One about the woman at the well:
And the other one about Puzzles:
Have a good week! 🙂
A book and a backpack (a parallel world)
I’m engrossed by the book I’m currently reading. It’s full of action. I keep wanting to jump back into the pages and find out what is going to happen next. Isn’t it something that we can “carry a whole other world in our hands.” After (or even before) a busy day, there is an escape waiting. Either world of adventure, action, romance, fantasy… whatever your genre may be. (Here’s to the joy of reading!) Settling our heats, engaging our minds, relaxing us, igniting our imagination. All that in these pages bound by a spine.
Gazing out a train 🚆 window is always a joy to me. (I still wish I was less distracted when I do so.) But this makes me think of my trusted backpack 🎒 that is often on my journeys. Armed with a book (this is a must), a bottle of water is helpful. I carry a battery pack. Tissues, maybe throat lozengers. Sometimes some earphones if I want to shut off the world. A pair of gloves, something warm. Something to protect me against the rain. A snack or two.. then I carry the “usual things” depending on the outing…
If the zips and pockets could gossip about the things they’ve seen, the places they’ve been…
How I would like to peek into that conversation…
Sacred Spaces 665 – God’s promises can take a long time and come at the right time…
In September 2022, I bought this plant. (A Honeysuckle.) Only rediscovered its name a few days ago.
The idea was to cover this gap (where you can see my sewerage pipes). It’s a bit of an “eyesore,” so I thought having this creeper plant grow would cover it.
I recall the guy at the garden centre saying that the plant will flower.
Well, over the first two years, I hadn’t seen any flowers…
I wondered if I misheard the guy.
I wondered if he made a mistake about the plant.
—
Now, almost three years later (June 2025), this plant has ‘exploded’ and it’s beginning to bloom too:
And here are the flowers:
I’m so excited to see these little pink flowers basking in the morning sunlight. Soon, this Honeysuckle plant will also invite bees. (And, oh, how we need bees.)
A few thoughts that come to mind:
1. God delivers on His promises. (In His time)
God promised the Israelites that the Saviour would come. It took decades before Jesus appeared.
God promised Abraham a son. That took 25 years to happen.
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years before getting to the Promised Land.
Hebrews 11 is a great chapter where a lot of people did things in faith, waiting on God, trusting in His timing…
In the New Testament, we are promised the return of the Saviour. We are still waiting…
2. Things are happening behind the scenes. (Life happens while life happens.)
But in that waiting, life happens.
While we are waiting for “that” big Life Event, there is still a lot of life happening along the way…
(It’s an obvious statement) But sometimes we miss it. We are so focused on what we long for… what we hope for… that we miss out on the NOW. The here and now is where life is happening, too.
You never (well, hardly) hear parents wishing their child would grow up.
They enjoy every moment: the first crawl, the first laugh, the first step, the first sport’s game, the first day at school, so many firsts (you get the idea…)
They’re not wishing to miss those moments away…
There is joy in every day.
In “every step of the journey.”
There is learning and life along the way.
—
My example is not a major example…
But here goes: I’ve been single for years. I’ve longed for love. (Not sure how I will actually experience it – when she finally appears.)
I don’t think God has forgotten me…
I’m certain I will meet someone at the right time…
But in the waiting, in the longing, in the moments of feeling lonely,
I also haven’t been miserable.
I still keep living.
There is a lot of life to live, until that “big life moment”
Until the “honeysuckle flowers” bloom…
3. We live in a wonderful world. (I won’t stop reminding you about that.)
I love my little courtyard. The little entrance way to my home. It’s bursting with life.
A palette of colours. Yellows, purples, pinks, reds and greens. Flowers and plants greet spring with joy.
It’s just a small haven in this vast world. But we have this incredible world, where each day, nature is a “loud sermon” pointing to our Creator God. His created world declaring his power, creativity, beauty and joy:
Butterflies, red kites drifting in the thermals above, birdsong, the hoot of the barn owl, the colours in sunrises and sunsets, the warmth of the sun on my arms.
4. Be that kind of tree.
I like that bees will get to enjoy these flowers on this honeysuckle plant.
Reminds me of this verse:
Luke 13:18-19 – Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
We can live like this. Like that mustard seed. Like the honeysuckle plant in my courtyard.
Offering shelter and a place for life.
Be that of a generous spirit.
Give and bring life to other people you meet.
