Thursday 29 April 2021

An old card

I’ve recently been going through a small box from the loft which had been untouched for years. Inside I found unexpected delights as well as some harder to digest bits of history ... I had no recollection of keeping all the letters, cards, notes and such like. I’m not even sure how to describe some of the feelings and musings over memories that the box has generated. Anyhow, for this moment and blog, I’d like to share a poem that was written inside a card to me and my ex-husband on our 5th wedding anniversary in 2002, from my one of my sisters. She didn’t cite an author but I’ve  looked it up and it’s written by Barbara C Ryberg:

“He does not lead me year by year
Nor even day by day.
But step by step my path unfolds;
My Lord directs my way.

Tomorrow’s paths I do not know,
I only know this minute;
But He will say, “This is the way
By faith now walk ye in it.”

And I am glad that it is so.
Today’s enough to bear;
And when tomorrow comes, His grace
Shall far exceed its care.

What need to worry then, or fret?
The God who gave His son
Holds all my moments in His hand
And gives them, one by one”.

Nice, isn’t it?
Ingrid x


Tuesday 27 April 2021

Midweek Thought ~ Weeds and Blossom

I’ve been struck recently by the emerging spring blossoms, their variety in both colour and shape; some are huge bombs of tightly knit bright pink flowers, making a bold statement of declaration, whilst others are whimsical in their seeming fragility, almost apologetic with their pale white feathery smallness.

At the same time, my lawn is covered in daisies and dandelions ... weeds. Imagine that for example, the first time you ever saw a dandelion was when on holiday somewhere sunny, happy, vibrant, exotic ... let’s say Hawaii, ... I wager that we would all be taking photos of the humble and sometimes annoying flower, splashing them onto social media, describing their bright sunny disposition, using them as adornment and reveling in the fact that the locals could even make drinks and medicine out of them!

You’ll know from previous posts that I love bluebells. This past Sunday after a morning church service, I had the immense privilege of being escorted around an ancient, private woodland by the owner himself. The history and beauty of the whole place, but especially the carpet of bluebells, was spellbinding. The gentleman concerned simply remarked with a wry smile, that he treated them with a benevolent neglect.

I am no horticulturist or botanist, in fact I’m always quite surprised when my plants, flowers and produce grow well ... but I do appreciate the variety in nature throughout the seasons. It’s good to stop and take notice of both what’s underfoot, around us and above us in the branches. So what am I getting at? When did a daisy stop being a wildflower and become a weed? To me it’s still a wildflower, but I expect most of us don’t tend to appreciate it as much as we would do a primrose peeking out from a mossy bank, or a cornflower poking its head up on the edge of a field. A wildflower is simply one which has not been genetically manipulated. 

Do you sometimes feel like that big, bold blossom and then within the same week, feel like a weed? I do. I can also feel like I’m of use and have a purpose, like many wildflowers are and then just as quickly, feel like a pest which most likely could do with being dug up and discarded. I can feel like I’m a part of something majestic and striking, like the bluebell carpet, then flip to being a stinging nettle within a short period of time. The fickleness of humanity huh! It’s a jolly good job God did the creating and gave seasons, order and purpose.

That’s the point. There is beauty in everything created because God created it. Humans have disturbed, destroyed, diluted, manipulated and poisoned far too much of what God considered ‘good’, and yet there is still so much simple beauty to see.

You are beautiful. You have a purpose. You have worth and value. You are noticed and needed. Do not rely on your feelings or other humans to dictate your true worth, because just like going from a wildflower to a weed, your inner perspective and stability will waver and be tossed about depending on far too many factors. The only factor you need to consider is God's perspective of you ... it is unchanging, reliable, just and secure. With seeking validity and significance from other humans, we will never be satisfied ... we're all flawed so how on earth can we give the rooted foundation of true worth when we're so often struggling with the same issues ourselves?

No matter whether you are more like the dandelion or the apple blossom, you are still magnificent and intently loved. No need to worry about how you look or what to wear ... remember “look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers ... he will certainly care for you” (Matt 6v28-30). Isn’t that a lovely promise to hide in our hearts?

So please, go forth and ponder the flowers around you, from blossoms to weeds and everything in between! See yourself in them and know that God sees beauty in you. He created you just to be you and cares for you more than He does for those flowers. Whether something is deemed a weed or worth taking pride of place in a brides bouquet is often just down to perspective and maybe the fashion / fad of the season. Don’t let circumstances, social pressure, age, ethnicity, disability, clothing labels or wrinkles determine your beauty ... let God, because He’s the only one to truly get it right. He sees the inner beauty which is far more precious than any temporary, external fix. Here’s Peter talking in his direct way about it:

“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God” (1 Peter 3v3-4). 

