A God made for when Grief strikes

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Sitting at the table, alone and shut up in anguish, far beyond the reach that this world’s therapy can supply, where all idols fade, when everything hurts, and nothing helps, with heart wrought, God is sought.

That situation of sitting at the table, searching the Scriptures, journalling, bawling, praying, all alone, was such a common experience, I hardly thought of being ‘met’ by God as a comfort. The fact was He was present in a way I’d never previously experienced or imagined. And still His Presence made my reality not one iota more comfortable.

I languished in the pain of my circumstance — the outworking of a failed marriage, where I’d been thrown on the relational scrapheap. Nothing could assuage that pain, nothing said, nothing done, no escape, no activity, no fellowship, no flight of fancy, nor any drug on the face of the earth.

To insist upon help would have been utter futility. Such as it is in grief.

God’s design is that all trust in idols cease, because — and this is grief’s best blessing — we see they have no power. Finally, when all is stripped away, when there is nothing left in us to fight, nor even hope, what vestige of hope we have left must, simply must, cling to what God can do for us. Finally, the truth is seen in all its terrible brilliance. Nothing can help. Yet, then, help can begin.

Stripped bare, and to come into the realisation that all is forlorn, this is God’s destiny of blessing. We must come to an end of ourselves before there can be a vitalising beginning.

Out of the worst hell on earth comes the heaven long promised from ages old, yet it is never what we expect.

But we must go there… traversing such hell as if God were there, because He is. It is such a wisdom that we must experience the pain of feeling utterly alone and abandoned by God to realise that we’re never abandoned by God. Quite the contrary…

Only in the vacuousness of feeling abandoned by God are we compelled to search by a faith that refuses to believe He could abandon us. Then and only then do we face the true God who never abandons anyone.

Quelling Everyday Anxiety

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By far the commonest anxiety is suffered by those who would not be diagnosed with a disorder.

The commonest anxiety is caused by stress of task-and-time pressure. The more the tasks build up, the less time we feel we have, and the less peace we experience. And it’s the average mother and father who are afflicted.

Ask any parent with ailing parents, caught in the middle of that stress sandwich — an unabating burden. Something has to give. Little wonder we find some form/s of coping, healthy or else. Yet, we do find ways of coping.

Stress does the strangest things to us. It messes with our minds and that sentiment plummets into our soul. It causes us to dream terrifying fantasies. And it can force us into corners we’d never choose to be backed into.

Probably the most alarming issue with stress-induced anxiety, however, is its impact on our relationships. Seriously, just how much conflict is caused by stress? And how many conflicts emerge through an inability to be honestly sad or courageous; that one or both are not upset so much over the issues, but they’re too emotionally compromised to respond well?

Our inner conflict spills out into conflict with others, and the issues are often secondary at best. We disagree because stress causes us to polarise into a place of inflexibility, because control is the comfort we crave when we feel out of control.

But insisting for control, which is what we do when we’re stressed, is the quickest way of losing control.

We lack peace with others because we lack peace with ourselves. We lack peace with ourselves because we lack peace with God. Peace with God facilitates empathy, wisdom, compassion, patience and gentleness, often even amid stress. But peace with God is something we so often lack. Our anxiety is normal, and yet it implores us to draw near to God.

Of course, I have focused here on everyday anxiety here. The above is not a comment on the disorders.

Why grief was made for hope

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Some statements seem ridiculous when we first read them. Perhaps the title seems bizarre. But there are always truths in life we have no idea about.

Then, sometimes, God uses the circumstances in our lives to break through and cause us to learn something new.

This is a hope that’s possible in life — but only through grief — and only when we’re so broken that all we have left, when we’re alone, is God. We reach out, having to believe, believing because we can, hoping beyond chance that He’s there to meet with us. We pray in mumbled murmurs that only God’s Spirit could understand. But we know He’s there. As we bellow our laments, we feel His sympathy.

Grief was made for hope so that we would understand that God is at the depths with us.

Grief was made for hope so that in our darkest hour we would see His light shining through.

Grief was made for hope so that we could see that true hope is rarely possible without loss.

I know, these concepts must seem weird, but ask the person at their rock bottom. The person who searches for God at their lowest ebb. The person who, at last, finds what they’ve ever been looking for. They know. They live what is stated in Jeremiah 29:13-14: “When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart… says the Lord.”

Grief was made for hope. It really is. Somehow only God would make it possible to engineer life out of death.

Loss is the catalyst of redemption.

To the One who knows you and loves you as you are

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The world may reject you and pretend it doesn’t know your name, but there is One who never rejects and will never forget your name, because He named you from eternity’s dawn.

The world may think you’re weird and not worth listening to, but there is One who, being the only true Judge, completely gets you and sits on your every word and dignifies you, taking your deepest desire seriously.

The world may be angry with you, and consider you untrustworthy, but there is One who believes in you, that you can still achieve what your deepest heart’s yearning wants to do.

The world may misrepresent and misunderstand and misinterpret you, but there is One who knows all, who knows what you need, how you operate, and what makes you tick, and made you this way.

The world may make you feel unsafe and unsure, but there is One in whom you can be at ease, who provides all, and who always will.

The world may disparage your hopes and plans, but there is One who knows how all plans work out, who would never laugh in your face, who encourages your heart to persist.

The world may whisper all kinds of things about you, but there is One who, by His Spirit, will be honest with you, even rebuking you in all reproving and redemptive gentleness.

The world may look the other way when even as you approach, but there is One who never looks away, who loves you even when you don’t love Him.

Remember there is One who has overcome the world… Jesus.

A life that seems to make no sense but somehow works out best

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The Christian life, properly lived, may feel a lot like this: ‘I don’t know where I’m going, I often appear to be getting nowhere, and yet I’m content, for God is with me.’

It’s the life, in its ideal, that seeks to covet only God’s Presence, and nothing else.

Who would want to live such an uncertain life, living by faith, not by the assurance of knowing I’m in control? In other words, trusting control to God.

Only those who know they can and ought to trust God, knowing in the fullest measure of sincerity in their hearts that following God is the best life has to offer.

The life of faith seems to make no sense at all — certainly to the many onlookers who see us live a life where loss is gain, where we look for hope in pain.

What underpins the faith cause — why does God call us all to live by faith?

This is a truth we must all acknowledge for ourselves and reconcile: our ego wants life ever to be for us. Our life wants life our way or the highway. But the big problem is, if we get our way, often others don’t get theirs. That’s a big problem from God’s point of view — see how He cannot say ‘yes’ to all our prayers? If anyone gets their own way, we could think from God’s perspective, everyone must get their own way. That is an anomaly of life. In the realm of life, such an idea of everyone having their prayers answered is rank absurdity.

This is why we must live for God, living by faith in His created order of things, agreeing we cannot have our own way all the time or even most of the time. We must see that God has an interest in every life, not just our individual life.

This is why we strive live a life that looks to God every single moment, without insisting our portion of control over our life. This wisdom involves letting-go-to-get, recognising that seizing control in life only reconciles anxiety, whereas surrendering control rallies peace in our heart.

But such a life has the appearance that we don’t care about where we’re going or whether we’re getting ahead or not. Yet, what doesn’t look attractive is serenely pleasant for the one who lives it authentically.

Pain that heals a soul’s Pain

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People often resist the path of pressure that will augment healing. It stands to reason, healing costs. There is a pain involved in resolving pain, as Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) famously said:

“Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure.”

There is a price to be paid for redemption. In Nouwen’s economy, words, speaking advice, and ongoing proximity have their limits.

He speaks of a truth here that is necessary on the journey of healing. He speaks about liminal space — that divergence from logic where faith takes the reins from reason, where reason throws its hands up in defeat, and faith says, ‘game on’, where less is more.

There are times when we have to venture into discomfort to release the grip fear has made on us. These times in therapy are the awkward silences where the heart processes what the mind cannot contemplate.

Where the mind is confounded and overwhelmed, beyond its ability to conjure a fabricated defence, the heart must rise, and it ascends courageously as only the heart can, other than shrink.

