Psalm 74
I am rejoicing in the sunny warm weather. It has just been a pleasure hanging out the laundry. This morning's load is almost dry, I discovered this whilst pegging out a second load. It is almost too warm to work in the garden. Not sultry, not humid, enjoyable, just the sort of day when we shall see blue smoke rising over the hedge. Our nostrils firstly assaulted by the whiff of paraffin fire lighter and later wooed by cooking meat. Our neighbours often a BBQ and not only when the weather is as it is today. Tomorrow though as I dress in BBQ scented clothing I will not be a appreciative of stale BBQ perfume.
Yes the smoke does invoke some feelings of anger within me but I would rather have friendly relations with my neighbours than cause discord by complaining.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Grand Tetons
Psalm 68
The Grand Tetons is for me a thin place, a place where God seems to live or at least somewhere where he seems more tangible- I do not think that this is just a phenomenon of the thin air.
Their majesty points to the power of creation. They seem to have stood for ever sheltering the basin of Jackson Hole. The Hole, a valley of torment and torture by man and weather. Yet there is beauty. Sun, snow, shadows, windswept trees are all elements on the natural canvas. God is here whispering of his might and his strength, his eternal care.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Chase in' after Jesus
Matthew 14:13-21
Today immediately after I awoke I made my tea and together we went back to bed for a cosy hour with God. Little desperation or compulsion, no walking for miles on foot in order to catch a word from the mouth of God or glimpse a miracle. No obvious need for compassion. but during that time I was convicted of a misspent yesterday and the need to today not avoid things that need doing.
Today immediately after I awoke I made my tea and together we went back to bed for a cosy hour with God. Little desperation or compulsion, no walking for miles on foot in order to catch a word from the mouth of God or glimpse a miracle. No obvious need for compassion. but during that time I was convicted of a misspent yesterday and the need to today not avoid things that need doing.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Brotherly love
Galatians 2:11-21
It seemed as if it would go on for ever. Our sons had problems communicating with each other in a civil manner. And this after they had been the best of friends until primary school. But the scout leader was excited to tell us that in the fire making contest the first person Tom went to help, after he had finished his own fire, was his brother. Now they talk seldom but they respect each others wishes and are 'there' for each other when needed.
Peter and Paul, it seems did not always share brotherly love but from them both a great community of followers of God has grown.
It seemed as if it would go on for ever. Our sons had problems communicating with each other in a civil manner. And this after they had been the best of friends until primary school. But the scout leader was excited to tell us that in the fire making contest the first person Tom went to help, after he had finished his own fire, was his brother. Now they talk seldom but they respect each others wishes and are 'there' for each other when needed.
Peter and Paul, it seems did not always share brotherly love but from them both a great community of followers of God has grown.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Alive and Well
1 Timothy 4:1-16
Not that I really count this page as teaching, more of a sharing of the experiences of God in my life. How else will you know that he is here now, living and working for the good of his kingdom?
Not that I really count this page as teaching, more of a sharing of the experiences of God in my life. How else will you know that he is here now, living and working for the good of his kingdom?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Little things
Matthew 12:33-42
Today I came home tired after a long day of driving here and there in Belgium. I seem to have driven through the whole country- to Namur the capital of Wallonie this morning and Westvleteren, almost on the Flemish coast this afternoon. And tonight is my night out, at my Dutch lesson. It was raining, real rain, streams of mud and stones belching down the hills. The high tide brought an empty water bottle and half a sponge to our front door. We edged the puddle to get to the car. After a time of indecision (I mentioned that yesterday) I went to Dutch. The school gate was locked but I heard our teacher's voice. a few moments earlier it had been impossible to cross the pavement because of the muddy torrent. We discussed, we decided, we would go home. I was the only student to arrive. Nadia gave me a lift home. Now I am resting in front of the computer recounting how God has looked after my tiredness. No big miracle, just gentle caring.
Alleluia!
Today I came home tired after a long day of driving here and there in Belgium. I seem to have driven through the whole country- to Namur the capital of Wallonie this morning and Westvleteren, almost on the Flemish coast this afternoon. And tonight is my night out, at my Dutch lesson. It was raining, real rain, streams of mud and stones belching down the hills. The high tide brought an empty water bottle and half a sponge to our front door. We edged the puddle to get to the car. After a time of indecision (I mentioned that yesterday) I went to Dutch. The school gate was locked but I heard our teacher's voice. a few moments earlier it had been impossible to cross the pavement because of the muddy torrent. We discussed, we decided, we would go home. I was the only student to arrive. Nadia gave me a lift home. Now I am resting in front of the computer recounting how God has looked after my tiredness. No big miracle, just gentle caring.
Alleluia!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Dithering indecision
Matthew 12:22-32
I am not good at making decisions. In fact nobody in our family finds decision making easy. We agonize for days over the slightest decision. My stomach gets into quite a knot over just deciding which loaf of bread to buy. I do not know why because all the loaves at the village boulangerie are good. My left side argues for a raccine and my right for a pain aux noix. I am in conflict with myself. It gives stress and causes a rise in blood pressure thereby contributing to a potential health problem. What good does this do? It distracts my mind from other activities such as remembering that God is with me. Why cannot I not just remember that God is with me and for me and trust him?
I am not good at making decisions. In fact nobody in our family finds decision making easy. We agonize for days over the slightest decision. My stomach gets into quite a knot over just deciding which loaf of bread to buy. I do not know why because all the loaves at the village boulangerie are good. My left side argues for a raccine and my right for a pain aux noix. I am in conflict with myself. It gives stress and causes a rise in blood pressure thereby contributing to a potential health problem. What good does this do? It distracts my mind from other activities such as remembering that God is with me. Why cannot I not just remember that God is with me and for me and trust him?
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