Ingrid x

P.S. Is this shorter than previous midweek posts? I’m trying I promise! I tend to just go with the moment and write without stopping ... I know I really am a rambler!

Saturday 24 April 2021








My youngest sister gave me this precious antique little box of promises (it's not a bug hotel ... in fact, the bugs would most definitely eat them!) It may require tweezers to pull one out but they are the cutest little rolls of paper with delights on every one. I'm sharing the one I read this morning (sat 24th April).

I had some irrational anxiety about my children going away for the weekend with their father. For some reason, I felt as though something bad was going to happen, I did even cry with apprehension. They are still away and won't be back till between 4-5pm tomorrow. I had to try to pray and leave my deep worries with God. My feelings were weak and fearful about something that hadn't even happened. God asks for trust in Him and for my / your anxieties, concerns, forebodings to be cast on Him so that He can deal with them and help me / you to rest in His strength and care. It's tough ... but it shouldn't be. So earlier today, this promise was a pretty good one for me to 'randomly' pull out.

Robert C Sproul once said "I don't always feel His presence. But God's promises do not depend upon my feelings; they rest upon His integrity". Thank goodness for that.

I will continue to pray for their safety and happy return to me tomorrow. As the old hymn encourages us, we should 'stand on the promises of God'. They are sure and steadfast, they cannot be broken or forgotten ... why? Because they are given to us by God Himself who cannot lie and is faithful ... "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith ... (and) let us hold fast the confession of our hope ..., for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10v22-23).

Ingrid x







Friday 23 April 2021

The first bluebells of the season, my favorite time of the year. They predictably come up every year ... not tended, watered, fertilized, thinned out, protected or weeded by any human ... they simply lay all cosy and sleepy underneath the forest floor, until such a time as their creator made them to appear. At that appointed time, they force their way through the spring soil and emerge in brilliant beauty to provide a carpet such as no loom can ever make. Each plant has many flowers, little bells, so delicately bobbing in the breeze as though appreciating that this is their time to shine. 

So often we see them in a blur of deep violet blue as we drive by, or if we do have the privilege of walking to a bluebell wood, we will stand in awe at the striking beauty laid out at our feet. As a whole, it is breathtaking and yet each small plant has those little bell flowers bobbing their hello, without which, the whole would not be possible. Appreciate the detail and the small things, each one counts.

Just like the bluebells, we can often seem and feel very small in the sea of humanity. Yet God created the detail, the individual, the petal and He cares enormously about that detail. Each tiny part of every plant helps with the beauty and function of the whole. So take time to notice, to listen, to smell, to touch, to really see the detail before you that matters most, and to the those whom you love.

The bluebells remind me of God’s steadfast, predictable, remarkable, faithful love. It certainly doesn’t require anything of us, just like the bluebell woods, it is there despite who we are and will remain so. There is a difference however ... we can choose to destroy nature if it’s not protected from our pollution or continual need for more housing. I am grateful for conservation laws that do protect ancient woodlands. God’s  love needs no such input. Nothing can waver the steadfast nature of His love, it is an absolute certainty, one that we can rely on forever.

So the next time you see bluebells and maybe take a walk through their carpeted woodland, remember this: that “all the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psalm 25v10) ... that His “steadfast love extends to the heavens ... (His) faithfulness to the clouds” (Psalm 36v5) and that “those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness” (Prov. 14v22).

It has been a dream of mine for many, many years, to own a little bluebell woodland. I think it would be my haven of rest, like a little portion of heaven on earth (I’m very much assuming they’ll be bluebells in heaven, or something even better!) So you may well see some more photos of bluebells on here until they bow over to return into hiding ... preparing for their next most excellent extravaganza. Thank you God for creating woodlands which host bluebells.

Ingrid x

Wednesday 21 April 2021

A piece by Chuck Swindoll

I read this today (17.4.21) and enjoyed it so much, probably because I love the idea of quietness and stillness in my weekly routine, so I thought I’d share it with you. It’s from his ‘Insight for Living UK’ daily emails that I receive.


Quietness

by Chuck Swindoll


Psalm 46131Isaiah 30:15–18Mark 6:30–32


It is almost 10:00, Monday night. The children are snoozing and snoring upstairs (or they should be!). Aside from a few outside noises—a passing car . . . a barking dog . . . a few, faint voices in the distance—all’s quiet on the home front. That wonderful, much-needed presence has again come for a visit—quietness. Oh, how I love it . . . how I need it.


