Hi everyone, I’m Chana and writing is not my strong point; so you’ll have to bear with me! But I wanted to share with you about what God has been showing me over this past year.
So, as many of you may already know, this has not been the easiest of years for me. Last year I felt like I spent A LOT of time on the road travelling between what I like to call 'Home, home' and home. This was due to my Papa being diagnosed with terminal cancer and so I was ‘home, home’ every free day and weekend visiting him. He helped to shape me into the person I am today, from his sense of humour to the inspirational way he was completely unashamed to be a follower of Jesus. Which I know all the nurses and Dr’s had to listen to as he preached to them any time they came to assist him. In November I had the heart-breaking moment of sitting in that hospital room with my family while we sat with him until he passed away to be with his Lord. The time that followed on from this I realised I had an awful lot of free time on my hands as I didn’t have to travel ‘home, home’ every weekend. And that’s when it all started, my year of firsts. My first Christmas, first New Years, first hospital visit, my first birthday, first Austria trip and Papa’s first birthday without him. They haven’t been easy milestones to get past, but God has been so faithful and gentle with me through these firsts. God was gentle to me even through being flaky with New Years plans - giving me friends who drove all the way from Falkirk to come and celebrate New Year’s with my family and I. God was faithfully with me during my first hospital trip since November. As some of you may know, I’m not a huge fan of needles so I was already freaking out about having to be in the hospital and reminded of all those memories. But God was totally in the whole thing, he blessed me with nurses and doctors who were so kind and patient with me, despite me crying every two minutes. He also gave me Frankie, who prayed with me and calmed me down every time I started to freak out. Then the time came for my annual SU Austria trip, a time I would usually spend being super excited about. I would usually chat to Papa in the time leading up to the trip to get advice on what I was going to speak about. Then after would come and excitedly tell him all about the trip and he would tell me stories of when him and Gran had visited Austria. This year during my time in Austria I was asked to speak about Joshua and the walls of Jericho. Once more God had his hand over me, as I began to study this story and come up with what I wanted to speak about. And I realised; we all have Jericho’s. We all face things that are hard, that hurt and are a barrier in front of us. But the exciting thing is that we have the assurance that God has already given us victory over these walls! In Joshua 6 v 2 it says; "Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘See I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.’’ We just have to listen, trust and obey God, because he has already given us victory over those walls; those challenges in our lives. In my times when those walls of Jericho have been very real, God was for me, not against me. He placed people in my life who would support me, who made me laugh and held me when I cried. He has brought me through healing to a place where I feel confident that I am loved and that God has a plan for me. Just like Joshua the walls are coming down. I know I’ll face many more Jericho’s, but I won’t be alone, and God will deliver them into my hands. So if there are walls that are in your way, know that God wants to tear those down so that you have victory. All you have to do is be like Joshua; listen, trust and obey. Love Chana x Hi, my name is Andrea and I’m married to Marty. We have a 9 year old daughter called Evie. When Lyndsey asked me a couple of weeks ago if I could write a blog on brokeness; I was thrilled. When I started thinking about what to write about I took myself to a very dark place back in 2008. I was a patient in a psychiatric unit and I was very ill. I had lost my only Sister tragically to suicide and began to lose hope; I really did need a miracle.
