I've read some fantastic blog posts in the last week. Like seriously good. Thanks friends for posting, for sharing your lives, your successes and your struggles. And thanks for (perhaps unconsciously) encouraging me to blog again.
As my housemates can testify, I spend at least ten minutes every day pretending that I'm Beyonce by singing in the shower. At the moment, my jam is the almost too cheerful Pharrell phenomenon - Happy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM).
As much as I love this song, I kind of think it points to one of mine (and maybe even our) problems. Our culture seems to value happiness above all else...and obviously this is found in having the latest clothes, Ipad and aftershave. Not. Parents so often wish that their children live a happy life which, in so many ways, is totally legitimate. Often though, I value my happiness really highly but then find that my happiness levels change so much over the course of a day, a week, a month.
When I came back to Southampton in January, I realised
that I didn't want to be here. I thought that it would pass after a few
days but it didn't. I've spent the last month learning stuff about
myself, how faithful God is and how to man up when the going gets tough
(I've failed at this one so often!)
Therefore, this month, on average, I haven't been that happy. So what? Does that mean that my life has crashed? I'm out of the race?
No.
The book of Ecclesiastes (or as my sister affectionately calls it, 'Eccles cakes') says -- 'For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven' (3:1). I've always loved the idea of seasons because it means that dips, low moods and bad hair days are not the end, they're just part of the journey (apologies for the X Factor style cliche!). What's more, happiness can go so quickly but joy lasts forever. So often, I'm tempted to link joy with a particular situation or person. But, ultimately, joy is a gift from God. True joy comes from knowing that you're saved, that you're right with God and that you're His - beloved, precious, redeemed. That's why it's not happiness that truly counts, it's joy based on something totally outside of yourself and bigger than your life - God's relentless love and grace.
This month, I'm determined to embrace joy. Join me?
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Thursday, 5 December 2013
'But if needs be, I'm prepared to die'.
The quote above comes from Nelson Mandela's statement given at his trial in 1964. Upon the news of his death this evening, I wanted to find out a bit more of the man that the whole world seems to be praising tonight. Sure, I knew he helped to end apartheid but what did that look like? Find out more in his statement here --> http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/mandela/mandelaspeech.html
Social media seems to have exploded in the hours following the announcement of Mandela's death, speaking of the grace he showed, the life he lived to the full and the 'shining light' that he was to many. All so wonderfully fitting. However, it's this line that stopped me as I read the articles, news reports and Facebook posts.
'But if needs be, I'm prepared to die'
Wow.
This man not only commited himself to peace, harmony and cohesion during his lifetime but believed in his cause so much that he was willing to lay down his life to see equality achieved.
As a Christian, this line has particular resonance. In the Bible, it says 'For whoever wants to save their life will lose it but whoever loses their life for me will find it'. (Matthew 16:25). Numerous Christian writers such as David Platt and Francis Chan have picked up on this theme, the idea that we need to be prepared to radically commit to Jesus. The fact is, it's true.
You may think death is a bit extreme. Maybe we'll be called to die for our faith. Maybe we won't. But perhaps dying sometimes means more than physical death. Maybe dying is forgiving someone who's really hurt us even when we don't want to. Maybe it's loving that person who we find really difficult. Maybe it's choosing to keep going even when our circumstances look unlikely to ever change.
I'm writing this not from a place of sortedness but from a place of brokeness, So often, I need to die to what I want to do, how I feel and ultimately to my self. What a challenge.
Thank you Mandela for your life, your love and the lessons that you leave us.
Social media seems to have exploded in the hours following the announcement of Mandela's death, speaking of the grace he showed, the life he lived to the full and the 'shining light' that he was to many. All so wonderfully fitting. However, it's this line that stopped me as I read the articles, news reports and Facebook posts.
'But if needs be, I'm prepared to die'
Wow.
This man not only commited himself to peace, harmony and cohesion during his lifetime but believed in his cause so much that he was willing to lay down his life to see equality achieved.
As a Christian, this line has particular resonance. In the Bible, it says 'For whoever wants to save their life will lose it but whoever loses their life for me will find it'. (Matthew 16:25). Numerous Christian writers such as David Platt and Francis Chan have picked up on this theme, the idea that we need to be prepared to radically commit to Jesus. The fact is, it's true.
You may think death is a bit extreme. Maybe we'll be called to die for our faith. Maybe we won't. But perhaps dying sometimes means more than physical death. Maybe dying is forgiving someone who's really hurt us even when we don't want to. Maybe it's loving that person who we find really difficult. Maybe it's choosing to keep going even when our circumstances look unlikely to ever change.
I'm writing this not from a place of sortedness but from a place of brokeness, So often, I need to die to what I want to do, how I feel and ultimately to my self. What a challenge.
