I've been hunting all over for a special something for an unusual project. Shhh.. it’s a top secret. A surprise for a friend. Since a lot of my time in the next few weeks will be tied up in that secret assignment, I knew I wouldn’t have time for much else. So when a friend and I discussed going for a movie and lunch together, I hemmed and hawed a little. Did I have the time for it?

After some thought, I decided it was important. So last Tuesday saw me whizzing off to the Plaza on that movie date. I realised with glad surprise that it was also a golden opportunity to look for that special something for my project. Would I find it? I’m thrilled to report I did. In fact, I found it at the first shop I entered. I was as delighted as a hippopotamus who’d discovered a mudhole and was ecstatically wallowing in it.

You know, finding my long sought after ‘something’ was a bit like the process of finding Joy. I believed I hadn’t time to go for my movie date, because my special project clamoured all my attention. But the truth was that I couldn’t even start on my assignment without the ‘something’ I found by going for that movie. A bit like the way Joy works. We often think that something or Someone might spoil our joy and so we refrain from doing it or pursuing Him. But have you discovered - life with God is a reversal of the world’s definition of it.

We find life by giving it away. Likewise, we find joy too by giving it away. A sure way of discovering joy is to help someone. Or to make a sacrificial gift. Or to deny myself.  Not the usual recipe for finding happiness. The glorious truth is that happiness and joy are not related – not even third cousins. Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy depends on our Maker. God dispenses this gift of Joy freely. But I do need to do my bit and be in the right place to receive it – like opening a window to watch the sunbeams dance or turning a tap to fill a glass with cool refreshing water.

My friend and I enjoyed some delicious Chicken Tikka Masala, then went for our movie. Joy reared her glossy head once again – one of the main characters in the interesting animation film – "Inside out". I was reminded of a beautiful truth about Joy – that grief and joy are close friends. Grieving appropriately can actually lead to joy. Did you know that? When I attended a ladies evening that same night – guess what the theme was? Why – Joy of course. I lapped up the wholesome, compelling talk on the biblical perspective of Joy. I was given a threefold gift of JOY that day – no wonder I can’t stop talking about it!

During the past 6 months, I've found God nudging me about my spending. I've listened. And it’s brought me joy. Not the shortlived happiness of aquiring something I don’t really need – but the deep refreshing well of joy when I know I’m doing what He’s asked me to do. There's also a glad satisfaction in wanting something – looking at it – but putting it back because I don’t really need it. Joy comes in many different forms doesn’t it?

Joy is a choice I make. Picture a road forking into two – one leading to happiness – one leading to God’s destination. The road leading to happiness will be enticing. Who wouldn’t want to take it? In contrast, the road leading to God’s way will be winding, narrow, difficult, with few travellers on it. But you know what? That road has an amazing view. It’s end is truly heaven. And the trees on that road are laden with the fruit of joy.

Some ways then that I can cultivate JOY:

1. Trust God with all my heart. Allow Him be the Manager of the Universe – remember it's not me.

2. Share Him freely with others. There is great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. A good portion of that same joy will rub off on me too.

3. Help others. Be interested in them. Bless them. Rejoice in their joys.

4. Decide to focus on the positives. Often my feelings stem from what I think about.

5. Make laughter my middle name. Laugh at myself often. Have fun. Play.

6. Spend time with Jesus. The number one harbinger of joy is being with Him, listening to Him, worshipping Him, knowing His love, responding to that love.

7. Cultivate deep, loving relationships. Nothing satisfies as much as close, authentic relationships.

8. Ask God to give me heaven’s persepective on life. It will open my eyes.

9. Study the Word and imbibe it’s truths. Soak in God’s promises.

10. Be obedient. There’s no greater thrill that following the Holy Spirit as He leads.

11. Use adversity to teach me true joy. It will. Circumstances might shake me but they will never break me, because God is in the picture and He is in control.

12. Reflect, meditate on and remember all that God has done for me in the past. Rejoice as I remember and give thanks.

And finally….. Choose Joy! 

Daily. Hourly. Moment by moment. The choice is mine.

Would you like some JOY?

“Remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love….. I have told you this that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11

With special THANKS to N.T. Wright

I was standing outdoors on a crisp cold winter’s day. The air was scrubbed clean after the refreshing showers of the night before. A few lazy clouds ambled by in a clear blue sky. Screeching parrots flew around excitedly calling out to each other. The grass at my feet glistened with the wetness of dewdrops. As I stood there, waving my son off to work, beauty called out to me like a nightingale’s song – clear, sweet, melodious.

A vehicle was parked ahead. The large removals van had a friendly smiling face and a telephone number painted on its side. Two men chatted to each other as they moved furniture inside it. It dawned on me that the words didn’t sound like English. So I looked and listened more closely. It was then that I noticed. The two men were brown skinned. Ah! I listened some more. It clicked in my brain; a switch that was turned on, flooding a room with light. Was that my mother tongue? Of course it was. The words couldn’t be made out. But it had to be Sinhalese. I was tempted to run across my front lawn and to shout out to them’ ‘Lanakavenda?” - that's: ‘Are you from Sri Lanka?” I pictured their joy as they heard a stranger in Australia speak their language.

It warmed my heart to hear my mother tongue – spoken in my present neighbourhood – 7,697 km’s away from where I spoke it in my neighbourhood in Sri Lanka when I was little. It was very special. I prayed for the two men as they zoomed off and felt an affinity with them that day. Language is a large part of who we are isn’t it?

I must confess rather ashamedly, that growing up in Sri Lanka, I began a love affair not with my mother tongue but with my second language. The magic of Enid Blyton stories catapulted me into the thrilling world of reading. Books opened a special doorway to life. They remain a central part of my life as they entertain, inform, inspire, teach and grow me as a person. And yes, I now love to write books as well as to read them.

I began to reflect that day on language. Do we speak the language of others? I don’t mean their mother tongue. But do we speak in a way that we are heard? And in a way others feel understood and valued? Have you noticed that often what we say is not what is heard by the other person? Husbands and wife are sometimes in conflict because what the wife says is not what the husband hears. And vice versa. The meaning of our words is often lost in the other person’s perspectives and life experiences. Then there is this unfortunate 'thing' called a ‘generation gap’. There was certainly one between my son and myself when he was little and many the skirmish thereof. I wish I could go back to undo those battles. A child’s perspective is often very different to an adult’s viewpoint, so it’s easy to say the wrong thing to a small person when we don’t take the trouble to view life through his eyes.

Some years ago, I listened to a talk by New Testament scholar and theologian N.T. Wright on ‘The Language of Life”. I was fascinated. He mentions that a traveller needs to learn the language of a new country. The ultimate test then is to be able to speak it like a native. He suggests that when we became disciples of Jesus we’ve “entered a new country”. So of course we need to learn its language. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, but we still need to work hard and practice discipline in order to master the new country’s language, grammar, syntax and all its fine nuances.

And what is the language of this new country? Why! The Language of Love of course. It all made perfect sense when N.T. Wright expressed it so clearly. Have you learnt to speak it? I am still a beginner in learning this language. But every experience in life helps me to learn it better and better. Oh that one day I can speak it like a native!

Three questions I can ask myself today:

1. How can I become more fluent in the Language of Life?

2. From whom can I learn to speak it better?

3. Who needs to hear me speak it today?

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, 

I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

And now, these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is LOVE.” 1 Cor 13:1, 13

I visited my dear friend Iris last week. She’s doing exceptionally well. Iris lives on her own in her beautifully kept home, replete with numerous soft toys for company, plenty of good books to read and a heart that dwells only on the sunny-side. As always, I came away inspired. “I've had a good life” said Iris. “I hope I live to be a hundred.”

At 92, with nothing much to look forward to but getting older and frailer – here she was looking ahead with anticipation. Amazing! My husband and I were very impressed. Most people in their nineties would find life hard work. Not Iris. Iris is losing her memory. It can’t be easy. Iris is alone most of the time. She never complains. She has only two outings each week. She could dwell on what she doesn’t have. Instead she chooses to exult in what she does possess. She laughs about her losses. The memories she’s retained are all good ones. Growing older gracefully is a choice. Iris has made that choice.

