Oyster Catchers

During our visit to Scotland, another lady and myself were surprised to find Oyster Catchers searching for food when it was late afternoon after the sun had gone down and the sky was dark. We commented on this to a local, who incidentally works as a Park Ranger, and she explained that Oyster Catchers and other wading birds, unlike other birds, do not feed according to the time of day and in daylight but need to eat when the tide is out. (Quite logical when you think about it!) They watch the movement of the tide and live their lives accordingly.

Earlier, one of the team had mentioned how she had only once managed to see the tide actually turn. At that moment the sea stood still before then beginning to recede. It would have been so easy to get tired of watching for the moment, become distracted and then miss the all-important moment after all the waiting. The Oyster Catchers reminded us that we need to be constantly watching the signs of the times to make sure we don't miss what is happening around us.

Scotland

Last weekend I travelled to Scotland with a prayer team from the World Prayer Centre. Our visit lasted 5 days in all and God really blessed us and used us for blessing to others. The worship was awesome!!! One afternoon the team were alone in the building having a time of prayer. We began worshipping and this lasted for about 5 - 10 minutes. Then almost as though we had been directed, we all stopped and there was absolute silence for about three quarters of an hour when God just surrounded us. We had begun all of us postrate on our faces before Him but when we finished we were all lying on our backs just resting in Him. What a soaking in His presence!!! He spoke to us in many ways - pictures, words of prophecy, social interaction, prophetic acts as well as worship. We left feeling that it was the first visit of many to that place. AMEN!!! SO BE IT!!!

A 'must read' book

This evening I spoke to my sister on the phone. She has recently stopped attending church services. Partway through the conversation she said that she had been loaned a book that is really speaking to her and helping her to realise that she isn't mad and that she's not the only one who is going through this change of attitude regarding church. Of course she did know this but we still need reassurance, even though we know. She started quoting from the book and I felt I had heard it before. Then she told me the title - Houses that Changed the World by Wolfgang Simson. I realised that I had come across this on two blogs recently -Sarah (see my links)wrote this near the end of September and Diane (also in my links) commented on it in October. This one is definitely going on my Christmas wish list.

Hallowed evening

I've just returned from being with a group of friends praying for our young people. Tonight, known as Halloween, a group of about 30 young people aged between 13 and 18 went around the various districts of our town Truth and Treating. Unlike most who do Trick or Treat, our young people instead of knocking and asking for a treat, actually give a treat with a Bible verse stuck on the wrapping - hence Truth and Treat. This, by the way, was their own idea!

This is their way of coming against Satan in the opposite spirit. A group of us met at church to pray for them while they were out. Others have a similar idea when children knock on their doors - they give a treat with a verse of truth.

Last year some young people from a neighbouring town came and joined our young people. This year, instead of coming here, they have gone around their own town doing Truth and Treat. We are praying that this will become bigger each year so that our town will be known not for 'Trick or Treat' and where children dress up as witches but will be recognised for 'Truth and Treat' where our children and young people are clothed with His Spirit. Why not suggest this in your church and your town for next year? Let the body of Christ rise up and declare the truth of His word.

Why didn't you do something?

Yesterday in the news we heard of Prince Charles's concerns about the environment and the future of our planet and said that he wouldn't like to hear his grandchildren ask him 'If you knew about this, why didn't you do something?' That stuck with me.

I, like many, are concerned at this time about the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill that the government is determined to make law. Recent news is that the House of Lords has rejected it as it stands and have made a number of amendments but the Home Office have said that they will not accept these amendments. It's just that sensing the possible outcome if this bill were to be made law, I would hate the future generations to look at me and ask 'Why didn't you do something?' For further information see www.christianconcernforournation.co.uk.

If the bill does becomes law then our freedom to express that Jesus is the ONLY way to God will be curtailed and there will be persecution if we try to defend our christian beliefs in public or try to evangelise. Some might think that this is a way of the Church being re-defined and that through persecution the real Body of Christ will come out of this. I just feel that I need to pray that God will be in control of this situation according to His will for our nation. That this nation will find and live out her God-given destiny in the world.

I discovered the following while reading a church magazine today. Thought I would share it.

Disturb us, O Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves;
When our dreams have come true,
Because we dreamed too little.
We arrived safely,
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, O Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess,
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, O Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push us into the future
In strength, courage, hope and love.
We ask in the name of our Captain,
Who is Jesus.

