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12 March 2010 Extra Miles

Elsie Bouffler — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:46:00 GMT

Today I was sitting in the car waiting in the carpark and enjoying the view of fields and trees.As I sat there I saw an elderly man who had his hands full and was making his way across the carpark. In spite of the fact he was already laden, I watched as he bent down to pick up a piece of litter and put it in the nearest bin.

It was a simple thing but it made me consider the idea of going the extra mile, had I had my hands full would I have stopped to do that? Probably not!

Jesus talks about going the extra mile, about carrying a pack a little further, about giving your coat as well as your shirt, for by such actions we are showing a love beyond duty, a love beyond that which is expected, the love indeed which Christ shows for us.

"And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if one of the occupying troops forces you to carry his pack one kilometre, carry it two kilometres." Matthew 5 vs 41-42

11 March 2010 In the hearts of men

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:20:00 GMT

There has been much in the headlines over the last few days about Facebook and the potential dangers of social networking sites, as the mother of two girls what happened is my worst nightmare and I have spent a lot of time (too much my girls would say) reinforcing the advice about using these sites wisely and safely.

I thought I would share however a story of technology used to make a very positive influence, by way of contrast. There is a child in my daughter's class who went into hospital for some major surgery this week, those of us who have undergone some sort of surgery know how frightening that time is as we wait to go down to theatre. Somehow the familiar world of friends and family seems far away and we are transported into an alien environment of medics and equipment which can be terrifying. Throughout this whole time however the girls in her class were sending texts, wishing her well and just chatting right up until she went to theatre.I can imagine how comforting this would have been to feel your friends right there with you.

I thought this was a lovely story, and reminds me of the fact that it is the intention that matters not the technology in itself. Yes advances may have opened up more ways for those with dark intent to do evil , but the same technology in the hands of those with a pure heart can be a powerful force for good.

10 March 2010 Viewpoint

Elsie Bouffler — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:49:00 GMT

Living in England for the first time as a Scot I am constantly surprised at the different views we have of history. A typical example is Mary Queen of Scots, for us as children she was portrayed a such a heroine, but clearly that is not quite the case here. my point is that it all depends on your viewpoint.

Jesus was very clear about his mission in his three short years of ministry, but those around him had such different points of view, Judas assumed he was the leader who would overthrow the Romans,and the Pharisees saw him as a rebel rouser, a threat to the establishment.

Many today believe him to be a great teacher but no more than that. Jesus asked his disciples"

But what about you, who do you say that I am? Luke 9 vs 20

It is worth taking time over Lent to ask ourselves that question, who do we think Jesus is ?

9 March 2010 Thanks

Elsie Bouffler — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:46:00 GMT

Whilst browsing the bookstore this weekend I could not help but notice the large displays for Mother's Day, but I was amazed and perplexed by the wisdom which seemed to suggest whole piles of cookery books for Mum. The one which sent shivers down my spine was "Cooking for the family" and trust me if that were to make any sort of appearance next Sunday in my house I might not be answerable to my actions.

Maybe I am alone in this, but surely Mother's day is about saying thank you, not piling on another set of tasks.

I wonder if we make the same mistake sometimes in our prayers, we turn to God, but seldom say thank you just give the next list of problems and worries to be sorted out. I believe we should take all our concerns to God , but we should make thanks an important part of our prayers.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! ... I Chronicle

16 vs 8

And in case they are reading this, a nice novel , set in some sun drenched island would be just lovely........

8 March 2010 Come

Elsie Bouffler — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Last week on one of the first sunny days, I went for a lovely walk with the dog on the fields near our house. The sun was out, the birds were singing and there were some rabbits on the hill. Therein lay the problem, I let the dog off the lead and 45 mins later I was still trying to call her back.The lure of Spring was too much to resist and I was left worrying that she would stray onto the road or meet all sorts of dangers. So this week I have been starting at the beginning again with the command "Come" to try and train my daft mutt to be like all these other obedient dogs who return the instant their owner calls them.

Jesus also asks us to come. He doesn't command or force us , but he asks us to come, and how quickly do we respond? The fishermen drop everything and follow him, but for many of us ,well we run off in every direction chasing all sorts of things. Even though he can see the danger we put ourselves in and the unhappiness we cause ourselves he still leaves it up to us, because unlike our pets, he wants us to follow of our own free will , not because we have been indoctrinated.

Some of us will stray and return, and how much rejoicing there is in heaven when we do, some of us however will never return, and over those people, I am sure, Jesus weeps.

"In the same way I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents." Luke 15 vs 10

4 March 2010 Holy Boldness

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:08:00 GMT

I have been taking time over a series of Lenten readings by Tom Wright and today came across a wonderful line that I wanted to share.

