Our week in Aotearoa has taken quite a turn in recent days with a sudden lockdown. If this affects you, I hope you are well and finding ways to keep connected to others. I am feeling for those who are struggling in our world both close and far away. I appreciated reading a local pastor admitting his sense of anxiety in the waiting. It has been all too easy to forget how most of the world has been living while we have had incredible freedom.
I prepared this post pre-lockdown. This is a light hearted collection of some favourite things right now. None of them are sponsored but I’ve included details if you are interested in purchasing those that are in a store. Let’s start with an old song made new…
As we know a good curry can lift the mood (oh so welcome). I am ever grateful to my kind friend for showing me how to make her Indian base for her national dishes. She inspired this chana masala. I’ve grated a small beetroot and added it for colourful goodness.
The overthinking candle isn’t still available sorry, but you could designate one for that purpose. Years ago when I was unwell, I was given a technique to help with OCD thinking. It was to start the day setting aside time especially to worry for a few minutes. Funny thing was I found it hard to worry when put under pressure! It came much more naturally when free to interrupt my day! Sometimes just looking at this candle or lighting it makes me smile reminding me not to take myself so seriously. Being well now, I can get a bit more space between myself and those thoughts.
My friend Becks has introduced me to the roasted dandelion and chicory tea. If you are looking for a coffee-like, but caffeine-free hot drink, you may like this. It steeps looking dark and doesn’t taste like other herbal teas. I like it with a little sugar and a good pour of milk. These bags are full of flavour and steep for two drinks still going strong. A box of 32 tea bags for $13.50 can be found at Piko Wholefoods, Kilmore Street, in Christchurch. They also sell this tea loose $9.70 for 200gm which will be better value and nice to put in a teapot.
Here’s a cute notebook with thoughts for how to live more freely and pages to colour. This little book is designed to be a creative guide to living life less dependent on things digital. I like finding different ways to use books. I’ve starting using mine for a ‘proven wrong (& refreshingly right)’ notebook. In it I’ve noted events where untrue thoughts and feelings I’ve had were proven wrong. Perhaps I’ve discovered I haven’t offended someone I was sure I had, or that I did cope with a challenge I’d doubted myself to manage. I noted down the faulty assumption I began with and the corrected assumption I can take moving forward. The book can be found in most Typo stores, $9 each.
A elderly friend told me this week how she delights in small hand-pickings from a garden even more than store bought bouquets of flowers. I have also found increasing joy in small blooms. These daphne sprigs are from a semi-shaded part of my garden that have grown fast. Little flower cuttings make lovely offerings to give neighbours and friends. I’ve collected some tiny vases, mostly from second hand stores to house a sprig of this or that around the house. I feel like an old soul writing about such things, but maybe it takes many years to discover the joy of things petite.
youversion.com
I’ve enjoyed collecting up these things and plan to do it again. Please feel free to comment with small pleasures you are grateful for at this time.
I hope this finds you well. Grab yourself a hot chocolate for this first audio message. I share about seasons of wrestling, and coming to a realisation God’s presence all the way along. I hope you enjoy.
Before sharing this reflection I want to let you know about my podcast called Reviving Hope. The Reviving Hope podcast is about topics relating to faith and mental health. The first episode I share my mental health story of hope. Some years ago following a trauma I experienced a bipolar episode and had a long but very good recovery. Guests on the show share life experience and expertise.
Meditation on ‘Jireh‘ – by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music.
Here’s a song that’s spinning my wheels at the moment. I’ve recently found a treasure trove of music by Maverick City with my current favourite being their song ‘Jireh’. This post I want to invite you to reflect on this song.
Q: As you listen to the song, what words stand out to you? Click here for song lyrics
‘We love because He first loved us’
1 John 4:19
A wonderful truth is that we all come into this world pre-loved by God. This foundational truth is easily covered over by the noise and pain of life. We need to dust it off to reveal what God has always said about us. He longs for us to abide in the primal love of our Parent. There is balm in the love of God.
Q: Recall a moment when you felt loved as a child. Bask in the feeling you had in a moment of care you as you realise the Father’s tender love for you right now.
‘If He watches over every sparrow, how much does He love you?’