When we allow our minds to endure such discomfort as the awkwardness of knowing we’re without defence, our hearts rise ultimately on the wings of honesty. The truth wins. And healing begins.

If we would help someone recover from pain, we might imagine the way through is via uncomfortable allegiances with the truth. If we, ourselves, are ailing, we do well to steel ourselves for the inevitable cost of the breakthrough.

The mind’s fight for acceptance, the heart’s battle for love

When I’m vulnerable my psychology sits atop a knife’s edge; I either progress to repentance or topple into resentment. And it’s people who just happen to benefit or pay.

I am as prone to rejection as the next person, and I don’t buy it when people say they aren’t. There are people who exist in a safe bubble of acceptance which says even more about the power of rejection in their lives.

The continuum of acceptance and rejection is possibly the most powerful force. And it all begins in the mind; a mind responding to what the heart feels.

I can tell you that when I’ve felt most vulnerable, I have been most susceptible to rejecting others. When I’ve felt rejected, I’ve tended to respond by rejecting. When I’ve felt accepted, the vulnerable feelings vanish, and acceptance is easy. There is one poignant example where this is rife: in those who have influence over me; a power I have given them. I could be much less susceptible to a person’s rejection if they have no influence on me or power over me, but as soon as they do I have to admit susceptibility. I do not consider those I serve as those who have influence on me or power over me.

It’s those I look up to who I perceive don’t accept me who I’m liable to reject in response to their rejection.

The mind fights to be accepted, and the heart battles for love. Where there is acceptance and feelings of love, there is safety and wellbeing.

Acknowledge the drive for acceptance in others. Accept everyone as they are and experience less rejection.

FIFTH THOUSAND – 10,000 Reasons

FIFTH THOUSAND – 10,000 Reasons

My challenge is to compile 10,000 Reasons for my gratitude to God for His goodness. It commenced on January 22. This fifth thousand spans the days of March 3 to 12, 2018. My first thousand can be found here. My second thousand can be found here. My third thousand can be found here. My fourth thousand can be found here.

Here is my fifth thousand…

2 / 3 March 2018

4001.                   Nothing like a start the day before

4002.                   For a sober reflection on how I’m interacting with people

4003.                   That we developed a ramp system for my son to use

4004.                   For the push-ups and curls I managed to get done

4005.                   For poise to resist anger in the disciplining of a four-year-old

4006.                   For the purpose in me that chips away at the tasks at hand

4007.                   The incredible blessing of an earlier night than expected

4008.                   Waking easily at 4.10 AM to start the work day extra early

4009.                   Air, fuel and oil, with coffee, all before 5 AM

4010.                   For the way a smile alleviated anxiety in the one who served me

4011.                   Simply the quiet of morning

4012.                   For the message from my principal clarifying the tasks ahead

4013.                   A difficult first assignment to retrieve a shoe 15 feet deep on a roof accomplished with the correct tools

4014.                   Just that beautiful perfect autumn breeze and the oft tweeting of birds going about their business

4015.                   That I know now that the passage of the day is assured

4016.                   That confidence is an inside job

4017.                   That I found a towel I had forgotten about

4018.                   For the five balls I found on the roof

4019.                   For the help I can give my daughter today

4020.                   For the news overnight

4021.                   That I am heartfelt excited for people who have their babies even though we lost ours

4022.                   For the comfort my wife and I are for each other

4023.                   For thoughts and prayers I have for dear friends who are struggling on the marital journey

4024.                   That the moon is full on the horizon at 6:44 AM

4025.                   For the breakfast radio interview with an interesting photography guest

4026.                   That I could drive past the old house and reminisce

4027.                   For the poise I had in making a blunder

4028.                   For reminders of how much I still had to learn about life in my twenties

4029.                   For the bliss in the idea that I’m a living being

4030.                   For the privilege of serving a family member and listening at the same time

4031.                   For the duty I have to help a daughter out – with her home, doing things fathers do

4032.                   For the chat that took place about a key component of my daughter’s life

4033.                   That she felt supported by me today

4034.                   For the help I got at the hardware warehouse

4035.                   For the patience I showed in being led to the wrong aisle – it was aisle 17, not 16, close yet so far away! – it’s not the end of the world

4036.                   That the stress of finding things in the warehouse finished – I was on my way

4037.                   That, at arriving at work, I was on task – I had a lot to do in two hours

4038.                   That I got everything done I could reasonably finish

4039.                   Again, it strikes me that frustration precedes relief

4040.                   For space, finally

4041.                   That gratitude is not natural – it often requires a refocus

4042.                   To know that many competing pressures for my time makes gratitude impossible, but for choice

4043.                   For the fact that everyone turned up to our housewarming event/wife’s birthday

4044.                   To see daughter number three

4045.                   For the sound of water on plants

4046.                   That I got to play cricket with my son

4047.                   That we got to see family today that we don’t see all that often

4048.                   That everyone got on

4049.                   For opportunities for rest however fleeting

4050.                   That God urged me to keep going

4051.                   That my son keeps a portfolio of all his ‘messages’ – he likes to preach like Grandad

4052.                   That my son watches me prepare and practice preaching and emulates me

4053.                   For the privilege of dating my daughters – this time my second daughter

4054.                   That I got to see all of my three girls today!

4055.                   For what goes through my heart as she shared what she is finding joyous and difficult in life

4056.                   Hearing my wife and son sing, Yes, Jesus Loves Me

4057.                   For the things I still have to learn about life

4058.                   That my yawns are well earned

4059.                   For the dust on my tyres which prove my car is worthy of its work

4060.                   That I have access to the Test cricket score on the internet

4061.                   For the sounds of doors locking which means the day is coming to a close

4062.                   For the fan on my device that protects it from overheating

4063.                   For the authors I call favourites: Guinness, Peterson, Sande, Foster, Willard, Tozer, McDonald

4064.                   For the opportunity to praise a co-worker who has bought a microwave for work

4065.                   For the FREE eBook

4066.                   That there are times as a married couple that we would not swap for anything else

4067.                   That tomorrow’s plan is simpler than today’s plan was

4068.                   That today was full of connection

4069.                   That tomorrow I share about Billy Graham

4070.                   For the elderly folk at the Nursing Home we visit with tomorrow

4071.                   For email communication when the FREE eBook hasn’t been received

4072.                   That being thankful is a key to joy

4073.                   That I have a dream of being a great communicator one day

4074.                   That I still have never written something worthy enough yet – which keeps me going

4075.                   That I crave words of meaning

4076.                   For the words I have already written

4077.                   For the mathematics behind records

4078.                   That moment when someone has shared something I’ve written

4079.                   That the world is filled with all kinds of people

4080.                   For the fact that the legalist in us cannot stand the diversity in the above

4081.                   That God wins

4082.                   That there is still something to be written… tonight

4083.                   For the laughs we shared as a family today

4084.                   For the grace my wife showed when I revealed something that was said today

4085.                   For the fact that our house was safe today

4086.                   For the beautiful candle aroma that I arrived to today

4087.                   For the sleep that takes us by storm

4088.                   For the uniqueness in each of us

4089.                   That there is a blessing possible in every conscious thought

4090.                   For the history in our marriage, but more for the future

4091.                   That I have company in this journey of life

4092.                   For memory of a grief that lasted far longer than it needed to

4093.                   For the plane going overhead – such a rarity these days

4094.                   For the pain I have endured that is now resolved

4095.                   For God’s voice today to resist a temptation

4096.                   For the brief prayer I shared with my second daughter tonight

4097.                   That I embraced all my daughters at one point today

4098.                   For the angles of an event I can see through a social media news feed

4099.                   For the plans I have to ride on Monday – Lord, bring it to pass!

4100.                   Finally, it is good to arrive

4101.                   Oh look, I see a book

4 March 2018

4102.                   For patience and grace in cleaning up a mess in the middle of the night

4103.                   For sleep that was solid

4104.                   For wind that cools us through the night

4105.                   That we had the opportunity to plan in bed

4106.                   A day ahead that has some discretionary time

4107.                   That there will be some time of peace and quiet this morning before church

4108.                   For the noise a nearly five-year-old can make

4109.                   That I’m drawing inspiration from the Spirit for today’s devotion

4110.                   For the three weeks that are ahead of now – three big weeks – every three weeks is a big three weeks