We laughed a lot together, probably at least 20 times in 40 minutes. “You got to laugh” she said. She said it so many times that I had to bring that piece of wisdom home with me. It deems well to listen to a 92 year old who’s as content as Winnie the Pooh with his head stuck in a honey pot. Thank you Iris.

I reflected afterwards that we groom ourselves to become who we are when we are old. If I am grumpy as a young person – I will most likely be grumpy when I am old. What I do now matters. How I think matters. How I live matters and will shape my 92 year old self! If I live with joy in my twenties – I might still be smiling in my 9^th decade.

I like to think that we all travel through life with a Life bag of goodies. A lot of those goodies have been accumulated through the years, starting from when we were little. We might carry hope and love, joy and peace. On the other hand, we might carry goodies that are baddies. Like anxiety and worry, unforgiveness and anger. We might carry bitterness, grudges, fear and sadness. We could carry embarrassment and guilt, shame and reproach. We might carry hatred and envy, greed and selfishness. We might carry impatience and indifference, boredom and inertia. Get the picture? Our life’s bag of goodies is formed out of what we put into it as we zoom at 100 kmph on life's highway or take a leisurely stroll through it's intricate paths.

Perhaps today might be a good day to take stock of what I have inside my bag of life’s goodies. I could remove some of its ugly contents and replace them with those that would serve me better. 

I’d like my Life bag of Goodies to contain:

1        Joy      

2.      Faith

3.        Prayer

4.      Laughter

5.        Discipline

6.      Forgiveness

7.        Contentment

8.      Loyalty and Faithfulness

9.        Enjoyment of the Moment

10.    The knowledge of God’s Love and Goodness

11.      Love – deep, sincere, unconditional

12.    Appreciation of beauty

13.     Blessing others

14.    Perseverance

15.     Compassion 

16.    Playfulness

17.     Friendship

18.   Gratitude

19.     Kindness

20.   Courage

Why not have a peek into your life bag of goodies? You might discover it contains items that haven’t added much to your life. Perhaps today’s the day to shed them? The day to replace them with countless valuable items that will carry you to your journey’s end.

“Make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." 2 Peter 1:5-7

Some years ago, my extended family in Australia enjoyed a delightful holiday as we saw the New Year in together. During four action packed days of family fun and frolic, we exchanged Christmas gifts and returned with warmed hearts and a kalaidoscope of memories. My generous brother and sister in law presented us with a grating/slicing machine. I‘ve found it extremely handy over the past four and a half years. It’s a chef’s efficient able helper – also easy to clean and put away.

The other day, I grated a carrot as I pressed down on it, using the little plastic piece supplied. The carrot was grated beautifully. I wondered what would occur if I stopped putting any pressure on that carrot. So I took off my weighty hand and pressed the switch to turn on the blade. The blade whirred again and the carrot went round and round. But dear me, nothing more occurred. No grating. Only turning. Without the pressure, the carrot was content to go around for infinity like a non stop merry-go-round.

No pressure - no grated carrots. It was as simple as that. It caused me reflect on life and adversity. No pressure in life - no results. With no pressure of deadlines – much of our work might take longer to accomplish or even never be completed. With no pressure in a pressure cooker – the meat inside will remain as hard as a rhino’s taut muscles. If there is no pressure in my arteries, blood wouldn’t get carried to all the cells in my body.

Is pressure needed? Absolutely. Is adversity needed? I believe it is. The title of my blog is not “Why Adversity” but rather “When Adversity”. Note the difference? I do not pretend to know the answers to life’s why questions. Why does God permit innocent people to suffer? Why is a baby stillborn? Why is a good life cut short? The ‘why” question is one that’s way above my little head. Often God doesn’t reply when I ask Him why. And so I try not to ask it at all, living instead by Proverbs 3:5 and 6. Trusting that a Faithful Loving God knows best, especially because He’s proved it in my own life, many times over.

