I have volunteered for this charity for a little while now and feel the need to share the link to their website.
A small team with a great heart and impact. Every church should know about the charity, have it signposted on their website and the church leadership undertake the training offered!
Please take a look ... share on ... support ... educate ... protect ... grow in knowledge and love.
Thank you 😊
Ingrid
I can't help but share this:
"Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of."
Ingrid x
I've heard the song before ('Chosen' by Sidewalk Prophets) but a particular lyric jumped out at me this morning:
"You're irreplaceable"
Totally staggering!
We're so replaceable these days. In fact we're almost disposable, like so much else in our supposedly 'advanced' culture.
Yet to God each one of us is absolutely irreplaceable.
You see he very meticulously designed us in a way which no one else has ever been and no one else will ever be. Unique and only one of a kind. There never will be another 'you' on earth.
Just take the time to think on it. If God purposely created you to be you right now, exactly where you are, there must be a reason ... a higher purpose. There are no design flaws with God, we simply add them in and often ruin his creation. Yet the fact remains, we are irreplaceable to God.
Maybe we need to start believing it and living out as though it's true ... because it is.
Ingrid x
("This is your identity; You're fearless, courageous. In your weakness, He's strong. Hold on to faith and you'll more than overcome. This is who you're made to be. Come and see your destiny. You're not worthless, you're precious. You're not left out, you're wanted. You're irreplaceable with your shining soul. Love has spoken").
At the start of 2025 my simple hope and prayer is that each one of us has more reason for gratitude than grumpiness this year; more awareness of those around us than of ourselves; more love to give and more of ourselves to share, than the choice to feed anger, bitterness and greed.
This we can do on a daily basis, in little bite sizes ... but through those little daily changes we can impact our neighbourhoods ... and through positively influencing those we come into contact with, well who knows ... we could help make the world a better place.
Through the sharing of good values, coming from our core, whilst overcoming fear, anxiety, disappointment, injustice and betrayal, we not only impact others for good but we shape our own characters into the best version of ourselves time and again.
The pursuit of excellence: a worthy cause and quite possibly a far off, maybe seemingly at times an unattainable destination, however I believe that through these daily acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, forgiveness and the choice of joy over grief, we will personify excellence. It's not a desire for something distant and beyond our reach, in fact we all have the capacity for it within us. We just need to make the daily choices ... and please do notice the little changes and the gifts of joy which you will both feel personally and also see in others around you.
When hardship hits; grief overcomes; expectations are shattered and the curveballs of life knock you down, please, please choose to see the learning ... rise a stronger, more faithful and compassionate person because of them, courageous enough to advocate for others who may have suffered a similar plight. Suffering is a natural part of our lives and can refine us into gold rather than crush us into dross. Each day we live will enter into our 'past' and our past does not need to define our future yet the learning we take from it can most certainly shape our vision, determination and commendation. Let us live and learn to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly (taken from the Bible: Micah 6v8).
May God lighten the path ahead of you into the unknown of 2025 and richly bless you. May you know peace and contentment no matter your circumstance, and may those whom you come into contact with and whom you choose to spend time with, be blessed for having spent time in your company ... even if it is just a charming and cheery manner at the checkout.
I had the privilege of spending a short time on a boat in Greece recently. No responsibilities, no deadlines, no demands … what a rare treat! However, this gift quickly and unexpectedly turned into an unpleasant drama due to an accident. In an instance plans halted and significant consequences ensued.
Despite the catastrophic nature to our wellbeing when such things happen, and the need to navigate new waters, God is not caught out nor surprised. Accidents happen to us all but do they knock our faith or cause us to notice more deeply and intentionally God’s knowledge, care and very real presence in every moment?
We get knocked down but we can get back up again … stronger, wiser, more aware of others and ready to rise into being the even better version of ourselves that God created us to be.
Scars are a sign of healing, a poignant reminder of progress through pain, refining our characters so as to fulfil our unique God given purpose with the help of Him alone who is the source of every tiny thing that we may need to continue.
The Message puts Ephesians 3v20 this way: “God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us”.
