Welcome

I got the idea for this new blog at the end of the week of New Wine, a Christian festival in Somerset, in August 2011. You might guess from my profile that, although not entirely house-bound, I don't very often get out, and it occurred to me that I might try to create a blog to encourage in our faith people like me whose lives are limited in one way or another. I'm hoping that readers will feel able to contribute their own positive ideas. I'm not sure how it will work, but here goes...!
Teach me, my God and King, in all things Thee to see...
A man that looks on glass,
On it may stay his eye,
Or, if he pleaseth, through it pass
And then the heaven espy.

George Herbert (1593-1633)

Tuesday 4 February 2014

Devonian refreshment


At the weekend we drove to Devon to visit Jane's parents and spent a very happy Saturday with them. On the way home, we spent a night at the very convenient Park and Lodge near Cullompton and then went to church in the ancient magnificent parish church. It has a wonderful wagon roof and rood screen. Built in red Devon sandstone with a tall tower, its upkeep must be an expensive nightmare.

We always receive a warm welcome when we go there, and we enjoy the music and the teaching. The service on Sunday was all-age worship led by the children's worker, Jo Keil. It was based around Psalm 139, and its theme was God knows me completely. It was moving and engaging. What moved me most, I think, was the act of confession with which it ended. It seemed to me so comprehensible and related to real life. Here's my adaptation of it:

"God, examine me and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any bad thing in me and lead me in the way everlasting" (verses 23,24)

O Lord, you notice everything I do and everywhere I go!... Where can I go to escape from your Spirit?... Nothing about me is hidden from you.

Hands out
Father God, this week you have seen all that I have done, everything I have said to others and done, both good and not so good.

Father God, this week you have seen everywhere I have gone, all I have watched and read; you have heard everything I have listened to. 

Hands across chest
Nothing is hidden from you – and this need not alarm me because you are a good and loving God. But I ask for your forgiveness now for the things I have said and done, and for what I have not said and done, the places I have been, the things I have watched or read, which have hurt and displeased you.

Thank you that you forgive me because Jesus died for me, and thank you that you go on loving me, forever! Amen.