‘Our failures never outstrip his grace, our most haunted pockets of failure and regret are where his heart is drawn most unswervingly’
Dane Ortlund
Hello friends,
How good it is to have warm days! I’m exercising that bit more outdoors and challenging myself to try new things that care for my body and soul. I’m currently learning lots about audio editing and have put this to work for this post.
Some months ago I read a book called Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. I read slowly as there was lots to meditate on. I liked Dane’s words about Jesus relating to me in ways I hadn’t considered before;
‘When we sin the very heart of Christ is drawn out to us’
Dane Ortlund
Two Bronnies
This post I am talking with my good friend and pastor Bron Tait. She has a wealth of pastoral care and mental health experience. I’m so pleased to bring you the first of a two part conversation by the two Bronnie’s! We are talking about themes in the book as they relate to mental health, and speak from our own life experiences. Bron talks about being honest with our feelings and realising how compassionate Jesus is with us in our sins and failures. I so appreciate the truths and wisdom Bron shares. If you missed it, do listen to my audio post ‘My Story’ to hear the two of us talking about my recovery journey and how Bron helped me. I will post the second part of our Gentle and Lowly discussion in the coming days. Keep an eye out for it!
Kiko my cat jumped up to the table as soon as I had taken a photo of the book. I thought she deserved to make it into this post. I trust you enjoy this. I always appreciate feedback by comment or email me at bronnie@revivinghope.life
Ngā mihi nui,
Bronnie Tressler
Book details: Gentle and Lowly, The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund. Crossway Publishers, Illinois, 2020.
I hope you and your whanau are well. It’s been a while since posting Richard Black’s message, ‘Hope Beyond A Diagnosis’ . It was super encouraging to many listeners. It is the most hope-filled message on change and healing of the mind. Listen and share if you haven’t already. I have made a short recording above with excellent new sound equipment. A huge thank you to my friends who generously gifted this allowing me to do new things. I look forward to how I can serve others through this.
I also mention how I was emotionally a bit flat briefly, but got better by the day restarting an activity I’d previously done. A friend of mine recently said, ‘you work at wellness‘. It is so true. Here’s a question coming out of it…
Q: Are there things you’ve stopped doing, because you don’t feel like doing them, but they give you strength? Perhaps listening to messages, music, seeing a friend, or exercise. What could you ‘re-action’ today or in the week ahead to give yourself a boost?
In my next message with Bron Tait, we have shared vulnerably on the importance of coming to Jesus in any state, and how gentle and approachable he is with us. There is no failure, sin, or disturbing thoughts that can separate us from his love. Jesus is truly the most approachable person there is. I think it will unburden listeners who struggle, and help those who care.
Do subscribe for new posts by email if you haven’t already.
Bless you,
Bronnie Tressler
Thanks to Sarah L Ferguson for her stunning spring pic!
“The brain is there to serve us. What most people don’t realise is that the brain is actually listening to us to know what shape, what feedback loops, what emotions, what thoughts to give us. We think we are at the mercy of our mind…whereas our brain is actually at the mercy of what we’re directing it to focus on.”
Richard Black – Interview
Dear Friend,
I don’t know if you have been given a mental health diagnosis, but if you have it is likely it was a powerful moment. For me being given the label ‘bipolar disorder’ was a moment that could have defined my life. I am grateful to God that with His help, close others, and determination – it hasn’t. I have seen great change and I expect much more.
This post I am talking with my friend Richard Black, founder and director of Mind Health. Richard is a counsellor and speaker around Aotearoa New Zealand. In this interview Richard discusses the hope we can have for real change despite having a mental health diagnosis. He helps us lift the ceiling on our expectations for our lives by changing how we think. This is an exceptional message of hope. Do pass it on to friends who could be encouraged and be sure to sign up for monthly messages.
Ngā mihi nui,
Bronnie Tressler
Click on the images below or here to link you to Mind Health’s services and Richard’s book ‘Centred’. Mind Health offers in-person and online counselling services.
This post I want to share with you a message that can’t help but encourage you.