Ingrid x
I attended a talk recently, given by Sir Terry Waite and one of the things which stuck with me was his simple message of “act within your sphere of influence”. I’ve heard it before, but coming from him in the context of the talk gave it more weight.
Apparently, I am a geriatric mother because I had my children whilst in my 40’s. Now that I am 50 and still have young children, I am often bombarded with a cacophony of sounds.
In 1 Kings 19 v 12 it refers to God’s “still, small voice”. I sometimes wish my children would speak in still, small voices and as you would imagine it’s often pretty tricky to find God’s voice in the daily chaos of our home. Or so I used to think …
I now realise that God’s kindness and compassion, His great understanding of our current circumstances, means that He talks to us in whatever form or way is most appropriate. For me this will usually mean that throughout the busyness and demands of my day, He can be present in a thought, in a song, in an email, in nature, even in a WhatsApp message.
I struggle to get up early, so for me a designated quiet time before the day starts just doesn’t happen … maybe it will during another season of my life, but I know that my circumstances do not hinder God’s attention in noticing my need, in coming alongside me and providing a little word, a little encouragement, just when I need it.
God uses different methods during different times in our lives to still connect, to still maintain that relationship with us and speak to our souls whether it comes as a loud shout or a still, soft voice. As a busy mother, employee, and friend, I am very grateful for that. His voice arrives as a wonderful reassurance of his presence, peace and provision.
Ingrid x
In a recent UCB word for the day I read “When people attempt to use situations to destroy you, God can use them to develop you. He delights in turning crucifixions into resurrections”. Gosh that’s amazing, isn’t it?!
In Malachi 3 v 6 God says, “I am the Lord, I change not”. I find it so reassuring to know that the God of resurrections is the same today as he was back in Malachi’s day … steadfast and constant. His desire and greatest delight is always to improve us, nurture and refine us. Our responsibility is to simply allow it.
Surely living in the reality of resurrection whatever it is you have been through, or are currently enduring, enables a perspective of hope and provides a platform for peace, knowing that the one true God seeks a better future for you as an individual. I for one, want to start claiming this truth in my life.
Ingrid x
I have been a victim and am a survivor of domestic abuse. I have experienced fear and isolation; I have felt ostracised and condemned. During a global pandemic I have been a lone parent to a 4yr old and 2yr old twins whilst representing myself through court. I know what it is like to see and feel only darkness … seemingly no hope or light. God’s voice and presence appear absent.
Yet I agree with the sentiment that faith does see best in the dark even if we’re not always aware of it. How did I or do you get through that particular day? My only answer can be ‘Yet not I but through Christ in me’ … my only true hope for any security in this life and the next, is Jesus. If He is in me then He will carry me whether I recognise His presence or not.
Many of you will know the passage in Isaiah 61 which talks about beauty from ashes. When something or someone feels so broken and so helpless, it is only ever God who can pour that oil of joy and perfect the beautification of what has been crushed.
Remember God cannot lie. He is the righteous judge. He is a faithful God. He is never weary of listening and helping. Despite our doubt and fears, He is ever present, in fact He is upstream … ahead of us, paving the way for our next step, our next breath on this temporary journey called life on earth.
Ingrid x
Hello my lovely readers.
I've been feeling a pull toward writing again, so here I am simply to share my recent thoughts as jumbled as they may be!
Something which has often been my stark reality is the struggle between retaining some form of control in my life, or particularly a specific area of my life at a certain time, versus a true and total dependance on God.
I suppose it comes down to knowledge and trust. Knowing who to trust ... Knowing God our Father enough to implicitly trust that he will most definitely listen, care, see and provide. He doesn't need to be early and he most certainly won't be late because his timing is perfect and his will and way are always for our best.
That may suggest that if I struggle to trust him and keep clawing at self-sufficiency and control, I don't really know him enough, because if I did then I wouldn't get so anxious. That could well be the case ... in fact who among us can boast a full and comprehensive knowledge of God? So yes, I do need to daily increase my knowledge of him and this will emphatically develop a natural dependence on him for all things.
