God's love Archives - Invitations to Ascend

October 13, 2020October 14, 2020

Lessons from birds: the invitation to live free from anxiety

If I had to describe the dominant emotion of this year, I’d call it anxious. This year has been marked by bouts of intense collective uncertainty and rapid change as we’ve faced the initial, and then further, outbreaks of Covid-19. Between those bouts, the persistent hum of heightened tension about the pandemic locally and globally has become our soundtrack.

Here in New Zealand we have been in the enviable position of being Covid-free for long stretches. Though we’re currently in a state close to normal (albeit a normality awash with sanitiser, tracer apps and daily Ministry of Health updates), we are undeniably still living under a cloud. We know our world could change at any time.

September 8, 2020October 1, 2020

Gifts in the grey strands

This year, after a 25 year habit of covering my greys, I stopped dying my hair. Now mostly white and silver hair grows from my head, rather than the dark brown I was born with.

My first grey hairs sprouted when I was about 13 years old. The grey hairs seemed one more indication to my young teenage self that I was faulty. Whether from bad genes or poor stress management, I was broken (oh the things I now wish I could tell that girl-self!). Not long after, I began to cover the greys with hair dye. I was happy to do it for a long time, and kept up the pretence of all-brown hair.

My grey hair may seem a strange topic for a blog about drawing close to God. However, when you realise that God is an alive and diligent participant in all of life, it may not be such a surprise.

August 28, 2020September 18, 2020

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.