My Mother in law was part of a Healing Ministry and had sent me a book of testimonies as well as a hand held cross. As I began to read them I was gripped. I thought I have to go to that place as I had nothing to lose. A short while afterwards I gave my life to Jesus. Things were far from good. Despite having a loving Husband who supported me and a beautiful daughter, I was lost and in a very dark place. No one could reach me. But back then, little did I know the plans God had for my life. That same evening I was desperate for a miracle I was given a bookmark which had Matthew 11:28 printed on it; “Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest”. Oh how I longed for rest. Then, in 2011 I lost my Dad to leukemia and on the same day one year later, I lost My Mum. They were in the same Hospice together. Why was life so hard? I had lost all my family, where was God? But He was right there bedside me and despite all my doubts, fears and insecurities; He never left me. Things started to change for me a few years back as I began to accept that it was God who had ALL the answers and not me. I began seeking God and as Peter writes I began accepting that I had been called out of the darkness into the light (1 Peter 2:9). I was going through counselling and beginning to heal. God was really digging into every area of my life to bring freedom. I truly believe God gifts each one of us in different areas. I have felt very privileged to have had the opportunity to pray with many people in and out of church. Through this I am able to share my journey and give others hope, the same hope I found in Jesus. I am learning to hear Gods voice clearly and I know He is calling me into Prayer Ministry. I know all of this would not have been possible if I hadn’t gone through all that happened in 2008. Now I have peace and joy and no matter what lies ahead I am excited to step out and do what God calls me to do and all for His glory! I know that Jesus came to set the captives free and who the son sets free, they are free indeed! (Isaiah 61:1-3). We had been at a few churches over the years but never really settled anywhere as a Family. That changed in October 2016 when we went to Falkirk Vineyard Church. I am so pleased to say that we haven’t looked back. There is loads going on and we serve God on the hospitality and kids team. It is great to be supported and loved in all seasons by our wonderful leaders and ALL of our friends. We serve an awesome God and knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us is something we hold onto. I have truly learned that no matter what we have got going on in our lives our circumstances may change but God never changes. Slowly I have learned to put my trust in Him and not people or things of the world. Currently I am doing a Bible study with a good friend from Church and also do a Bible study with a fab group of ladies from Church studying different books. We are all challenged but God is gentle and He always brings things up at the right time – He will never give us more than we can handle. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. I am fully trusting Him to guide me on what lies ahead. Each one of us has a choice every day on how we are going to be. I chose joy and I thank God that He is my miracle and everything I lost He has returned twice over. If you follow Jesus; you will be changed from the inside out. Love Andrea x As I sit down to write this blog I feel very vulnerable. Tonight, I am sharing one of my weaknesses with you in the hope that it may help you. I want to talk about identity. I pray, that if this topic speaks to you, that you too will be able to evaluate your worth in Christ this evening.
So, identity… what is yours? When that question is asked, what do you first think of? Recently I attended a worship conference in England where, Dan wilt, the director of communication and resources of vineyard USA was the main preacher. I thought, naturally, that the preaching would be on worship but when he spoke on our first morning, he spoke about our identity. Now, I am not going to try and replicate his sermon but I would like to share with you something that has been impacting me since I heard him speak. If you were to go into your handbag right now and lift out an imaginary business card to help explain to others your identity, what would it say? For example mine could say; Lyndsey Henderson – Worship Leader or Lyndsey Henderson – Women’s Ministry What would yours say? Would it list your job? A position in church? Your role in your family? Or your educational attainment? What would it say? Dan went on to say that if we are in Christ, our cards read simply. There is no reference to work role, church position or educational achievement. They simply name us a son or daughter of God. Mine would read; Lyndsey Henderson- Daughter of God. We are not defined by what we do in church or out of church, or what we look like, or our talents; we are defined by being a son or daughter of the living God. What else could I possibly want my card to say other than that?! But if I am honest, is that where my identity lies - is that what my card always says? Would people who know me outside of church know that? Do I reflect this all this time? And do I even accept it for myself and stand firm in it? Soooo many questions! As Dan continued to talk, he spoke on striving. Instantly my heart twinged, the Holy Spirit was with me just making sure I knew He was talking to me! As I listened I began to resonate with what he was sharing. I have always tried so hard to do the best that I can do in every area I can; trying to achieve the best Pinterest life while being a full time mama and with what felt like 10 other ideas and dreams that were in my mind. I’m the person at work that just puts their hand up and says yes. And I felt God ask me why? Why are you always looking to hold on to everything, take on everything and constantly trying to be bigger and better? Now to a certain extent this is not wrong. I do believe we should all be the best version of ourselves we can be and we should definitely fill the need in when we can. However, if I am walking the path that God has for me; there will be no striving. There will be no crawling along holding on by my nails to things and constantly pushing towards something else; something that isn’t right. I felt God share with me that he wants what is best for us. And what is best for us is to be talking with Him about where He wants us, about where he wants us serving, where he wants us working, who he wants us to be walking alongside; everything in our lives. I’m not saying that everything with God is a walk in the park with no rocky paths, but God doesn’t want us always striving for bigger and better all the time. He wants us to be confident sons and daughters- walking in the path he has for us! Now I could write a full sermon on serving where we are needed because I know if we need help on kids - help! And if we need someone to serve teas and coffees - help! But should I be running myself into the ground trying to achieve everything all at once? No. In order to walk confidently as Gods sons and daughters we have to spend time with Him and know Him. I am being challenged to ask God where he wants me to serve and work. And I may not always get the answer I’m looking for; because sometimes God sends me where I don’t want to go or He says I have to lay something down. But I know my Father has the best of all plans for me. I am the daughter of the King and how else do I need to define myself? So I encourage you tonight, that if you are always striving for more or always looking for bigger or better- then spend time with your loving Father and see what he has for you. Because, I can guarantee it’s the best! Love, Lyndsey How often do we go to church or work or school, and when asked, “How are you?” We smile politely and say, “I’m fine” or “doing ok.” Are we really ok? Do people know how hard things have been recently? Probably not. I think it’s safe to say that we’re not fans of revealing our weaknesses to one another. It’s cringe-worthy to many of us to speak honestly about how things really are. In some ways it is easier to put a brave face on and keep going on with life… stiff upper lip, right?
