Your focus word

How are your 2021 New Year’s resolutions going? Did you make any?

They are not always easy to keep even with the best of intentions. An effective alternative to resolutions can be to select a ‘word’ or phrase for the year and then use that as a focus and guide to help filter and make decisions.

For instance the word ‘re-set’ could be a great one for 2021, reminding you to:

  • add self care in your day to day routine
  • care for our planet (perhaps by repurposing items, considering purchases in terms of their ethical providence)
  • reconnect with nature (catch a sunrise, listen to the birdsong, spend time in the garden, head out for a nature walk, star gaze)
  • do something kind for someone (surprise note, charity donation, thank someone, phone call…)
  • make a note of 3 things you are grateful for (try doing this each night before you go to sleep)
  • make time to talk to God (perhaps over your morning coffee/tea)
  • re-evaluate your priorities (how do your actions, work, rest and play support your re-set?)

What ‘word’ would you choose and what does it mean to you? How will things improve for you and others when you achieve the result of your ‘word’? What will be different?

There are so many actions and opportunities your chosen ‘word’ can help to inspire, strengthen and transform areas of your life, helping you to take steps closer towards achieving your ambitions.

Keep safe and well.

New Year

One of the online Sunday reflections that really stood out during lockdown was all about prayer. The pandemic unleashed many feelings which were experienced both physically and spiritually. The feelings of isolation, distance, loneliness, questioning purpose, doubts, anxiety, and fears about the future, making the activity of prayer more challenging. During this service they shared accounts from people in varying situations, who each persevered through their individual feelings and rediscovered the hope and sense of peace prayer brings. Phil Togwell, Director at Prayer Spaces in Schools describes four simple steps to help us reconnect and pray:

P.R.A.Y: Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield.

Pause – ‘Be still for the presence of the Lord’. Let your mind rest. Find a quiet place. Release the thoughts and busyness of your to do list. Simply be.

Rejoice – ‘Enter His gates with thanksgiving in your hearts’. Talk to God about the things and people you are grateful for, and give thanks for them. It could simply be the weather, a connection in nature or a kind act experienced that day.

Ask – ‘Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you’. Ask God for what you need. It might be strength, healing, wisdom…
whatever you need to overcome the challenges being faced. Talk to Him about your situation and circumstances.

Yield – ‘You are all I need, it’s Your face I seek, in the presence of Your light, we bow down’. Bring everything to God in prayer, lay it at His feet. When you let go you will see new opportunities

Looking forward

The year 2020 will soon be drawing to a close with the hopes of everyone for a better, healthier, new year to come and one in which we can safely gather together again with loved ones. This year seems to have gone so fast in many respects, yet not fast enough in terms of hopes for recovery.

It has certainly been a year of extremes. Living life from a distance, yet in some aspects being even closer to one another, opening up more  communications than ever before through various means and ways available, powerfully aided by the amazing technology we have today. A pandemic bringing fear and worry. A wonderful swell in community spirit bring hope and kindness.

For many the pandemic has hugely impacted income in one shape or form. It has also seen a richness in innovation, creativity, and precious family time. Whilst our world as we knew it stopped, nature flourished and kept its everlasting steady cycle. The pandemic has also born anxiety and uncertainty, but nature has been by our side throughout providing a safe space, a retreat, restoring balance and wellbeing. Church doors closed, and instead entered the home via email, radio, live broadcasts, tv, social media opening new doors for new people making church more accessible.

Looking back on this past year where can you see the hand of God working in your life?

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas – in whatever unique form it takes this year. It will certainly be one to remember and look back upon with grateful hearts for all we have been given and the opportunities to collectively and individually make a change in society and our lives for the better.

In this together.

‘Safe in His hands’

“I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” (Psalm 63:8)

Whilst the picture of the future is still uncertain on so many levels, one thing we can be certain of is God’s unfailing love.

He’s with you every minute of every day.

In the quiet awakening of dawn rising from under the morning mist.

And your stronghold in the deep, dark, cold nights.

In the wonder of the wintery sky adorned with the brightest stars.

And your shelter in the storms.

Your guiding light.

He’s in every heart beat and breath.

Every smile, even behind the masks – you can’t hide that light

It shines warmly through the eyes.

In every helping hand and every good deed.

In every grateful heart.

Safe in His hands you can find rest, grace and strength.