4111.                   For the plans my wife and son have for the day

4112.                   That my son goes to a child’s birthday party today – first one from school

4113.                   That my wife’s grandmother will get a visit from her today

4114.                   That we sit at a table for breakfast and have good food to eat

4115.                   For remembering to do something important that could easily have been forgotten

4116.                   That I wasn’t condemned for not doing something

4117.                   For God’s inconveniences – He has the plan

4118.                   For uncertain conversations that remind me of my need for safety

4119.                   For the grace and time God gives me to continue this activity

4120.                   For the Bible version that is loaned to me

4121.                   That even though I’m directionally challenged I still made it to the service on time

4122.                   For De. at the Nursing Home – her help was invaluable

4123.                   That I have the capacity to eat right now

4124.                   That there is a little free time available to me today

4125.                   For the empathy we were able to give each other about our busy lives

4126.                   That there is a time and a reason for everything

4127.                   That my anxiety reduces as I progress with this list

4128.                   That I am 41.28% the way to my goal

4129.                   For the meeting I had with our pastor which helps set direction

4130.                   That I get to preach this week about the importance of women in Jesus’ teaching

4131.                   That I get to catch up with other Christian School chaplains this week

4132.                   That a lot of the boxes that were packed now look flat

4133.                   For the opportunity to compliment a sister in Christ

4134.                   That I could explain the changes we’re implementing, and it was understood

4135.                   For the fact that conflict is an opportunity

4136.                   That the service ran on time

4137.                   That I may not need to dry clean my graduation gown

4138.                   For the communication that occurred on the road to the Nursing Home

4139.                   That every day it seems there is more progress made on God’s plans

4140.                   That energy is what it is that fuels enthusiasm

4141.                   That some bad news can at times be good news

4142.                   For the plans of another family member to shift home

4143.                   That God invites to again ditch the time god

4144.                   For the truth in my need for God

4145.                   That I have a number in mind

4146.                   That I have many, many Bibles – I wish some of them lived in others’ homes

4147.                   For the joy I had when someone unexpectedly remembered my name

4148.                   For the comradery at my workplace

4149.                   That I know that eating is not a sport

4150.                   That our circumstances dictate our prayers – and to know God wants us to transcend that

4151.                   For the revelation I received today about humility

4152.                   That I pray for safe travels for my wife and son as they come home

4153.                   For the story of John Newton, the ex-slave trader

4154.                   That I’m often forgiven for having a confused mind

4155.                   For the refreshed mind I now experience

4156.                   For the sounds of work going on nearby

4157.                   For hints of indigestion that remind me to eat well

4158.                   For the hopes have for revival in our nation and church

4159.                   That my wife and I have come a long way, as all do, in the past ten years

4160.                   That phone calls come out of the blue

4161.                   That when it seems we waste our time it’s not that we always waste our time

4162.                   That marriage is good – our is, but I’m not getting complacent

4163.                   For a raw and real chat with a friend who is suffering a rock bottom experience right now

4164.                   For time to get ahead – for the knowledge that it is best to patiently wait for it

4165.                   For the recount how my son enjoyed the birthday party he went to

4166.                   For a lazy Sunday afternoon

4167.                   For the study I am engaged in – John 20:10-18 at present

4168.                   That there is time to study before I make dinner

4169.                   That I desire to serve my wife – and she serves me

4170.                   That I have a lot to learn

4171.                   That some things I’ll never learn – heaven help me

4172.                   That possibly the greatest lesson is experienced at the end of myself

4173.                   That finishing a thing at a time is wisdom

4174.                   For the reminder I got about an important thing to remain aware of

4175.                   For the child that cries out in need of comfort and gets that comfort

4176.                   For the energy to unpack more boxes

4177.                   That when it doesn’t look like I’m getting anywhere, to hold the faith

4178.                   That I had the privilege of sending an encouraging message about a Bible translation

4179.                   For the blessing that was received by the person receiving the message

4180.                   For the thoughts shared on social media – if only we can respect the person behind the message

4181.                   For the honesty to admit fault

4182.                   That I know what gets me down – the workload of many tasks

4183.                   That I know what lifts me – engagement with people

4184.                   One last salvo – the honesty that says ‘Push!’

4185.                   That I do have the tenacity to break through and to endure

4186.                   For the prayers I hold for a dear couple

4187.                   For Er. and Wa. at the Nursing Home

4188.                   For the sadness I feel as another couple I know separates

4189.                   That the goodness of God is not only in good things but in goodness tried

4190.                   For the fact that I really don’t know how this will end

4191.                   That we have listed the things we need to do

4192.                   For the refrigerator we have our sights on to fit our house

4193.                   For the call I received from a daughter needing support

4194.                   That I have confidence in my ability to work hard

4195.                   That I know there is a cost in sustaining the workload

4196.                   For the brakes on both our cars

4197.                   For bittersweet reflections – our son has spent a quarter of his life with us

4198.                   That my wife and I really enjoy each other’s company

4199.                   For sounds nearby

4200.                   That my wife has the day off tomorrow and she is paid for it

4201.                   For the plans we have to have a family date tomorrow

4202.                   That there is more life behind than there is ahead – that is just a fact

5 March 2018

4203.                   For poise to be woken immediately before my alarm, concerned I wouldn't get to it and it would wake my wife