One of my most poignant memories of quietness occurred in California when I was walking with a friend along the sandy shores at Carmel. The silence of that early dawn was broken only by the rhythmic roar of the rolling surf and the cry of a few gulls floating overhead. The same thought I had then I have now: I cannot be the man I should be without times of quietness. Stillness is an essential part of our growing deeper as we grow older. Or—in the words of a man who helped shape my life perhaps more than any other: 

     We will not become men (or women) of God without the presence of solitude.


Those words haunt me when I get caught in the treadmill of time schedules . . . when I make my turn toward the homestretch of the week and try to meet the deadline of demands, just like you. Alas, we are simply geared too high. Thanks to Alka-Seltzer, Excedrin, Sleep-eze, and Compoz, we repeat our nonproductive haste with monotonous regularity. As Peter Marshall put it:

     We are in such a hurry, we hate to miss one panel of a revolving door.


Talk about pollution! I want you to think about what our nervous systems undergo just to stay afloat: Noise (music, news, talk, laughter, machinery, appliances, phones, and traffic) from 6am ‘til midnight. Speed (bumper-to-bumper at 65 mph, on-ramps and off-ramps, deadlines and appointments) that makes us frown rather than smile . . . that causes us to check our watches more often than checking in with our Lord. Activities (meetings, services, suppers, luncheons, breakfasts, rallies, and clubs—all “necessary” and “nice”) that have a way of dismissing quietness like an unwanted guest. Sure—some things are important—super, in fact—but not everything. Listen, if you and I really treasure quietness, we will have to make time for it. When you feed it only the “leftovers” from the schedule, it always goes hungry.


Now, believe me, I’m not bitter. I’m just being direct and honest with you about an ingredient that cannot be ignored much longer in our lives without our paying a dear, dear price. I am jealous that we: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV). I am desperately concerned that we slow down and quiet down and gear down our lives so that intermittently each week we carve out time for quietness, solitude, thought, prayer, meditation, and soul searching. Oh, how much agitation will begin to fade away . . . how insignificant petty differences will seem . . . how big God will become and how small our troubles will appear! Security, peace, and confidence will move right on in.


This is what Isaiah, the prophet, meant when he wrote:

     And the work of righteousness will be peace,

     And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever. 

     Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, 

     And in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places (32:17–18).


You know something? That still, small voice will never shout. God’s methods don’t change because we are so noisy and busy. He is longing for your attention, your undivided and full attention. He wants to talk with you in times of quietness (with the TV off) about your need for understanding, love, compassion, patience, self-control, a calm spirit, genuine humility . . . and wisdom. But He won’t run to catch up. He will wait and wait until you finally sit in silence and listen.


Thank you Chuck.

Ingrid x

Tuesday 20 April 2021

A quick post and a lazy one!

So it's 10pm on Tuesday 20th April which happens to be my birthday. I've had a lovely day and am now very tired. Things have conspired against me time wise and I have not prepared a midweek thought, so rather than try to get my weary mind into gear, I'm being lazy and will postpone one for now. It didn't help that I flooded my kitchen last night and other things crept in to eat up the time. I've nearly finished some training I'm doing so that'll free up a little bit of time, but if you're like me, any extra time you create by giving up something or it coming to an end, mysteriously disappears! Hence that need for stillness.

I can honestly say I am loved! Not just by my amazing God, but by so many friends and family ... I am tremendously blessed beyond measure and I don't take it for granted. I have by this time in the evening, received over 75 household birthday wishes, individually thought out and given to me. Thank you. I know each and every one of you and value your unique personality, friendship and care for me.

How we live and with whom we share our lives is so important. We are an influence whether we realise it or not. I struggle with many things and have flaws, foibles and failings but if I am known for something then I hope it is for being kind.

The flowers in the photo were apparently chosen by my 3 year old daughter, facilitated by some of the best people I know, who constantly give of themselves to me and my children. 

I'll never be 46 again but I can make sure that the remaining time I have left on earth, is full of goodness. Thinking about how we live our lives and their eventual end, I'll share with you something one of my sisters found out and shared with the family because it's such a lovely piece of music. It was part of the military band tribute at Prince Philip's funeral and one which isn't as easily recognisable as others maybe were. She found out that it was called 'Supreme Sacrifice' and that the words which go with the music were taken from a World War 1 poem written by Sir John Stanhope Arkwright. The piece starts at 0.55 seconds into the clip:


O valiant hearts who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.

Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
As who had heard God’s message from afar;
All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save.

Splendid you passed, the great surrender made;
Into the light that nevermore shall fade;
Deep your contentment in that blest abode,
Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God.

Long years ago, as earth lay dark and still,
Rose a loud cry upon a lonely hill,
While in the frailty of our human clay,
Christ, our Redeemer, passed the self same way.

Still stands His Cross from that dread hour to this,
Like some bright star above the dark abyss;
Still, through the veil, the Victor’s pitying eyes
Look down to bless our lesser Calvaries.

