Mustard Seed Tales

offering

2012-02-06T11:32:00.001Z

I am already being poured out as a drink offering . . . —2 Timothy 4:6

Are you ready to be poured out as an offering? It is an act of your will, not your emotions. Tell God you are ready to be offered as a sacrifice for Him. Then accept the consequences as they come, without any complaints, in spite of what God may send your way. God sends you through a crisis in private, where no other person can help you. From the outside your life may appear to be the same, but the difference is taking place in your will. Once you have experienced the crisis in your will, you will take no thought of the cost when it begins to affect you externally. If you don’t deal with God on the level of your will first, the result will be only to arouse sympathy for yourself.

“Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar” (Psalm 118:27). You must be willing to be placed on the altar and go through the fire; willing to experience what the altar represents-burning, purification, and separation for only one purpose-the elimination of every desire and affection not grounded in or directed toward God. But you don’t eliminate it, God does. You “bind the sacrifice . . . to the horns of the altar” and see to it that you don’t wallow in self-pity once the fire begins. After you have gone through the fire, there will be nothing that will be able to trouble or depress you. When another crisis arises, you will realize that things cannot touch you as they used to do. What fire lies ahead in your life?

Tell God you are ready to be poured out as an offering, and God will prove Himself to be all you ever dreamed He would be.

- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

sugar high

2012-01-03T15:40:00.006Z

Just yesterday, I had a 'bake off' of sorts with my friend, Kitty. The challenge was to create a goody of any kind based loosely on the theme of Christmas. Kitty went all out with a fabulously fun adaptation of the rainbow cake.

I opted for date 'truffles', a buttery concoction that combines dates, coconut and other glorious goodness. They are a family favourite; ridiculously more-ish with the illusion of healthfulness as they contain cereal and dates. Just in case you are interested...

1/2 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup well-chopped dates
2 1/2 cups rice crispies or cornflakes
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans work particularly well)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dessicated coconut and icing sugar

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Throw in sugar and beaten eggs, whisking furiously all the while so the eggs have no opportunity to scramble.
2. Once well combined, add the dates. Keep stirring over a low flame for about 5 minutes until the concoction turns chocolate brown.
3. Take it off the heat, and add the vanilla. Then mix in the cereal and nuts.
4. On a large plate, mix enough coconut (about a cup) and icing sugar (3 or so tbsps)to coat the date truffles.
5. When your date mixture is still warm but cool enough to handle, shape into small balls and roll in the coconut/sugar mixture. Theoretically, you should store in an airtight container in a cool place, ideally the refrigerator, but they never last long enough to warrant storage in our home. :)

It was a great afternoon/evening, and I'm toying with the idea of making this a semi-regular event amongst those inclined in my circle of friends. All part of my effort to live creatively... I'm well aware that I also need to step up my exercise regime to compensate. :/

In other news, I joined Pinterest last week. This was a very bad move indeed. Addictive does not even begin to cover it. On the one hand, gorgeous inspiration, on the other hand my supposed 10 minute forays turn into 4 hour trawlings. Oh vell...

thoughts on Christmas

2011-12-24T09:00:00.002Z

The other day, I was asked who I'd invite to my ideal dinner party. Yup, that old chestnut. I couldn't really think of single living 'celebrity' I wanted to have along! Just dear friends and interesting dead people... :/

Anyways, top of my list of interesting dead people has to be CS Lewis. When I read his little essay on the tyranny of Christmas today, I felt thoroughly justified in my decision to not send cards or gifts this year.

* * *

Three things go by the name of Christmas. One is a religious festival. This is important and obligatory for Christians; but as it can be of no interest to anyone else, I shall naturally say no more about it here. The second (it has complex historical connections with the first, but we needn't go into them) is a popular holiday, an occasion for merry-making and hospitality. If it were my business to have a 'view' on this, I should say that I much approve of merry-making. But what I approve of much more is everybody minding his own business. I see no reason why I should volunteer views as to how other people should spend their own money in their own leisure among their own friends. It is highly probable that they want my advice on such matters as little as I want theirs. But the third thing called Christmas is unfortunately everyone's business.

I mean of course the commercial racket. The interchange of presents was a very small ingredient in the older English festivity. Mr. Pickwick took a cod with him to Dingley Dell; the reformed Scrooge ordered a turkey for his clerk; lovers sent love gifts; toys and fruit were given to children. But the idea that not only all friends but even all acquaintances should give one another presents, or at least send one another cards, is quite modern and has been forced upon us by the shopkeepers. Neither of these circumstances is in itself a reason for condemning it. I condemn it on the following grounds.

1. It gives on the whole much more pain than pleasure. You have only to stay over Christmas with a family who seriously try to 'keep' it (in its third, or commercial, aspect) in order to see that the thing is a nightmare. Long before December 25th everyone is worn out -- physically worn out by weeks of daily struggle in overcrowded shops, mentally worn out by the effort to remember all the right recipients and to think out suitable gifts for them. They are in no trim for merry-making; much less (if they should want to) to take part in a religious act. They look far more as if there had been a long illness in the house.

2. Most of it is involuntary. The modern rule is that anyone can force you to give him a present by sending you a quite unprovoked present of his own. It is almost a blackmail. Who has not heard the wail of despair, and indeed of resentment, when, at the last moment, just as everyone hoped that the nuisance was over for one more year, the unwanted gift from Mrs. Busy (whom we hardly remember) flops unwelcomed through the letter-box, and back to the dreadful shops one of us has to go?

3. Things are given as presents which no mortal every bought for himself -- gaudy and useless gadgets, 'novelties' because no one was ever fool enough to make their like before. Have we really no better use for materials and for human skill and time than to spend them on all this rubbish?

4. The nuisance. For after all, during the racket we still have all our ordinary and necessary shopping to do, and the racket trebles the labour of it.

We are told that the whole dreary business must go on because it is good for trade. It is in fact merely one annual symptom of that lunatic condition of our country, and indeed of the world, in which everyone lives by persuading everyone else to buy things. I don't know the way out. But can it really be my duty to buy and receive masses of junk every winter just to help the shopkeepers? If the worst comes to the worst I'd sooner give them money for nothing and write if off as a charity. For nothing? Why, better for nothing than for a nuisance.

- CS Lewis
"What Christmas Means to Me" from God in the Dock

* * *

As an aside, if you don't receive a card from me and were expecting one, please don't be cross or hurt! I do still love you. I just want to get back to the simple sweetness of Christmas without all the exhaustion of getting all those seemingly-obligatory rituals done in time.

love is...

2011-11-18T15:09:00.002Z

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 - Hand-drawn design by Jill Ng.

catch up...

2011-10-24T10:26:00.006+01:00

Ha! It's been such a long time since I've blogged that I couldn't remember my password to get into this thing... Ooops!

In the unlikely event of anyone still reading this blog, I thought I'd give a quick run down of recent months.

In September, I spent 3 weeks in Singapore. I was supposed to spend one of those weeks in India, but lack of organisation led to a lack of visa... :/ However, all things worked out for good! It was a wonderful time with family and friends, mainly helping my 86-year-old grandma, who despite being frail, is still fiercely independent.

Other highlights were hanging out with my dear aunt who has a wicked sense of humour, playtime with gorgeous Asher - the world's smartest two year old, eating tonnes of amazing southeast Asian foods, and getting time to read and to listen to good teaching podcasts.

Since coming back, I've had to catch up with quite a backlog at work, plus things have been exciting at church. It's a new academic year, so we've been getting an influx of uni students, new to London and hungry for connection in the midst of a bustling metropolis. The opportunities are plentiful, but then so are the challenges. Pray for us as we grow both in size and maturity, that we may keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Other exciting news, yesterday Patty and I hosted a bridal shower for our friend Bex. Enjoying new life, laughter and friendship as the big 3-0 gallops towards me.

killed with kindness

2011-08-01T11:29:00.002+01:00

"That's how the old sinner in us dies. God kills the old you each day with kindness. The God of grace keeps showering you with promises and gifts until finally the old you just plain dies of it. It happens as the Spirit working through the Word enables you to say, " I don't have to impress God anymore or prove that I can take care of myself. I can count on God to keep the word. I repent-you are the Lord. Do what you think is best."

from Free to Be, by Gerhard Forde & James Nestingen

Presence

2011-07-22T09:48:00.006+01:00

photo by Angus Clyne

Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”

And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

~ Exodus 33:12-19

beloved

2011-07-19T14:14:00.000+01:00

“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”

~ Deuteronomy 33:12

bridal shower

2011-07-18T16:50:00.002+01:00

My beautiful friend Patty is getting married, so we threw her a bridal shower. I made cupcakes. Obviously.

Here are some of the photos...

peace

2011-07-05T09:00:00.000+01:00

He is not against you, he is for you.