The When question is another matter. I do have lots of tried and tested answers to the When question. We all face inexplicably tough times, don’t we? Some more than others, it is true. Unfortunately, life has a way of dishing out plenty of unpalatable courses that are not on the main menu. The gladsome truth though is that we can make a drink out of lemons and sugar even if we didn’t ask for those particular ingredients. We might also amazingly enough, make a scrumptious lasagna out of potatoes or a yummy beef stew out of chicken and eggs. You never know! When Adversity arrives uninvited – there just might be a way of turning it into something wholesome.

When Adversity knocks, I can:

1. Use it to draw closer to the God who loves me

2. Find the right attitude to face up to the challenge

3. Understand riches of the spirit in ways I didn’t grasp before

4. Grow in character and grow in grace

5. Form deep, lasting bonds with those whom God brings my way

6. Learn to empathise with others through my own experiences

7. Bless those who suffer with the comfort I’ve received

8. Discover that adversity is a great teacher if I learn to be a good pupil

9. Discern that life can be beautiful even during the tough times

10. And while I am about it, I can Dance in the Rain

I confess that I don’t always meet adversity with a smile. It’s often a struggle to see the bright side when I’d rather whine or cry. But God’s shown me that life’s pressures are often treasures. They come like uninvited guests to interrupt my life. They don’t go away quickly either. But when I rise up to the challenge (with God’s ever present help), adversity changes from a tragedy to a gift. When I look for the blessing – I find it.

Has adversity stalked you this past year?

Would you like to create a delicious chicken stew out of beef and bacon?

Adversity's best gift to me has been that God's love and comfort have abounded.

May adversity bring you the richness of God's Presence.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3

We’ve been doing a spot of winter travel, spending three idyllic days away, driving on country roads, breathing in the air of many enchanting places, sipping steaming cuppas on the wayside, enjoying picnics in the vast outdoors. On the day we left Adelaide, our first stop was scheduled to be in a little town 140 kilometers away. I was excited. What would Blanchetown be like?

We drove in and looked around. A few small houses were scattered here and there on a straight boring road. No green park beckoned; no apparent loveliness. We discovered in dismay that that our hopes weren’t going to be realised. Nothing special. Small. Quiet. Unattractive. Very disappointing! But then, all at once, we stumbled onto a patch of beauty which made my eyes open wide in wonder. A serendipitous find.

Nestling between the river Murray on our right and a sheer cliff on our left was a meandering road. A lengthy set of steps led off the road, right up to the highway. A profusion of yellow leaves poked their heads at us against the backdrop of brilliant blue sky.  The river waters glistened. The enthralling outdoors beckoned after all. Shan parked the car and we got down. I fetched our brand new thermos from the car boot. Sitting on a large comfortable log, we enjoyed piping hot cups of tea and were refreshed by the natural beauty around. There was a special sandy walking trail ahead – one I’d have loved to explore had we the time for it. It was my kind of place after all.

Just a week before, God had challenged me. I’d been comfortable. Not ready to move from a particular circumstance – when He’d nudged me out of nowhere and said ‘Follow me’. I was surprised.  Was that Him speaking? I had to know. And so, when we left on our road trip, I asked God to confirm it; to speak to me during our three days away. Now, less than 2 hours into the trip He’d already started speaking.

I hadn’t wanted to explore a “place” that at first glance seemed not ‘my kind of thing’. But here at Blanchetown – as I’d discovered unexpected beauty when we drove deeper – God spoke. “Dive deeper my child”, He said. “You’ll find treasure where I am leading you – but you have to give it a go. Don’t give up too soon. I promise you it will be worth it.”

As we drove out of Blanchetown that day I was excited. The truth is that I don’t like change. Following Him to a new circumstance or new place is never easy. But I was excited that day because I was hearing His Voice. I love it when the Holy Spirit speaks and leads me. A precious whisper. Over the next few days, God continued to challenge me. Not through His Word as He often does – but through our holiday experiences. And also through His still small voice. He asked me to dive deeper into where He is calling me to. Because often treasures are found not on the surface but as far as I am willing to go.

