She wandered down the beach. And perched on her favourite rock. She gazed out to sea, The sunlight bounced over the ripples on the water. It was blue, silver and twinkly. But out on the horizon She noted a storm brewing. She smiled. The day was warm. But as the afternoon moved on The temperature began to drop. Slowly, but she noticed it. The wind began to increase. Even the seagulls moved inland. The azure blue sky became darker Moodier. As grey, then black clouds Rushed clos

Prayer is like a kaleidoscope of colour. Each colour represents its many facets. Red- anger, rage, passion, power. Blue- peace, calm, but also deep pain Even sorrow. Yellow- sunshine, happiness, warmth. White- forgiveness, purity, innocence. Pink- warmth, safety, hope. Black- deep pain, hurt, humility. Brown- everyday normalness. Indigo- hurt, deep anguish of the soul. Green- growth, newness, energy. Just as there are a multitude of colours, hues, shades, tones. So, there are

I found myself in the back of an ambulance for the second time in the month. The pain was excruciating. As soon as they pushed liquid pain relief through my cannula, it started to ease. The paramedic knew what I needed to make me comfortable. He administered the drugs and sat with me till it started to take effect, then sat quietly. Presence matters. I was wheeled into a part of the A&E that I hadn’t been to before. I lay there so drugged but so aware of so many people millin

Keyboard strikes… tap tap tap Delete Delete Delete… tap tap tap. Like raindrops hitting the cement… tap tap tap The words of human frailty fall to the ground. Can You hear what I’m thinking? A dozen questions flood my mind Of what to ask you. Am I listening clearly? Normal and predictable verse I do not want. I don’t want to write anything without you being the author. I feel an aching to write. It’s like an itch that I can’t scratch. The depth, the emotion, the clever

You've been faithfully by our side, Took thy hand and were our guide, Your grace has brought us here, And you say you'll never leave. You've been the anchor of our life, Gave us strength to believe, You have kept us and held us, With you nothing is impossible. Times when there's been silence, When life has rushed us by, You're right there time after time, You've never forgotten about us. Your angels keep an eye on us, Day and night we're never alone, With peace from sunset to

My tongue is so tired From shallow and fruitless talk. So parched, so dry, I crave water in this drought. Shoes worn, soles are shot From crooked ways and dangerous walks. I’m afraid to move forward. This world is so fraught. Where you are seems so far away. Endless thoughts of how to please, how to do, what to be Stuck in my own head; Thoughts of you roam in… And then flow out like the sea. Tides of life determining What I choose to believe. Truth is elusive, But so clear

I've never known a time when it wasn't there. A refreshing drink in the dry heat of the wilderness, A warm hug in a mug that reminds me that there is comfort, Even on the cold, dark days of winter. The shower that refreshes and renews, Washing away the dust and dirt of the day, cleansing and cleaning. The flush of the waste that has nothing more to give, The guilt, shame, and toxins removed as far as East is to West. The bath that restores, relieves the aches and pains of t

Dear child Yes you! I love you. You who have wandered away and are struggling to find your way back. I love you. You who have looked into other religions, trying to find purpose and scared to come back to me. I love you You who have been hurt by the people calling themselves followers of me. I love you. You who have been hurling insults at me. I love you. You who feel unseen and unheard. I love you. You who have been faithful to me all of your lives. I love you. You who have

“Excuse me”, Molly said “Can I sit on your knee?” Of course, Sweetheart So she did. He continued to talk She rested Slowly, gradually, her eyes shut She fell asleep He continued Gently moving her into a more comfortable position. After a while, she woke Rubbed her eyes, smiled “Thank you”, she said He smiled and kissed her forehead. “Excuse me” Johnny said “Can you help me?” “Of course” He said “I’m confused” “I’m also a bit lonely” “Can I talk to you?” “Of course” He said S

I chose you to be my adopted son, Yes its true, all the work has been done. Your name written in heaven's book, Let me show you, let's have a look. Really, there is no room for doubting it, No longer an outcast or a misfit, Given a name marked out as royalty, A reward, my child, for all your loyalty. Yes, bought out of slavery, redeemed, Something that you never would have dreamed. And now with Holy Spirit in you sealed, Prostrate on your face, have you kneeled. And no

Photo by John Price on Unsplash I don’t actually stand at the front anymore. I stand at the very back of the room. Maybe I’m avoiding being seen. The jury’s still out on that. But week after week, I slip to the back, lean in, and watch—housed and unhoused, churched and unchurched, all turned toward a band I used to stand in front of. Now I’m behind everyone, quietly asking a question I never thought I’d have to ask: Have I spent years worshiping… or performing? I carry this

God is here with you Every hour he is near God knows all about you There's nothing to fear God knows your needs He sees through the storms When we face life's trials He fights all of our battles God will never leave you He has time for everyone No appointments necessary He's available for us always God is where our help comes from When life seems to overwhelm us He is able when humanly we aren't God is right there in our midsts. ©️ Sarah Joy Holden

Love is already here. In fact, she has always been here, since the very beginning. She does not announce her presence loudly, but your heart can already sense her. She speaks softly but with a voice that is sure and strong. She moves slowly and gently around the room in a beautiful and graceful dance. She is not in a rush. To begin with, you may not see anything other than the faintest flicker of light, or feel a peace and softness in the air. But know that she is there.

Today is the next day of your life You have a choice It can be good. It can be interesting It can be wonderful Or you can cope with it or not Just because it isn’t what you wanted Doesn’t mean it’s not for you. A beautiful garden begins in the dirt. The destruction of what was previously there. The stones are removed, The grass pulled out The weeds killed and removed. This leaves a bare patch of ground. Then the planner comes in. He hears what the client wants. He goes away,