Christmas Grace

This year (2018) I chose 2 Corinthians 8v9 as my Christmas Bible verse and over the Christmas period have been thinking about various aspects of God's grace. Here are just a few of my thoughts:

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV

Free unmerited favour of God

Grace is the free, unmerited and undeserved favour of God. We certainly do not deserve God's favour nor can we do anything to merit it. In comparison with mercy, God's grace is where He gives us what we do not deserve; God's mercy is where He does not give us what we do deserve.

I could not help but think as I went about Christmas of all the blessings that God has showered upon us in His grace....food, clothes, presents, warm home, carol singing, family, and so much more. As we sat around the Christmas tree with the lights on and exchanged our gifts and then as we sat at the table filled with delicious food prepared by Isaac and Jemima, I could not help but think that God graciously provided this all for us. Not only that, we have technology, internet and social media to share our Christmas thoughts with others. Thank you Lord for giving us all these things. 

God's Amazing Grace

However, my thoughts go to God's amazing grace in sending Jesus to save us from our sins. I cannot fathom the depths of the riches of His grace and no matter how hard I try, I just cannot understand what it meant for the Lord Jesus to lay aside His glory and leave the splendors of heaven to come down to this old sin-cursed world. He was unimaginably rich and yet He was born in a dirty stinking old stable and laid in a manger that the animals fed from. The Son of God and King of kings was born in such poverty for our sakes. He was poor while He lived on earth. 

He grew up and although He lived a perfect life, wicked men took Him and mocked Him and whipped Him until His back was like a bleeding ploughed field. Then, they nailed Him to the cross where He endured all the wrath of God for our sins. He rose from the dead and went back to the glories of heaven. His sacrifice means that we can be spiritually rich if we repent and accept Him as our Only Saviour from sin, and then we will enjoy heaven with Him.

Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. By Him came grace and truth (John 1v14+17). By the grace of God He tasted death for every person and now He is crowned with glory and honour (Hebrews 2v9).

Riches of His grace

As believers we can enjoy the riches of His grace in this life too! Redemption through His blood and forgiveness of sins. There are just so many blessings in the riches of His grace for believers, in this life as well as the next life.

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."Ephesians 1v7

Sing with grace

Sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. God's grace should be so abounding in our hearts that we just cannot contain the joy and we just have to burst out into praise for all He has done for us.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."Colossians 3v16

Pray boldly for grace

Pray with boldness, and yet reverently. On the basis of what Christ has accomplished on Calvary we have the right to come boldly into the presence of God and claim mercy and grace to help in time of need.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."Hebrews 4v16

In conclusion, I would ask you to reflect upon the grace of God. What does Christmas really mean to you? How have you experienced the grace of God in your life? What do you intend to do in appreciation of God's amazing grace?

My Autumn Thoughts

To everything there is a season. Autumn is the season of dying leaves producing the fabulous range of beautiful autumnal colours. To those of you who know me you will probably be aware that autumn is not one of my favourite seasons. (I much prefer spring and summer). However, the beauty of the colours really struck me as I walked through Windmill wood in Dungannon a few weeks ago. I could not help but take a few photos with my phone. They are not very good quality but here they are along with a few thoughts.

Windmill Wood, Dungannon

It had been a while since I walked through the woods on my way to town. The pathway had been swept but my eyes admired the carpet of rusty dead leaves under the trees. Then, my thoughts just went off in this direction:

I sometimes think of life as 4 seasons. Spring is childhood. Summer is youth. Autumn is middle age. Winter is old age. Each season of life has purpose and we can know contentment in fulfilling that purpose. God gives the grace and strength to face each season of life, whatever the challenges. Remember too, that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6v6).

There is a straight path down from the windmill but the rest of the paths wind their way throughout the woods. I know the paths now and can enjoy a walk there. Life twists and turns irrespective of the season. Every pathway in life is not straight. We never know who or what is around the next bend for us to face.

The paths are swept to help prevent us from slipping on the wet leaves and falling. In life there is many a time we can slip and fall. Falling down does not make us a failure but staying down will. So, don't stay down. Get right back up again. Do not let the devil keep you in defeat. A just man may fall seven times but he rises up again (Psalm 37v24; Proverbs 24v16).

