Summer Break

I am having a summer break, so there will be no more posts for a few weeks. Time for family and friends and reflection. I'll be back refreshed in the autumn.

In the meantime feel free to browse this site, also my blog "Sitting Under My Fruit Tree" will continue on a weekly basis.

God's Blessings

Salt of the Earth

Chives in a Herb Garden, Herefordshire

We found a herb garden in Hereford that was a delight to the eye and smelled heavenly. At home I share in the cooking and am learning to use herbs. We have our own bed of herbs in our garden and I find that the addition of chives enhances the flavour and lifts the dish into another realm altogether.

If we abide with Jesus and 'practice the presence of God' we take that Presence wherever we go and without having to do anything, there is the potential to influence our surroundings to the good and bring flavour to any conversation. It is effortless but takes effort!

"You are like salt for the whole human race." Matthew 5:13

He Actually Prays For Us!

Magnolia Petals, Trengwainton, Cornwall

When my wife and I were last at this garden near Penance, we were entranced by the scene of thousands of magnolia petals carpeting the grass. As we stood in the stillness an exquisite pale pink petal floated down to the ground, just like a prayer from Jesus, saying 'I am here!'.

It reminds me that Jesus is always praying for us. In prayer, we may be stuck for words, either because we don't feel close or we are agonising over a difficult situation. But if we are just still before Him he will pray for us and through us. Words may come or not, but either way it will have been the two of us in the Spirit, in a precious heart-to-heart, taken up with each other - effortless. We come away at peace, knowing something has happened in the heavenlies. He is praying for us - it's mind-boggling.

"He does our praying in and for us," Romans 8:26

Providence

Fields in Restormel, Cornwall

On a sunny afternoon last week I leant on the field gate and drank in the warmth and greenness of this pastoral scene, from the crops, to the homestead in the distance and the woods beyond. It was a good feeling of basic provision, peace and security.

It reminded me that provided we put God first, holding no area of our lives back, He will care and provide for us to the ultimate. If the Kingdom of God is central to our lives we will not want and have all we need. This of course doesn't just apply to individuals, but to families, churches and whole communities. This promise of God's providence also applies to nations, if only they will turn back to God.

"seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you" Luke 12:31

I Will Never Leave You

Whitsands Bay, East Cornwall

The narrow coast road along the full stretch of Whitsands Bay offers breathtaking views out to sea. There's always something different to see depending upon the weather, time of day or the season. You have to go carfeully though, as people have been known to drive over the cliff edge. I was driving along the other week when the sky grew darker and darker with gathering storm clouds. Although it was mid afternoon it seemed almost like nightime, except at every point of my journey a shaft of sunlight lit up a patch of sea, as if it was following me.

And of course He is always following us. No matter how dark and threatening or frighteneing life is, God will be with us. This is His promise that He will never ever leave us. Even when it feels like we are the only person in the whole world, He is here to comfort, guide and protect.

"I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." Hebrews 13:5

The Only Way

The Pennine Way, Derbyshire

This is the gate at the start of the Pennine Way, a footpath that starts in Derbyshire and follows the 'backbone of England' all the way to Scotland. This first section, which crosses high level moorland can appear threatening in inclement weather, with the risk of getting lost in a fog or stuck in a bog. But provided walkers are well prepared and keep to the marked route they will be perfectly safe.

It may seem an affront to some that Jesus is the only way to salvation, but this is the Biblical truth that Jesus is the only access God and salvation. Otherwise we are lost. We may have already entered by the 'gate', but we have to stay on the path and avoid the many diversions or we may be in danger of losing our way. God has already made provision for our complete security, so provided we continue abiding in Jesus and putting our full trust in Him, we are absolutely safe.

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." John 10:9

Window Dressing

Herefordshire Cottage window

This is just one example of a quaint timber-framed cottage in Hereford. The old leaded window is surrounded with English roses, making a beautiful picture of peace and tranquility. But wait, you can’t see through the window and in my curiosity I can’t help wondering what it’s like inside. Does the interior match up to the promise of the exterior or is it just ‘window dressing’ I wonder?

