The treasures of the snow

Some of you may get so much snow on an annual basis that the sight of it fills you with dread … cold months with laborious chores involving shoveling and clearing. For those of us in the south of England it’s rather too rare, so to get a surprise fall, silently quilting our landscape, was quite marvelous.

With childlike awe and exclamations of wonder we beheld the beauty before us. Snow is indeed full of treasure. It’s not that easy to express grandiose descriptions or debate this natural wonder … I find that the very fact it is silent in its powdery arrival lends itself to appreciation in silence. 

To gaze and walk in it, silently … a blanket encasing all it falls on, wrapping up our world with white wonder. It transforms something ugly and harsh into an art form, a sculpture … it covers dirt with purity and converts the landscape into a vision of magical imaginations.

It baffles me that each snowflake is in itself so tiny and fragile, yet together they can put on such a show! We’re told each one is unique and yet there must be billions of them in just a small patch of our garden. How did God think up snow and decide to create it? His creation is just stunning … honestly if this is what earth is like (and I’m like my young daughter on this one when she exclaimed “I just love this world” when looking at the snow), then what will heaven be like? Mind boggling. Roger Ebert put it this way: “the very fact of snow is such an amazement”.

Just like the snowflake, each one of us is unique. We’re all humans yet all different. So often we feel tiny and fragile, like we’re going to melt away too quickly … yet without each one, there would be no whole, no individual threads to the great tapestry masterpiece. Every single one matters and is not only precious but is beautiful. Thank God for individuality but also community … we’re stronger and can be even more beautiful together.

Ingrid x

25th November

Today is Thanksgiving Day ... it may be an American tradition but a good reminder to us all that in everything, we should give thanks.

However, today is also the 'International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women'. This UN appointed day launches the initiative of 16 days of activism, concluding on the day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day (10th December). The campaign, led by the UN Secretary General and UN Women since 2008, aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.

I attended an on-line conference event today, hosted by 'Restored', calling for us to change the story, especially within churches ... for beacon churches to light the way for greater awareness and greater support for survivors.

The statistics are shocking and unfortunately seem to be on the rise rather than the reverse. John Sutherland referred to Domestic Abuse as "terrorism on an epic level" and the "single greatest cause of harm in society" ...

• At least 1 in 4 women will suffer abuse at some point in their lives.
• 2 women every week are killed by a partner or ex-partner.
• 3 women every week will take their own lives following on from an abusive relationship.
• More than 1 in 10 of all offences recorded by the Police are domestic abuse related.

Nicole Jacobs who is the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, spoke about the role she is currently undertaking ... government are aware and the laws are changing with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 being a great acknowledgement of the need. However every day that passes, victims and survivors are often isolated and living in fear with little awareness or support as to how they should move forward. The more sad reality is that places and people who should be trusted can add to the perpetration and fear.

• 1 in 4 churchgoers have experienced abuse in a current relationship ... this is based on research and is a shocking fact.

It is time for church leaders and all christians to become more aware rather than assume it doesn't happen in 'our church', or prefer to brush it under the carpet because of a vulnerability around how to 'handle' it or know how to support a victim. We need men, good men, to take a stand against this trend of violence and control which is predominantly male against female. We are all accountable for our attitudes and actions, or lack of them. Be aware, be wise and be kind ... it goes a long way. Listen and believe what someone may be telling you or indicating by their behaviour or lack of appearance; excuses or change in conduct. Be brave.

'Restored' have updated their guide for churches pack which you can find on their website (go to 'shop') and further information on their calling for churches to become beacons can be found at: 

https://www.restored-uk.org/what-we-do/restored-beacons/

Can I also recommend again the book by Helen Paynter called 'The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So'.

God calls us all to love and fight for the oppressed just as He does. He has no part in harm. "Do good, seek justice, help the oppressed" (Isaiah 1v17).

Ingrid x

No matter where the road leads or how the seasons change; no matter if the sun rises or sets, there is beauty to behold and a God who does not change … that you can rely on.