These were His servants, in His steps they trod,
Following through death the martyred Son of God:
Victor, He rose; victorious too shall rise
They who have drunk His cup of sacrifice.

O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead,
Whose cross has bought them and Whose staff has led,
In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land
Commits her children to Thy gracious hand.

Prince Philip chose every detail of his funeral ahead of time and what a beautiful occasion it was, despite the solemnity. A quote from him caught my eye and has challenged me to keep any further very long midweek thoughts or posts, more succinct! ... This was him on long sermons: "The mind cannot absorb what the backside cannot endure". Say no more!

Ingrid x



  

Saturday 17 April 2021

Ponderance of a quote 📖

I read recently in ‘The Week’ magazine under their ‘wit & wisdom’ column, a quote by Nadezhda Mandelstam saying “A good life is one in which there is no need for miracles”.

Now, given her life story and the repressive horrors she most likely encountered, including the murder of her husband under the Stalin regime, one can understand the sentiment behind the quote. She must have longed for the security of a mundane but free life.

It did catch my attention though, and made me have a good think. No-one wants the sort of life where you constantly beg for miracles due to torture, hardship or persecution, but I just get the feeling that a life with no need for miracles is something which doesn’t sit so comfortably with the outliving of a Christian life. To not need miracles is surely to limit the intervention of the divine and to say no to the interference of the sovereign, creator God. My salvation itself is a miracle ... it’s based on a virgin birth and the resurrection of the dead! I am a miracle 😊. We know that our Saviour performed many miracles and that miraculously we as Christians, have the Holy Spirit in dwelling us ... but can we expect miracles in our lives beyond that?

I say yes. Why?, because I’ve experienced many personally. They may not be the demonstrative dramatics like some claim ... they are personal to me. They can be life saving, liberating, clarifying, restorative, the bestowment of provision and many more, but all are based on the exercise of faith which is again, a personal thing. 

I’d like to suggest that the absence of miracles in our lives would paint a scene of mediocrity, dullness and ignorance. Where is the learning without the experience of risk; the development of compassion without the knowledge of suffering; the lightness of liberty without the fear of oppression? How can we know what love is, joy is, contentment is, if we haven’t been exposed to sorrow and lack. Faith which brings with it Hope, is the answer, and with that comes a lifetime of miracles, seen in every day life ... an abundant life ... not perfect, and in fact, full of uncertainties, challenges and disappointments, which only serve to make the miracles even more wonderful. 

We aren’t promised the old adage of a bed of roses life, in fact we’ve been promised suffering (so many mentions throughout the NT) ... but with that, comes the hope of glory and our miracle making God at the helm. If you let ‘Jesus take the wheel’ (Carrie Underwood: https://youtube.com/watch?v=k_OpRlUZQoI&feature=share) then you will get to witness and experience your share of miracles.

And the song that came to mind is: ‘I Need A Miracle’ ~ Third Day

Ingrid x

Thursday 15 April 2021

‘Prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety…and many will look to you for help’ (Job 11v13-19)

Tuesday 13 April 2021

Midweek Thought ~ Lethargy

It's always best to be honest. So here I am ... I was wondering what and how to write for this week because I've just been 'off'. I was going to try and follow up on some thoughts I'd had previously, and create a midweek post out of them but it would be have been contrived and forced, making me feel exhausted at the get go. So rather than do that, I'll just share how I'm feeling and meander my way through, nattering as I go.

I must say, that as I start this, I've put on an old playlist that I created for someone else years ago, and I already feel a little lighter and uplifted. I've just listened to these 2 songs ... take a listen yourself:

'Through the fire' by Randy Travis, and 'He'll Hold You' by Selah.

I don't know about you, but I have times when I can feel as though I'm under-performing and in a bit of a fog, for no apparent reason at all. I don't mean under-performing at something like work, but just at the normal daily activities ... it's as though I'm dragging my heels and wearily making myself think about preparing tea or folding the laundry. What's that about? It's more frustrating because I'm usually a busy bee, keeping order and engaging in creative ideas whilst multi-tasking around the house and corresponding with others. The only word for it is 'blah'.

Yes I'm tired and have an achey back / neck, but that's not unusual. It's the easter holidays so the term time routine isn't happening, but I don't mind that and I love having the children at home. I'm hoping to move house at some point in the not too distant future, so that's an extra thing on my mind, but it's a good thing. So what's the explanation for this malaise? The answer ... there may not be one. It feels like a dip and a drag ... I'm old enough and been around the block enough to know that it won't last, but even so, it's frustrating.

