool to emphasis.
God is not Holy
He is not Holy Holy
He is Holy, Holy, Holy.
May we all find and cherish the Holiness of God.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anne, servant of the Lord.

I know why I believe

It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter. Psalm 74:17
Sometimes its just the little things that speak to us of God.
A bulging rain drop on the end of a gum leaf, just hanging there.
A tight flower bud, waiting expectantly to burst into a bouquet of beauty.
A small brown wren with a touch of blue coming to his tail, a sign of his impending rich blue to come.
A butterfly, beautifully crafted, a fragile creation of delicate beauty.
Phillip brooks wrote: 'All the world is an utterance of the Almighty. Its countless beauties, its exquisite adaptations all speak to you of Him.'
I like gospel music and one song (sung by Elvis) goes like this:
'When I hear a new born baby cry or touch a leaf, or see the sky, then I know why I believe.'
There is always the sacred presence before us, we just need to take the time to see it.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord

A beautifully crafted spiders nest NT

New Year

' We ponder your steadfast love, O God.' Psalm 49.9
The New Year is well under way and no doubt the pull of work and life's demands are causing the sense of
' a break and some rest in January' to fade though we attempt to grasp them for just a little longer.
What of our promises to self and God for this New Year?  To live better lives? to serve more those in greater need? to seek the lost?  And what of our relationship with Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Do we have plans, no not plans but a deep desire, to grow and develop that more in depth?
It is only through prayer and studying the word of God that we gain the strength and vision to live the better life, to serve others more, to seek the lost and to know Jesus more and more.
'You can probe the shallow waters of a pond and go no further but if you go to the center of the pond you will plummet the depth.'
In this New Year may we take our relationship with God beyond the shallow edges and plummet its depth.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord

Do not neglect the gift that is in you. 1 Timothy 4:14

The gift of friendship

What a glorious fresh morning. Ducks swimming on the pond, a willy wagtail flitting about in the bushes with his chatter trying to catch flighty insects and the distant sound of a kookaburra, laughing. There is a true sense that creation is in harmony with its creator and I thought of all the multiple blessings that God showers upon us, day after day,hour after hour if we are in harmony with him and I wonder, how many blessings do we give God?
Christmas is over as far as the unwrapping of gifts goes, and the parties and the celebrations  but still it remains in our hearts and with the New Year emerging it is now a good time to reflect on the gifts we might give the Lord to shower him with blessings.
How many of your gifts have you offered him?  Think of the use of your God given gifts for his glory.He will be so blessed. Think of your gift to him of time spent with him. Think of your ministry as you take and share him with others.Think, 'how can I bless the Lord.'
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord.

a rose in the desert

 O what a gift, what a wonderful gift. (TIS 278)
I stood looking at the huge Christmas tree in the shopping center, its base surrounded with gifts  waiting to be given away and unwrapped.Gifts that will bring joy and excitement. Gifts that will be given to those who otherwise would have no gifts and again I thought of the one perpetual gift that can be given away time and time again and never have to be replaced, repurchased or re given; the gift  of Jesus who came as a baby, wrapped in bands of cloth, a baby who will bring joy and excitement, A baby who would be our Savior, a baby who would turn the world upside down in 3 years of profound ministry that gave us eternal life. What a gift. And I ask, what gift would you give to Jesus in return?
I read this from a Benediction:
Grant that we may gladly give you the one precious gift we have to bring, the offering of our loyalty and love,

and enable us to walk in love for others in Christ who walks the road with us, a fragrant offering, a rose in the desert for you.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord.