However, I am a huge advocate for the plight of the daily grind and the constraints our humanity has on us. It's my reality that I am more often distracted by day to day life than my dependence on God. I've been on the receiving end of a very controlling relationship and to say the least, it's not nice. As a consequence I am protective about the things I can control when it comes to my children and my home most especially. It's hard to 'let go' and 'let God' sometimes.
Right now the best that I can do is to see God's hand in my life through the reflection of experiences and to know that his provision has always been best, it's never been late and throughout the struggle times, he's helped carry me through. He will continue to do this ... the Bible is full of promises to this effect and as God cannot lie, I can safely settle into the knowledge that his unchangeable, constant care will never end or take a break.
I heard this: "When God is all I have, I realise God is all I need". I need to live more like that. It evokes freedom and diminishes anxiety.
Ingrid x
Just a quick post to ask if anyone is still reading this blog and if so, would you like me to start it up again and write some more musings and ramblings about my faith in the frenzy of life?
Please comment and let me know.
Thank you and God bless.
Ingrid x
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 which is simply a selection of Psalms read in a calm way to induce relaxation and sleep. Please see the link below (I think you may have to copy and paste it in). It is in Audible, iTunes and the various platforms of Amazon (the link is for amazon.co.uk). If you like it, please could you leave me a review? Thank you so much.
Love to you all
Ingrid x
“Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves - from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.”
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022
The link below to an obituary written by Mark Greene is well worth the read:
https://licc.org.uk/resources/obituary-queen-elizabeth-ii-beacon-of-grace/
Ingrid x
I love this … ‘there may be no wifi in the forest, but I promise you’ll find a better connection’.
Why is it that nature is so calming and renewing? Whether it be in a forest, on a beach or up a mountain … watching birds, fish or animals.
I recently mused upon the fact that creation is simply obedient to its creator. It’s in tune with what it was created to do.
Sure it’s been messed up through human choices and interference since the perfect beginning in eden, but it is still less hindered than we our in it's relationship with it's maker.
We use our ability to choose; our god given free will, to wander well off piste, pretty often stubbornly and deliberately so. We presume we know better and can choose more wisely than the one who created us for a distinct purpose.
Our disobedience and wayward nature leads us far off from the peaceful tranquility of simply knowing that our creators way is best and most beautiful. Maybe that’s why we are drawn, mind and soul, to the simple flow and continuance of what nature has to offer, admiring its predictability throughout the seasons and the reassurance that brings.
It has no issue in obeying its masters voice. Look at the examples throughout the Bible, there are many!
Hungry lions keeping their mouths shut for a whole night whilst a tasty meal was right amongst them; a large fish being made to swallow (without eating) a man and then spit him out again; a bush having to be on fire but not get burnt; a gourd growing especially to provide immediate shelter and then a worm being told to eat it the next morning; a fish producing money to pay taxes; a storm instantly calmed; a venomous snake bite producing no poisonous effect; the sun standing still for an extra hour; fire coming down from heaven to consume lots of water; a donkey talking; ravens bringing food to a man … I won’t go on.
I reckon we should take a lesson from our beautiful world and interfere less through our own presumptions and opinions, but rather take stock of the instructions and leading we are given through God’s word and his Holy Spirit. If we align with His wishes then we will walk in harmony with the flow and direction our lives were designed to have and take.
Ingrid x
I just about make ends meet each month financially.
That’s just my current reality. So when reading the quote from Billy Graham it made me stop and think.
I value my health, especially at my age with three young children … that’s why I’ve had the surgery done. We are given precious bodies to live in and have a duty to care for them well.
I value money and resources because without them it’s pretty hard to exist! I have learnt to manage on less and to still share what I have. Often in return I receive unexpected blessings / gifts from others.
I have to agree with Billy though, that underpinning everything else is our character, and how that character is shaped and shared, will in turn effect everything else.
You loose your character, and your health and wealth will become disproportionate… warped in their status. It could go one way or another … they may suddenly become the be all and end all; of vital importance and meaning … or disregarded as though on a self-distruct regime; a negative spiraling into a dark place.
The maintenance of balance is key. Inner character … integrity, honesty, spirituality, kindness, empathy, compassion, community should trump the externals of image and status. Those who have it the right way round and maintain it as such, are such a blessing to be around, it is a privilege to spend time in their company. It’s almost like they are a floating a little above the twisted pulls of materialism and outward appearance.