Look closely at the picture above and you will see a grey squirrel in the middle of it. They are busy scurrying around the woods at the moment collecting nuts and food for the winter but it is impossible to get close enough to them to take a photo with a phone camera. These amazing little creatures know to prepare for the winter ahead. We too need to prepare for our future and by that I am referring to our eternal destiny. Prepare to meet thy God (Amos 4v12)

In the middle of the woods a big tree has been cut down. I do not know the exact why, when or who particulars but soon it will be forgotten by a lot of passers by for there is nothing left now but a tree stump. This cut down tree reminds me that we can be cut down in any season of our life. So, we all need to make sure that we are ready to die. We all have an appointment with death that we must keep and we do not know how soon or suddenly that will be (Hebrews 9v27; Proverbs 27v1).

Cut down tree in Peatlands Park

I will conclude with a tag-along thought. One of my favourite places for walking locally is Peatlands Park. Adrian and I have also had some lovely Sunday afternoon walks there recently. It is a pleasure to get away out into the bog walks with the dogs. The two and a half mile walk is about my limit but I love it. Autumn stares us in the face there too but I can still enjoy it. I may be walking through the autumn season of life but I still find that the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Lake in Peatlands

What about you? How do you feel about autumn? Maybe you are not able to enjoy as you would like to or maybe you are not a walker. Nonetheless I hope you reflect upon your season of life and how it affects you spiritually.
Rhonda

Discover more about these two lovely places to walk:
Windmill Wood, Dungannon
Peatlands Park

Missing Teeth

What is it with people and no teeth? Recently I have met several different people with missing front teeth and to my amazement they did not seem to be self-conscious or worried about it at all. One particular man surprised me because of his status and work in life. Another had a big smile with just one top tooth. Now I am not meaning to be nasty but I cannot imagine going without top front teeth and doing nothing about it long-term. Nonetheless, all of this got me thinking about what the Bible says about teeth. Here are just a few thoughts:

Teeth help us bite and chew our food. Just imagine trying to bite off a piece of apple or chew some tough meat without teeth. It might be difficult and embarrassing for you if others are watching on. Chewing with a squashed up face isn't attractive. Also, you need teeth to enjoy more than baby food. But you know we need spiritual teeth to bite off portions of God's Word and chew their teachings. Not all scripture is easily understood but the blessings of studying it help us grow in the Lord. Get off the spiritual baby milk and get unto the strong meat of God's Word.

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5v12-14)

Teeth help us speak clearly. Ever listen to an old person with no teeth, talk in the morning before they get their false teeth in? Their speech is not as good with missing teeth. Well, you know, our speech is important....how we gracefully speak to others and how we answer them with wisdom. Digesting the strong meat of God's Word will help us speak appropriately. Our speech will be clean without profanity. A little word of caution: we shouldn't use our teeth to bite and devour and gnash upon others.

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4v6)

"But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." (Galatians 5v15) 

"There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men." (Proverbs 30v14) 

Dental aesthetics is important, too. So, we should look after our teeth and keep them clean. Missing front top teeth are most obvious and the gaps ruin our smile. If for some reason they are missing either as the result of decay, gum disease or accident, do yourself a favour and get some dentures to improve your appearance so that you can smile with dignity. This reminds me that our spiritual appearance is important. If you are a Christian, make sure that you have a good testimony before other people. Keep clean by the cleansing power of the blood of Christ and the Word of God.

Now please don't take me up as being nasty or offensive to anyone when I write about missing front top teeth. I have missing teeth and I hate wearing a denture. I know that missing back and side teeth are less noticeable but I would never feel comfortable going out without front teeth. It would ruin my smile! Lol

Thanks for reading this blog and hope you took it as I intended....lighthearted with a little serious spiritual twist. And don't forget to smile with teeth! 😁😁
Rhonda

Poor Cesar's gone 😢

Our lovely corgi dog Cesar passed away on Thurs 21st June 2018. After being part of our family for 12 years we really do miss him. In this blog I just wish to share a few photos and little points about him.

He was some pup....the biggest and strongest of the litter, lively, sparky, playful, and strong-willed. He was never afraid to stand up for himself or fight his corner if needed. Right from the moment he joined the pack of our family he was adored by us all. He was so intelligent and could nearly talk to us. 😂 

He understood our names. Adrian: master and tease who walks and feeds me. Isaac: second in command for walking and playing with me. Rhonda: she doesn't let me into every room (afraid I'll leave too many hairs) but I sneak in anyway when she's not about. Jemima: she's the big softy in the pack, I can get a few extra treats from her but don't do everything she says.

Cesar used to lie up the garden like a king (or should I say emperor). It was his territory and he hated the window cleaner or oil delivery man to enter it! He even chased the magpies from it but amazingly would allow small birds to feed from his dish. He had his bush that he loved to lie under sometimes when it was hot. But he, also, loved to roll in the snow. He was hardy. After all, corgis were bred for life on the cold Welsh mountains.

