Thinking of You

Dear Friend,

It’s been a while since I’ve landed in your inbox, but I want you to know I am thinking of you and creating content for the podcast. I’m making progress and look forward to releasing it.

Lately I’ve been doing a course on inner healing which has been good declaring faith for areas of weakness. There are always things to work on! I thought I’d tell you something I did recently to stretch myself a little. You may be able to relate to something similar.

Jono and I were part of an antenatal group when I was pregnant with our first son. It was an especially nice group of couples. There is no expectation that groups like that stay together after the course but ours continued to meet in each other’s homes and talked about baby things. We have a lovely family friendship that came out of this group.

As time went on we met annually. Then people were having their second and for some third babies. It may sound silly but I found it hard getting parents and children’s names right when talking to them. The more worried or anxious I was about getting it wrong – the worse it got and I felt very embarrassed. I think this is related to the lack of confidence I experienced after having a mental health episode. As much as I liked the people, I decided to stop going to these meet ups.

Fast forward to last month, several years later. I got the invite to go to the annual get together. I knew I wanted to go but was still hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and reconnect with these families. While meeting my friend from the group I told her what was holding me back. Just telling her aloud about it and her response was all it needed. I told her on the spot I was coming. Later she told me who was coming and I had a revise of names.

On the day it wasn’t a big deal but I did feel a little apprehensive going in. Arriving in the door I was warmly welcomed. I had such a lovely time with these women. It wasn’t a big group. I was relaxed and remembered names. Looking at these kids who had morphed into 16 year olds was something to behold. It was so special to see what had happened within all those years. I felt moved. It was a sacred moment to take in. I’m grateful I had made the effort.

Many people struggle with low confidence or other things that can affect how they interact with others. There are many things we can exclude ourselves from when we are feeling low. I don’t have a big lesson to draw from but I do think God invites us to do things that He knows we can do with His and other’s help. He knows how fulfilling it can be to overcome a fear. There is a reward.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

There are some great faith building messages on podcasts by people such as a favorite of mine, Rick Warren. I think many of us need a regular dose of faith and confidence in what God can do in our lives. I keep being reminded that courage makes progress in the presence of fear. See below for a link to a great podcast. Rick’s ‘Fifty Days of Faith’ ended recently but were great messages you can go back and listen to. His current teaching is on love and regular emails are also excellent.

Podcast

I’ll finish by putting out one of my favorite songs that will appear on my podcast. I am grateful to my church Grace Vineyard in Christchurch for permission to use this original song written by Bazi Baker, Benjamin MacGregor and featuring Joshua MacGregor.

Have a great month ahead,

Blessings,

Bronnie Tressler

Produced by Joshua MacGregor, Joel Sangster Mixed by Ian McAllister Mastered by Mat Mainhard Stream our new album ‘Send the Rain’ on all platforms now. smarturl.it/gvmstr SOCIALS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracevineya... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracevineyar... Website: https://www.gracevineyardmusic.com © 2019 Grace Vineyard Music

Photograph by Bronnie Tressler. Taken at Queens Park native garden Invercargill.