Better conversation

There's a catchy little country tune doing the charts and the words are really interesting. A guy and a girl from school meet several years later and recount their various relationship tales. The words of the chorus caught my attention; “these bruises make for better conversation.”

That got me thinking. What in the world would we ever chatter about if life was simply perfect. Boys would find no need to go on those boring fishing trips and us girls, well the chatter would be rather dull.

It is precisely life's trials and tribulations that force us to develop relationships with friends and loved ones so that we can get the love, nurturing and support we need. So next time you have the wonderful opportunity to spend time with those near and dear, recounting life's tales, thank God for the blessing of support that we get from those near and dear to us.

Walk through my garden

Every day when I get home I do a little walk through the garden. What am I looking for? New leaves. As each little ear appears I rejoice in the growth and know that in due time a beautiful plant will emerge. I'm guessing God looks at us in much the same way. Perched on the edge of his chair as he beholds all of mankind before him. I guess he also asks, “Will the seed I've planted grow?”

His seed in us is his word and as his word takes hold in our lives we are able to grasp his truth and we grow. As our knowledge of the word grows, we are able to send out new roots and grow in stability.

As our knowledge and love for God grows, so our leaves reach towards heaven and we can grow in a relationship of praise. Praise deepens our relationship and draws us into the throne room of grace where we can find love, forgiveness and mercy.

Looooooooong……suffering!

I have another name for long suffering, traffic!  Yes, while I learn to grow in patience and in understanding towards the thousands of other commuters who share my fate it doesn’t lessen the pain or frustration….. Ya ya, I know I’m being a drama queen J

Somehow I don’t think the daily traffic grind is what God had in mind when he asked us to practice long suffering.  I ask myself, why would God ask us to even practice anything that required suffering in the first place?  Well simply put, because He did that for us.

God didn’t have to send us a saviour.  He could have left us to fight Satan all on our own and turn his back on us, but no, He didn’t do that.  He crafted a plan thousands of years in the making, weaving it together with the scarlet thread of Christ’s blood line in order to arrive at that moment of the Holy Birth. 

It took a further 33 years +- in order for Christ to live out his life and arrive at Calvary.  Even in our time he waits patiently, practicing the utmost restraint until the day of Christ when He can once again reconcile all of creation back to Himself. 

You see my friends, God has gone to great lengths to bear with us.  The least we can do if hold fast to our faith and not rush into things too quickly and destroy the plan of God for our lives.  So take a deep breath and know that at the end of your long suffering lies eternal reward!

Petrol pump compassion

I remember a Sunday evening years ago, I was driving home from Church, when I needed to stop at the petrol station on the way home.  My cottage in Randpark Ridge was a mere 5-10 minutes’ drive from Church. 

Out of the blue I was approached by a gentlemen begging for my help as his car had broken down.  I’m usually cautious about assisting people especially when I am alone, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to assist this family in need. 

What was meant to be a short 10 minute drive home ended up taking over an hour of driving to Roodepoort and back.  That’s the kind of love Galatians 5 is talking about, a deep caring and compassion for the needs of others.

It is easy to give something when it isn’t a big loss to you but love means going the extra mile and being willing to put yourself out a little to help others.  This kind of love is the challenging type but when you allow yourself to feel the pain of others and do something about it, the rewards are a deep satisfaction and joy. 

The wind in your sails

Thoughts crossed my mind several times this weekend about how much my mood can swing from contented to annoyed, happy and even sad.  For most of us we associate joy with a feeling of happiness, and contentment.

Joy is far more than this though, it is a spiritual force, much like faith.  Joy means knowing that we are on God’s team and though at times the game may not always go our way, we will win because He is our source of strength. 

Joy is the wind in the sails of the ship that drives us towards our goal, knowing that we truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  If you’ve been feeling down lately, lift your eyes to the hills as David did, declare God’s overwhelming goodness and claim the joy of the Lord as your strength!

Canadian candy

I haven’t had much of it, but I can tell that I am very quickly getting addicted to Canadian Candy.  My favourite being the little Maple biscuits my friend Bridget brings with her when she visits.  The latest candy popcorn is a teaser as well. 

Chocolate, biscuits and candy are always associated with goodness.  If a child behaves, he/she is often rewarded with candy.  When we feel sad, we go for the candy.  Anger pretty much has the same effect too.  However is that really the kind of goodness that God thinks of with the fruit of the Spirit.  I think not.

Goodness of spirit is refers to purity, honesty, kindness and a genuine heart.  It lives in the way we treat people.  The bible says that it is the goodness and kindness of God that leads people to repentance.  Let us ensure that we are the physical body behind the goodness of God. 

Flying ants and frogs

A few nights ago, I peered out the door to see frogs hopping across the lawn and flying ants swarming around.  As annoying as the flying ants are, there was something soothing about knowing it was ‘that time of year.’ 

There is something about the seasons and the events that follow them each year that really speaks to me about the faithfulness of God.  In the many thousands of years of the history of mankind, God has not ceased being faithful in bringing forth the seasons in their time. 

Faithfulness is somewhat predictable, it means knowing that you can count on something or someone to always be consistent in their behaviour.  What is your behaviour like?  Do people know that you are dependable and that they can always count on you? 

Labrador puppy anyone?

I don’t know what it is about Labrador puppies but they make excellent representatives for all things soft and cuddly.  Gentleness is supposed to be like that.  It must warm the heart of all it touches and make them feel loved and adored. 

The bible says a gentle answer turns away wrath.  When we are able to remain gentle even when harsh words have been spoken we can turn a potentially volatile situation around.   The amazing thing about gentleness is that it is in such short supply in our world today that people will automatically be drawn towards someone who is able to share warmth and caring with them. 

Gentleness is not only a female characteristic.  The Holy Spirit will always minister to us in a soft, gentle and caring way allowing us to feel the love of God and turn our hearts towards God by His gentle leading.

Will you allow God to minister to others through your gentle ways?