Posted on by Loretta

Rooted in faith

This tree fascinates me. It has obviously been uprooted. You can even see the stone from the riverbank it brought with it when it flipped. Yet the tree hasn’t died. It is still flourishing as you can see from the photos below.

This tree makes me think about my faith and how my faith is rooted. We are told to build strong foundations on solid ground so we can weather any storm. This tree obviously had a root system established yet has been battered and blown. However it has such a root system established that it survived the storms by having roots running deep.

This is what I need in my faith. Even when I am blown over in a storm. My roots need to be firm in Christ forever. He sustains me and helps me grow.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6‭-‬7 NIV
Let my roots be deeply planted 
Only in Christ 
Spread so far
That if I become uprooted
My faith will not crumble

Let my roots keep me flourishing 
Bearing fruit
Constantly growing 
So any storm that comes my way
Never fazes me

Keep my roots in you alone Jesus 
Building me up
Keeping me strong
For all the glory goes to you 
With every breathe I take
Posted on by Loretta · 2 Comments

New life

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.
Posted on by Loretta

Live in the moment

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
Posted on by Loretta · 2 Comments

No new heroes needed for 2022

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
Posted on by Loretta

What do you need today?

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.

Posted on by Loretta · 2 Comments

Not of this world

Something has shifted.

Something feels different

Peaceful

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
Posted on by Loretta · 2 Comments

The powerful gentle whisper

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

Posted on by Loretta · 1 Comment

Removing the blight

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

Posted on by Loretta

It’s not about us

It's not about us
It's all about you
We humbly walk with
God the father
Jesus the son 
The Holy Spirit 
Living in us
Keep our eyes on you 
Our hearts beating as yours 
Acting justly 
Showing mercy
Humbly walking
Doing God's will
Not looking for praise
That points to us
But only to the father above
Posted on by Loretta · 2 Comments

Embrace the challenge

A few weeks ago I wrote about embracing life just where we are.

I have a friend that has been in hospital for over 6 weeks now. She is going through a tough and challenging time.

My friend’s mum is a Christian but she has never chosen that path. My friend hasn’t made a commitment to Christ, but she is on the verge of something.

I find it hard at times to openly approach people about my faith. If I am asked I can talk about it for hours. If I am not asked it isn’t so easy.

When I approach my faith with others I like to put it in action or in ways they can understand. I was praying how I can approach this with my friend when she is only allowed one nominated visitor, which is her daughter. COVID prevention rules. My friend is so unwell all communication has been through others or messaging.

I felt that God was telling me to make her some prayer cards. I am not an artist or artistically gifted. However I can be creative. So I decided to embrace the challenge.

I made prayer cards based on the fruit of the spirit. Writing the prayers was easy. How to make them look a wee bit pretty that I needed to embrace.

I used the little talent I do have and jazzed it up. I cut, stuck and glued with my own hand writing and adding some dots to it.

I bravely got the cards to my friend in hospital and she loves them. She has been showing them to the hospital Chaplin and others.

My prayer now is that she uses them and they open up conversations about Jesus and making a commitment.

So if you feel you are not gifted or challenged in doing something out of your comfort zone. Embrace the challenge and let the Holy Spirit lead. You may be surprised at the result.

These are a different set as my friends had butterflies on, but the prayers idea is the same