When you suffer, God is not punishing you. He’s already punished Jesus in your place, and it would be unjust to punish both Jesus and you.

There is peace between you and God. Sometimes our suffering is the consequence of our sin; we reap what we sow. Sometimes God allows us to go through a hard season just like a parent who loves their child will give them a bit of correction to instruct and mature them.

But there is peace between you and God if you belong to Jesus Christ.

- Mark Driscoll

lavender festival

2011-07-04T12:40:00.005+01:00

On Saturday some friends and I ventured out into the English countryside for a lavender festival. It was an extremely scenic drive out to the lavender farm, on a gloriously warm day.

First we were greeted with this sweet booth, where a woman was crafting lavender wreaths. Each sold for about £24.

A few steps down was a large barn filled with little stalls selling local produce. There plenty of delicious things to sample - cheese, chutneys jams...

Obviously, there was lavender everywhere...

Next, we took a mosey out in the fields.

The scent of lavender mingled with the slightly more delicious frangrance of roasting meat. Overpowered, we gave in and had lunch. Delicious burgers made from the farm's cows...

I almost felt guilty.

Almost! They were very good burgers though, slathered in a selection of those aforementioned locally produced chutneys and sauces.

Rejuvenated, we returned to the fields to enjoy the lavender again. We weren't the only ones enjoying the flowers!

Incidentally, we sampled some of the lavender honey so kindly created by these industrious bees. Good effort, bees, but a little too sweet for my liking!

The farm stalls were doing brisk trade. Everything, especially the fat bundles of lavender, seemed to be flying off the shelves.

An absolutely perfect day out!

i'm back!

2011-06-23T13:59:00.002+01:00

More photos from the recent Special Projects retreat can be found here.

out to lunch!

2011-03-21T16:23:00.002Z

You guys, I've hit a brick wall with the blog, so rather than force myself to churn out banal posts, I'm gonna take a break from my blog until the summer. The reading group is also on hold till further notice. I hope to be back in action here in June, but in the meantime I'll still be updating my Twitter feed. That said, if inspiration and anything newsworthy strikes between now and June 1st, I'll blog! :)

Peace!

Mum's 60th

2011-01-27T16:10:00.003Z

We had a traumatic week last week. My dad was sent home a day after surgery, but a few days later, he started bleeding internally. It showed no sign of stopping, so we rushed him to hospital. It was scary. At one point it looked like we might lose him.

In time, thanks to the prayers of friends all over the globe, the bleeding stopped. When it looked like Dad was out of danger, I resumed my plans for a surprise party to celebrate my mum's 60th.

I invited a group of 30 ladies, some of her closest friends in the UK. Panicking at the thought of catering for something of this magnitude, I cheekily asked each to bring a dish. It was self-preservation. And it turned out to be a very good move. These ladies are tremendous cooks.

I decorated the room minimally, and then my lovely friend Mathilda brought some of her stunning floral arrangements.

As Dad still isn't permitted to walk around, dear family friend came to tend to his needs. We told my mother that he just happened to be in the neighbourhood... Then I told her that the office warden's family had invited the two of us to dinner. I told a lot of lies in those 24 hours. Confession is good for the soul.

Anyways, back to my tale. Mum was led down to the candle-lit dining room, and was thoroughly shocked to see her friends assembled. It was quite gratifying. :)

Ladies who love her and who've stood with her through life's highs and lows. Ladies who pray for and whom she's prayed for and mentored. I hope I'm this rich in relationships by the time I'm 60.

We ate. We ate a lot. The food was spectacular. Then we had a little programme MCed by yours truly. We had a time of worship, not the norm at a birthday party but we needed to give glory to God for 60 years of well-lived life (not to mention Dad's turn-around in health). The singing was just beautiful - we sounded like a choir.

Then, ladies got up to bless and encourage my mum. Stories were told, memories revisited. Lots of laughter, some tears...

Then of course, there was cake. This cake. Really there are no words. It was that good. The End and Amen.

A few more photos here.

mother

2011-01-24T11:19:00.002Z

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his.
- Oscar Wilde

assurance

2011-01-12T12:21:00.005Z

photo of Poperro taken by Hilary Wyatt on her phone... :)

To the child of God, there is no such thing as accident. He travels an appointed way. The path he treads was chosen for him when as yet he was not, when as yet he had existence only in the mind of God.

Accidents may indeed appear to befall him and misfortune stalk his way; but these evils will be so in appearance only and will seem evils only because we cannot read the secret script of God's hidden providence and so cannot discover the ends at which He aims.

When true faith enters, chance and mischance go out for good. They have no jurisdiction over them that are born of the Spirit, for such as these are sons of the new creation and special charges of the Most High God.

While sojourning here below, these children of the eternal covenant may pay token tribute to nature; sickness, old age and death may levy upon them, and to the undiscerning eye, they may seem to be as other men. Here, as in all its other judgements upon Christianity, the world is completely fooled by appearances, for it cannot see that these believing ones are 'hid with Christ in God'.

The man of true faith may live in the absolute assurance that his steps are ordered by the Lord. For him, misfortune is outside the bounds of possibility. He cannot be torn from this earth one hour ahead of the time which God has appointed, and he cannot be detained on earth one moment after God is done with him here. He is not a waif of the wide world, a foundling of time and space, but a saint of the Lord and the darling of His particular care.

All this is not mere dreaming, not a comforting creed woven as a garment to warm the shivering hearts of lonely, frightened souls in a dark and unfriendly world. Rather it is of the essence of truth, a fair summation of the teaching of the Bible on the subject and should be received reverently and joyously along with everything else which is taught in the Scriptures of truth.

AW Tozer, Chapter 1, 'We Travel an Appointed Way'.

Christmas retrospective

2011-01-05T12:52:00.003Z

Some shots from the team Christmas lunch.

sorry!

2010-12-23T14:39:00.004Z

If you've been directed here by my parents' newsletter, hello! You are probably expecting to see some kind of end-of-year news update... Well, my elves are currently hard at work on that, and I will be posting my Christmas news ASAP.

***UPDATE***
So the elves have gotten their act together at last, and my newsletter is now complete and lying in inboxes all over the globe awaiting perusal (love that word!). If you'd like a copy, get in touch!

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 10

2010-12-17T16:37:00.003Z

Well, it's the last week of this inspiring, yet difficult book. This week's chapter is The Sacrament of Living. As you read, you may want to consider the following:

1. According to Tozer, what is one of the greatest hindrances to internal peace?
2. How do we practice living to the glory of God?
3. How does a person make every part of life a holy act?
4. What is God saying to me through this chapter?

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

winter treat

2010-12-10T12:33:00.003Z

original photo by stephbond, processed by me.

People, I have become my mother. It is a fact. Every time I take my first sip of coffee from a well-known global coffee outlet, I think to myself not only is this ridiculously overpriced, but I could so easily make this at home. Which of course is exactly what my mother would say.

Imagine my delight when I came across the following recipe...

Chai Hot Chocolate (from Epicurious)

* 4 cups low-fat milk
* 3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
* 10 cardamom pods, coarsely cracked (alternatively, use a little cardamom powder, or extra allspice)
* 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice, cracked
* 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 5 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar, divided
* 6 quarter-size slices fresh ginger plus 1/2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
* 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream

Combine first 6 ingredients, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, and ginger slices in medium saucepan. Bring almost to simmer, whisking frequently. Remove from heat; cover and steep 10 minutes. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Meanwhile, whisk cream, remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar, grated ginger, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in medium bowl to peaks. Add more sugar to taste if not sweet enough for your taste.

Strain hot chocolate. Ladle into 6 mugs. Top each with dollop of ginger cream.

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 9

2010-12-10T10:51:00.003Z

Oh dear! It's all a bit much at the moment, and I completely forgot to post this yesterday. Technically, we're coming to the end of this book soon, though I guess we all have plenty of catching up to do.

By the way, I've been wondering... Is there anyone who is still blessed by the reading group? I've been weighing up whether to carry this project over into 2011. Granted, it probably wasn't the best idea to have such a heavy book (though it certainly is a good and challenging one) at the end of the year. Anyways, let me know your thoughts.

So this week's chapter is Meekness and Rest. As you read, you may want to consider the following:

1. According to Tozer, what springs directly from our sins?
2. What are the causes of our burden?
3. What are the characteristics of a meek person?
4. What is God saying to me through this chapter?

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

Hannah's prayer

2010-12-08T10:59:00.002Z

“My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
2 “There is none holy like the Lord;
there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble bind on strength.
5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
6 The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
8 He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,
and on them he has set the world.
9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
for not by might shall a man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces;
against them he will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king
and exalt the power of his anointed.”