It’s how God designed us and wishes us to be. The inward trumps the outward.
“You desire truth (faithfulness; Integrity) in the inward parts” Psalm 51v6.
“… for man looks at the outward appearance; but God looks at the heart” 1 Samuel 16v7.
The Bible is full of verses commending the development of good character over riches and popularity both in the old and new testaments … worth taking note and keeping a right perspective with our priorities in order … daily.
Ingrid x
😟😔😕
Same old same old.
What's she on about now you may well ask? Honestly I'm just sharing because I'm frustrated, disappointed and ashamed of myself.
Statement of fact: I do not prioritise prayer.
Crazy but it's true. Why? I don't really know.
'They' (that infamous, unidentifiable, opinionated bunch of all knowing people) say that 'if you want something enough then you'll do whatever it takes to get it / do it'. Maybe that's true and I just don't want to do it or see it as important enough. Or maybe I'm lazy and just 'wing it', using prayer as an on-the-go ad-hock communication portal to the divine.
Silly thing is that I know it's important, vital even. I also know it works and makes a vast difference to every aspect of life but primarily to the development of a personal understanding of who God is.
So yes it's all very well me praying in the middle of the night that God would somehow help me get comfy enough to sleep! I like conversation about every day real issues that present themselves ... we should be able to talk to God about these things and he does care. However for my prayer life to be limited most days, to this, is not adequate for spiritual growth or a genuine belief in the seriousness of what prayer is for and about.
So hey ho, I have no answers or magic solution but I know the struggle is real and my feeling of inadequate despondency in relation to my prayer life won't somehow make it all better tomorrow ... it's more of a need for daily check ins and accountability along with the belief that I have a powerful resource to hand which I would be most wise to utilise to it's fullest potential!
You know what's kind of worse? The fact that I rely on others to pray for me and I enormously value those prayers because I gain the benefit from them! How one dimensional and pretty self-indulgent.
The reality is that I need to take this one step at a time, and maybe the initial baby step is to fiercely protect the first minute of my waking day (until it becomes my new normal) to acknowledge God's presence in simple worship of Him. He gave me life, designed me and loves me beyond measure ... why wouldn't I want to speak to Him and thank Him before the activities of the day begin?
I'll try.
Ingrid x
“Father thank you for being faithful when I’m so fickle”.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28–30 MSG)
I love these verses in The Message … learn the unforced rhythms of grace … live freely and lightly! Sounds so lovely doesn’t it? And indeed it is.
We often stumble and confuse ourselves by assuming the freedom and rest found in Christ dovetail with positive feelings and an almost tranquil state of being. Life isn’t generally like that I think you’ll agree.
I am very reassured that in the midst of a storm, whatever storm that may be, with Christ at the centre of your life and the focus of your mind, it is still possible to live freely and find His rest. It’s not airy fairy … it’s not only applicable to the serene, restful, happy days. It’s much deeper and more powerful than that.
This is the type of freedom, grace, and peace which has the power to defeat giants and to weather any storm.
I am fearful. I have surgery coming up and a few new challenges within the coming months. Humanly speaking it’s daunting and I will be scared, upset, doubting, lacking in confidence and will struggle. Why? Because I’m human. However, even when in the throes of those fears I can still find the deep, solid surety of Christ’s calm … His steadying hand and His powerful peace. That’s what’s tremendous to me!
It’s within those darkest moments when doubt and fear raise their heads that the cry out to God for help can release the inner floodgates through the Holy Spirit, pervading every part of you with a calm and peace powerful enough to prevail.
I find that when I raise my eyes up from my fear to my Lord, I am filled with a peace that calms my very being and even enables me to praise. By praising, the fear which loomed so large becomes smaller. Just like David, horrified that some giant would defy his God, did not measure the size of fear or the fear of the size of ‘the problem’ but rather focused his whole being on the size and might of the champion he had at his disposal … God, the creator of heaven and earth!
That’s what faith does when you have a personal knowledge of who God is 😊.
I love this song by Natalie Grant; ‘Praise You in this Storm’:
Ingrid x
