The Eye of the Storm

I've been learning to fully appreciate moments.

In all the chaos, I pause, experiencing the calm in the midst of the storm.

Noticing the breeze and how it moves through everything.

The trees sway and their leaves rustle. 

The clouds float across the sky and shapes form, change and dissipate. 

The birds are guided by the pressure and direction of the wind. 

Time ticks on , yet still I sit, absorbing and valuing each moment.

My eyes continue to scan the landscape. 

The colours of the grass, fading from vivid green to dusty brown.

The varying colours of  tree trunks
-grey, red, blue, silver, merging with the brown. 

The shade, making colours darker and richer.

The sun, making colours brighter and lighter.

Making dappled sunlight fascinating.

Looking up at the sun as it sets,

It draws the eye along with the blues, purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows.

It eventually gives way to deep purple, blue of the sky, and silver of the moon and stars. 

To think that God created all things, just using words.

But I know my words cannot truly express what the eye can see and the heart can feel.

So I would urge everyone to pause and fully appreciate moments.

To find the calm in the midst of the storm. 

  

Together

Dedication: To everyone who has experienced mental illness, this is from me to you...

Darkness doesn't discriminate.
It can take anyone.
So what can we do?

We don't always recognise what is consuming us.
We don't always recognise the way we think is warped.

When we do...
A friend or family member expressing concern.
A colleague gently taking us to one side.
An outsider asking the question; are you okay?
You seem...

Just remember that no matter how fearful, ashamed,
lost, alone, confused, or angry you are.
You are not alone.

What you're going through is by no means uncommon.
Friend or family member.
Colleague or outsider.
We understand, because it takes one to know one.

No need to be ashamed.
Feel free to stretch out your hand.
We can show you the way.
After all, we've come this way before.
I've come this way before.

The Lord my God is the light to the path on which I tread.
He said "it is not good for man to be alone".
He said "it is finished".
He said "that whoever believes believes in me shall not die but have eternal life".

Jesus sent his disciples out in twos.
Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit.
Jesus has given us hope of  a day when her will wipe away every tear.

Faith in Jesus and his promises means hope and security and forgiveness.
It means knowing where we are headed as brothers and sisters in Christ.
The rod there is not always easy, but that is why we travel there together.

Thankyou

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thankyou that you value me.

Thankyou for sending your son to die,

because you value me.

Thankyou that you don't give up on me 

as I give up on you.

Thankyou that you give your children each other. 

Thankyou that you know the road isn't always easy.

Thankyou for giving us the Holy Spirit, to help us fight

sin, fear and despair, with hope, light, and life with you. 

Thankyou that you care for us without reward.

Thankyou that your gifts are abundant. 

Thankyou that you use the weak to help the strong.

Thankyou that you equip us to do your work,

of spreading the gospel side by side. 

Thankyou for all the reasons that you give me 

to smile, dance, and sing for joy. 

Thankyou that when a Christian dies, we; 

as fellow members of Christ's body have tears falling on to smiles. 

Thankyou for giving us the hope and promise that one day,

when we are all gathered around your throne, you will wipe away every tear.

Thankyou that you can be relied on to keep your promises.

Amen. 

In His Orchestra

We are all God's instruments.

Which one are you?

How does he play you?

Does he tune you when you need it?

Does he sooth you with the oil of his word?

Will he ever leave you alone in your case?

Will he forget that you're there?

Does our Father give up searching for the lost?

Will God ever give up on his children when we play the wrong note?

No, he will not stop caring for us. 

Waiting...

Some find waiting difficult.

Some jump at their first option rather than wait.

Some do this in small ways until they magnify. 

We become easily impatient in this fast-paced world. 

Everything must be done now.

Waiting on others, we are tapping our feet.

Waiting for a holiday, we are working hard.

Waiting on God, we are questioning how long?

When I think of waiting on God

I remember those who have done likewise.

Abraham and Sarah waiting for a child.

David waiting for God to deliver him from many perils.

The Israelites waiting to return to the promised land.  

Simeon waiting for the promised Messiah till old age.

The disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit.

And Christians now and over the years waiting for Jesus to return and restore.

God may take his time to fulfill his promises and answer our prayers.

But his timing is never late, it's just when he carefully planned it to happen.

If we try to rush and hurry things along it may not turn out as well.

So be patient and wait for God.

Unlike other people in life he can be relied upon.   

God's Love

Sometimes you look around you and everything is dark and dingy.
Other times you marvel at what you see...
You ask;  "how the creator who made all this could love a creature like you?"

Then you open his word and realise that he does.
Despite your turning away and rejecting him he still does.

God does not give up on you and he never will.
God even rejoices when we stumble because the will to walk to him is there.
God does not  love us rationally, but loves us simply and without incentive.
God our Father has loved us from the very beginning.

His love is super love.
Love, pure and simple.

Story

Everyone has a story.

Stories are everywhere.

There’s the story of an international student,

Trying to understand…

The story of a lady living in a nursing home,

Thinking of the past…

Stories of soldiers in distant places,

Waiting to return home…

In the future, past and present,

You can always find a story…

Everyone can tell a story,

When was the last time you paused to listen…?