I know, because I am one of those people who wears the “things are great!” mask, trying to be cheerful around others, when inside, I know that I am not. The truth is I naturally hide from others, myself and God when things are challenging or when I’m hurting. When we hide behind our “masks” we are often trying to self preserve and avoid rejection. What if people really knew what was going on? What would they think of me? Can I trust people with the truth? Those questions have definitely rolled around my head many times before. But things are starting to change for me… Theres a story in John 4 where Jesus was traveling through a little town in Samaria and stopped at a well to rest. A woman came in the heat of the day to draw water. Jesus strikes up a conversation by asking for a drink. The woman was surprised as Jews and Samaritans were bitter rivals. In the midst of their conversation Jesus asks the woman to bring her husband. She is confronted with an uncomfortable question, and responds, “I don’t have a husband.” A half truth. Jesus goes around her avoidance of the question and presents the truth about her life: “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” (v 17-18) Bombshell! I imagine there to have been a pause at this point. Maybe she is squirming inside. She manages to gather her composure and changes the subject, but Jesus has a way of bringing her back to the real matter at hand. Eventually she retorts, “I know that when the Messiah comes, he will explain all things to us,” hoping this will finally bring the conversation to an end. But then Jesus says to her, “I am He.” She suddenly realises who Jesus was, and urgently ran to tell the other villagers. These are the words that she said to them: “Come meet the man who told me all I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” To be honest, I look at her response with bewilderment. This is how she encourages people to come meet Jesus? Surely, six different broken relationships would leave anyone seriously damaged. She might have felt used. The reason she was going to draw water in the heat of the day was because she was aware of her social standing. She was probably ostracised by her community and avoided them out of fear that her shame would be rubbed in her face. She was hurting inside and the desire to stay hidden would be great. So, why on earth would she be so open and willing to share this? Jesus, in his kindness, confronted the things she was hiding. He didn’t do it to shame her, but rather, to free her from the power of her shame. Jesus didn’t condemn her in her sin and brokenness. He knew ALL, and still loved her. He treated her with dignity and respect. He covered her with grace. She found there was an acceptance unlike anything she had experienced before. This gave her the courage to be honest about herself. She was free, and she wanted others to meet this amazing man. Perhaps the villagers greeted her with a degree of suspicion? After all, she was “that” woman. How could they take her word for it? But maybe they saw that something was very different about her, and it was pure curiosity that drew them towards Jesus. She became a bearer of the good news that God had come. God used her to change her whole town! They came and saw Him, and Jesus ended up staying for two more days teaching the people. They said to her afterwards, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world” (v42). Easter is fast approaching and this story is a wonderful reminder of why Jesus came, why He died on the cross for us and most importantly, why He rose. He rose to give us new life and freedom in Himself. Freedom in Christ includes being honest and vulnerable about where we are, even if it means exposing those parts of us that we’d rather not. Freedom means we live with confidence in who we are created by God to be, even when we do not have everything all together or perfect. He invites you to take the mask off because only then can the authentic, true self be seen. God can use you the way he used the Samaritan woman. She was freed from the terrible burden of her sin. It no longer restricted her, and it doesn’t have to restrict you either. When we bravely open ourselves to God “in spirit and in truth” (v23), we experience safety and healing that brings freedom to our whole selves. It becomes within us “a fresh, bubbling spring, giving (us) eternal life” (v14), and we want others to experience the same. Jesus is speaking truthfully and tenderly to me, helping me find freedom from my past and hurts. I think I am starting to understand how the Samaritan Woman must have felt. As someone who has worn the mask and felt the burden since I was little, it feels exhilarating to be free, even if I still have quite a long way to go. I feel less pressure to make myself perfect. I can be more honest with myself and with others. I can look at myself in the mirror and not see the shame or disgust.The fear of being “found out” is gone because I am learning that I have true belonging as His child. I am giving myself permission to be me, the way He made me. This might all seem like elementary faith, and in some ways it is. But elementary faith can often get stuck in our heads without reaching all the way down to our hearts. This freedom is starting to well up within me, and like the Samaritan Woman, I want to say to people around me, even in ALL my mess, “Come and see the Man who told me all I ever did. He is Jesus. He is the Risen God, the Messiah.” Sandra X Hello, Frankie here! Tonight I wanted to use my turn posting on the blog to invite you into what God is doing in my life right now. This post has been whirring around in my head for a while and I’m so glad to finally feel ready to share it with you all.
