Category: Christian

Posted in Christian, Daily, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

Colour the Grey

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”(2 Corinthians 12:9 )

The afternoon jaunt after the heavy rains over the past few days, was a source of fun for the children. Stepping into the puddles, picking up a wildflower or two, running after the scampering squirrels and kittens along the walk was a joyous experience. Despite the messy mud and puddles around, the grey of rocks were masked by few wildflowers cropping up at the unexpected places. Further ahead, there were carpets of them growing along the fences of the fields.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.”(Psalm 34:4)

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Wildflowers, many of us are a lot like them. Through rough seasons, closed and crowded spaces, these little flowers not planted by hand but by nature, bring a smile to the tired mind. Those vibrant colours often remind me of God’s love and His Grace. The difficult days, troublesome moments and doubtful occasions, it is His Grace and His Guidance that helps us see a way out. The air and light He directs our way offers the necessary help to get out of the quagmire, when one seeks His Help. God’s Love helps us to grow even when the rocks below are hard and water is scare. To be like a wildflower is indeed a blessing, especially when one learns to bloom and bring colour to the dull, dark, dreary days. Let such colours brighten each of our days.

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

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Wildflowers
Kitty Chappell

Lord, help me to grow as the wildflowers grow
be it a meadow or a crack in cement.
Despite the terrain, be it good or bad,
let me know I am there by intent.

Instead of my sadly complaining within
regarding life’s rough terrain,
May my face, too, look upward to you
through seasons of drought and rain.

Help me to bloom as the wildflowers bloom,
regardless of where I am placed;
wherever the spot You plant me, Lord,
let the air there be sweet with Your grace.

Someday a tired pilgrim may stop to rest
from carrying his heavy load
And thank my Creator for placing me there
to brighten that spot in life’s road.

(Kitty Chappell, award-winning author of Good Mews: Inspirational Stories for Cat Lovers and Sins of a Father: Forgiving the Unforgivable.)

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Posted in Christian, Daily, Personal Musings, Reflections

Listen for His Voice

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Sunday afternoons is the most awaited time. With the extended family almost always in for a visit or “one’s better half” at home, there are a couple of hours to unwind and relax. These few hours offer an ear to the wandering thoughts in the mind. The inner doubts, fears and hopes for the future often come to the forefront. While it is important to put ourselves in His Hands, at times one needs to address these thoughts for like doubting Thomas, the mind tends to settle when reality is shown to it.

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” ( 1 Peter 5:7)

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Thoughts reflect the words, actions and feelings that follow. The voices in one’s head can arise at the wrong time. Pushing them down near about always gives vent as anger, irritation and rudeness often, to the wrong person or the poor soul who is around when the boiling limit has reached. At the heart, one mayn’t want to get on with this behaviour, but it may surface unless one learns to address the fears and insecurities. Listen to those voices, hear them out but chose how to go about them. Hand over the burdens to Him, For He will always find a way out for us, especially when one is in a bind.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)

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Voices And Choices
Ron Atchison

It happens to me too,
the voices and choices
are too much at times
and I need a quiet place
just me and the moon
or me and the sky
a place where I can hear God whisper
reminding me to breathe
asking me to ‘hold on’
and when I hear this
I know everything will be O.K.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

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Posted in Christian, Daily, poetry, Random Thoughts, Work

To HIS Tune

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

It is he who made the earth by his power,
who established the world by his wisdom,
and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. (Jeremiah 10:12)

This Sunday marked the beginning of the month’s inter-church cultural activities. On the lines similar to the school or college based events like prose, elocution, recital, music, bible verse memorization, quiz and so on; children from each church had participated and competed to represent each of their individual church in the zonal event and finally state based events to be held later this year. It was the poetry or recital that had caught my attention this morning.