Attributed to Sir Francis Drake, 1577

Mercy

I have been thinking a lot lately about God's mercy. He is so patient and merciful. As humans we are patient up to a point but when we tell someone the same thing over and over again, there comes a moment when we say, 'That's it. I'm not going to bother any more. What's the point, they don't listen anyway.' Yet God always seems to give us another chance, just in case this time we do listen.

Today we had friends for lunch and the conversation was about many who had left congregating with a set group of people in a set building but met God in other ways. We were commenting how many of them had tried to challenge the leadership on issues and practices within the church system and in the end felt that they had to leave so that they could explore other ways for themselves. It seemed that nothing would change the minds of those in 'authority' within the church set-up. The thing is that we realised as we were talking that just as one group of people left, another group seemed to take their place in challenging decisions made. Again the comment was that God is so merciful He never gives up on the chance that maybe this time they will listen to what He is saying to the churches.

This morning I read again something that I had read a few weeks ago:
Judgment + Love = Mercy, Patience and Forgiveness

We deserve His judgement but because He loves us what we do receive is mercy, patience and forgiveness. What a wonderful God!

His vision. Whose plans?

I was at a church meeting last evening and much of the conversation was about plans and objectives. Someone quoted the following from Rick Love:

Where there is no vision the people perish.
Where there is no plan, the vision perishes.
Where there are no resources, the plan perishes.

The first line is biblical - from the book of Proverbs (ch 29:18) but then the other two lines are added which are not in the Bible. To me it just seemed that we so often take God's vision and then apply OUR plans. We take the vision from Him, 'Thank you very much God for that lovely vision you gave us' and then do what we want with it.

He is in control

Recently our town football team has acquired footballers from South America. One of them speaks very little English. Someone who knows that I lived in Argentina for 10 years, phoned me a couple of weeks ago and asked me if I would be willing to help out. You know when you feel obliged to do something but at the same time have a sense of unease about it? - well that's how I felt. I agreed but then sort of hoped it would never happen. It wasn't the helping out that was a problem, it was more the sense of commitment that I wasn't happy with. I just sensed somehow that it wasn't something I should be taking on. So I said 'sorry' to God for agreeing to something I wasn't sure I should be doing and asked Him to please work things out for me. Today I received a phone call saying that my willingness to help was much appreciated but other arrangements for English lessons had been made with the local college. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm always amazed how God just seems to change situations.

New Caledonia, Longleat and the PC

On Saturday the four of us going to New Caledonia in April met up at the travel agent and after MUCH deliberation (3 hours, in fact)we eventually decided on the best dates, times and routes. As it is a flight-only journey it had to be paid for in total there and then and is non-refundable. There is no going back now. We all left feeling quite excited and looking forward to it. We will be meeting regularly to pray between now and April. Your prayers on our behalf will be most welcome.

Yesterday, Sunday was spent with friends looking around the huge Longleat estate. This trip was to see the things we missed the last time we were there - there is so much to see. The weather was really good for this time of year and it was good to catch up in person rather than by emails or blogs.

Since going on Broadband, I've been trying to get a wireless network set up so that I can use the PC while others in the house can play games online. We bought all the necessary equipment and as I couldn't figure out how to set it up, got a friend who does to come and do it for us. It seems that something was not set up correctly as we still cannot get the network up and running. I'm sure we'll get there in the end. Seems strange how a click or a digit in the wrong place can make all the difference and can be very frustrating. Couldn't help thinking this morning that God must feel a bit like that when He thought that His Church would do a job but it hasn't turned out the way He wanted!

Confirmation, yet again!

My life at the moment is in a time of transition. I have felt God moving me on to do something completely different - to be involved with prayer teams travelling to different places to stand with and support people wherever God happens to send me. That means giving up the part time job I have at a charity shop, and as someone who is retired, the extra cash always comes in useful. You know with your mind that God is in control and has got everything planned but in your heart you can't help wondering just how this is going to work out in practice.

I am one of a group of four who are going to New Caledonia next April on just such a prayer mission and this Saturday we are meeting up at the travel agency to book and pay for our flight. I wasn't really concerned about the finances. I know God will provide and had already received prophetic words about this but what I still kept wondering was if I am really hearing God's voice telling me to do this or is this just something I quite fancy being part of. A couple of days ago I received a phone call from a couple who told me that God had told them to give me a (quite substantial) amount of money towards my flight - over 50% of the cost! After the initial shock I found myself saying to God 'You really DO want me to do this, don't You?' and I sensed God replying 'Yes, now just go and get on with it. How much more confirmation do you need?' I repented of keep asking for yet another form of confirmation and was grateful once again of His gracious patience with my doubting mind. Isn't He just awesome!