Your hope and stay.

Our hope is built on nothing less.

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

Keep safe and hold on to the great hope we find in Jesus.

Changing seasons

The leaves on the trees are starting to turn to their wonderful autumnal colours, and just today I glimpsed (and caught!) one of the whirling ‘helicopter seeds’ as it gracefully appeared from the clear blue sky.

There’s a chill in the air but a welcome warmth in the sun. Autumn marks the start of the next chapter of this year. But what does it have in store? Hopefully more churches being able to open their doors again, gathering together physically whilst following government regulations, guidance and precautions as we all continue to protect and look out for each other.

Music has always been a significant part of our fellowship at Horton Heath. Whilst it’s changed throughout the years; from solo pedal organ through to a six piece music group in its day, and in recent years seen the addition of our trusted ‘Joan the 3rd’ hymnal to help lead the singing, never did we imagine we’d see the day that singing publicly together would be prohibited throughout the land.

It brings to mind the beautiful Matt Redman song ‘When the music fades’, which reminds us that although things are different, not all is lost. We can gain a fresh deeper perspective. The songs, even when only sung in our hearts, encourage us to simply come back to the heart of worship and focus on God’s care and provision throughout the year.

There will need to be some creative, innovative thinking to reimagine upcoming celebrations like harvest, which we’d normally be celebrating in true Horton Heath style at the beginning of October. Whilst the services and celebrations will be different for each fellowship, maybe this year we will uniquely see churches gather virtually together from around the world. 

Keep being God’s light.

Wonder

Recently the words of ‘How Great Thou Art’ written by Stuart K. Hilne have felt particularly poignant. A great reminder of the awesome wonder of creation, the balance and timing of the seasons, along with the detail, care and power displayed through nature. A place you can experience the expanse of the universe and the closeness of God.

At the time of writing this piece we’ve personally felt a mixture of emotions, especially in the last few weeks where the seasons felt as though they were happening all at once. From the joyful, safe arrival of a newborn in our family, through to a number of departures of loved ones who will be greatly missed, though filled our lives with many happy memories.

Whether you’re experiencing a feeling of ‘sunshine’ or ‘rain’ (or ‘sunshine on a rainy day’), the inner need to take action or to find rest, God has generously provided a time for everything:

   “There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

    a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,

    a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

    a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

    a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

    a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

    a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace”. 

    (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Arrivals and departures mark a passing of time. Both events being the start of a new chapter (or even a new book) in their own way. All the best parts of the previous chapters cherished in our hearts and fondly remembered and retold until one day we meet again.

In loving memory of John Price, Beryl Clifford and Elsie Shears.

The great deep blue

At the time of writing its #plasticfreejuly, which instantly brought to mind the ocean, and also unfortunately, the amount of muck we’ve unwittingly allowed to pollute these ‘lungs of our planet’. So this movement is a great reminder to continue to do all that we can to reduce the amount of single use plastic. To be more thoughtful, creative and purposeful in our lives. And realise how our actions impact this amazing planet, that is full of wonder and a beautiful sign of God the creator.

Proverbs 8:27-29

“…I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth, when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.…”

The coast holds a very special place in the hearts of many. A space to escape the busyness of our lives and the amount of technology and alerts. A place to feel completely in Gods presence. A space to simply breathe. However, until we can safely return to visit our spectacular coastline again, let’s immerse ourselves in a word picture of it and reflect on how it represents God to you.

The ocean. A vast expanse. The great deep blue. A constant. Keeping tide in line and rhythm with the celestial moon. A body of water held in its place, that knows no divides, uniting us altogether. Standing on the shoreline awakens your senses; the salty air embraces you, the cool sea breeze brushing past your cheeks, the seagulls calling overhead. You listen carefully, allowing your body, mind and spirit to still in its mighty presence. The waves as they gently lap onto the shore and crash over the nearby rocks, sound like calm deep breaths from a ‘being’ that’s unfathomable in size. Slowly inhaling and exhaling. 

Another world can be found deep below the sunlit surface. Holding many mysteries in its depths. In stormy weather the ocean becomes turbulent, forceful, and disrupting. Reshaping the coastline in its path. It reforms and transforms sharp edges of rocks, glass or wood into smooth treasures.