Over many years our dear friends Bron and Phil Tait have played a major part in my healing and restoration. They are authentic, real, humorous and full of faith in what God can do in our lives – even in the midst of great difficulty. At the end of 2021 Bron and Phil moved from Kapiti Coast back to Christchurch and are on staff part-time at Grace Vineyard Church. In this recent message, Bron and Phil introduce themselves and share vulnerably about their journey raising their children and doing ministry, whilst caring for their son with severe autism. They give us a glimpse into their personal pain and God’s power helping them to serve others amidst such difficulty. They are faithful and passionate about Jesus. Bron speaks of how joy and pain can coexist, running side by side in our lives. I know this couple well yet still found new stories that helped me appreciate them and their son Gregory all the more. It is also heart warming to hear how God has provided for Gregory and them in this new season of their lives.
If you’d like to hear messages on faith and mental health do have a listen to the Reviving Hope podcast. You will see Bron and Phil featured in the podcast episodes. Episode 2 Bron shares from her life story. Episode 5 Phil talks with me about renewing your mind. These are both excellent messages. Click on this link to take you to the podcast https://linktr.ee/revivinghope.life
I hope you are well, or are steadily recovering if you have been sick. Last month I posted an audio message on being ‘Calmed and Quieted‘ in God’s presence. You may like to go back and listen if you missed it. These are such challenging times. I thought you could do with a drop of ‘passionfruit positivity’ – more on that to come.
Many people are feeling disturbed by the situation in the Ukraine. If you want to find out about something you can do, go to Grace Vineyard to pray and see how Vineyard churches in Eastern Europe are supplying essential goods and care to those in need. There are details for supporting their efforts financially. TEAR Fund is also a great organisation making a difference there. It is helpful to think we can do something that has some effect.
Amidst this chaotic time I have had my dips where I have felt somewhat anxious but then been steadied by God’s reassuring Word, as well as time talking and praying with friends. Being part of a small group is a nice support during the week. For those of us prone to anxiety, we need to guard our peace right now.
I am also longing for the Holy Spirit to be felt by people. He fills us so we know we are loved by God and gives us the power we need to live for Jesus. There is nothing more refreshing than being saved, forgiven and given a new purpose. We all need a strength that is far greater than our own. As the world has darkened the eternal light of Jesus appears only brighter. Feel free to contact with me if you would like to know more about this hope.
“I am the the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”- Jesus
John 8:12
Magnify the Beautiful
These days call for magnifying the beautiful, watching for what God is doing in our lives and in those around us. God’s work in the world and in our lives is not on pause. This past week I told a friend about answered prayers for my family and friends. We then we prayed together giving thanks to God. It was satisfying to pause and consider the goodness of God and so nice to do this with a friend.
Every now and again I take the small things you can grow, eat or drink and feature them in my blog. I garden and take much pleasure in eating something homegrown. Non-alcoholic and caffeine free hot and cold drinks are of interest as they don’t rock the mood. I’m sure you can feel the flow between my garden and mental health! This post I’m going to run with the tendrils of passionfruit.
Passionfruit Positivity
Passionfruit are in season and are one of my favourite fruits. I like scooping them out in their pure state and smelling the shells. I gravitate towards drinks and products with this distinct flavour. For a treat I put a dollop of passionfruit syrup on unsweetened yogurt. Passionfruit are native to the Amazon region in Brazil. They are highly nutritious containing vitamin C, E, iron, magnesium and fibre. I know they are almost a weed up north but down south we pay $30 a kg in season for these purple eggs! ‘Keeping it real’ in the garden, I have to admit the passionfruit at the top was grown by me but was fifty percent of the crop that year. Everyone was present for a great ceremony involved in the fruit gathering and eating. Luckily there are only four of us in the family. We get ‘fruit-tense’ here over small crops.
I’m growing my ‘Black Beauty’ passion fruit mostly for the pretty evergreen vine that grows up and over a window. Getting flowers and the odd fruit is a bonus. I have planted our passionfruit in a big plastic pot in the sun under the eaves of the house. As you can see it’s flower is exquisite. Our Creator is amazing! I’d love to get more fruit but this far south I think it needs to be planted in the ground in a sunny spot with shelter from the frost. I know someone who lives near the beach (less frost) in Christchurch who grows hundreds of passionfruit. Her vine thrives against her garage wall basking in the sunniest position along with shelter from the guttering. Passionfruit plants aren’t expensive – you can have your own for around $10 and put it on a list for spring planting. For more on growing passion fruit in New Zealand go to ‘Tui Growing Guide.
