Awakening to purpose

Mary heavy with child and the strain of labour.

Feeling it in every fibre of her being.

Preparing herself to birth our Saviour.

Carrying a weight of wonder in mind and body.

Caught up in a purpose beyond herself, stretching into the reaches of heaven and eternity.

Pregnant with possibility. Potential. Plans beyond her knowing.

Given tiny glimpses into this infant's future.

Quietly relying on God's light revealing The Way.

Aware of her frail humanity. A woman's body tearing with the heat of it.

Labouring in a fallen world's curse of pain, of blood, sweat and tears.

Her body writhing as each spasm shoots flames of fire. Every sense heightened, more alive than ever before.

This baby, born to live unlike any other, being birthed in hardship and distress, struggle and duress much as any other.

No fancy room. No royal crib fit for this King of kings. Only a humble manger to lay Him in.

Just a bare stable. Hay to catch the blood and mucus. Snuffle and odour of animals close by.

Here she labours on in the messy marvel of impending motherhood.

Awed by the dawning realisation of responsibility.

Deeply humbled. Deeply grateful to be part of God's unfolding plans.

Leaning heavy on her husband, tightly gripping his reassuringly strong carpenter's fingers.

Gasping for breath as Holy Spirit breaths life for the Christ-child to come.

Nearly here...

The pain and strain would soon be over.

This child was due. He would come soon.

No more pointing fingers. No more accusations for Joseph to bear. No more life as they know it now.

All things would change.

Mary sighed. She was embracing the new while feeling uncertain about the future.

Who knew what might lay ahead?

What depths her soul might dip to, what heights her emotions would scale.

But one thing she knew...God brought her to this point and He would see her through.

She rested as the contractions eased, stroked her tightly swollen abdomen and smiled.

Maybe you and I have something big to birth ~ big dreams and schemes ready to take wings, hope rising in our souls.

Maybe God is singling you out for a future that looks fearsome from where you're standing.

Maybe you yearn to be delivered of a God-given dream, but the timing isn't right yet.

Each day we can awaken anew to God's purpose for our lives.

Each moment is an opportunity for His grace, for new life to be birthed from the old.

And if you don't yet know what the purpose might be?

Well, rest easy, my friend. It will come.

We cannot see what lies ahead but we can trust an unknown future to a known God.

Be reassured by His word.

Be guided, led and comforted by His continual Presence.

And know that God-given dreams don't die on The Vine.

No, they await their God-given timing. He hasn't given up on you and He never will.

God has great things He intends to do in and through you now and in the days to come.

Our task is to be aware, be ready, be willing, be faithful. Keep listening and praying.

The One who leads us to will also bring us through as circumstances shape themselves to His will and ways.

Let's begin awakening to purpose, knowing that the time of waiting may soon be over for us too.

Joining Holley and Jennifer and other like- minded friends as we seek to bring coffee for your heart in the telling of His story. 

Awakening to Advent

November fog invades my brain, stealing away brightness, coating all in its dreary gloom.

Seasons affect us more than we know. Each one leaves a footprint of their presence.

This season? My soul needs quiet, my body craves sleep and rest, my spirit thirsts after the place where I converse with God, on the doorstep of my heart.

I'm seeking after sacred pauses, making way for holy moments in the everyday.

As my health has declined over the last few months, I've needed to withdraw quite a bit from social media interaction, groups and conversations, and I've also missed the quiet times and places where my soul speaks with God.

Although it's what I've needed more than anything, it's also been a casualty of the storms of life.

'Quiet Time' ceased to be such as my fog-brained, pain-filled body yearned for sleep, became preoccupied and anxious; and praying was reduced to quick-fire cries for help.

These needs cannot be ignored. We pine and die inside without letting the Light in. Because a weary mind and body need His strength to go on, don't they?

There's a shift beneath the surface of my slow, sluggish days. A stirring toward all my soul desires to stay sane, stable and at rest.

An acknowledgement that I am lost and lonely when I fail to spend quality time with God.

I want to awaken to Advent without the world's noise intruding strong, resist its clamouring tongue and clarion call to excess consumption.

And as I try to still my heart, listen to the One whom my soul loves and runs after, I sense Him whispering these words:

"Be aware; be watchful; be prepared. The King is coming. He is with you.

Keep your eyes peeled and your heart receptive. Don't let it grow hard or cold.

 Allow a Holy longing to touch mystery seep slow into your soul and invade mind and spirit.

A new morn dawns in the history of mankind. 

A new day to rejoice and be glad, for your God is with you and He is mighty to save. 

A reason for humble thanksgiving.