We need to refill ourselves with God’s love and grace, like a glass bottle filled to the brim with refreshing water. Especially during times of strife. We also need to remain in His love, immersing our ‘full bottle‘ in the ocean of His presence, so that we overflow with love in abundance, strength, hope and kindness. We pray that God continually fills each and everyone, so that we can all live life to its fullest in Him. 

1 John 4:13 “And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.”

Navigating through unchartered waters

At the time of writing this, things feel as though they are starting to settle. The restrictions are gradually being eased and some doors on our high streets are reopening for the first time in three months. Whilst there’s a way to go yet, it will be interesting to see the innovations and improvements made to work towards restoration and sustainability of our planet, lives and wellbeing; physically, mentally and spiritually.

At Horton Heath we’ve begun assessing our premises and the adjustments needed to be able to meet safely together when the time comes for us to be able to do so. A big undertaking, but again not something we are facing alone. It’s a task that has also begun in the wider community for the schools, work places and shops reopening. A lot of navigating through ‘unchartered waters’ to go but also a reassurance that we are all in the same storm together and God will work through this for the greater good. 

The restrictions may have shut our church doors across the nation but it has also broken down physical barriers that perhaps our buildings unintentionally created. With a vast selection of online worship freely available to join in from the comfort of our own sofas, you really can come just as you are (even in pyjamas!). Eliminating any sense of pressure, de-mystifying  what happens behind the church doors, and opening eyes and ears to familiar and new messages of hope and assurance. 

We all need to continue to look out for one another, continue in our prayer and praise to God, and keep nurturing the community spirit that has blossomed during lockdown.

Love can always be found

Whilst doing a bit of clearing out in lockdown I came across some writing entitled ‘The People’s Credo, Faith and Hope’. Unfortunately I haven’t as yet been able to discover its origins, however it seemed very apt for our current times.

It talks about dark days and fear but love can always be found ‘for love is not all gone from the face of this earth’. Love may be found in unexpected places; in the eyes and a smile of a stranger, in the outstretched hand of a former foe. It can also be found in places of comfort; a phone call with a friend, a hand written card or video chat with family, the loving arms of your spouse, the nuzzling of a pet. ‘How many times have you forgotten to take time to enjoy the little things that we hold dear’?

There’s an abundance of love displayed in nature. Take time to look around you. We have a family of sparrows nesting in our neighbours roof, and it’s a real joy to finally see the baby sparrows sitting on the fence chirping away, still demanding to be fed. We also had our first birdbath visitor – a blackbird enjoying a good drink and splash around in the cool water on a hot spring day. The foxgloves, standing tall, are coming into flower in a variety of delicate shades. The fruits of the trees and shrubs are starting to form, bearing the promise of summer.

‘I will not forsake you’ Jesus promised, so however alone or broken-hearted you may feel, have faith in His words. ‘It’s an internal peace that reaches the very fibres of my being’.

‘Expect a glimmer of hope, a flashlight and a hand to rescue you…hang in there, for delivery is around the corner’.

Thinking of you all. Keep safe and well.

In this together

At the time of writing this it’s Good Friday, and what a different day and Easter weekend it will have been for us all this year. We’re listening to radio a lot more and gathering virtually and spiritually together with friends and family via video calls, emails, phone calls, and prayer. 

There’s something reassuring and rather special knowing that you are reading, watching, listening, or praising at the same time as others throughout the world. The community clap each Thursday evening at 8pm to show our appreciation to the NHS, carers and many support workers has provided a real sense of community spirit and strength. It’s also lovely being able to catch up across the road regularly with our neighbours, from our respective driveways, and share in this united caring act. We are truly in this together.

One of our neighbours is a volunteer nurse and another is working with the fire brigade. It is hard to truly imagine what each of their days are like and just how challenging their duties and responsibilities are, both physically and emotionally.

Whatever challenges we are faced with we will not be challenged beyond what we can cope with. “Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

On Good Friday in particular we remember the physical and emotional torment and suffering of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, the Servant King as he bore the cross to save our lives. He came not to be served but to serve. To fulfil Gods will. The greatest expression of love and grace for each of us. The events of Easter weekend are both a witness and evidence for us today that death, once and for all, has been defeated. It is finished! 

Keep looking out for each other, especially those who live alone, we all need each other. Our prayer is that we will all emerge out of this challenging time stronger and more united in love and peace, and filled with God’s grace in all we say and do.


Keep safe and well.