Song lyrics
These song lyrics are taken from the following words of Jesus:
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you”. – Matthew 6:25-30
Q: Imagine God providing for your all your needs, and those of your family. Tell your Father about any needs that you worry about. Include the need for family and friendship. Thank Him for his care and faithfulness to provide for you.
Jehovah Jireh is only mentioned once in the Bible (Genesis 22:14) by Abraham declaring God as provider – giving the sacrificial animal that spares his son’s life. God’s greatest provision for us cannot be outshone. God provided His Son Jesus, sacrificed in our place for all our sins. Jesus Christ freely gave His life up for you. There is no greater love for your life. Accepting the forgiveness offered is just the beginning of all God’s generous blessings for those who believe.
Consider how God has provided Jesus so you can have a loving relationship with Him. Talk to a believing friend or pastor if you are interested in knowing more about the love and hope found in Him. You are welcome to contact me about finding a next step in this journey. There are also great talks and resources at Grace At Your Place.
Sarah L Ferguson
Q: Finally, do you have an area of your life that needs God’s reassurance? Consider writing out a scripture that matches your need, and go over it within your day. This is one I have been learning recently with my kids.
‘Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done’.
Philippians 4:6
The YouVersion Bible app is a free Bible app for your phone. It has easy to find topics that will take you to Bible verses that address a need you may feel, such as the desire for peace.
This month ahead I plan to keep up meditating on Scripture that speak to my needs. I know that walking also boosts my mood over winter. Both make such a difference in my life whatever the season. Don’t be discouraged by set backs with any of your aspirations for wellbeing. It is definitely more challenging to do many healthy activities over this season.
For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God’
Hebrews 12:2
You’ve got to admire this backyard harakeke cross photographed by Sarah Ferguson! I think it captures the glory of the risen Jesus on that first Easter Sunday. The Cross was transformed into something glorious because Jesus overcame everything it stood for. Jesus at the Cross was sin cleansing, shame scorning, and death defeating.
This Good Friday I was again in awe of Jesus’s love and suffering for us. Many times come Easter Saturday I’ve identified with the disappointment felt by the disciples who thought Christ’s death was the end of all things hoped for. We all experience important unanswered prayers. Such disappointments and griefs can threaten what we have built our faith on. I know what this can be like. If this resonates, I would encourage you to ask a wise and compassionate person to support you in prayer. You may also like praying along to the short daily ‘Lectio 365’ app messages that have been on this topic.
Raised and Healed
‘When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; He is not here.” ‘ Mark 16:4-6 NRSV
Finally today we have celebrated Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. It seems too good to be true – but it isn’t! Death has been defeated. Our hearts can dare to trust God raised our Saviour to new resurrection life, and He will do the same for us. When Jesus returns, we will be like Him. No more tears and emotional pain. These things are not yet our reality. But we have real hope for the present. As believer’s we are experiencing God’s resurrection power at work in us today. God is in the business of resurrecting lives, and healing hearts. If this all seems beyond your belief, don’t feel like a failure. I spent many an Easter feeling a fraud struggling with unbelief! No one has perfect faith – God is the perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Ask Him to give you the faith you desire.
Come Holy Spirit
At the end of Easter (when my blood sugar levels drop!), I find myself thinking “what comes next?”. For some time I have had this quote on my wall,
“The resurrection is not the end. It is the beginning of all things being restored”
– Timothy Keller
After Jesus ascended back to His Father, He sent the Spirit to comfort, strengthen and give power to the believers. With the Spirit enabling them, they transformed the world sharing the message of Jesus with power. We all need this work of God’s Spirit in our hearts overflowing to those around us. An ancient prayer that Christians like to pray is, ‘Come Holy Spirit’. Below is a new song by Hillsong that invites us to pray for God’s Spirit to breathe on us afresh. It features Kiwi born Brooke Ligertwood (nee Fraser). Enjoy this prayer of hope. I look forward to what God has in store for His Church this new season we are coming into.
It has been a significant week for our city Christchurch, being ten years since the February 22nd earthquake. Today is now the first day in a change of levels, with Auckland most affected. These are tough times for many. I’m thinking of you.
This post is about recovering from a ‘blip’ in my mental health.