Is there somewhere you need to go deeper? A relationship you should press into? A fresh dream God’s calling you to? Is it a brand new pathway He’s leading you on? A ministry He wants you to be involved in? A book He wants you to write? A challenge you’ve ignored till now because on the surface it’s not ‘your thing’?

You just might discover hidden treasure if you search more diligently. Someone you love might surprise you. A dream you’re running away from might sprout wings. The challenge in your life might turn out to be a gift in unusual wrapping paper. You will not know until you travel deeper. You might discover hidden sparkling gems in a mine far below your presumed boundaries. So don’t give up. Don’t walk away before you explore it fully.

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16

“Why do you wear Granny shoes?” he asked with a smirk. The ‘he’ was a friend’s friend. I was in my early twenties. I turned red. I felt small and ashamed. The truth was that all my life, I've had to wear shoes for comfort rather than style. No tap-tapping stilettos for me. No high heels. No smart sandals. The question was whether I could walk without pain. I had no choice but to wear those ‘granny shoes’. Through every season.

My doctor said ‘Blame it on your parents’. It was all a matter of genetics. As the years went by, I prayed often that God would keep me on my feet all my life. That would be wonderful. But was it possible? The pain increased all the time. In my early forties, I began buying expensive shoes and that helped for awhile. Eight years ago, I took anti inflammatory tablets for pain in my lower back and surprisingly my feet felt better. The medication helped keep me walking. It was a huge relief. Thank you God.

Unfortunately taking those anti inflammatory tablets wasn’t a good choice. Other health complications arose through them. And my feet became progressively worse.  The day arrived when my husband and I knew that in order for me to keep walking I had to take some drastic measures. And so I visited specialists. I discovered what I had to do. I didn’t know if my pain would ease. But I HAD to try something.

In January 2013 I had my first operation. The bunion on my right foot was sliced, and my hammertoes spliced and rejoined. (Pardon me for sharing the gory details.) But guess what?  I received a brand new foot. I also received an unexpected bonus. My flat right foot had even gained an instep. How come? It was a miracle! In January 2014 I had my left foot done. Eleven months later I was well on the way to having two new feet. My left foot also had now developed an instep. Amazing. Another miracle. Hooray.

I’d been waiting to testify to God’s goodness in January 2015 – when I should have had two working feet to boast of. But in Dec. 2014 my feet rebelled. Both my achilles tendons got inflamed. Ouch. Hobble.. hobble… hobble. That was me. Hobble… hobble… hobble! Oh dear. My doctor had me doing daily stretches, assuring me they’d be fine by April. But April came and went and the tendons were still very painful. I was still hobbling.

Two weeks ago, a pastor with the gift of healing came to our church. I had a shopping list for God – I hoped it was on His agenda to heal me of my 10 year battle with fibromyalgia plus a number of other health complaints. God did heal many people and I praise Him with all my heart. What an awesome experience it was seeing God at work. I went up for prayer but nothing happened. And so, that Friday night when I went to bed – I had mixed feelings. I rejoiced with all those who had received healing. But I also felt a little let-down. On Saturday morning, when I woke up and walked to our dining room, I made a joyful discovery. The pain in my Achilles tendons was gone. Just like that. I wasn’t hobbling anymore. God had healed them. Wow.

And so today I am shouting from the rooftops that our God heals. That He is alive. That He cares. During many Christmases past, I’d be singing ‘All I want for Christmas are two new feet”. Today it’s almost 7 months to Christmas. But I've received a fabulous early Christmas gift. Two new feet. Yay. Thank you God. 

Thank you Jesus. Thank you with all my heart.

I believe God heals in diverse ways. Through medicine. Through a surgeon’s hands. Through the prayers of a believer. Through His divine touch. He is alive and active in  our world today. Today I offer Him a heart that’s filled with gratitude and praise. I will dance before Him all the days of my life. I will always remember what He’s done for me. Join me as I celebrate His amazing goodness and proclaim His awesome power.

“For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?  It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.” Psalm 18:31-33

My beloved has been working very hard all year and deserves a break. We’ve been scouting out possible places for a quick winter getaway. After some discussion and some hunting on the Internet, we discovered the perfect spot. We’d hoped to go from Monday – Wednesday but unfortunately, Monday had already been taken. When I called the landlady to place our booking, my husband told me to ask if we could have it from the Monday - Wednesday rather than from the Tuesday - Thursday it was available. I was a bit puzzled. Surely, there was no point asking?