Christ of the poor

When Jesus went out he saw a great multitude and he was moved with compassion for them and he healed their sick. Matthew 14.14
When I read  this passage of scripture, immediately comes to mind my 'hero' Mother Teresa. The biggest thing I learn from her is that Christ came for those who are hurting. If I reach out to those who are hurting in the name of Christ, he will care for them, and, you know what? everyone is going to be hurting at some stage. If we give to the hurting we will always have some one to care for, to minister too and God will draw them in closer at that time as we show them his love. That's what I learn from Mother Teresa.
We might never serve Christ in India, feeding and healing the poorest of the poor but we can serve here right where we are. The needy can be the person sitting across the isle in the class room, in the next cubicle at work, or sitting next to us at the dining room table each night. When we identify people in need, that's God calling our hearts into action, serving others in his love.
Lord, fill me with your compassion for your people. Open my ears and my eyes to the needs around me. Use me to give love, your love, to the world.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ
Anne, servant of the Lord.

JAFFA ministry (Jesus a friend for all)

The invitation

In Matthew 11:18 Jesus says. 'Come to me.'
The little children (and some big ones!) are counting down the days and number of sleeps until Christmas day and there is much excitement and anticipation and its that time of the year when all the invitations come out from family, friends and work places:
Invitations to Christmas parties
Invitations to school and university graduations
Invitations to 'catch up' before Christmas
Invitations to holiday with family
Invitation to Christmas dinner
But you know behind all the hoo-har and rushing,  and preparation there is the soft voice of Jesus saying. 'Come to me,'
Now that's the best invitation we can ever get and its an open invitation for EVERYONE.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ
Anne, servant of the Lord

JAFFA disability ministry 2012 Christmas

A narrow winding trail

' Christ died for sin once and for all, the righteous from the unrighteous, to bring you to God.' 1 Peter 3:18
Max Lucado says that 'the path of righteousness is a narrow, winding trail up a steep hill. At the top of the hill is a cross. At the base of the cross are bags. Countless bags full of innumerable sins'. When I read this I thought of my walk up to Rosary Hill at Galong. Its a winding trail up a steep hill and at the top is a life size crucifix and around the rocks at the foot of it are many sets of rosary beads and other memorabilia of peoples prayers. When you turn your back from this and you look forward there is a vast, wonderful view across the countryside, as far as you can see, where the endless, clear horizon meets the blue, blue sky. So quiet, so still, so peaceful. I reflect on this in this season of Advent where our focus is on forgiveness of self and others. At times, weighed down and anxious by sin, we come to Jesus and lay them at the foot of his cross. As Lucado says,' The compost pile of guilt,' and then, we turn away from where we have laid them and look ahead, so quiet, so still, so peaceful.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord

Rosary Hill Galong

Christmas love

'... God's love has been poured into our hearts...' Romans 5:5
I look at so many Christmas wreaths hanging on the front door of the homes at this time of the year to welcome Christmas. Some are ornate, some large, some very colourful some very beautiful but the one that really took my eye and spoke to my heart was such a simple one.
                             

                                          It is in the shape of a heart and entwined with red tinsel.
 Now that to me spoke of Christmas, it spoke of love at Christmas, a love that came down from heaven in the form of a baby, God's gift to us, his Son, Jesus Christ.
See what love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God, and this is what we are.(1 John 3:1)
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ
Anne, servant of the Lord.

I'm only a spark

(Jesus said) A person takes a mustard seed, the smallest seed in the world, and plants it in the ground. After a while it grows up and becomes the biggest of all plants.' Mark 4:31-32
I wonder how often we think of ourselves in the big picture of the kingdom? Do we wonder about the impression that we might make? Do we wonder about the gifts and abilities  that God has given us? Do we see them as small with only a small impact?  How sure are you that he can use even the smallest of your gifts to proclaim the greatness of the Lord?  What did Paul say to the Corinthians?
                     That God chooses what the world considers weak, to shame the strong!
Amado Nervo wrote a poem a portion of which reads:
I'm only a spark, make me a fire,I'm only a string, make me a lyre,I'm only an ant hill, make me a mountain,
I'm only a drop,make me a fountain'
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord

I'm only a bud, make me a flower.