The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast,
When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and (consoled) me.
Psalm 94:18-19 The Message
My Blip
I had a psychosis 11 years ago and thankfully haven’t had another since. I have steadily gone from strength to strength. Like everyone I have my small blips along the way, but in recent years I had a time where I was very anxious and not myself. At that time I had finished up with mental health services, but needed a brief intervention to get me back on my feet again. I was grateful I could see a registered nurse who was key in my quick recovery. He listened, spoke insightful and wise words that greatly reassured me. He helped me understand my situation. Family and friends showed kindness and love. My task was self-care which included medications and a good sleep routine.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.
Psalm 91:4 NIV
Meditation
In that time of recovery, Father God brought real comfort to my mind through the words of Psalm 91. The feminine image of His wings covering me, brought God’s personal warmth to my soul. I was also encouraged by our friend Phil Tait in his passion for Psalm 91, and I felt the wero, a challenge to learn this psalm. I took many months to learn it by heart, with starts and stops, but in the end I did it. God ministered powerfully and gently through meditating on this scripture. I enlisted the help of my kids in testing me, and moral support from a friend who was working on the same goal. Meditating on God’s living Word and ‘digesting’ it, can bring calm to our mental and emotional state by His Spirit. I’m not always on track with this, but when I am, I notice the difference in my well-being.
The Holistic Help
In my ‘blip’ I was comforted by Mental Health professionals, medications, Scripture, self-care activities, whānau and friends. A week later I was quickly heading back in the right direction. Through this experience I learnt that communicating my vulnerabilities to friends can also help them better understand what I am experiencing, and help me get back to my old self sooner.
Mental health professionals offer specialist skills that can bring reassurance to our minds. I am so grateful for those who have helped me over the years. I know it can also be very difficult to access such professionals. Do seek out help by visiting your G.P (doctor) if you are facing mental health challenges. Often we can get a foot up that we didn’t know was even possible.
Other News
I’d like to promote a music album, ‘Send the Rain‘, released by Grace Vineyard Church here in Aotearoa, New Zealand. ‘Send the Rain’ has stunning sounds. My favourite song would have to be, ‘All In Your Hands‘. Do have a listen!
In our fruit garden, the ‘NZ Cranberries’ below (myrtus ugni) are perfect to eat right now. They make a nice aromatic little hedge or bush. Last year I froze the berries for a nutritious snack. Texture wise they’re not everyone’s pick but we have adults and kids who enjoy grazing here. I think these are a winner in the low maintenance home fruit garden.
That’s all for this small post. I have some topics coming that I think you will find interesting.
New Year’s Greetings friends! Wherever you are in the world I hope you are finding refreshments however big or small. In New Zealand we are grateful to have the freedoms we do.
A friend recently asked me if I’d given up blogging. Not at all, but my writing lost it’s flow to the ‘publish’ button. So, to get things moving along I thought I’d share a few summer drinks with you!
Berry Dream
Status Soda
I’ve never been much of an alcohol drinker. I’ve learned quickly to make friends with the reality that I’m a sensitive bod. Avoiding alcohol works best for my emotions, sleep and it makes sense given the medications I take. A diagnosis or descriptor of psychiatric problems is another good reason to reach for a kombucha! I have been diagnosed as having bipolar (I’ll share more about this in posts to come). Years ago when staying on a mental health ward, a kind nurse spoke these few words to me, “you should be grateful you don’t drink”. I didn’t really comprehend her remark at the time. I’ve revisited that comment as I’ve contemplated the many factors that I juggle to maintain my wellbeing. What would my life look like if problem drinking or poverty were part of the picture? It hasn’t been too hard to come to my ‘soda status’, but I know it is difficult for those who enjoy alcohol, but know it’s working against their health and family.
I’ve just shared my reasons for declining a drink, but when in a social setting and offered a glass of wine, I find the best response is to say I don’t drink and then move quickly on to what I am drinking. This sounds obvious – but sometimes I have been asked further as to why I “couldn’t have just one?”. Next, I have found myself giving reasons for having reasons – and have got into a tangle. Turning up with some bling kombucha tins helps. Now to some of my non-alcoholic drinking research!