“I am the Lord, and I do not change” (Malachi 3v6)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13v8)

The autumn colours just recently have been staggering in their dramatic flamboyant show … the dark evergreens almost exacerbating the drama as they provide the backdrop and frame for contrasting yellows, oranges and reds of every hue. I’m not sure if it’s been the light or the combination of weather we’ve had to create ‘perfect’ conditions but it’s been spectacular and awe inspiring each time I’ve been out driving around. God certainly is the ultimate artist and I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to live in an area where I can daily witness his handiwork.

May I always take time to praise his name in utter amazement as each season puts on its god given display … may I mindfully appreciate nature and the beauty that unfolds even in the death of a leaf. God knew that the season whereby the leaves of certain trees would fall and die, would provide not only beauty to the human eye, but fun for children to crunch and kick, and for hedgehogs to make their winter beds in! 

Thank you God for autumn 🍂 

Ingrid x
 

At 11am today on the 11th of the 11th month, we paused to remember … I was out and about having just been very thankful to find a large set of Ninjago Lego in the local charity shop! Folk stopped where they were, hushed and thoughtful. Many more services and moments of remembrance will occur, with the abundance of poppies providing a great symbolic reminder to us of those who gave up so much to secure our freedom.

I won’t share the video clip on here but my children all held up poppies for a photo and my oldest son said “thank you to all the soldiers who died in the war”, then asked me if any of the soldiers were still alive and if I could send the video clip to them. It’s wonderful to remember and be thankful, to instill in the next generation a heart of gratitude for liberty with an understanding acknowledgment of great sacrifice and service. 

We will all often take it for granted and the world wars will become further and further back into history with very few veterans left. We can’t stop time but we can honour those who gave so much, who upheld the fight for freedom against oppression. It’s only right that we crack on with the present and future … I imagine all those who gave their lives for our country in any war, would want it that way, that’s the whole point, … however we must at times solemnly recall the reality of the price it cost to retain our independence and freedom. 

Similarly in relation to our spiritual lives let us put aside regular time to pause and reflect on what it cost Christ to secure our freedom, His sacrifice for our liberty. 

With humility and thankful hearts, we remember.

Ingrid x

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

      For the Fallen by Robert Binyon

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,

England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal

Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.

There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;

They sit no more at familiar tables of home;

They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;

They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,

Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,

To the innermost heart of their own land they are known

As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,

Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,

As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,

To the end, to the end, they remain.

Cling on to God

I read recently:

When you can’t find the reason, trust the relationship. God won’t fail you. Contrary to what you may think, darkness isn’t always the work of the enemy. Sometimes it’s one of God’s best teaching tools. ‘About the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea…And when they saw Him…they were greatly amazed…beyond measure, and marvelled’ (Mark 6:48-51 NKJV). You get to know the Lord by going through storms with Him. The psalmist said, ‘the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.’ (Psalm 139:12 NRSV). So instead of running from your problems, ask God to develop your night vision, to show you ‘the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places’ (NRSV).

“We need to look resolutely away from the impossibilities and to the Lord. His help will come …” (Isabel Kuhn)

It is better to walk through a valley with God than stand on a mountaintop alone.

Ingrid x

Love Life

I was struck by this verse a couple of days ago: 

“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor 3v6).

It just tied in with my thoughts around externals and being outwardly noticed as a Christian. Symbolism and unwritten rules or expectations can be dangerous. It may well be that a way of dress or some outward attire is the ‘norm’ within a certain church group, or a code of conduct which has just ‘always been done that way’, has continued and been expected of the next generation who cannot link it to any particular scripture and start to question it. 