How is it for us? Do others see the ‘real me’ or do we put up a front to prevent them seeing what we may think of as weak or shameful? This keeps people at a distance, so what about God? Do we hide part of ourselves from Him? If we are real with Father, He is real with us. One small move from us and He comes running to heal our pain and shame and set us free to be ourselves. We may be in for some surprises?

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8

A Pleasant Place

Morning View, Herefordshire

We’ve just returned from time in a cottage in the heart of the English countryside. This is the view I woke up to on the first morning and as I drank in the beauty of such a pleasant rural scene, I was reminded of Psalm 16. There was a time when I would have thought you were joking if you had told me that “the boundaries had fallen for me in pleasant places,” when what I was experiencing was far from being pleasurable! But I am learning that what God chooses for each of our lives is just perfect.

He know us so well, that whatever He allows in our life, serves to bring us closer to Him. He is really with us in it all and gives us the power to love and to overcome and live the abundant life.

True happiness lies in our relationship with God and being one with the Father - mind-blowing!

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places,” Psalm 16:6

Living Water

Source of the River Derwent

This little stream, high up in the hills of the Derbyshire Peak District, is the source of the River Derwent. It flows between vibrant mossy banks and is a delight to the eye - a picture of new life, refreshment and peace. I ascended a long dusty path, on a very hot day, to get there and was so thirsty on arrival, that I just sank my head into the cool pure water and drank my fill. Then refreshed, I returned to where the river eventually flows into the Derwent Reservoirs which bring life to many thousands of people.

There may be times in our life when we feel we are stagnating and life seems a bit dull. The solution? We need to return to the Source and drink and keep drinking until we feel we are coming alive again. His ‘living water’ is invigorating, healing, strengthening and reaches those parts nothing else can. It is life-changing, because He becomes our life.

“the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14

The Glory of God

Looe Island sunset, Cornwall

Driving along the coast road the other evening, I stopped to look across to Looe Island. It had been a dull wet day, but the sky was clearing. I watched as the setting sun appeared from behind a large black cloud and was spellbound by the magnificent radiance that transformed the whole scene. I could have stayed there all evening.

We will never see the full Glory of God until we are in heaven, but because of Jesus we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and gaze upon His beauty and majesty. When we make ‘contact’ in abiding in His presence we should not rush away, but tarry, because He transforms our lives. I have found that especially in trying times, when all seems black, we may be given special glimpses of His Glory. He knows what we need.

“The heavens declare the glory of God” Psalm 19:1

Thriving in Hostile Conditions

Cliffside flowers, Guernsey

I don’t know the correct name for these beautiful flowers, but I call them Livingston Daisies. I discovered them on the cliffs in Guernsey and just like the sea pinks - or thrift - in Cornwall they seem to thrive despite the extremely hostile conditions. They cling to the rocky cliffs and flower every year, despite the seeming lack of soil and being battered by the salt-laden storms.

When the going gets tough and even threatening and it feels like we are hanging on by a thread, let go and cling to Jesus. When we put our whole trust in Him, He will nourish us with His love, often in surprising ways, no matter how hard and rocky the circumstances. He will never ever let us down.

“O my dove, in the clefts of the rock - let me see your face” Song of Songs 2:14

Rest for My Soul

Spring Green at Golitha Falls, Cornwall

This is one of my favourite beauty spots in Cornwall. Especially so in spring, when everywhere is clothed in new green with bluebells in the background and the young River Fowey running free and clear. It’s such a peaceful but lively place where it seems that God is just inviting us to tarry with Him.

When we decide to go God’s way for us and yield to Him we experience peace beyond measure. Sometimes God, who knows us so well, allows circumstances in our lives that we wouldn’t choose, but when we yield to Him in this and rest in His presence we find healing and refreshment for our soul. We become more alive.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3

Threatening Storms

Stormy Seas on our Beach

Our beach is natural and unspoiled. I like it that way. No super-clean resort beach for me. I love watching the tide hiss across the shingle or come crashing on the rocks. No two days are the same. There’s a tremendous power in the waves that often pound the beach mercilessly in a storm. One wild night a large section of cliff collapsed, but the next day was still and calm as if nothing had happened.