Broadening Beverages
I enjoy sweet treats but given a choice I would rather eat my sugar than drink it. Low-sugar refreshments are my preference but this can be a challenge, especially when at a restaurant or bar. I’m experimenting with cold tea sodas, and store bought kombucha.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented, usually bubbly drink that is usually non-alcoholic. It is on trend, with many people making their own. It is brewed using black and green teas, often including berry teas and fruit. It claims health benefits such as containing probiotics and antioxidants. It’s a welcome change to find supermarkets and café’s filling their fridges with something different.
Being a novice kombucha drinker, I’m tasting some brands in cafés, and supermarkets. Price wise in a cafe they compare with a coffee, or two dollars a tin for a four pack at the supermarket. Some of my store bought kombucha faves are made by ‘Remedy’ and ‘Amplify’. Our Pak’n Save stocks them in the chilled section and in the fizzy isle. Cherry, and passionfruit are firm favourites. Other ‘Remedy’ flavours include ginger lemon, peach, and blood orange.
Both of the companies above are made in Australia or New Zealand, are non-alcoholic, have no or low sugar, as well as no artificial sweeteners. Both use stevia for natural sweetening. I imagine these are far from the league of home brewed kombucha, but they seem a good starting point and are readily available. Recently I tasted a relative’s home made kombucha, flavoured with herbal tea. It delivered on taste, so much so that should I drink greater quantity of kombucha, I will face a scoby square in the face (the scoby is the unattractive ‘mother’ in the fermenting process)! New Zealand brewed kombucha ‘Daily Organics’ is available from the supermarket. These have a fuller more fermented flavour and can have a very small alcohol content. To my taste buds it has little semblance to my fizzy companions making it a different and interesting option if you are wanting to choose a low-alcohol drink.
berry Dream
For a treat I like to make my Berry Dream drink pictured at the top of the page. I’ll add in the recipe for those who may like to make it.
Ingredients: Healtheries ‘Superfruits’ herbal tea bags, Barkers ‘Tropical Lite’ syrup and soda water
Brew concentrated ‘Superfruits’ tea, 7 bags in a teapot approx 600ml. Steep for an hour or more. Freeze into cubes (small or crushed cubes work the best).
To make the drink use ‘Barkers Lite Tropical’ syrup with soda water to taste. Add cubes to add colour, flavour and a pretty layer on top.
Concentrated fruit tea with soda water makes for a very low sugar drink. Christchurch family owned company ‘Chanui’ have an ‘Apple and Elderflower’ tea which is also berry-full and good for concentrate. This tea is harder to come by. I found it at Fresh Choice Merivale, in Christchurch. Red Seal’s ‘Blood Orange’ is also a good strong tea for making drinks.
Soda
I also like my trusty soda stream maker. Eco-friendly, it zhuzh’s up plain water on demand. Simple soda water with lime gives a zap of flavour and sensation that can curb a craving. We use limequats from our tree. They are tiny lime flavoured fruit with just enough juice for a drink. Our tree was very slow to produce but attractive while it gave thought to fruiting.
Be refreshed this season whether in big or small ways. Holidays aren’t perfect. Being out of routine can be a welcome change, but equally it can disrupt the habits that keep us feeling well. I’m trying to focus on keeping to just a few ‘rituals’ that keep me feeling good.
That’s me getting my feet back into the pool again. A big thank you to those who read or interacted with my blog last year. I’m always grateful for your comments. Enjoy the rest of January.
The prospect of going into lockdown is not appealing for most of us. Those in Auckland have suddenly gone to level 3. The rest of the country is at level 2. This afternoon we find out what the next stage is for our country.
Here are some questions I have asked family members last night. They have helped us identify some small things that could improve our experience, should we find ourselves in lockdown again. The questions were:
What did you like about lockdown?
What did you find difficult about it?
What is something we could do that would improve your experience of any future lockdown?
These are simple questions but it was interesting what came out of them. We found a couple of things to action for each person. Last lockdown I got a tonne of books out which was a great help to the kids. If things should change I’d like to do more study and writing. I want to be proactive about what I can do – having things to look forward to. One last question:
Who are one or two people that you could support in simple ways should lockdown happen again?