1 Samuel 2:1-10

perplexed

2010-12-07T15:18:00.002Z

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
Isaiah 30:18

Having a very perplexing, heart-sore kind of day. Your prayers on my behalf would certainly not be wasted...

monday thoughts...

2010-12-06T10:13:00.004Z

It's a foggy, frosty Monday morning here in London. The snow has turned into heart-stoppingly (is that even a word?!) slippery ice. I hope you aren't tired of snow pictures because I intend to regale you with them for the forseeable future...

Yesterday was a lovely day, not just because I spent the afternoon with a dear friend at an sweet teashop called the Teapot that recently opened near my house. Church was so good too. I mean in some ways, it's awkward - I'm still getting to know people and I do miss Cornerstone, but God really spoke to me through the message at London City Life. It focused on the Father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Just the reminder of how the Father gives His children identity and purpose (Mark 1:11). That He takes pleasure in us - He is genuinely pleased with us, and loves us beyond measure. Amazing! Let it soak into your heart. Especially if you've grown up in the church, these are probably words you've heard so many times, they've lost their meaning. We've probably lost our belief in their exquisitely scandalous truth.

all is calm (followed by a rant)

2010-12-03T13:46:00.006Z

View from my bedroom window, 7AM

View from my office window, 9 AM

Hey all, it's Friday! Which reminds me, it's been a while since I've done Cake on Friday. This may lead you to think that I have been dilligently following my low-carb diet. You would be mistaken. Sorely mistaken.

Ugggh, I hate my lack of discipline, my inability to just say no when presented with baked goods. It's so annoying because when I was following the diet, I had energy. And with that energy came a general sense of well-being and cheer. I know! I tossed that aside for the momentary pleasure of cake. Now, I am tired, irritable, putting on weight and have the acne of a teenager. Sigh...

Anyways, it's Friday! And the snow is so pretty! I'm going away now...

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 8

2010-12-02T10:33:00.002Z

This week's chapter is Restoring the Creator-Creature Relation. As you read, you may want to consider the following:

1. Why should God be the 'fixed centre against which everything else is measured'?
2. According to Tozer, where does much of our difficulty as seeking Christians stem from? Why does this cause difficulty?
3. What results from our truly honoring and exalting God?
4. What is God saying to me through this chapter?

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

some of my favourite people

2010-12-02T10:07:00.004Z

I had long promised the Ms that I'd take family photos for them to send to their supporters and prayer partners, but we'd struggled to fix a time. Yesterday, with schools closed and all that glorious snow on the ground, it seemed the perfect opportunity. I think we all had fun, despite the extreme cold. The shoot was cut short though, because little J started crying about the cold. To our horror when we went in we realised he wasn't wearing socks, and his little rubber wellies had filled with snow. He was in pain, poor lamb, and you can see it in some of the family shots. I felt so guilty looking at his little face as I was processing the photos.

If you are in the London area and want family or portrait photos taken, give me a shout.

weekend away

2010-12-01T13:41:00.005Z

Recently, I've started going to a new church. We just had our weekend away, and I'm still recovering from it. About thirty of us piled into a coach and went to Ashburnham, a Christian retreat centre in beautiful Sussex. Cold Sussex. Observe the semi-frozen river.

As I confessed yesterday, I didn't take these photos. Yes, I stole them from my new friends. And then to add insult to injury, I edited them. They extended the hand of friendship to me, and this is how I repaid them. For you. You're welcome.

It was a wonderful time of seeking God, enjoying His presence, and growing in community. We may have also engaged in some 60's/70's-esque dress-up.

Whoever said Christians are strange...may have a point.

snow day!

2010-11-30T14:23:00.006Z

original photo by Alexandre Moreau (processed by me)

I woke up to a steady snowfall at 6:30 this morning, at it hasn't stopped yet. The garden is a pristine white. It really does feel like Christmas is coming! I'm itching to go out with my camera, but I'm so behind with work so I've filched one by someone else.

Speaking of photos, a while back I posted about my change of church. Well, this weekend I went away on their retreat. It was fun and also challenging, and I hope to post something about that soon, complete with photos again not taken by me. They were processed by me though, and that's got to count for something?

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 7

2010-11-25T11:10:00.003Z

Happy Thanksgiving! Even if you aren't in the US, or don't celebrate this holiday, I know there is so, so much to be thankful for!

I was reflecting last night on some of the ordinary moments I've experienced in the last few years that have proved to be significant incidents incognito, the Hand of God gently nudging me in a fresh direction. I'm so grateful for that!

Lovelies, I know this is a tough book, and I know life is crammed with so many other priorities - I've fallen behind with this study too. But I really want to encourage all of us to hang in there. God is calling us closer to his heart through the challenges of The Pursuit of God. If we seek Him, we'll discover He isn't far away (Acts 17:27).

This week's chapter is The Gaze of the Soul. As you read, you may want to reflect on the following:

1. What does Tozer mean when he says faith is defined functionally not philosophically?
2. How does the development of individual faith help the Body of Christ?
3. What is God saying to me through this chapter?

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 6

2010-11-18T10:53:00.002Z

This week's chapter is The Speaking Voice. As you read, you may want to reflect on the following:

1. In what ways is God's voice apparent to me?
2. How can we develop our sensitivity to hear God's voice more regularly and clearly?
3. What is God saying to me through this chapter?

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

trust

2010-11-17T14:36:00.003Z

Cosmos in a vase, by tanakawho

'The enemy and our own self-destructive natures combine to taunt us with what ifs. Once we are in Christ, Satan has no authority to destroy us, so he settles for the next best thing: threatening to destroy us. Based on our histories and behaviors he deduces what we ourselves are most convinced would raze us.

To the Devil, the irony is delicious: Our distrust of God tattles on us, telling our enemy exactly how to get to us. Many of us habitually rehearse, "If ______ ever happens, then I'll just ______." Our fears become like long, bony index fingers pointing at our vulnerabilities. Once Satan sees what we believe would be the end of us, he threatens and torments us with it.

Our natural human defense is to grovel before God and plead with Him not to let those things happen. Our conditional trust not only makes us an open target for enemy torment; it also positions us as negotiators and beggars before God instead of secure children who trust their lives to their faithful Father. Those times when our fears become reality we feel devastated. We think God is unfaithful, and Satan essentially gets what he wants - us to believe that life is over. Unless our belief system changes, for all practical earthly purposes, it is. After all, as a man thinks, so is he. (Prov. 23:7)

Don't misunderstand. I'm a huge proponent of praying against what we fear and for the desires of our hearts. I also believe that we're free and safe to voice our worst nightmares to God. In times of crisis and demonic attack, however, our vulnerable souls need something more. The most critical breakthrough of faith you and I could ever experience is to let God bring us to a place where we trust Him - period. We don't just trust Him to let us avoid what we fear most. We determine to trust Him no matter what, even if our worst nightmare befalls us. We have no greater victory and can render Satan no harsher blow'.

- Beth Moore, Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman

{friday's five} autumn soundtrack

2010-11-12T10:33:00.007Z

Blogging has been terribly serious of late over here... The time has come for something trivial, methinks.

It's a glorious autumn day today. Just the right amount of blustery to get the golden leaves twitching off their stems and dancing into the sky before fluttering down to the damp ground. I brought my camera to work with me today in order to catch some prettiness on my walks to and fro. Haven't caught anything spectacular thus far, but the possibility makes me happy.

Something else that's making me happy (as usual) is the music I have on constantly as I work. I've compiled a bunch of albums that make up my autumn soundtrack, and here are some sample tracks that I quite enjoy from five of them. Perhaps you're interested, perhaps not - nevertheless I plunge on...

Gungor, Beautiful Things Only just discovered this band recently, but I'm looooving them.
Have a listen... Please Be My Strength

Sufjan Stevens, Seven Swans This is one album I return to time and time again. Have a listen... He Woke Me Up Again (Seems particularly appropriate as last week's Pursuit centred on waking up to the reality of God...)

Beirut, The Gulag Orkestar Quirky loveliness? Oh, yes please. Have a listen... Scenic World (the new version, which I cannot stop listening to. It's an addiction, but it makes me smile.)

Karen O & The Kids, Where the Wild Things Are Whimsical and joyful. Have a listen... Igloo

Kari Jobe, Kari Jobe The lyrics are so, so lovely. Have a listen... My Beloved

Your turn to share with the class. What's your soundtrack at the moment?

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 5

2010-11-12T09:26:00.003Z

This week's chapter is The Universal Presence. As you read, you may want to reflect on the following:

1. Rewrite Psalm 139:7-10 in your own words, substituting places and situations that are meaningful to you. Let this be an encouragement to you.
2. What is 'spiritual receptivity'? How does Psalm 27:8 relate to why some people have spiritual receptivity and others do not?
3. What does a person need to do to be more spiritually receptive?
4. What is God saying to me through this chapter?

