Choose life

Can you see it?

Do you even know it's there?

That tiny seed buried beneath the cold hard ground.

The seed of hope.

The seed of life, growth and fruit.

The seed containing a glimpse of God's glory.

All it needs is a little warmth,

a little encouragement to break out of its shell.

A little watering to soften up its hard casing.

The casing that has protected it from harm.

That has provided a tough exterior and kept it safe.

But now the time has come.

The time to break out and grow.

The time to choose life or death,

hope or despair.

To push through and grow,

or stay put and shrivel.

Can you feel it?

Can you feel the gentle warmth of heavenly breath?

The compassionate tears of a heavenly Saviour?

Longing for us to see.

Longing for us to hear.

Longing for us to know the embrace of God.

Now is the time.

The time to respond.

The time to recognise the One who calls us.

The one who knew us in the dark place before we were born.

The one who has always been beside us.

Watching as each layer of hardness and self-protection has grown around us.

Now IS the time.

The time to glimpse God's glory.

To respond to his presence.

To awaken to the truth.

The truth that we are loved.

To allow him to nurture and guide and protect.

Now is the time to break free, to breathe, to grow,

To bear the fruit of eternal life

To the glory of God.

Amen

Walk in His ways

CedarDrive, Timbermill, Lintot Square, Downslink, Country Park, Worthing Road, Pevensey Road

Walking can sometimes be a challenge.  This week part of my walking was interrupted as I was called to help someone in need.  Little did I know that later in the day my offer of support would involve me in a moral dilemma and in a situation I had never experienced before.

How do we decide what is the right thing to do?  Should we avoid helping others because we don't know what we are letting ourselves in for?

In any event, I made my decision and prayed it was the right choice.  I don't know if the other choice would have been just as ethical or not or whether the outcome would have been different.

God says we have to walk in his ways.  He offers us a choice, life and prosperity or death and destruction.  He asks us to choose life and be obedient by loving him as he has loved us and to keep his command to love others.  His word will be in our hearts and mouths and we will not have to worry about the outcome for as long as we are walking with Him, we are within his blessing.

I pray that we will have the courage of our convictions this week.  Let us follow God more closely by looking to him and his ways and let us believe that he is at work in all our lives.

Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly ...

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Country park, Downslink, Worthing Road

Since January I have been very much reflecting on what it means to walk humbly with God.  It has amazed me how many insights you can gain by setting aside a time to slow down to a steady pace and reflect on where you are going and whether the journey has been an easy amble or uphill struggle.  I have been humbled to note that I had been trying to rush through life and not taken time to enjoy the beauty of the journey or to reflect how closely or not I have stuck to the right path.  I have very much had to learn to follow rather than to rush ahead of myself or God.

Now I find myself thinking about what it means to 'act justly' and 'love mercy'.  Words so easily said but harder to follow.  

Acting justly requires us to be fair minded and open to all, considering the impact of our words and actions on others.  It requires the righteous, right way of doing things, the Godly way - sometimes boldly speaking out or taking a new direction.  Maybe this is why we must walk humbly.  For it is all to easy to open our mouths without thinking of the impact of our words, to blame others for unwanted consequences of our actions or for their failure to understand us, or to sit back and let others take the risk.  

Fortunately God is merciful.  He is slow to anger and swift to bless.  If we humble ourselves enough to reflect on our own waywardness and repent, He forgives and forgets our many faults and failures.  He gently reminds us that He is the Director of our journey and His is the Way we should follow.  It is only when we have submitted to His direction that we can act justly, sharing God's merciful love with all we journey with.

I pray that as Autumn approaches and the trees let go of their leaves, that we are able to let go of past hurts and unforgiveness.  Maybe this is a time for pruning all that is not bearing fruit in our lives and for our roots to be rested and fed by the love and forgiveness of God.  And may this lead us to a time of celebration in a Creator who loves us and desires to lead us on a journey of deeper discovery of a what it means to be in relationship with Him - boldly going where God uniquely leads us.

When I needed a neighbour!

19th July 2013

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square

I must admit to struggling to walk in this very hot weather, especially in the afternoons.  On Tuesday I started off with good intentions but half way round I realised I had made a mistake deciding to walk.  It was at this point that someone stopped me to ask directions.  As they drove off and I continued my hot trudge, I thought at least I had helped someone find their way.  Although I wished I had suggested showing them the way and therefore getting a lift.  No sooner had I wished for a lift, I heard my name being called from an unfamiliar car.  It was a friend and she was going to the same place I was, so I had my lift and was sheltered from the heat.

