It is easy, all too easy, to take the familiar for granted. To make mundane that which is truly incredible. In a moment of jarring clarity a week or two ago, I realised just how quickly we do this and how much I am guilty of falling into this trap.
Continue reading “Disregarding the Majesty of the Almighty”The deep breath of Advent
Often around this time of year when I notice the date on the calendar I feel my heart rate quicken. The time until Christmas Day is no longer counted in weeks but in days. There is a feeling of dread in amongst the delight and anticipation, because the Christmas season is usually so full. Full of busy and bustle, obligations and appointments, expectation and shopping – all the things that must be done before the hard deadline of the 25th.
Continue reading “The deep breath of Advent”To begin to comprehend the incomprehensible
Who is God? How are we even to begin to think about him? Is there somewhere, somehow, to unravel the vastness of the seemingly incomprehensible? God can so easily seem distant, severe, austere and disapproving. But where do we begin if we really have no idea what or who this God, followed by millions for millennia, is?
Continue reading “To begin to comprehend the incomprehensible”The Power of the One
Today we have the honour of hearing from a very special guest blogger, Helen Geddes. Helen is a blessing to so many people and a wonderful gift, particularly to me (Alicia) as I have the privilege of being her daughter. She was recently reflecting on someone who made a huge impact on her life. These are her thoughts:
The people we interact with throughout our lives can have a profound impact. Just recently, I have been remembering one person in my life who’s influence, though only knowing them a short time, has been significant.
Continue reading “The Power of the One”The lenses that we look through
A year or two ago, I listened to a sermon in which the way we see God was discussed. To be fair, I am not even sure if that was the main point of the message, but it struck me and stuck with me. The lens through which we see God clearly has profound ramifications. For it determines how we relate to Him, and also to others.
But what occurred to me then, and has sat with me ever since, is that identifying this lens is undoubtedly both challenging and complicated. For we see God through our eyes, our experience, prejudices, preconceptions, through what others have told us, what we have read and heard. Beyond doubt, all these things colour our perceptions. While we will never see perfectly, this is something we must be aware of, and seek, wherever possible, to overcome. For if we fail to do so, we may end up following a God who is not.
Continue reading “The lenses that we look through”The gift of a creative God
It seems to me odd that Christians are often labelled as boring. That our lives could be thought of as dull and uninteresting. Shouldn’t the opposite be true?
In my last post, I mentioned the well that we are invited to dive into when Jesus calls us to follow him, and then again day by day, as he beckons us onward and upwards in our discipleship. There are many words I could use to describe such a life. However, boring is not one of them.
But do we appear boring? Are we? Sometimes?
Continue reading “The gift of a creative God”Is there a formula for the spiritual life?
I wonder if often we distil our relationship with God into a transactional relationship? If we develop a formula for the spiritual life? We listen to God, we read our Bible, and we do what he says. But is there a danger in such thinking? We can come to understand God as a slot machine – I ask him for something, he gives me an answer; I listen to him, he tells me what to do – and we can forget that there is more. God is not looking for robots who simply do his will. He wants children.
Continue reading “Is there a formula for the spiritual life?”