Coming out of level 4, I became aware of people who struggled more than I realised during that time. Looking outward can not only help others, but help us, providing distraction, and displace some of our worries. Psalm 23 comes to mind when I think of this time we are in.
‘The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort me’. – Psalm 23:1-4 NIV
Whatever the outcome and however long this journey is, we have a God who is with us and provides. We can trust Him with our situation.
Thanks to those of you who gave feedback on ‘Winter Dreams’. Let me know if you would like more fruity posts. I have to admit I have found the past month somewhat challenging. I haven’t always been doing the things that keep me feeling good. Going for a walk is less appealing than the comfort of slippers. Then there’s winter eating -not the soup kind! That said, I’m getting back on track again and feeling the results.
This post is about experiencing the Father’s radiant love and blessings. We can lose this sense of being blessed when we are suffering mentally, or caught up in the ‘noise’ of the world. Some people feel like their lives are far from blessed, even cursed. I had a time where I felt like this. Mental illness passed down through a family, physical illness, untimely deaths, and many sufferings can lead to this wrong conclusion. We are never beyond God’s heart of blessing.
A Bedtime Story
One evening over lockdown, I was on a phone call catching up with a friend I hadn’t spoken with in years. Part way through the call, I heard a child’s voice interrupt her. My friend said, “sorry I’ll just be a moment” and then I heard her whisper these words:
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
It was bedtime and my friend’s son had sought her out, needing to hear his blessing before going to sleep. These words above are a translation of the blessing God gave Moses for Aaron to bless God’s children (Numbers 6:24). The Aaronic blessing has been spoken for thousands of generations. It features in the song at the end of the page (don’t miss listening to it).
Blessings Deep and High
All blessings come from God such as; our health, family, friends, finances and sunshine. Blessings also go much deeper and higher. When we are ‘in Christ’ we have every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3-14). This is because of what Jesus did for us at the Cross and His resurrection. It is easy to forget these blessings when we are mentally unwell. It is also easy to overlook them when life is good. We are reminded of what we have as we gather together to worship. One of the many spiritual blessings we have in Christ is the Holy Spirit living within us. He gives us hope for the future and empowers us to live in the here and now. Nicky Gumble has written on the many spiritual blessings we gain in Christ. All this to say, we cannot be more blessed than to be found ‘in Christ’.
Blessing One Another
We are a source of blessing to one another. In his book, ‘Life of the Beloved’, spiritual writer Henri Nouwen reveals the nature of deep blessing. He notes that a blessing is not a mere compliment, but it is, ‘to affirm, to say “yes” to a person’s belovedness’ and that ‘a blessing touches the original goodness of the other and calls forth his or her belovedness’. You will know when you are blessed in this way. Well-known pastor Timothy Keller gave an insightful message about our need for blessing, deep affirmations from those who discern who we really are. He highlights the fact that we can’t bless ourselves; we need this to come from others-people who know us. He describes how important it is that believers have times of experiencing this deep satisfying approval from our heavenly Father. As God affirms us we find the hole in our souls is filled. When we are suffering this can be difficult to sense and we may need others to help us hear it.
A Blessing Story
When I was in trauma and mentally acutely unwell, I felt I like I was cursed. This was not true, as I was in Christ, but I was out of my right mind. Many people showed our family how blessed we were, by their heartfelt acts of kindness and prayers. After being discharged from hospital, I was low functioning and despairing. We have lovely friends who were our neighbours and ran a church home group. One evening I dragged myself over to group. My concentration was poor. I didn’t know most of the people. That evening the group prayed for me. My friend Nick felt God impressed these words on his heart to share with me. They are adapted from what God spoke at Jesus’ baptism, “this is my daughter whom I love, with her I am well pleased”.
‘When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased”.
I was deeply touched. I felt God approving of me, loving me when I felt so empty. This is the power of a prophetic word. I also felt love from those concerned for my well-being. If I hadn’t gone to the group, I would have missed that moment. There are always other moments that come, but I think when we’re low we need to wrestle, even drag ourselves to places where we are blessed by God. It can take humility to turn up when we know we are at our worst. It is good to take opportunities for prayer such as after a service – even if we go forward week after week. In that time, I couldn’t hear God’s tender heart blessing me. A friend heard it and spoke these powerful words of life over my life. These words weren’t just for me, they are for every believer.