4204.                   That I overcame the urge to go back to bed and not ride

4205.                   For the paracetamol available for me to take

4206.                   For being able to get my bike out of the shed quietly

4207.                   For the winds that buffeted me

4208.                   For the hills that gave me resistance

4209.                   For the presence of people around me

4210.                   For the fragrances and aromas around me

4211.                   For the view outside

4212.                   That I can sit here midride and do this

4213.                   For the fact that there are thousands and thousands of normal transactions in any one day

4214.                   For the women’s life who sits near me; for her and her children and grandchildren

4215.                   For the radio overheard in here

4216.                   For the chatter of staff enjoying working with each other

4217.                   For the sounds of systems in the background

4218.                   That there are plans today to recreate with each other

4219.                   That there was good sport news this morning

4220.                   That I can find reasons to be thankful out of nothing

4221.                   That I have freedom regarding what I eat

4222.                   That there is a great deal of satisfaction enjoyed in my work

4223.                   For the joy I see all around me in my workplace

4224.                   For the aroma of banana bread being toasted

4225.                   That the coming weeks are busy and challenging

4226.                   That these challenges are good speaking assignments

4227.                   For the wisdom that looks 2-3 weeks ahead to see what’s coming

4228.                   That I will soon be third place in the world on the world’s number one article directory

4229.                   For the prospect of the meeting taking place on Tuesday night

4230.                   For the ‘magic’ in little beginnings

4231.                   That there is already forming in me a kin for this place

4232.                   For the emergent love of this area and its people

4233.                   That I can sit here; for the ease of freedom in my whole life

4234.                   For the mistakes I made yesterday that I could laugh about last night

4235.                   That life doesn’t stop at defeat

4236.                   For all those years where I diligently fathered my now adult daughters

4237.                   Wow, I am do blessed to have three beautiful women as daughters

4238.                   For that aspect of life that seems surreal; did that really happen?

4239.                   For the perspective God gives me as I take this time to connect with life and with Him

4240.                   For News delivered quickly with gusto

4241.                   For the number God placed into my mind just now

4242.                   For what God does in me as I sense signs of progress

4243.                   For the efficiency of focus

4244.                   For the knowledge that frustration and distraction are dysfunctional cousins

4245.                   For the rhythm in keeping the pace

4246.                   For those times when my mind overcomes itself saying ‘I cannot do this’

4247.                   For the value inherent in work

4248.                   For the moment the penny drops… I can ENJOY this work

4249.                   That at 7:09 AM I imagine my son and wife laying in bed chatting or tickling or something

4250.                   That it occurs to me that busyness is my last resentment

4251.                   That I can say NO!

4252.                   For the empowerment I feel in getting ahead to earn the right to enjoy the work

4253.                   That all work is good if there isn't time pressure… if I can truly enjoy it

4254.                   That one day soon I will be riding longer distances

4255.                   That a hot day tomorrow doesn't deter my passion

4256.                   For the chance to catch up with peers tomorrow

4257.                   For the blessedness in enjoying modern engineering

4258.                   For that sweet machine that drove past

4259.                   The beauty and majesty in the early morning

4260.                   For how my heart feels when I look at my wife!

4261.                   For the prayer that the day’s quota will be finished in threes… then to get well ahead

4262.                   That today is to a day to get ahead!

4263.                   For the love flowing through my veins this moment

4264.                   For the rich, heartfelt prayer for a friend

4265.                   For friendship ministry

4266.                   That I have all I need

4267.                   That I need never panic, it only causes me to sin

4268.                   For the revelations that I get, that I forget, that I pray I csn recollect

4269.                   That there is always more, especially when I feel there is no more

4270.                   For the state of mind I’m in right now that I call Thought Production

4271.                   For the numbers that impact my mood positively

4272.                   For the state I find myself in when the world and all the enemy's angels cannot knock me of balance

4273.                   For the constant reminders I get that this world is a spiritual realm

4274.                   That God has WON the victory!

4275.                   That this day will be about that victory!

4276.                   That at 7:35 AM God is teaching me something very important through experience

4277.                   That experience is wonder through personal awareness

4278.                   That the body’s processes can elicit pure joy

4279.                   For the pain that is possible and any moment that pain isn't experienced

4280.                   Love chugging up the mountain like a steam train

4281.                   That I could do 100 before 8AM

4282.                   That I could add my work to a public toilet and clean it

4283.                   That soon a different phase will commence

4284.                   Look ahead at what looms… can you get sight of joy?

4285.                   16 days out through 20, nice to grant the subconscious permission to enter that fray

4286.                   Did you feel what just started?

4287.                   Like an electronic game, there are levels in this life to ascend

4288.                   So… ascend

4289.                   That there are separate presences to be felt, all spiritually valid, all of God

4290.                   That feeling when nearly there… keep going up the mount!

4291.                   That on arriving home I wanted to clean the shed out

4292.                   That when I finished I could actually walk inside the shed

4293.                   For the motivation to fix my wife’s bike

4294.                   That the bike wasn’t irreparable

4295.                   That in sorting the shed multiple conflicts were resolved

4296.                   For the receipt of several revelations – to the point of pressure!

4297.                   For the tiredness that comes as a result of inspirational overload

4298.                   For the massive learning breakthrough we had with our son

4299.                   For the creation of a ‘Milo break’ that helps our son deal with frustration

4300.                   That we can do something pleasurable to ward against frustration (12:21 PM)

4301.                   For Veggie Tales as an alternative to secular children’s television

4302.                   For the church history books I found in the shed

4303.                   That we could do a reconnaissance of the location for our son’s fifth birthday

4304.                   For family time

4305.                   That we saw and engaged with Ma.’s family at the Aquatic Centre

4306.                   That I got to chat with De., Ma.’s father – really nice bloke

4307.                   For the salt and vinegar chips we shared as a family outside

4308.                   That we got to scope some improvements to the shed

4309.                   For the opportunity to clean up

4310.                   To frequent a new takeaway store and begin striking up rapport

4311.                   For the opportunity after dinner to go out again and get bread and fuel for the car

4312.                   That in getting coffee and spilling it everywhere I got the opportunity to joyously clean it all up… and the cup was still half full

4313.                   For the opportunity to be reminded how functional and effective I am doing Administration work

4314.                   That in writing for anyone who might read the world over, the Lord reads me, and He sifts me

4315.                   That this day has been what it promised to be – productive

4316.                   That I could come to my Princess’s emotional rescue and squash a bug

4317.                   That I got my message and PW presenter’s notes printed well in advance

4318.                   For the opportunity to press home the advantage – more to write

6 March 2018

4319.                   Woken in a dream again, which is insight as to where I am at

4320.                   Quiet drive in the dark towards work

4321.                   Arrived safely

4322.                   Recognising I am now outright third in the world at something; out of 380,000 others; never thought I’d be here ten years ago

4323.                   For the plans I have of what I could do this morning

4324.                   Reflecting on yesterday and the feeling of accomplishment

4325.                   For the earthy smell of fresh rain on pavement

4326.                   That a job simple enough went super smooth, something to show

4327.                   That a chance waking last night worked out especially well

4328.                   That due an incorrect alarm setting, I got to see my son today; at 5:15 AM

4329.                   That it's just me and the mosquitos

4330.                   For the privilege of providing a lift

4331.                   For seeing a place to clean that I may have overlooked

4332.                   That I get to exercise while I work

4333.                   Oh the chance to do one or three things more than I had planned

4334.                   That I got to carry the new microwave up into the staff room

4335.                   For the reminder of air on a humid morning

4336.                   For a minute or two to breath that air

4337.                   How good to have a good start?

4338.                   For the opportunity to let someone know I haven’t forgotten them

4339.                   For the pleasure in compromise

4340.                   For memory – of yesterday and of a thousand yesterdays – aĺl safely kept in the vault

4341.                   Again, for the significance and surety of the numerical system

4342.                   For the breeze to cool me down after work and shower

4343.                   Out of the phone box and into chaplaincy

4344.                   For meeting Jo. at prayer group and hearing them sing and pray

4345.                   For the sense of God’s peace over those prayers

4346.                   That there were new parents there

4347.                   That there was a word – utter dependence

4348.                   Made it safely with time to spare for a peer catch up

4349.                   For a place I used to call home

4350.                   For rapid service

4351.                   That I have exactly what I need; the need for Jesus

4352.                   That I got to see a children’s pastor I have been in ministry with - great to say hi

4353.                   For the vibe as I wait – much rather wait than be late

4354.                   That I have this day

4355.                   That I can encourage anyone with my smile

4356.                   For the good news I just heard

4357.                   That I could copy text from WhatsApp

4358.                   Realising that in strength there is a key disadvantage – heaven help us when we are so well equipped that we rely on others – Lord, be merciful enough to take away every scaffold of dependence on any other thing than You!

4359.                   For the grace given to me nearly 15 years ago when I had nothing

4360.                   That there is privacy here

4361.                   For the journey immediately ahead

4362.                   For fasting, which reminds me of what I usually take for granted

4363.                   For the Lord's word ‘that’, as in ‘write on that’

4364.                   For the colours in my salad

4365.                   For 10-minute reminders

4366.                   That people rely on those they have found trustworthy

4367.                   For my body's response to cough when something is stuck in my throat

4368.                   For the will and ability to affect a fix

4369.                   That I could get to and from the hardware store quickly

4370.                   That little inconvenience was suffered

4371.                   That I got the correct part

4372.                   For air conditioning that cooled me down

4373.                   For help in the provision of an important list

4374.                   That there was clarity in messages from other staff

4375.                   That prayer got me home safely

4376.                   For a bed to collapse on

4377.                   That I have a wife who is unflappable (a great majority of the time)

4378.                   That I got to spend time outside watching my son paint

4379.                   That my son’s use of paint used creativity

4380.                   That dinner was cooked for me

4381.                   That I was able to negotiate with my son so he could accept the consequences of his poor behaviour

