Author: curlysue028

Thrive

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Tis the season of stretched-out days, hopes of sunshine, iced coffee & good vibes! Beach walks & barbecues- & lazing beneath shady trees. Blooming roses & teeming window boxes bursting with colour. Thriving life is visible all around!

The Greek word ‘bios’, (from which we derive biology & biography) means physical life–existing rather than dying!  It’s life in black & white- survival.

But another Greek word ‘zoe’ means spiritual life from God. This word is used in the verses below & many other times in the Bible. ‘Zoe’ means never-ending, abundant, multicoloured life. Life as God intended it to be- the life we were created for!

Just before His death, Jesus prayed:

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

True life springs from a personal relationship with God- the One who knows us best & loves us most. The One who sent His Son Jesus to live on earth & die to give us true life.

Jesus also said:

“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

‭‭(John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

Without God, our life can feel flat & monotonous. We merely exist day to day. If we trust in God, our life is totally transformed- like the crawling caterpillar metamorphosing into a beautiful butterfly!

With God & in Him, we can have the life we were created for! We need to connect with our Life-giving Creator by communicating with Him -talking with Him by prayer & reading His Word in the Bible. Then, we can abide in God day by day & thrive where we’re planted.

The opening verses of Psalm 1 proclaim that blessed {favoured, happy-in-God} is the one who truly loves & deeply ponders God’s Word. They are described like a lush tree planted by a riverbank that is fruitful & evergreen.

We flourish in our relationship with our God when we are rooted  in His word & His love.

May you thrive & know the overflowing, abundant life that is found in God alone!

‘Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!’

‭‭(Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Perspective shift

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At this time of year, the airports are bustling & people are on the move! I love travelling but I must admit that I often feel disconcerted moving through airports- travelling around this spinning globe, in transit with thousands of others. I’m reminded again that the world doesn’t revolve around me- that I’m just one of billions!

Our previous house was at the end of a long lane, off another lane in the middle of the Ards Peninsula- away from the glare of city lights. On crisp clear nights we could gaze at the star-studded sky from our doorstep. The Milky Way was twinkling overhead & I stood in awe & wonder at God’s handiwork – the work of His fingers.

In moments like these, the universe felt vast, & I felt incredibly small- just a tiny speck on planet earth- just a minuscule part of the galaxy.

These words of David capture this viewpoint:

‘I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

We strive to feel significant in the crowd, or to be more than a number at work. At times we struggle with self-esteem & wonder why God would bother with us.

But any thoughts of insignificance should vanish when we consider our status. We are more than just part of creation, we are woven together in love & intricately formed. (Psalm 139:13&14) We are uniquely designed & made in God’s image. And He has poured His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5)

Today, you need to know:

You are fully known yet deeply loved!

You matter & your Father God has plans for your life.

Once upon a summer, we took the cable cars from Chamonix to 3842m. From this viewpoint, lofty Alpine peaks including Mont Blanc stretched to the horizon. The mountains were majestic & as old as time. From this elevated perspective, time felt transient & I felt feeble.

The psalmist David wrote:

“I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our perspective shifts when we look away from ourselves & fix our eyes on God. Our help through life comes from the Almighty Creator of the mighty mountains. 

We are weak- God is All-Powerful 

We are like mist- He is eternal 

We are tiny-He is infinite

Our lives change- God is constant 

Maybe you feel upheaval & uncertainty in your life. Maybe you feel lost & forgotten. Look past the mountains & obstacles around you, to God Himself.

May you encounter your Maker & seek help from Him today!

Blessings,

Ruth x

The sacred outside

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‘’Some old fashioned things like fresh air & sunshine are hard to beat’
(Laura Ingalls Wilder)

There’s nothing like the great outdoors-the world outside our window. There’s nothing like a walk along the beach or in the hills or woods to clear our minds & refresh our perspective.

The Norwegians have a word friluftsliv literally meaning ‘free air life’ which sounds much more poetic than ‘outdoors’

Shinrin-yoku in Japanese literally means ‘forest bathing’ -soaking in the atmosphere of the forest for relaxation & well-being. Our world has all the blue space & green space we need to reduce stress & boost our mood.