Thank you Mandela for your life, your love and the lessons that you leave us.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
hearing/reading/thinking/living
You know when you watch a film that you've seen about a million times? For me, Mean Girls, Bruce Almighty and Monsters Inc are some of the more popular contenders. You watch such films but, at the same time, you kind of don't. You text, you chat, you scoff a bowl of popcorn and think about tomorrow. Why? Because you've seen it before. You know the story. You get the characters. In the case of Mean Girls, you know all of the classic lines (Glen Coco, anyone?) and have probably recited them to your fellow movie watchers within the first ten minutes of the film.
Sometimes, I feel the same way when I read the Bible. Recently, I realised that I engage with this book a fair bit; on a Sunday at church, when I'm reading it on my own, maybe even via Twitter or Facebook when someone includes a bit of Bible in their status or tweet.
But do I really listen or do I go into autopilot, even with good intentions?
Take a Sunday church service. On a good day, I nod and make a mental note to take on board whatever the preacher is talking about then walk out of church and (more often than not) forget all about it. On a bad day, I spend the preach daydreaming and thinking about what I might have for lunch/dinner. Seriously.
I read something the other day about the Israelites and how, because of their sinfulness, God chose to take away His Word and revelation from their lives. Specifically, in Amos 8, it is so clear that this is the biggest loss for the Israelites, despite the physical problems and challenges that they face. This got me thinking - how often do I view the Bible in this way?
James 1:22 says 'Don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says'. It then goes on to say that we deceive ourselves if we don't do this. Eek. All the good intentions in the world can never equal actually applying what we hear or read. That's why I'm trying (and often failing) to more intentionally let the Bible change me and the way I live, in a bid to recognise how privileged I am to be able to readily access God's word and to be obedient.
Join me?
Love Rhi x
PS. Picture of the post...
Proper cute.
Sometimes, I feel the same way when I read the Bible. Recently, I realised that I engage with this book a fair bit; on a Sunday at church, when I'm reading it on my own, maybe even via Twitter or Facebook when someone includes a bit of Bible in their status or tweet.
But do I really listen or do I go into autopilot, even with good intentions?
Take a Sunday church service. On a good day, I nod and make a mental note to take on board whatever the preacher is talking about then walk out of church and (more often than not) forget all about it. On a bad day, I spend the preach daydreaming and thinking about what I might have for lunch/dinner. Seriously.
I read something the other day about the Israelites and how, because of their sinfulness, God chose to take away His Word and revelation from their lives. Specifically, in Amos 8, it is so clear that this is the biggest loss for the Israelites, despite the physical problems and challenges that they face. This got me thinking - how often do I view the Bible in this way?
James 1:22 says 'Don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says'. It then goes on to say that we deceive ourselves if we don't do this. Eek. All the good intentions in the world can never equal actually applying what we hear or read. That's why I'm trying (and often failing) to more intentionally let the Bible change me and the way I live, in a bid to recognise how privileged I am to be able to readily access God's word and to be obedient.
Join me?
Love Rhi x
PS. Picture of the post...
Proper cute.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
A new church experience.
So Britain has been experiencing a heatwave these past few weeks (the rest of the world just call it summer!). I've got to that stage where I'm so hot that I don't know what to do with myself...so I decided to blog!
This morning, myself and the wonderful Amy decided to mix it up a little bit and go to the local gospel church just round the corner from where we now live. Neither of us really knew what to expect and as we walked in, I couldn't help but notice how amazingly we were greeted and welcomed (cue a shout out to the stewards!). We watched countless people (including a VERY cute little boy) spend their time of worship dancing, flag waving and genuinely celebrating Jesus. What a beautiful thing to witness. I loved their joy (though it's good to remember that joy comes in many forms...) and I loved their passion for Jesus.
However, I want to emphasise the word 'new'. Church this morning was so different from anything I've ever experienced before and, if I'm honest, I wasn't 100% comfortable. For one, I've definitely now had my annual dose of the phrase, 'Can I get an Amen?'. Being frivolous aside, there were some things I didn't get and some things that I wasn't sure about. But that's okay. As I came out, I felt pretty overwhelmed and found myself asking the question, 'What just happened?'. The point is, it doesn't matter that I don't get it because I knew wholeheartedly that, despite some differences, these people love Jesus and trust Him for their salvation like I do and want to see His kingdom advanced like I do. Surely that's what's important? Of course, we all have personal preferences but beyond that, we are united because God Himself says we are, as His body and as His representatives on this earth. I'm so glad that God's church goes further than my own understanding and sometimes surpasses my own comfort. Today, I was reminded that God's family is diverse and that it is beautiful when people of all nations, ages and traditions come together to proclaim Jesus.
