Reds… Look, See, Pray

Red letter day! First opportunity to start the spring gardening. Spot of rose pruning, tidying away dead growth, collecting all the old fronds from the palms, and trying to work out how so many weeds can ignore the weather that frightens the life out of the posher plants.

A day of surprises too. Pardon the colour clash between the camellia and the ladybird: all is forgiven because of the sterling work the bugs do. Hidden away in hibernation until now, they are popping up all over- I’ve been trying to “spot” them… (Sorry! Couldn’t resist the joke.)

There are so many parallels between gardening and spiritual growth. We all want the pretty flowers and good-to-eat crops. The hard graft is less popular. Digging out deep-rooted weeds/habits; pruning the ordinary in order to develop the extraordinary. Picking up the litter, mowing the grass, fighting the bad bugs-and-slugs… Left unchecked, our neat growth becomes a wilderness – swiftly.

Finding allies and mentors is so important. Having a good notion as to which things will thrive where- and creating special conditions for the ones we treasure but need extra work and care.

Never stop learning: that’s definitely true in both realms.

Finally, knowing the Head Gardener is a “big help” i.e., VITAL. And, of course, remembering that gardens (and lives) are there to be enjoyed as much as possible. All graft and no tea in the shade makes a grouchy human. Stopping to enjoy the wild life- butterflies, birdsong, ladybirds gnashing the aphids… PRICELESS.

There IS a prize. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says:
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

The hard labour is NOT in vain.

Decisions! – Look, See, Pray

All the garden suppliers are sending their catalogues and special offers. It’s making me yearn for the glorious colours of summer! Shall I plant more gladioli? What about the older lavender bushes- time for a change? Is there room for another rose? Or two?

Decisions, decisions. And of course those marvellous offers involve spending money (no gardener ever has trouble doing that!!!) but some of them are offering enough quantities to fill Kew Gardens. If only they could see the restricted space available… where could I put 120 dahlias anyway? With the flowering cherry “designed for small gardens” which is tempting me? Or a dwarf crab apple, perhaps?

One decision is made. I would like a passion flower to climb along the rear fence. The old rambling rose already there only flowers for a couple of weeks- and I’d like more colour for longer.

Once the local water table drops a bit I’ll be “at it” tidying and designing… I’d say “watch this space” but there isn’t any yet.

If only I found it as easy to plan my spiritual growth! Questions like “how have I matured since last year” and “what about reducing that pile of books to read by READING some more” are very niggly. It is of course quite normal to have six or seven books on the go at once… isn’t it? Please say yes…

Jesus talked about us being part of the Vine and being fruitful. The process isn’t straightforward. Pruning gets mentioned… Gulp… And then Jesus says this:

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
(John 15 v12-17)

Buzzwords – Look, See, Pray

What’s the buzz?
Three kinds of insect noise that call for different responses:
1. Mosquito in the bedroom… high-pitched drone.
2. The sharp-sided buzz-saw of an angry wasp.
3. The gentle, contented buzzing of a bumble bee in the meadow.

Mosquitoes are so annoying… sleep disappears until either it feeds on you and leaves- or you get out of bed to hunt the perishing wee beastie. Bad news with itching to follow.

Wasps seem sociopathic. They dislike being disturbed or frustrated in their food patrol… and HATE arms or newspapers being waved at them. Bad news with ouchies to follow.

Bumble bees: you really have to provoke one of these or get one trapped in your hair or clothing to make them sting. Much prettier, too. Look at its big black eye and furry coat. Good news and honey for tea… (Actually you need honeybees for the honey but never mind that!)

The noise difference between wasps and bees reminds of the motor bikes of my youthful years. Wasps screech like a two-stroke hairdryer. Bees rumble pleasingly like my old Triumph Bonneville. Reassuringly solid, a heavyweight with plenty of punch when necessary.

When we first hear insects, our reaction is often a fear response “in case” it is a wasp or mozzie. We learn early on to tell the difference, and engage the best response.

Mosquitoes could represent social media– great at invading our personal space and causing irritation.

Wasps? More like the “popular” press. You know the ones: they stir up trouble by writing every story as a CRISIS or PANIC. They select a political grouping preferred by their (wealthy) owners and spew out half-truths and misleading stories. “Facts” and “Truth” are optional.

