Phases

          Ever since I was a small child I have loved picture books and  story books with illustrations.  A small illustration can clarify what the author is explaining in words.  A drawing or photo can serve as a marker for information the reader needs, as in a how-to article in a magazine.  Word pictures and films are powerful tools in communicating a story. 

          Jesus taught short stories explaining the kingdom of heaven, the personality and character of God the Father, and many principles and purposes of relationship with Him.

          Since the Holy Spirit is one of the three personalities of God, and He knows me intimately, it is logical that He teaches and speaks through pictures in my mind.

          Lying in bed, in the quiet of the night, I listen. It is often this kind of moment I will see a picture or hear a phrase.  A couple of nights ago this concept suddenly presented itself to me.

Phase One	God the Father	Created our world and all that is in it.
Phase Two	Jesus the Son	Stepped into the creation He co-created with the Father
Phase Three	Holy Spirit	Came to inhabit the earth through His Bride, the Church

          Phase One:  God the Father spoke with such authority that particles of matter obeyed His voice and the world came together.  The world was established with systems of weather, systems of beginning and ending—like planting seeds, which grow into plants and then culminate into harvest.  God created man in His image and then gave mankind the opportunity to have the knowleged of good and evil.

          Phase Two:  Aware that man would choose the knowledge of good and evil, the Triune God agree to the plan of redemption.  Jesus, who participated in the creation, stepped into His own creation. 

“(3)All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. …  (10)He came into the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him [did not know Him].  He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own—His domain, creation, things, world,], and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.”  John, Chapter One.

To those seeking truth, Jesus taught how to become the Children of God.  He declared the Kingdom of Heaven, and demonstrated holy love to those willing to follow Him.  Through His death and resurrection, He established His supernatural government, with the promise of a Helper. 

Jesus gave instructions for them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise;  The Third Person of the Trinity would be called

·       Counsellor

·       Helper

·       Intercessor

·       Advocate

·       Strengthener

·       Standby

Phase Three:  On the first Pentecost about 120 people were together, with one mind and devoted to prayer when they received the sudden visitation, like the rushing of a violent tempest blast.  The Holy Spirit appeared to each person as tongues of fire, separating and settling on every individual.  His Presence was diffused throughout their souls.  The Holy Spirit so overwhelmed them that they began speaking in other languages.  The Holy Spirit came to manifest God’s Kingdom here on earth through His Church. 

The Holy Spirit has been working His wonders in Jesus’ name through the centuries.  Jesus asked of the Father, so the Father sent the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, to remain with us forever.  He is called the Spirit of Truth, whom we welcome and take to our hearts because we recognise Him. 

Because of the Holy Spirit, the Church was born.  Because the Holy Spirit is born within us, it is His empowerment that causes the Kingdom of God to supersede all remaining natural governments.  Any Christian is a citizen of Heaven and is welcome in any Christian congregation anywhere on earth; without a passport, without the need for a visa or any state government approval.  A person might be limited by international borders preventing travel.  But the Blood bought Church is universal.  The Church existed before my birth, and the birth of my generation.  It will exist long after I am gone from this world.  Yet, the work of the Holy Spirit will continue on. 

In my imagination I watched the unfolding of:

• Creation, like a shot of the earth from the space Shuttle
• Creation of mankind
• Creation of the covenant of salvation
• Creation of the supernatural, superseding Body of Christ the Church

In seeing that story unfold, I see that we were created for the Holy Spirit, as a gift from the Father.  How amazing is our God. 

I hope you can see the picture too.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

2016 Mothers' Day UK

Today is Mothers' Day in the United Kingdom.  When my mother was alive, I'd send her two Mothers' Day cards a year.  One was sent in March for Mothers' Day in the UK and another one sent in May, which is the American Mothers' Day.  

Today I was weepy.  It was difficult to put my finger on as to why I was tearful.  Most days when I think of Mom, I smile and am thankful for all the wonderful memories.  But for the first time in over a year, when I thought of my mother, I pined for her.   

It was so strong, I didn't want to go to church.  But, since I was not ill, and had no justifiable reason to stay home, I went.  I was glad that I did, as it really is a safe place to let tears flow down.  And several of my friends know the saddness of having their mothers pass over to heaven before them.  I wanted to comfort and be comforted by them as we remembered the arms that held us as children.  