Come closer. Come empty. Come freely. Come frequently. I will fill you to overflowing.

My throne room is always open to you and you will find a warm welcome here.

Spend your precious energy in seeking Me. I will refuel you.

Lavish attention on My glorious provision. I will give you all your soul longs for.

Whisper it loud. Joy is here for all to share. There are no beggars in My Kingdom.

This sacred place makes space for all who hunger and thirst for Me.

And in this season, all who seek Me with their whole heart will find Me.

There will be celebration over every soul who makes way for the King to live within.

Share your words; share your heart; share the promises fulfilled in Jesus, My Son.

Your watching, waiting and praying will have their reward.

As your heart makes room for the King of kings, it will be filled and flooded with the love, joy and peace of His presence.

Reflect on these things anew; rest in My goodness and grace, and remain in Me always"

How can we awaken anew to the watching, waiting wonder of Advent?

As well as revisiting the biblical narrative (and maybe listening to a few Christmas songs to get me in the mood!), here are some of the things I have at hand to help me in this season:

1) Re-reading 'Touching Wonder:Recapturing the Awe of Christmas' by John Blase ~ a delightful, warm way of connecting to the humanity of Advent and the Nativity via insightful words, reflection and prayer. 

2) Reading 'The Deep Place - where nobody goes:Connecting with God on the steps of my soul' by Jill Briscoe ~ and rediscovering the wonder and encouragement of being able to have a relationship and conversations with God.

3) Diving into 'Advent with St Francis:Daily Reflections' by Diane M.Houdek in an attempt to recover rest, simplicity and respect for the mystery of it all. 

4) Seeking more spiritual whitespace by returning to the insights in, 'Finding Spiritual Whitespace:Awakening Your Soul to Rest' by Bonnie Gray and making room for resting in God as part of needful self-soul-care. 

5) Savouring 'A Faraway Smell of Lemon - A Christmas Short Story' by Rachel Joyce (author of 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry) as a way to rediscover the human pangs and joys of Christmas.  

As you can see, an awful lot of reading and contemplation could be going on as I dip in and out of these books! Maybe my desires will crash under the weight of them. Time will tell..

How about you? Are you entering Advent with anticipation or grim determination?

Feel free to share what helps (or hinders) your faith-walk in this busy season. I love to hear from you. 

I'm linking here today with Janis for Sunday Stillness and with Charlotte for Spiritual Sundays. You are warmly invited to join us. 

Thirsty

During the run up to Easter I find myself feeling adrift. I haven't been well enough (as usual) this year to attend any church services, spend special time with family or friends, nor to engage with all the usual paraphernalia such as buying cards, eggs, flowers, and celebration food.

Even my good intentions over Lent have fallen foul of my frailty.

No observance fully kept, no meditation continued, no readings completed. 

I have failed in every way to observe Easter.

Or have I?

Is it about the special services, the trappings around the edges, or something else?

As I read the biblical accounts of the crucifixion recently, I came to three words that stopped me in my tracks:

"I am thirsty"

Jesus speaks these words in John's gospel (John 19:28). 

In order to address the perceived physical need - unsurprising with outstretched limbs impaled to a cross in the heat of the day - He is offered a sponge soaked in sour wine (vinegar) to sip from. What seems like a generous gesture is both inadequate and insulting.

With thirst left unquenched, the Son of God is made to partake more of humanity's bitterness and gall as He hangs dying on the cross, poured out like a drink offering for our sake.

This act is preceded by Jesus calling out, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?" which is translated as "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34 - 36)

Which suggests Jesus had not only an understandable physical thirst, but also an emotional and relational one. For the first time ever, as He took upon Himself the sin of the whole world, His holy, righteous Father could not look upon or be in fellowship with Him. 

Their intimate, loving union and communion was broken. And I think that must have broken Jesus' heart. I believe He thirsted, even in that relatively short time, for all that He had known before.

Instead of the personal intimacy of 'Abba, Father', Jesus now addresses His Father as 'God', indicating the temporary loss of what He had always experienced - unending closeness and intimacy.

In taking on humanity's sin, Jesus endured that painful separation so that we could become reconciled to God and able to be in relationship with Him as our loving heavenly Father.

I have thirsted for many things in my life:approval, great relationships, fulfilment and comfort, good career prospects and material success.

These days, the thing I tend to thirst for most is greater health and strength.

All of the things mentioned above are fleeting and subject to change.

The fundamentals of life we require above all - Acceptance, Love, Security and Safety -  are, however, fully met in relationship with God.

