Peace, perspective and a prayer

Martha Washington once said “I’ve learned that the greater part of happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances”.

Now granted, our circumstances are often very likely to thwart bubbling happiness. A grief; a diagnosis; false accusation; injustice; heartache; conflict; war; debt … however it is our disposition when after the initial human response period has passed, which does in fact dictate our ongoing potential for happiness and peace. 

Each one of us would more than likely resort to some form of horror, shock or despair at unexpected and extremely challenging circumstances but it is the ability to then dig deep and tap into the bedrock of truth in our faith which gives that propulsion forward into growth, maturity, wisdom and acceptance. This can then lead to that peace we are told about in God’s word (so therefore it’s true) beyond human comprehension (Phil 4v7). Our dispositions change, becoming ones of light and happiness despite circumstances.

As Paul stated so simply to the Christian’s at Philippi … he was not at all worried about his circumstances but had learned within any given situation, to be content. There’s a inner peace needed when you’re content, truly content. It breeds a serenity and poise which elevates that person to a higher plane no matter how destitute their condition may seem to others looking on.

I’ve quoted before “Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties” (CS Lewis). I know having peace within doesn’t mean happiness without, but it does give a perspective from the divine. A knowledge of God’s working within will be noticeable externally and almost tangibly flow out to others … no doubt cascading an uplifting effect to any in its wake.

Let us prayerfully be those who despite the cares of this world, can trust that our God is big enough and cares enough to uphold us, give us peace and love through our circumstance so that others see that same love in our eyes for them and their own challenges. Let us be light, bright enough to dispel darkness.

Lord let me be your hands and feet

To show your love and mercy

Your wisdom and your tender heart

To everyone I meet.

Ingrid x

Rooks

Hello readers! It’s been a while. I’ve been convincing myself to stop writing this blog and call it a day. I’ve told myself that no-one would notice or miss it, which may well be true, but the fact of the matter is that I have missed it in some ways. When I used to write something twice or three times a week, I benefitted greatly in a personal way. So here I am … going to share my complaints about Rooks! 😠 🤦‍♀️

I think they are rooks at least, rather than crows, although I find it hard to tell them apart. Whichever they are they are immensely annoying right now.

To say I must look like some frantic maniac at the window may be an understatement if you ask my children! I would be too embarrassed to count the amount of times during one day that I rush up to the kitchen window, flailing my arms around and bashing, likely to put the wooden spoon through the window itself. 

These large birds just keep returning to hang off the feeders meant for the smaller species. There were 2 which would make their appearances at the back of the house and once scared off by this crazy human, would simply fly to the front of the house to access the feeders hanging from the apple trees! 🙄 Oversized pigeons would join them to make my infuriation levels reach fever point. To add insult to injury, there are now four of the dastardly birds … as though they’ve recruited reinforcements. 

1 Kings 17v2-6. God specifically chose the ravens (pretty much like the rook) to feed Elijah morning and evening with bread and meat during the time he hid in a ravine east of the Jordan river. Now why did God do that? Why didn’t he choose the mighty Eagle? Who knows. Maybe it was simply to acknowledge the fact that despite appearances and manners, everything God created has a purpose and is precious to Him. Maybe it was so that you and I are reminded of this fact every time we shoo away a rook!

God’s ways are higher and greater than ours. He values the ravens and the rooks. He takes note of every fallen sparrow (whom I much prefer seeing in my garden). He wishes us to mount up with wings like eagles. His creation is diverse and beautiful.

The rooks in my garden are more than likely just trying to feed themselves and in time, their young. My preference is for the smaller garden birds yet these cumbersome greedy black birds once took food to a prophet hiding by a river as directed by their creator. Amazing! It’s sort of beyond my comprehension to fully grasp that if God asked one of the birds in my garden to do something specific or go about a task, that they would have no choice but to fulfill it and obey. 

It’s a lesson I need to learn over and over, in fact more than one lesson … 

The first part is to not be judgmental based on appearances. In certain settings it could well be me who’s perceived as the rook! 

Secondly, to appreciate that everyone has a role to play and is of immense value to God no matter how I may feel or react. My annoyance could well be misplaced with the appearance of something masking the purpose beneath. 