—
Thanks for reading.
Much love, have a great week further!
Sacred Spaces Catch Up
Just in case, you missed my last two Sacred Spaces vlogs (video blog), here they are:
(a 6 min watch)
And another one, based on The Prodigal Son and also Peter walking on the water:
(a 4min watch)
Sacred Spaces 664 – The power of the little… (and Thousand Foot Krutch)
On Sunday, I had this personal revelation in church. Probably obvious to other people. But for me, it was quite a big thing, discovering this little obvious truth:
In church, the preacher spoke about the prophets of Baal and Elijah. That whole “showdown” between the two gods. The true Yahweh and the useless Baal.
The preacher suggested that happened about 3000 years ago. So I did a quick Google of the world population back then. 1000BC.
50 million people.
That’s already a lot of people!
But the scene between Elijah and the prophets of Baal; how many were there? Maybe a hundred or so.
It got me thinking of my view as a youngster growing up as a Christian and the lens which I read the bible.
I don’t even know where the assumption came from…
But I always saw the things around Jesus and his life as if it were happening to the whole world at the same time. As if all the world were focused in on Jesus. I mean, the town and place around him. That’s it. that was the extent of world back then. You either believed in Jesus or not?
But LIKE CHRISTIANITY today, it’s a small ripple in large communities.
But those ripples slowly and faithfully continue to grow…
Hence, why the bible, is still the bestseller each year…
Millions of small ripples of Christianity around the world… did start with just one ripple – the town and disciples around Jesus when He walked the earth.
So the guy who preached on Sunday, they’re hoping to plant a church in Bracknell. A town of 80000 people. That’s a lot. How many will they reach in that area? The “pipe dream” is ALL OF THEM.
But the fact, is that they create will create ripples… among a small amount of people.
It’s like the classic starfish story:
“I made a difference to that one.”
https://www.thestarfishchange.org/starfish-tale
Or like the two ladies, I ran past on Sunday. They were doing a litter pick. Just two of them; in a big community. The problem of litter is a big one. But they’re still tackling it. A little by little.
—
About the power of small acts. On Monday afternoon, I saw my friend, Dennis from Ladysmith days. (That was my first church post.) I hadn’t seen him in 20 years. So we had a great afternoon catching up and sharing stories of the last two decades.
In the theme of small acts. Back then, he made me a copied CD of Thousand Foot Krutch (TFK), which was probably a frowned-upon act – copying music.
But that introduction to that band opened my world to a whole bunch of other awesome Christian bands that inspired my relationship with God in a big way.
A small ripple with a big result.
In conclusion, I am reminded that small ripples can change a lot.
If you wanted to discover more of the band TFK, here are some songs to check out:
1) Small Town – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXbBmR0dqC4&pp=ygUfdGhvdXNhbmQgZm9vdCBrcnV0Y2ggc21hbGwgdG93bg%3D%3D
2) Be somebody – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGSvITdmrXM&pp=ygUUdGhvdXNhbmQgZm9vdCBrcnV0Y2g%3D
3) A more upbeat one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh2YFfeUrOA&pp=ygUUdGhvdXNhbmQgZm9vdCBrcnV0Y2g%3D RAWKFIST!
Sacred Spaces 663 – Faceless Jesus
I just recently watched Season 4 of The Chosen. I’ve really enjoyed that show so much. God has used it so much, in my life, to remind me of things.
Obviously for a series like this (everyone is given a face.)
I am reminded of what my friend said to me the other day. About Hollywood imposing the face of Jesus onto you.
It’s got me thinking…
When I pray, I don’t see “The Chosen” Jesus… but, who do I see then? Hmm.
Right now, it still seems like a faceless Jesus.
It’s more of the spirit of Jesus, that I depict in my prayers…
I don’t see my Sunday school book Jesus…
I don’t see the Passion Jesus…
I don’t see the white Jesus…
I don’t see the Middle Eastern Jesus…
He remains faceless.
I like it that way.
Rather, I see to focus on His spirit. His qualities. If that makes sense?
We can’t box Jesus.
We can’t mould Him into something we want Him to be.
A face is helpful, but not defining.
I mean, it was Jesus himself that said “By your love they will know Me.” (They will know you are My disciples.)
So let’s focus on the actions and qualities of Jesus and live them out.
Sacred Spaces 662 – Repeated Refrains
On Sunday, I was at an Ordination Service in St Albans Abbey for Peter Briggs.