What's more, it affects my spiritual outlook and energy. My daily ramblings to God throughout the day have dried up somewhat and His word is a little harder to read and enjoy. Now that's wrong isn't it?

You know what ... I'm going to tell myself that it's ok. Sometimes we just get a little weary. If that translates into feeling a bit down and less energetic for a few days then so be it. It's a times like this that Jesus calls to say 'come aside and rest awhile' (Mark 6v31). Unfortunately for me, that's not always possible! But I can continue, albeit at an 'under parr' pace. Keep on keeping on!

Here's the good news ... God can handle it. He's there, the same, throughout whatever I'm feeling and struggling with. My part is to not let my 'feelings' dictate my outlook or responses. Despite maybe not feeling like doing it, I should praise God; should still read His word; should still sing; should still pray (even if I fall asleep in the middle of it); should still be wiling to help others. This is God's way and is a balm to the soul ... what often seems to be too hard, can end up being the solace and restorative solution needed. 

I like that verse in both Psalms and Hebrews which states if we love righteousness then God will anoint us with the oil of gladness. I tend to think that if we can follow righteousness even when we don't 'feel' like it or just don't really have the energy to, then God will draw alongside and provide that personal application of soothing, healing oil which will then in turn, bring back our joy ... we will be glad and vibrant once again. (Let's bring back the glad game ~ Pollyanna!)

David is such a great character in the Bible to read about if and when you're feeling a bit overwhelmed and under resourced ... lacking the energy required to fulfil maybe even the most basic of duties. Not just physically weary but spiritually too ... like you're stuck in the mire as he describes in Psalm 69 with the waters going to overflow you. He talks so often about his struggles with feeling alone; confronted by the enemy; his own failings and remorsefulness; wondering why ... yet he always comes back to the amazing, unfailing, steadfast and faithful love of God. What a reassurance! No matter how you or I feel, God's position, His love and faithfulness toward us will never change. So if I feel 'blah' today, God is still God ... His steadfast love and care for me is unaffected but is even more active in helping me feel the reassurance I need and the energy required to just continue ... to keep keeping on.

In Psalm 71 David asks his Lord to be a rock of refuge to which he may continually come ... he knows he'll need it more than once and he relies on that refuge being there for the many trying times ... so should we. He also says he will hope continually ... that's good advice for us too, let's never loose hope. "For you, O Lord, are my hope" (v5). If God is our hope then hope can never be lost, what a great promise to cling to.

So "you who seek God, let your hearts revive" (Psalm 69v32).

I have a feeling that tomorrow morning I could say with the Psalmist: "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me" (Psalm 3v5). How much sleep in total is yet to be determined, but I know He will sustain me and I also know that I cannot allow my lethargy to sap my hope in God. I may feel 'blah' but He will help me to shine again and be filled with joy.

Let us rise above our circumstances and feelings, to honour God and speak forth the praises of His name. Truth must prevail over the voices of tired dullness. The truth is that this too will pass, and God is to be praised. He is over all and will extend His grace, hope and mercy to all who call on His name.

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God ... how precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings ... For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light" (Psalm 36).

God's steadfast love is unconditional, unshakable, unfathomable and unending. It protects, provides, is precious and gives peace. It is personal, yet available for all.

Even though I just feel a little bit foggy and off for no real reason, if you, like me, feel out of sorts someday, just remember to keep just doing the next right thing and keep praising God, praying to Him to sustain you, and you will prevail. The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit and if we look to Him our faces will be radiant (Psalm 34). How nice.

So as I go off to bed now, I will pray the prayer I often do and which I had on my wall when I was a lot younger: "I will both lie me down in peace, and sleep; for You, alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4v8).

Tomorrow is a new day without a moment of lethargy in it! I will delight in the Lord and rise to praise His name, I hope. I may also groan at being woken by my children well before I'm ready to be disturbed. What's key is to hold on to the one who's holding me no matter what ... the clouds will part and the sun will shine through. My productiveness will return and my vibrant spirit will reawaken with renewed vigour. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ... I have to tell myself these truths regularly because I'm pretty useless otherwise! Don't for one minute think I somehow feel a moment of faintheartedness and then speak truth to myself and I'm on a spiritual high of some sort ... it's a daily battle for sure, but to seek peace in the process; hope in the hurry; and faith in the frenzy; certainly helps me to take the next step.

Don’t give up hope ~ Third Day:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=lNplqaLXZGU&feature=share

Love to you all

Ingrid x



Sunday 11 April 2021


May the God of all comfort be with our Queen during these sad times. Her faith is strong and she is loved. Let’s be reminded to pray for all those who have lost someone close to them but maybe don’t have faith and aren’t surrounded by loving support. 🇬🇧 ❤️

Friday 9 April 2021

Self-control

A good friend and I have decided to follow through on the suggestion I made a little while ago about looking at the fruit of the spirit, one by one, over a period of time. Just to be different, we’ve decided to start back to front! So, starting this month, we’re considering self-control. 