The presence of the Lord

Be still for the presence of the Lord is moving in this place. (Christian song)
 I find this new suburb I live in quite an amazing place and such a new experience. I can go several days without seeing what I call an' Aussie'. There are many Indian people, Thai,Chinese, Sudanese and  Italian, it is so multicultural but what I love is they are not afraid to express who they are and it seems they bring their God with them. I see in some gardens a Buddha, in another a dragon, another little tea houses lit with candles and over doorways various symbols of peace and protection but this is the bit I like best, more and more I am seeing Christian symbols. On one front door hangs a cross, in another window hangs a cross and on another door is a sign which says'Praise the Lord'. For some reason it gives me goosebumps as we all live together, a community of faith, however that is expressed, and among it all our Lord and God is standing tall.. And me, how is my home identified? I have a Celtic cross hanging in my front window and in Hebrew on a plaque on my porch are the words 'Shalom'. Whats that bible verse about not hiding your light under a bushel?

The gift we can give

'We have not ceased praying for you.' Col 1:9
I marveled at the amount of people who were in the shopping mall. Some with Christmas trees in their shopping trolley and many with trolleys full of toys and food all getting ready to celebrate Christmas as they know it and are thinking about what gifts to give to what family member or friend and I found myself thinking about gift giving.
One of the greatest gifts I have received, and in hindsight given, I experienced again last week.
An older person I care for was going off to the hospital to see his specialist after having had tests for cancer. He was off to 'hear the outcome' of the tests and he was anxious, somewhat distressed and as he got into the community car he grabbed my arm and said, 'You know I am not religious but please pray for me I am so scared' I assured him  I would light a candle and pray. While the outcome of his visit was not good news he seemed to never the less be brighter.' Just knowing you were praying for me,' he said,' made such a difference. I felt the anxiety go and a peace arrived in its place.'
What a gift we both received that day.Never underestimate the power of prayer, its a wonderful gift

.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord

God's creatures

' All things bright and beautiful all creatures great and small.' (Hymn)
I am amazed. How long has God been with  me on this earth? 6 score years and more and still I see his glory in so many new ways. I was sitting at my desk after having had a lovely walk in the morning, the fields fresh from new rain and here comes a wood pigeon, one I call a top knot, and he sits on the bird feeder, one eye cautiously watching me as he eats the seed provided for him. His colours on his grey wings are turquoise and scarlet, shimmering in the soft sun light and on his head (well really, God has such a sense of humour) there is the neatest, tidiest strands of fine feathers standing upright as if lathered with bryl cream. You know, sometimes it doesn't matter how rough things might get God can always produce something that puts a smile on your face. Its like he says,'here, look who I have asked to visit you this morning to bring you joy and pleasure.'

What has God shown you today of his love for you? Did it come in the way of a lovely bird, a special animal, a friend or simply but profoundly the gift of this new day?
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ
Anne, servant of the Lord.

solid ground

' The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge'. 
 2 Samuel 22.2
It stands on the side of the mountain through all weather, torrential rain, fierce sun, gale force winds and storms, this massive granite outcrop that  occupies a large portion of its space solid, firm, unbreakable, strong and despite its massive presence I use to climb this mountain as a child and sit for hours on a large outcrop pondering the valley below  with a great sense of peace. I suspect that its crevices and 'spaces' are places for shelter and safety for the animals and birds that call the  rock their home. I get the impression that if it were to rain forever, and all the soil was washed from the mountain that it

 would still be standing, solid and firm, unmovable and steadfast.
God is our rock. When he occupies a large portion of our space or when we climb and crawl onto his lap he becomes a solid place of refuge. When all else falls away he is still there, strong, firm, permanent. Steadfast and everlasting are the words the scriptures use.
The Sunday School song said it all I think: 'The wise man built his house upon the rock.'
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord.

