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10 September 2010 Christianity

Elsie Bouffler — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 07:22:00 GMT

Just been listening to the news this morning where Christianity for all the wrong reasons is back in the spotlight. This time it is the Christian pastor in Florida who plans to burn copies of the Koran. Over the last few months leading up to next weeks visit by the pope,the stories concerning child abuse and its cover up in the Catholic church have been heartbreaking, it is easy to see why those who are not Christian hold such negative prejudices against it.

But the examples above are flawed humans not Christ, and I would encourage anyone who wants the truth to read the gospel, to go back to basics and read what Christ said. No-where does he advocate book burning, in Matthew's gospel he speaks of how terrible it will be for those who lead children into sin, at all times he speaks of shining the light on dark places, not covering up the dark deeds of man.

Jesus' whole teaching is of love and care for others and it is as revolutionary today as it was 2000 years ago, filled with hope and the promise of a better world. That is what Christianity should strive for, that is Christ.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15 vs 12

9 September 2010 Blooming!

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:17:00 GMT

I have just been round at the garden centre where they were selling off herbacious plants cheaply much to my delight, they had been shoved at the back because they look pretty rough and their places taken by the autumn flowering range.

I didn't care how they looked because, as any gardener knows , what counted was what was in the pot, that the roots were healthy, not how pretty they looked on the outside. This of course sounds very familiar, that although our world will often push aside the "not so pretty" people and worship the beautiful, to God it only matters what is inside. Those of us like myself who are perhaps not quite in" full blossom" anymore can take comfort.

"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16 vs 7

8 September 2010 Answers

Elsie Bouffler — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:15:00 GMT

Why do we find it so hard to believe that God will answer our prayers? I ask this as one who does find it hard.

Recently with the start of school, the girls have been asking for some things that they need and I jump to attend to it, a new calculator? Absolutely! , new shoes, no problem and of course making sure there is something nice for tea when they get back, now I am sure this will wear off in a couple of weeks but its all about wanting to help them with starting school, its all about loving them. If I jump to meet these requests, and I am only me with limited funds, and baking abilities because I love them, how much more will God meet our requests , he who loves us and can do more than we can imagine?

"Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? Or would you give him a snake when he asks for a fish? Bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more then will your father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" Matthew 6 vs 9-11

7 September 2010 Rooted

Elsie Bouffler — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:53:00 GMT

As I write this the wind has been getting stronger and stronger. A few minutes ago I watched the girl's huge and heavy basketball net slide along the deck and off the end as if it weighed no more than a leaf. Yet in the corner of the garden stands what looks like a very young , new and skinny sapling which is bending and blowing but staying firm.

The sapling is attached, it has roots while the net is rootless. Jesus speaks of us being rooted in him like a branch on the vine, that it will bear much fruit if it remains rooted. Likewise if we base our lives on God's teaching however hard the winds blow however much we may be bent we too will remain firm.

"I am the vine and you are the branches.Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me." John 15 vs 5

6 Spetember 2010 God's Handiwork

Elsie Bouffler — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:01:00 GMT

So It seems we have a theory now which rules out God completely from creation, there was no divine influence behind the big bang, there is no God. Whenever I hear such allegations I feel a great sense of sadness, that mankind can be so dismissive of its creator.

I am no scientist and I can't begin to prove or probably even argue in technical terms for the existence of God, any more that can be definitively argued that he does not exist. So I can only work with what I consider the evidence of my own eyes. This morning in the early dew I walked the fields with the sun shining, throughout the grass hung the most delicate spiders webs lit by the sun and outlined by the dewdrops. I look at there fragility, I am overwhelmed by their beauty and I think, how can we possibly think there is no God?

Last week I visited the my neighbours to see their new daughter. Less than a week old, with tiny feet and hands, small and utterly dependent , yet an individual who will think and hope and love in her years ahead. How can we say there is no God?

"Our Father , who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." Matthew 6 vs 9

3 September 2010 The Mat

Elsie Bouffler — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:12:00 GMT

Last night I read again the story of the lame man who lay at the pool near the gates of Jerusalem. He had been ill for many years and like others believed if he could only get into the pool he would be cured. Jesus however came across him and healed him ,asking him to pick up his mat and walk.