By the way, these questions are to help you engage with the chapter. Please don't feel you have to answer all or even any of them...

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

chance

2010-11-05T14:34:00.003Z

photo by retrotraveler, processing by me

My bible study group is going through Esther at the moment, and I learned something this morning that has me so thoroughly excited and blessed, that I must share...

Evil Haman (an Agagite, so descended from Agag whom Saul was supposed to kill but failed to do so (cf.1 Sam. 15). In short, Haman was descended from an ancient enemy of the Jews, hence his motivation for genocide...) is casting lots for an auspicious day to 'destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews' (Esther 3:13). It finally falls on the 12th month, and Haman manipulates King Xerxes into letting him have his wicked way.

This is where it gets truly exciting. Having settled on a lucky day to commit mass murder, the king's scribes were called together on the 13th day of the first month to issue the decree of destruction all over Xerxes' vast domain. In short, Jews would get the news on the 14th day of the first month. OK, so what? Well, check out Leviticus 23:5 for what else takes place on the 14th day of the first month. Exactly - the Passover. A coincidence? I think not. While Haman was cackling in gleeful anticipation at his cruel cunning, God was showing Himself sovereign and giving His people hope. He was tempering the blow of Haman's decree by reminding His people of a time long ago when He delivered them from death (cf. Exodus 12). If He could do it then...

So nothing, NOTHING happens by chance. God is looking out for you, and His grip on you is much stronger than it sometimes feels.

Want even more encouragement? Listen to the lyrics of this song.

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 4

2010-11-04T10:50:00.002Z

The path we're walking in The Pursuit of God is proving to be an uncomfortable one. Is anyone still here with me?

This week, we're Apprehending God. As you read, you may want to ponder over the following:

1. What is the key for believers to know and have a habitual, conscious communion with God? (see also Hebrews 11:6)
2. What is the difference between imagination and faith?
3. Why do we think of the visible world as real and doubt the reality of the invisible realm?
4. What is God saying to me through this chapter?

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

pie

2010-11-01T13:30:00.006Z

At once impressive and unremarkable, pie can be complicated and challenging or simple and homey. Whether ordinary or elegant, though, a pie is not something to eat by yourself. It should be made to share, preferably while fresh and warm.

—Lisa Chernasky, 'The Artful Pie'

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 3

2010-10-28T09:40:00.003+01:00

(this little cutie turns 2 today. she was singing 'twinkle, twinkle little star' when this was shot, in case you were wondering if she was having a charismatic moment...)

Ouch, the last chapter was a bit of a challenge. God timed it so I was faced with an actual {ahem} opportunity to relinquish something I'm comfortable with and head into the unknown with Him. Sigh, that was one lesson comfort-loving me would have prefered to keep theoretical - but I know I need these practical applications... :) Anybody else have a similar experience where what you were reading on the page jumped out at you in real life?

On to this week's chapter... Removing the Veil. As you read, you may want to ponder over the following:

1. In what areas does my life glorify God? Are there areas where I'm failing to glorify God?
2. The veil has been removed! What does that mean for me personally?
3. Tozer talks about something that hinders us from entering the presence of God. What is it, and is it present in my life?
4. What is God saying to me through this chapter?

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

heavens (pt.2)

2010-10-26T09:35:00.005+01:00

(Yup, another hanging-out-of-my bedroom-window-in-my-pjs-at-dawn shot...)

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Psalm 36:5

comfortable

2010-10-25T11:16:00.013+01:00

So, I like comfortable. And familiar. And to a degree, predictable. I reason that I've experienced a ton of change in my life so maybe I'm owed a degree of stability. Yes, well that hasn't been working out so well for me, in case you're wondering. Events are conspiring against me, and I know who's behind them...

Anyways some friends, Melvyn and Becks, pastor a church plant in the city of London. They rent an office in the OM building, so occasionally Melvyn will come by and share what God's been saying to him. The other day, he came into my office really shamefacedly, and mumbled something about God not giving him any peace until he invites me to their church. I knew Melvyn and Becks have been praying about me getting involved with their ministry. Without making any commitments as far as my involvement, I said I'd come along to their service this week, really trying to hear God about this. I mean, it's one thing for someone to say 'Thus saith the Lord', but we do need to practice discernment, right?

So anyways, I went. Seriously, it is really a fledgling enterprise; young in more ways than one - in fact I was one of the oldest people there, which was a very strange feeling, especially as I work with people who generally are an entire generation older than me. This church was populated entirely by 12-years-olds. Ok, there were no 12-year-olds and everyone was extremely lovely and welcoming, but everyone seems very, well... young. Most of them are students. I was asked no less than three times what kind of music I listen to. Seriously, no one has asked me that since high school. Obviously, no one knew any of the artists that I mentioned, because I win awards for my lack of trendiness.

So, out of my comfort zone and then some. It's a small congregation of just over thirty people, so there's no hiding in the back row. The rational part of me knows this a good and exciting thing - I want to be involved. But the reticent, insecure part of me is screaming.

God really showed up in the service. It was exciting (albeit insanely loud considering it was such a small space, and I didn't know any of the songs - how much do I sound like Grandma...) and these people really have a heart for Jesus and for the lost. That's something I want to be a part of. Afterwards, we all (pretty much) trooped down to Starbucks and hung out, which is when the music interrogation took place.

The thing is, of the things I want to change about my life right now, my church isn't a high priority. I feel like I've settled at my current church after a long season of feeling displaced. I know people, I have a seat, for goodness sake, and people who have invested in my life. So, to go from suburban church where I get 'well-fed' to inner-city youth ministry, which needs to grow in depth and maturity...

At the same time, my ministry-involvement is minimal at my current church: Cornerstone's a well-oiled machine that functions just fine without me. So, if God is opening a door here I really want to follow him through it. If this week's alloted chapter in The Pursuit of God teaches us anything, surely it is 'let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me'.

So, basically, I know what I need to do. I just need wisdom to transition well from Cornerstone. I'll be sad to leave friends there, but I guess I need to go where I'm going to grow and where I can help others grow. And that's not comfortable.

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 2

2010-10-21T11:16:00.004+01:00

(Sorry, haven't been taking photos, so we are going through a South Africa retrospective...)

Goodness, the week went quickly! This week, please read Chapter Two, The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing. Feel free to post your thoughts and reflections anytime between now and next Thursday.

As you read, you may want to ponder over the following:

1. What do you think Tozer means by 'poor in spirit'?
2. What are some of the things you are clinging to?
3. What is God saying to you through this chapter?

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.
* Haven't got a copy of the book? Free etext here.

be unto Your name

2010-10-20T10:40:00.004+01:00

We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the Ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting, reigning on high

We are the broken, You are the healer
Jesus, Redeemer, mighty to save
You are the love song we'll sing forever
Bowing before You, blessing Your name

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name, be unto Your name

by Lynn DeShazo and Gary Sadler

Listen here

{the reading group} Pursuit: Week 1

2010-10-14T10:00:00.002+01:00

So here we are at the start of another autumn and another book. This one is significantly heavier than the other books we've read, but please don't let that put you off! This thin volume is a goldmine. If you haven't got a copy yet, you can find online texts here or here.

This week, please read Chapter One, Following Hard After God. Feel free to post your thoughts and reflections anytime between now and next Thursday.

* Catch up on the conversation so far here.

eyes

2010-10-13T19:12:00.002+01:00

'Eye' by Michele Catania on Flickr

People, I'm having surgery done on my eyes tomorrow morning. Gulp! Pray, ok?! :)

{the reading group} Pursuit: Before We Begin

2010-10-06T10:01:00.012+01:00

A few nights ago, I was feeling a little restless and couldn't focus on my 'serious' reading, so I picked up my copy of CS Lewis' The Last Battle. I've lost count of how many times I've read the Narnia series since my mother read them to me as a tiny child, but each time I get some fresh understanding. Lewis has the ability to encapsulate timeless truths in a way a child can understand. Though Aslan is merely an image of Christ, there aren't even words to describe the way my hard heart is captivated every time I encounter him on the pages.

In the final chapters of The Last Battle Aslan leads all his creatures through a door, the old Narnia dies, and they enter a world which is more real, more beautiful version of Narnia -almost like Narnia was merely a faded copy of this new land, which they call Aslan's country. In Lewis' words 'The new one was a deeper country: every rock and flower and blade of grass looked as if it meant more. I can't describe it any better than that: if ever you get there you will know what I mean'.

Aslan urges them to press on “higher up and further in” into this glorious land, and bounds ahead. I guess that's the image I have in mind as we launch into The Pursuit of God. I'm filled with anticipation. I know the God we are pursuing is worth the pursuit, and our destination is worth the journey!

