September 21, 2012

Lessons I learned from a one year old

Recently our one year old has been doing a couple of wee things that provoked thought for me...

As of late if he wants to go to sleep he climbs near me and puts his head on my heart. His eyes close and his perfect little fingers stretch out to find my heartbeat. I suppose it makes perfect sense that a heartbeat would make him feel secure and calm since it was top of his play list while he was in the womb!
It made me think though.....
What if stayed I this close to the saviours heartbeat? What if I searched for it everyday and was not content until I found it? Hear his every breath. Feel his heartbeat. You can't get much closer. It says in the word that "there was leaning on Jesus bosom one of His disciples,whom Jesus loved" Next to his heart. What better place to be than right next to the heart of Jesus. To listen to his words and feel the vibration of the tones in his voice. The most beautiful melody that could ever be heard. There are so many worship songs that speak about being near to the heart of Jesus.I believe this is exactly where God wants each one of us.He's not some distant God that we have to go through ritual and laws to be accepted by.He desires us to be so close. What an awesome thing that is! Sometimes we just don't feel good enough to have the boldness to go like a child and jump up on the Fathers knee. I believe that's what He wants us to do.So sure of His love for us. A child usually isn't put off by his Daddy asking him to wait until hes finished work before he comes in the office. If that wee son wants to hug his daddy or ask something from his daddy he most likely barges with confidence through the door and jumps up and hangs round the neck of his hero. What good Father would say "oh , cant you see all my paper work". Of course he would ignore his mountain of work and love his son.
Our Abba Daddy wants us with our ear pressed against his heart. Amazing grace.


Last month our baby boy decided his preferred way to fall asleep was to be sung to. No more cuddling or pacing the floor- just a song. So every night before he goes to sleep Ron or I sing to him. It has been known for us to sing ourselves to sleep! I guess Josiah just wants to hear our voices and know that we are with him. Its the sweetest thing ever when he sing along Mmmmm or Lalalaaa and sings himself into dream land.
What if I could not rest or be content unless I was hearing the songs that Jesus was singing over me? What if I refused to sleep without first hearing His voice?
 Jesus sings over us. How amazing is that?! I want to know what He sings! What does his voice sound like? What notes does He choose? What is the tone and vibrato of his voice? I can only imagine it's the most beautiful voice that anyone could ever have. The God of all creation who with one word spoke creation into existence singing over me?!
Amazing love.

"He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

September 15, 2012

Justice and mercy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A few weeks ago the words of a pastor pierced my heart and have been replaying in my spirit ever since.
 
"When was the last time you were broken hearted for your country?"
 
I believe we must speak life over our nation. When there is so much negativity in the media about how bad things are we have to choose to proclaim blessing. At the same time I believe we need to see that many have turned from the true and living God and as a result things are in a state. This sadness over our country can provoke a heart cry of justice and mercy.  God puts this heart song in us when we ask for it. I pray for a more fervent desperation to see things changed by a God who loves justice and mercy.
 
 
My heart cry- "bring justice and mercy"
Mighty God this is my prayer
Though the heavens sometimes seem like brass
I'm believing that you hear.
 
 
I know you won't desert your people
Stay close oh gentle hand
With justice and with mercy
God have pity on this land.
 
Have compassion. Lord forgive us
Though we don't deserve it- still
-You are a God of patience
Who recovers and rebuilds.
 
In past times this country has crumbled
Much is barren and still bare
But the song of hope is rising up
And victory we declare.
 
In the name of Jesus
We sing blessing, life and peace
When we really grasp your goodness
Our  hearts will bring us to our knees.
 
"I the Lord love justice"
-A promise in your book
The twins justice and mercy
For them we continue to look.
 
 
 
Pray for your country.
 
 


September 11, 2012

The heart of a carer.

 
  I have witnessed first hand the sacrifice it takes for people to look after a loved one who is dying. As I write this I am thinking much of my mum and sister who poured themselves out caring for my step-father in his last few months. Anyone who is a carer has a special heart.Whether it's a mother living on a dump site or it's your full time"work"- It takes a really special person.But I think even more so when it is a wife giving care until the final breath of the one they love most....
 
 


There's a special kind of person
They are strong and true,
Caring through the hard times
Holding on, seeing illness through
 
Sometimes that special person
Feels weary and afraid
But the heart of a carer
Is to keep appearing brave
 
At times its sore to watch the pain
And tears are often shed,
God understands the burden felt
And by His hand you're lead
 
You are that special carer
You have been all your life,
Faithful, loving, loyal, true
God gave a special man- a very special wife.