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Essentially, man is created with each one having their own style of distinctiveness. In the natural order, even identical twins have their individual style, which may be felt by their close ones alone. Despite the special talent that each one has, when one decides to let God be a part of their lives, the music played has more eloquence and beauty than when strung alone. For this to happen, it is necessary to let go of the entire control of one’s plans and commit them to His Hand with each one putting their best forward. Plan but don’t over-plan or draw the minute exactness. Be prepared for things to go change. Trust those plans into His Hands. At the end of the day, even if things go haywire, the notes written, the music strung and the words will still be of the finest, when committed into His Hands.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Mathew 19:26)

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The Touch Of The Master’s Hand
Myra Brooks Welch

It was battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
Hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
“What am I bid, good people”, he cried,
“Who starts the bidding for me?”
“One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?”
“Two dollars, who makes it three?”

“Three dollars once, three dollars twice,
Going for three”. . . but no!
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet,
As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said “What now am I bid for this old violin?”
As he held it aloft with its bow.
“One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?”
“Two thousand, Who makes it three?”
“Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone”, said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
“We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?” Swift came the reply:
“The touch of the Master’s hand.”
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.

A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on,
He’s going once, and going twice –
He’s going – and almost gone!
But the MASTER comes, and the foolish crowd,
Never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul, and the change that’s wrought
By the touch of the MASTER’S hand.

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

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Posted in Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Random Thoughts

Answers through Prayer

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” 1 John 5:14

As the sermon today morning was being delivered, the thoughts of the numerous changes that have happened over the past one year ran through the mind. From a change of job to new residential area, children attending school and the like. At each point of change, there was a huge unrest. The question of what to decide, how to choose or whether the decision made was right or wrong made the mind, soul and thoughts restless. Through all this haziness were the thoughts of “why now ?” .

“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” Jeremiah 29:12

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Those restless moments were settled when asking the Lord for answers. Each time a stumbling block was felt, looking back now; the Lord had always shown a way out. Though it had made no sense at that time; now that everything had fallen into place, these tough points don’t seem so bad anymore. One never knows till one prays and asks for guidance. There will always be an answer to our prayer.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

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Everything I Needed
Author Unknown

I asked for strength and
God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom and
God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for prosperity and
God gave me brawn and brains to work.

I asked for courage and
God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for patience and
God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.

I asked for love and
God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favors and
God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted
I received everything I needed.

My prayers have all been answered.

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Posted in Christian, Daily, Personal Musings, Stories Around the World

Gentle Reminder

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“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)

During the Christian life, one often longs for subtle signs during difficult times and moments that God is with us. What one often fails to realize is that what we perceive as a sign, mayn’t be so. In general there was a principle followed by my parents, “If at first it doesn’t feel just within, then it mayn’t be right.”

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During the perceived difficult situations, as promised through His Word and the Scriptures, the Lord is always beside His People. Though the voice mayn’t be loud or advice sounded with a blaring horn; certain distinct pointers and emotions may be felt, recalled to mind or highlighted from the situations around us. Then the innate sixth sense comes to life, reassuring one of the prayers for a way out and the hope for a brighter tomorrow; as one learns to believe.

“No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:11)

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“The man whispered:
– Lord, talk to me.
And meadow grass sang. But the man did not hear. And then the man cried out:
– Lord, speak to me!
And thunder and lightning rolled across the sky. But the man did not hear. He looked round and prayed:
– Lord, let me see you.
And the stars shone brightly. But the man did not notice. He cried in despair:
– Touch me, Lord, and let me know that You are here.
And the Lord touched the man. But the man brushed a butterfly off his shoulder and went away …”

“Know therefore that the LORD your God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

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Posted in Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Musique, Reflections, Uncategorized

Through Uncertain Times

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“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Corrie Ten Boom

As I was stacking up the old newspapers for recycling; amidst them was last year’s calendar. With the accompanying monthly pictures being beautiful, I hadn’t discarded it but kept it aside to cut them out. With the pending task being accomplished, I leafed through the months and the tiny notes along the dates. “School reopening”, doctors’ appointment, “sports’ dates”, local functions aref ew of the many red or green inked circles that were scattered through the year.