He was a great watch. He barked when anyone came to the door. He knew the sound of Adrian, Isaac and Jemima's cars but alerted us to anyone else outside. The sound of the doorbell or door knocker drove him crazy. Of course, Adrian coming home from work was a drama time for him! He'd hear the car and run to meet him. I'd say, 'Adrian? Tell him to hurry up' and he'd bark. Then, the doorbell got him barking so excitedly. When the door opened and his master entered, he would be so delighted but would come back to me for praise.

Cesar just loved his walks. Rattle the chain, say 'walk', and he was excited and ready to go. Once out there, he was a big dog in a small dog's body 😂 He loved to meet, sniff and play with other dogs but was unafraid of any dog he did not like. The woods nearby and Peatlands park were favourite haunts. No matter how wet or dark it was, he just liked a walk before he settled for the night. But see Sundays...he expected his walk after dinner!

He had some little quirky things he did that gave us a laugh. Throw him a piece of sausage and he would do a 'food ritual' of rolling on it before he ate it. 😏 He was a male chauvinist. One time we had to keep a stray female corgi overnight. Cesar would not allow her to sleep in his dog house. He left her sleep outside. lol

He celebrated the 60th year of the Queens reign. After all, his very distant relatives were owned by Her Majesty. lol.

Last year poor Cesar got very sick. Isaac took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Since then he was on a strict diet of rice and chicken. (It's well we had Moypark nearby for cheap deals on chicken). He got lots of extra TLC and privileges in his old age. Sleeping inside was just expected! Ask him 'In or Out?' and he would run to his little bed inside. He has had ups and downs in his health this past year but kept going until in the end his liver failed. Unfortunately, we had to put him down.

Cesar is gone but not forgotten. We have many treasured memories of him. The problem is that now I've no dog to cover up talking to myself with. So, if you hear me talking to Cesar you'll know I really am cracked. lol

Rhonda

Love Mum, Love Baby

"It has never been a more dangerous time for the unborn child on the island of Ireland." 

These are the words of Lord David Alton a pro-life advocate. Now I am not on some sort of crusade but I am entitled to my view, and I tend to agree with him. A yes vote in the referendum in the Republic of Ireland on 25th May to repeal the eighth amendment would take away the rights of the unborn child. The law in Northern Ireland only allows termination of pregnancies for the purpose of preserving the life of the mother. There are those who wish this to be changed and brought into line with the rest of the UK. If the Assembly at Stormont does not get up and running soon, Westminster will probably change the law. Hence the truth in Lord Alton's statement.

It never ceases to amaze me how people can refer to the unborn child as 'just a clump of cells' and say 'just get rid of it.' It seems like it's not a baby when it is not wanted but it is a baby when it is wanted.

May I suggest that you take time to educate yourself about the details of what really happens in the abortion processes. Look at some of the explicit images of what it means for the unborn child to have to suffer an abortion. Then, tell me if you can honestly say that it is morally right. Don't take life for granted. Abortion does not necessarily bring health, happiness and the ability to conceive when you wish.

I am pro-life but I recognize that, sadly, there are a minority of times when a pregnancy has to be terminated in order to save the life of the mother. In such cases the mother needs love, care and support as she grieves the death of her child.

I came across this quotation on Facebook and I thought I would share it with you in this blog: 

"Being pro-life doesn't mean only campaigning until the referendum. It means fighting for the the pro-life movement until we have adequate resources for women in crisis pregnancies, until we have easily accessible adoption agencies, until we have more funded care for children with life limiting conditions and their families. Being pro-life doesn't stop on May 25th. It stops when we have a country where women don't feel so oppressed that they think abortion is the only option. That is what being pro-life means." (Caoimhe Lynch, NUIG student)

It is lovely to see that there are many young people who are not afraid to stand up for the life of unborn children. I think Caoimhe aptly sums up alternatives to abortion. Those in crisis pregnancies do need love, respect and even practical support but they do have other alternatives to abortion. Also, sometimes they need the support of someone they can trust who is not judgmental but who will encourage them to carry the pregnancy through.

Remember there are some strong women who choose adoption for their child rather than abortion. I am the mother of two beautiful adopted children, Isaac and Jemima. They are now young adults but if they had been aborted, the world would have missed out by never having their wonderful contributions to life....and Adrian and I would have missed out on so much love and joy. So, I can wholeheartedly say that adoption is a better option than abortion.