On to the practicalities...
As before, we'll read a chapter a week for the next ten weeks. Each Thursday starting from the 14th of October, I'll set up a blog post titled '{the reading group} Pursuit:' and the appropriate week number. You can respond with your reflections in the comments section anytime convenient before the next Thursday. As always, I do hope you'll participate, but there is absolutely no pressure.

Any questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch with me. If you haven't got a copy of the book, there are free e-texts online.

By the way, see that icon on the sidebar that says 'The Pursuit of God: The Reading Group' on it? Click on it, and it will take you to a menu of related posts. See you on the 14th of October. Let's go higher up and further in!

dad

2010-09-29T08:45:00.003+01:00

My dad had a biopsy done a week ago, and he got his results back yesterday. Long story short, it is cancer, though a slow-growing one. Treatment should begin in two weeks. We'd value your prayers.

sweet

2010-09-28T12:19:00.004+01:00

It is more than likely that I will be the only person in the world that finds this series of photos very sweet. Nevertheless, it's my blog and I'll post if I want to...

We had a wedding on Saturday. The bride was over an hour late {insert eye-rolling} so we had to amuse ourselves. Fortunately, the chapel was packed with people we like, so it was no great hardship.

I suspect my dad will be less than pleased with his facial expressions in these, but I think the way he and little Joshua interact is utterly sweet. So I post. :)

love

2010-09-27T11:02:00.000+01:00

Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
- Zora Neale Hurston

shine

2010-09-24T09:49:00.000+01:00

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

blank cheque

2010-09-20T10:01:00.003+01:00

[This] name, Jehovah, is used almost uniformly in connection with that earthly people to whom He brought Himself into covenant obligations, the Children of Israel. To the Gentile nations, He was just God. But to His chosen people, to whom He had pledged special promises, He was ever Jehovah. The fact that this Name was intended to have a special significance to them is made clear when God says to Moses, "I am Jehovah: and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by My name Jehovah was I not known to them" (Exod. 6:2-3). Quite obviously, then, this name is meant to convey to them a new and
precious revelation. What is it?

The special revelation which this name gives is that of the grace of God. "I am" is an unfinished sentence. It has no object. I am what? What is our wonder when we discover, as we continue with our Bibles, that He is saying, "I AM whatever My people need" and that the sentence is only left blank that man may bring his many and various needs, as they arise, to complete it!

Apart from human need this great name of God goes round and round in a closed circle, "I am that I am" which means that God is incomprehensible. But the moment human need and misery present themselves, He becomes just what that person needs. The verb has at last an object, the sentence is complete and God is revealed and known. Do we lack peace? "I am thy peace," He says. Do we lack strength? "I am thy strength." Do we lack spiritual life? "I am thy life." Do we lack wisdom? "I am thy wisdom," and so on.

The name "Jehovah" is really like a blank cheque. Your faith can fill in what He is to be to you just what you need, as each need arises. It is not you, moreover, who are beseeching Him for this privilege, but He who is pressing it upon you. He is asking you to ask. "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:24).

Just as water is ever seeking the lowest depths in order to fill them, so is Jehovah ever seeking out man's need in order to satisfy it. Where there is need, there is God. Where there is sorrow, misery, unhappiness, suffering, confusion, folly, oppression, there is the I AM, yearning to turn man’s sorrow into bliss whenever man will let Him. It is not, therefore, the hungry seeking for bread, but the Bread seeking the hungry; not the sad seeking for joy, but rather joy seeking the sad; not emptiness seeking fullness, but rather Fullness seeking emptiness. And it is not merely that He supplies our need, but He becomes Himself the fulfillment of our need. He is ever "I am that which My people need."

Oh, the grace of it, the surprise of it! Why should He? What claim have we on Him for this? Even man before the Fall had no claim on his God for this, much less man who has rebelled and fallen, and most of whose needs and miseries are but the result of his own sin! But that is grace and that is God.

- Roy Hession, We Would See Jesus

laughs

2010-09-17T09:26:00.001+01:00

Earth laughs in flowers.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

(maybe God does too)

heart-thirsty

2010-09-15T10:37:00.001+01:00

I've been rather pitiful in my blogging of late - sorry. Then to make matters worse, this is going to be a fairly long post. Bear with me, please. There might be something here underneath all the chaff.

Last weekend, I had something of a retreat at home going through Roy Hession's 'Be Filled Now', a book I'd definitely recommend. This was in part a response to So Long, Insecurity; if I want to defeat the power of fear and insecurity in my life, I need something better to take their place in my heart and mind, and the Spirit of God seemed like a sensible option.

Also, my boss had recently been to the Isle of Lewis, which had a tremendous revival back in the 1950s, and I'd been inspired by descriptions of that season. Instrumental in that revival were two old ladies who sought God. Anyways, I won't get into all that now, but I do recommend you take some time to listen to this thrilling account.

I've been mulling over my need for personal revival - what it means to earnestly seek God, to focus on this 'one thing' that Psalm 27 talks about, and furthermore the effect that would have on my sense of uselessness and failure at this time. I guess I'm heart-thirsty.

Let me share with you something I read last night...

Today... we do not hear much about the need to see God. It is only as we turn the pages of the past that we become aware of our lack of this emphasis, both in preaching and in living the Gospel. In former days, we find, even in times of spiritual darkness, that there were always some who were gripped by a consuming passion – the longing to see God. For them there was only one goal, to know their God. They were heart-thirsty, and they knew that God alone could satisfy their thirst...

At the present time the situation is very different. We have much more light on the Bible and the message of the Gospel, and we look back rather despisingly on many of these seekers of old. But the solemnizing fact is this, that the coming of more light has not brought an increasing passion to see God. In fact, it seems to have had the reverse effect. That deep hunger for God Himself is obviously lacking, and it would appear that we have lowered our goal in the Christian life to something less than God Himself.

Two emphases stand out today: First of all, instead of stressing holiness in order to see God, the emphasis is on service for God. We have come to think of the Christian life as consisting in serving God as fully and as efficiently as we can. Techniques and methods, by which we hope to make God’s message known, have become the important thing. To carry out this service we need power, and so instead of a longing for God, our longing is for power to serve Him more effectively. So much has service become the centre of our thinking that very often a man’s rightness with God is judged by his success or otherwise in his Christian work.

Then there tends to be today an emphasis on the seeking of inner spiritual experiences. While so many Christians are content to live at a very low level, it is good that some do become concerned about their Christian lives, and it is right that they should. However, the concern arises not so much from a hunger for God, but from a longing to find an inner experience of happiness, joy, and power, and we find ourselves looking for "it," rather than God Himself.

Both these ends fall utterly short of the great end that God has designed for man, that of glorifying Him and enjoying Him for ever. They fail to satisfy God’s heart and they fail to satisfy ours.

- Roy Hession, We Would See Jesus

discuss

2010-09-07T10:19:00.001+01:00

via Mighty to Save

kindle

2010-09-03T15:21:00.001+01:00

O Lord, who hast mercy upon all, take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore Thee, a heart to delight in Thee,
to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ’s sake,
Amen

—St. Ambrose of Milan, 339-397

one day

2010-09-02T09:00:00.001+01:00

photo by Sabino.

Is this not the sweetest thing?

{the reading group} up next

2010-09-01T09:00:00.010+01:00

It was a real eye-opener to discover what an iceberg of an issue insecurity is in our lives, and I do hope So Long, Insecurity has been thought-provoking, inspiring, and perhaps even a catalyst for change in your life.

I had to lead my colleagues in our Thursday prayer time last week. As I prayed about what to share, I remembered a sermon I'd recently heard on 2 Chronicles 7:14. It triggered some thoughts about seeking God's face. I suspect that humility and repentance, though absolutely crucial, are a by-product of truly seeking God. Humility comes when we meditate on God's greatness and his love, and repentance comes when we see how our sin grieves him.

As I reflect upon my life, I want to seek God much more than I have been. This brought to mind a quote I'd read by Tozer that I'd posted a while back:

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that I may know Thee indeed. Begin a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.

When I asked around to see if anyone wanted to read something else together, I threw Tozer's 'The Pursuit of God' in as a possible option, and to my delight that was the title that got the most response.

So that's what we'll do next, starting on the 14th of October. That should give anyone who wants to join in a chance to get hold of a copy, and those of us who have been reading 'So Long, Insecurity' will have a chance to finish that up.

I've raided my father's library and found his copy, but you can purchase it cheaply online or in Christian bookshops. Oh, but if you want a free, online copy of The Pursuit of God, you can find it here or here.

little treat

2010-08-31T09:53:00.009+01:00

On Monday night, my mother and I were feeling a little run down, and wanted a little bit of a treat. We decided on a home foot spa. We'd been thinking about it for a while, but just never made the effort to put it into action. It isn't rocket science by any means, but I thought perhaps I'd give you the details in the hope that it might inspire you to pamper yourself for a little while one of these days. This works well as a little alone-time activity, as well as something to do with your girlfriends.