So I’m sure you’ll join me in being glad that the storm that was life towards the end of last year has calmed and I’ve found my balance again; just! I remain forever thankful I no longer cry everyday, dread leaving the house or find it exhausting just putting on a brave face. I have (with incredible support) completed the hardest days and the hardest tasks- but hey, I’ll be honest; I still haven’t decided what to do with my beautiful, unworn wedding dress that is still hanging in a kind friends house. And the wedding rings- they lie in a plant pot in my and Chana’s living room, because that’s the only place I can bare to keep them for now. Those decisions are hard and they aren’t for now. But the wounds aren’t fresh anymore, and to be honest I don’t even remember they are there most of the time- praise God! But as all wounds heal; they itch. They itch as if to remind me it’s okay they’re still healing, and some days they hurt more than others. But God has has led down an interesting path these last few months. I suppose I expected a whirlwind new plan, new calling and new adventure. And while I remain expectant for the whirlwind seasons of the future; currently God has been showing me something quite different. He has continued to quietly whisper ‘Be still’ , Do your duty’ and prompted me time and again to ‘choose abundant life.’ One morning not so long ago, while lying in bed God prompted me to turn to Proverbs 31 in my bible. Jackpot I thought, hoping for a verse about a new calling, new path or maybe even some more out there instruction to start weaving (v.13). But I felt God draw me to verse 27: ‘She suffers nothing from laziness’ Basically God said ‘Frankie don’t be lazy.’ Great. Off I went and told my friends- Gods telling me to be tidy and less lazy. Again. And a few days later God prompted me again to read proverbs 31, drawing me to verse 15 which reads as: ‘She rises before her household’ I’d never heard (or had chosen to ignore) of God telling anyone to get out of bed earlier- but apparently it’s a thing; I checked with A LOT of people. Then it got really hard; God asked me to turn my car radio off and commute home in silence. A whole hour in the car. In silence. What even is this God?! But He said it, so I did it. I tidied my life. I went to bed earlier (affectionately known among my friends as #10.01) and set my alarm earlier (#6:30). I decluttered my chaotic routines and found a new motivation for work (in a moment of madness even agreeing to a spot of guest lecturing?!). I try my best to commute home in silence at least once a week- often on Tuesdays- and have been embracing taking life at a slower pace than perhaps I’d like. And after I made these changes, I began to wait for that new adventure from God. Where was this obedience taking me? What is He doing with this stuff? But surely God kept saying quietly and gently only ‘Frankie, be still.’ But now I know exactly what He was and is doing. God was slowing me down; not allowing me to ignore, mask or distract myself from engaging in a process of allowing peace to return to me. In these silent spaces and tidier, quieter moments He is helping me process- and not just the events of last year but things from years ago that I have never taken time to deal with. I’ve come to understand this time as a beautifully hidden season that has impacted every part of my life but remains, mostly, uncomplicated by chaos and something I only have to invite others into when it’s felt right. Last year was messy and so very uncontrollably public that this hidden season is soothing beyond compare; a sweet sanctuary for rest, reset and recovery. The quiet spaces have prompted me to pursue therapy to help those fresher, niggling wounds. On Tuesdays I turn up and tell my therapist about the tangible fear of my life falling apart and how it brings paranoia and over analysis of every conversation I have and every single decision I now make. I tell her how hard I now find it to trust people not to reject and abandon me with no warning. I tell her about the sickness in the pit of my stomach when I think about being vulnerable and pursuing new relationships. I tell her about my deepest fears, how I don’t want brokeness to be my life song. She listens and sometimes she validates my thoughts and other times she challenges them. But most importantly she helps me towards the point of navigating into the future, all with God at the centre. I try hard not to cry and I laugh awkwardly as I struggle with being the one being counselled and not the counsellor. And believe me this process is harder than I ever imagined. Often I don’t sleep well afterwards and the terrifying nightmares