Bees, it seems to me, are the safe and sensible voices that bring the garden to life. Bees will harvest the sweetness in each flower, pollinate our crops, and remind us of the value of honest work. There are not so many of those bees around. So when we do find one, we should treasure it and learn wisdom.

Here are two safe, sensible buzzwords to think on today…

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

– James 3:17 (NIV)

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

– Proverbs 4:6-7

Sweet! Look, See, Pray

Watching a Comma butterfly feeding this summer was delightful. I grow verbena bonariensis mostly as a butterfly feeder: its long upright form raises the flowers above the surrounding plants, and it proves very attractive to the wildlife. Taking photos is also easier!

Verbena is generous with the nectar it makes, so the butterflies and bees linger over lunch.

Observing the creatures who visit my garden gives a huge amount of satisfaction. Those delicate wings, the efficiency of the feeding proboscis… Dictionary definition of proboscis: “an elongated sucking mouth-part that is typically tubular and flexible.” It’s the insect equivalent of the elephant trunk!

You may have heard meditation described as “chewing over the meaning of Scripture like a lion eating meat.” How about a gentler definition? – “Lingering long enough to absorb all the sweetness of the nectar.”

Psalm 119 v103 says something very similar about taking in the Word and ways of God: “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.”

Christmas has seen most of us enjoying a feast of sweet things. They are irresistible, one chocolate leads to another (and another).

This year, I want to deepen my appreciation of God’s Word. Sometimes preachers fall into the trap of mastering the Bible with our minds, and failing to savour it in our heart of hearts. My college principal warned us: “It is easy to look at a Bible passage and see three clear points about how it applies… TO EVERYBODY ELSE.”

How often do I read Scripture for enjoyment? As a means of blessing, as food for my soul, as a vehicle for transporting me to a place of deeper love of God?

To take in the sweetness of pure Love.

Psalm 119 is remarkable for its length and thoroughness in exploring and honouring the “Law of the Lord.” How wonderful that in what could be seen as (just) a lengthy repetitious psalm, this concept of SWEETNESS, of sweetness exceeding the taste of honey, emerges as a reminder that this psalm isn’t just about religious duty. It describes the beauty and joy of the Creator and Redeemer who is delighted when we choose to “linger over lunch” with Him.

Sounds a worthwhile challenge. Join me in seeking sweetest grace?

Overwhelming Awe- Look, See, Pray

*Ribbon Fall, Yosemite Valley, California*

Overwhelming sound- the roar of the big waterfalls in Yosemite Valley is stunning. Seen from across the valley, the sheer volume of water plunging into mid-air is stupendous. Getting closer to the base of the fall is an immersive experience! Sound, sight, soaking spray- you can’t just “see” the waterfall, you are caught up into its majestic reality and power.

Conversation is drowned out. It’s hard to find appropriate words anyway. We use the word “awesome” too easily these days… I once heard someone say their burger was awesome. Really? To be overawed by minced beef and a bun is setting a very low bar.

Awe is defined as “a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.” (If wolfing a cheeseburger is that inspirational, you need to get out more. Or send me the address of the chef.)

In an age of technological marvels and amazing human accomplishments, we can be blasé about wonder- it’s the quality of innocent childhood that we submerge in sophisticated adult cynicism. A child is excited by the Christmas tree, their new kitten, raindrops and puddles… this big kid is excited by waterfalls, mountains, thunder- and God.

John the Apostle saw amazing visions: he describes one of them in these words: “And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps.” – Revelation 14:2 (NASB)

The Voice of God Almighty, awesome, terrifying, beautiful- and conveying absolute wonder. It’s a vision of Jesus- no longer “just” the Baby of Bethlehem, but the Risen Lord- the Eternal Word of God- speaking love, justice, majesty, hope and ultimate purpose.

I think I’m going to set myself a challenge- to reserve awe for the One who IS truly awesome. I don’t want my faith and my life to be focused on burgers when God is inviting me to a Banquet.

And if a photo I took in 2004 can inspire me to make 2024 a more God-centred, purpose-filled life of love, hope and worship- then bring on the roar of many waters!