And so, on to the blow-by-blow. We laid old towels on our living room carpet, and set two basins of very warm water on them. The water had lavender essential oil added to it for extra soothing, but you could include any essential oil or bath salt your little heart desires. We kept a kettle nearby for hot water top-ups. Nothing worse than having to get up when you nicely ensconced
in an armchair, ankle deep in warm water. For extra atmosphere, be sure to include beautiful, soothing music. I recommend this.

Having soaked your feet for about fifteen minutes, use a pumice to exfoliate away dry skin. Rinse your feet, lightly pat dry, and moisturise liberally. This would be a good point to attend to your nails -shaping, painting etc. Voila! A totally basic but extremely rejuvenating way to spend half an hour.

Do you have any little inexpensive pick-me-ups?

snippets from my weekend

2010-08-30T12:06:00.003+01:00

This Saturday, a few of us went out for cream tea to celebrate my friend Megan's birthday. For the uninitiated, a cream tea is quintessentially British tea room fare: fresh scones, clotted cream and jam washed down with tea.

Though not strictly part of a traditional cream tea, we felt led to also involve cake. Equal opportunities, you understand. Can I take a moment to just gush about those tea cups? So lovely.

Have I mentioned before that I'd love to run a tea room? Well, I would. I just love everything about these places - the way people just seem to visibly relax, the quiet chatter, the ritual of taking tea with a friend or two, the beautiful china.

Maybe it will happen one day.

The tea room was exquisite; exactly what you'd expect of a tea shop in the garden of England. We chose to sit indoors as it was a little chilly, but there was seating outdoors too in a lovely secluded garden. Brightly coloured bouquets of flowers sat in containers out front, waiting to be sold.

We strolled about in the sunshine, enjoying the idyllic scenery, and pottered about the parish church, complete with crumbling, lichen-covered grave stones. Amazing that this is just an hour away from my part of London. Not a bad way to spend a summer afternoon!

{the reading group} SLI Week 9

2010-08-26T15:11:00.004+01:00

How is it already Thursday? And already the final week of So Long, Insecurity? It has completely caught me by surprise. Oh well, we plod on...

Beth asks:
1. Based on Chapter 17, on a scale of 1 to 10 (one-almost none, ten-over the top), how big a part has fear played in your life? After responding with your approximation, please share what, if anything, in the chapter resonated with you.

2. Reflect over the journey as a whole. What (again, if anything) lasting and of God will you take away from it?

* Wondering what on earth is going on? Click here.
* Catch up on the conversation so far here. Or follow the original LPM discussion here.

weeds

2010-08-23T12:43:00.001+01:00

Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.
- A. A. Milne

{the reading group} SLI Week 8

2010-08-19T09:43:00.009+01:00

Chapters 14, 15 & 16 this week, ladies. Press on, especially those of you taking this at your own pace - it's worth it. Feel free to note down your thoughts on the relevant posts even if you are several weeks behind. It is always good to hear a different perspective.

Beth asks...

1) As you surely noticed, Chapter 14 is more of a testimony than a teaching but it concludes with a charge to deal with our female insecurities for the sake of young girls coming up behind us. Annabeth was my big inspiration for the journey. Briefly describe someone who is worth doing what it takes to you to live abundantly and effectively in Christ. Help us picture her so that she inspires us, too. Needless to say, don’t share more than she’d want you to.

2) I wish we could discuss all of Chapter 15 in person but this is the next best thing. Name a couple of ways pertinent to your sphere of life and influence that you could look out for your own gender in our battle with insecurities. In other words, how can you (not others but you in particular) start becoming part of the solution in your female relationships rather than default into part of the problem. No condemnation here. Goodness knows, we’ve all been both. Our challenge is to learn to be deliberate. How are you prepared to do that?

3) Based on Chapter 16 and the challenge to look past ourselves, what is your passion? If you don’t have one presently, don’t feel pressured or unnerved. You might be too deep in toddlers or school work to think past the urgent. Those things are priority and need to be your passion right now. If, however, you long for something that makes you feel fully alive and part of something specific God is doing for the greater good, ask Him to nurture that vision in you. It will be ultimately be the key to life on the outskirts of self-absorption. Keep in mind, your passion may not be anything you’re currently engaged in. Maybe you don’t have the opportunity to participate right now. Maybe it’s just in dream-form. Or maybe it’s just a place God has tendered your heart. Try to give it a name. What is something outside of yourself that you feel passionate about?

* Wondering what on earth is going on? Click here.
* Catch up on the conversation so far here. Or follow the original LPM discussion here.

faith

2010-08-18T16:09:00.002+01:00

Faith is permitting ourselves to be seized by the things we do not see.
-Martin Luther

molly rose

2010-08-13T09:00:00.004+01:00

This, my friends, is the heartwarming tale of a rock. Worn by the cares of time and tide, she was swept up onto a beach. Cold and alone, cut off from all who loved her.

So sad, I know, but take heart - this story has a happy ending.

My mother was walking along the beach when she spotted the lonely rock. Taken by the rock's unusual shape, she picked it up and brought her to London, where she was placed in our garden.

Meanwhile, a little girl was despondent that she was not allowed to have an animal as a pet. After mulling it over, we decided that a rock would make an excellent pet. The aforementioned rock was fetched from our garden, cleaned, given eyes and the name 'Molly Rose'.

However, before I would hand over the rock, I had a condition. Molly Rose needed a good home - the little girl had a week to create one. And so she did...

Molly Rose settled in quickly, and they both lived happily ever after, even though one of Molly's eyes fell off after two days. I'm told she now has a dress, which more than makes up for her impaired vision.

THE END

{the reading group} SLI Week 7

2010-08-12T12:13:00.002+01:00

This week, we read chapters 12 and 13. Beth asks...

1. Based on Chapter 12, name one “I already knew that” moment and one “that’s new to me” moment, if either applies.

2. Based on Chapter 13, how does a weak will play into our insecurity?

* Wondering what on earth is going on? Click here.
* Catch up on the conversation so far here. Or follow the original LPM discussion here.

simple

2010-08-09T10:19:00.001+01:00

Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler.
- Albert Einstein

waiting

2010-08-06T12:16:00.004+01:00

Jessika posted this quote on waiting a few days back...

If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they that wait for him. He is worth waiting for. The waiting itself is beneficial to us: it tries faith, exercises patience, trains submission, and endears the blessing when it comes. The Lord's people have always been a waiting people... And in his word do I hope. This is the source, strength, and sweetness of waiting. Those who do not hope cannot wait; but if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. God's word is a true word, but at times it tarries; if ours is true faith it will wait the Lord's time. A word from the Lord is as bread to the soul of the believer; and, refreshed thereby, it holds out through the night of sorrow expecting the dawn of deliverance and delight. Waiting, we study the word, believe the word, hope in the word, and live on the word; and all because it is "his word, "—the word of him who never speaks in vain. Jehovah's word is a firm ground for a waiting soul to rest upon.
- Charles Spurgeon

{the reading group} SLI Week 6

2010-08-05T10:32:00.005+01:00

It's been a very busy week, so I've only just gotten around to posting my essay {ahem} I mean comment for last week's exercise, though I did the chapter back on Sunday. As Beth says, Chapter 9 is pivotal, so I hope everyone who has a copy of the book gets a chance to do it. Oh, so good!

Anyways, on to week 6! This week, we read chapters 10 & 11. Beth asks...

1. Based on Chapter 10, in all truthfulness, has your historical tendency been to view men (generally speaking) as gods? Or devils?

2. Based on Chapter 10 and your own day-to-day observances, what differences do you see between men’s insecurities and women’s?

3. On p.208 in Chapter 11, I suggest that women who struggle with insecurity tend to be particularly taken with 2 divine attributes: omnipotence and omniscience. Did either of these resonate with you? If so, how?

* Wondering what on earth is going on? Click here.
* Catch up on the conversation so far here. Or follow the original LPM discussion here.

Carole

2010-08-04T17:23:00.003+01:00

I can't quite believe it, but dear family friend Carole has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Pray for her husband Dennis who is in the beginning stages of Alzheimers. They were taking a cruise to New York, and she died on the first day.

Dennis and Carole oversaw the education of OM kids, and I won't forget afternoons sitting in the dining room of Logos II while they assessed my reading. Carole had a deep faith and sparkling sense of humour. She will be much missed.

adorable

2010-08-02T11:00:00.000+01:00

Best seen large on black.

Her onesie says 'Hug Me'. It's pretty much an order.