Yes, we need adequate resources and  practical support for women in crisis pregnancies. Yes, we do need sensitivity and funded care for those with life limiting conditions and their families.

The above photo was taken at a pro-life event which the Both Lives Matter organization held here in Dungannon on Tuesday 17th April, 2018. It was poorly attended but I am not passing judgement on anyone's reasons for not attending. It was an informative evening through which they emphasized that the lives of both mother and baby are precious and matter.

Something more: While I am unashamedly pro-life, I do recognize that there are those who are suffering from guilt and the consequences of abortion. Mothers particularly need loving care and support after the trauma of abortion but do not forget fathers are affected too by abortion. Loving counselling needs to be readily available for all those affected.

When I think of anti-abortion examples, there are two people who immediately spring to mind: Andrea Bocelli the Italian singer whose mother refused to abort him and Gianna Jessen who survived an failed saline abortion. She is an American pro-life and disabilities activist. Listen to their stories online.

The Bible tells us that love does not rejoice in iniquity but love rejoices in truth (1 Cor 13v6). I do not rejoice in the iniquity of murdering unborn children. I do rejoice in the truth that when mothers go through with their pregnancies, their children can be a great blessing as they live out their true potential in life.

Say NO to abortion. May this whole island of Ireland continue to be a safe place for the unborn child!
Rhonda

Patrick turn the stone!

When I was a little girl I was taught concerning the weather that if March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb and if it comes in like a lamb it goes out like a lion. Add to that the legend that St. Patrick turns the stone.....and I'm kinda thinking that it is time for some nice warmer weather!

The Beast from the East meeting Storm Emma at the beginning of March was not really a romantic time but it caused some of the worst weather conditions in years. Bitterly cold winds and heavy snow and blizzards resulted in chaos and collisions on the roads, deaths, and school closures. Ah yes, children enjoyed playing in it, building snowmen, igloos and whatever. But it was a horrific experience for all those stranded for hours on the road or for those sleeping out in it. As I listened to the wind outside I was just so glad to be inside out of it all. Minus temperatures and icy paths are just not my scene!

However, now that St.Patrick's Day has past, spring has officially started and the time is to change at the weekend, I look forward to warmer days and brighter evenings. Bring on spring and summer....my favourite time of year. I really do hope the lion has finished roaring and the lamb is coming LOL.

Now I know very well that St.Patrick cannot turn the stone or change the weather BUT I know the God who controls the weather. Read Job chapters 37+38 in the Bible for a very descriptive portrayal of God's Almighty power controlling all things, including the weather. The little children's chorus goes:

God controls the wind and clouds and rain and sun.
He controls them, for He made them every one.
He sends the weather from above, and it tells us of His love.
God controls the wind and clouds and rain and sun.

I do not understand all the science behind how God sends various weather conditions or do I question His reasons for why He sends them, but perhaps it would be beneficial to stop and think about some lessons we could learn from the weather, eg

1. The snow speaks to us of purity. God is pure and He wants us to be pure like Him. 
2. God lovingly provides for us. He sends the rain and sunshine to help plants, fruit and vegetables to grow. Otherwise we would starve.
3. The waves roaring reminds us that Jesus is coming back again to earth (Luke 21v15-17).
4. Is God trying to speak to us and get us to listen to Him by causing adverse weather conditions.

Then, another thought comes to mind....Is there some stone in our own lives that we need to turn to bring up that side of us that pleases God? Now, good works will never save our souls but they do provide evidence to those around us that we have been truly saved. St. Patrick cannot turn the stone to change the weather but we can decide whether or not we wish to turn to follow God and experience the delights of doing His will. May we turn the stones in our lives for better and not for worse!

They are all wrong

As I walk into town I often go through Church Lane. It's a short alley way from the car park at the back of Viscount restaurant up to the Market Square in Dungannon. It may be a steep climb for some people but it's a shortcut for me. I cannot help but notice the writing on the wall there. The words 'They are all wrong' are painted on the wall there. When I pass by them, they spark a train of thought, of which I'll share a little bit now.

The words have been there for several years now. I do not know who wrote them or what they are referring to. Are they just the words of some song or are they a cry for help? Does the word 'They' refer to a specific group of people, eg politicians, town planners, religious leaders, or some rights activists?? Does the word 'All' really mean that everyone is wrong or does it mean that just some people have got it all wrong about some matter? (Mind you if it was about the mess the planners made of the Market Square a few years back I would tend to agree but thankfully they have rectified it a bit now). But what if it is a heart rending cry from someone who feels completely misunderstood by everyone around them?