Keller and Nouwen both affirm that we do well to meditate on the blessing given at Jesus’ baptism. God ministers to me about His love when meditating on short scriptures such as this. Listening to a song like the one below helps me connect to God’s heart of blessing. It is easy to get distracted amidst the increasing pace of life. It is good to be intentional about making spaces to sense the Father’s heart for us. If you find this hard to do your own you ask a friend to pray with you. We are also blessed to be a blessing to others. It’s a privilege to pray for people.
‘The Blessing’ Song
‘The Blessing‘ was written by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes in the midst of the world’s ongoing pandemic. It is powerful to hear people of many nations singing blessings over their people, their children and the world. Many countries including Aotearoa, United Kingdom, the Arab World, and Zimbabwe have recorded it. As you hear it be open to hear God’s heart for you.
May you know the radiant love of your Father who delights in you. May you know you have every spiritual blessing through what Jesus accomplished at the Cross and Resurrection.
You are blessed,
Bronnie
Share the love and link with someone who would enjoy this message
Credits
Photo of Father and sons by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com
Quotes and references to Henri Nouwen’s work are from:
Nouwen, H (1992). Life of the Beloved and Our Greatest gift. Great Britain, Hodder and Stoughton, p.56, 57, 63.
I think it’s important to have things to look forward to in every season of the year. Some years ago I was severely depressed and found it hard to sense the goodness of life in the land of the living. I want to share with you an edible dream that helped me while I was recovering. See what aspirations of yours come to mind as you read on. At the end of this post there’s a raspberry on top – a blurb on growing them. First though I want to acknowledge our context, the times we are living in.
Our Times
Right now the world is in upheaval. Listen to today’s Lectio 365 app message ‘I Can’t Breathe’ for a man’s powerful testimony of racism, oppression, and hope. He found his identity as a black man made in God’s image. This is an excellent and free audio app with a short message, prayer, and space to ponder what you’ve heard. Each session comes out daily and is about 10 mins long-great to listen to while walking.
Thankfully our country is experiencing increasing normality due to success in beating Covid-19. Despite this, suffering and uncertainty are realities. The lockdown has created a renewed appreciation for loved ones and temporarily drawn us back from consumerism. Many of us have fewer commitments and the opportunity to rebuild our lives more mindfully. Along with many people, I have been reflecting on what is important moving forward. It’s not been a mental workout, just something to muse on and pray about it.
Something New?
Over lockdown, have you imagined yourself doing something new? Perhaps you started doing something that you’d like to continue. An aspiration could involve; learning practical skill, a ministry, exercising regularly, study, finding a job or completing a creative project. A dream could be to have a relationship, friendship, or recover the love in a marriage. The list is endless. To invest in a dream is to believe the future is worthwhile. This can be a challenge in our world, given media stories and messages that are anxiety provoking-or at worse despairing. I like this quote attributed to Martin Luther:
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
Blu-Tacking Goodness
I am a gardener, mostly fruity and somewhat blooming. Over the years gardening has helped me appreciate the seasons of the year–an asset to one’s mental health. I have long had the dream of growing an edible garden. Ten years ago we had plans drawn up for this. Not long after, I was in hospital for several months due to mental illness. My baby and I were well cared for. I had those beautiful garden plans Blu-Tacked on my hospital wardrobe wall. I had a lot of time on my hands, and would often look at them. They represented a dream that would one day spark hope.
A slice of edible plans by Sue Mort
‘I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.’
Psalm 27:13 NIV
In that time I needed hope for the ‘goodness of God in the land of the living’. This verse would come to minister to me. We can hope in the Father’s goodness and love with us our whole lives long. In the years that followed, we planted fruit trees and berries, many not to the plan, but it didn’t matter-it meant a lot to me. This dream didn’t pull me out of depression, but in time it brought us all much pleasure. Now as we gather fruit and eat it, I am in awe at God’s creativity and generosity. I feel thankful. I feel joy.
