“When faced with two choices, simply toss a coin.

It works not because it settles the question for you,

but because in that brief moment when the coin is in the air,

you suddenly know what you are hoping for.”

The final post of 2011

I cannot think of one thing I would more like to share with you this evening than what I read with David in our night devotionals:

As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ. Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him. - Oswald Chambers

Goodnight.  God bless.  May tomorrow bring you your own constructive thoughtfulness, patient power and an invincible future!

From the sermon this morning

Something that stuck out to me in the sermon this morning:

"You are not suffering because you've been bad, or because God is angry with you.  We ask God to draw us close to Him and to show us what he is like, and He can show us this through allowing us to suffer.  Who better to know what suffering and loss is like, than Father God?"

Interesting.  And yes, God can and does draw us closer to Him through suffering.  Something I should keep in mind more often.

May 3rd

On the way into work on Tuesday I saw this one, perfect red tulip.

And what you do when you see a single, perfect red tulip is a) park your bike haphazardly in the parking lot b) lie down on the grass and ruin your work clothes while you c) apparently look injured (or ill) spread eagled on the lawn trying to get the 'right' angle.

On the other hand sometimes you get a little bee thrown into the mix.

And that makes the funny looks all worth while!

Holiness For Housewives

"So the more you pray, the less things can disappoint you, because their going wrong or not going wrong is, to you, now, not the whole story. By praying, you have got yourself into the position of being able to draw success out of failure. You now know that you are praying not for success, but for the glory of God. And God's glory can be served just as well in failure as in success."~Hubert Van Zeller, Holiness for Housewives

What to say when you don't have the words (part 2)

Nunc Dimittis:

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace : according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen : thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared : before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

The Nunc Dimittis (also known as the Song of Simeon) is from the text of Luke 2:29-32.  Simeon declared these words to God when he encountered Christ at the temple following His birth.  The story is lovely, and inspiring.

What to say when you don't have the words

The Magnificat (Anglican Book of Common Prayer)

My soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded : the lowliness of his handmaiden.

For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath magnified me : and holy is his Name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him : throughout all generations.

He hath shewed strength with his arm : he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat : and hath exalted the humble and meek.

He hath filled the hungry with good things : and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel : as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.

The Magificat, also known as The Song Of Mary, is Mary's response to her cousin Elizabeth when they meet, both unexpectedly expecting, found in the Gospel according to Luke 1:46-55.  How has He remembered His mercy towards you lately?