"If you believe in a living God, use a little Holy Boldness"

It reminded me of the last few weeks in the UK before we left to live in America, as we said more and more goodbyes, the whole process became harder with lots of good friends wishing us luck, but also expressing concern about our new start. On one particular evening as I was becoming more and more worried, I described the process as stepping onto the flume at the swimming pool, the process was happening and we were being swept along by it. At the same time however, I did feel that all my fine words on trust and faith were being tested and if I truly believed in this living God, then I had to believe that he would be at the end of the flume to catch us, that he would not let us sink.

All it took was a little "Holy Boldness"

I wonder how much we truly believe and trust how bold we are prepared to be in our prayers, our actions and stepping out in our faith.

"Do not be afraid-I am with you!

I am your God-let nothing terrify you!"

Isaiah 41 vs 10

3 March 2010 Therapy

Elsie Bouffler — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:06:00 GMT

This morning as I took my shower I noticed that the soap I used to keep me clean was not just any old soap, not just shower gel, it offered much much more, in fact it was shower therapy. This was a shower which was not just going to clean me but was going to heal me. When stepped out from behind that curtain how was I going to feel, happy, peaceful, whole?

Well of course except for the fresh smell of lemon, the me who stepped out from the shower was no different, still my old bad habits, still my old problems, nothing different. There are lots of products now which offer us therapy , foods which will heal us, clothes which will bring us happiness, cars which will solve our problems and technology which will change our lives.But the marketing men and indeed ourselves know that they won't make any difference to the real us.

For real change to happen , it has to start from within us, as Max Lucado writes in his book "When God whispers your name" "the heart of the matter is and always will be the heart of the matter" for only God can help us change from the inside out.

"Create in me a new heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51 vs 10

2 March 2010 Hidden

Elsie Bouffler — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:50:00 GMT

Yesterday the first of March (not the 29th Feb as I put) , did not disappoint, after all the storms the wind and rain , nature put on her best and gave us a little sun and heat. It seemed to me that suddenly the trees were budding and the daffodils pushing their way through something which has been happening all the time but which in the dark gray days I have never taken the time to see.

On Monday I wrote about times when God seems far away, and it occurs to me that just like the buds and the bulbs he is there all the time, sometimes hidden by the storms in our lives, but dependably there just waiting on the right time to show himself.

"I saw the Lord before me at all times;

He is near me, and I will not be troubled."

Acts 2 vs 25

29 February 2010 Waiting

Elsie Bouffler — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:43:00 GMT

Sometimes God can seem far away can't he?

Lately I have been praying for direction and guidance about several things in my life and I am no clearer now than I was when I started. I have found it frustrating and my prayers are beginning to reflect that. Where is the God of the Old Testament, who seemed to be in constant contact with David or Moses, why did God speak to them and not to me?

Well there are probably many very good reasons why God would speak to them and not me but it is still frustrating. I would love to have it writ large, a big banner in the sky but therein lies the problem , once again I am thinking in terms of what I want and not what God knows is right for me.

Sometimes , and there are plenty examples throughout the old and new Testament, God responds with silence. Sometimes he does not reply and we are forced to wait. This, I think, is a hard but valuable lesson. To wait and to hold on even when nothing seems to be happening. To know our prayers have been heard and God knows what is needed, to be still and let him be God.

"Wait for the Lord;

be strong and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!"

Psalm 27

26 February 2010 Valentine's

Elsie Bouffler — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:51:00 GMT

Thinking back to Valentines day ( and you may prefer not to), I was reminded of the difference between faith and action. Having experienced Valentines day in the USA where everyone gives everyone else a card and a small gift ( and we learned this the hard way) my kids have got into the habit of exchanging a small gift on that day. While it is lovely to watch such a display of sibling affection (although I am suspicious that it is all about the chocolate), a short time later they were at each other's throats for control of the remote. So they duly received Mother's sermon!

For there is no point in spouting forth loving words if we do not show love for one another. My kids are not the only culprits here, it has ever been thus and I remind myself of it as much as I remind them.

"In the same way faith by itself if not accompanied by action, is dead" James 2 vs 17

25 February 2010 Expectations

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:13:00 GMT

Well back slightly later than I thought!

Last weekend I flew to Inverness to spend some time with family, however our journey back was a little complicated, snow stopped play and after a extra unplanned night in Aberdeen due to cancelled flights, we ended up taking the train to London and arriving back on Tuesday evening.

It is interesting to see how people cope with changes to their plans, in spite of the knowledge that there was not going to be a flight to Luton that day, most of us argued and stressed over how we could make it happen.