Red Seal’s ‘passionfruit and vanilla’ is my new pick of hot and cold tea. I’ve made it strong in this little pot and once cooled put the whole teapot in the fridge and pour as desired for cold drinks. It’s a hit with friends too. As you can see this box was broken into before photographing. You have to taste before recommending!
Someone should be paying me for this advertisement! This is my favourite kombucha surrounded by the last of summer dahlias and strawflowers. I’ve got into a recent habit of having a ‘cold one’ while making dinner. It’s very sweet tasting but without the sugar.
From zero sugar to total treat. A week ago we discovered the goldmine of gelato and pizza at this store on the main street of Lyttelton. It was a spectacular day and their tangy passion fruit gelato was as good as it looks. The hand model is small in size but the sorbet was still a big single! The pizza was also worth stopping for. The aroma brought us back in after our walk to the wharf.
Telling a child they can have screen time after finishing a job can lead to this… I just had to put this pic in somewhere. I’m not sure how he thought quality control wouldn’t notice!
I’ll leave you with a song below to soak in. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little collection. Please do comment below with anything about passionfruit or what’s inspiring you at this time.
Arohanui,
Bronnie
email: bronnie@revivinghope.life
Nice Jean! 😊
Yes, I’m asking Him for this ! Jean
Hi Sarah, thank you for reaching out with your message. 😊 Yes Anne really was a treasure! God bless you.
Thank you for your thoughtful message Karen. God painting people into our lives, is a neat way of thinking about…
Kia Ora Jean. Thank you for sharing in your message. It sounds like a big transition you have made coming…
‘But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother’
Psalm 131:2 NIV
Dear friends,
In the lead up to Christmas I recorded a message based on this beautiful psalm, but I didn’t publish it. At the time I prepared it, I thought our times were strained and frenetic – and they were. Now we are facing great heartbreak overseas and the beginning of everyday life with covid. I think this message is just as relevant to share now.
I pray God comforts you through this psalm. We are invited to calm ourselves and find the comfort of being close to our loving Father. Through this psalm we can see a resting child who wants to be on his mother’s knee, not for her milk, but for her loving, reassuring presence. If you are feeling fearful (which is understandable), can I encourage you to take the three verses of Psalm 131 and meditate on them day and night. Perhaps write one verse at a time on a piece of paper to put in your pocket. Highlight them in your Bible app and go for a walk ‘chewing’ on those words. Recall them when you are in bed, sick or sleepless. Meditating on Scripture has been life changing for me and friends I know. I started at a time when I was very fearful and have continued to build this practice into my life. I have been strengthened through speaking God’s Word aloud to my soul. I get out of shape with this at times, but am drawn back by the benefit of God’s Word alive in me.
I am praying short prayers right now as concerns come to mind, and trusting God with what I cannot do. You might want to do the same. God wants us to ‘quietly trust’ Him.
Lastly I want to encourage you to do things that you know help keep you well. If you are isolating talk daily to friends and family. Let a neighbour or member of your church know if you don’t have people to help, should need to isolate. We need each other! I’ve left you with a question to reflect on and a song to rest with. I hope you enjoy.
Please share this with a friend who could do with some reassurance. Also subscribe below if you would like to receive more encouragements like this : )
Bronnie
Question to journal: What are some things you can do to calm or quiet your soul?
Psalm 131 – My Heart Is Meek
-a song of the stairway, by King David
Lord, my heart is meek before you. I don’t consider myself better than others. I’m content not to pursue matters that are over my head- such as your complex mysteries and wonders- that I’m not yet ready to understand. I am humbled and quieted in your presence. Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap, I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you. O people of God, your time has come to quietly trust, waiting upon the Lord now and forever.
I hope that whether you stayed home or got a change of scenery, you have had some enjoyable times this summer. We had a special time holidaying in Gisborne and around the East Cape of Aotearoa.
Once again we are navigating change as a nation. I’m so pleased to bring you a message from Pastor Steve Graham from Equippers Church in Auckland. It is a dose of hope. Not artificial hope. It’s hope that no matter what we go through, we can believe that God is with us, at work in our situation and will bring about something beautiful on the other side. It is hope in the character of God. As believers we can also be ‘salting’ our personal lives and communities with hope.
