Jesus always loves you

When we lived in Sydney, my daughter attended a small Christian primary school and they had an annual “Week of Spiritual Focus”. A spiritual message was selected to guide the teachings for the week and the small school congregation would meet for a devotional meeting each day of that week to sing songs of praise, share bible stories and watch plays depicting modern day parables. One year’s theme really stood out for me. The theme for that year was:

“Jesus loves me when I’m good,

when I do the things I should.

Jesus loves me when I’m bad,

even though it makes Him sad.”

Such a simple little rhyme which both young and old can easily read. But in these four simple lines are powerful, life changing truths. Sadly though, I think that in our efforts to do the things that we should, we forget that the love of the Saviour is perfect and complete and that he continues to love us even when we may not be quite so perfect.

Honestly now, not one of us are perfect! We all make mistakes, we choose the easy way, we fail in our diligence. Sadly, we all sin – sometimes it is just a little thing but sometimes we may realise that we have really, really done the wrong thing. Sometimes when we have sinned it can seem that we have lost the right to be loved by the Saviour – that sinning has made us unloveable and unforgiveable. When this happens, we can often become very harsh and unforgiving toward ourselves and may turn our back on the Saviour. But that hopeless, dark feeling doesn’t reflect the reality. The Saviour knew that we would not just stumble, but that at times, we would actually fall . . . fall completely into sin. And He knew that that is when we would need Him the most.

You see, even though it is good to be good, the Saviour always knew that we would not be able to be perfect in this life. Our imperfections, mistakes and sins are no surprise to Him - that is why the Plan of Salvation was necessary – in John 3:16 we are reminded that “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Or in other words:

“Jesus loves me when I’m good,

when I do the things I should.

Jesus loves me when I’m bad,

even though it makes Him sad.”

In Revelations 3:20 the Saviour promises: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him.” The Lord is always there, he won’t force us to turn to Him, but He is always waiting, ready and loving each one of us, despite our weaknesses, mistakes and sins (big or small). If any of you have turned away from the Lord, I invite you to open the door to the Saviour, turn to Him and invite Him back into your heart and life . . . let Him love you.

Making the best of your daily apple . . .

Imagine for a moment that you arrive home and someone who loves you has very kindly just cut up a fresh, delicious apple for your enjoyment. Now, if you detest apples, may I recommend that you substitute your favourite fruit instead of the apple? Anyway, so there it is, the perfect apple! Cool, crispy, juicy and cut into pieces, ready for your enjoyment. As you approach the apple, you think to yourself: Hmmm, this is not the way that I like apples, I think I will add a little something to this apple. You open the pantry door, peer inside and there it is, your favourite . . . mustard! Yes, that will make your apple much better. You quickly open the jar and liberally spread the mustard all over the apple. But, it’s still not quite the way you like it yet. So, you grab the tomato sauce . . .  yes, this should help. Carefully squeezing the bottle, you deposit great big swirls of the sticky sauce all over the apple. This should make all the difference. Without too much thought, you lean over for the final touches, adding a generous shake or two of salt and pepper. Ahh, that should do it!!Now the apple is just the way that you like it. Reaching down, you carefully select the best looking slice and bring it to your mouth expectantly. You close your eyes in anticipation as your teeth crunch through the apple and . . . . AAARRRGGGHHH!! It’s disgusting!! And so what do you do now?? You go storming off to your loved one who gave you the apple and complain. “That apple that you gave me is disgusting!! Why would you give me such a horrible apple?? What have I ever done to deserve such a horrible thing??”

Don’t we all sometimes find ourselves doing this exact same thing in our day-to-day life? Heavenly Father blesses us with a perfectly good day . . . with opportunities, people who love us and a plan to follow. And what do we do?? We decide that we know better . . . that we have a better way! In Isaiah 55:8-9 the Saviour cautions us about this:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Thinking that we know a better way, we can sometimes be found adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that to the perfectly good life that we have been blessed with. So, we may spread on a load of bad attitude. Perhaps add a squeeze of pride and some days, even throw in a shake or two of opposition and sin. And then, when our way doesn’t work out quite as we had planned – we turn around and blame our Father in Heaven. But really, He gave us a perfectly good apple – it was our choices that ruined everything!!