“But – it’s taken on Monday isn’t?”

 “Not on all the websites,” said Shan. ‘It’s possible it’s vacant after all.”

He was right. As he usually is. The Monday booking was still being processed. And guess what. Two days later, the friendly landlady called back to say we could have it on the Monday after all because the other party had backed off. What a good thing we asked.

Haven’t there been instances when you wanted to move towards something you badly desired but wondered if it was worth it because the odds were not stacked in your favour? There may have been times when you'd have liked to place your best foot forward on a venture which you were unsure about and held back. Or times when it seemed pointless to ask but you asked anyway and were amply rewarded. Know what I mean?

What is that you are dithering about today?

1. Starting a new career?

2. Asking a delicate question?

3. Seeking help?

4. Sharing your faith?

5. Pursuing a dream that’s close to your heart?

There have been many occasions in my life when I've felt tempted to go forward against the odds. And to my surprise I’ve discovered it was fully worth the effort because I did get what I sought after. Likewise, even if asking a seemingly silly question might bring you a ‘No’ response; you never know – it might just as well be the ‘Yes’ you hope for. Shan’s question against the odds proved it, did it not?

“You may never now what results come from your action.

But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” Mahatma Gandhi

Wise words. Today, if there is someone you need to talk to – don’t put it off any longer. If there is something you should ask – go ahead and ask the question. If there’s a decision that’s hard to make – do pray – seek God’s wisdom – and make the decision without delay. If there is a risk you need to take - take that leap of faith and discover the joy of following where He’s leading. If God’s placed a special something in your heart – it might be the right time to allow Him to direct you into a Glorious New Adventure! What do you think?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7, 8

My de-cluttering campaign has been a liberating process. The guest room was my starting point, after being forced to replace its carpet. It took time and effort to remove all its furniture, have the carpet replaced and then move everything back. But the end result was deeply satisfying. Our old heavy dressing table was replaced with a light modern snazzy piece of furniture. Nice! Our large bookcase isn’t overflowing with three layers of books anymore. Great! The carpet is soft and plush and our feet sink into it. Yay!  

My food cupboard badly needed an overhaul. I threw out various packets of food dated as far back as….umm…let me see…. or perhaps I’d better not shock you. I can assure you though that I've done a good job. My writer’s workspace has been beautifully re-organized. I now know where to find a document when I need it. Isn’t that progress?  My bathroom cupboard was previously crammed full of bottles of all shapes and sizes. I disliked getting anything from inside. Now, I admire it whenever I peek in. Yes, the grand result of my decluttering campaign has been a glad sense of accomplishment.

I've also learnt the truth of what I've suspected all along. Less is more. Did you know that? In our modern fast paced commercially driven world – it’s easy to think that more is more. That we need numerous acquisitions in order to be happy. That the busier we are, the better our life gets. That the more people we are in touch with all of the time, the more meaningful it becomes. But is that true? What do you think?

I've had to constantly pull myself back from the fast flowing current of more that is abounding in today’s world, because it’s very easy to get sucked in. Take modern day communication for instance. There’s texting, emailing, face booking, tweeting for a start. Pinterest, Skype, Viber, Whatsapp and more. Much more. Mobile phones make life easier in but also much busier. Everyone is connected. And with all that instant communication 24/7, the pace of life can get pretty hectic and stressful. Whew!

Don’t get me wrong. I love communicating. I splashed merrily into the computer age, way back in 1981, like a dolphin cruising through the Murray.  I’m glad I'm alive today; not one hundred years ago. But the truth is that we cannot be in constant contact with everyone in our lives all of the time. Sometimes we need to take a few steps back in order to breathe. To taste life as it’s meant to be tasted. Yes, less is more. I used to pride myself on replying every email I received. Not any more. I try to answer most of them and do answer those that are important. But there are times when my in box is bulging with 150 emails and I give up. I've even stopped stressing about it. I usually respond to shorter emails much faster than longer ones. So in matters of length too, less is often more. As a writer, I have so much to learn. I am not economical enough with my words. Writers know that when it comes to communicating effectively, less is more and good writers are able to follow through.

