Exodus 20:8

This post follows on from my thoughts post 2 days ago. In that post I spoke about the result of the MEP elections etc. This got me thinking about something that I heard that was encouraging and refreshing about 2 areas of our country and reminded me of the 4th commandment (Exodus 20:8) which I have chosen as my verse of the week.

Both Northern Ireland and the West of Scotland refused to count votes on the Lord's day which is testament to the fact they still have respect for the "Lord's Day" and what is set down in this verse. It is really encouraging that quite large areas of the country still feel this way, despite England being swayed by modern pressures and seem to totally discount this "Holy Day". West Scotland has a strong "Reformed Presbyterian" presence and I assume this is why they stood by their beliefs in not counting the votes until the Monday.

In my last post I compared Nigel Farage to Oliver Cromwell; it was timely as our friend Simon pointed us to a blog by Bishop Cranmer (on my links)  where he compared Nigel to Martin Luther and the whole reformation situation. This really does feel like a time of major politically change in our nation as it was in Oliver Cromwell's day and the reformation period.

Whilst considering key characters of Brexit, Nigel seems to be the front man and a strong personality  but there is also Arlene Foster from the DUP. I do not know much about her but what I have seen and heard I do believe that she is someone who sticks to the truth and does not waiver on what she feels is the best for Northern Ireland and will not compromise.  I am aware she is a member of the Church of Ireland so hope that she does stand for the Christian faith. She is a pro-life campaigner as well so it is such a shame we cannot vote for the DUP in England as this parties policies appear to be based on biblical values.                

Going back to Exodus 20:8, in the early 90s the UK government passed the Sunday trading law to allow all shops to trade on the "Lord's day" and since that time we have seen a decline in Church attendance and any general respect for this day. Lance even had to change his job in the 90s due to extra pressure to work on that day. Thankfully he stood by his belief's and was rewarded with another job.  Many Christians in retail suffer immense pressure to conform to what their employer wants and it can be very difficult for them.

    
It is important that we do set this day aside and remain faithful. It is something we should want to do as a holy people rather than something we HAVE to do. Lance and I over the years have come to appreciate more and more how important setting all wordly activities to one side is  and to keep our focus on the Lord. However, this is not an excuse to behave differently the rest of the week and we should always strive to be a "Holy people." So when you hear news like we did over the MEP count it reminded me of what an important witness keeping the sabbath holy as per the 4th commandment is.   

Thoughts - Give Thanks To The Lord

I have not had much time for writing posts recently and realise it has been well over a month since my last post. I hope now to have some more time to get back on track, espescially as it is half term. Look out for more upcoming posts on animals and bible verses.

I thought now was a good time for an update on the last "thoughts" post where I mentioned a planning proposal on the land behind us. It is still not official yet but it is looking promising that the said proposal has been refused.

This whole situation has made me realise that we must give thanks to God in all things, even when it does not go our way. We will face many challenges through life but must remain faithful to the Lord. It can often feel that the big companies and those with money behind them will often win but as a Christian I know that God has the victory overall. I also thank the Lord for helping me through another year as it is my birthday week. 

Today it was announced that the Brexit party has gained the most MEP votes for the UK, which I am very pleased about; it is good to see that finally there may be a big shake up of our government and who people are voting for. I have said recently how Nigel Farage kind of reminds me of a non-puritan version of Oliver Cromwell. He seems to be for the people rather than a politican who is so out of touch with what the general public think.

I do believe it is biblical to vote as it important that we encourage those who are trying to keep our country on track morally and consider sovereignity and democracy. Being part of the EU I have seen how our nation has become more liberal and secularised and fallen in line with EU law that is quite in opposition to God's law. With this whole situation our country now has an opportunity to return to withdraw from the EU and get our laws more back in line with biblical standards.  As in paragraph 3 it is starting to feel that the "little people" (not talking about my height😄) are finally getting noticed.

I know whatever happens that the Lord guides us in everything, and as one of my favourite chapters of the bible states:

Chinchillas

As mentioned in an earlier post Lance and I's first pet together was a Chinchilla called Squingey. You may be thinking this is a very odd name, but it was the 2 names of Lance's childhood Guinea Pigs Squiggles and Gingey which then formed Squingey.