Our Father in Heaven realises that each day of life can be confusing . . . confronting . . . challenging. Hey, life can be downright difficult!! But that’s why He gave us the scriptures, commandments and the gospel. As we study the scriptures, follow the commandments and learn the doctrines and principles at church each week, we are guided in His way. He gives us the recipe to enhance our daily apples – love, forgiveness, charity, faith, giving hands, a grateful heart . . . all that we learn that the Saviour did when He walked on this earth. He also warns us of the ingredients that may ruin our daily apple - pride, sin, greed, selfishness. The world would have us believe that we should be able to do whatever we like, whenever we like . . . and yes, I guess we can add whatever we like to our daily apple. But with each choice comes a consequence and if we choose to follow the world’s tastes, we shouldn’t be surprised if things become a whole lot worldly.

I know that since joining this church and on a daily basis choosing to follow the Saviour’s plan for my life, I have been happier than at any other time in my life. Life has become less complicated as I have eliminated many destructive ingredients. I am more aware of the many blessings which I receive and find it easier to truly appreciate and celebrate them . . . and to add even more good to my life each day!! Of course, life isn’t without its challenges now, but the peace that comes with following the Saviour makes everything so much more manageable. If you are struggling with the complications of worldly choices, I testify to you that the Saviour Jesus Christ is the source of all good things!

So go ahead, make the best of your daily apple by following His teachings.

Treasures and True Joy

Have I mentioned that I don’t like shopping? Yes, I know . . . it’s scandalous! How can a girl in this day and age admit to not liking shopping?? Well, it’s true, I don’t like shopping!

Now, don’t get me wrong, I like pretty things as much as the next girl . . . but I just don’t buy into the idea that real joy comes wrapped up in the latest and greatest must have stuff. I mean, think about it. There’s so much stuff that the world insists will make us happy, satisfied and fulfilled. Now, of course we need clothes - but according to the world, we can’t just have any clothes – no, we must have the right labels and most up to date designs and styles – and then, after just three months, those perfect, premium priced outfits are just sooooo “last season” and there’s a new must have label that everyone’s wearing. The world would have us believe that it’s not living unless we overstretch our budget to live in a huge McMansion with the stylish colour co-ordinated decor, the latest electronic gadgets  and shiny stainless steel appliances that connect us to the internet in every room (and I mean every room) of the house. And we simply must have the latest, fancy car with the windscreen wipers that magically sense when it’s raining and turn themselves on – how on earth did we manage in the rain before that little trick?? And don’t let me even get started on what the world says that we need to get for the kids!!

I’m sorry, but I just don’t buy into the idea that stuff will bring us joy. Actually, I’ve come to the conclusion that the accumulation of worldly stuff is just a clever ploy to distract us from the source of true joy. And it’s not just stuff that we can buy that’s the problem, but the never ending drive to achieve can be just as blinding. The world would have us work, work, work; earn a collection of fancy letters behind our names to highlight our intelligence; climb the corporate ladder as high and as fast as humanly possible and do whatever it takes to make a name for ourselves. The problem with this though is that there’s never an end – we never actually arrive!! We just end up trapped, like a hamster running on a wheel, because all these achievements aren’t the source of true joy either. It’s not for nothing that life is called a rat race – there’s the illusion that we are headed somewhere, but in reality, we just keep running and running and running.

As I have learned more about the Saviour, I have come to appreciate that despite the really compelling messages of the world, true joy is not to be found in collecting worldly stuff or mortal achievements. In Matthew 16:26 there’s an interesting question to consider:

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

In the quest for more and more earthly stuff and achievements, it is so easy to overlook the eternal nature of our existence. Growing a collection of  worldly treasures truly does not bring anyone real joy – it’s like setting your heart on a beautifully wrapped gift and then when you finally open it, you discover a worthless empty box inside!! Sadly, worldly treasure never lives up to the hype!!