4382.                   For the books we read together

4383.                   For the chat in bed before we turned the light out

4384.                   That whilst I put my son to bed my wife could shower

4385.                   That an important meeting about my role at church went well

4386.                   For the wrestle I underwent writing my latest offering

4387.                   For the fact I can pick up shopping for my wife tomorrow

4388.                   That my wife has some wonderful ideas for our son’s birthday

4389.                   That the timing of things went well today

4390.                   For the fact I have internet access through my phone

4391.                   That my wife is truly a partner – she is easy to live with

4392.                   For the product of work – genuine tiredness

4393.                   That God has shown me today how people trust in things not of Him

4394.                   How there is enough time

4395.                   That I helped my son with his toileting routine

4396.                   For the prospects of tomorrow to prepare for the days ahead

4397.                   That we have settled into this area nicely

4398.                   For the waves we receive and give as we drive down our street

4399.                   That we have had a big day and are thankful for it

4400.                   That I have something to give to my son’s teacher tomorrow

7 March 2018

4401.                   For a walk before dawn

4402.                   For the opportunity to lay things out

4403.                   That I get to start all over again

4404.                   For the mind’s capacity even upon waking

4405.                   That walk exercises the entire body

4406.                   For the amount of people who will walk into this shop

4407.                   How the bag is a barrier

4408.                   For eye contact that communicates so much

4409.                   That there are still aspects of life to be overcome

4410.                   For the reflection in the window

4411.                   That wonder is a gift to the open mind

4412.                   That as a missionary in my local area I have intrinsic purpose

4413.                   For the capacity of this shop to serve so many needs

4414.                   For the kindness of the barista

4415.                   That I am capable for the tasks today

4416.                   That I can work with children in my son’s class today

4417.                   That today there is the hint of freedom

4418.                   That life as it is lived seems like it will never end

4419.                   For the hint of rain in the air outside

4420.                   For the sophisticated technology on a motor vehicle these days

4421.                   That today two weeks from now I graduate

4422.                   For what that week will represent

4423.                   That because I persisted I arrived

4424.                   For the reassurance that I have ‘saved’

4425.                   That it doesn’t take as long to do something when I’m focused

4426.                   That there is blessing ahead according to the amount of gratitude I allow to blossom now

4427.                   For the headlights that signal presence and safety

4428.                   For those times the eye is caught

4429.                   That the constant movement of the body prevents injury

4430.                   For the blessing possible in a positive attitude

4431.                   That there is one King over all, Jesus

4432.                   For the opportunity to praise His name any and every day

4433.                   That there is a third of a quota in next to no time

4434.                   For the grace accorded me in living this life as His creation

4435.                   For the sweet music played here

4436.                   For friendship in the giving and receiving of coffee

4437.                   That there is pain in a stretch that provides information

4438.                   For the fact both my parents are alive

4439.                   That my daughters and brothers live close by

4440.                   For the milestones to be celebrated this month

4441.                   That I have what it takes despite the mind's lack of confidence at times

4442.                   For the fact I’m not in that queue

4443.                   For the opportunity for patience when in a queue

4444.                   For the workers of our nation

4445.                   For the breaking news of the day

4446.                   That God has the victory and reconciles all

4447.                   For the grace and ease in not counting

4448.                   For the function of maintenance

4449.                   That I know my mind divided is compromise I prefer not to make

4450.                   For the manager of this establishment

4451.                   That the time taken is fundamental to the execution of a task

4452.                   That we all need time

4453.                   That we all have needs

4454.                   That I am always best off being honest

4455.                   For the quota and how it empowers (or disempowers)

4456.                   For the best laid plans

4457.                   That the sultry sky reminds me of being in another place

4458.                   That I am called home

4459.                   For a mother’s commitment to her children

4460.                   For the walk that takes me back from whence I have come

4461.                   For the efficiency in rail

4462.                   For this new street of ours

4463.                   That even in the cajoling of plans there is a way ahead

4464.                   For the ensuing vision that can only come to pass

4465.                   For one’s children and their children to come

4466.                   That here again is evidence of progress

4467.                   That I wish always to honour my God

4468.                   For the short time I’ve been away from home

4469.                   For the flatness in this road

4470.                   For the peace in the tweeting of birds

4471.                   For a problem that presents that must be overcome

4472.                   That belief for a solution is part of the solution

4473.                   That I never know how or why I’ll be needed

4474.                   That I am at my best when I’m ready

4475.                   That there is wisdom in waiting in favour of being late

4476.                   That the journey of learning is long and God does not give up

4477.                   For the grace incumbent is sweet to me

4478.                   For the noises my body can produce

4479.                   That a bad mood can be overcome as I stand back and be still

4480.                   That a negative attitude fixes nothing, and nothing changes the fact, which is such a reliable truth

4481.                   For my son’s loading and starting of the dishwasher

4482.                   That we are ready well ahead of time – a precious few extra minutes of discretionary time

4483.                   For a child absorbed in play

4484.                   Where there is peace as there is now – enjoying it while it lasts

4485.                   That the challenge remains ever before me, driving me into purpose, away from despair

4486.                   For the idea that I’m nearly there this morning at 7:57 AM, but that I will need to pause

4487.                   That the giving of the Christian Teacher Network card was exactly what was required

4488.                   For the opportunity to cut up fruit for the children in my son’s class

4489.                   That even in spilling coffee all over a desk, some good can be still be done – reminded me I had washing to do

4490.                   For the fact my Friday is now free

4491.                   That in reflecting over last night’s meeting I can see a little more of God’s plan for my life

4492.                   For a chat on the phone with someone I’m helping – observing positive signs regarding reconciliation

4493.                   For the fact that today has seemed unproductive, but I have spent time in several areas demanding my attention

4494.                   That as I chatted on the phone I remembered that my pastoral shape is often prophetic

4495.                   For the fact that today started well, and the pressure was off from the beginning

4496.                   That I hope to get one more nap before picking my son up from school

4497.                   That it means little to me how much life costs me – to pour out my life is a privilege

4498.                   That as I reflect on the roles of leaders in churches I am thankful for leaders

4499.                   For the ideas that have not come today – sweet reprieve

4500.                   For the prayers being prayed for me today

4501.                   That I received my graduation papers today

4502.                   For the sight of my son running off in the distance toward the playground with other students

4503.                   For the chat I had with Ha.’s mother, Je, when waiting for school to finish

4504.                   For the desire to connect with other parents

4505.                   That my son wanted to show me the new show in his kids’ television channel

4506.                   That I overcame the temptation to quit before I started – then folded all the washing and cooked dinner