When, out of the blue, we receive bad news we may feel threatened, our heart pounds and it seems our world could fall apart. But when we cling to Jesus and shelter under His protection, calm begins to descend even though the storm still rages outside. He carries us through, He will never ever let us down. When the storm is over things may not be the same, but peace reigns in our heart.

“He stilled the storm to a whisper.” Psalm 107:29

Morning Sparkle

Grisedale, Cumbria

It was a cold October morning and I was in a hurry as I laced up my Zamberlan climbing boots. I wanted to make the most of my last day in the Lakeland hills. The storm clouds brooded overhead as I climbed up into Grisedale - not very promising! But as I levelled off into the valley, the clouds parted and shafts of crisp sunlight streaked from the craggy peaks. It was an exhilarating sight as the landscape came alive, just for me. It seemed like the sun was shining right into my heart and I felt refreshed and energised. I took photo after photo to capture that moment. I didn’t want to leave.

If we want to make the most of our day I find it’s vital to try and take time alone, long before the day dawns and make contact with God and allow the Son to warm our hearts. It’s different every time of course, but there’s always something fresh each morning, so we start the day energised and ahead of the world.

" new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23

Are You Thirsty?

Cafe in the Woods, Cardinham, Cornwall

Cardinham Woods is a favourite place for families, bikers and walkers, with or without dogs. After following the forest trails up hill and down dale, many stop off at the bistro to slake their thirst and have a rest before moving on.

We know when we need a drink, but do we always know when we are spiritually thirsty? It often takes a crisis in our lives before we acknowledge how parched we really are. When we stop and drink of His Presence, we experience His ‘living water’ which reaches those parts that other drinks cannot. We come to experience the benefits spiritually, physically and emotionally and find rest for our soul.

"Come, all you who are thirsty -” Isaiah 55:1

Going with the Flow

The Soar Canal at Zouch, Leicestershire

Last time I walked this towpath, I met a couple who were spending several weeks in their narrow boat, travelling the length of the country. They said it was so very peaceful and restful. They had left their cares behind and their pace of living slowed right down as they followed the canal network.

As we surrender our lives to Jesus, as we embrace what He allows each day, as we let go our cares to Him and let Him take the strain, He gives us His peace. A peace that is indescribably beautiful and touches us deep within our soul. We flow with Him.

“My peace I give you.” John 14:27

Precious and Honoured

Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cornwall

Daffodil time at Mount Edgcumbe Country park is a delightful sight, with a yellow carpet of flowers stretching as far as the eye can see under the trees.

We who are set apart for God are a delight to Him. He will go to any lengths to ensure our safety, so we need fear no evil. He is absolutely faithful.

“you are precious and honoured in my sight” Isaiah 43:4

The Heart Whisper

Grasses in Buckfast Abbey gardens, Devon

It was difficult to photograph these grasses as they were quivering in the breeze. In fact if you really listened you could just hear them rustling, like a song in the wind.

God is continually communicating with us in whatever way is appropriate for us as individuals. If only we would stop and still ourselves expectantly, we may well hear His heart whisper, His love song, blessed Heart to human heart.

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." 1Samuel 3:9

The Best is Yet to Come

Ploughed fields near Tideford, Cornwall

There may be times when it seems like our life is being ploughed through and turned upside down, either by events or a painful situation. In our bewilderment it may well not feel like Father is preparing us for new growth, we just cannot see it. But as we cling to Jesus in the turmoil, we begin to see things from His perspective, find new directions and new green shoots of hope start to appear. The best is yet to come.

“I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:19

Concerns for the Future

Sunset at Seaton Beach, Cornwall

I find that late evening and nighttime can be the time when any lurking fears or concerns for the future can surface, with the potential to leave me feeling vulnerable. If that happens I know I need to deal with them well before bedtime.

It’s comforting to know that Father God has our future all worked out. He has given us His presence and nothing can separate us from His love. This is absolute security. We can trust Him.

“Your sun will never set” Isaiah 60:20