I had just after I received the news that changed this part of my life are back. But that’s okay- unsettling things that need healing is going to move the sediment right at the bottom of those stormy oceans! And after counselling I go home to a calmer life with established routines and a steadfast support network. And I am still. And all is well because He is there. He is healing me through prayer, conversation and prompting me to say my fears out loud so I can acknowledge and work through them to a place of healing. He’s teaching me to call out my fear as fear, abandonment as abandonment and not to diminish experiences for fear of the judgement of others. God is teaching me to give my psychological healing a name- the name of Jesus! The extent of this healing is vast and it’s life changing. He is telling me that with Him, no matter what the future holds- abandonment or not; He will never leave me. For me, feeling truly free to hold on to this promise of God’s faithfulness has been profound. Profound healing, I wouldn’t have felt within a hectic routine, a loud commute or without obedience to God. Silent commutes home have helped me work up courage to make phone calls I’ve avoided for months and to make financial decisions I have been putting off. But silence has also led me over and over again to a beautiful place of forgiveness of those who have hurt me, true repentance for the minor and the major and time and again to the overwhelming knowledge that God is good. This calm sea feels strange. I certainly don’t wish another unforeseen storm, but a small calm wave of excitement might be welcomed with open arms! I’ve had years of moving around (6 moves in four years) with new jobs, new friends and planning for the future. Adjusting to routines and no end date for how long I plan to stay in a job or city is new for me. But the faces of those around me who excitedly tell me the ‘best is yet to come’ is enough to keep me going when the quiet, calm waters feel a little lonely. And perhaps I dare to dream this time of obedience, simplification and healing is God preparing me for a huge family of messy children of my own or preparing me to contend with a busy married life, a new career or anything and everything in between. And that really is the most beautiful thing about my current season; I have slowly and tentatively began to dream again. And over this season I declare ; Lord you are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand- I will NOT be shaken. -- Psalm 16:5-8 Frankie x Hello lovely ladies of Falkirk Vineyard! My name is Moira and it turns out I’m also a blogger now! I think we have mentioned in previous blog posts how much some of us love a medical drama. I’m a big fan of Grey’s Anatomy and ER back in the day, maybe you like a wee bit of Holby City or maybe some Casualty? Maybe some of you are not a fan of medical dramas at all and have seen enough of the real inside of hospitals to last a lifetime.
Something that all hospitals have in common (real or imaginary) is the use of triage when there is an emergency. People are split into categories depending on the severity of illness or trauma. I have realised that I use a triage system when it comes to the problems or issues in my life. The huge problems I take to God, I pray, seek His Will, ask others for prayer. I mostly have that covered. The small problems I keep to myself, Ok, so I know God knows them already even before they happen but I’m skipping ahead. Let me give you an example: Christmas 2016 I was singing with a choir. I had been going to practices for weeks and we were a few weeks away from our performances. I came home from work one night and was feeling a bit overwhelmed, not the breakdown sobbing snotty type of overwhelmed but just the over tired I can’t work out how to fit everything in type. I thought I can’t do this choir thing, I’m just going to tell them I can’t do it. Now I pride (oof pride) myself on being a really reliable person who turns up when they say they are going to and all that stuff, I was really torn, however in the grand scheme of life it really wasn’t a big problem. In truth there were lots of people singing my part so they wouldn’t have missed me. I just wasn’t sure. I debated it for a while, called my mum, called a friend, I didn’t take it to God though, I thought it was too small and I didn’t want to bother Him?!?!?!? I was going to small group that night and I thought maybe i’ll mention it. I didn’t say anything at prayer time, it seemed such a stupid small thing to mention. We had ministry time, the faithful, brave Megan (whom I didn’t know that well at the time and who didn’t know I sang in a choir) said she