I was trying to imagine the feelings of those watching, dismay, amazement perhaps some fear, but what made me really stop was the reaction of the Jewish authorities, who told the man it was against the law for him to carry his mat on the Sabbath. It is almost funny , a miracle has happened, the man is rejoicing over walking for the first time in 38 years, and the authorities forbid him to carry his mat, as if that mattered. Their reaction of course is to focus on the legalities given their much deeper fear of the threat Jesus brings.

Can we not be a bit like that sometimes ourselves, whenever someone does something we don't like or if we feel slightly threatened we pick on the small issues to bring them down. It is something to be wary of in ourselves ,for it simply leaves us out there while change happens anyway.

2 September 2010 Simples!

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:31:00 GMT

Earlier on in summer I took the family camping for a few days, and as we sat in our tent in the middle of a field I tried to think about what was so enjoyable about camping. After all we had to walk some distance to the toilet, to wait in line for a shower, we had to fetch water and carry it back to the tent every day. Cooking was a bit more complicated, there was no internet or even phone signal, so why leave "civilisation " for such an existence.

The answer I think is the simplicity, the day is spent on simple things, like preparing the meal (and how much better does it always taste outside), and talking to each other rather than our technology, playing games again and joy of joys the evening campfire.

Don't get me wrong after a few days I am always glad to come back but there is something to be said for such simplicity and quiet in this noisy, busy world.

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you" 1 Thessalonians 4 vs 11

1 September 2010 A Fortress Strong

Elsie Bouffler — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:11:00 GMT

Several times on holiday we found ourselves climbing the steep slopes to visit towns and cities well protected by fortress walls. Often the only parking was at the bottom of the hill which although murder on the legs meant that once we were inside the walls all was peaceful and still, basking in the heat of the afternoon. I found myself imagining what it must have been like in times gone by when those who risked invasion were able to shelter behind these walls , the sense of protection they offered when t he gates were closed and the people inside.

Not surprisingly the psalmists used the same imagery when talking about God's protection over us, walking in that landscape it became much clearer what they meant and how strong that protection is. I will enjoy that imagine over the coming year whenever I feel overwhelmed, that there is a fortress wall I can enter and be kept safe.

"God has shown that there is safety with him inside the fortresses of the city." Psalm 48 vs 3

31 August 2010 Vive La Difference!

Elsie Bouffler — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Returning from summer break there are so many thoughts that it is hard to know where to begin. However one of the stupider things I managed while away was an encounter with the fruit counter at an Italian supermarket. I watched the person in front of me weigh his fruit and noticed that he put the fruit on the scales, keyed in a number and the machine printed out a label. Following his lead I did the same , put my peaches on the scales, keyed in how many were in the bag and took my label. As I smugly described this to my family they asked the key question, How does the scale know what kind of fruit is on it, how does it know to charge for say peaches and not potatoes?

As I had learned the hard and, I expect, expensive way, the number keyed in was a code to identify the fruit not the number in the bag, from then on after they had finished laughing, the scales were referred to as the "all knowing scales."

Thankfully God is all knowing, he can identify each of us without coding, he values our differences and loves us equally

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12 vs 7

22 July Gnomes

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:32:00 GMT

I discovered with a bit of a smile that the Gnomes of Zurich is a disparaging term for Swiss bankers , as Swiss bankers are popularly associated with secret deals, in the same way gnomes in fairytales live underground, in secret counting their riches.

Transparency is perhaps an overused word these days when it comes to politics and finances, but it cannot claim to be a new idea. Jesus warned that what was done in the dark would be brought into the open and that God would see it all, whatever we do must be right in the eyes of God ,for he sees us and knows us and nothing is hidden.

Now I don't have any deep dark secrets, but there are times when I know I could have behaved better, the parking tickets where I chanced my arm, the borrowed stationery from work, the gossip I happily indulged in.... I am sure I am not alone, but God expects better.

"For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothingconcealed that will not be known or brought out into the open".
Luke 8 vs 17

So for all us potential gnomes, think again and do the right thing, even when no-one is watching. Have a great Summer!