God's world

'The earth is the Lords and everything in it.' Psalm 24:1
A glorious walk in the freshness of the morning and what a start to the day.   I saw in front of me  several black swans walking along the road as they head for a morning swim in the pond, occasionally browsing on the verge for a taste of breakfast and a carpet of pink and grey of the Galahs already feasting on new sown seed. The cheeky peewee breaks the silence and is already busy with his day and the trill of the blue wrens and the colour of the wild flowers just make it all so lovely .To capture it I reflect on   the words of Henry Gariepy: 'Wildflowers were dancing in the breeze, a moment  of   pure   joy and  songs of all sorts form in my heart. Oh the delight of little things that trickle into the moment.'                                                                                           Taste and see, for the Lord is Good.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ
Anne, servant of the Lord.

sing a new song

He put a new song in my mouth. Psalm 40:3
When I step out side for the morning walk my heart sings at the joy of freedom, and beauty in all there is about me in my world.  The sun rises with memorable colour and a peaceful presence and the song my heart sings to the Lord  is one of gratitude and blessings at the dawning of the new day full of potential and hope.
But I pause to reflect on the 100 and 1000's of people effected by the Typhoon in the Philippines and I think how can they sing a new song today, in fact will their hearts ever sing again and what will that new song look like?
I love this song sung by Celtic Thunder which I think helps the questions I have asked and certainly sustains me when I feel challenged in life. The song refers to' the home land' and I can relate it to God and his love of us. It goes like this: ' You are the voice, you are the song,the song ever singing in me and you are the heart ever true........ the voice ever calling me home to you.'
God is our refuge, our ever present help and we will always sing a song to him while he lives in us even though it may take our hearts awhile to compose it.

Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ
Anne, servant of the Lord.

Listen long

You turn my wailing into dancing;you removed the sackcloth and clothed me with joy. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. Ps 30:11,12
Daily pressures, rush,anxiety and clamoring to see an end to the amount of jobs we think we need to do leaves us very little space for the sacred, those moments that refresh us, connect us and calm us but Oh when we find them what joy, what healing, what strength.
I have taken to  almost sitting in my new garden which is flourishing and there I hear the voice of God. There I see his face among the blossoms and the blooms, there I experience his perfume, there I touch his hand, there I feel the breath of the Spirit on the wind.  Where is your sacred space? Where do you off load, let down and just be, in the precious company of God?
I read this quote(not sure of the author) It said: ' I listen long for silent songs playing in hidden places.'
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ
Anne, servant of the Lord

portion of my new garden

loving kindness

'I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with loving kindness' says the Lord. Jeremiah 31:3
 Imagine this. The Lord sitting at a rough wooden table,or in a garden, or on a rock ledge overlooking the sea of Galilee  reflecting, contemplating, imagining YOU. He has a sketch book on his lap and a pencil in his hand and he is drawing, drawing you with loving kindness and he puts into it feelings of hope. Hope that you will be his child. Hope that you will love him. Hope that your life will be full. Hope that you will talk of him, to many others and show his love.Hope that life will be journeyed together in its fullness.
I shared this loving kindness and  hope with an elderly terminally ill  man last week, sharing with him the greatness of God's creation in him and simply asked he picture God with a sketch pad and pencil, drawing him with love.
Mother Teresa said: We are also pencils in the hand of God. Let him create  something wonderful with your life as you serve him.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord.

Giving thanks

 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Psalm 100:1
I spent what seemed like time indefinite, in the presence of the Lord. Not with my head in a book of prayers, though that is nice at times. Not with my head in a book of meditations,  that is nice also, but I sat creating my own prayers and my own meditation in communion with God just surveying all around and all before me with my heart and eyes fixed on creation and God's beauty. For all I saw and heard and felt was of God.
Mountain tops poked out of low cloud, valleys swept with mist that settled in pockets of still and undulating hills. The sea, quiet, gently rolling onto the thousands of grains of sand, washed white and covered with treasures from the sea: shells,fragments of coloured glass,drift wood and polished stones and as if for my pure joy God sends a sea eagle to hover and cruise before my eyes. Each and every presence was a God moment and a 'bell of mindfulnessEden. NSW
' and my heart shouted for joy to the Lord.
Thank you God for moments of stillness and quiet.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anne, servant of the Lord.