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.
15th December Advent Devotion – The power of expectations
Hello, We join with Jesus in Jerusalem as a Jewish Festival is taking place. We gather with the crowds inside the city near the sheep gate at the pool of Bethesda with its 5 covered porches. Its mayhem, sick. blind, lame and paralysed people lay on the porches, among them a man who had been…
14th December Advent Devotion – Our Father’s heart
Hello, There are so many facets to God, for me coming to know him as my Father is profound and precious. Each experience of His love for me draws me deeper, shapes and transforms my heart. This miracle is multiplied as he trusts and enables me to carry His heart and bear His image to…
13th December Advent Devotion – Brokenness, Light and Surrender
Hello, Today we join the crowds who sat with Jesus in the temple courts. They and we are hungry to know him more. As he sits teaching us we are interrupted by the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. They rush in, full of anger and judgement with a woman they caught in adultery. They bring…
12th December Advent Devotion – Getting Comfortable with the Impossible
Hello, Discerning the nature of the voice we hear is really important. It’s the first step to how we respond to the news we receive. The second step is to become aware of our attitude and if necessary talk to God about it and realign our hearts. Then like Mary we can make our response to God.…
11th December Advent Devotion – Take Strength; Have Courage
Hello, When I painted this painting my journey was particularly dark. I didn’t feel safe, yet I had the promise of being hidden in Father’s hands. John 10v27-29 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my…
10th December Advent Devotion – The comfort of God that moves mountains
Hello, My relationship with God began more than 33 years ago yet it has taken many of them to realise and understand I could come to my Father God for comfort. He has always been faithful to give comfort, yet somehow I didn’t know I could ask, come into His presence and receive comfort from Him.…
9th December Advent Devotion – A Heart that sees Jesus
Hello, I don’t know about you, but I never tire of seeing the sun rise and set. Every time, the unique beauty catches me in a fresh way. For me the sunrise says, there is a new day, new hope, new mercy. Its also a statement about darkness submitting to light, a promise of ‘seeing’. God has…
8th December Advent Devotion – In over my head.
Hello, Hebrews 11v1 says “Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. ” In the reading today, Isaiah’s faith caused him to rejoice and celebrate with his people. That is absolute conviction! Its also the currency of our relationship with God. In our…
7th December Advent Devotion – The Way of Childlike Trust and Dependence
Hello, As I welcome Holy Spirit to walk with me in the contours of my heart, one of my questions to him concerns any barriers I have that hinder my desire to live in trust and dependence. Time and time again, he speaks to me about ‘fear’ and how fear and trust cannot co-exist in…
6th December Advent Devotion – Soaking in Jesus Living Word
Hello, John’s gospel introduces Jesus to us as living word. The writer to the Hebrews describes the way he interacts with our hearts as living word. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It…