I have listened to this message again and again because I need it. It’s natural to get discouraged with the news we hear. As Steve points out there is a real battle for our hope. We need to contend for it.
“It’s going to be okay. God’s got this. New things will happen. The sun will rise tomorrow and new opportunities will come.” – Steve Graham
I have appreciated Steve’s ministry over the years he lived in Christchurch and was principal of Laidlaw College. He brought prophetic messages of hope to the wider church when our city was recovering from the traumatic earthquakes of 2011. I really feel this message is a taonga, a treasure amidst this pandemic. Do consider sharing it with a friend.
Be blessed,
Bronnie
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Pastor Steve Graham is the Principal of Equippers College. He has a background in pastoral and cross-cultural ministry. Steve carries a dynamic teaching and prophetic gift from twenty years of experience in training people for ministry across three Bible colleges. Steve is married to Christine, they have three children and two wonderful grandchildren. -Equippers New Zealand website https://equipperscollege.com/.
I am grateful to Equippers Church, New Zealand for the permission to publish this message broadcast on Shine TV in 2021.
Kay Ward is an artist and family member who lives in Otatara, Southland. Her beautiful artwork featuring our native tui birds was gifted to me during difficult times.
Last Friday our country began operating the ‘Traffic Light System,’ for Covid-19 restrictions. It was also the day I got my second vaccination. I had an interesting car trip that week. My son was telling me how all traffic lights were being taken out of intersections, to be replaced with a new traffic light system! I get the confusion. There have been a lot of changes to restrictions. In this ‘traffic light system’, those who are vaccinated have increasing social freedoms, while the unvaccinated have much less.
This is a tender topic I know. Here I’m contributing a small voice for the mental health of the unvaccinated. I am basing it on the assumption that the mental health of every New Zealander is important.
Last month I was preparing this post I got heavy-hearted, so I parked it up. Over the past months and weeks I have also been processing these decisions for myself and particularly our children. Thousands haven’t had a choice, or have found it an easy decision to make.
Weeks on I don’t feel the heaviness anymore but I am very concerned for the unvaccinated suffering emotionally, relationally or financially because of their decision. I have sat with people who are feeling immense negative social pressure, social exclusion and are fearful about their future. I discovered that vulnerable people are stockpiling supplies for fear of a future without access to the basics. This disturbed me. When I was acutely mentally unwell I felt a primal fear and paranoia about such things. At times I was terrified. I feel compassion for those so afraid. I want every person to feel hopeful and cared about as we get through this time together.
Many of us have processed this decision differently to others. We don’t all think or feel the same. Amongst other factors we have different: family backgrounds, life experience, ethnicity, physical and mental health, and emotional wounds. We are wonderfully made, but awfully broken too. I am someone who knows what it is to be committed to psychiatric care under the Mental Health Act, and given treatment without consent. I am grateful in retrospect, but the very process of such ‘manditory treatment’ can be traumatic. This is just one of many scenarios that can affect how people feel about mandatory vaccination. We all get triggered at times. Some emotional triggers can be incredibly powerful. I wonder how much anger expressed on this issue comes from a place of extreme fear. We don’t know what another person’s journey has been. While there is great conformity there is still diversity of thought. The division in our country is very real and with Christmas coming there is much heartache. This season is one with many opportunities to be kind with words and acts of compassion.
These are very difficult times. We have never walked this winding path before. We need to be kind to ourselves and others. I found it helpful to hear pastors reassure people that vaccination is not a salvation or faith issue. A world with covid is not ideal and God knows this. Our Father gives us exactly what we need for our families at this time that we live in. My provision was that I realised that despite my reservations, my mental health (my greatest asset) would be better for choosing the vaccinations. This realisation was a grace, and peace to move forward. It has been very helpful.
There are vulnerable people in our communities who have just become more vulnerable. Let’s keep them on our radar.
Bron Tait’s life is remarkable and faith inspiring. In this interview Bron talks with me about her life, family and ministry. Bron and Phil’s son Greggory has autism. She shares about how challenging it was raising Greggory,
“Truly it was just one foot in front of the other…I look back now and think I must have had grace and strength, but I wasn’t aware of it. It was very much survival… I like to believe it’s made us more compassionate and more aware of our humanity”.