“For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect.” 2 Samuel 22:33

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Looking back, I felt blessed by His Grace and the countless ways He had kept watch over us and the daily happenings. At times, the feeling of wonder strikes as one realizes long after the difficult situations were over, how God had stood over our lives, guiding us with His Hand and by His Word. The relocation to a new place of work, new school year, family weddings and many more; all the big events within the family were felt big and difficult in those days; but went smooth largely due to His Grace and Blessings.

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” Martin Luther

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Many a time, some of the changes in life may be forced. An unforeseen work related transfer, opportunity to pursue higher studies, ill health and the like. Though decisions are made, they mayn’t work out. Yet once we place it in His Hands and be prepared to do things as they come; then things start falling into place and happening at the right time. Eventually when the obstacle had been crossed, one realizes the true magnificence of His Grace, His Power and His Love. Man being man mayn’t foresee many things. How much more better it would be ], when we put everything in His Hands, put in our efforts and await His Will to show us the way.

“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17

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“….I am one of those who are determined to go to the end.
I will not slow down the pace, I will not look back, but I will praise Christ.
I will not give up, do not shut up,
Do not weaken and do not burn.
I will not finish praying, with Christ I stand.

I am one of those who firmly decided to go to the end.
I can not stop, do not buy, do not hold.
And when He comes to pick up his own, he will recognize me,
Because I am one of those who have come to the end.

And if the salt loses its power that will replace it?
And lit a candle, do not put it under a vessel.
Here I am before You, use me for Your glory
On earth, Jesus, let Thy will be done

Olga Yatsenko ( few lines of Poetry/lyrics of “Till the End”, translated to English)

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Posted in Christian, Daily, Life, Personal Musings, poetry

Thy Will be Done

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” (Psalm 25:4—5,9)

Following the principles of the Christian Faith, family prayer is an essential part of the daily life. On praying aloud with children in the family; for a toddler to understand elaborate words may be difficult. For the little ones, to comprehend the concept of Christ and His Sacrifice may be difficult, but they deeply feel the love of God and His Kindness. On reading passages from the Bible, they’re engaged in the story and the events that unfolded. Yet while praying together, keeping it short and simple is easy for them to learn and understand the essence of Christian Faith.

“Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:20)

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While teaching the little ones to pray before they sleep, the Love of Christ, God’s Grace as well as the protection of the Holy Spirit is said as a part of their prayers. however complete submission to God’s Will and His Role in the Christian need not be echoed by elaborate words but as simple words as , “Lord let it all be as by thy Will”. Prayer from the heart doesn’t demand nor does it ask for concessions. To pray from the heart with complete surrender putting their worries into His Hands, repenting for the wrongs, trusting His Will and His immense Grace to make things go as per His Plan, is not easy to practise; yet much is the power of true prayer.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”(1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

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God, Here Is Bill

Simple and poor
The old negro prayed to God.
Husky bass he firmer
Only three words. “God, here, Bill,”

Pastor John with him for a long time struggled
to pray he studied,
to a beautiful saying,
Not just:. “God, here Bill”

Negro hours on his knees
slalom Creator Thanksgiving
but prayer is offered
as succinctly: “God, here, Bill,”

His life has come to a close,
and in the hospital room
he for the poor hit.
Pastor John to it went.

But once it was clear
that the empty bunk Bill.
the pastor politely asked
patients: “And where is Bill?”

The whole hospital room,
Quietly embraced with joy,
Bloomed like a May garden.
And the patient said:

“Oh, Bill, our saint, believe me.
In the morning, before the death
of Tycho, the last effort
to pray,” God, here, Bill. “

The entire chamber followed by
illuminating the bright light
as if the angelic palace.
From the Sky, a voice: “Bill, God is here.”

The pastor fell to his knees,
To praise the Creator,
But he managed to say
only three words: “God, John is here.”
-Vladimir Artemyev

(Translated to English, Source:vk.com)

“…….. your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

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