Then my thoughts turn to the fact that we are all wrong by nature (Psalm 14v1-3; Romans 3v10-12). We have all been born in sin and therefore we all do wrong. Yes, we have ALL sinned and fall short of God's standard (Romans 3v23; 5v12). Criminal, self-righteous, good-living, immoral, religious, atheist, whoever and whatever you are, we have all sinned.

But my thoughts do not stay there for they must turn to Christ the Only One who is not wrong. "In Him is no sin." (1 John 3v5). He was tempted as we are but He is without sin (Hebrews 4v15). He is Holy and undefiled (Hebrews 7v26). He is the Sinless Saviour. He was made sin for us to reconcile us to God (2 Corinthians 5v20+21). Read about His sufferings when He died to save us (Isaiah 53v3-7).

The Lord Jesus is my Sinless Saviour. As a little girl I realized that I was born a sinner and that was why I did wrong. I could not take away my own sin, no matter how good I tried to be but I looked to Christ the Sinless Saviour and repented of my sin. What a wonderful Saviour He has been to me ever since! Do you know Him as your Saviour?

Yes, it's amazing what a few words painted on a wall can make me think about!

You are so loved

At this time of the year when people's thoughts are directed to LOVE, perhaps it is an appropriate time for me to say that I believe that marriage is to between a man and a woman as God ordained and that I am pro-life. (Those of you who know me already know that anyway!) But I am writing this blog to remind you that God so loves us and we are to act with love towards others.

God SO LOVED us that He GAVE...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3v16 KJV).

Stop and meditate on the unfathomable love of God. Then, think about how we can emulate that love in our lives. Love gives sacrificially. True love bears good fruit. Yes, we are so loved but God expects Christians to love one another as Christ has loved us (1 John 4v11).

OK, that's all very good but what has it to do with the above picture? Well, I just cannot help but think of the little defenseless baby in it's mother's womb being so loved by God. What right has anyone to kill it? And yet, millions have been murdered. Then, I must go on to say that it is not only Pro-lifers and those who are anti same sex marriage that God loves. We have ALL been born sinners and we ALL deserve eternal death and WHOEVER believes on Christ can have their sins forgiven and have eternal life.

So, how should we treat those who disagree with us and even vehemently oppose us when we stand up for the life of the unborn children and for marriage as God ordained it between a man and a woman? Read 1 Corinthians 13. There is no room there for being abusive, disrespectful, arrogant or hateful towards those who support SSM and abortion. Remember, love never fails and our love ought to point them to Christ. That does not mean that we cannot stand strong for the truth. Never forget that the vilest of sinners (and there are many others besides homosexuals and abortionists) can be cleansed from their sins by the blood of Christ.

I rejoice that I am so loved and that I will one day stand with that great multitude of redeemed sinners which no man can number before the throne of God (Revelation 7v 9-17). I believe that the millions of unborn babies will be there and that there will be many redeemed homosexuals and redeemed abortionists amongst that great crowd praising God. Praise God you are so loved and make sure you will stand among that great multitude of redeemed sinners, too!

2017 Reflections

I read this little statement recently:

"You are one of a kind - designed to glorify God as only you can."

What a tremendously encouraging and challenging thought to take with us into 2018!

I want to hold my head high like the seagull in this photo as I enter this New Year and glorify God despite any hurt and discouragement or difficulties I may face.


But first I just want to reflect a little on 2017 by simply adding photos of a few highlights of my summer.

I always enjoy teaching at Holiday Bible events for children but I particularly enjoyed it this past year as I presented the boys and girls with some very simple choices that they each must make in life.

Theme of Holiday Bible School 2017

Day at Amy and Andrew's wedding

My boy reached one quarter of a century

Just a few Photo Memories of my Holiday in Cornwall August 2017

Port Isaac beach

Doc Martin's house

Happy group at Port Isaac with school in background

Cotehele

Drake Shopping Centre, Plymouth

I absolutely loved those beautiful big flowers hanging in the Drake Centre, Plymouth. Just as they brightened up the shopping centre, so the beautiful memories of 2017 brighten up my ordinary life. Isn't it amazing that our minds are created to major on the lovely, good and beautiful things in life, rather than dwelling on the things we would prefer to forget? I look forward with anticipation to what God has for me in 2018.

I do not know what sort of year you have had but if you are a child of God, take this Bible verse with you into 2018. Remember you are designed to glorify God as only you can. He will instruct you and guide you as to how to fulfill that purpose. Trust Him!

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32v8)

Wishing you every blessing for 2018

Rhonda