Thirdly, no matter what we’re asked to do by God, the only sensible and wise thing to do is to obey.

I muse upon the fact that many lessons can be learnt from a garden. Mindfully spend time with nature and learn from her many profound yet simple instructions. You will grow wiser and nicer too! 😊

Ingrid x

The Faith / Trust Choice

“Sometimes faith changes your circumstances; other times it changes your perspective” (UCB)

So many people struggle with having faith. Often what gets in the way is their need for proof, for fact and scientific backing. Yet these people have faith in other people all the time, without those evidences up front … and they’re just ‘other people’, not God. Children have faith in all it’s simplicity which is why Jesus advises us to have faith like them, unadulterated and pure. Faith is the realisation that we don’t need our own human proof and methodologies because we can trust in the founder and maker of all things. There is no better foundation on which to fully rely throughout all of life.

Faith is a lifelong journey, not just for moments or seasons. ‘The just shall live by faith’ (Heb 10v38) says it all … live by … that’s every moment of every day, our whole lifestyle. Feelings come and go, and our faith may wax and wane but He who is just will remain faithful. Our faith, no matter how weak or strong, can never be misplaced when cast firmly into the person of Christ.

The bottom line is that no matter what God allows on our path; no matter if he answers our prayers or appears to remain silent … He is God and we can trust Him. He is bigger than our greatest fear and he will make all things right when the timeline of his eternal tapestry is complete, of that we can be sure. With this acceptance comes the wonderful inner workings of peace. Why worry when we have a God like this? Why doubt when faith breeds hope? To simply trust is not choosing ignorance but rather the wisest thing you could ever do.

I wanted to share the words of this song which helps me when I have my many moments of angst. I cling on to just keep trusting and to have faith; not in results, circumstances or my feelings, but in who God is, His power, goodness and steadfast faithfulness. He cannot lie, fail or cease to love me and he will never renege on a promise. Hide his word in your heart, memorising those promises so that the spirit can bring them to the fore at just the right moment.

Trust in You ~ Lauren Daigle:

https://youtu.be/qv-SXz_exKE

Lyrics:

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I've tried to win this war, I confess
My hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You're by my side

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go
You've not already stood

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

Ingrid x

Happy Mother’s Day ❤️

Ingrid x

 

Two songs ~ Angel Armies

Two songs came to mind after someone at church this morning prayed in relation to the war in Ukraine. They prayed for angel armies! There are so many occasions where the direct intervention and display of God’s might has changed the course of history. He can still do the impossible. Russia is no barrier to God’s plans; Putin is no foe too great for God’s power.

Thinking of angel armies … In 2 Kings 6 Elisha is under threat of capture by the Arameans. They find out that he’s at Dothan which leads the king to send many chariots and horses to surround the entire city. When Elisha’s servant got up early the next morning and went outside, he saw troops, horses and chariots everywhere! Distressed he cried to Elisha “oh no my lord! what shall we do now?” … Elisha replied “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them”, then he prayed “open his eyes Lord, so that he may see”. What a sight awaited him! He saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

I believe those angel armies are still available today. In the words of these songs I think about the country of Ukraine as a whole and also every individual affected. God knows every single one … He has gone before and He cares immensely about every moment of suffering. He can truly empathise.

I will share the songs but if you’d rather read the lyrics here, I’ve written them out. 🇺🇦

‘Rescue’ by Lauren Daigle:

https://youtu.be/9PugD11k3JU

You are not hidden

There's never been a moment

You were forgotten

You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you

There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You're not defenseless
I'll be your shelter
I'll be your armor

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you

I hear the whisper underneath your breath
I hear you whisper, you have nothing left

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you

Oh, I will rescue you

………………………………………………………

‘Whom Shall I fear?’ By Chris Tomlin:

https://youtu.be/R0gu0nOaFsI

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in your name
For you alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful

Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side.

Ingrid x

The art of Silliness 😂

“It is lovely to be silly at the right moment” (Horace).

Did you know that the word ‘silly’ didn’t originally refer to the absurd or ridiculous, in fact quite the opposite. It derives from the Greek word ‘selig’ meaning ‘blessed’ or happy. So if there was ever a justification to be silly, you have it right there.