Feeling Sleepy- Look, See, Pray

I’d love to say this comes from the “Penguin Book of Prayers”… simply because this penguin looked just like a child saying their bedtime prayers.

My parents helped me to say my prayers- I’m not sure I was very good at it! Tonight I discovered a Jewish bedtime prayer which could be helpful, especially in seasons of uncertainty or worry.

Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings sleep to my eyes, slumber to my eyelids. May it be Your will, Lord my God and God of my ancestors, that I lie down in peace and that I arise in peace. Let my sleep be undisturbed by troubling thoughts, bad dreams, and wicked schemes. May I have a night of tranquil slumber. May I awaken to the light of a new day, that my eyes may behold the splendour of Your light. Praised are You, Lord whose glory gives light to the entire world.

God is a faithful King.
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One.
Praised be His glorious sovereignty throughout all time.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your might. And these words which I command you this day you shall take to heart. You shall diligently teach them to your children. You shall recite them at home and away, morning and night. You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, they shall be a symbol above your eyes, and you shall inscribe them upon the doorposts of your homes and upon your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Help us, our Father, to lie down in peace; and awaken us to life again, our King. Spread over us Your shelter of peace, guide us with Your good counsel. Save us because of Your mercy. Shield us from enemies and pestilence, from starvation, sword and sorrow. Remove the evil forces that surround us, shelter us in the shadow of Your wings. You, O God, guard us and deliver us. You are a gracious and merciful King. Guard our coming and our going, grant us life and peace, now and always.

Amen.

A Sweet Read- Look, See, Pray

Delicious sweetness. These tropical Owl Butterflies were being given oranges which they sipped delicately through their own built-in “straw” – the hollow tube extending from their mouths. Orange juice is rich in flavour and gets its kick from the fructose & glucose. It must be every butterfly’s dream to go out for fresh oranges!

Most of us respond to sweetness: it’s a treat which affects our hormone balance! Too much sugar is actually toxic for people. Yet it has an almost addictive quality, and modern food processing uses sugars and fats to make our food almost irresistible.

Butterflies are presumably smarter than us- I’ve never seen an obese butterfly!

Honey and sweet fruits were “luxury” items through most of history. People would usually only have sugary foods at harvest or special feasts & celebrations. Higher status and wealth gave access to sweet treats. The poor had little access to sugar. Turnip, anyone?

Do you see now why the Biblical use of “sweetness” is so important? Psalm 119:103 says “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

God’s Words are compared to special luxury treats. What God has said and is saying is EVEN BETTER than eating a honeycomb.

The psalm encourages the worshippers to relish the best God can give. The Lord speaks of mercy, love, forgiveness, justice and hope. When was the last time I read the Bible with an attitude of wild excitement and enjoyment?

Not every verse, sentence, letter or book is obviously “sweet” – sometimes it is medicine to the soul, a challenge to our willingness to obey and serve. Even so, a “spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” as Julie Andrews sang so sweetly…

How different is my attitude to reading the Bible when I realise it is a TREAT not a TASK?

Gloriously, it’s a treat for ALL who will read and obey. Not just the rich, the powerful, the top 1%. The invitation is simple: come and read- and rejoice in God’s gift to anyone who will receive it.

Perhaps we should eat oranges as we read the Bible; or as we hear the preacher on Sunday. Would we take it in better if our tastebuds are tickled?

One of the nicest things about these butterflies is the gorgeous colours they display after they’ve sucked in the sugar. Christians should also display to their best advantage after taking in the Living Word of the Living God- energised, but not bloated. If we stuff ourselves full of God’s honey BUT DON’T PUT IT INTO PRACTICE we become knowledgable fools… flitting and floating, and no use to anyone.

Note to self: it’s a TREAT, not a TASK. Now, where did I put my Bible?

Why “Art”? Look, See, Pray

Some pictures move me on a mental, emotional and spiritual level. Wondering why this is so, I looked up a definition of art and found several. Like this one:

“Art is an expression of yourself, so create a mood with your description. Describe it as if the person were in pitch black and could not see it. Think about the feeling you want to express through your piece. What did you feel when you made this?”

I was experimenting with some old photos, and found some of Pagham Harbour nature reserve. The original photo was a bit dull- the ground was dark and featureless, the sky rather bland. A bit of tweaking made it better. Then I applied a “texture” filter, and suddenly the picture spoke. It became like an oils-on-canvas painting, and came alive.