had a word for me. She wasn’t sure if it made sense but would tell me anyway. She said that she saw me standing on a stage alone with a spotlight on me, God wants me to know that He is listening to my voice, He wants to hear me…well that’ll do it, God had answered my question even though I thought it wasn’t worthy of an answer. He had searched me and knew me and loved me, even in the smallest problems in life He was my God. Do you want to know what the best part was? The whole time I was singing with the choir I knew God wanted me there, I knew He was listening. He blessed me beyond my expectations, He filled me up and gave me more than I had imagined. I had triaged this problem. I had decided not to bother God with it because it was too small. Did I think He wouldn’t have the time?? Did I think He couldn’t be bothered?? Did I think He would say really? you again! I’ve got bigger issues to deal with?? I was looking at God through human lenses, I was missing the point. “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lord’s holy people , to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure is all the fullness of God.” -- Ephesians 3:17--19 We’ve got to try and grasp it, his love is all consuming, all knowing, unfathomable, unsurpassable and real. Grasp it with all you have. He loves you to the fullness of all that He is just as you are right at that moment. Don’t let go of that truth no matter how small you think the problem is, take all of it to Him. Finally, a huge shout out to Megan. She didn’t think what she had to say made sense but she said it anyway. God used her to bless me in ways I hadn’t imagined. If you feel like God has given you something to say just follow Megan’s example and go for it. What’s the worst that can happen ? If your worried about feeling silly just remember that top NASA scientists once asked a female astronaut if a hundred tampons were enough for a seven day mission! Moira x Girls, dry shampoo… The best invention ever? You hear me right? I mean honestly what did we do before it was invented? It’s like straighteners, what did I look like when I left the house without straightening my hair… Maybe one day I’ll share a picture. But you feel me… Dry shampoo; Life saving at times?!
But it was only a few weeks ago, during a very busy festive time, it was a Friday morning and I was just having a day when my hair was just NOT co operating. It didn’t matter what I did, if it was down it looked almost like stiff cardboard but massively full of volume, up it looked like a two year old had tied it back and with my hairstyling abilities those are my only two options; up or down. I tried to fix my hair for about 10 mins (all I can spare with a toddler and a 16wk old baby) and then I gave in. I was just going to have to rewash it before I go out later and survive the day looking like a zombie: ahhhhhh- how annoying! And then it dawned on me… Wait… rewash it… Huh… wait a sec... When did I wash it last??? This was a question that took me just too long to figure out. Now before you decide you never want a hug from me again, I had showered but realised that everyday since Sunday I had decided I didn’t have time to wash and dry and straighten my hair so I had just body washed and then dry shampooed. It was now FRIDAY! Ekkkkkkkkkkkk and ewwwwwwww. This explains my hair... It was protesting to the copious amounts of dry shampoo and this was why it was sitting like cardboard. Oh dear..I didn’t know if I should cry or laugh? Please, please tell me this has happened to someone else?! Leave me a comment and make me feel better… I was maybe telling/shouting my frustration to Blair later that night about how I didn’t even have time to wash and dry my hair anymore!? Ahhhhhh. It was then he pointed out that I had had time to do other things like watch greys anatomy, the good doctor and read my books from the library. Ummmm why was he also being annoying. I don’t have time… But this did get me thinking, dry shampoo was a crutch. It was enabling me to keep going out in public without looking like a grease monkey and yet not dealing with the problem, I hadn’t actually washed my hair. I was using a quick fix when in actual fact I needed to wash my hair!! Like actually wash my hair, fully with hot water and shampoo and conditioner and everything. But what else in my life did I treat like dry shampoo… What else is a quick fix? Now there may be some protest to this next part, but I do want you to think, what are your quick fix to problems that later turn into a crutch? For you, is it binge watching, reading books, reading christian books, shopping, home decor, the gym, eating chocolate, social media etc etc.