We recently visited Zadar on the coast of Croatia. One of its attractions is the Sea Organ. Tubular structures arranged under the marble steps allow the rhythm of the waves of the Adriatic Sea to produce a mesmerising melody. It’s architecture, music & creation combined. It’s a song that never ceases!

‘Creation sings the Father’s Song’ wrote Getty & Townend. Yet often, we’re too distracted to hear the song.

It’s not that God’s music has stopped but often there’s just too much noise to hear. We need to get away from our tech & distractions & soak in the God-made environment. Life feels better barefoot & getting out in nature helps us unplug & unwind- detached from pressures, surrounded by creation.

Our mighty God’s creative artistry is evident on this planet we call home in:

Starlight & sunshine,

waterfalls & waves, 

sunflowers & ladybirds, 

alpacas & puppies,

freckles & fingerprints, 

heartbeats & brainwaves,  

rainbows & ripples, 

moonbeams & mountain peaks.

God’s finger prints are seen across our amazing world- designed & hand-made by Him.

And Yahweh who breathed life into humankind & our world is even more awesome than all of His creation. David wrote:

‘You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭76‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

We can ‘Stop look around & praise the Name of Him who made it all’ {as engraved on a rock in Tollymore Forest}

It’s like therapy – creation therapy!

And we feel blessed & grateful.

I recently finished a book The language of rivers & stars by Seth Lewis. He wrote:

‘This world was made for wandering, & your soul was made for wonder!’ 

So this summer, wherever you go & whatever the weather, make sure you find some inspirational calm in creation. And more importantly meet the Maker!

Take every chance to appreciate something beautiful. Marvel at God’s handiwork displayed all around!

Blessings,

Ruth x

Little things

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I appreciate the little things in life. Snowdrops. Cherry blossom.Good coffee. Emojis 🥰 Coloured pens. Pretty notebooks. My favourite mug.

At Christmas, I loved sourcing the childrens’ stocking fillers-the small surprises that didn’t cost much.

Sometimes, with hindsight, little things aren’t so little after all. Small things can make a big difference. Small tweaks in our daily routine. Small adjustments in our attitude. Listening to seemingly small details relayed from our childrens’ days.

Sometimes it’s small conversations that encourage us most. It’s the depth rather than the amount of the words. I still smile when I think of the old lady saying, “Good to see you back!” as walked into work after almost one year off.

My mother-in-love can recall the midwife bringing a bag of jelly babies over sixty years ago when her baby brother was born. This kind gesture had a lasting impact & influenced her own career choice!

We should ‘Find beauty in the small things‘

Make time :

*To star-gaze

*To go outdoors

*To chat to your children, no matter what age they are!

*To drink coffee by the fire

*To read a book

*To watch an old movie with popcorn

*To send someone a little gift for no reason

*To carve out time for the little things that are actually important

*To create space to connect with others

*To be intentional

Small things are often bigger than we realize.

In the Bible we can read of many small things:

*A tiny baby who was Almighty God

*Five stones used to slay a giant

*Five loaves & two fish used to feed a crowd of thousands

*A pearl to illustrate the priceless kingdom of God

*An ant -a tiny creature of little strength, yet it stores up its food in the summer.

*A small seed that highlights the potential of even little faith:

Jesus replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.””
(Matthew 17:20 NIV)

And it’s sometimes little things that cause trouble. Wise King Solomon wrote:

‘Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.’
(Song of Solomon 2:15 NIV)

*A small pin can burst a balloon

*A small piece of grit can irritate our eye

*A small part of our body (the tongue)can cause infinite damage.

We ourselves can feel small in our weaknesses & failings. Yet, God uses small things like us:
‘But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.’
(1 Corinthians 1:27)

In the film The Hobbit Gandalf proclaimed, “It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

Small acts of kindness & love

Small acts of kindness :

*Might scatter like dandelion dust

*Might bud into a blossom

*Might cause a spark to fan into flame.

* Might ripple across the pond of life.

Going the extra mile begins with one small step. We may have to take small steps every day. But they may have a bigger impact than anticipated.

This week start small, with little things. You never know what they’ll grow into!

