Dear you...

Dear you who I miss.

Dear you who I remember.

Dear you who I envision as I write.

 

You were my Grandma.

When I did something (happy or shameful) your arms were there.

Grandma, Mother, Wife, and dear friend, your mere presence a haven.

 

Softly lighting and warming a room with (what my Mum named) your 'secret smile'.

You secretly liked it when Granddad said something soppy. 

Responding with an 'Oh, Ian!' 

 

Ian brought you tea and a song each morning.

Anne, Sue, Bruce, Graeme love and joy. 

So much you gave up your job! Someone had to raise them.

Then it grew to Grandkids. Dan, Bron, Meg, Matt and then family pets Thomas the cat and dogs Dobby, Choo, and Finley. You loved us and were a lifeline for our parents who we drove up the wall.

But, according to the fridge magnet, one of the reasons you have children is so you can have grandchildren, and you spoiled us rotten.  You gave so many fun memories of silly games and songs, books, puzzles, and museum trips and more. Every day with you full of joy for me. 

I was so sad when you left us, I only celebrated Christmas because I remembered that you would have. 

So, I sung and put-up lights where my housemates could enjoy them, thinking of you as I did. Because whatever happens Christ still came into the world knowing he would suffer, die (be separated from his father), and rise again. 

That gives me hope. For you died knowing and believing that you. Because of that we (and other Christians) believe we will get to see each other again because Christ did not come and die for nothing. He died to bring us into God's family.

So, one day I will see you, and Aunty Anne, and Nanna Jo and everyone else who has died knowing and believing in Christ and trusting him, will be as one family.

Now let us rejoice and be glad, even though we mourn, for the shining hope that Christmas brings.

Whatever tomorrow and next year brings let us remember.

"For this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!'

Psalm 118:24 ESV

I miss my Grandma... reader who do you miss? 

Happiness

Happiness is complicated.

It’s superficial. Laughing to stave off pain.

It’s genuine. Being grateful, content with the simple.

Happiness is both unexpected and the result of search.

But how is happiness possible?

Happiness. Don’t give up the search.

Like a sliver of gold amongst quartz.

Work, people you’re close to, long walks…

Share your happiness. Where do you find it?

What motivates you to get up and sift through sadness?

And what are the things that make it worth it?

Mine is hope. Hope that even though life can suck…

God is always there to guide me and give me joy, peace and rest.

Happiness.

Happiness

Happiness is a learned thing.
Learn what, where, why and when.

Happiness is a choice.
Choose to be contented, not to dwell, but to look ahead.

Happiness is when we discover.
Be fascinated by the little sparks in the dark.

It is hard to be happy.
But I urge you, do not give up.

When you tire of searching call to the people who bring you joy.
Those who will stand by you in ups and downs.

Oh Lord, thank you for blessing us with other people.
The happiness I find in you is boundless.

Autumn

The dark and the dull contrasts with

the vibrant texture of the leaves and their environs.

The earth heals from the trials of summer.

It changes its semblance, 

settling into the deep sleep of winter.

And it will rejuvenate, preparing to light up the eyes,

As it lifts the heart and the soul, with an array of colour.

But not just yet, for now I look upon it with passionate appreciation.

For this is when God tucks up his creation for its hibernation,

He instructs it to restore us with the sounds, sights, and the shear joys Autumn.

Thankyou God for carefully and thoughtfully, designing each season.

Especially for blessing us, with this time of Autumn.

Praise Be To His Name!

Undulating waves.

Rocks and fossils.

Colour, size and shape.

The Lord spoke and 

there they were.

Laughter, puzzles, books.

Food, walks, time away.

The Lord gave us the

ability to enjoy.

Songs, voices upraised.

Small communities of Christians.

Coming together as one by grace.

The Lord has provided in Jesus.

Praise be to his name! 

Memory

I can hurt
I can fade.
I can make you want to hide.

When you think over things said and unsaid.
When you think about what you have and have not done.
When you think on all things past and future.

I am memory.
I will not go away.
I am not entirely bad.

Some instances, you may recall,
are not just there to drive you up the wall.
Some make you smile and laugh and stand tall.

Although you may recoil and avoid
the recollections that you wish to forget and ignore.
Allow me to point to the times you have endured and had faith.

In all things faith and hope can be clung to.
In all circumstances you can be still and know that God is God.
In all things God works for the good of those who love him.

Rest and remember the merciful God who loves you regardless.
Rest and remember that through all your emotions he is with you.
Rest and remember that when you do not love yourself...

God always has and always will.

A Lightened Load 

'Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others'
Philippians 2:4

I have been guilty of the former, particularly of recent date.
I got so wrapped up in my wants, my needs, and my pain that I could not emerge from them.
Absorbed by my own interests, I could no longer look to those of others,
feeling and showing concern for them.

Now, once again, I awoke deeply concerned, and tried to untangle myself.
Yet I could not do this.
So I turned to my saviour and my God.
I pleaded with him to free me from my apathy.
He showed me grace and taught me to trust him, and to feel again.

A weight fell off me and I was reminded of the story of Eustace from 'The Chronicles of Narnia'.
Of when he needed  Aslan to remove the scales from him
to become human again, for he could not do this for himself.
As each layer came off I felt my muscles relax, and my breathing return to normal.

I thank you, my Father, for freeing me from my sin, and keeping me safe.
I will rejoice in you -
Always.

Joy Defined

"An emotion of keen or lively pleasure, great gladness or delight"

(The Macquarie Dictionary) 

Joy is an emotion that differs from one person to another. 

It is a gift that know one can measure or manufacturer,

but most can recognise the sensation.

When considering this phenomenon I thought it worth asking others 

what they considered joy to be...

"Joy comes from the depth of emotion, it's happier than just 'happy'.

When a heart is filled with joy, it's blissful." 

"Joy is a couple of hours spent with friends, 

a keyboard, and a virtual rocket launcher." 

"Reading and writing is my joy"

"God. Friends. Pets.Smiles. Laughter.

But also being able to trust God in every situation"

"To me, Joy is a deep trust that whatever circumstances 

you find yourself in, God is there."

So, what is joy to me?

My answer is that my joy is found in my ever growing 

relationship with my heavenly father. 

I rejoice in his love for me. 

For his love and compassion is so incomprehensible 

that he sent his son to die a painful death, bringing me back 

to his father and sending the holy spirit to live within us. 

He did it all...  I did nothing. 

All he asks is for me to live for him... 

and I have accepted this privilege.

This is my joy. 

In despair and delight. 

This is my joy. 

What is your joy? 

Does it encompass your life?

Is yours like mine?

When the bible mentions joy it says...

"This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it."

(Psalm 118)

"Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again rejoice!"

(Philippians 4:4)

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, 

and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; 

for this day is holy to our Lord. 

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

(Nehemiah 8:10)