What did I feel when I made this? Excellent question! It made me remember what I felt when I took the photograph. Quietness is a feature of the Reserve. The most noticeable noises are natural ones; the sound of waterfowl, the gentle lapping of the water. Cool gentle air moved enough to make me shiver. Curlews whistled nearby, and that always sounds mournful- or perhaps “plaintive” is the word I’m looking for.

Natural sounds too often get masked by “progress.” Engines, planes, radios, shouting and bustle. It’s almost as though we are afraid of silence, of any quietness, so that we have to go looking for it and leave our civilised mod-cons behind.

Why do I love the open air so much? Because I can slow down and listen, look round and take in the “art” that God made. It is a meeting-place free of distractions. An art gallery of beauty signed with the Creator’s mark- and He said of the world “It is good.”

I can’t know YOUR reaction to this picture. Does it make you feel something, make you take a second look? ! wonder… (Try opening the photo to full screen for more impact.)

God is present at all times and places… our problem is one of being un-receptive, or impatient, or preoccupied. We need to find the art, the places, and the open heart that allows us to encounter Love. After all, God has said that we WILL find Him, when we seek with all our heart…

Glacier Bay- Look, See, Pray

I wonder when those snowflakes

started to pack on the mountain.

All individual, geometric perfection,

blown by the wind into corners

and crannies and drifts.

Long, slow years sitting

with snow on your shoulders,

pressing, pressing, pressing

until a layer of ice

became the memory

of another winter gone.

Year on year, snow on snow,

ice under pressure finding

strength in numbers and depth.

So many patient winters…

Deeper ice, living blue,

layered with grit

from rocks carved out

with glacial stealth…

Now at the sea, salt and cold,

where glaciers calve

plunging deep,

spray hurled high.

A swift transition.

Years invested in icy weight,

foreshortened to weeks

as the ice shrinks

diluting the salt sea

with ancient snowmelt.

All nature moves to an end.

Spectacle of wondrous cold.

Spectre of an Ice Age foiled.

Mighty, majestic, doomed.

Only God could have dreamed this:

River of ancient ice,

sculptor of peak and vale,

inspiring awe in mere Humanity-

that yet plays “god”

and melts history

in a senseless rush.

(c) Richard Starling, 2023.

Photo: Glacier Bay, 2016.

Truth… the whole truth – Look, See, Pray

Great pic, isn’t it? Eagle Owl, Dartmoor, near Princetown. All my own work: could start a rush of twitchers heading for Devon!

Except this is a way of telling truth to mislead. It is an Eagle Owl, I did take the photo. So far, so good. It is Dartmoor in the snow- I took the photo. All true. So what’s the problem?

I combined the two pictures so the owl had a more “natural-looking” backdrop. I haven’t lied, but I wasn’t 100% accurate.

My intention matters. If I have just melded two photos for a better picture, that’s OK. Were I to present myself as a wildlife whizz, discovering Eagle Owls in Devon, then perhaps selling the image to a news agency in exchange for fame and fortune, that is unethical and dishonest. And WRONG.

“The camera never lies” says the old proverb. But it may mislead, even present corrupted truth (in other words, a LIE). This is a huge problem in journalism, advertising, politics… “Deep fake” pictures are created and used to destroy the victim’s reputation, or as the lever for blackmail. Bits of truth selected deliberately, then mixed into untruth. A complete rejection of integrity.

Unless we are careful to act with integrity, there is even a danger that “picking bits” of the Bible then jamming them together will mislead or misdirect people who are seeking God. This coming Sunday, I’m preaching at our church. I have a heavy responsibility to tell the truth truthfully: or I risk putting words into God’s mouth, or persuading people into misunderstanding. A stern warning from the New Testament: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.“ – James 3 v1

James points out the risk that teachers and preachers take on. Matthew’s Gospel records words from Jesus about the required heart-attitude, the integrity, of those called to serve through leadership and preaching. It must be real, and honest, and true- not a crafty construction of bits of truth. If I cannot preach out of humility and integrity, I should not preach at all.

“Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honour in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’ Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23 v5-12

Please pray for me- and any other preachers and teachers you know.