I was smiling today when I read the account of Jesus in the synagogue. The elders gathered round expecting this man to make big changes in his own town, to right the wrongs and make things better, yet Jesus lets them know that it is not going to happen. Hedoes the unexpected, and what did they do, they threw him out of town.

The Jewish leaders in the synagogue, were not prepared to listen when things did not go the way they expected, yet Jesus often meets us that way, doing the unexpected, asking us to go in different directions - how will we react, will we listen and obey, or will we also throw him out of town?

Luke 4 vs 14-30

12 February 2010 Science and Religion

Elsie Bouffler — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:39:00 GMT

On Wednesday afternoon I was lucky enough to escape the chores and domestics and spend some time in the Fitzwilliam Gallery in Cambridge looking at some of the paintings of John Singer Sargent. It was an absolute joy and as I stood in front of one oil painting of the Mount of Olives Jerusalem I was transported to that hot dusty landscape despite the snow lying outside. Now I have many books on the technique of painting, the brush strokes, the use of colour, perspective,composition and I could analyse to some degree the techniques used and how this piece of art was formed, but I could not in a million years explain what gave it that power and beauty for that is something gifted and beyond mere technique.

I don't pretend to be an academic,or to completely understand the clever discussions which will take place in the synod of the Church today about science and religion. I do know that brighter people than I can explain the existence of our earth and our plant and animal life, but I wonder if it is not a bit like the painting. Even with all the scientific analysis of elements and species and atoms, it cannot quite explain to me the power and beauty of creation, the wonder of the stars and the beauty of the first snowdrops peeping through. For me I accept the techniques but I can't find it conceivable that there is not a wise and wonderful creator who is at the heart of it all.

"The heavens declare the glory of the Lord" Psalm 19 vs 1

Taking a break for midterm, back week beginning 22 February

11 February 2010 Protector

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:40:00 GMT

I am sitting writing this with a pair of very wet trousers, more later, but I wanted to write it quickly before the moment passed. So today is the day our dog learned to swim- quite by accident of course! As we went for our usual walk and she edged nearer and nearer the riverbank I tried everything. I tried to coax her back with a reward, I spoke to her a little louder each time, I did everything but put her back on the lead because I wanted to see what she would do. The inevitable happened of course and as she put her weight on the floating grasses she fell right in.

Now because I couldn't face my kids if anything happened to her, and yes because I am really fond of her, I went in too and hauled her out, so technically I don't know if she swam or not.

It seemed similar to God watching over us. He sees us stray and knows we will come to harm, so he tries to reach us, to turn us back, to call us but he doesn't force us because we have free will, then when we do fall he is right there to help us. Simply because he loves us.

"The Lord will protect you from all danger;

he will keep you safe.

He will protect you as you come and go now and forever."

Psalm 121 vs 7-8

10 February 2010 Patience

Elsie Bouffler — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:28:00 GMT

In our kitchen we have a small water filter where we fill from the tap and then pour out. It seems a simple task, however almost every time I go for a drink of water the jug is empty as the last person (probably me) didn't refill it. Rather than waiting until it filters however because I am very impatient, I tip it too far and nine times out of ten the lid falls off and water covers everything. I have in fact just finished cleaning up the mess yet again.

The lesson is simple -just be patient.

We have lots of waiting in our lives, waiting for news on exams. tests,jobs, houses and it is hard to leave it be and get on with things.Sometimes God asks us to wait, we may be burning to seek his guidance but he makes us wait for answers. I have to confess I hate that but I also know that it is to my benefit and if I go rushing in then then once again I am cleaning up the mess. The Israelites had to wait for years until the time was right to enter the promised land,because they were not ready until that point. Sometimes we just have wait for answers.

9 February 2010 Scandals

Elsie Bouffler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:04:00 GMT

This week it seems we are to be bombarded with discussion on the MP's who face prosecution over their expenses claims. What happened in each of their cases will become clearer no doubt if they come to court, and the consequences of their actions will lie in the hands of those chosen to make such judgements.

It is easy to feel wronged here and anger over those in positions of power who abuse their privileges is understandable, but I do feel it is so easy to point the finger.I do not seek in any way to condone such behaviour but I recognise how easily we can each be tempted. It doesn't take much to cross the line.

Jesus had such an insight to human behaviour when he challenged those ready to stone the woman caught in adultery

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" and as the spotlight fell on them one by one they left the scene. I think we need to leave the trial to those whose job it is and look to ourselves to make sure that our own lives are in order.

8 February 2010 Shine

Elsie Bouffler — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:52:00 GMT

I was discussing volleyball recently with someone ( not me ) who is quite good at it, they were telling me that at times they felt bad because they always went for the shot while others hung back and wondering whether perhaps at times they should hang back.

