Some of us are called to ministry , some to youth work, missionary work , the list goes on  as do the gifts he gives us .  Prophesy and  tongues are  obvious gifts but it could be  God has given you a sympathetic and kind heart and a listening  ear.

 A talent for music , a lovely  singing voice  sadly  doesnt appear to have been given to me  , ironically a    real love for both  has at times felt a bit of a downer . But recently  God has been using  both to administer healing to me , through listening and singing in my church praise band ( background lol). Not only that  but i  have found him “giving” me a song  because it has a message for me  and this is being  backed up  with   the scripture – A friend texting me the scripture , picking up my Bible and  opening  at the right  place , a daily devotional -

I  need to stress that this is not about me listening  to a song and loving it  because I love worship music  , more important  its  about worshiping God . To bathing in his glory  through worship  and listening to  each word and focusing on him . but when  its  meant for me there is a connection that I dont have when its something I like .

5 years of troubles  seemed to be coming to a end , then a blip  almost  at the  beginning of the year , it felt like a battle .

http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/distressing-disguise-or-distraction-

I think it says everything that can be negative about religion and very little about Christ –   Jesus came   to save us to give us the  chance of everlasting  life , of spending  eternity with him .

But he also  put in place examples of how we should live our lifes till that day comes – We arent meant to sit on our butts , twiddling our thumbs,  nor are we meant to build big lovely churches and then sit  on a Sunday patting ourselves on our backs   thinking how wonderful we are for our wonderful God .

He came and he got down in the gutter  with us all  and thats where he wants us – continuing his work  on earth . Ministering  to those in need , opening our  arms and hearts to the down and out .

The story above is about a perfect little church not wanting anything to disrupt or ruin  their perfect little world- How Jesus weeped over this .  What does it say  to the greater community , to those who think Christians sit in there  amazing  churches while people suffer with their doors closed.

And what does it say about me , what do I do  to follow his work , what witness am I  and what can I do to make a difference ?

I have accepted that I have been left with depression , I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks . And Im trying to ditch the guilt . Guilt of what has has happened but also the guilt that as a Christian Im not meant to be depressed – so I have been told. Lack of faith so Im told and I have to say i have heard this school of thought before – I say rubbish – without my faith , without trusting In God, without him firmly by my side I wouldnt be here – simple

Im a lot stronger than I have ever given myself credit for
Phil 4:13
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength .

Im back in church , well actually singing in church – which is a scary thought for the congregation – focusing on God , reading my Bible , praying and writing poetry again – all these things are me or part of me – so little steps have almost become a giant leap .
God is good .

A time to take stock of how the year has been for us and prepare for the winter . Often we do things because we have and feel stuck unable to stop for fear of letting people down , it can be hard to let go of things we have outgrown or that have outgrown us . And as we make these changes its important that the free time we make isn’t pounced on by those eager to fill it for us .

Learning to say no is an important lesson often we learn after many mistakes . The need to feel we have to give a reason means a “No” can become a “maybe” . The not at the moment can become “soon”. And before you know it you are signed up to start helping for a temporary period of time till they get someone permanent . Then you realise 5 years down the line you are still doing it . Wondering “How did that happen ?” Learn to say No graciously and don’t feel justified to give a long list of reasons. An acquaintance  give me a piece of advise recently , she never says yes on the spot – even if its ringing back 10 min’s later to say thats fine -

Maybe God wants you to have this space to reflect on him , he will let you know when to start a new journey . Wait with patience to do his bidding and not that of others.

what a beautiful thought , absolute joy and what a beautiful poem !

A Blessing
by James Wright

Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota,
Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass.
And the eyes of those two Indian ponies
Darken with kindness.
They have come gladly out of the willows
To welcome my friend and me.
We step over the barbed wire into the pasture
Where they have been grazing all day, alone.
They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness
That we have come.
They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other.
There is no loneliness like theirs.
At home once more,
They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness.
I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms,
For she has walked over to me
And nuzzled my left hand.
She is black and white,
Her mane falls wild on her forehead,
And the light breeze moves me to caress her long ear
That is delicate as the skin over a girl’s wrist.
Suddenly I realize
That if I stepped out of my body I would break
Into blossom.

I have lost that child like faith where you believe God will look after you and protect you , yet my faith in him is stronger than ever.
Is if a mistake to tell our children that he will protect you against harm when clearly he doesnt , rather he is with you and cuddles you up in a warm blanket even when you are unaware . Surrounds you with people to pray for you when the words and thoughts choke you .
Maybe then not so many would fall by the way side when the shit hits the fan. Recently I felt anger and tearful when the childrens address told them what I see as false promises for now . People do get sick , accidents do happen and there are evil people in the world who do harm but more importantly God is always there even when I am not .

At the moment , for the last 2 years life has Sucked – time to get better