I truly believe that when writing this blog God has been telling me to be bold, to tell you, THAT GOD WANTS YOU AND YOU NEED HIM. How often, when we have had a bad day do we turn to these crutches? We come home and eat chocolate and watch 25 episodes of Grey's Anatomy? (Again, just me?!) But what we need is our Father who loves us, we need to give Him our day, our problems, our worries, our good stuff and really just be in relationship with Him. But in today’s society we put soooooo many things before our relationship with God our Father. We spend time on our phones, on Netflix, worrying, exercising, eating, gossiping BEFORE we spend with Him. We need to put him first and foremost in our lives. Give Him time, give him ourselves. So tonight I’m repentant, for all the things I spend time on when I should spend time with my loving, gracious, forgiving and healing father. Will you join me in actually washing your hair? Rather than using dry shampoo to be a quick fix? In Matthew 6:21 we read ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ and in John 14 : 8 it says ‘if God is all you have, you have all you need’ I pray that this blog resonates with you, that you recognise any ‘dry shampoo’ in your life and begin to wash in the overwhelming, refreshing, nurturing love of God. For He is #allweneed Lyndsey x Hello, I’m Mhairi and I’m a work in progress! For those of you who don’t know me I serve on the Ladies’ Ministry team, am married to Brian (the friendly giant) and have two children aged 7 and 6. I’m an Additional Support Needs teacher, a skill that comes in handy when dealing with Brian. During my enforced recuperation from a foot operation I have been catching up on my guilty pleasures – tea, cake and TV!
I don’t know about you but I LOVE home make-over programmes. ‘Homes under the Hammer’, ‘Ugly House to Lovely House’, ‘Love it or List it’, you name it, I will have watched it! I love that people can take a run-down house and make it a beautiful home, more fit for purpose. If my life was a TV show it would be ‘Extreme Makeover – God Edition’. When I look back at my teenage self I’m glad of God’s transformative power. Being called ‘The Terminator’ was amusing in my teens but would be far from acceptable now. I’m glad I’m not the person I was in my 20s either, I was fiercely independent and believed that I could do everything myself. My husband would hopefully say (but please don’t ask him!) that I’m not the person he married in my 30s, I’m not as uptight or demanding. Although I might not like who or how I was at each of these stages in my life I can see how God was working in and through me. He was with me at each stage and He was fitting me for purpose. At each life stage God was showing me love and grace, teaching me, supporting me, moulding me. I can look back now and see how events and people have changed me, and that God was in each and every one of them. I know that He isn’t finished with me yet, I still have a lot to learn, a lot to experience and share. I’m a work in progress and I’m OK with that. Just think how fabulous I could be by the time I get to Heaven! Those curious about the antics of ‘The Terminator’ will need to wait for another post . . .’Hasta la vista baby’! “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here.” -- 2 Corinthians 5:17 Mhairi x Well 2017, my darling, it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to you. You’ve held some of the happiest times of my life to date; a discovery of fruit and seed oatcakes, watching every episode of Gilmore girls ever made, adventures, travel and an engagement. This year I’ve stepped out in faith more than I have my whole time as a Christian. I’ve learnt to worship more freely and developed a skill I have coveted and longed for, for a long time; clapping in time to a beat. I’ve even managed to clap successfully and appropriately off beat a few times. Truly miraculous.
Within the walls of 2017 I leave behind some very fond and wonderful memories. Memories of things and people that are stored and treasured fondly even if many of these are too painful to be revisited- like the day I sent my beloved 2007 Fiat Panda to the scrap heap in the sky. In 2017, I’ve had to learn what to do when it doesn’t work out like it should, how to tell people your wedding is no longer happening. I’ve had to walk into rooms where people know more about decisions that have directed the course of my life than I ever will. The feeling of loss this year has been intense and the urge to run away has been strong. And that was just when I had to make a horrendous phone call to my dad to admit sleeping in for a flight out to see him. But perhaps most importantly I’ve learnt that when you’re smiling ear to ear saying ‘I’m fine’ like Ross from Friends - you’re probably not fine. However, my dear 2017 you’ve shown me more of the incredible God I worship and for that you will remain one of my favourite years. You’ve shown me a God who has picked me up, held my heart, dried my tears and set me on a new path. A path I have learnt leads directly to Him. 2017 you’ve challenged me to trust the scripture when it says He’ll make all things work together for my good, to trust God when he says to be still and to hold my tongue when I’ve wanted to do anything but. This year I’ve encountered more than ever before a God who has protected me and given incomprehensible provision- a new place to live, a new role at work, stronger friendships than I’ve ever known and some incredibly happy times among the sad. A God who remembers me - I count it no coincidence the obscure worship song I planned to walk down the aisle to was sung at the conference I was attending on what should have been my wedding day. And in that moment God led me down an aisle into His wide open arms. He is so so gentle and kind to me. 2017 you’re slipping away now. And I feel God say to me that He has a new story to put on my heart for 2018. He is reminding me that it was two years ago on a squeaky air bed in my friends spare room on New Year’s Day that I prayed that He would be the constant in my life. And the constant He has been. And Friends, no matter what 2017 has held for you- happy or sad, or what you excitedly await or painfully anticipate in 2018, God is the same; yesterday, today and forever. The promises He’s made stand; He is an unshakeable fortress- take that from a very shakeable Frankie! And whatever 2018 holds for me I trust Him and press on excitedly to the prize of discovering more of Him in the coming year. Though another series of a Gilmore girls would also be a welcome addition to my 2018. Happy New Year you lovely lot, have the most lovely Hogmanay and I pray your 2018 holds a new adventure. Love, Frankie x It’s Christmas, well almost Christmas, It’s so exciting! Are you excited? I am! If you know me, I’ve been excited since about October, much to the annoyance of those around me. The lights, the cinnamon, the garlands, the tree, the markets and of course chocolate for breakfast (I wait all year for this to be acceptable)!
