1 Samuel 3:1-21
God called Samuel's name. This was a new experience for him. Eli had to educate him in the ways of the Lord. God chose to give his message through a child. He could have spoken to Eli directly, we know that he was a man of God by his encounter with Samuel's mother. But no, God chose to give his message to Eli through his pupil.
We need to listen carefully to the words of other people, not be planning our next statement.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Covers
Luke 20:41-21:4
Next week is exciting, our baby is graduating from university. Last week I started planning my outfit for the ceremony. My first move was to think of my potential clothes and then contact the daughters to see which they thought they would not mind me wearing. The answer came back "Nothing too outrageous. A hat is probably not neccessary".
Really I have quote a lot of clothes, having lived so long in the land of shopping. On a hot summer day there was little better than a wander around the extremely well chilled mall with a tour of the clearance racks. So I like to dress and especially wear a hat.
I am not so good at giving. Giving does not make such a flamboyant statement as a red hat. God is interested in our insides, not our covers.
Next week is exciting, our baby is graduating from university. Last week I started planning my outfit for the ceremony. My first move was to think of my potential clothes and then contact the daughters to see which they thought they would not mind me wearing. The answer came back "Nothing too outrageous. A hat is probably not neccessary".
Really I have quote a lot of clothes, having lived so long in the land of shopping. On a hot summer day there was little better than a wander around the extremely well chilled mall with a tour of the clearance racks. So I like to dress and especially wear a hat.
I am not so good at giving. Giving does not make such a flamboyant statement as a red hat. God is interested in our insides, not our covers.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Languages
Acts 2:22-36
I have got used to hearing French whenever I sit on a bus or walk along a street. I try to understand overheard the conversations in an attempt to improve my French.Walking along the Brussels streets I usually relax into a dream world filled with English thoughts and hurry about my business. Thus I am startled when suddenly I realize that what I am overhearing is in my own mother tongue and I can understand each and every word. If I was a dog you would see my ears perk up as I monitor the conversation and tzke an interest in who is speaking.
I know how those visitors to Jerusalem felt as they heard Peter speaking in their own language. No wonder they listened to the message.
I have got used to hearing French whenever I sit on a bus or walk along a street. I try to understand overheard the conversations in an attempt to improve my French.Walking along the Brussels streets I usually relax into a dream world filled with English thoughts and hurry about my business. Thus I am startled when suddenly I realize that what I am overhearing is in my own mother tongue and I can understand each and every word. If I was a dog you would see my ears perk up as I monitor the conversation and tzke an interest in who is speaking.
I know how those visitors to Jerusalem felt as they heard Peter speaking in their own language. No wonder they listened to the message.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Garden friends.
Psalm 80
Verses 14 and 15 set me thinking.
I introduced David to magnolia trees and he in turn showed them to his mother. She bought us a magnolia soulangia for our last house in England. I always fund it strange visiting a place I have left but we have driven passed the house a few times and were sadden to see that the magnolia was no longer there. For us is was aide memoire for my mother-in-law.
How one thought can lead to another. Writing this reminds me of the two large magnolia grandiflora trees in our Houston front garden with their dinner plate fragrant cream blooms; and how one of my walking companions and I pulled up a self-set seedling. I wonder how the seedling is? Another walking partner gave me a watering can which has finished it's life in that capacity but is now a planter. My garden here is populated by gifts from friends. I spent Saturday afternoon clearing space for jerusalem artichoke plants given by a friend. I have geraniums for two gardens, an as yet unidentified shrub, lily of the valley, hellebores, and snowdrops. Each of them brings to mind a friend as I pass by.
So I continue to enjoy my day with my friends. As our priest said in his sermon yesterday, whilst quoting his grandmother "You are never closer to God than in the garden". Today I shall finish planting the artichokes and do some more weeding accompanied by my friends.
Unfortunately my picture does not seem to want to load correctly.
Verses 14 and 15 set me thinking.
I introduced David to magnolia trees and he in turn showed them to his mother. She bought us a magnolia soulangia for our last house in England. I always fund it strange visiting a place I have left but we have driven passed the house a few times and were sadden to see that the magnolia was no longer there. For us is was aide memoire for my mother-in-law.
How one thought can lead to another. Writing this reminds me of the two large magnolia grandiflora trees in our Houston front garden with their dinner plate fragrant cream blooms; and how one of my walking companions and I pulled up a self-set seedling. I wonder how the seedling is? Another walking partner gave me a watering can which has finished it's life in that capacity but is now a planter. My garden here is populated by gifts from friends. I spent Saturday afternoon clearing space for jerusalem artichoke plants given by a friend. I have geraniums for two gardens, an as yet unidentified shrub, lily of the valley, hellebores, and snowdrops. Each of them brings to mind a friend as I pass by.
