With Us Always
By Jenny Edwards M.B.E.
I have recently been reading a book where a terrible accident
leaves a 15 year old lad severely burned and critically ill. A lady,
visiting another gentleman, sits by the boy’s bed and talks
gently to him. As she speaks and encourages him to rest, the
lad dies, peacefully believing his mother had spoken to him.
This is a picture of our heavenly Father as He watches over
every second of our lives, always there when we need Him and
always able to comfort us. I am reminded of Psalm 139 that
tells us that God knows us through and through, He even
knows our thoughts!
Recently I was taken ill and admitted to a strange hospital
while I was away on a DCF holiday. I was unwell, very
uncomfortable, a long way away from home, and for a few
days unable to read my Bible or pray, yet I was aware that God
was with me. My friends and family travelled to visit me, for
which I was so grateful. I was aware of their love, but more
importantly of His love and care. I began to see that even this
episode in my life was in God’s plan for me. He was thinking of
me constantly, and also getting on with the healing process
that is now almost complete. Psalm 139 reads (in the Passion
version) “Every single moment you are thinking of me…when
I awake each morning you are still with me”.
Just as that young boy was comforted by what he believed to
be his mother’s presence, so was I comforted by my Heavenly
Father’s, and the amazing thing is, God does not go off duty
when He has done the healing. No, He continues to hold you
close to Him every moment of every day. What an amazing
Father!
In At The Deep End
By Amanda Topps, Volunteer
The weather was glorious for all twelve of us at
the ‘Time out with God’ retreat at beautiful High
Leigh in Hoddesdon. Jenny and Paula were sadly
unable to lead the retreat, but it went ahead
with Matt and I flung ‘in at the deep end!’ to
lead.
The verse for the weekend (2 Corinthians 1
verses 3-4) about comforting others with the
comfort we have received from God was very
apt as we shared our stories, found fellowship,
and discovered creative ways of reflecting in
prayer and meditation. Like previous DCF
holidays, I went to serve and ended up feeling
super-blessed and guided by God!
We enjoyed teaching, stories and videos about
Joni Eareckson Tada and Wheels for the World.
Matt shared from Matthew 14 v 22-33 about
Jesus calming the storm, and how He leads us
into storms by divine appointment, He knows
what is ahead of us and turns up just at the right
time!
Get in touch now to find out more about Time out with God in 2020
Our reflective times included visual journaling,
listening to God using objects and exploring the
Welcoming Prayer, a prayer of acceptance as we draw close to
God’s presence in our physical and emotional reactions to
events and situations in daily life. We learned from one another
and built each other up as we learnt more about God.
We were also blessed to join Tim’s church, Bethany
Community Church, for their Sunday morning service during
their own weekend away.
www.throughtheroof.org
The fellowship, fun and hospitality were tremendous! It was a
refreshing time hearing from God in beautiful surroundings
and to be spurred on in our walk back home.
Why not join us on one of 2020’s retreats—full details earlier in
the newsletter.