I know what your thinking, Christian blog and I haven’t mentioned the birth of Jesus yet, but if I’m honest, celebrating the birth of Jesus isn’t what got me excited in October… so I wanted to do a little digging, figure out what I should be leaning into at this time of year. So In conclusion, Advent is about celebrating the birth of Jesus as well as waiting in expectancy and anticipation of Gods return. But as I thought about this, expectations, they are a funny thing really. We set our own expectations, often unrealistic on ourselves, others and events like Christmas, New Years, our birthdays…….. I could go on. As I thought about it I EXPECT friends to understand how I’m feeling, even when I show no hint of how I feel or say anything to them about it. I EXPECT myself to be able to get through any situation, in any time limit, without any circumstances getting in my way and have no feelings of tiredness or exhaustion and do it with a smile! I EXPECT my Christmas to look like a channel 5 hallmark Christmas movie. You know the ones, the house is absolutely beautifully decorated, the kids play with each other and share with no arguing, the food is exceptional and no my pavlova has not collapsed, the family get along, no one has had too many glasses and sharing the family secrets that devastate at least one person, the smell of homemade cookies is filling the house, everyone looks perfect in hideous Christmas jumpers and we even get the gift from a loved one that we didn’t ask for and no one knew we wanted… HOORRAAHH!! And do not tell me, I’m the only one who watches those movies! In reality, I started shopping in September this year and today (21st December) I’m not finished, my garland isn’t up and probably won’t make it up, we aren’t sure who is all coming for Christmas dinner, no food shopping has been done never mind food prep, presents are not all wrapped, I’m still carrying an extra 1.5 stones from pregnancy and I’ll be happy if Blair manages to get me a present that isn’t NEYO tickets, a cleaning manual, a pack of toothbrushes or a pack of batteries (all previous Christmas gifts). It so happens this year a lot of my normal decor, organisation and general festive fun went out the window due to our new arrival, Jonah, and coordinating a compassion ministry event. And in my mind I know these are two great things but it did not stop me from having moments where I said (loudly and with a hint of unhappiness )… It doesn’t feel like Christmas!! Why? Why doesn’t it feel like Christmas? What does Christmas feel like? This year I encourage you to throw expectations of Christmas out the window (or mind), feel the freedom of releasing yourself from a hallmark Christmas, enjoy the chaos and what our Christmas looks like this year. I know some of us are missing loved ones, mourning times and people past, thinking of places we can’t be but I say this Christmas, embrace it. Live it. Enjoy tv dinners, pjs, grumpy grannies, bizarre presents and remember this is where I am and I will celebrate. You say, "Lyndsey why should I celebrate here?" Advent is expectant of Gods return, celebrating He will come again but I’m suggesting, God is here right now, present and living. Let’s spend time with Him this Christmas, He gave us himself. That is something to enjoy this Christmas! We can talk with him, spend time with Him, grieve with Him, play games and be fiercely competitive with family, all with Him beside us, HE IS HERE. The thing about expectations is that we set them so high, sometimes unrealistic, but Gods love cannot be set high enough. So ladies (and gents I think) as my daughter sings everyday, LET IT GO, those expectations of how Christmas should look, let them go. Enjoy your Christmas, however it may look and welcome God in (even when the Monopoly board gets thrown across the room). Enjoy the holidays! Lyndsey xxx |
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