Thankful for the congregation of believers I encountered this morning and thankful for you!
Much love,
Rhi x
In other news...last week I got into the Wimbledon spirit (wasn't Andy Murray insanely good?!)...
(to clarify, Fedz is definitely not a failure!)
This morning, myself and the wonderful Amy decided to mix it up a little bit and go to the local gospel church just round the corner from where we now live. Neither of us really knew what to expect and as we walked in, I couldn't help but notice how amazingly we were greeted and welcomed (cue a shout out to the stewards!). We watched countless people (including a VERY cute little boy) spend their time of worship dancing, flag waving and genuinely celebrating Jesus. What a beautiful thing to witness. I loved their joy (though it's good to remember that joy comes in many forms...) and I loved their passion for Jesus.
However, I want to emphasise the word 'new'. Church this morning was so different from anything I've ever experienced before and, if I'm honest, I wasn't 100% comfortable. For one, I've definitely now had my annual dose of the phrase, 'Can I get an Amen?'. Being frivolous aside, there were some things I didn't get and some things that I wasn't sure about. But that's okay. As I came out, I felt pretty overwhelmed and found myself asking the question, 'What just happened?'. The point is, it doesn't matter that I don't get it because I knew wholeheartedly that, despite some differences, these people love Jesus and trust Him for their salvation like I do and want to see His kingdom advanced like I do. Surely that's what's important? Of course, we all have personal preferences but beyond that, we are united because God Himself says we are, as His body and as His representatives on this earth. I'm so glad that God's church goes further than my own understanding and sometimes surpasses my own comfort. Today, I was reminded that God's family is diverse and that it is beautiful when people of all nations, ages and traditions come together to proclaim Jesus.
Thankful for the congregation of believers I encountered this morning and thankful for you!
Much love,
Rhi x
In other news...last week I got into the Wimbledon spirit (wasn't Andy Murray insanely good?!)...
(to clarify, Fedz is definitely not a failure!)
Monday, 27 May 2013
I am second.
Recently, I decided to take up the I am Second challenge because I can be quite selfish and I don't like it! I don't mean that in a self deprecating way but just as a result of a realisation that ,too often, I think about myself - what I want, desire and lack rather than God's priorities and other people.
The idea is that you watch a video of somebody telling their story everyday and then complete the challenge that accompanies it.
Here's today's video...
http://www.iamsecond.com/challenges/22day/22day4/
What really struck me today was when the girl sharing said 'It is God, all along who is defining me'. I love the fact that it's not my own efforts, faults, achievements or qualities that define me but Jesus. I'm really hoping that, through this challenge, I'm reminded about this more!
'It's your victory. Jesus, you are enough'.
xx
The idea is that you watch a video of somebody telling their story everyday and then complete the challenge that accompanies it.
Here's today's video...
http://www.iamsecond.com/challenges/22day/22day4/
What really struck me today was when the girl sharing said 'It is God, all along who is defining me'. I love the fact that it's not my own efforts, faults, achievements or qualities that define me but Jesus. I'm really hoping that, through this challenge, I'm reminded about this more!
'It's your victory. Jesus, you are enough'.
xx
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Seeking.
When I'm in the nursery (where I work!), one of the kids' favourite games is hide and seek. So, they make me count to like 7 (don't ask me why they choose such a random number!) and then I have to follow their muffled giggles in the hope of finding them.
Why am I telling you this? Just because the kids I work with are ridiculously cute?
Nope - because seeking's important.
The more I think about it, I guess that we're all seeking something. Whether it be the right grades, the perfect boyfriend or the latest IPad. Or maybe a massive fortune or everyone's approval. The list could go on.
Matthew 6:33 tells us to 'Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added as well'. I'm loving this verse at the moment. But it's also really challenging me. So often, I find myself seeking after things which, in themselves, aren't wrong but which don't satisfy or fulfil me. That folks, is called idolatry. After all, why would you seek the gifts when you can seek the Giver?
The Westminster Catechism says that 'man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' I read a book by John Piper (obviously said in an American accent because how else can you say that name?) about this subject a few months ago. It made my brain nearly combust but it was so good! The point is, He is enough. It's not about wanting more of this, that and the other. It's about wanting Him. About wanting to be like Jesus - the Jesus that my friend, who is currently struggling, so beautifully proclaimed as her Saviour. About aligning what we want with what God wants so that His kingdom advances.
When I was reflecting on this verse and how it speaks into my life, I just thought 'Rhi, haven't you grasped this yet?' Then I remembered. It's not about getting to a certain point in our faiths but about journeying with Him and letting Him sanctify you in the process. Ultimately, it's about grace - for ourselves and for each other - something I pray I'll increase in as I focus on pursuing the only One who is worth it.