After church, "Maverick" took me to the pub across the road from the church for lunch.  We ordered from the Mothers' Day Menu, which provided a Sunday Roast Dinner.   I ordered the half chicken and John ordered the roast beef.  When it was served, we cut the meat portions in half and shared.  Pretty romantic, right?!  We were so full from the meal we skipped dessert.  

"Maverick" had ridden his bike to church, whilst I had walked.  So I sent "Maverick" on home to take Maisy out.  I was met on the way home;  Maisy was in her "over-ride" running mode when she saw me.  What a lovely greeting!  

I topped off the afternoon with a nap.  

I know I am loved.  I am pampered and cherished.  And I am exceedingly thankful.

To all my friends who are mothers, "Happy British Mothers' Day."

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene."

Dogs and Dust

By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:19 

          “Cats verses Dogs; which is best?” aired on the BBC over two nights, 4^th and 11^th February.  Using science and experiments, Chris Packham and Liz Bonnin battled it out to determine which animal is man’s best friend.  In fairness, the results showed the strengths of each animal in terms of trainability, endurance performance, agility, companionability.  

          One of the tests performed by Chris Packham involved a dog tracking him (Chris) through London’s streets with thousands of other distractions.  The dog, Boris, and his handler, Steve Nelson, work for the Bolton Mountain Rescue unit near Manchester.  Of course, Boris made short work of finding Chris.

          After smelling a pillow case and a tee-shirt belonging to Chris, Boris avoided diversions and distractions to find the coffee shop where Chris was waiting.  It had taken only ten minutes.

          Steve explained the science behind Boris being able to track so successfully.  With 150 million scent receptors in his nose, Boris is able to distinguish Chris’s unique scent.  Microscopic bacteria works on the dead skin cells that come off of the body to create a unique scent.  Those skin cells are out in the environment, blowing as fine dust.

          The other day I went to see Amy.  She lives alone and doesn’t go out much.  She was surprised by the amount of dust she vacuumed up in her flat.  All I could think of was, it’s the dead skin our bodies have sloughed off.

          I often lie in bed in the mornings, slowing waking up and pondering life.  This morning I remembered the way we create scent and dust.  The scripture above came to mind—we shall return to dust.  

 Then I had this wow moment.  It isn’t only when we are dead and buried (or are cremated) that we transform into dust.   We are returning to dust, even though we are alive.  Every time we wash our face and/or hands, we are washing off the dead skin that becomes dust.  When we rub our bodies with our clothing, we are removing the particles of dead cells that become the dust on our furniture.   

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul says that he dies daily.  I had focused on the idea that Paul was dying to himself, resisting his selfish nature.   This in indeed a true interpretation.   However, another facet of understanding has presented itself;  I have learned that our bodies are always shedding dead skin cells, even when we can’t see them.  It reminds me that yes, we are dying every day.  

The minute details of our lives can fascinate us when we stop and think of how intimately God is involved in the details.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

Just one of those days...

It has been one of those days.  I start in one direction and something else comes up.

I put a load of laundry into the washer whilst I went to Amy's.  I meant to hang the clothes on the line to dry once I got home.  Instead I prepared lunch.

Amy had given me some camelias she cut from the bush in her garden.  Amy said there were for Mothers' Day.  I put them in water and placed them on the table.  They are so pretty, I wanted to share a photo of them on my blog.  

But Maisy has been barking a lot lately.  So after lunch I decided it would a good idea to wear her out.  We went out for a long walk.  I forgot about the laundry.  

On the way home I noticed the clouds filling up with rain clouds.  So I was undecided as to whether to hang the clean, wet clothes out or use the clothes dryer.  I decided to try the line.

When I got home, however, "Jon-David", ("Maverick's best friend) was here.  I forgot about the laundry, the photos and the blog.

After "Jon-David" left, I remembered that I needed to take care of a few things on-line.  By the time I'd finished those objectives, it was time to think about preparing dinner.

It is now almost bedtime.  But I was determined to share the photo of the flowers.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

I want to ride MY bicycle, I want to ride my bike...

Blasting wind chaffed my face and nipped at my ungloved hands as I locked the door.  I had just finished work for the day and was barely on the sidewalk when I heard a car horn honk.  I scanned the corner and saw a friend from church getting ready to turn his car into St. Mary's Road.  Realising I had seen him, he waved me over to the car, having parked up next to the church centre.

"Hi Niall."  I greeted my friend.

"Hi!"  he said, as he pulled out his mobile.  "Would you like a bike?"  He continued to swipe the phone face looking for the photo.

"A bike?"  I ask in order to clarify. 

