“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
— Robert F. Kennedy
As a Christian I am always critical on myself. I am constantly making mistakes, regretting actions and promising never to do that again while constantly failing. I am hoping this blog will develop into an encouragement for others to let them know they are not alone in this crazy messed up world. We are one family in Christ. We may be nuts at times but if we constantly pray into the Fruit of the Spirit and encourage each other we may just see our family grow and exciting things happen.
My youngest woke Saturday morning to a frost and wanted to go on an ice walk in the garden.
While in the garden although there was not much ice to see, I did notice new life popping through in nature. Shrubs starting to spring green leaves. Bulbs poking their leaves through the ground. Flowers hiding in buds. And fungi forming out the side of a pot.
A lot of people will have said at the beginning of the month that they will have made a resolution for a better lifestyle.
However in reality as people we do not need to wait till spring or new year to have new life in us. We can accept a new life any time.
The moment we accepted Jesus as our saviour we were receiving new life. The moment we rose from our baptism pools we had a new life. It didn’t matter what the time or date was. We received new life.
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
As Christians, we always seem to say that we are going through a season. However whatever the season God is changing, developing us and bringing us new life.
We just need to be mindful and pray for wisdom in our lives. As we bud and flower in our new lives, weeds can also grow and take hold. We need to keep them at bay.
Whether we are in a place of needing new life, wanting a new life or happy with our life as it is, we need guidance from the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit keeps us in the armour of God. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and discernment when we ask. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. We need the Holy Spirit to stay in our new life. The Holy Spirit keeps weeds away so we can bud, blossom and be fruitful for God.
The cherry on the cake. When we have a relationship with Jesus and our days on earth are over. He is waiting in heaven to embrace us into new eternal life.
Dear Jesus Please keep us close living with you in our new lives. May your Holy Spirit lead us, so we can bud and bloom. Help us to share your gospel, spreading the good news. For we long to be fruitful bringing others to your kingdom. Yet sometimes we struggle in this task. Just let us be bold and daring for you, in sharing your story of bringing new life. Amen.
My husband is a huge Jeremy Camp fan and was listening to some of his music at the weekend. Keep me in the moment was playing and as I was squallingly singing along when the line ” Cause I don’t wanna miss what you have for me” really spoke to me.
Like many others I really believe that God has something special in store for our family this year. God has broken so many chains for us over the last couple of years and it feels like the last hurdle to climb is in sight and we are nearly at the finishing line.
However in all our plans, ups and downs I wonder how much of God’s goodness I am missing out on by focusing on the one goal.
I am not saying dreams and looking to the future are bad but if they are still in my head and not in reality yet what am I missing out on by not living in the moment.
oh Lord, keep me in the moment
Help me live with my eyes wide open
‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what you have for me
Singing oh Lord, show me what matters
Throw away what I’m chasing after
‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what you have for me
Jeremy Camp
It is good to have dreams and believe God will get us there but we have to live in each moment with God whatever that looks like.
We need to make the most of each moment. Conversations over coffee, hugs and wiping each other’s tears. Sharing the love, laughs and smiles while we can. These opportunities we do not want to miss.
We can have the world in the world’s eyes but if we do not share Jesus with friends, families, colleague’s and strangers we are missing out on something very special.
Let’s be wise with our precious time and ask God how we can use it wisely and not miss a single important moment.
Dear Jesus Let us live each and every moment with you. Let the spirit guide us showing us what we need to do. From enjoying your creation to fellowship with others. Let us know when to hug, when to speak and when to rest. What ever the path let us follow and never miss a God filled moment here on earth. Amen
Over the holidays I watched the new James Bond movie. No spoilers, but as the end leaves things wide open, it got me thinking. Does the world really need another hero?
We may all be heroes in our own way, helping and saving individuals in distress but when it comes to saving the world we already have the hero we need.
JESUS
Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever. We need nothing else.
As we start 2022 and look forward to a more hopeful and better year ahead. Are we looking for a person to save us from everything we are running from in 2021?
That person is here. The issue is people mock and turn their backs from him because their answer from him doesn’t match their own!
Instead of looking to your own powers, fantasies or the government to complete your 2022 dreams, look to the baby whose birth we have just celebrated.
Life is never promised to be easy. But we are promised that we do not have to be a victim of our circumstances. In Jesus we have a hero that frees us from shame, fear, poverty, addiction, sickness and much much more if we just let him in.
If it is the only thing you do in 2022, make sure you search, ask, seek and commit to the only hero the world needs, Jesus. The transformation will be life changing and possibly world changing!