Unfortunately my picture does not seem to want to load correctly.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The trees of field
Psalm 96
Tom age eleven came home from school very excited. They had sung a hymn at school which was one which we sang at church, a modern one. He was impressed by the new chaplain. Whenever we sing "You shall go out with joy" by Stuart Dauermann I think of this occasion and pray that Tom will once more find joy in the psalms.
Tom age eleven came home from school very excited. They had sung a hymn at school which was one which we sang at church, a modern one. He was impressed by the new chaplain. Whenever we sing "You shall go out with joy" by Stuart Dauermann I think of this occasion and pray that Tom will once more find joy in the psalms.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
For the love of God
Psalm 71
One of my favourite reads is "The Practice the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. It is a slim volume given to u,s as a parting gift, by one of the venerable gentlemen of the Ecumenical Bible Study that we were members of in Brookmans Park.
The book is not only slim it is also small, measuring about 10cms by 12cms yet within its pages is a mountain of treasure. It was not written by Brother Lawrence. On entering the monastery he was not considered educated enough to be a real monk yet his wisdom as recorded posthumously was such that it was recommended by notable men of faith such as John Wesley.
"The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.[1]
Whatever the job do it for the Love of God, it is where he has placed you today.
One of my favourite reads is "The Practice the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. It is a slim volume given to u,s as a parting gift, by one of the venerable gentlemen of the Ecumenical Bible Study that we were members of in Brookmans Park.
The book is not only slim it is also small, measuring about 10cms by 12cms yet within its pages is a mountain of treasure. It was not written by Brother Lawrence. On entering the monastery he was not considered educated enough to be a real monk yet his wisdom as recorded posthumously was such that it was recommended by notable men of faith such as John Wesley.
"The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.[1]
Whatever the job do it for the Love of God, it is where he has placed you today.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Biblical details
Luke 19:11-27
My husband can be very attentive to details. Today he brought to my attention that in this parable Jesus said that the landowner summoned ten of his slaves (v 11) but later we only hear about three of them. I think I am relieved to know that Jesus is not consistent.
What I had noticed for the first time is that Jesus told the parable because the people thought that his kingdom would come into being soon. It has not yet which makes my desire to interpret the message of parable even more real than it was yesterday. God has given me talents, he has given us all talents. Whatever he has given us, whether it is the ability to be a world renowned theological scholar, an investment banker, or a school crossing guard or an unemployed person looking for work we need not only yo use our talents but to increase them so that when he does return we will know that we have been faithful workers, not idly guarding what we have been given in anticipation of the returning master.
The next question is what are my talents. Do something and find out. Inactivity is not the answer.
My husband can be very attentive to details. Today he brought to my attention that in this parable Jesus said that the landowner summoned ten of his slaves (v 11) but later we only hear about three of them. I think I am relieved to know that Jesus is not consistent.
What I had noticed for the first time is that Jesus told the parable because the people thought that his kingdom would come into being soon. It has not yet which makes my desire to interpret the message of parable even more real than it was yesterday. God has given me talents, he has given us all talents. Whatever he has given us, whether it is the ability to be a world renowned theological scholar, an investment banker, or a school crossing guard or an unemployed person looking for work we need not only yo use our talents but to increase them so that when he does return we will know that we have been faithful workers, not idly guarding what we have been given in anticipation of the returning master.
The next question is what are my talents. Do something and find out. Inactivity is not the answer.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Limits
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Thanksgiving, the last Thursday in November is usually warm and sunny in Texas. The one that I remember visiting Pedernales Falls was such a time. Tee-shirts and jeans for a soft heat, a beautiful day for a visit to a state park.
We were enjoying the amble through the mesquite trees shield our eyes from the sun's reflection off the white stone, marveling at the swirling torrents forcing a passage between massive stepping stones. Standing in awe is a fine occupation for adults but not so for teenage boys. They tested their ability of balance.
I wonder if they would have been tempted if there had not bee a sign indicating the the land on the other side was private and not part of the State Park and therefore it was forbidden to cross the falls. Our boys did not resist, they went off limits. They crossed. Then their father crossed a different limit. That was the end of beautiful and serene afternoon.
Limits, up to but not beyond. Knowing them, the good ones and the bad is the problem.
Thanksgiving, the last Thursday in November is usually warm and sunny in Texas. The one that I remember visiting Pedernales Falls was such a time. Tee-shirts and jeans for a soft heat, a beautiful day for a visit to a state park.