I thank God that despite our feelings, he can both use us to help others and provide help when we need it.  He hears our prayers and honours our good intentions.  In the story of the Good Samaritan in the bible, we hear of a man being a good neighbour and showing compassion and mercy to a stranger.  I pray that the people of Southwater will have the opportunity this week to both give and receive love and support and know what it is to be a Godly neighbour.

Peace be with you.

Timbermill, the Downslink, Worthing Road, Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square

I always find that walking brings me such a sense of peace.  It slows me down, reminds me that my body has its limits and enables me to notice the beauty that's always around me.

Jesus says that in this world there will be trials and tribulations, distress and frustration.  But he also says that he has overcome the world and that in him we have perfect peace.

Sometimes we need to slow down or stop to step outside our perceived reality.  I pray that those who are struggling to find peace, will be able to stop or slow down for a bit, that they may notice the beauty around them and somehow be open to the Almighty Creator who holds all things in his hands and has a plan to prosper us all.  May they know the truth of a loving God who sent us his Son to show us the way to perfect peace.

Fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139

Station Road, Lintot Square, Pevensey Road, Timbermill, Worthing Road and Southwater Country Park

This week's weather has certainly made walking interesting.  It's been very hot and sunny but with humidity and threats of thunder storms.  At the beginning of the week it was bright with a cool breeze and today it's humid and cloudy.  I have had to be prepared with cardigan, sunglasses and umbrella most days and walking hasn't always felt comfortable.  However I am still reminded that whatever the circumstances we can carry on, make progress and keep a steady pace.  As someone who can get carried away running ahead of myself with enthusiasm or overwhelmed to the point of coming to a full stop, it amazes me how much God can teach me as I walk.

God knows me inside out.  He knows that I am made up of heart, soul and strength and need balance in all these areas.  He has made me and all creation so wonderfully that each part of us is connected and connects us to each other.  By taking time out to walk steadily I find my thoughts begin to order themselves, my emotions regulate and my heart and muscles are strengthened.

I thank God at we are fearfully and wonderfully made and pray that in whatever we are doing we recognise that and value ourselves, others and our environment.

You'll never walk alone

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Worthing Road

I've been walking a lot this week but mainly in Cornwall with friends rather than in Southwater.

What strikes me today is that sticking to the same route can sometimes have you going round in circles and not getting very far.  I love walking around Southwater and stopping to have conversations with people I know and saying hello to those I don't but it's rare for me to find a path that will show me something completely unexpected or challenge me.  

In Cornwall I did the most challenging walk I have ever done.  I have never walked for a whole day or climbed up and down so many hills.  To be honest, I would never have done it now if my friend hadn't wanted company as she fulfilled one of her ambitions.  And I'm so glad I did.  Sharing our journeys, our dreams, our highs and lows can lead us to do unexpected things and to grow in friendship and self-awareness.  Jesus rarely travelled alone and all who travelled with him learnt new things, were sometimes challenged and out of their comfort zone but they were never alone.

God promises that he is close.  He goes before us, he walks beside us and he leads the way.  I pray that all will know Jesus as their travelling companion, teacher, comforter and encourager.

Peace

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Timbermill, Worthing Road, Southwater Street, Warren Drive, Blakes Farm Road

Great peace have they who love God's law; nothing offends them, nothing causes the, to stumble. Psalm 119:165

I pray for all those who are struggling to find peace.  In a world where there are many concerns it is difficult not to be distracted by our troubles.  Through God's word, we can find enduring truths that God is both almighty Creator and loving Father who is intimately involved in every part of our lives, no matter how big or small.  We have a God who loves us and offers us His peace.

I pray for peace as my feet have walked through the village this week.

The Way

Worthing Road, Downslink, Southwater Country Park, Cripplegate Lane, Cedar Drive, Timbermill, Great House Farm, Lintot Square, Church Lane.

Although I've been continuing to prayer walk, I haven't blogged much lately.  Looking at the various paths I've followed over the last 2 weeks, I realise that sooner or later I usually end up in the centre of the village, i.e. Lintot Square.  The footpaths and roads have been travelled by many others before me and many will continue to follow these routes or ways long after I no longer do.