4507.                   That my wife was able to be heard by me when I needed to be spoken to

4508.                   That an apology was forthcoming and all in the household heard it

4509.                   For the compromise at the dinner table

4510.                   That the chores were shared in a very equitable manner

4511.                   For the inspiration to write an article for my Lord

4512.                   That I am satisfied to go to bed having done a good day’s work

8 March 2018

4513.                   For another gorgeously quiet drive

4514.                   For some tasks to direct my efforts

4515.                   That life conditions our mind and heart through experience

4516.                   For the devotional material I have for today

4517.                   That all is quiet in this particular work

4518.                   That quiet is good for contemplation

4519.                   That I have picked up my spare coat hangers already

4520.                   That as can be expected the minutes tick by

4521.                   For an excitingly full day

4522.                   For the delight experienced when something works out simpler than expected

4523.                   For four screws that leapt out at me when I normally find such things hard to find

4524.                   For a plan that will exceed someone's expectations

4525.                   That there are several minutes available now

4526.                   For well serviced and reliable machinery

4527.                   For water on tap

4528.                   For a job done before I looked at it

4529.                   That I could set up a space creatively for a meeting

4530.                   That I got more done than I planned

4531.                   That this work is invigorating

4532.                   That work like this piques the mind

4533.                   For the time I get to be ready

4534.                   For the grot on my skin that washes so easily off

4535.                   For the water I take for granted

4536.                   That today I can excel

4537.                   For if God is for me, who can be against me

4538.                   For the blessings I will receive and give today

4539.                   For the power in honest authenticity

4540.                   For Ev. who served me with such humility and delight

4541.                   For on International Women's Day for all women who havd ever lived

4542.                   That there is more equality for my daughters now than there was fifty years ago

4543.                   For my capacity to discipline students redemptively

4544.                   For the character of children who epitomize play

4545.                   For the meeting that took place outside today

4546.                   That I could assist three teachers this morning

4547.                   For this moment as I muse about the world and my place in it

4548.                   For straight lawn edges I saw just now that remind mevof the order possible in life

4549.                   For this private place

4550.                   For the occasional pain in my knee that reminds me of the function in that knee

4551.                   For the thanks I received from stakeholders on two separate occasions today

4552.                   For contact with a parent about another parent and their challenge

4553.                   How God’s promises work out in incredibly interesting and amazing ways!

4554.                   For the kinship shared between special persons of special relationships

4555.                   How God grows things in directions I had not contemplated before

4556.                   That God always has more blessing for us than we can handle

4557.                   For the presence of mind to check a detail

4558.                   For the opportunity to encourage a young man tonight

4559.                   That anything bad I go through is meant for my ultimate good

4560.                   That life experience can be shared

4561.                   For the opportunity to talk with a family member who is really struggling

4562.                   That I can brainstorm support needed

4563.                   For knowledge of the spiritual dimension in life

4564.                   For the knowledge I work well in crisis

4565.                   For the knowledge I have a weakness that I can make of the banal a crisis it should never be

4566.                   For the redemptive plan in play in life

4567.                   Just a cool number!

4568.                   For the belief there is a way through

4569.                   That God puts life into context

4570.                   For those of age too young to know how cruel and dark this world can be

4571.                   For when teachers record the sessions I do with the students, which is about legacy

4572.                   For getting and keeping cool

4573.                   For the memory when it reminds me of things I thought I didn't know

4574.                   For Za., Ca., and Be.

4575.                   For when the principal beats me to sweeping up messes

4576.                   For the knowledge only God Himself could know

4577.                   For prayer support because prayer is the best any of us can do

4578.                   For the anticipation possible preceding the delivery of a message

4579.                   For the very life I lead today

4580.                   For the greetings I get in every room I visit

4581.                   For the helpful and positive culture in this school

4582.                   That I got to meet another neighbour – from number 23

4583.                   That reason was ultimately established in a parental standoff

4584.                   For the stop I took on the way home to ensure I wasn’t tired on the road

4585.                   That my family works together to help, and always has

4586.                   For the concern I have for my children seemingly at all times

4587.                   That my wife has already chosen the songs for an Easter service I’m leading

4588.                   To hear my wife and son playing piano together

4589.                   To hear my eldest daughter’s voice

4590.                   For the chance to talk with a friend who has had tragic news

4591.                   That a prayer meeting was an anointed time of fellowship

4592.                   For the chance to intercede on behalf of the saints

4593.                   For the Spirit’s power that I could pray in the power of tongues

4594.                   That I could support a couple who are supporting us via prayer ministry

4595.                   That where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, there He is with us

4596.                   For the blessing I can be simply being me with my experiences

4597.                   For the prayers I have for a pair of battlers

4598.                   For the belief I have that God is about to do something big – if that is His will

4599.                   That I was paid an unusual compliment today

4600.                   For the person who said ‘you are a picture of joy’ today

9 March 2018

4601.                   That I had the opportunity to ‘panic’ because my phone was faulty – how fortunate I am to have so little to panic about

4602.                   That everyone I care about as far as I know is okay

4603.                   That there is discretional time today

4604.                   For the idea that I have tasks to plan and execute over the next few weeks

4605.                   For the opportunity to deliver birthday invites – discreetly!

4606.                   For patience in dealing with a four-year-old who is difficult to motivate this morning

4607.                   For a prayer to prays for poise when frustration mounts

4608.                   That there is remembrance of our deceased son when I look down at my keys

4609.                   That this phone seems to be working again

4610.                   For awareness of anxiety today

4611.                   That the next step is not to relax but step into routine

4612.                   That this place is home base

4613.                   For the calmness when it returns

4614.                   That the life is relentless which is nice to know

4615.                   For thought of what can be done today and this weekend

4616.                   For staff in any position that involves intense focus for any length of time

4617.                   For those tyres that hold me safe on the road

4618.                   That I got the invitations out relatively simply

4619.                   For the group of young male employees who can share a laugh with each other

4620.                   For all the myriad plans of all these people

4621.                   That there is hope in the resplendence of light

4622.                   For the Harley riders cruising through

4623.                   For the confidence in the friendly voice right near me

4624.                   That God is good that He keeps the faith with our presentations of veneer, when anxiety rides too high

4625.                   That there are truths too high for most of us most of the time

4626.                   For the eclectic nature in certain persons

4627.                   For the peace in a coffee shop environment

4628.                   For the prayers I hold for the safety of the diasporic hi-viz brigade

4629.                   For the blessing we normally reject in busyness

4630.                   For the people of this area… anyone who calls this place home!

4631.                   That bond the exists between friends

4632.                   For the irrelevance in money

4633.                   For diligence that proves frugal with financial resources

4634.                   That for some there is so much wealth there is obliviousness to the plight of others – God allows this freedom

4635.                   That eyes and ears might be opened for hearts to receive

4636.                   For blessed perspective

4637.                   That there is still more and ever more to do in building God’s Kingdom

4638.                   For the opportunity to present my thoughts on radio media

4639.                   That there is a place for all people on this planet – mine is the role of advocacy

4640.                   That there is five minutes spare

4641.                   For the idea that structure is good

4642.                   That many things can be done, but to do one thing is good

4643.                   For the varieties in the roles I presently play

4644.                   That some days are easier than other days

4645.                   That I get through the hard days

4646.                   For the knowledge and the awareness that little things upset me

4647.                   For a checklist on whether I’m following Jesus or Pharisees

4648.                   That life is in the moment now

4649.                   That in life there are goals and a purpose – until there is a time, temporarily, to let go

4650.                   For a successful interview

4651.                   That’s it’s easy to get lost in the minutia – we are given so much life

4652.                   For the recordings of interviews I get back

4653.                   That there is one more free hour

4654.                   For the greetings we receive every day by the crosswalk attendant

4655.                   That there is power in a decision

4656.                   For the capacity and courage to say no

4657.                   For such an understanding wife

4658.                   For the rapport my son has with his classmates

4659.                   That I feel like I have nothing left to give and that that is okay

4660.                   For the grace God gives me every day in more than a thousand ways

4661.                   That my wife put my dry-cleaning in to be done

4662.                   That we took the easy way out for dinner

4663.                   That my son wanted the boy’s toy

4664.                   That we were able to retrieve the lost toy

4665.                   For my son as he sings, ‘I am, you are, we are Australia’

4666.                   That again I am stung by a paralysis – but I cannot give up

4667.                   Over the cusp and into the last third, there is hope in me yet

4668.                   For the sounds of my son at 7:42 PM in bed but still awake – he will be asleep soon

4669.                   For the ideal of friendliness

4670.                   That I was able to level up the washing machine

4671.                   That I think I know how I can fix my bike

4672.                   For the recreation time my hard-working wife has now

4673.                   That there is much variety in my life

4674.                   For the chat my wife and I had about her work colleague (Ne.) who is struggling

4675.                   That sometimes in life it’s an uphill battle and it feels that way right now

4676.                   For the ideas, the breakthroughs, that come without warning

4677.                   For the chat I had just now with a friend about a friend – the prayers and plans we have

4678.                   For the preparations I have made for tomorrow

4679.                   That I can go and get cleaned up now

4680.                   That soon tonight will give way to sleep, but not just yet

4681.                   That some/many of the opportunities I’ve been given over my life are bizarrely good

4682.                   For the movement of God at hand as of this moment

4683.                   For the tree in our back yard that the bees have had to devour

4684.                   That there are hopes that I have…

4685.                   For my love of this new community of mine – how I will be able to serve God’s kingdom in the years to come

4686.                   For that ill feeling I had today, that it didn’t last

4687.                   For the wrestles I had with my son this afternoon that make much sense

4688.                   That God has given me so much – equipping me for now and what is to come

4689.                   For the prayers I have for my eldest – that everything will go well

4690.                   For the cash I have with me that gives me options

4691.                   That there is nearly about 53 percent to go in this challenge – it seems like quite the journey

4692.                   For the prayers of others for us and for me that I really do covet

4693.                   That I am so little without God

4694.                   For every single time someone I really respect shares my work

4695.                   That I trust my experience and perceptions are valuable to and for others – God tells me to trust it