But in the meantime, can I encourage you to pray this prayer?
'The one thing I ask of You, the thing I seek most is to live in Your house all the days of my life, delighting in Your perfections and meditating in Your temple'. Psalm 27:4.
Love Rhi xx
Picture of the post --:
The perfect revision beveragini! x
Why am I telling you this? Just because the kids I work with are ridiculously cute?
Nope - because seeking's important.
The more I think about it, I guess that we're all seeking something. Whether it be the right grades, the perfect boyfriend or the latest IPad. Or maybe a massive fortune or everyone's approval. The list could go on.
Matthew 6:33 tells us to 'Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added as well'. I'm loving this verse at the moment. But it's also really challenging me. So often, I find myself seeking after things which, in themselves, aren't wrong but which don't satisfy or fulfil me. That folks, is called idolatry. After all, why would you seek the gifts when you can seek the Giver?
The Westminster Catechism says that 'man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' I read a book by John Piper (obviously said in an American accent because how else can you say that name?) about this subject a few months ago. It made my brain nearly combust but it was so good! The point is, He is enough. It's not about wanting more of this, that and the other. It's about wanting Him. About wanting to be like Jesus - the Jesus that my friend, who is currently struggling, so beautifully proclaimed as her Saviour. About aligning what we want with what God wants so that His kingdom advances.
When I was reflecting on this verse and how it speaks into my life, I just thought 'Rhi, haven't you grasped this yet?' Then I remembered. It's not about getting to a certain point in our faiths but about journeying with Him and letting Him sanctify you in the process. Ultimately, it's about grace - for ourselves and for each other - something I pray I'll increase in as I focus on pursuing the only One who is worth it.
But in the meantime, can I encourage you to pray this prayer?
'The one thing I ask of You, the thing I seek most is to live in Your house all the days of my life, delighting in Your perfections and meditating in Your temple'. Psalm 27:4.
Love Rhi xx
Picture of the post --:
The perfect revision beveragini! x
Saturday, 13 April 2013
I'm not condemned.
So, this last week, I've been at New Word Alive in the north of a beautiful country called Wales! It was my first time at this particular event and I wasn't sure what to expect but I loved it! Quality teaching, great company and inflatables! What is there not to love?! Check it out and access some of the great Bible teaching at http://newwordalive.org/ :)
Anyway, when I woke up this morning (ridiculously early, may I add, for someone who hasn't slept that much in the last week), a Bible verse hit me loud and clear. For those who now think that that sounds super holy, let me assure you that such an event is hardly a regular occurrence! Anyway, the verse was Romans 8:1 which says 'So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus'. One of the things I was taught this week is the need to remind ourselves of Biblical truth. What I love about this verse is that it says 'no condemnation'. So often, I get caught up in what the stuff that I do or don't do in my Christian life. There's nothing wrong with that because we're told to pursue righteousness and David asks God to search his heart and refine him in the Psalms, perhaps an example to us today. But what has made my heart glad this morning is that 'there is NO condemnation'. Whatever you've done, no matter how bad you rate it on an often human created sin scale, if you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, the price has been paid and you stand forgiven. Incredible.
Ich bin encouraged and I hope that you are too :)
Picture of the post:
SUCU enjoying the inflatable slide!
Shameless book plug of the post...
Last week, I grabbed half an hour and read a book that I've been meaning to read for ever -- 'Will you be my Facebook friend?' by Tim Chester. So insightful on the pros but particularly the cons of social media. £2 ish off Amazon - go go go! :)
Anyway, when I woke up this morning (ridiculously early, may I add, for someone who hasn't slept that much in the last week), a Bible verse hit me loud and clear. For those who now think that that sounds super holy, let me assure you that such an event is hardly a regular occurrence! Anyway, the verse was Romans 8:1 which says 'So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus'. One of the things I was taught this week is the need to remind ourselves of Biblical truth. What I love about this verse is that it says 'no condemnation'. So often, I get caught up in what the stuff that I do or don't do in my Christian life. There's nothing wrong with that because we're told to pursue righteousness and David asks God to search his heart and refine him in the Psalms, perhaps an example to us today. But what has made my heart glad this morning is that 'there is NO condemnation'. Whatever you've done, no matter how bad you rate it on an often human created sin scale, if you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, the price has been paid and you stand forgiven. Incredible.
Ich bin encouraged and I hope that you are too :)
Picture of the post:
SUCU enjoying the inflatable slide!
Shameless book plug of the post...
Last week, I grabbed half an hour and read a book that I've been meaning to read for ever -- 'Will you be my Facebook friend?' by Tim Chester. So insightful on the pros but particularly the cons of social media. £2 ish off Amazon - go go go! :)
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