‘Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.’

(Mother Teresa)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Walking with God

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We celebrate baby’s first steps & once they start walking they tend not to stop!

We walk automatically everyday & there are benefits to our health as we increase our steps. Longer hikes through beautiful scenery, along beaches & trails can really boost our mood. 

Each day we live on Earth, the Christian life is a walk with the Lord- step by step, day by day.

Walking with God has been a theme of the Bible since the start of time.

In the very beginning before the fall, God walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam & Eve. A few chapters later, even after sin had entangled the world God created with love, we read of Enoch ‘walking in close fellowship with God.’
(Genesis 5:24 NLT)

Later in the book of Genesis, Jacob also referred to God walking with His people:
“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,”
(Genesis 48:15 ESV)

In the New Testament in Luke 24, Jesus walked {unrecognised} with two followers on the road to Emmaus.

The Greek word ‘to follow’ means to keep company as well as ‘to walk in the footsteps’ 

When we entrust our life to God, He is our companion along life’s journey. He is there as we meander along the happy places, when we feel the warmth of sunshine. We can wonder at God’s deep mercy & rich lovingkindness as we wander along with Him.

And He accompanies us in the desperate times when we’re clambering through the ruins of our life. And when the way becomes foggy &  we can’t see God’s  hand, we can trust His heart.

As we walk through life together, He will rekindle our hope & refresh our souls. He will leads us through lush pastures & quiet places, & even through dark shadowy valleys too.

God is our Great Friend & Good Shepherd even when life is not good.

God has rescued us from the Kingdom of darkness so we can walk in His light:

‘So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.’ (Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

‘Now I stroll at leisure with God in the sunlit fields of life’ (v.13, MSG).

We can marvel at God’s grace that guides our path & leads us home.
‘And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us.’
(Getty/Townend)

‘May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you [filling your heart with the spiritual well-being and serenity experienced by those who walk closely with God].’
(Jude 1:2 AMP)

Blessings,

Ruthx

A Psalm to live by

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‘In my heart I store up your words’ (Psalm 119:11 ESV)

Time with God in the Psalms is a good start to any day & everyday!

Psalm 37 has been a favourite Psalm since teenage years.There’s a list of beneficial things to do when our minds are overwhelmed. When we feel like we’re on the edge of a precipice. When we’re holding our breath until the next thing happens.

Psalm 37’s theme is ‘Trust in the Lord’ And its first words are ‘Do not fret’ And that command is repeated in verse 7 & 8.

So what can we do instead of fret?

*’Trust in the Lord, and do good’ (v3 ESV) God is our anchor in this uncertain world. We can trust in His unshakable character, in His goodness even when our circumstances are not good.

*’Dwell in the land’ (v3 ESV) We can live calmly, & gratefully, day by day.

*’Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ (v4 ESV) We can focus on God & find joy in Him. He will provide for us- body & soul.

*’Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.’ (v5 ESV) Pray through your day- hand it all over to God. And leave your troubles with Him, for He knows you & cares deeply.

*’Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him’ (V7 ESV) Quieten yourself before our God, & wait for Him to work- in His way & in His time.

*’Refrain from anger, and turn from wrath!’ (V8 ESV) Cultivate gentleness & self-control- even when it’s hard.

Trust God for the week ahead, no matter what’s looming or lurking around the corner.

May you know God’s presence & help on this journey called life.

Blessings,

Ruthx

When I am afraid…

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But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

King David was in a fearful place when he wrote this Psalm- his enemies the Phillistines had seized him in Gath.

Fear can loom large in our own minds. Anxiety can take over our hearts & hijack our peace. Our enemies can appear to prosper. Our world feels as though it’s spinning out of control!

Yet, when we are afraid, we can trust in the One who holds us & who holds our world together.

Faith & fear are entwined together. We can still have faith, even though we fear.

In Psalm 56, David also writes:

‘You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

What a beautiful image of the tender mercies of our Father-God! He knows our secret sorrows- our heartache & loss. He gently gathers our tears. With compassion, He gathers us close to His heart & comforts us.

David declares:

‘In God I have put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid’

(Psa 56:11a, AMP).