4696.                   For another opportunity to get behind a pulpit this weekend

4697.                   That in deep discouragement, a profound encouragement can just be around the corner

4698.                   For the possessions I have of my daughters that they at this time don’t seem to value

4699.                   That there are possibilities that I cannot contemplate tomorrow

4700.                   For the plans I have early tomorrow morning

4701.                   That those plans include repairs for a bike and the mounting of pin-up boards

10 March 2018

4702.                   That my alarm woke me up

4703.                   For the fact that gratitude was on my mind from the start

4704.                   That I'm learning something about gratitude I never thought I'd need to learn

4705.                   That there is a force within me today

4706.                   For the fact it is not three weeks ago today

4707.                   That Easter is in three weeks

4708.                   For a quiet and peaceful ride

4709.                   That I have a water bottle with me

4710.                   That I get to help my eldest daughter today

4711.                   For the plans I have to get a gear cable around the corner

4712.                   For the time I will make to wrestle with my son today

4713.                   For the planning I will bath in prayer today

4714.                   That my wife and son sleep in peace right now at 6:02 AM

4715.                   For yesterday’s capacity to have a low day

4716.                   For the blessings ahead that today knows nothing about

4717.                   That at my age I know what I can endure

4718.                   For thought of what the Remaining years might be like

4719.                   That I’m not here alone

4720.                   For the strategy I have for this exercise today

4721.                   That today I get to play

4722.                   That part one of an important job went seamlessly

4723.                   That there is such peace and quiet in this room

4724.                   For the cherished safety I often take for granted

4725.                   That God never ceases to amaze me… my diligence added to His faithfulness!

4726.                   A job that just inspires confidence

4727.                   That I could do with my innovation a two-man job

4728.                   For how well my body’s holding up

4729.                   That hard work bequeaths time to ponder and plan

4730.                   That in a few hours there will be family time

4731.                   That today marks a fortnight from a different place and time for my thoughts

4732.                   For the opportunity to begin an article so I won’t forget to write it

4733.                   For my experience on that subject matter

4734.                   That I am servant hearted

4735.                   For the wisdom to do something now whilst I’m thinking about it

4736.                   That today is cool and beautifully breezy

4737.                   For perspective beyond the gates

4738.                   For the teachers and staff that ply their craft here

4739.                   For the grateful feeling I need to add to each of these Reasons

4740.                   That I’m nearly done here

4741.                   The Good Lord God blesses the grateful, forgiving, compassionate heart. Always.

4742.                   For the work done and for the work to be done… there is always purpose

4743.                   That gratitude is an attitude not a feeling… a decision of intent

4744.                   That I was able to pick up my bike cable quickly and cheaply

4745.                   That common sense prevailed regarding a job I was to do for a relative

4746.                   For time spent discussing a new relationship

4747.                   For the time we could spend as a family at the bike park

4748.                   That I could return another shopping trolley

4749.                   That my son rode his first burm

4750.                   For the shopping my wife was able to do after we finished at the bike park

4751.                   For my opportunity to repair another boy’s bike

4752.                   That I personally rode more bumps and burms than I thought I would have

4753.                   That we have three bicycles that work now

4754.                   For the traction my articles have had in recent days

4755.                   For the short discussion on respect between my son and his mother

4756.                   For the appreciation our son showed us for taking him out today

4757.                   For the television time our son has earned

4758.                   That we had sunscreen to put on to protect us from the sun

4759.                   For the interactions I’m always praying on having in our new community

4760.                   That we are protected here by Almighty God

4761.                   For the push that is in me right now – which is just a push away

4762.                   That as I sit here, the harder work of the day done, I sit content

4763.                   For the party across the road – a family we have not met yet

4764.                   For the eggs that my son liked which we added to our meal

4765.                   That my wife has the time to shower in peace

4766.                   That we will use a machine to clean our dishes tonight

4767.                   For the humming noise made by our son when he enjoys what he’s eating

4768.                   For the request of a person who wanted me to write on drug addiction

4769.                   For my wife’s work ethic – she just keeps going and going and going

4770.                   For the way in which our son went to bed

4771.                   For the reminder of what can happen when I take my eye off small children

4772.                   For the wind outside, because it reminds us of God’s great power

4773.                   For the ideas that the Holy Spirit gives me

4774.                   That my body is capable of relieving joint pressure and pain

4775.                   For the time I will spend with my wife tonight

4776.                   For the birthday a special someone had yesterday

4777.                   For an important family member’s new relationship

4778.                   That there are different ways of doing the same thing

4779.                   That there are mysteries for which I will never know why

4780.                   For the individual elements in the important message I have to preach tomorrow

4781.                   That I can choose to be grateful

4782.                   That there was an attempt at sleep

4783.                   That I never know when an article will just come out

4784.                   For the inspiration behind someone else’s article that prompts my latest offering

4785.                   That here I am seven minutes to midnight believing I can finish

4786.                   For the fact that we are safe inside while the storm rages

4787.                   That I feel ready for tomorrow’s message

4788.                   For the excitement I feel for the month’s duties

4789.                   For the way words come

4790.                   For God’s sponsorship and endorsement

4791.                   That I will continue doing my best – it’s all I can do – it’s always good enough

4792.                   That there are few reasons I see for going a different path – maybe none

4793.                   For the thought I had of a bygone era – go back twenty years! Youngest daughter in utero

4794.                   For the blessings I receive that I have no idea are coming

4795.                   For the keys I have

4796.                   That I do know enough to succeed in my life

4797.                   For the moments soon where consciousness shall give way to unconsciousness

4798.                   That I can receive peace many ways

4799.                   For the ideas I see others have that make me marvel

4800.                   That I have arrived at the way station!

11 March 2018

4801.                   That there was six hours (almost) solid sleep

4802.                   For patience in cleaning up a mess

4803.                   For the people’s appreciation for what I offer, which I do not deserve

4804.                   That God gives me such freedom that I may eat unwisely – my opportunity is self-control

4805.                   That God extends His grace to me in so many ways

4806.                   For waking up

4807.                   That the winds have died down

4808.                   For the rain that has come

4809.                   That (haven’t been outside yet) there hasn’t been any damage sustained

4810.                   For the excitement in me that I get to preach an especially important message today

4811.                   For today, it’s very own day, with not a minute short compared with other days

4812.                   That I get to see my son pretend he’s walking on snow in his room – using snow shoes

4813.                   Scanning my calendar makes me feel good at this stage

4814.                   That soon I see there is one week off

4815.                   But before that there is one week off

4816.                   Looking forward to school camp first week of May – in a much better place than whilst on the previous one!