Thought for the day will return at the beginning of September

22 July 2010 Time Out

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:58:00 GMT

I discovered with a bit of a smile that the Gnomes of Zurich is a disparaging term for Swiss bankers , as Swiss bankers are popularly associated with secret deals, in the same way gnomes in fairytales live underground, in secret counting their riches.

Transparency is perhaps an overused word these days when it comes to politics and finances, but it cannot claim to be a new idea. Jesus warned that what was done in the dark would be brought into the open and that God would see it all, whatever we do must be right in the eyes of God ,for he sees us and knows us and nothing is hidden.

Now I don't have any deep dark secrets, but there are times when I know I could have behaved better, the parking tickets where I chanced my arm, the borrowed stationery from work, the gossip I happily indulged in.... I am sure I am not alone, but God expects better.

"For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open".
Luke 8 vs 17

So for all us potential gnomes, think again and do the right thing, even when no-one is watching. Have a great Summer!

Thought for the day will return at the beginning of September

21 July 2010

Elsie Bouffler — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:59:00 GMT

Two conversations are buzzing around my head today, on radio 4 this morning I heard a discussion on the growing Pentacostal church in Africa, and one of the reasons put forward for its success by the person speaking was that it gave hope, because it promised success and wealth in this world by harnessing the power of God and using it in our lives. Forgive me if I misheard but that seemed to be the message.

The other was a conversation with friends last night whose elderly relatives are suffering from Dementia, one of them expressed surprise that this lady who had been so fastidious with her finances all her life now had no idea how much things cost and cared even less.

Jesus is very clear about the priority he gives to wealth and success in this life,it is not the most important thing , there are no promises for success and wealth in this world, ultimately they will do us no good,but the real prize of peace joy and life eternal is living a life with Christ at the centre and using our lives to do his will.

"What I am trying to get you to do here is relax, to be not so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving." Matthew 7 vs 24-34 The Message

20 July 2010 Simple prayer

Elsie Bouffler — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:20:00 GMT

Today I came across some verses form Matthew translated in the message which I really loved.

It is from Matthew's gospel where Jesus instructs us on prayer and says the following;

"Find a quiet,secluded place....just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God and you will begin to sense his grace." Matthew 6

Sometimes when I start to pray I am so filled with what is going on in my day and what I want to happen that I am not sure the focus ever shifts. These words are inspirational, as if Jesus is telling me to get off the treadmill, be still and recognise he is there. Soothing words in our busy days.

19 July 2010 Dreams come true

Elsie Bouffler — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:27:00 GMT

At the moment whenever I take the dog out she goes mad over butterflies. Chasing and leaping after them yet with no hope at all of catching them, however I was surprised to see that when she came across one which was injured and lying on the path, she did absolutely nothing, in fact I think she was a bit afraid of it.

I was thinking of this when I read about Jesus's trip to the synagogue, the jewish leaders had been hoping and praying for a Messiah for hundreds of years and I cannot imagine how they felt when Jesus read to them the words of Isaiah and announced that he had arrived, that the waiting was over. Far from rejoicing they too were afraid and ran him out of town.

We pray and worship and constantly claim to wish for a better relatiuonship with God but I wonder if he appeared right now what would be our reaction?

"Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down.All the people in the synagogue had their eyes fixed on him as he said to them,"This passage of scripture has come true today as you heard it being read." Luke 4 vs 20-21

16 July 2010 For the moment

Elsie Bouffler — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:27:00 GMT

Just back from the supermarket and putting my half dozen loaves in the freezer when I thought about the line in the Lord's Prayer "Give us this day our daily bread"

When I pray this I am asking God to provide me with enough to get through this day, but I don't really rely on that, instead I carry out my plans for weeks and months ahead. I wonder if its possible with a family to just live from day to day, because surely without all that organisation and planning the whole thing would fall apart.

Maybe it means to be content in the moment, to make space to consider every moment of that day and not to let it rush by considering what needs to be done tomorrow. Its a beautiful idea and far removed from our reality where we seem driven on to the next thing. But then God never had much faith in our reality did he, he shows us a radical alternative and lets us choose.