Other adorable things...
Mila's Daydreams
and
I Like You

Happy Monday, all!

{cake on friday} roses at teatime

2010-07-30T08:50:00.002+01:00

Came across these photos taken on my birthday a few years back. The roses were a gift from a dear friend no longer here. Tea, muffins, and a sedate morning with a good book sounds lovely, but not today! I'm off to a field in Bromley, to sing loudly & off-key, do all the actions, and play a bunch of games with a bunch of primary schoolers. What time is it? ADVENTURE TIME!!!

{the reading group} SLI Week 5

2010-07-29T11:07:00.004+01:00

Halfway though the book, and there's only one chapter set this week - Chapter 9. According to Beth, "everything ahead of us hinges on this experience". Let's press on to pursue security...

1. Do (don’t just read but actually do) Chapter Nine. In your comment to this post, simply reflect back on your time with God and share anything specific that you received from it.

2. Look up Scriptures that have to do with strength, power, and victory. Pick five Scriptures that speak most powerfully to you right now – five that you feel like you need the most – write them on the inside of the back cover of the book, and share them here - be sure to include the reference.

THEN, ladies, read them OUT LOUD. Restate them in first person between You and your God.

* Wondering what on earth is going on? Click here.
* Catch up on the conversation so far here. Or follow the original LPM discussion here.

merriment

2010-07-28T09:59:00.001+01:00

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.

This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously - no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.
— C.S. Lewis

laugh

2010-07-27T16:29:00.000+01:00

The earth laughs in flowers.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

alive

2010-07-26T10:20:00.001+01:00

Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
- Howard Thurman

{cake on friday} dessert

2010-07-23T09:30:00.000+01:00

Because it's been a while... and you're worth it.

We had our annual office barbecue earlier this week, which was where I partook of this excessive dessert. Imagine the weight of the decision before me - cherry pie or cheese cake! What's a girl to do? The only sensible thing... have both.

{the reading group} SLI Week 4

2010-07-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

Beth poses four questions this week based on chapters 7 and 8...

1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with you most and why?

2. Based on your journey so far in chapters 1-8, list your own personal top three reasons why it’s time to deal with your insecurity. (We’re not looking for right answers. We’re looking for YOUR answers. Don’t copy off your fellow sojourners’ papers on this one. Grin.) So that you don’t get your numbers confused here, list your 3 reasons under A.B.&C.

3. Based on Chapter 8, briefly describe a recent trigger of insecurity and whether or not it got a rise out of you.

4. Also based on Chapter 8, what does dignity mean to you?

* Wondering what on earth is going on? Click here.
* Catch up on the conversation so far here. Or follow the original LPM discussion here.

sparkle

2010-07-21T10:00:00.002+01:00

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

play

2010-07-20T09:54:00.002+01:00

The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground.
G K Chesterton

amazing

2010-07-19T09:39:00.005+01:00

photo by Bethan Philips

If you follow my Twitter or Facebook feed, you may have noticed that my parents' house was broken into in the wee hourse of Friday morning. Nothing much was taken, only my dad's jacket with his office and house keys. In fact, we probably wouldn't have even noticed that there had been a break-in had it not been for the fact that everything we had left on the kitchen windowsill (a bottle of handwash, a cafetière, and a small bowl of dried beans) were lying neatly on the ground outside.

The kitchen window had been closed but not locked, so the burglar had entered through there and rummaged around downstairs. Fortunately for us, we don't really have anything of value, and wallets, laptops and cameras were all upstairs. Around this time, my father woke up. He heard some noise, but we constantly have foxes playing in the garden, especially loitering among our bins, so he thought nothing of it. He did however decide to go to the loo while he was up, and the noise of him getting up probably alarmed the burglar who set off.

In the morning, we discovered the evidence, such as it was, so the police was notified and we began making arrangements to change our locks. The police came, as did a forensics guy who checked thoroughly for fingerprints (our burglar wore gloves), and it didn't look like there was anything more to be done. It was all a little tense - someone out there had our keys. Would they come back? Of course, our home isn't exactly a burglars paradise... :)

Yesterday, we had just sat down to dinner when the doorbell rang. It was a neighbour from a few doors down. He and his family had been away for the weekend, and when they returned, they found my dad's jacket (keys and all) hanging on their garden fence! He then reported that another neighbour had also been robbed that Friday morning. In their case, however, the buglars (apparently there were more than one) had removed the entire pane of glass from their window, had come in and helped themselves to a whole host of their electronic goods - laptops, cameras etc. Hopefully insurance will come through for them.

Imagine my mirth, though, when I got to church yesterday and the 'welcome verse' was John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. God is SO good!

{the reading group} SLI Week 3

2010-07-15T09:23:00.004+01:00

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

- 1 Corinthians 13:12

We are known (and loved) completely, and unto completeness! With Christ dwelling in us we "have something deeper. Something whole. Something so infinitely healthy that, if it would but invade the rest of us, we would be healed." What an encouragement! We don't get the whole picture at the moment, and what we do see is puzzling, often disappointing to our eyes, but a time will come when we will get it. Get how much we are loved and valued. Get Who it is that loves and knows us so amazingly. Trusting God to invade every part of us with His presence in this in-between time of not quite getting it is the challenge.

Lovelies, this certainly isn't a pity party. We confess our struggle with insecurity to one another with the sole purpose that we may be healed (James 5:16).As Jessika declared in last week's session, we don't share 'with feelings of despair or pessimism, but rather the opposite. [We're] excited and optimistic for change, because [we] know that my God is strong... His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.

Back to work. Beth asks...

Week 3 (Chapters 5-6)
1. After reading these two chapters, what do you believe to be the TWO primary roots of your struggle with insecurity? Keep in mind that more may apply but try to lock in on two that you believe to be most impactful.

2. What, if any, insight did you gain about the roots of insecurity and did you sense that God was trying to speak to you in any specific way through it? (This answer does not need to be limited to the two roots you identified in the previous response.)

fruit

2010-07-12T13:49:00.002+01:00

still

2010-07-09T09:22:00.003+01:00

He is here for the broken and life to the one who is undone
He is peace to the wounded and hope for the helpless one
He is here, He is here

Be still my soul, be still
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still

Listen here.

{the reading group} SLI Week 2

2010-07-08T09:20:00.006+01:00

This week, we have a chance to respond to Chapters 3 and 4. Do join in when you can.

Beth asks...

1. Based on Chapter Three, what tends to be your own “Prominent False Positive”?

2. What is the challenge stated at the very end of Chapter Three? (I want this to break into our belief systems. It is critical to our journey. I don’t care how many times you’ve seen it written on this post, write it again for yourself. That’s your mama talking.)

3. Based on Chapter Four, what Biblical figure (or statement about him/her) resonated with you most and why?

* Wondering what on earth is going on? Click here.
* Catch up on the conversation so far here. Or follow the original LPM discussion here.

trust

2010-07-07T14:10:00.001+01:00

(photo taken from my office window yesterday)

workspace

2010-07-06T09:59:00.006+01:00

Let me take you on a tour of my workspace, whether you want to or not. I'm a chronic over-sharer. Humour me. Life is art, after all.

I do in fact have a relatively large office all to myself, but I tend to 'nest' in this corner. The previous inhabitant painted one wall a soothing sable brown. On it, there is (as you can see) a large cork board with phone numbers, memos and inspiring images, quotes and Scripture. On another board on the adjacent wall, I have pinned up prayer letters and photos of people I want to be in prayer for.

Light streams in through a large window to my right (just beyond the calender/baubles) in the morning, as I listen to George's voice. In case you are baffled, I type George Verwer's correspondence. Yup. Pray for me. :) He does occasionally put on a funny voice or accent to liven things up on those mp3 files. Occasionally he'll crack a joke or whistle a tune...

I also have music constantly playing in the office - whatever I'm in the mood for at that particular time. At the moment, it's the dulcet strains of Arvo Pärt. Want to listen?

Not pictured, my teapot, which sits on my windowsill. I trundle down the two flights of stairs with it several times a day to make fresh pots of tea in the Sun Lounge.

So now you know where I am at the moment. Pray with me, please, that I'll have a clear sense of how best to spend my time, both in terms of being faithful with what I have on my plate at the moment, but also wisdom and discernment for moving on...

potential

2010-07-02T15:01:00.001+01:00

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the small act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo Buscaglia

{the reading group} SLI Week 1

2010-07-01T10:00:00.006+01:00

Summer has finally arrived in London. Sunshine, lazy evenings, the smell of barbecue in the air, ice cream, summer fruit.... and the next round of the reading group!

Welcome. I'm looking forward to going through Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity, and I hope a few of you will join me on this quest for real security. Things may get uncomfortable along the way, but as Beth points out, 'The enemy of your soul has a tremendous amount to gain if you don't deal with your insecurities. Don't let him have that kind of victory. Let's stay honest and courageous, and trust that help is on the way'.