We can trust in our God for the next week, the next step, the next right thing.

Blessings,

Ruth x

Be still!

curlysue028

There’s so much busyness, hurry & worry in our daily lives. And there’s distraction in every direction.

Often there’s turbulence in this journey of life- unwanted & unexpected!

And there’s so much noise- literally as well as digitally. So much chatter in our brains!

Yet in our restlessness, God says:

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT)

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

God wants us to step aside with Him, to gaze on His greatness & goodness (instead of our problems)

We need to slow down enough to listen to God’s still,small voice whisper to our troubled souls:

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT)

Be still.

Cease striving.

Calm down.

And know.

Deeply know.

Truly know in your heart

& acknowledge God-

The Great I AM

Who always was

& always will be.

The Maker of heaven & earth

Yahweh is Lord of all-

Over all things.

Yet always there

ready to help:

‘God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Cast away

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casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.’

‭‭(I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

These words were written by Simon Peter , follower of Jesus. He was a fisherman before He became a disciple. In fact he & his brother Andrew were casting nets when Jesus called them to follow Him(Matt 4:18)

He knew about casting- throwing nets forcefully into the Sea of Galilee to catch fish. He urges us to cast our cares upon God, who tenderly cares for us.

We can cast our worries, our concerns & our troubles unto God, who is Almighty & can take them for us.

‘Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a centre of fear’ wrote Corrie Ten Boom.

Someone said that worry is like a rocking chair- you can sit & rock, but you’ll never get anywhere! Yet, I admit I’ve spent a lot of time on the rocking chair.

My counsellor pointed out that many things that we worry about are beyond our control. We should shift our focus onto things we CAN control – like our attitude, how we treat others, how we talk to ourselves,how we spend our time & how we react.

Yet there’s so many more things that are outside our control – we can’t control the weather nor other people’s opinion of us – never mind the future!

But there’s deep comfort in the anchoring truth that everything is under God’s control. All things(including us) are in His hands.

‘In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

God’s consolation whispers peace to our soul.

The disciples were {understandably}fearful after Jesus’ crucifixion, meeting behind closed doors. ‘Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.’

‭‭(John‬ ‭20‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Today, Jesus offers us His peace- 

to nourish our mind & heart

to dispel our worries 

to calm our troubled hearts

to enable us to get through the day {with Him}

May we walk with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, through this journey called life.

May we hear His gentle voice say to our anxious souls,in this noisy world, “Peace be with you”

May His peace lead us home.

Blessings,

Ruth x

Because He lives!

curlysue028

On the third day at break of dawn, the grief-stricken women went to the garden to anoint Jesus’ body.

They had witnessed the horrors of Friday, endured the stony silence of Saturday & now it was Sunday.

But things weren’t how they expected!

The stone was rolled away.
The tomb was empty.

And suddenly an angel appeared, radiantly bright exclaiming,”He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.”

‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

When Jesus cried ‘Tetelestai’ -“It is finished” with His final breath, it was a declaration that He had completed His redemptive work.

And now Jesus has risen & lives forevermore! He arose, ascended & in now lives in resplendent glory in heaven.

He died & rose to bring:

Light out of darkness

Beauty from ashes

Hope in place of despair

Atonement for sin

Everlasting life for those who believe

‘Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.’ (Hebrews 7:25 NIV)

If we trust Jesus for forgiveness, He will completely save us (The older versions say ‘save to the uttermost’) And now, Jesus ‘always lives’ to intercede for us. He is our Mediator. He liaises between us & God, acting on our behalf.

‘But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.’

‭‭(1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Because He lives, we can know eternal life.

Because He lives, we can face the future. It’s in His hands.

Because He lives, we don’t have to fear

Because He lives, He is there to guide us through trials & sorrows

Since Jesus conquered death, we can place our hope in God- not merely for this life- but for the next. Our hope transcends time into eternity.

These are great truths to ponder & cherish.

Today let’s worship the Life-Giving, Death-Defeating God who gives us the hope of never-ending life.

Today & forever. 

Now & always, for

Jesus said,”And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20 NIV)

Easter Blessings,

Ruth x