"A bike.  The people are moving, so they want to get rid of it."  He hands me the mobile.

I get excited, because it is exactly the kind I would like.  And it looks like it is a small/short bike.

"Yes, I would like a bike.  How much do they want for it?"  

"Nothing, they just want to get rid of it.  It's too nice to throw out.  Get in the car!  We'll go get it."  

I rang 'Maverick' and told him that I would meet him at home instead of the local shops.  And I told him about the bike.  

Tomorrow he is taking the bike to the bike shop for a service .  I'm very excited, because now I can start riding locally with 'Maverick.'

For months 'Maverick' has been asking me:  "Would you like a bike?"  I'd always answer yes.  As if unconvinced, he'd ask again a couple of weeks later.  So, I guess this was God's miracle of provision;  but it was also God's way of answering John--"Yes, My son, your Lady Helene wants a bike."

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,
"Lady Helene"

Happy Birthday, "Mr. Kin"

"Maverick's Brother-in-Law, photo taken 14 April 20042

1st March--Birthday of "Mr. Kin", who is "Maverick's" Brother-in-law.  He was born in 1946, making this his 70th birthday.  "Mr. Kin" is a full of mischief, fun and generosity.  So life it never boring with him. 

Back Row--From Left
"D.J. Don",(Mr. Kin's & Seamstress Supreme's son), and "Mr. Kin"
Front Row--from Left 
"Lady Helene" (Me), "Bea" and "Seamstress Supreme" 

The group photo was taken in September 2003 at Sir Lowry's Pass in South Africa.  "Maverick" and I joined his eldest sister, "Seamstress Supreme" and her husband, "Mr. Kin" and their son, "DJ Don" for a trip to visit family.  

"Seamstress Supreme" and "Mr. Kin" moved to South Africa a few years ago.   

"Maverick" and I had hoped to make it to South Africa, to join in his celebration on Saturday night.  But, he was signed off work due to leg and shoulder injury, making the trip impossible in time for the party.  We hope to visit SA again.


Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"
 

 

Prayer of Intercession

Scripture Reading:  12)   I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you.   You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.

 13)   Yes, and from ancient days I am he.  No one can deliver out of my hand.  When I act, who can reverse it?”   Isaiah 43:12-14--New International

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

The Church:

 Ancient of Days, our near and Present Father, we praise you.  We pray for your Precious body, the church.  May each person, who claims your name, draw near to You in intimacy.  Help them discover Your purpose and call on his/her life.  We ask that you send aid to those who are suffering persecution for Your Name’s sake.  Bless those in church leadership to be true and caring pastors to Your flock.

 We pray for the work of Corrymeela Community, an organisation committed to the healing of social, religious and political divisions that exist in Northern Ireland and throughout the world.  Pray for the forthcoming events:  Slowing Down to Meet Yourself, Violence in the Village, and Making Language Visible.  Pray that hearts will be challenged, encouraged and gain hope.  Pray for hosts, facilitators and speakers.

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

Creation, Human Society, The Sovereign, Those in Authority: 

Creator of Heaven and Earth, teach us Your principles of stewardship.  Apart from You, we use the world’s resources selfishly.  By Your Holy Spirit, guide us with lessons of mercy, respect, and selflessness to wisely nurture natural resources and discover better ways of developing communities.  Bless all government leaders in dealing with conflict worldwide.  Thank You for our Queen Elizabeth, who openly testifies of her faith in You.  We pray for our MP’s as they deal with the many issues facing the UK, especially the forthcoming vote regarding the EU.

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

The Local Community: 

Faithful Shepherd, we pray for opportunities to share the message of Jesus’ redeeming love with our friends and neighbours, and the courage to speak.  May we, Your church, shine in the community as we participate in toddler groups, children’s ministries, the food bank, Bible studies, the coffee shop and craft groups.  Help us to connect in friendship.  You have blessed us; therefore we pray to be a blessing to others.

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

Those who suffer: 

Great and Glorious Physician, touch all who are suffering in spirit, soul and body.  May Your presence be felt by all who are ill at home, in hospital, in hospice and even those who are homeless.  Bless doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, professional carers and family members who tend to the sick, by providing physical touch, medicines and treatments.

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

The communion of saints

God of all comfort, make your comfort know to all who grieve—whether recent or longstanding.  Let us be Your hands to touch, Your ears to listen , Your hands to serve . We give praise to You for those who guided and nurtured us in life, but are now a part of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us.  We remember them. 

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.