On the silver screen Heroes are plenty Saving the world With imaginary powers
In reality Our hero does exist But many prefer imaginary ones Not wanting to believe
The hero already exists We need no other A supernatural being Who has already saved the world
To be saved All you have to do Is accept Jesus And live for him each day
There is no other hero No more are required Just the son Who became one of us
The hero who loves us so Takes away all sin No shame in us Just freedom
Our hero has set us free To live in joy, Peace and hope Each and every day
The FMF word prompt today is prayer. Something I always need work on. So much to say but only five minutes. (Just over sorry) https://fiveminutefriday.com
I treat you like an earthy friend Dipping in and out when I can Yet you are a Holy God You deserve my very all
You come down to where I am No expectations of me You sit and listen While I reel off every feeling
I pray Rush off into my day When you deserve my time Worship and adoration
My prayers not always frequent Often very selfish I need to learn this art Of conversation with my Lord
I need to dwell in your presence So I never want to leave Forgetting the world around Just talking to my God
Help me to be more like Joshua With you face to face Breathing in your presence Never wanting to leave
Help me to sit still At the foot of your throne Looking at the King As an expectant child Listening to the story With excitement in my eyes
No distractions of thoughts No requests waiting to splurt out Just sitting in awe Quietly with brothers and sisters As a family of Christ Looking into the eyes of a King
Never let me forget How holy you are To be honoured and respected Even though you come as a friend You are a 3 in one divinity And deserve my all
Since I returned from visiting friends at the end of August my head has been doing a real number on me.
Nuts of unconfidence, what if’s, if only’s and comparison bringing discouragement and unsettledness.
With a day off booked and some alone time. No excuses I wanted to start in prayer. As my head was wandering I put some worship songs on You Tube in the hope of focusing.
As I was praying the song at that came on was Shoulders (link at the bottom) by King and Country. I hadn’t heard it before.
In the song Shoulders they keep singing “my help comes from you” meaning God.
Yes! That is what I needed to hear, to be reminded off. I listened to the song 3 times and my head cleared and I wanted to continue and lean on prayer as I really need God’s help to just bring joy.
As I opened my prayer journal. The bible verse on the page I am on is from Psalm 121:2
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Psalm 121:2
Wow God really does give you what you need when you need it.
It is time to stop be still and let God administer. He has given me the word I need. I can’t ignore it. I have to lean in on it and I may not get the answers I want but I will get everything I need.
Today and always my strength comes from the Lord.
What do you need today. Take some quiet time out with God to let him provide and remind you of the answers you need.
Photo: page from my prayer journal. Prayer journal for women by Shannon Roberts.
I felt everything move around me. I was still. God moved.
Joy that has been missing is back in my heart.
Situations stay the same, nothing’s changed except ….
God’s joy and peace is now reigning in my heart.
When the nuts of this world bring you down look to God’s spirit and fruit to restore your soul.
We are called to be separate from the world Not complying or settling Always searching for more Under the shadow of the wings The heavenly father close by
Saved by his son The rugged cross in sight The grave is empty There is no fight For the victory is won
The spirit if we let him Completely abides and flows in us We must not upset him Just let him flow And do his work in us
His armour protects us The fruit is one Flowing in love,Joy,peace Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness Gentleness and self control
Let us stay humble in your presence Keeping the nuts of the world at bay Living separately With your Holy Spirit inside Joy leading our way
Sometimes it is a case Of wrong time wrong place A lot of times it is Its a case of We've personally messed it up again Deliberately or not
Whatever the trouble Whatever the situation Our superhero Doesn't wear a cape Have a gimmick or Come from a comic book
Our rescuer depends on our perspective As to whether seen or not He rides on a white horse With an Army of angels surrounding Saving us from danger And is with us all the time
No situation is too big or small Our hero, Jesus Wants to rescue us from all Whatever your trouble Call on the name That saves us for eternity
A Sunday morning poetry reflection inspired by 1 Kings 19:11 – 13
And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:11-13 ESV
A gentle whisper That is how you came Not in the powerful wind Earthquake or fire But gently whispering
A whisper so peaceful A presence so identifiable No doubt That it is only God touching earth
Your power, your strength So strong, yet so gentle There is no way to ignore Your presence as a whisper Passing by
Your whisper Your strength and power Now lives in us Through your Holy Spirit Still powerful and true
A power not to be taken frivously Taking God for granted His spirit Living in us Whispering tremendous power
Power that rose Jesus From death to life For us to live Not in the grave But joyous in victory
No situation to big or small God whispers Let me do this And break the chain So you can walk with me freely
To say I am disgruntled by a typical “English summer” is probably an understatement.
My head, from the moment I woke was one of negativity and not joy. Despite listening to worship songs and praying it wouldn’t shift.
Off to the garden I went. After weeks of rain and gloom it needed a tidy. While trying to save my tomato plants from blight it occurred to me that my soul was blighted.
My mind cloudy in mouldy thoughts far from love. My mind running away in despair and gloom of thoughts that most likely will never happen.
As I trimmed and snipped the stems that weren’t falling apart in my hands, I suddenly though of the bible verse from John 15.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
It dawned on me that I needed pruning. As prayers flowed while trimming and snipping it led to a period of quiet and reflection once tidied. I let God work within me.
Sometimes life takes over and recently it has been full on busy. I forgot to be still and just carried on with the to do list.
If you are feeling blighted and that your mind is clouded. Step back, sit down and let God prune away the blight and restore your vine.
It's been a little crazy My mind was going goo goo My branches getting weighed down By blight and mildew Causing comparison, hatred and jealousy
It's time to take a break And let the gardener do his thing Trimming and pruning back my sin Restoring the fruit of the sprit That I need to grow and nourish my soul
Once pruned and restored My soul how well it is Singing songs of joy Praises all around To my God, the gardener
Less Nuts More Fruit 