I think of Jesus coming out of the river Jordan after He has been baptised by John, and continue to link Him inextricably with a river of life, hope and faith, that runs through us now by His Spirit.

We see Him offering Living Water to the Samaritan woman in John 4:1 - 26  (you can read the full account by clicking on the link). 

At the start of their conversation, Jesus requests a drink from her as she is at the well drawing water. Do we ever stop to think how Jesus, our Living Water, may thirst now?

Perhaps He is thirsting for:

Our time

Our attention

Our company

Our love

This Easter, as we ponder the deep meaning of the cross, empty tomb and Resurrection Morn, maybe enjoying church and family celebrations, let us take a moment to consider what ways Jesus may be desiring us to be in relationship with Him.

Even if we know Him now.

Even if we follow Him.

Even as we read His word.

Even as we fellowship together.

Is He our main focus?

Is His presence the one thing we are thirsting for above anything else?

A Prayer

Dear Lord, 
We have no difficulty seeing our need of the things you offer us;
Your mercy, grace and forgiveness are what we long for
and our souls require daily watering by Your word and Spirit.

Yet our hearts can fail and quail at the thought of you wanting something in return.

What can we give to You that You do not already possess?

We offer our hearts,

we offer our lives,

we offer our thanksgiving,

adoration, prayer and praise,

service and sentiments.

Then we hear you saying,

"I miss you. Come and be with Me"

"I love you. Come and lean on Me"

"I desire to help and heal you. Come and rest in Me"

"I have much to teach you. Learn from Me"

"I long to hear your voice. Speak with Me"
For in our busyness we can fail to spend time in Your Presence.

Whatever You are saying, Lord,

give us ears to hear,

hearts to respond,

spirits that are willing

and souls that delight to be with You - always.

Amen.

Points to ponder:

What does Easter symbolise for you?

Is there a way you can make it more meaningful and special?

I'd love you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Slow but sure

If I tried to describe myself as an animal then I'd probably say I was more of a tortoise than a hare, though my mind has definite leaping, easily distracted hare-like tendencies.

My life is, of necessity, lived in the Slow Lane and plodding on through the dense foliage ahead of me, barely able to discern the way ahead, is my current way of being.

But it does allow for breath to pause, ponder and enjoy the glints of the extraordinary, ordinary graces shining in the dust and detritus.

When life slows down we cannot fail to notice everyday miracles and be thankful for them.

So here we are, already February, and I am about to reveal my One Word for 2013

Over the last four years I have been unexpectedly blessed by a specific 'word' that God has impressed upon my heart and mind early in the year. It is only as the months have gone by that I've seen the significance of this word and its application to my life.

I haven't assumed a new one would come each year. They didn't pop up with a 'Eureka' firework moment of illumination on January 1st either. Rather, it has been a gradual realisation, a dawning of awareness that this was the one to pay attention to.

Long before I was on social media or started blogging, this has been the pattern for me. I see it as part of God's grace and understanding of my individual needs. Once I saw the OneWord2013 initiative and read about the choices people were making, I realised I shouldn't leap onto the bandwagon or try to pre-empt what God might have to share with me. 

So I prayed, waited and it came.

His 'word' for me in 2013 is - 'COME'

Like a child jumping into a Father's arms 

There are many inviting and encouraging verses in the Bible with the word 'Come'. These are personal favourites:

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, 

come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without cost" ~ Isaiah 55:1

This speaks to me of spiritual thirst and hunger. Our soul's longings are fully satisfied and met by being in relationship with God

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ~ Matthew 11:28

Here, Jesus is offering spiritual, mental and physical rest that comes from trusting Him to carry our burdens instead of allowing them to weigh heavy.

I am already beginning to see some implications from 'Come' - my word for 2013 - This is how it strikes me so far:

Invitation:to join God on the journey. Let Him lead. Take His hand and trust the outcome to Him because He will keep me safe.

Welcome:into His Presence - the place of rest, joy and peace. Practise being with Him mindfully throughout the day. 

Leave:something behind that is dragging me down. Be ready to escape Egypt (past events holding me captive) and enter the Promised Land (future) of His choosing.

Embrace:In order to move forward I need to be willing to embrace the new things He has planned and not try to run away from what looks scary to my eyes. 

Let go:of old habits, ways of doing and behaving. Requires obedience and willingness.

Be prepared:for disruption. Change can feel uncomfortable for a while, like squeezing our feet into shoes that don't fit right. Not looking forward to this part!

Challenge:Despite my tortoise-like ways I am being encouraged to move forward and let Him set both pace and agenda.

Committing:to the calling on my life by reading His word, praying, listening for His voice and discerning His will.