Back in 1991 Lance came across Squingey when he went to a pet shop with a colleague and was immediately taken with him. He took me along to see him and straight away we knew he was meant to be with us. At the time not much was known about Chinchillas as pets and Lance and I had never come across one before. Knowing what I know now I would have done things very differently but I have to trust that the Lord meant it to be how it was at the time.

Squingey - with us 1991-1997

 Chinchillas are native to South America, mainly around the mountainous regions of the Andes and part of the rodent family. They are rock dwellers and generally live in large groups. Unfortunately at the time we only had Squingey not really realising they were a group living species. If I was to have anymore I would ensure we had at least 2 together. They are known to live up to 20 years of age but I have only ever known one to reach this age.


Chinchillas were commonly bred and sadly killed for their fur to be made in to coats in the 1920s, but as the fur trade died out Chinchillas started to be taken in as pets. The reason they were so heavily sought after for their fur is due to the fact that they have the densest (softest fur) out of all land animals, the only one who has even more hair follicles per square inch is the Sea Otter.  Soft seems to be my theme of the week. If you have ever had the pleasure of handling a Chin then you will know how truly soft they are and it feels like they are all fur and nothing else🐭 They are an entertaining animal and one who whilst nervous in nature can also be loving and affectionate and certainly not timid. They are clever animals and good escape artists!       

The  Lord is truly amazing how he made so many wonderful creatures and when he says and "it was good" you get a sense of how wonderful he considered these creatures he had created.

Genesis 1:31

 It's only after we had Squingey that we became aware that our neighbour also had one called Chester and since had two others Sherbert and Monty. When I started working at the college there were a couple there then. We have had a number of Chins at the college since and currently house 3, Max, Frankie and Tufty. The most common colour is grey but you can also find them in white, beige, dark brown and black. Max is the only non grey chin that I have met, he is white with flecks of grey and quite grumpy. 

 I am often reminded when I am around beautiful creatures like Chinchillas that they are only here by the grace of God and the fact that he wanted to create them in the first place. How thankful I am to him for this fact and how wonderful it was to have Squingey with us for over six years. The Lord uses his wonderful creatures to help support us during difficult times.

Proverbs 15:1

This verse  has made a big difference to me and how I respond to people. I notice that in our modern day society it seems that people are unable to take responsibility for their own actions and are quick to go on the defensive. If only everyone kept to this verse then our society would be a much more pleasant and calm one, where matters were dealt with and addressed in a responsible way.

I have had periods of my life where I have been quick to go on the defensive and not take responsibility, getting worked up when someone has highlighted an issue and then this response causes them to get annoyed. A few years ago our small fellowship started reading through Proverbs each Lord's day and we came across this verse. This was a stand out verse to all of us and is something that we attempt to keep to.

How strange that it seems it is easier to react in an abrupt or selfish manner than to take a moment to consider the impact of our response. The majority of arguments that I have been involved in can be put down to not thinking about how I answer. How so many arguments could have been avoided just by simply remembering Proverbs 15:1.  

I now often find myself saying this verse over and over in my head when I want to react defensively and I have noticed that Lance to has made every effort here as well.

The Lord is so amazing to us that even just by responding in a soft and loving way can actually deflect confrontation and help us to be wise in our response, rather than reactive. The Lord reminds us later through the book of James he supports this view of taking care on what we say. This shows how consistent the bible is throughout and how we should behave. The Old testament works beautifully with the New.

Writing this article actually reminds me of what an important verse this is and how a few wise words from Solomon & James given to them by the Lord can make all the difference to our quality of life and harmony with others.  Proverbs 15:1 does not mean you have to be a "door mat" or stand up for what is right but to be more considerate about the words that come out of your mouth.  

I am thankful to the Lord that  he has guided me through this verse and it has helped me to try and be a less defensive and more considered in my responses in my biblical walk. Through God's strength he has helped me and when I fall down he picks me up. 

Talk of the Month - Early Years.

Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen before the foundation of the world - how incredible is that!

