Reflections
Mindfulness today is recognised for its ability to preserve and restore mental health. This practice is named in the Bible as “Selah” a Hebrew word meaning to pause in His Presence and reflect.” Beauty in creation often draws us into such moments.
Through this ancient art we can experience stillness, silence, gratitude, curiosity, beauty, wonder and more. As we reflect, we become aware of ourselves, our thoughts and feelings. We reconnect with heart and soul. In the midst of life, we are invited into a rhythm to bring us back to stillness and receiving, where we can experience God whose Presence is a place to gain perspective, strength and peace even in the centre of a storm.
This space hosts some of my reflections, in particular a series I kept throughout Advent. It is my hope to add more, to share my own journey and encourage you in yours.
25th December Advent Devotion – Do not be afraid I bring you Good News
Hello, The Angel said “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news” There is so much fear in our world and indeed our lives today. Fear on a global scale about terrorism and war; Fear that impacts Nations on many levels. Within the UK, the impact of Brexit, and the growing poverty in our…
24th December Advent Devotion – This Love
Hello This Christmas eve my prayer is that you may know you are deeply beloved you are to Jesus. Are you thirsty for His love? Lets join our hearts with The Shulamite Women in these words from The Passion Translation of Song of Songs. The Shulamite Listen! I hear my Lover’s voice. I know its…
23rd December Advent Devotion – We carry His Hope
Hello, We join with the neighbours and relatives of Zechariah and Elizabeth as years of trial from barrenness and disgrace among their people finally end with the miraculous gift of a son. We all face trials throughout our lives. In Psalm 30 David reflects on one of his many trials and says in v5 The deepest pains…
22nd December Advent Devotion – Meeting Jesus as Lord
Hello, How was it when you were first filled with The Holy Spirit? Can you remember when you met Jesus as Lord? When we meet Jesus as Lord it leads us to surrender our lives or a part of our life to Him. Today we are privileged to meet with Elizabeth as she is filled…
21st December Advent Devotion – Breaking out of Disappointment and Unbelief
Hello, At one time or another we have all had a hearts desire, a hope, a longing for something to happen. For Zechariah and Elizabeth it was to have a baby and they had prayed and waited and waited until finally in their old age hope for this desire died. Silent disappointment wraps itself around…
20th December Advent Devotion – The Lord Our Justice
Hello, I began my morning swim in darkness. Afterwards I stepped outside to the breathtaking sight of the morning sunrise! It stopped me in my tracks! Psalm 19:1 says, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Photo by Karen Way – Sunrise Over Derby…
19th December Advent Devotion – Hope lives in the messy places
Hello, Our Son made a poster as a welcome to those who visit their home. It says “The strangest of all things, Hope lives in the messy places.” Our reading today meets Joseph in such a place! I have found myself in such places many times, and talking honestly to God said, “If…
18th December Advent Devotion – Oh the arms of love, they fly faster than I can fall
Hello, Today we consider the prophetic portraits of Jesus as coming messiah given to God’s children who at the time were in exile in Babylon. To a people utterly destitute, extremely poor, lacking the means to provide for themselves in any way – they had been unable to keep God’s covenant; They had lost their…
17th December Advent Devotion – Jesus is our Source
Hello, We meet Mary just as the Angel Gabriel leaves. Having received news of not only her own pregnancy but that of Zachariah and Elizabeth immediately she hurries to a town in the hill country of Judea, to their home. I can imagine her tired and breathless yet bursting with excitement as she sees Elizabeth.…
16th December Advent Devotion – He brought us home
Hello, Today we see Our Father’s plan for reconciliation and homecoming for all, I’m so thankful that! One weekend in April 1983 I went to Newcastle to go to out with friends night clubbing. On my way there I met a group of people on the street offering hot chocolate and a chat. They asked me…