Winter: Dream Don’t Dread
Uncertain times and the onset of winter may not seem inspiring times for dreaming. One autumn I was feeling blue about winter, frustrated that I still hadn’t got round to growing things in the garden. On talking to an older friend about this, she let in on a gardening secret. Winter is the time to dream, not dread. Cooler seasons are the times to dream about what plants you liked in summer. It is an excellent time to research; read books, search the internet, talk to people, find prices, measure spaces, draw plans. And finally the best bit-plant if it’s the right time. Fruit trees are best planted in the coldest months as it gives the tree a chance to establish it’s roots before the stress of summer heat.
This winter we are being presented another more restful season. I know my inner engine isn’t yet running as usual. In this time we may be able to muse over our dreams in a restful way. When ideas are coming I like to jot them down or talk to friends who shares the spark. Sometimes I share bigger dreams with a special friend who may have some good advice. Connecting with friends over mutual goals can be fun. A goal of going for a regular walk may be ten times more likely to happen if I go with a friend. If I’ve lost my enthusiasm for my goal I try to review it or park it up. It may not be the timing to start an activity but there may be something to be mindful of when opportunity comes.
Flexibility
I enjoyed watching Jamie Oliver’s lockdown cooking shows. I need fresh cooking ideas. His shows were stripped back, and refreshingly real. His message was to use whatever ingredients you have to work with. There are many ways to make a dish by substitution. Similarly, changing goals doesn’t mean failure. We may need to be flexible in this less than ideal time. There are also many dreams that don’t have to cost a lot of time or money to make happen. So, dream this winter, don’t dread. Pray and brood over your ideas, processing them however it works best for you. Research, enlist support, and celebrate small beginnings as you move towards your dream. A couple of thoughts:
Q: What is a dream you have? What could be a small step towards exploring it?
Q: What prophetic words have you been given that ‘sit right’ with you and bring you joy to think of? Pray about these.
Raspberry On Top
Our winter berries
Growing Raspberries
One summer as a kid I picked raspberries as a job with my cousins. It was heavenly; I suddenly had a dream to grow raspberries of my own one day. Some people may not think that’s a worthy of being a life dream; I can prove them wrong! Gift a large jar of fresh raspberries to a friend and watch their face glow and the gratitude for a lavish gift. Raspberries bring out passion in people. Raspberries may well have started or ended land wars. Grow your own and you’ll see what I mean. Small dreams can cost little but have a big impact. If you like the idea of growing raspberries, check if you can grow them in the climate where you live. I’ve found them easy to grow.
Raspberry canes come as small brown dead looking sticks that you plant in the cooler months. Plant them in a sunny spot and forget about them for 18 months. Come the second Summer they will thrill you as you eat them: straight off the canes, with vanilla ice cream, from frozen in smoothies or muffins. Both pics are of our berries. Raspberries make a nice end of year thank you gift. They are worth their weight in gold–literally. I’m sure you’ve seen those measly punnets of berries for $10 each. Here’s my unsponsored plug for readers who live in Christchurch. For many years I’ve bought our berry canes and fruit trees from Doug at the Sunday Riccarton Rotary Markets. He sells various fruit trees, berry bushes for a great price. Raspberry canes will last ten or more years and cost only $15 for 5 canes. He is there from this Sunday over the winter months. The canes I have got from him produce one summer crop in December.
Some more information on growing raspberries from Doug:
8-10 plants are enough for the average home garden. They need good soil. Plant the canes 4-500mm apart in a single row or else make a bed with the rows about 1 meter apart. They like compost or grass clippings at the base of the plants. Raspberries fruit on last year’s growth. The canes that have finished fruiting die by the Winter and you cut them off at the ground. New canes will have grown up to replace them. They don’t need staking if you only let them grow to a metre high (we let ours grow high and tie them back to a fence or trellis for support). We also don’t spray ours and have had no problems with pests.
That’s all for now about winter dreaming. I hope you enjoyed this slightly different post! Thanks for reading my blog. Any feedback is helpful for future posts.