It’s certainly not an easy one for me. I’ve never been one for self-discipline despite many enthusiastic commitments and beginnings paved with good intentions. I’ve learnt over time, not to set my sights too high or expect too much from myself so that I don’t feel like a failure or disappointment. Yet surely that’s wrong and giving in to a lesser, more defeated life rather than one with evidence of victory. I’m writing this without any profound revelation containing the secret to success because I still continually struggle. At the moment it is more specifically to do with my physical health and fitness ... what I eat and how little I exercise massively impact my well-being, my ability to engage in certain activities that I’d like to and sadly does still affect my self image I’m ashamed to say.

Why can’t I take myself in hand and put some healthy controls and boundaries in place? I can, and I have done before, but I fail to persevere to effect a lasting change. It’s extremely annoying.

There are many other examples in our lives where we struggle to maintain boundaries and self-control. It could be our tempers; our keenness to gossip about and judge others or maybe a moral dilemma ... how about managing our screen and social media time, are we able to control it and put our phones down? I’ve faced many examples and miserably failed. There’s also the other side, not about trying to control what we shouldn’t do, but rather, putting in place and following through on good habits, like specific prayer time and reading the Bible, not just the odd ‘verse for the day’ on email (like I do). I realise that to overcome and to lessen the likelihood of caving in, I need God’s truth hidden in my heart and His armour to protect me. A strong wall which is able to withstand any enemy advancement ... no cracks or weak spots to enable demolition! I’m not strong enough on my own ... in fact I’m quite likely to almost help with my own defeat by widening the cracks through my own weakness.

A couple of months ago there was a piece written in the UCB word for today which I’ll share here as it’s helpful, especially in relation to maintaining our spiritual standing:

A Christian leader writes: ‘The Great Wall of China was erected in the third century BC as a defence against raids by nomadic peoples from the north. Throughout succeeding centuries, especially during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was repaired and extended in length, finally stretching for forty-five-hundred miles.’ Centuries before it began, biblical cultures used walls to protect themselves, and to draw boundaries around themselves for the purposes of identifying the land which was theirs. To be effective, however, those walls had to be regularly maintained. The slightest breach could give the enemy a fateful advantage. 

There is a valuable lesson here. As a Christian, there is one wall in your defence system that has to be maintained and protected at all times – the wall of self-control. The Bible says, ‘Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls’ (Proverbs 25v28). Your failure to maintain self-control is like opening the city gates and issuing an invitation to the enemy to attack you. J. Wilbur Chapman, one of history’s great preachers, formulated what he called ‘my rule for Christian living’. And it’s a rule you should endeavour to live by. He said, ‘The rule that governs my life is this: anything that dims my vision of Christ, or takes away my taste for Bible study, or cramps my prayer life, or makes Christian work difficult, is wrong for me, and I must, as a Christian, turn away from it.’ 

I need to step out of my immediate concerns and ready myself to take the next step ... one which is achievable, wholesome, beneficial, healthy, sustainable and God honouring. Then with His help and His truth at the forefront of my thinking, I can and will prevail. The battle may be rather constant, but the victory can be too. ‘The person who succeeds is not the one who holds back, fearing failure, nor the one who never fails, but rather the one who moves on despite failure’.

As children we used to listen to music from Agapeland, amongst which was the Music Machine. One of the songs was about self-control and the words went something like this:

Self-control is just controlling myself
It’s listening to my heart and doing what is smart
Self-control is the very best way to go
So I think that I’ll control myself!

I like this quote by Benjamin Franklin: “Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society.” 

At the end of the day, if God in His word says that we should exercise self-control and that it is actually a fruit of the Spirit (His Spirit) then it must be jolly important and as such, we should take note and start working away at it. It requires attention and commitment, and should then become evidence of the life of Christ in me ... which is what fruit is ... external evidence of what I truly am on the inside.

Harumph! Let’s do this!

I’m just going to add a song here which isn’t specifically relating to self-control but the words are so moving and uplifting too ... I find them such an encouragement because throughout my on-going struggle with some aspects of self-control, I know that in my weakness His strength is made perfect and that when I overcome, it is not I, but Christ in me! He has already defeated my sins / failures, so if I can cling onto that and to His power in me, then I can truly experience the freedom and victory He so desperately wants me to have.

Yet not I, but through Christ in me ~ Selah:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=rNXd0KQaYXg&feature=share

Ingrid x



 

Tuesday 6 April 2021

Midweek Thought ~ Abundant blessings

Ephesians 3v20 says: “now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”.