The world is often a sad, scary and sobering place. We are currently witnessing unprovoked war and the threat of further war. Who would have thought it in 2022. A pandemic followed by war in Europe. It’s overwhelming and concerning to say the least.

Yet it’s during the toughest of times that the best of people can be seen. In the face of evil and destruction heroes emerge. Kindness is brought to the fore and all barriers within communities disregarded when the basics of life are at stake. A common goal for survival and freedom drives all to the need for community in its truest sense. Sharing lives, provisions and skills, all brought together during conflict. The innate driving force for survival rises above all fear despite destitution and devastation. 

Conflict does take its toll though. Those on the front lines experiencing the worst of humanity can struggle to keep the best of the human spirit soaring. That’s when the need for some joyful silliness can uplift and reinvigorate just enough to continue the fight in whatever form that may be. 

This may be in the form of a song … think about the entertainment valued and cherished by many during and at the end of the Second World War. Songs by Dame Vera Lynn and Doris Day made their way into hearts bringing with them the hope for better days ahead; comfort and reunion amidst sorrow.

Being lighthearted whilst remaining sensitive can provide warmth to heavy spirits when the need to stir up and continue 'fighting' is required. With belligerent forces at hand, bravery, solidarity and strength of mind can be supported not only through sympathy, anger, prayer, practical support and rescue but through the retention of hope, joy and laughter … this should not be taken away even if it is justifiably misplaced for a time. 

Spread joy; share a smile; retain hope.

I firmly believe this applies to us all but I particularly consider the children caught up in this current conflict. They desperately still need some silliness … the severity of current affairs should not dominate their day. They need play, laughter, lots of love and fun. They will be all too well aware of the solemnity around them. In the words of Winston Churchill:

“Make for the children an evening of happiness in a world of storm. Let the children have their night of fun and laughter... resolved that by our daring, these same children shall not be denied their right to live in a free and decent world”.

So if the right moment presents itself, be silly and share some laughter to brighten this world and keep the light for freedom burning strong. By this you will strengthen hearts and minds.

In the village where I have the privilege of living, we have just ended our pantomime. It was easy in some ways to feel guilty about the shameless comedy, banter and hilarity whilst so many are struggling to secure a safe haven having had to flee their homes and possessions, all they hold dear with a future unknown. However the distraction of pantomime did not deter from the care and love in our hearts for those suffering ... many comments were made saying that it was good to be made to laugh as it was much needed during this time. It's a balance ... it in no way diminishes hardship and worry but can elevate the spirit and revive energy to rise up and help even more.

So be it.

Ingrid x

“If people did not sometimes do silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done” (Ludwig Wittgenstein).

War

🇺🇦 I’ve no idea what you’re like, maybe you prefer not to listen to the news and would rather go about your business as normal. I can’t seem to do that. I do listen and I get affected. The situation in Ukraine is devastating, wrong and sad. The bravery and commitment of the people there is wonderful to see, their leader a solid, unwavering example of fortitude in the face of fear. Their future is unknown against the progressing might of the Russian forces.

It’s easy to get taken up with all the detail and the straight forward facts like Russia having a greater army and military arsenal so therefore its just a matter of time before Ukraine is completely invaded. However it doesn’t take much digging into history to see that there are many examples of the ‘smaller’ and less likely nation / side winning. June 1967 the six day war … Israel vs a coalition of Arab states including Egypt, Syria and Jordan … against all odds, Israel stood firm.

An easy Bible example is Gideon (Judges 7) … an army reduced by God from over 32,000 to 300 men and then Gideon divided the 300 into 3 companies … so only 100 men in each section! This against: “The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore” (v12).

Gideon and his men prevailed … how could they do otherwise when God Almighty was with them. Against all odds humanly speaking but a guaranteed success when God is in the camp.

I like this verse: “my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart” (Psalm 73v26). 

The only thing greater than hate, evil and fear is love … but this cannot be any ordinary love, it is a greater love and force than we can humanly conjure up, it comes from God. He enables us to face our fears and overcome … against all odds, he will give the power to prevail.

In the darkest of moments we need one thing … hope. Strength can arise if hope is in our hearts. I pray that those currently experiencing conflict firsthand will not lose hope and that the God of Gideon will provide a way of peace … against all odds.

Ingrid x