4817.                   That I can hear my son playing nicely by himself (6:30 AM)

4818.                   For the box scores for Bourges Tango so I can update myself for Ru.

4819.                   That God has given me the friends I have

4820.                   For the capacity to bless people I know with my heart – for me to be blessed by them

4821.                   That there is even time for this

4822.                   For the time I will be making this week to truly reflect

4823.                   Ten reasons God is so good – this can’t be too hard

4824.                   There is always hope, even in the worst despair

4825.                   God catches me most when I’m falling or have fell

4826.                   That He has given me this mind, body and soul

4827.                   That life is so extraordinary in context of the eternal

4828.                   I have a wife and she is so gorgeous

4829.                   For the children I have and how long I’ve been a parent

4830.                   That I understand the need to love and how to love

4831.                   That there is blessing ahead because I must love

4832.                   For toys that help my son create and innovate

4833.                   That there are ten minutes still free

4834.                   That I was able to get my USB to our sound guy

4835.                   For producing a song book and printing it out

4836.                   For getting ahead and producing two more for Easter

4837.                   That my articles have been shared so much in the past few days

4838.                   That the weight of numbers creates sustainable weight

4839.                   For meeting Sh. At church and chatting about kids’ El. and Le.

4840.                   That the message today was received well, particularly by women

4841.                   For the body language of those who listened

4842.                   For Ja. and Jo. who are special

4843.                   To be interviewed for an important role

4844.                   For being asked my view – what I would do

4845.                   For the fellowship with new persons at church

4846.                   That I was prepared to go to the park when my son wanted me to

4847.                   For the rest I so desperately needed

4848.                   For the meal my wife is presently preparing for us

4849.                   That on Sunday afternoons we have time to really go insular

4850.                   That I’ve had two times today when I could get lost inside myself

4851.                   For children’s television that focuses on learning

4852.                   For the hearts and minds of the saints

4853.                   For the prayers I was able to pray for Ga. today

4854.                   That I was able to get something tasty for lunch

4855.                   For a drive around our community

4856.                   For the genuine desire in my heart to serve our local community

4857.                   For the endorsement of the eldership of our church

4858.                   That I never need to be good enough – happy to be who I am

4859.                   For the fact that we were able to break a chain today and begin a new pattern

4860.                   For the demonstration of grace in how a couple were used at church

4861.                   That there are more opportunities today to write and to inspire change

4862.                   For the feeling I had before I got up to speak today – I really wanted to speak today

4863.                   For the feeling I have when I can’t get the words out quickly enough

4864.                   That I know what it’s like when true forgiveness isn’t possible – to be ready

4865.                   For being able to balance two people’s attention at a time when they both wanted me

4866.                   For the willingness in a younger man who wants to play for us

4867.                   That there is humility in a particular family

4868.                   For the resolution of an important issue

4869.                   That the shop is not too far from our house

4870.                   For the plans I have for the next message and its preparation tonight

4871.                   That I love steaming through these Reasons now – looking for excuses to be grateful

4872.                   That the goodness of God is everywhere

4873.                   That even in despair there is a way out called hope

4874.                   That chaplaincy excites me

4875.                   That there are so many good things to be involved with – focus is required

4876.                   For my wife’s desire to get quiet time watering the garden

4877.                   For the tunes my son is humming as he goes to sleep

4878.                   For the shower that I’m about to have

4879.                   That there is space ahead

4880.                   For the time I have planned to be at the Foodary tomorrow morning

4881.                   That the interactions I had today were about the eternity between souls

4882.                   For Di.’s health and wellbeing

4883.                   For the sound of my wife’s singing

4884.                   That even when I get behind I can, with focus, get ahead again

4885.                   For encouragement that comes from the least expected source – happens so much

4886.                   That there are aspirations to show my son so many things about cars

4887.                   For the desire to teach my son about care

4888.                   That God is so faithful… as I approach the halfway mark tomorrow, not at any point have I fallen behind – He has always provided me the time

4889.                   That tomorrow is a day OFF

4890.                   For back stretches

4891.                   That I will soon have the latest collection of messages to review

4892.                   That there are two places I find peace – relationships and tasks

4893.                   For the contemplatives and mystics through the ages

4894.                   That there is one job to do, then onto the next thing

4895.                   For the recovery in sleep

4896.                   That there are relationships in the past that are left in the past

4897.                   For relationships that have not even commenced yet – that only God knows about

4898.                   For the unofficial chaplain ministry

4899.                   For the ability to soak in certain material – for an incarnational spring to form within

4900.                   For the progress of this latest message

12 March 2018

4901.                   That I was woken early – yes, a good thing

4902.                   For a windy, cool morning

4903.                   For the sight of my mission before me

4904.                   That I have no problem waiting at 5:08 AM

4905.                   I recognise when the pressure is not on

4906.                   For times of changeover when issues are critical

4907.                   For how different music sounds meld beautifully together

4908.                   That there are times to stand or sit back and relax – when needs are simple

4909.                   That today of all days is when progress may finally start

4910.                   For the wonder in systems that are managed seamlessly

4911.                   For the mirror image

4912.                   That there are good things occurring all the time

4913.                   For the ability to restore posture

4914.                   That people are looking for genuine connection

4915.                   That there are real needs

4916.                   For when people absorb pressure for me

4917.                   For when I can absorb pressure for people

4918.                   That of all people today I could absorb pressure but that is not my role today

4919.                   That there is enjoyment in sitting, reflecting

4920.                   That today no matter what happens I will be content

4921.                   For the men, women and children who walk into this place

4922.                   For the force of the wind

4923.                   That today is the day the Lord has destined for goodness and grace to prevail

4924.                   That anomalies need not upset me

4925.                   For the commencement of a favoured fortnight of experience

4926.                   For the hopes one can have in a game

4927.                   That in a church like ours everyone can be known

4928.                   That seasons of upheaval blow their way into life

4929.                   That I might at this moment celebrate the good ending a younger person I know has had

4930.                   That there is glory in a thing done well

4931.                   For the time of equilibrium

4932.                   That times like this are to be cherished

4933.                   That places can long have been seen yet not known and then they are

4934.                   For the blessings known

4935.                   For the slow yet certain winds of change that blow in

4936.                   For the sharing of space

4937.                   That this place is place enough for anyone

4938.                   That the courses of life occur here

4939.                   For the purpose of an idea

4940.                   That the eclectic sense is the basis of creativity

4941.                   That blessing lives and dies in a thought or its absence

4942.                   For the appreciative perception of numbers

4943.                   That while this hour is a stretch it doesn’t feel like work

4944.                   For comradery

4945.                   That connection is the basis of all human need

4946.                   For the opportunities life gives when we are open

4947.                   For illusions that work in my favour

4948.                   That truth works best through confidence

4949.                   That the subjectivity in faith aids the objectivity in truth

4950.                   That beauty is everywhere that fear is not

4951.                   For image or facade is a choice when bravery is too high a bar to reach

4952.                   For the meeting of sources with needs

4953.                   That there need not be alarm

4954.                   That peace ought to prevail for all the right reasons

4955.                   For eloquent speech

4956.                   For elegance and class

4957.                   That today a new way can be forged as if there were no yesterday or tomorrow

4958.                   That endless are the possibilities

4959.                   For the life of a young athlete who has such a blessed character and is daily in my prayers

4960.                   For the life that struggles on day one of week two – God, be with!

4961.                   For another life, because of choices that could have been made

4962.                   To know the direction forged is right for me for now

4963.                   To be content

4964.                   That states of contentment are rest and resolve that help

4965.                   That everyone is on their journey

4966.                   For predictive text

4967.                   For neutral positions

4968.                   That now is both an abstract and a concrete concept

4969.                   For the hopes in a life - in every life

4970.                   For investments made in human undertakings

4971.                   For alarm bells and the response they evoke

4972.                   For the minutes ahead in this hour

4973.                   That today is lived in live time

4974.                   That neither memory nor hopes are relevant now in the present

4975.                   For the role memory and hopes play in reflection

4976.                   For the worker out there doing their level best

4977.                   For the life that is ruined by bankruptcy through others’ mismanagement – God, help that family, help me to do that

4978.                   For the sun as it rises

4979.                   For the sun as it sets

4980.                   For the natural order in things

4981.                   For the rate of progress

4982.                   That good things fill the receptacle of confidence

4983.                   For the state known as the new in the now

4984.                   For a new realisation completely devoid of fear and loneliness

4985.                   That today will yield God’s will

4986.                   For the basis on which life stands

4987.                   For the different ways a thing or task can be done and still be done well

4988.                   That there is enough time

4989.                   For the birds as they fly free

4990.                   For being well ahead, enough to plan

4991.                   For a daughter’s hope

4992.                   That those who want the best, who pay the price, deserve the best

4993.                   That everyone has their choice

4994.                   For the sanctity in achievement

4995.                   For peace even in conflict

4996.                   For possibilities only God knows are possible

4997.                   For the illumination of ideas that prove the reality of revelation

4998.                   Seeing the goal as it approaches, the relief that that truth is reliable

4999.                   Oh to have time to spare, that is good planning and God’s faithfulness

5000.                   To take the business on for oneself

5001.                   To arrive at 6:15 AM