Just as white space between words makes the page easy to read – the spaces in our home add to the quality of our lives, don’t they? When my wardrobe is full – it’s often difficult to find what I need. But when there are gaps between my clothes I can grab the blouse I want in a jiffy. The same applies for everything else. Life gets more enjoyable when there’s less ‘stuff’ around me.

Having plenty of choice in what we buy and consume is a privilege. But you know – the more choice there is – the more decisions that need to be made and the more complex and confusing life becomes. Don’t you think? Being busy is a modern day malady. It’s a good thing when our busyness means we are helping others or taking care of our families. But there are times I need to stop to decide if everything I do is essential. I need free time on a regular basis. To unwind. To smell the roses. To spend with God

Over the past 15 years, God’s been calling me to an intimate walk with Him. If my schedule is crammed full – there won’t be sufficient time for God in it. It means I might need to say ‘no’ to the good, in order to make time for the better and the best.

1. Is my diary full? Do I have time to stop to help someone in need?

2. Am I stressed? What can I can cut from my life to improve its quality?

3. Do I have too much stuff? What can I get rid of?

4. Do I spread myself too thin? Do I have time to build deep relationships?

5. What’s God calling me to – with my possessions, use of time, relationships, schedule, and life itself?

6. Would I call my life an Abundant Life?

Oh! By the way, don’t you think this blog is far too long?

Note to self: Less is More.

When I woke up that morning, thick grey clouds filled the skies. Rain pelted down hard and fast. Oh dear, I thought to myself. Not the right day to do my grocery shopping. The thing was… that I’d finally found the ideal day for that weekly chore. Having a set day for it made life much simpler. But returning home with a soggy mess of shopping bags wasn’t an exciting prospect. I checked the weather report. Not good! Plenty of rain was promised Adelaide – all day long. Hmm… Perhaps I should go tomorrow?

Two hours later I looked out. Glistening rain drops hung on leaves, but the sky's tears had finally stopped falling. A faint hint of sunshine lit the skies. Perhaps it wasn’t a bad day for my shopping after all. I went back to plan A. And marched forth (or rather drove forth) to the 'village'. Hours later, I emerged with a bulging trolley. My smile widened as I saw that the expected rain was still playing truant. I walked to my car, and unloaded my nice, dry shopping bags into its boot. Cold winds tugged my clothes playfully. I was so glad that I’d ventured out against the weather report’s advice. It was the right day to get my shopping done after all.

It reminded me of the simple truth about life and discouragement; about continuing to continue; about persevering against the odds. Often in life, circumstances change and make me pause to reconsider my plans. Take my job hunt for instance. A few years ago, after many long years of job hunting and 15 years of volunteer work, I found my ideal job. I loved it. I thrived in it. I found I was using my God given skills. I felt His deep pleasure. But then… surprise surprise… I lost the job in 8 months. Shock. Grief. Change. Thankfully, I can laugh about it now. That’s life isn’t it? 

I've been job hunting for over 12 months but the prospects aren’t looking good. For one thing, my qualifications are old and outdated. The job I’m looking for is not in the field I'd trained for in my youth. I do have skills but few paper qualifications. I am “old” by a job hunter’s standards – too old for the job market. The vista ahead looks far from promising. Some weeks ago, I pricked up my ears about a possible job. It was something I could do. And one where I’d bless the world. Sadly, the weeks have passed by and I haven’t been called for an interview. Hope beckoned again when I came across an online writing job. I can write, can’t I? I put my best foot forward. But guess what? I failed the assessment. Sigh. Yes, I was very disheartened.

One day I took my Bible and my morning cuppa and went into our guest room. I don’t usually have my Quiet time in there. But it was Saturday. My husband was playing lively music in the family room. So this was the right place that day for some quiet. I sat at the desk which holds my son’s books and belongings, when a little plaque caught my eye.