NowI was not able to give any sort of response from a sporting or teamwork point of view because I am terrible at sports and not the sort of person anyone wanted on their team. However I did think about this in other areas of our lives. As children we are keen to show what we can do, but often as adults we hold back perhaps from fear of mockery or not wanting to be different. This week in my Christian Studies Class quite by coincidence someone read the following quote which I thought was wonderful, it is quite well known but worth reminding ourselves of.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We areall meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

The above speech by Nelson Mandela was originally written by Marianne Williamson

What a good way to start the week.

5 February 2010 Everywhereness

Elsie Bouffler — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:02:00 GMT

When we were in the midst of the snow ( and some people still are ) it is hard to imagine that the season will change, yet whenever the snow clears away suddenly there are glimpses of snowdrops and daffodils pushing through and buds just forming on some of the trees. Although we could not see it, there has been a lot happening.

Sometimes I think it is like that with God, there are times when we cannot seem to find him yet it doesn't mean he is not there just as the signs of Spring were revealed when the snow lifted, so too will we see God's presence again when our storm clouds have gone.

For God promises always to be with us, and as nature seems to come to life again, his hand is apparent. Jon Ortberg calls it the "Everywhereness of God" and the Psalmist sings " How clearly the sky reveals God's glory! How plainly it shows what he has done!"

Psalm 19 vs 1

4 February 2010 Quick Fix

Elsie Bouffler — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:41:00 GMT

Over recent years I have had some problems with a dodgy ankle. I weakened it when I fell down a set of stairs a few years ago and then managed to go over on it again and so it was always giving me a bit of pain. Over the last two years I have bought all sorts of things to help it, I have a whole selection of ankle supports and ibuprofen ointment none of which ultimately solved the problem. So this year more as a last resort than anything else, I got some physio, and, armed with a strange rubber ribbon and a set of vigorous exercises set about strengthening the ankle. I am delighted to say that it has worked and it rarely gives me a problem.

The point is that my quick fixes were useless and only when I got to the root of the problem and worked on the solution have I seen an improvement. Isn't that also the case with our lives sometimes, we love quick fixes, retail therapy, a glass or more of wine, a self help book, yet in the end it is only when we really examine what is wrong can we stand a chance of fixing it.

Jesus spoke in terms of the vine;

" A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can only do so if it remains in the vine, in the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15 vs 4

3 February 2010 Simplify

Elsie Bouffler — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:56:00 GMT

I have recently been helping my daughter revise for Maths exams and have found doing algebra again strangely appealing ( my daughter also thinks I am crazy) There is something satisfying in taking a complicated equation and simplifying it.

I wonder if the same would work in real life.

Our lives do seem complicated at times don't they, we have so many choices,and so many demands, even walking down the bread aisle at the supermarket can involve a significant level of decision making. So perhaps it is time to remind myself what is important and to simplify the rest.

The gospel reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God, to live a righteous life, and all the rest shall follow- how much simpler can it be.

"If you decide for God, living a life of God worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion.There is far more to your life than the food you put into your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God."

Matthew 6 vs 25-26 From The Message

2 February 2010 Revenge

Elsie Bouffler — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:53:00 GMT

Last week I found myself up against a pretty defensive character who lost their temper with me. I honestly did not feel I had done anything to provoke the verbal attack and I was really upset by it. I wonder how you react when this happens and whether it is anything like my journey.

Firstly cried, I was upset and hurt and I cried, then I felt very angry, andI composed letters of complaint to this person's manager, or more accurately I have a draft email in my laptop which on reading it now,thank goodness it did not get sent. I briefly played with the idea of revenge via a facebook campaign but to my credit did not seriously consider this. I also was vaguely aware of a verse running around my head saying "love your enemies" but that was just not possible last week.

Then I went to church and heard 1 Corinthians 13, the beautiful verses about love in particular vs 5

"Love does not keep a record of wrongs"

Sometimes verse is aimed right at us and for me on Sunday that was it, I shouldn't be plotting, I shouldn't be thinking of revenge. I have been enjoying the bestseller "The girl with the dragon tattoo" and in anyone who gets in the way of the main character is dealt with at some point in some awful way. But that is not love, in many ways that's the easy option.

As soon as I started to absorb this,my anger lifted, the knot in my stomach eased and it became easy to let it go, to put myself in the other person's shoes and to forgive their actions. I am as you can see no saint, and I needed a helping hand with this one but I do know that letting it go feels so much better than storing it up. Loving my enemy? Not quite yet but a bit closer!