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

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!

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

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

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 46; 131; Isaiah 30:15–18; Mark 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

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:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZIChVIsaDU0&feature=share

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

  

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

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

Ingrid x