Gentle encouragement: Approaching God

I’ve known Lisa Borden for over a quarter of a century.  I know, it sounds old. We’re not really. Well, not that much.  Lisa was a really young bride when I first met her. Now you know how old she and I are, middle-aged in years, young at heart, and spiritually – well, Lisa was always the mature one of the two of us.  This friendship – just one of the many Lisa manages to sustain so thoughtfully – has nourished me beyond words.

I was reflecting recently on how gentle Lisa was, all those years ago when we met with our husbands to study the Bible together. She was so patient with this young Christian who really didn’t know much about the Bible at all and certainly not how to live a like a Christian.

Lisa taught – and continues to teach - me a great deal. Back then she taught me, without many words, just by her kind nature and her lifestyle. And now she teaches many others with her words too. Beautiful words, thoughtful words, insightful words.  In her book,  Approaching God.

Now I know a little more than I did then.  I know the Bible better. I have some idea of how to live like a Christian. Sometimes, I feel I actually achieve it for a moment or two.  And sometimes, I can pass on a little of what I learned from Lisa.

So I’m ordering another copy of her book to give to a friend. A friend who longs to know and serve God better. A friend who, through Lisa’s book, will discover God as father, mother, artist, healer, guide...not just head knowledge of God, but discovering God personally. Because Lisa opens up the way to God through metaphor and imagery, in poetry and prose, in pictures and gentle questioning.

This is a bedside book, a being beside me book, a carefully bagged handbag book, a desktop sojourner book. A dip-in, dive-in, delight-in book.

Approaching God.

Those Borden Boys!

Here is a link to an awesome little music video featuring Jesse (drums) and Trevor (singer) Borden, Jonny's close friends. I have known them since before they were born, while they were still being prayed for. Their mother, Lisa, has written a beautiful little book on Approaching God in prayer. So talented, this family. Blessed and a blessing.

Simple pleasures

Rachel Olsen is hosting a devotional carnival next week - the title is Simple Pleasures. That didn't need much thinking!

Today, four friends came round for breakfast. We do this once a month or so - up to a dozen of us, busy women who hold down full time jobs. We sit round the table, enjoying a little time out of hectic lives. We eat, laugh and talk about Jesus and what a good friend he is to us - especially at work. Simple. Pleasing.

The sun shone - all day. A simple pleasure.

I went out kayaking with my husband. As we paddled across the bay, the water was smooth as glass. A simple pleasure. So was the cappuchino we drank in the warm September sunshine on the beach.

This afternoon, I harvested crab apples from our tree. Such goodness from nature. A simple pleasure.

I have just finished re-reading - not for the last time - my friend Lisa's book Approaching God. A simple pleasure.

In a few minutes, I shall leave to cycle the length of this pretty little island. The sea is still sparkling as evening approaches and the tide has come flowing gently in. A simple pleasure.

And I shall spend the evening with good friends, laughing, learning, living. A simple pleasure.

How good a day this is.