I want to heed the voice of the Holy Spirit calling out across the sands of time, His whisper in the breeze blowing through the reeds of reality; and I want to say "yes" to going wherever He leads me

One small word can change a life

One small step can alter a destiny

Prayer
Father,
We are always seeking signs of Your activity 
and awareness of Your Presence in our lives.
Our hearts can only truly find their home in You
and be at peace as we follow Your ways
instead of our own.
Help us as we reflect on 
resolutions broken
hopes deferred
and dreams unfulfilled
to spend time asking
what You would have us do.
How we can wisely spend
 the gift of years
the talents you have given 
the calling 
and purpose 
of our lives
to bless others 
and be obedient to You
Amen.

What is God asking of you this year?

Do you have a 'word' for 2013?

I would love you to share it here

More of my journey will be revealed in the weeks ahead.

In this post I am linking up with Missional Women Faith-filled Friday

You can also connect with me on Facebook or follow on Twitter

Light has come

Welcome. I have a confession to make - I am a mole. Or at least my family think I am. 

Don't worry, your secrets are safe with me. My mole-like characteristic is to shun the light.

If it can be dimmed, turned off or softly lamp-lit instead then I'm all for it.

My M.E afflicted eyes are hypersensitive to bright light of any description and it can cause physical pain at times.

But there is one light I am irresistibly drawn to time and time again:

The Light of the World: Jesus Christ

Instead of an unwelcome glare, there is healing, hope and safety here.

"You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light" ~ 2 Samuel 22:29

Darkness only serves to make the light shine brighter

In this Advent season light is very much in evidence. We see it in the Christmas lights twinkling on the tree, bright public decorations or the softer glow of candlelight.                                                                                                             
I'd like to add my piece of light by sharing a  reflection on the Christingle Service (Do click on the link for more information relating to its adoption in England and how it is celebrated) that takes place during the Advent season in many churches.

Christingle literally means "Christ Light" and is a service of light and ceremony, of song and symbolism, of celebrating the Hope and Joy that is found in Christ.

In the dark of Winter, the coming of Christ, the 'Light of the World' is a powerful message of hope that is for every season and for everyone.

Although I don't belong to a church that celebrates Christingle, our youngest son, Sam, was a Cathedral chorister once upon a time and I used to enjoy participating in the Christmas services there, as well as in various Church of England (C of E) ones I have attended over the years. 

This reflection is viewed partly through the lens of memory and partly through my imagination. 

'Light has Come'

"Shafts of scattered light pick out patchwork patterns of jewelled fragments dancing with vibrancy - stained-glass images through which we read a story still ringing true.

Polished pews we dutifully slide off, painfully kneel on hard woven hassocks wrought with love and devotion, the warp and weft of history recording human and Divine encounter. Readying ourselves to add our links of adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication to the ongoing chain of prayer.

Incense wafting in the air already heady with floral scents, sputtering gas-lit lamps, candle wax dripping hotly onto brass; tang of orange-scented globes thrust high in sweaty palms.

Angelic voices rising and mingling with the coughs, chokes and mis-timed notes of Congregational singing. Songs of adoration, praise in celebrating Mystery beyond our understanding.

Procession trailing, gently swaying robes sweeping the floor as eyes turn to watch them passing by and catch a glimpse of choristers - bold and shy - following the vestmented few.

A pause in proceedings, a sniff, shuffle, sighed "Excuse me" as we file forward, released from our seats, now participating in homage paid to the Nativity scene where all sojourners meet.

Finding a babe in the manger, an infant serene, as His mother Mary quietly observes Him, pondering deeply all that has been. These are our representatives of Your love come down - to celebrate the wonder of Your kingly crown set aside for earth's suffering: The God-head revealed in humanity shared.

Now You make Your home with the hurting, the broken, the lonely and lost. No longer confined to a manger, a stable, a desert, a cross. You are out in this world, slipping into its streets of shame to rescue the desperate, the hopeless and helpless - society's rejects accepted and loved - forever welcomed, made new, received by Heaven above.

So we make room in our hearts and lives for You too as we ponder these things as Mary would do. Then we take what we learn and share it around, because everyone deserves to come Home safe and sound. Back to the place we used to come from - back to believing we truly belong. Back to Your side and back to Your heart. Forever to stay and never depart."

"There are two ways of spreading light:to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it" ~ Edith Wharton

Pause to ponder:

In this Advent season what does light symbolise for you?

How can we be the light for others?

In this post I am linking up to Tanya Marlow's Advent thoughts Do check it out and join in the reflections and comments.