True joy comes from the quiet confidence of knowing who we are, where we came from and what the purpose of our life is. True joy comes from really coming to know our Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. In Psalms 16:11, David recognised that living so that Heavenly Father can have a permanent presence in our lives is the source of not just joy, but a fullness of joy in this life and the life to come:

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

I have realised that true joy comes from collecting spiritual treasures – not earthly ones. . .  

Joy comes as we develop Christlike traits of kindness, generosity, concern for our fellow men, patience and love.

Joy comes as we feel the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost.

Joy comes as we turn away from sin and feel the peace that comes as we repent and are forgiven.

Joy comes as we resist the temptation to judge the choices of others and instead choose to be quick to forgive human frailties.

Joy comes as our hearts fill with love and pleasure as we share the everyday moments of life with our family.

Joy comes from living a Christ-centred life.

These spiritual treasures are what we need to have true joy. Now I’m not trying to say that we shouldn’t have pretty things or that we shouldn’t develop our talents and try to achieve in this world. I just think all that worldly stuff can be really deceptive and that true joy is actually found elsewhere – true joy is found in spiritual treasures. Honestly, we can’t take the big house or shiny new car with us when we leave this life. But, we can take love, faith, peace and strong, happy relationships with us throughout the eternities.

Fear not . . . He is with you

Real life can be hard . . . really hard!!

We watch helplessly as those we love battle illness, old age and death. We hold our breath anxiously as we try to grow our families . . . our futures . . . amid a world filled with evil. We struggle to fit in, to feel understood and at the same time, to be understanding. We feel lonely even though we may stand in a room full of people. We feel overwhelmed by all that we feel we have to do. Like a billboard flashing in the darkness, our shortcomings point the finger of reproach at us.

We work, we push, we strive . . . we do all that we can to get ahead – to do better, to be better. We turn to healthy eating plans, budgets, to-do lists, new year’s resolutions, self help books, financial planners, therapists and sadly sometimes drugs, alcohol, food or gambling, all in a desperate bid to try to cope with life. Yes, real life can be hard. Some of these strategies can be helpful – but they can also become slave masters that keep us trapped in despair. You see, the answers to life’s problems are not to be found in the mad rush of mortal life alone.

The truth is that the answers to life’s challenges can only be discovered in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our Heavenly Father knew that we would despair and in Isaiah 41:10 He tells us:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

I love that scripture – the vision of my Heavenly Father holding me up as I struggle against the demands of my life has become a reality as I have turned to Him in prayer. What a powerful promise that we do not need to fear nor dismay . . . He is our God and will strengthen and help us when our knees buckle, our courage fails and our heart is heavy.

We don’t have to do it alone!!

We have an all powerful Father in Heaven who loves each of us and wants to help us. He won’t force Himself into our lives though – he waits . . . patiently he waits . . . until we invite him to help us. So how? How do we get His help?

The answer is powerful in it's simplicity. The answer is: Prayer. All we need to do is to close our eyes, turn to our Heavenly Father . . . and speak.

Tell Him the thoughts of your heart, share your worries, your fears, your hopes and your dreams. Ask Him to support you, help you and strengthen you – and the ones that you love. Invite Him to be a part of your life – to lead you and guide you in all of your life decisions. And don't ever stop turning to Him in prayer.

Through daily prayer, I have invited Him to be a continual part of my life and have felt Him strengthen me, help me and . . . when the storms of life have threatened to overtake me, I have felt His arms wrap around me and hold me up in my darkest hour. You can too . . .

Fear not . . . He is with you!!

This little light of mine . . .

Yesterday I went to a talent show for children 18 months to 11 years old. The hall was packed with eager little people, either there to watch the show or anxiously anticipating their turn to perform. And then there were the proud parents – beaming from ear to ear, straightening frilly little ballet outfits or fussing with props and sheet music. The room was abuzz with excitement!!