Rather than berate or point out negatives, it’s surely more beneficial to focus on the positive, which to me in blatantly clear … the life giving Spirit! In complete contrast to the letter … the law … the unspoken rules that demand much and may seek to force you into a mould of conformity, … the spirit brings life … liberty and freedom to express and exist in the wonderful uniqueness of being you! And yes that may mean you look and dress completely different to everyone else at your church; it may mean some of your choices are frowned upon by others as you seek to flourish in the freedom found through grace; the conservative boundaries around the preserved comfortable traditions may well be pushed and cause anxiety for some … but isn’t that the beauty of liberty in Christ and a very part of what God created? Diversity through creation and the freedom to flourish … so full of vibrant, colourful and exciting life. Differences bring harmony … if everyone were to sing and only use the same single note, where would be the life and joy of melody and symphony?

Let us be slow to judge and quick to celebrate our differences; to encourage one another to seek life … Spirit led life … if we do, then you can be sure we’ll all be on the same page, pursuing God’s truth, … each one of us unique, beautiful notes in the creators musical masterpiece. Live in harmony (and sing it too)!

Ingrid x 

The Eyes of my Heart

In Ephesians 1v18 Paul says: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people”.

I’ve been pondering how we can often berate ourselves as Christians for not being more committed or diligent in some aspect of our spiritual lives and therefore not being more noticeable in our faith. It can feel as though we are failing and not declaring forth the greatness of our God and his provision of salvation if we are simply living our lives in a way that is essentially the same as our peer and societal group. 

Should we look different and be noticed as different … outsiders? In the world but not of the world … what does that mean? Should I challenge myself to change because it looks like I’m conforming to this world?

Now, challenge is good if it leads to a greater spiritual appetite, depth of faith and understanding of God which then in turn spills over into natural evangelism … (I read recently that adoration is the best preparation ground for action) … but I do not see how challenge and a self-deprecating attitude is likely to raise the spiritual bar. To me, it rather does the opposite and can lead to negativity and untruths about my own worthlessness and weakness ~ what’s the point in trying as I’m never going to really please God or grow into a mature spiritual believer; I keep failing; I must really disappoint God; I’m awful at witnessing; I never read my Bible enough etc … unhelpful sentiments!

I’m not talking about growth here … that’s always necessary and on-going; but more in relation to our perceived image, persona and appearance as a Christian … our outward lives. You can probably tell I’m thinking as I ramble and write! 

Most of us will have fairly ordinary lives for the most part. We are affected by and undertake daily ‘norms’ the same as anyone else on the planet. I’m a busy lone parent with many other demands on my time … my days are often hurried with regular outbursts of impatience.

So, I’m beginning to think that what makes me an ‘outsider’ is much more about what’s on the inside. It’s not about external appearance or dramatics to become noticed as different, but rather what my life is anchored on to begin with. That then changes how I live … through my responses, my decisions, my attitudes and ability to control myself. My circumstances, choices and challenges may be no different to anyone else’s … my life may ‘look’ the same, but the internal peace provided, hope guaranteed and assurance of unconditional love, will be my compass and surety. I do not need to feel alone and hopeless because I have a grounded faith which works from the inside out. I do not need to search endlessly for purpose and fulfillment; I do not need to rely on the next ‘high’ or kick to either feed my adrenaline or obliterate my thoughts and worries … I do not need to explain away, mock or fear what is beyond death … I can quite simply trust God and be at peace.

If my life, from the inside out, is guided and governed by God; led by the Holy Spirit; directed by God’s word the Bible and powered by the love of Christ, then I will be who I was created to be, and God will be pleased … in the mayhem of my own unique life, each day, I can be that. Remember, his burden is easy and his yoke his light … God doesn’t want us fretting and toiling over our own inadequacies (they’re obvious enough!), but rather to dig deep into his word and the peace he provides so that we’re grounded in the present moment and be the best ‘me’ for that exact moment. Be mindful and don’t miss what’s around you right now.

That’s what I think living with enlightened heart eyes is all about. What are your eyes for? What is your heart for? Combine them and see Jesus … let him well up from within you and then you will see the world around you as he intends … love and compassion will pour out, and in all the normal ways of living you will be his hands and feet, bringing salt and light to all you meet.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15v13).

Ingrid x