"Give us this day our daily bread" Matthew 6 vs 11

15 July 2010 Christmas in July?

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:49:00 GMT

Throughout the year I have been reading a daily devotional, and I am not sure how I managed to mix up the times, either I am too far ahead or way behind, but today I started the Christmas story. It felt really strange at first in the middle of summer to be considering Bethlehem and I almost passed it by and moved on , but then I became conscious that I was seeing it differently.

Maybe there was no tinsel to distract me, but rather than the cutsy Christmas story I was considering how it must have seemed to those present who realised that something was happening after 400 years of silence, after waiting for God's promises for generations.

I tried to imagine what that would be like , because although we talk of Jesus coming again, how much do I really expect it, how surprised would I be if it happened in my lifetime, today, tomorrow?

How would that change what I am doing right now, how I spend my days and where my focus is?

"But the angel said to her,"Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favour with God.You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." from Luke 1 5-52

14 July 2010 Water

Elsie Bouffler — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:08:00 GMT

Today I watched the rain fall today on the parched grass, and the thirsty wheatfields with some pleasure for in this part of the country we have had very little rain in the last six weeks and the ground has been crying out for it.

Water is such an important thing for us isn't it. Over the weekend with scorching temperatures, I foolishly didn't drink enough and by the end of the day was aching and irritable. Fields full of crops are struggling for lack of water, and gardens are looking pretty droopy.

When Jesus travels to Samaria he meets the woman at the well and asks her for water.Knowing the importance of water in her life and that of her village he surprises her by telling her of a water she can drink and never be thirsty again. It must have been confusing for her to understand, in fact it can be confusing now, but I think it is simply an illustration of how important God is in our lives, as necessary as rain to the crops and water to the woman.

^"Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."John 4 vs 13-14

13 July 2010 Choices

Elsie Bouffler — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:53:00 GMT

It is possible to make someone do something, but it is almost impossible to make someone do something with joy, I mention this in the context of two words which I think will be familiar to some. Teenagers and chores.

After indulging in the sort of rant which I used to hope I would never stoop to, and after all sorts of threats regarding pocket money I managed to get my daughter to help, it wasn't that she was particularly hostile to the idea, but just that there were so many other more interesting things to do and I actually agree with that ,but then someone has to do it.

It seemed to me a great analogy for why God gives us free choice. Yes the creator of the universe I am sure could make us all live as devout Christians but where is the joy in that.

How much more joy was there in heaven when Paul came gladly, when Peter realised that Jesus was the son of God ,when Matthew left his tax collecting, and what impossible things they then went on to do.

Not in the same league but to continue the analogy,a similar joy perhaps to the day when our teenagers come to us smiling and ask how they can help.....

"What about you?" he asked them "Who do you say that I am?"

Peter answered "You are the Messiah."

Mark 8 vs 29

9 July 2010 So Much to do

Elsie Bouffler — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:52:00 GMT

I wanted to share a lovely quote from a book I am reading at the moment.

"There is much for love to do"

It seemed a wonderful way of giving our days meaning and purpose, so often we get caught up in our agenda, which if you are like me is often quite a selfish one.

Yet looking around there is so much can be done, I am thinking of the call I need to make to an elderly friend, the thank you letter to a friend who so encouraged me this week, the visit to someone recovering from a bad fall, the offers of help, the kindly word , the lift to the shops. None of it is life changing, much of it is easy to do if I but take the time, but each act of love changes the world around us and makes it a better place. What higher calling could there be:

"There is much for love to do"

8 July 2010 Looking

Elsie Bouffler — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 06:32:00 GMT

Yesterday I bought a very funny coaster which has tips for appreciating art and visiting art galleries, the one which caught my eye being"Glance at art on the way to the gallery cafeteria" Today I am about to head to a gallery and I will be keeping this in mind, because too often we do just glance and move on, yet the pictures only begin to speak to us when we stay a while and really look.

Sometimes my prayers are like that, I am rushing about with lots to do and I bow my head and glance in God's direction on my way to my to do list. Yes of course I believe he holds my life itself in his hands, but you see I have this long list....

In order to gain some peace, to really enjoy the day I need to spend time only being with God, letting him speak to me, letting my thoughts come and go and fully form before they are hurried on.

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.^[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Today I want to be Mary and not Martha, to listen and be still , to choose what is better. Luke 10 vs 38-42