It’s been awhile since I had been to such a “formal service.”
But I liked it. Here’s why:
As the congregation and choir sang,
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want…
And I will trust in You alone
And I will trust in You alone
For your endless mercy follows me
(Stuart Townsend, 1996.)
The sound reverberated against the pillars and walls of the church. A lovely sound and soulful feeling filled that space. My spirit just connected.
Later on in the service, we had to repeat the phrase “Lord, have mercy,” after a few lines that the Bishop prayed.
I liked repeating that refrain.
Made me think of how, we can keep our worship and prayers simple, less wordy…
But definitely heartfelt.
Imagining, if I just started and ended my everyday with those three words: Lord, have mercy.
How that would make a difference to the rhythm of my day.
Then the three lines, we also know quite well, when we are saying the Eucharist (communion) prayer:
Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
A profound ten words, that my faith is and should be rooted in.
God, you are good.
How many times, I get caught up in the busyness of my life.
I don’t worship or connect with You enough. Forgive me.
You are good, you are good and Your love endures…
You are good, you are good and Your love endures…
You are good, you are good and Your love endures…
Sacred Spaces 661 – Deep or shallow water?
I felt like doing another Sacred Spaces, on YouTube.
Sacred Spaces 660 – Tribes
We all long to be part of a tribe.
We may not use the word, tribe.
We probably call it community.
Essentially each person was intended to be in relationship with others. From family, to friendships, love relationships, to a tribe / club or community.
The bible is full of commands and instructions and wisdom about “one another.”
For example: encourage one another, be kind to one another, love one another, help one another…
(There are a lot of them.)
This “one another” thing can’t be done if we’re not in a tribe.
A year ago, I made the brilliant decision to join a running club. I love it!
That is my tribe.
There are people I can chat to. People who push me (when it comes to running.) We even had a Christmas party together.
The other day, on one of our weekly club runs, we did a “charity run.” We had to run with tinned food and other non perishables and en route we dropped our donations off at the local Morrison’s.
On that night, I thought to myself, how that “felt like church.”
Giving to those in need…
What tribe are you part of?
It’s been almost two years now since I stopped formally working for the church.
As a “staff member” of a church I automatically “inherited” the tribe of that church.
Now, that I am a “regular” member…
I am looking for a church, a tribe to belong to.
I still haven’t found what I am looking for… (Sorry, U2 reference there…)
So if you want to pray about that. That would be nice.
I’ve visited a few churches. I’ve just not committed to one, yet.
Sadly, some churches, I have walked into, have not “noticed” me…
And that is probably the same of all tribes, some times, people aren’t noticed or welcomed…
It’s a sad truth…
But we who are searching for that tribe to belong to. Keep persisting.
Keep praying.
Keep talking to Him. He sees you.
Sacred Spaces 659 – Christmas Ready Part 3 – The songs
Again, I am veering away from the usual Christmas songs to point out two that I have liked over the years:
(If you’ve journeyed with us over these three weeks and six songs, thank you for coming along.)
1. While you were sleeping (Casting Crowns)
Oh, little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you’re lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight, tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man and stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
United States of America, looks like another silent night
As we’re sound asleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re laying in the dark
There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night
In the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping?
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay?
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
– How good are these lyrics? Wow!
– Casting Crowns have always done great “story songs” – there lyrics have a parable nature to them.
– Over 2000 years, there have people who have either had room for the King or not? Whether it be in Bethlehem or USA or UK or South Africa, wherever – people have a choice: To pay attention to the King, born in that stable… or to just ignore it.
– People’s disbelief, ignorance or apathy doesn’t stop the truth.
– TRUTH IS – Jesus was born.
– I wish upon each of you to have a “silent night” where that questions hovers over your soul? What will you do with the Saviour’s birth this year?
2. May you find a light (Josh Garrels)
Lost and weary traveller
Searchin’ for the way to go
Stranger, heavy-hearted
Longin’ for someone to know
May you find a light
May you find a light
May you find a light to guide you home
– There is a melancholy and nostalgia to this song…
– I’ve always liked the contrast of Light and Dark.
– John 1 speaks of it too.
“The light shines in the darkness but that darkness has not overcome (understood) it.”
– Christ’s Light shines on!
– May it shine on so many things of your life.
SACRED SPACES 