Let's get going...

This week, please read the Introduction, Chapter One, and Chapter Two. We'll have until next Thursday to answer Beth's questions...

1. Chapter One: When was the last time you came face-to-face with our gender’s massive struggle with insecurity? Describe the setting.

2. This question is based on Chapter Two: what part of the definition or description of insecurity resonated most with you and why?

* Haven't been able to get a copy of the book yet? You can read the Intro & Ch.1 here.
* Wondering what on earth is going on? Click here.

outgrow

2010-06-30T14:44:00.003+01:00

Grow we must, if we outgrow all that loves us.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes

freedom

2010-06-28T12:25:00.004+01:00

Freedom (n.): To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing.
~ Ayn Rand

I came across that quote this morning, and I thought 'How devastatingly sad!' To me that definition speaks less of freedom than of complete isolation.

Surely freedom comes when we hope in God, expecting that He will work on our behalf as we seek His glory, depending utterly on Him. After all, He's the one that came to set captives free. He tells us we don't have because we don't ask...

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Cor 3:17

reading...

2010-06-24T15:02:00.004+01:00

originally uploaded by anna/marek.

I just watched Mark Driscoll's interview of Wayne and Margaret Grudem - such an adorable couple. Anyways, the final question he asked was what books they each have on their nightstand. Dr Grudem had the weighty tomes you'd expect a learned theologian to have, while Mrs Grudem had a book by Bonhoeffer and something by Beth Moore, among other things.

I'm devastatingly nosy, so I thought this would be a fun little exercise just in case there is anyone out there who cares to share...

What books are on your nightstand right now?

I'll kick us off, shall I?

My Bible
Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Breaking Free by Beth Moore
I'm also (slowly) wending my way through Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship on audiobook.

extraordinary

2010-06-22T12:04:00.005+01:00

photographer unknown, quote by Aaron Rose

{friday's five} triumph

2010-06-18T11:00:00.005+01:00

photo by Kellie Sides

So, I listen to music pretty much all day long. This will be obvious to everyone else, but I'm constantly surprised by how significant an impact what I listen to has on my mood. It's always interesting to scroll through my recent listening habits on Last.fm to keep an eye on the situation, especially if I find myself in a particularly melancholic frame of mind. Not that I listen to much melancholic music, but whatever...

Moving on to today's five. I thought we'd go with the opposite of melancholy - jubilation! So today, I present you with five triumphant songs that should have dancing around your cubicle or wherever you are.

1. When You Walk in the Room, Fyfe Dangerfield
2. But For You Who Fear My Name, Welcome Wagon
3. We're Very Greatly Loved, Half-Handed Cloud
4. Happy Day, Kim Walker
5. King of Glory, Melissa How

{the reading group} before we begin

2010-06-17T10:00:00.004+01:00

I'm so looking forward to launching into So Long, Insecurity in two weeks! I hope you've managed to get your hands on the book, but just in case your copy is a little slow in arriving, you can read the first chapter here. Remember, all are welcome to join in - even those who don't necessarily feel they struggle with insecurity.

What’s the plan?
The girls over at the LPM blog went through the 18 chapters in 9 weeks, so I thought we'd do the same - using Beth's questions to engage our hearts and minds. As always, I do hope you'll participate, but there is absolutely no pressure. This is a resource to bless you, not to be a burden!

So, to the practicalities...
As before, each Thursday morning (UK time!) starting from the 1st of July, I'll set up a blog post titled {So Long Insecurity} and the appropriate week number. You can respond to questions in the comments section anytime convenient before the next Thursday. Once you’ve posted your reflections on the chapter, please feel free to respond (graciously and sensitively) to one another’s observations.

If you're new to the world of blogging, don’t panic and please don’t let that put you off participating. It isn’t complicated. There’s a little tutorial to help make things run smoothly over here… Any questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch with me. By the way, see that daisy on the sidebar that says 'So Long, Insecurity: The Reading Group' on it? Click on it, and it will take you to a menu of SLI-related posts.

Before we begin...
Beth suggests "Write a journal-type entry on the inside cover of your book describing this present season of your life and why you’ve chosen to read a book like this. If you already have a relationship with God, write it in the form of a prayer."

Ladies, we don't just want to read this book, let's allow this to really impact our lives. Looking forward to growing in wholeness in Christ with you! See you on the 1st of July...

whisper

2010-06-15T14:34:00.002+01:00

Maybe this chapter would've had the faintest whisper of love about it.
~ Gabrielle Zevin

doing nothing

2010-06-14T11:13:00.010+01:00

Spot the daisy.
Which, by the way, was not my idea.
Also, on hindsight, moisturizer would have been a terribly good idea. Oh well...

{friday's five} whimsy

2010-06-11T09:29:00.004+01:00

3, originally uploaded by 唯以.

Today, in honour of the light mist we are experiencing here in London, I've picked out tunes of a magical, ethereal, whimsical nature. Enjoy...

1. My Brightest Diamond, We Were Sparkling
2. Bishop Allen, Butterfly Nets
3. Priscilla Ahn, A Good Day
4. Lisa Hannigan, Pistachio
5. The Innocence Mission, What a Wonderful World

realize

2010-06-09T15:01:00.002+01:00

via Mighty to Save

{friday's five} sweet

2010-06-04T12:08:00.012+01:00

via Moving Intangibles

For this {Friday's Five} here are five sweet songs that are guaranteed* to help should you be having a not-so-good day.

1. Jesus Culture, Dance With Me
2. Sufjan Stevens, The Dress Looks Nice on You
3. Brooke Fraser, Shadowfeet
4. Seabird, Don't You Know That You're Beautiful
5. Ludovico Einaudi, Indaco

*Disclaimer - These five songs have made me feel better today. They may not make you feel better. I'm given to making grandiose statements. Forgive me. Also, there are millions of songs that improve the mood. These just happen to be five that I've selected for the purpose of this exercise. Thank you and goodbye.

ezers

2010-06-02T10:01:00.004+01:00

Meet my Bible study group. A diverse group of women ranging from 28 to 65, we meet on a Monday evening to burrow deep into God's Word. I'm so grateful to the Lord for these ladies, for the impact of their wisdom and grace upon my life.

What are you deeply grateful for at the moment?

{the reading group} the next challenge...

2010-06-01T10:00:00.008+01:00

I hope I speak for all of us who have read through Lost Women - it has been so empowering to learn that we are ezers. As Keshy observed ‘a woman’s significance and worth stem not from any role she may fulfill, but from the unchangeable fact that she is made in the image of God … She is ‘vice regent’, and this shapes and blesses her relationships, rather than her relationships (marriage or otherwise) defining her’. Amazing!

But then we hit a brick wall. How do we live out these truths in a culture that constantly makes us feel inadequate? We have wholeness in Christ - no one is disputing that, but how do we appropriate it?

Rewind to February when Beth Moore was hosting an online discussion group on her new book So Long, Insecurity. I’ve done several of her in-depth Bible studies, and have been blessed by them. I really wanted to join in with the online discussion at that time, but was up to my neck in so many other things. Now, however, I’m in the right place to make that journey and I’d love for you to join me. I think it makes a perfect sequel to ‘Lost Women’.

Not sure if this is for you? Take a moment to watch this…

“The goal is for an insecure woman to open the book and a secure woman to close it. Nothing less than that. Humanly speaking, fat chance. But, if somewhere in these pages, we hear God speaking instead? Ah, then, for those willing to believe what He says, fat chances lose their weight and real changes takes their place. We’re not just looking to read a book here, Sisters. We’re looking to discover the kind of soul-deep security that stands fast in the floodwaters of this image-saturated society. It is time for a change”.

- Beth Moore (via the Living Proof Ministries blog)

Convinced yet? Grab a copy of the book, and meet me back here on Thursday the 1st of July. I’ll be going through the questions Beth has posted on her blog, because I think they’ll be really useful in engaging with the text. As with Lost Women, I want this to be a blessing to you and not a burden, so there is absolutely no pressure to participate. Show up when you can, share what you can. This one is potentially a lot more reflective than Lost Women, and I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to a breakthrough in my life.

Once you’ve got your copy of So Long, Insecurity, Beth suggests… “Write a journal-type entry on the inside cover of your book describing this present season of your life and why you’ve chosen to read a book like this. If you already have a relationship with God, write it in the form of a prayer... Listen, Sister, if you expect little, that’s probably what you’ll get. But if you expect something big from God when you start a journey and you posture yourself to receive from Him, even when frail human beings are thrown in the mix, you’ll end up with something huge. Something life altering”.

See you back here on the 1st of July?