World Prayer Centre

Was up at 4:30 this morning to go to Birmingham for the day to the World Prayer Centre training day. Just arrived back (10pm) a little tired. It was a day that made me feel at peace and confirmed that I was going in the right direction. Whereas before I felt an urge, a pulling in this direction, this seems to have shifted to another level. I now feel connected, as though I'm not now just on the fringe wondering what or where or when. But I feel more that I've arrived at the first stage of the journey and I am now part of it. Feels good!

A busy weekend

Tomorrow I'm off early to Birmingham to the World Prayer Centre for a training day for all who want to be in a prayer team with a view to travel in Britain and abroad. I did join 150 others in Scotland in July to pray for the G8 summit. For some time I've been sensing that this is the direction God wants me to take so I'm looking forward to tomorrow with an open mind and see where it leads.

I have been asked to speak at church on Sunday and the Bible reading and theme I have been given are right on the lines of some things that I have been sensing God saying to me over the past few weeks. This will be an opportunity to share these thoughts with the rest of the church. And it is a reminder that when God gives us something, it's not just for our own benefit.

Afterwards we have Diane, Ben and Tabi for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. Let's hope the weather is fine so we can go for a long walk.

Quite a while

I realise it's quite a while since I last posted anything on my blog. I have enjoyed some time on holiday and have now upgraded my PC to Broadband so plan to get back blogging soon.

I have just had my first instant chat online with Christ Hogben who is at the moment in Bethlehem. (Check out his link on this blogspot) I feel like a child at Christmas with a new toy. Isn't this technology stuff amazing!

A very good day!

Today being a Bank Holiday meant that we were free to do as we pleased. The weather was glorious (now there's a change for an English Bank Holiday Monday!) so my son and I decided to have a day out at the Swannery, about an hour's drive from home. We got there in time to see the hundreds of free-flying swans gather to be fed. What an amazing sight. Then we walked among the various pens where injured or young cygnets were cared for. There were other water birds also. It was a day of special events. We saw sheep shearing and two falconry displays. We had taken a packed lunch and just took our time walking and enjoying the different activities that were going on.

I am aware that this post is quite different from my previous one. In fact I had been tempted to delete the previous post. It seems quite negative and I thought doesn't show me in a very good light. But on reflection I decided to leave it. It reminds me of how fickle I am at times and how my feelings are influenced by the events that take place. I am so pleased that God is not like that and I wish I could be more like Him. He never changes and as my days can be so different, He is the only constant that I can depend on. That's why I can trust Him. He is always the same. He always has time for me and cares about me. He is just sheer pure love.

Not a good day!

I was woken up at 5.20 this morning by the phone ringing. The ensueing conversation went something like: 'Hello', 'Mrs Andradez?' 'Yes', 'You ordered a guinea pig', 'No, I didn't'. 'Yes, you did', 'No I didn't' 'Yes you did from ....'s pet store.', 'It's 20 past five in the morning and I'm asleep!'. 'No you're not. You're talking to me on the phone.' At which point I thought 'O, no I'm not' and put the phone down. Of course I couldn't get back to sleep after that so got up at about 6:30 and read a bit. Of course then I fell asleep in the chair!.

Later I did a load of washing and as it was dry and the sun looked as though it was going to appear, I hung them outside to dry. About 10 minutes later, it started to rain! So out I went to bring them all in again.

In the morning post I received a letter from our electricity provider asking for a meter reading so they could work out my future monthly payments. I got the reading and phoned them only to be put on hold. I listened to music and was interrupted every 30 seconds or so by a voice thanking me for my patience and assuring me that it wouldn't be long before an advisor would be able to take my call. After over 10 minutes of the same music and the same voice I hung up.

I thought I would try their website instead and switched on the computer only to be informed that an error had occurred and it all came up in 'Safe Mode'. So I waited, logged off and tried again. Couldn't contact them with the information they required via the PC so decided to click on my blog and write this instead!

I'm thinking of going back to bed and starting again. (It is now just after midday)

I wonder, did Jesus ever have days like this? WWJD??? I'm sure He would just smile (or maybe sigh a bit) and then get on with the things that really matter. But at this moment I really don't feel like doing that!