I hope this finds you well. Last Autumn I wrote about finding contentment in the season we’re in. This year you and I find much of our lives on ‘pause’. This season of isolation for many brings with it disappointment, longings and sadness. We need to make friends with uncertainty, while knowing we be reunited again. It’s a strange no-man’s-land. We’ve never walked this way before. Each persons’ experience of this time is both unique and valid. For some it’s a lonely experience with symptoms of mental illness becoming more severe. Many people are vulnerable, sick or experiencing financial loss. The hardships and heartaches are real.
Silver Lining
At the same time it’s a hotchpotch of scenarios. A silver lining has meant rest and family time for those privileged in this way. I love the story a father who previously worked 70 hours a week in forestry, suddenly became time rich; had discovered family life in a new way. This family’s joy reminds me of the lost and found stories that Jesus told. As I write our cat sits on my lap for the second time this morning -she’s hoping this will be the ‘new normal’. The world is changing and it won’t be all bad. Perhaps the need to be resourceful will bring us closer together with those who are knowledgeable – especially the elderly. I’m planning a veggie garden and look forward to receiving advice from seasoned gardeners. I recently watched Phil Tait speaking about how God is desiring a ‘new normal’ for his church. Watch this space as we see God’s love and creativity in the Church. God is the Master who works all things together for good for those love Him.
My Self-care
In my last post I shared how anxiety is a weak point for me, as I know it is for many people. At the beginning of lock-down I was anxious, constantly checking the news on my phone and breathing less deeply. Calming a sensitive mind in a media storm is an important task. In my irritable state I believed sub-consciously that reading the news would give me some certainty or control over the situation. After I quit following the news for a week, I got a better grip on sleep. Bike riding and playing with the kids in the park was refreshing. I needed to do the usual self-care tasks; I took my medication as needed, checked in with my G.P, connected with friends and family. It all helped. In this time we have been keeping connected, through services and friendships with our church Grace Vineyard. I appreciate different podcasts and online messages that address this crazy time we’re in. I would highly recommend watching our pastors Lissie and David MacGregor giving a message on mental health in this time (26.04). I am aware of how privileged we are to have the resources and support we do.
New Strength
Most days I’ve been learning some scriptures by heart, slowly, just one verse at a time. This has been strengthening me considerably. I’ve surprised myself at what I can recall when I put my mind to some exercise. It’s like I’m slow cooking amazing soul food. I think it’s also like taking a dog for a daily walk. This mind of mine needs exercising. My husband is working full time from home. School home learning has kicked off, presenting new challenges and opportunities – more baking and wearing clothes that stretch! I admit I’ve had scratchy moments while trying to get my head around online schooling. I know I’m not alone! I’ve decided to lower some expectations on myself.
Survival
For a large number of people this time isn’t about thriving, rather survival. I wish we could all hug a friend and have the true therapy of a cup of tea together. A coffee over Zoom or Skype is significant. A chat to a neighbour over the fence will be the smell of an oily rag our soul desperately needs. A little goes a long way. If you are struggling – lower your expectations on yourself and maybe others. Don’t think ‘personal growth’ when you can hardly see the way through today. Jesus gave us permission to trust in God and stay in today. (Matthew 6:25-34). Jesus said his burden is light. This is the kindness of God.
I’ve shared this scripture before and will do again because it is awesome:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:21-23 NRSV
Jeremiah an Old Testament prophet wrote these words in harrowing times. Amidst his anguish he deliberately steers his attention to what defines God- love. God is love (1 John 4:16). I think the prophet showcases God’s steadfast love with the dawn, because it is the most famous of God’s qualities. His love is an endless fountain, the Sun that rolls out continuous mercies. This love is a heart that never stops beating for his child. When I am feeling anxious or fearful, my chief aim is to calm myself and tune into God’s heart for me. It can be hard, very hard, but His perfect love repels fear (1 John 4:18).
There is blessing to be found when we notice what God has done for us and thank Him. Keep looking for the evidence of his compassions in your life. A mercy may look like the existence of educational TV, or a friend who will be home when you phone. Just make sure you phone. I don’t know your situation or bubble, but I pray you will seek out others and God for support. Your friends and whānau need you – just as you are.
Where can you see God’s mercies helping you get through this time?
Who is someone you could call or text to talk to today?
Feel free to leave a comment about what is helping you get through this time. It would be nice to hear how you’re doing.
Reviving Hope 