Isn’t that such an amazing verse? But if you’re anything like me, you’d automatically process the verse in terms of materialistic application. If I ask for x then I could get x plus more! That may well be true as God is not limited in His benevolence toward us ... He is a good Father, waiting to bless us and provide for us.  Remember those verses that talk about an earthy father .... if his child were to ask for some bread, would he give him a stone? ... if we know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our Heavenly Father give us (Luke 11v9-13).

Whilst making tea, I just started to reflect on it all and wanted to personally challenge myself. I know for example, that I would like to use my home for the Lord and maybe do a work for Him, from it. If therefore, God provides that home, even above and beyond what I had asked and hoped for ... it is my responsibility to not only remember and be daily thankful, but to follow and live out the desires that fed my request. It belongs to the Lord and must be used for His work and glory.

Remember also the verse in Job (1v21): “the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord”. What if the Lord took away what had been given? Would I bless His name or blame Him? If I saw what He had given me as His and not mine, for His work and not for my pleasure, then if He were to take it, I should be accepting and acknowledge His hand in it ... that there would be a reason, maybe beyond what I can understand, but my trust in Him should never waver.

I’m going to repeat that to myself ... my trust in God’s provision for my life must not be based on current circumstances, whether more than comfortable, or struggling financially, ... my trust is in a person, not in external evidence of physical blessing. My circumstances must not dictate my faith. Surely my faith can grow despite my circumstances, whatever they are. God is above all and never changes, therefore He can be trusted implicitly ... nothing will surprise Him and because I know He cares about the detail of my life (and yours), wherever we find ourselves, He is there with us.

But going back to the verse at the start, I know that what I should be asking and thinking, is not primarily about materialistic concerns, but rather about spiritual ones. Wouldn’t it be better for my requests to be focused on spiritual gifts rather than physical ones? Where are my priorities based and what comes to the forefront of my thinking? Is it ‘the ideal home’ first and then ‘so I can use it for you Lord’ ... or is it ‘I want to live for you wherever I am’ first, and then the request for a home secondary to that, willing to leave the details to God?

I confess that mine often get muddled together just because most of the time my mind is a bit like scrambled eggs anyway! So I do in fact pray for wisdom, discretion, courage, for a heart like Gods, right words and fairness, strength, insight, patience, a willingness and great faith to share God's love with others. I pray for calmness and rest so that I am sustained throughout each day. These are spiritual desires and good things to pray for. What I need, is the application of them into my daily life and petitions for tangible, physical things.

The more I live and think about it, the more I am convinced that it is our hearts and motives which direct and dictate blessing in every form. God wants our hearts and minds first. It’s priority and perspective ... get them right and focused on God, His word, His truth, His desires as to how we should live, His view of sin and the world, His care about creation, His love for everyone (yes everyone) ... and then everything else will fall into place. In fact we’ll be so preoccupied with enjoying the spiritual blessings and gifts, that the practical, physical concerns we had about our personal circumstances, won’t really be a bother to us at all ... certainly not stressful or overwhelming in the same way.

Just remember that if you pray for status, fame, wealth and you get it ... thank God and use those gifts wisely for Him. If He takes them away, still thank Him and praise Him. He loves you and cares for you above all else and no matter what our circumstance in life, that will never change.

What God wants is for us to commune with Him. It's relational not transactional. The outpouring of blessing and provision upon us from God, is a natural consequence to our relationship and communion with Him. 

We need never worry about our basic needs ... we are worth more than the sparrows and God has great care for them (Matt 10v31). He clothes the lilies of the field in beauty (Luke 12v27) and we can claim the promise in Philippians 4v19 which says "my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus".

Get to know God, trust Him and the rest will follow ... above and beyond what you may ask or think! God is good. 😊

Ingrid x



Monday 5 April 2021

A new Day, A new Hope!

I'll keep this short (and I promise tomorrow's midweek thought will be a shorter one!).

I just have a feeling that I need to shout out some hope! For goodness sake ... we've just celebrated Easter and if that doesn't make us want to sing for joy and shout out with excitement then I don't know what will. What an amazing and uplifting time ... to recall the greatest victory throughout the timeline of history. There is no-one else who has ever or who will ever conquer death, but what's amazing is that we get to share in this stupendous victory ... death has no claim on me, it is merely a passage from one life to the next! We can spend so much time trying to elongate our lives and stay youthful, and yet I have everlasting life so what on earth am I thinking ... death is just the transition onto the other side of victory ... with Christ!

Black typed out words just don't do it. He's alive and we have new life because of it. It's a new day and we have the greatest Hope of all. Isn't HOPE just the best word?

Rejoice in hope (Romans 12v12) and may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15v13).