And the performances were amazing!! There they were – happy, smiling little people sharing their talent with anyone who would watch and listen. We had hula hooping, piano playing, singing, dancing – and my personal favourite . . . a gorgeous little boy, teaching us how to make shadow animals using his teeny tiny little hands – soooo cute!! What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon – celebrating people’s talents, creativity, differentness, dedication and hard work.

But, what’s the deal with adults? Why do adults think that they have to blend quietly into adulthood and certainly not stand out in any way? I know so many people, particularly women, who have spent so much time comparing themselves to others that they now believe that they have no talent – that there’s nothing special about them. But that is not true. Heavenly Father has blessed each of us with special talents and gifts, interests and abilities. Each of us is a unique constellation of strengths and weaknesses, life experiences, interests, talents and quirkinesses (is that a word??). We don’t have to be like everyone else because usually it is our differentness that houses our own special, unique talent. Robin Williams reminds us that, “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” Whatever your spark of madness or differentness, embrace it!

The truth is that we are each exceptional, incomparable, irreplaceable beings. Regardless of how much or little money we have, how large or small our waistline, how perfect or imperfect our lives . . . we are each sons and daughters of an eternal Heavenly Father, placed here on earth with talents that we can share to make the world, or at least our little part of the world, a better place. One of my favourite songs of all times comes from a scripture in Matthew that calls on us to: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” I recently saw a link to a great version of this song, unfortunately I can’t remember who posted it, but thanks to whoever it was. I hope that you all enjoy this song as much as I did!

This Little Light of Mine from The Lower Lights on Vimeo.

Come on, why should the kids get to have all the fun. Join me and let your light shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine . . .

He ain't heavy . . . He's my brother

In 1884 James Wells tells the story of a little girl battling to carry a big baby boy. Seeing her struggling under the weight of the baby, someone kindly asked if she wasn’t tired. With surprise she replied, “No, he’s not heavy; he’s my brother.” These simple words have inspired organisations like Boy’s Town and are perhaps best known as the Holly’s song of the same title.

Think about it . . . he’s not heavy, he’s my brother . . .

. . . what an amazing concept!!

When you love someone, really love them, serving them is not a burden. You see, love makes our burden light  . . . always.

How many times are we asked to serve others? Fix a meal for someone who has just had a baby, friendship the new family at church, help our children with homework, piano practice or to learn to tie their shoe laces or  . . . to CHEERFULLY pick up the slack when our husband or wife is working to meet a deadline or away at a meeting.

Matthew tells us that after loving God, the second great commandment is to love our neighbours. I don’t think that this commandment was meant to be a burden. I think it was given to us to help us . . . to help us cope with the demands of living in a world full of people and opportunities to serve. Knowing that I am a child of God means that everyone that I meet is my brother or my sister. As I learn to truly love strangers, neighbours, friends and family as if they were my brother or sister, I am empowered to serve them with Christlike care. You see . . .

He ain’t heavy . . . He’s my brother

Lyrics for He ain't heavy, he's my brother

(B. Scott and B. Russell)

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother...

THE HOLLIES - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

Faith matters

Faith matters . . . really it does!!

There was a time in my life when I had no room for faith. I was the sole master of my destiny - it was up to me to make things happen. Living in the moment was my goal and matters of faith were, well, they weren't for me. At that time, my life seemed just fine - now I wonder how I survived.

Faith really does matter. Not just faith that when I flip a switch the light will come on, but life changing, soul saving faith. My faith is centered on Jesus Christ, who offers me a plan - a plan that gives me Godly strength to live this life to its fullest and a promise of eternal joy with the ones that I love in the life to come. I choose to follow His plan - I choose to have faith - and now I wonder how I ever lived without it.

The purpose of this blog is to share Matters of Faith with you. You know when you discover a great recipe and want to share it with everyone you know? Well, this is kind of like that. Some of my friends and I want to share some of the life changing, soul saving matters of faith from our lives with you. We hope that some of the peace, strength and wonder of our faith will touch your hearts too.

Welcome to Faith Matters.