I am aiming for this talk section to be a once a month post. So this is the one for March. I have realised it is exactly a month ago  this week since my first post so thought it an appropriate time to issue another talk one.

Last time I gave a brief introduction to my Christian background and will continue to use this post as a reflection on my growth in faith over this time and hope this will help me to see how God has really worked in my life.

I was born in  North Wales at the start of the 1970s. My father worked for the local council but was also heavily involved in the Methodist Church. When I was around 5 we moved to Kent due to my father's job. We then started attending a local Methodist Church and my dad was a lay preacher. After a couple of years of living in Kent my Father collapsed suddenly at a local Church meeting and was rushed to hospital. Sadly he died and my mum was a widow at the age of 36 with 2 young daughters (my older sister Susan and me).

Susan on the right me (the cute one) on the left.😊

 My mum ensured that we continued to attend Church and Sunday School and found it to be a supportive and comforting network in her time of grief. My parents had also lost their first child (Wendy) when she was only 3 months old and my dad's mum within a year of that.  As I was quite young at the time of my dad's death I did not realise how difficult it must have been for my mum.


Throughout my childhood and teens I continued to attend the Methodist Church and was heavily involved in the youth group and Sunday evening youth fellowship which was called "Chatterbox". Chatterbox was run by a really lovely couple who were in their early 30s called David and Helen Piper. They opened their home to the youth of the church every Sunday evening to discuss Christian issues and issues that affected us. This fellowship had a big impact on me at the time and was the start of me really understanding that there was a God and he sent his "Son" Jesus Christ. I grew up with this in mind anyway but this group helped affirm it for me. I counted myself to be a Christian at this age, but did not understand the importance of it until much later.

The other key person who had a big impact on my childhood was an elderly lady called Nora Goy. I always called her Aunty Nora even though she was not my relative. She was a very gentle  and kind woman who had a real love for the Lord. I treated her like a Grandma as my real Grandma lived in Wales and was in a care home so I did not see her much. Aunty Nora was a strong spiritual guide in my life and I saw her every week. We often went around there for tea and she taught me how to make greeting cards. I think I got my interest in crafts from her as she always seemed to have something on the go. Sadly, she died when I was 18 but I hope that I will see her again in "Glory".

My mum was keen that we had a holiday once a year so it became the norm. for us to go on a Methodist Guild Hall holiday annually. This was how my parents actually met so my mum had a keen interest in them. I have many happy memories of these and they were good as they were quite focussed on the bible and we got to meet Christians/Church goers from all over the country. I don't think these holiday's exist anymore but they were good.    

When I was 14 my mum met Brian who became her second husband. We continued to attend the Methodist Church for  a while after they got married but as Brian was not a Christian they stopped attending. I still continued and had involvement with the youth groups etc. until the Pipers moved away and then I met Lance.

When I look back on that time now I can see how God looked after me even  from a young age and how he has guided me throughout my life in both the good and bad times. I realise now that the Methodist Church doctrines are quite far removed from the Christianity that I understand today but it certainly gave me the building blocks to recognise Christ as my Lord and Saviour from a young age.            

Psalm 150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. What a wonderful positive verse this is to end the book of Psalms. Whenever I read or hear this I always think of our pets as I do believe that all of God's creatures have an awareness of him and the animal world accept this.

It may sound sentimental or not even biblically supported but I do truly believe that the Lord made all creatures to be aware of him but he made us in his own image. Why would the Psalmist say let everything that has breath if it was only referring to humans.

This verse was our go to verse when we buried our pets, it give hope that they have knowledge of the Lord and is supported with talk of the new earth in Revelation.

As I have grown in faith and understanding of the bible I have come to see the Psalms as an amazing book that covers every aspect of life and all the emotions and trials that go with it. I often find comfort in the various psalms and  see something new in them  whenever I sing or read from them.  The Psalms are just as relevant today as they were when they were first written and really show true human nature and both the struggles and joy. I never really appreciated the Psalms in my early Christian walk  but have come to find them to be a great source of encouragement in recent years.

Psalm 150 is such a joyous Psalm as a whole and gives us an insight to what it must have been like to live in the days of the temple when they did use instruments to praise the Lord. 