So turn this up loud and listen just to feel a little upbeat and full of the joy that new life, a new day and the hope which is in Christ Jesus can bring. What a triumph!  

A New Day ~ Danny Gokey:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0TrKXehB0pg&feature=share

And here’s another great song by Stuart Townend ~ See What A Morning!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=6xM-fpXayUg&feature=share

Ingrid x

Saturday 3 April 2021

Happy Easter

What a celebration! This should be the most exciting remembrance day for Christians.

Christ died, suffered and was buried for us and how solemn contemplating that is ... yet on the third day He rose from the grave! The resurrection is the crux, the ultimate seal of finality and act of God to evidence that His rescue plan of humankind was accomplished. It was finished indeed ... Jesus Christ abandoned His earthly body and took up residence again beside His Father God. He had completely fulfilled His mission with perfection. Death was not the end, it was the beginning of new life in Christ to all who believe, brought about by His return to life!

The grave could not contain Him; guards at the tomb could not prevent Him; death was shrugged off with the grave clothes; an official sentence given by mere human dictators was turned upside down ... “oh death where is your sting; oh grave where is your victory?” (1 Cor 15v55)

The Lord of Glory was triumphant over death ... the only one who could be ... so that we may live forever! What kind of love is this? 

With the words of the song writer Alfred Ackley, let us say:

‘I serve a living Saviour
He’s in the world today
I know that He is living
Whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy
I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near

     He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
     He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way
     He lives, He lives, salvation to impart
     You ask me how I know He lives
     He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care
And though my heart grows weary
I never will despair
I know that He is leading
Through all the stormy blast
The day of His appearing 
Will come at last

Rejoice, rejoice O Christian
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King
The hope of all who seek Him
The help of all who find
None other is so loving
So good and kind.’

Let us live in light of the resurrection ... our Saviour is one who conquered death! The power within us through His Spirit is greater than any fear or oppressor. We are living on the victory side and are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Romans 8v31-39.

Wishing you all a happy Easter 2021.

Ingrid x

Thursday 1 April 2021

An old chorus

Some of you may recall this chorus that I remember from Sunday school days. I don’t really know why it came into my head, but as I sang it to myself I was struck by the wonderful words:

Happiness is to know the Saviour
Living a life, within his favour
Having a change in my behaviour
Happiness is the Lord
Real joy is mine, no matter if the tear drops start,
I’ve found a secret, it’s Jesus in my heart...
Happiness is to be forgiven
Living a life that’s worth the living
Taking a trip that leads to heaven
Happiness is the Lord

Such simple yet profound truths and promises. I often don’t feel enough happiness and joy ... my focus is wrong. Isn’t my salvation worth being happy about? Absolutely yes! And when the teardrops start? I can still have that deep seated joy because I have Jesus in my heart! No matter how my heart ‘feels’, the truth is that Jesus is still present, He still cares, I’m still saved and I’m on a trip with the ultimate destination being heaven.

What’s not to be happy about!

As we contemplate the events that took place those many years ago in Jerusalem, let us be struck by the magnitude of what Christ suffered for us. He willingly gave Himself for those who had lived before, the people around Him at the time and all of us since then. It’s easy enough to say that He suffered false accusation and that He was despised, but I want to put myself into the sentence ... I have falsely accused Him; I have reviled and despised Him; I have turned my back on Him ... the King of Glory, my Creator ... who do I think I am ... how dare I ... and yet despite the Lord knowing that I would do all these things, He still chose to die so that I could be saved. The love that He had and has for me is so vast that He would have done anything to rescue me from my own destruction, and He did. 

Sin cannot enter heaven, my destiny was sealed and doomed unless a suitable substitute could vouch for me and take my place. No human could be found, we’re all born with sin ... humankind, destined for our own self destruction, through our own choices. It would have made sense to leave us to our own devices, having chosen to ignore God. That’s not how the heart of God works. His love is not like our love. To know that the only perfect substitute was His son Jesus and that being of one mind, Jesus was willing to fulfill the greatest rescue mission ever, God sent Him into the world ... to redeem us. 

It truly is the best story ever told; the greatest love story; action story; tragedy; mystery and thriller all in one. The most amazing part ... it’s all true and it includes you. It may be over 2000 years old but it’s as relevant now as it ever has been and ever will be ... why? Because it applies to every soul born, therefore it is timeless ... it is of vital importance to each individual as we all have the responsibility to make a response to this story. We can chose to believe or reject it. 

Please believe, for your souls sake.

Ingrid x






A piece of audio work ~ Sleep To The Psalms

Hi Folks It's been a while and I've decided to reappear to chat some more if that's ok! I've completed a piece of audio work...