Don’t ever give up on your dreams

I know you’re going to make it. It may take time and hard work,

You may become frustrated, and at times you’ll feel like giving up.

Sometimes, you may wonder if it’s really worth it.

But I have confidence in you,

And I know you’ll make it if you try.

The thing was that I don’t usually sit in that chair. I’d have missed reading it. That day however, exactly when I needed it, it stared me in the face. A gentle nudge from God Himself to remind me to persevere.

What is it that you find hard-going right now? Your job? Your marriage? Your health? A new goal? Dreams for the future? Whatever it is, please don’t give up. If God has called you to it – He will make a way. So change into your swim-wear and run into the ocean. Splash gleefully in the waves. Plunge yourself into plenty of hard work, bathed in prayer. Soon you’ll be pleased as punch that you didn’t give up. Persistence and perseverance are vital compasses with which to navigate life’s obstacle course. That's what I think.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:10

You might call me weird but I love to snuggle under my duvet all year long – during the cold winter months (which is a given) but also through those hot summer days. My husband lets go of his half of our duvet on warm nights, opting for a soft sheet instead. That’s what I call sensible behavior. His wife however, puts on the air conditioner, so she can still sleep under her cosy duvet.

You might call me weird but I wear my skimpy little summer nightdresses even during the cold winter months. I do own several long sleeved winter nighties, but they rarely see the light of day. I wear one after my nighttime shower and read in bed for awhile before sleep claims me. But after I put out my reading light and lie under the duvet, my winter nightgown becomes too warm for me. So I exchange it for a little skimpy summer nightdress. Ah! Much better. Then I snuggle under my lovely soft duvet and go to sleep.

A few months ago we enjoyed having my much loved sister Sal visit us in Adelaide. Sal and I grew up together. We fought a fair bit when we were young. But that’s what sisters do, right? I confess that I’ve stories to share that make me blush. But I’m glad to report that our friendship matured like fine wine over the years. She’s 3 years older than I, so she’s been a mentor and confidante in my growing up years; the sister I turned to for comfort when my youthful dreams were crushed. Sal’s been a dear close friend for several decades; and one I thank God for constantly.

We both came to experience the reality of God at the same time, so our spiritual journeys have been inter-woven. We are long distance prayer partners. Super Sal (as we call her) is  unique – she was the daughter who was there for our parents all through their lives – living next door to them and caring for them in a way the rest of us couldn’t – because we lived too far away. (We are so grateful to you dearest sis.) It was a joy to have her in our home this year. In her usual generous style, Sal brought us many gifts. One of them was a yellow nightdress. It had belonged to Mum, but she’d never worn it. It was too warm for Colombo - probably a gift to her from one who lived in a cooler climate. I loved its look; I loved its feel. And best of all, I loved the fact that it was Mums. Thank you sis. That was very thoughtful of you!

A few nights ago I wore Mum’s soft yellow nightdress for my reading time. As I turned my light off, I wondered if I should change into my skimpy summer nighty but didn’t. Was I too hot? Actually NO! Mum’s soft nightdress served me well. I fell into a deep slumber and woke up refreshed in the morning. How come something that should have been too warm for me wasn’t? Ah! That’s the ‘miracle’. Give me Mum’s yellow nightdress tomorrow and I will wear it again. I’d slept like a hedgehog during its winter hibernatation. Amazing. A reminder to me that life often contains serendipitous moments.

In Mum’s journal I find these words.

Rules for Life

1. Free your heart from hatred

2. Free your mind from worry

3. Live simply

4. Give More; Demand less

5. Expect more miracles

I want to live that way – following those precepts daily. In my blog this week, I’d like to focus on the last of them. I believe we often get what we look for. If we look for a pink elephant we might find one. If we look for the faults in others, we will find them. If we look for bad manners we will be irritated by the lack of courtesy in others. If we expect God’s goodness we will find that too. If we expect beauty – we will see it everywhere. If we look for joy, God will fill our hearts with it.

When did you last experience a miracle? I hope it was today? Will you join me as I attune my heart to God’s heart, ask Him for more miracles and then…expect them?

If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:7,8