This compassion has shaped Bron and Phil’s care for those who struggle in a variety of ways. This has included caring for those experiencing mental illness as well as her role as a senior hospice nurse. Those of us in developed nations can tend to be uncomfortable and fearful about dying. Anxiety is high in the current global pandemic. I have long admired how Bron is at ease talking about death and dying. I like this quote in the context of her care for a church member this year,
“I believe there can be such a thing as a good death. I feel that as Christians it takes as much faith to die well and to feel peaceful going into the face of death, as it does to be healed”.
Bron finishes this interview with a great message of hope for those who face challenges that may seem overwhelming,
“Don’t give up hope. God will get you through this. Perhaps it won’t be quite how you thought it would be, but He will bring you through…If you choose to allow Him to, He will bring you through intact”.
Do listen and be encouraged by the full interview. Since recording this Bron and Phil have finished in their roles as senior pastors at Raumati Beach Church. We look forward to seeing what unfolds in this new chapter of their lives.
For those who may have missed it, in my last audio post ‘My Story with Bron Tait’ I talk with Bron about my journey through mental illness and how her care was pivotal in my recovery. Do share these messages with friends who could be encouraged. Feel free to contact me if you have a question you would like Bron to answer in a future interview.
I hope you are well and managing the lockdown drill. Thank you to our friends in Auckland who are doing this tough. We are thinking of you! This is a little ‘booster post’ as I have been writing more these days.
News
This post is also to let you know that Embody Hope is changing it’s name from today to Reviving Hope.
The name and site address will change, but the logo will be the same. I’m pleased about the change as I feel Reviving Hope reflects of what this site is about; finding hope for life and a practical recovery, starting small and experiencing the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. I hope you like the name too.
Settled Into Love
A few weeks before lockdown we went for a drive around Banks Peninsula, further than our wheels had taken us before. It was an adventure for these townies. The photo above is from our trip.
Our season of staying home is a journey inward for many. It is also a massive juggling act for parents working at home with kids. In our house it’s a combination of teaching and learning online, sibling sucesses and bomb outs! My week’s highlights included a Nerf war, making candy, and connecting with whānau online. I found satisfaction in pruning our big nectarine tree – at times imagining myself on an ACC ad as I consider my foot placings! The ad works. The low-lights would mostly all be related to the fallout of kids having too much screen time, whilst being compassionate about keeping them connected to friends. And then there’s just plain eating too much. I’m back to utilising the garage for treat foods. The weather is still cold enough to deter us house rats from visiting the garage at night.
A calling
I was asked the question on a zoom call recently, “What do you feel God is saying or calling you to in this time?” I’ll share a couple of things I feel God moving me towards.
Firstly I am drawn to those who I know found the last lockdown hard. I feel to keep these family and friends in heart, mind and phone. I am thankful for having time make a short phone call, or simply text. Sometimes I walk and talk on the phone with a friend while we both out getting exercise.
Image: YouVersion.com
Secondly I feel that this is a time to shake off the fear that so easily freezes or seizes our peace and joy. These two are gifts from God. I try to keep a healthy distance between the media releases and this sensitive soul. I know that too much brings on a sense of alert and worry. It also squelches creativity. Most of the time I feel settled into love. There are times I’ve felt unsettled. I can usually locate what I need to change. I know I need to come back to a place of sheltering under God’s wings and settle back into God’s love that casts out fear. I have been blessed to be able to find purpose in writing, creating my stamp on this time. Moving in your talents and abilities can help displace fear too.
Reflection
I thought I’d ask you a couple of questions to ponder:
What do you feel called to in this season? It may be to survive and pray for grace on the go! Or maybe something else?
Is there something you feel God speaking to you about? It may be something practical like taking care of your health and well-being. Or perhaps to rest in his love?
Little violets
On another note, it was lovely receiving feedback on my last post about appreciating small flowers. Thank you to those who got in touch. I thought you might like this small bunch of violets from my neigbour. I have violets that are out now, but had never thought of picking them.
Sunday Services
If you would like to have a look at a church service online you can find Grace Vineyard’s Sunday services and kids videos here. The services are also on Shine TV 12pm-1pm every Sunday. I can vouch for the kids programmes being humorous and uplifting.
I pray that you would know God’s grace and peace in this time,
Reviving Hope 
Nice Jean! 😊