I have chosen this as verse of the week as it is easy to overlook specific verses in Psalms as there are so many of them but this verse is a special one for Lance and I.    

A-Z of Animals - British Blue Butterfly

2 Corinthians 5:17

 Since a young age I have  had an interest in butterflies; one of my earliest memories of this is from the mid 1970s when my dad used to collect them. Sadly, back in those days it was quite common for people to collect butterflies and pin them on to boards and frame them. My dad had one of these and I remember thinking what beautiful creatures they were and how amazing it was that they came from a caterpillar. I also enjoyed collecting caterpillars when I was younger, not really appreciating at the time that they were living creatures who should be left in their own environment. This type of attitude along with the increase in housing projects on green space (don't get me started!) led to a big decline in the british butterfly population.  

Caterpillars and butterflies are so varied in their colours and shapes that I find them quite fascinating. Throughout my life I have always found the butterfly to be one of my go to creatures for cross stitch and card making as to me they depict new life.

Butterflies make for a good spiritual comparison in the way that they start off in one form as an egg, then a caterpillar, cocoon then end up as a beautiful creature who has been freed. This is much like the Christian life where we are born in to sin and go through different stages of life until God opens our eyes and makes us a new creation.

British Blue Butterfly

The "British Blue Butterfly" (BBB) first came to my attention a number of years ago at college when they were the subject of a Level 2 Conservation assignment. I found their story to be quite incredible when I learned of their symbiotic relationship with the mermica sabulita ant. This particular species of butterfly could be found in meadows throughout Britain until its apparent disappearance in the 1970s, however due to a reintroduction project during the 1980s it has made a reappearance in the UK and now doing very well. This species does not appear to survive without a specific species of ant and shows how much they need them. This reminds me of how much we rely on God to become a new creation.

The BBB lays her eggs on a plant in the meadow and the caterpillar hatches and eventually falls to the ground. This caterpillar has a pheromone that smells like a mermica ant, so the ant collects the caterpillar thinking it to be one of their own and takes it back to their nest. The caterpillar continues to mimic the young ant smell, despite looking quite different so they take care of it and feed it and nurture it until it becomes a butterfly. Whilst the caterpillar is a parasite it needs the ant for survival but never does harm to the ants, they appreciate all that the ant does for them. However they are still conning the ant and it is fooled in to thinking it is one of their own.

Whilst the BBB caterpillar is just using the ants resources in a positive way there is also the ichneumon wasp whose motives are more sinister and aggressive. This is actually quite creepy but clever on the wasps part; the wasp emits a pheromone and dupes the ant in to thinking it is one of their young so they take it back to their nest, once the ants realise it is not one of them they attack the wasp who then emits more pheromones turning the ants against each other and then injects each ant with one of their own eggs. The wasp then leaves, calm seems to come back to the nest and before you know it young wasps take over the ant and burst forth out of them and the ant nest is pretty much destroyed. I warned you it was creepy👀. The link below goes in to a bit more detail, but there are plenty of sites about this subject and a creepy video somewhere!.

Mermica Sabuleti Ant - The Goodie

Ichneumon Wasp - The Baddie

Research gate link re. BBB and Ants.




The story of the butterfly, ant & wasp could be considered an allegory to our spiritual life as a Christian. We change from our old ways to a new one with the support and strength of our Lord, but sin and temptation will often try to infiltrate this new life. Satan tries to extinguish what we have become and tries to wipe out this new creation. However, as the Lord is "Sovereign" he will not allow this to happen and has the ultimate victory. The story of the wasp reminds me of a number of biblical passages around apostates and false prophets who infiltrate churches and turn congregations against each other, causing division, discord and often destruction of what was once a stable fellowship. The butterfly larvae lives in harmony with the ant acting as one of its own without causing harm but the wasps motives are quite different. This reminds me that as Christians we need to be on guard for those who want destroy our fellowship with other Christians and the Lord.

  

I think the story of this butterfly and ant is a wonderful example of how God works in the whole of creation and has symbiotic relationships that can be used as examples to our own spiritual walk.