We were enjoying the amble through the mesquite trees shield our eyes from the sun's reflection off the white stone, marveling at the swirling torrents forcing a passage between massive stepping stones. Standing in awe is a fine occupation for adults but not so for teenage boys. They tested their ability of balance.
I wonder if they would have been tempted if there had not bee a sign indicating the the land on the other side was private and not part of the State Park and therefore it was forbidden to cross the falls. Our boys did not resist, they went off limits. They crossed. Then their father crossed a different limit. That was the end of beautiful and serene afternoon.
Limits, up to but not beyond. Knowing them, the good ones and the bad is the problem.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
As needed
Matthew 15: 29-39
Jesus sat down, crowds of sick and lame were brought to him: Jesus did not say "Go away, I need a rest" or even "leave me alone I am praying". No he cured the sick and gave the lame freedom from pain and their mobility. he then arranged food for everybody.
How shall I spend my day?
Jesus sat down, crowds of sick and lame were brought to him: Jesus did not say "Go away, I need a rest" or even "leave me alone I am praying". No he cured the sick and gave the lame freedom from pain and their mobility. he then arranged food for everybody.
How shall I spend my day?
Saturday, June 8, 2013
God Loves a Cheerful Worker
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
"God Loves a Cheerful Worker", this was, may still be one of Eileen's often spoken gentle sayings. A way of urging a reluctant child to perform a disliked task when play was preferred. In fact, even though it is twenty-one years since I had the opportunity to hear Eileen say the words herself, I often quote it to myself in similar situations.
Eileen is one of the special people whom God has given me as a travelling companion. We lived in the same village and had friends in common for quite a few years before our paths met. We ate our sandwich together once a week and shared the trials and tribulations of raising four children. One of our sons and Eileen's boy were best buds and Eileen's daughters were extremely reliable baby-sitters. Our daughters almost thought of Eileen's family as an extension of their own, Eileen was so welcoming, everybody is special to Eileen.
Paul might have said "God loves a cheerful giver" but giving time and energy is important too, as is a welcoming and generous spirit. Thank you Father for giving me Eileen as a friend to hold my hand and love me.
"God Loves a Cheerful Worker", this was, may still be one of Eileen's often spoken gentle sayings. A way of urging a reluctant child to perform a disliked task when play was preferred. In fact, even though it is twenty-one years since I had the opportunity to hear Eileen say the words herself, I often quote it to myself in similar situations.
Eileen is one of the special people whom God has given me as a travelling companion. We lived in the same village and had friends in common for quite a few years before our paths met. We ate our sandwich together once a week and shared the trials and tribulations of raising four children. One of our sons and Eileen's boy were best buds and Eileen's daughters were extremely reliable baby-sitters. Our daughters almost thought of Eileen's family as an extension of their own, Eileen was so welcoming, everybody is special to Eileen.
Paul might have said "God loves a cheerful giver" but giving time and energy is important too, as is a welcoming and generous spirit. Thank you Father for giving me Eileen as a friend to hold my hand and love me.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
More Thank Yous
Luke 17:11-19
I'm well, I'm well. Look, I'm well. Look at yourself George, your skin is normal too.
Where's Mike? I don' know, he was with us a moment ago. Oh dear, I hope he's OK. Let's hurry to the priest as fast as we can and get sign off as healthy. Wow, that man was something special. When I get to the synagogue I'm going to pray and praise God like I've never done before. I can't believe it, that man must have a special link to God.
Yes this story is one of the great mysteries for me. Today the lesson I am taking is that I need to acknowledge God and Jesus wherever I find them. Of course, remembering to give thanks in every situation too.
I'm well, I'm well. Look, I'm well. Look at yourself George, your skin is normal too.
Where's Mike? I don' know, he was with us a moment ago. Oh dear, I hope he's OK. Let's hurry to the priest as fast as we can and get sign off as healthy. Wow, that man was something special. When I get to the synagogue I'm going to pray and praise God like I've never done before. I can't believe it, that man must have a special link to God.
Yes this story is one of the great mysteries for me. Today the lesson I am taking is that I need to acknowledge God and Jesus wherever I find them. Of course, remembering to give thanks in every situation too.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Make a Joyful Noise
Psalm 98
Praise the Lord!
The sun is shining on my garden. Leaves gently dancing with the breeze. The gold of the broom glowing more brilliantly in the late afternoon sun. I have memories of roaring oceans crashing on land.
I trust the Lord?
How about you?
Praise the Lord!
The sun is shining on my garden. Leaves gently dancing with the breeze. The gold of the broom glowing more brilliantly in the late afternoon sun. I have memories of roaring oceans crashing on land.
I trust the Lord?
How about you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)