Bread or no bread!

This morning I thought I was really organised. (I can be sometimes!) I was going to be out all day so I prepared the bread maker, planning to have some cheese and onion bread to accompany our evening meal. I set the timer and out I went. When I arrived back home at about 5:30 I was greeted with the lovely smell. I opened the bread maker and to my horror discoverd that the bread looked just the same as when I had put it in the machine in the morning except the liquid in the base was now solid! I couldn't understand what had gone wrong. This had never happened before. Then I discovered on the work bench the kneading blade that I should have fixed in the mixer in order to knead the dough! Hence I came back to a floury mess that had cooked underneath but hadn't been kneaded. Yuk!!! I'm sure there is a lesson in here somewhere - having all the parts in the right place; even the small parts are important; nobody is perfect, etc. (Not to mention getting old and ga-ga!) You learn from your mistakes is the one that came to my mind.

Hugs and compasses

Yesterday I had a very in-depth and interesting conversation with someone about 'church' and where I'm at. It was not at all criticising in a negative way but was constructive and helpful. In the end we both came to the same conclusion and likened our situation to that of being a parent. Our children know the things that please us and when they want to make us happy they try to do the things that they know will please us. But as parents we know that there are those precious, intimate moments when they snuggle up and just want to be with us, sometimes whispering secrets in our ears and other times just relaxing. Those moments say far more than the 'good deeds'. In other situations we can all try to please those in authority but we don't have the same relationship with them. It's those precious moments of just being together that make the parent/child relationship so special and the bonding deepens.

As a church we can be so focussed on doing things that we think please God when God really wants to give us a big hug. There is nothing wrong per se with doing things for God and wanting to please Him but that in itself does not give us this special relationship as His children. This is true not just in private moments when we are on our own but it is important in our corporate setting. We don't come together as a church just to do things for God but to meet together corporately to be in His presence and deepen our intimacy with Him. If as a church we do not have these times then our relationship with God is simply as a person in authority and not Father.

I also had another picture - completely different. Our journey together as church is a bit like going on a journey guided by a compass. We can be facing in the direction we need to go but if our compass is only 1 degree off course then we will end up in a completely different place. We need to keep our focus fixed on God and as soon as we shift our focus, even ever so slightly to what we are doing, even if that is in the same direction, then that slightly out-of-focus attitude will mean that we end up somewhere where we really don't want to be and never really intended to be. 'Jesus be the centre'.

Gracious confirmation

Isn't God just so gracious yet encouraging the way He nudges us in the right direction. Last week I was at a couple of the Family Fun days held at the church I go to. I had promised to go, not to participate and help with the children or activities but to go into a small room to pray all the time the event was taking place. I had been approached by one of the event organisers to ask God if there was a particular message He wanted to convey to someone who was present. I did this and did receive some words from God which I felt was appropriate for someone although I had no idea who.

Near the end of the morning I relayed to the organiser what I felt and was asked to write it down so that it could be read out at the end and invitations given for prayer. And so in due time it was read out but no-one knew that it was me who had given these words. At the time there was no response when the invitation was given that if anyone felt that if any of the words given were for them (there were more than just mine) they could go forward and be prayed with and helped in whatever way was appropriate. I felt a little disappointed and thought that maybe I had been wrong.

This week I met an acquaintance who had been at that gathering and she said that those words had been for her but she was really waiting for someone else to go forward. I then told her that it was I who had given those words believing that God wanted a specific person to hear that message. She answered 'Well it was me!' So we were able then to talk about what God had said and the implications for her life.

I was grateful that God, although He knew all along that that lady knew it was for her and accepted the message as from Him, He was also gracious enough to encourage me by letting me know that I had heard correctly. This just spurrs me on to want to be used more and more by God in this precious prayer ministry of intercession.

There's nothing wrong with your shoes.

I was waiting today to meet up with a friend to have a coffee and a chat. I have lately been feeling a bit out of place (see post on Exiles) and was really asking God for a word of encouragement. While I was waiting for my friend a young mother passed with a small child. She kept stopping and touching her shoes as though she was trying to adjust them when her mother said, 'Just leave your shoes alone. There is nothing wrong with your shoes. Just keep walking.' I felt God say the same to me, 'There's nothing wrong with what you have. Just keep going.' I was really encouraged. Isn't God so amazing. He speaks when we least expect it.