I pray that more will come to know Jesus in our village - that they may join us in following His Way and that they will place Jesus at the centre of their journey through life.

Spring has sprung

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Lintot Square, Timbermill

Having been away for a week, the signs of Spring as I walk are really noticeable. I can't help feeling that, like me, these daffodils had been waiting for some warm bright sunshine on their roots to help them grow. And as they look up towards the light, their faces are reflecting their glory.

Jesus I pray that more and more people in our village will turn to you and begin to see the hand and glory of the Creator in all creation.

Peace be with you.

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road, Timbermill, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square

I pray that all will come to know the peace of Jesus in their lives. The world will always bring its troubles to both Christians and non-Christians. Jesus promises that those who know him may experience his peace regardless of what is going on around them.

Peace be with you and especially the residents of these roads in Southwater.

He died for our transgressions.

Tuesday: Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Southwater Country Park, Worthing Road.
Good Friday: Worthing Road, Southwater Country Park

I pray that all will know that in the death of Jesus on a cross, all is finished. In his death he took on all our sin, all those things that separate us from God and for a short while he too was forsaken. But the Good News is he is risen. He has conquered death, for it could not hold onto Him. He was without sin and therefore the consequence of sin, which resulted from an act of self-will and disobedience in the Garden of Eden, was null and void. In Christ we have the righteousness of God. We are approved, accepted and in right standing with him. We have been restored to a right relationship with Him and have the right to be called children of God.

Let us live life to the full in this knowledge, forgiven and free from condemnation, loving God for His grace and goodness and loving one another.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Gen 2:2

This week I have been unable to walk anywhere. I have had flu and mostly been in bed sleeping and letting my mind wander instead of my footsteps.

Over recent weeks I have been fascinated by pictures of stars forming, growing, colliding and dying. The fact that we have genetic make up in common with this magnificent and beautiful creation seems awesome.

As I have been frustrated with my human frailty this week, I have had to marvel at the fact that God created us in accordance with His perfect design and He knows best. As well as giving us strength when we need it, God gives us rest. Despite me using my body as if it will never wear out, it needed rest and no amount of praying or pushing was going to cajole it into action this time, as my limbs refused to co-operate.

I reflected that God is the master craftsman. Submitting to rest and getting well is submitting to his will. Once again I am humbled by His grace. Whilst I have been laying in bed, he has answered prayers that I had forgotten to keep praying, he has shown me His love in the care and understanding of others and through his amazing design, He has enabled my body to begin to heal.

I pray that all those who are weary will turn to God and rest.

Walk humbly ....

Tues 12th Mar and Thurs 14th Mar
Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Southwater Country Park, Worthing Road

V cold and snowy with beautiful blue sky and sunshine. Refreshing and uplifting.

Cedar Drive and Pevensey Road

Thursday my steps were my prayers. A little tired...

Rest....

Saturday and today: Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road

God's rest celebrates His finished work; whoever enters into God's rest immediately abandons his own efforts to compliment what God has already perfected. Hebrews 4:10 (Mirror Bible)

In this world of busyness, I pray for God's rest and peace for all who live in Southwater.

Still walking humbly...

Cedar Drive, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road, Worthing Road

Relaxing amble, enjoying he sunshine and fresh air.

May my feet be the prayer for these roads.

Blessed

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Worthing Road

May the residents of these roads be blessed by an outpouring of God's love.

Look up...

Last week: Timbermill, Cedar Drive, Worthing Road, Cripplegate Lane, Station Road.

During the second part of the week Winter and snow returned. It can be tempting to walk head down, keeping your face sheltered from the weather but if you do you miss out on seeing some of the early signs of Spring beginning to show and possibly sharing a cheery smile with other brave walkers.

I pray that we are always able to look up and know that God's glory is evident in all creation whether snow or sunshine. Like Spurgeon, I pray that as we do look up, we also become aware that this same God is interested in all that we are and do. He encourages us to focus on Him, whether we are experiencing times of joy or sadness in our lives. He is our rock, our shelter, our shield and our very great reward.

May God bless the residents of the streets I have walked this week and may they look up and see God's glory and come to know him for themselves.

He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23

Timbermill, Southwater Country Park, Worthing Road

The still waters of the lake reflecting the blue sky above certainly restored my soul when I walked to the Country Park with Alex this morning. It was beautiful.

I pray for all teachers, children and others working in schools. May they have a relaxing and restoring week and return to school uplifted and re-enthused.