Lion

I shut my eyes

and there you are.

The face of the Lion,

eyes fixed on mine.

And you are calling me

to come find you.

And at the same time - 

Pursuing me...

More

My heart is getting achey

to see the More of You

For you to interrupt us

For all heaven to break loose

Neon

It’s dusk, and warm

We feel your presence

Shadows lengthen

Crickets sing

And day bows out

Yet still you're here

As nature brings

It’s offering

See the glow

Of neon lights

We feel you close

That glory weight

Intimacy

And expectation

Morning mercies

On the way

Let's go fly a kite

Let’s go fly a kite

Up to the highest heights

Let’s go fly a kite and send it soaring

Up to the atmosphere

Up where the air is clear

Oh let’s go, fly a kite.

Come up here with me

Soaring in the breeze

Colour all around

High above the ground

So I’ll fix my eyes on you

As we spin in the blue

Glory all around

In you my heart is found

Let’s go fly a kite

Up to the highest heights

Let’s go fly a kite and send it soaring

Up in the atmosphere

Up where the air is clear

Oh let’s go, fly a kite.

Evergreen

Evergreen, you’re ever green

Planted by the flowing streams

Grounded in the Father’s love

Pointing, up above

Your fragrance fills the atmosphere

Sweet pine, green leaves, life is here

And birdsong it resounds, we hear

the cooing of a dove.

The same wood made a humble cross

Now stands and shouts out for the lost

Come follow me, come know my peace

Reside, remain in me

Evergreen, my ever green

We’re the branches, you’re the tree

Your glory echoes all around

And leads us in your love.

Hope

Hope. It is an incredibly precious thing. It cannot be bought, cannot always be justified, yet sometimes it just drifts into your life.
Like walking along a cobbled street in the cold and wet of a Winter evening, and realising that the familiar darkness is a touch lighter; that a new season must indeed be waiting to emerge, just waiting. Or that feeling of relief when tears come, and all that has frustrated and held you captive just gives in and falls down your face, and you realise you can be yourself, and who you are is truly beautiful.
Hope. This year was marked with hope because this year was also a year of new beginnings. And new beginnings have a funny way of compelling hope to come out of hibernation.
The push and pull of the child in her womb made her constantly aware of what was soon to take place. This child was already fully alive, fully existing, yet not yet fully known. The stretching of a head against her belly button, of the feet kicking sharply in the ribs, reminded her of the new beginning that had already started, but that was also waiting to be. The physical feelings were familiar, yet this little life was completely and wonderfully unique. As she sat there folding the new clothes, the thoughts of a precious baby stirred up hope deep within her. The longing of holding the little one, warm and close, stoked a desire for those intimate feelings of motherhood that had now been awakened and slowly embraced by the experience of their first child.
And beyond this new beginning was the knowledge that this year had many other changes ahead - change that was lining up like buses, now all arriving at once. A new country, a move, leaving her family, a complete change of direction for the four of them. The reality dawned upon her that a new beginning sometimes arrives unannounced like an invitation through your letterbox; as an idea is suggested and springs into place, and then can take much time and planning before it comes into being. A little like the life inside of her. The relative quickness of conception, which is followed by the slow and unseen growth and development, as the child is nourished and prepared, ready for the delivery into this often harsh new world.
All the change ahead required organisation, working through lists, making plans. Answering questions, avoiding some. "How do you feel? What will you do? Your parents must be devastated! I am so pleased for you". She paused before answering questions, guarding her heart against some, savouring the life and encouragement from others. She slowly took in each new feeling that an overwhelming question provoked. Processing, pondering, discarding and embracing.
And yet there were times, when the sun would give the rain a break, and a slice of light would appear upon the small wall in their living room; that she would be reminded. Hope. The sun caught the dust in its rays, and together they danced to their own happy tune. These many new invitations were filled and surrounded with a beautiful and delicate veil of hope. And that is what compelled her, spurred her on. That push and pull of following convictions. Of making decisions one felt at peace with; that made her heart take a little leap of joy.
This new year was indeed filled with new beginnings, new stories that were about to be written, and filled with hope.

Note to self

Sometimes,
the most powerful place of warfare
Is when you are flat on your back,
soaking in worship.

The Beach

You are calling me
In the wind and the waves
"Strip off all that hinders
And walk down the beach"

You are calling me
My feet sink in wet sand
And I wade through the water
To the sound of your voice

You are calling me
Into the deep
To dive into cold
To plunge under water

You are calling me
There is so much unknown
But for your voice in the waves
"Come here girl, come deeper."

At the Jetty

I’ve found some time

And I’m coming to look

Are you still there?

By the lapping water

In the shade of the trees

As you once were in my dream

And my heart it leaps

For there you are

Sitting down at the jetty

In the cool of the day

Waiting for me

Waiting all this time

And of course that’s where you are

The lake is full of fish

And you’ve been waiting for me

To come and be with you

We sit side by side

Legs fall in the water

Which laps oh so gently

In the peaceful place

I’m shy in your presence

For you are captivating

Every now and then

My eyes dare to look

Full in your face

At your eyes

Your smile

Lord I have so much to learn

But right now we’ll just sit

On the edge of the jetty

With our legs in the water

Jack

Our time was brief,

your life was short,

but know Son, you are loved.

We know so well,

you're in safe hands

with Father God above.

I know not of

the mysteries,

the details in and out.

But one day

we will meet you Son.

We'll tell you, we're so proud.

Overwhelmed

My heart swells within me

Overwhelmed

With love and delight

With all that lies in my hands.

The precious son you have given me

A beautiful husband to walk life with me.

Overwhelmed,

At the hope, the joy, 

Of together seeking your kingdom first.

I taste of it, knowing there is so much more to come. 

Breakfast

It’s dawn and light and cool, I shiver

We’re on the boat and moving quickly,

Early morning, no one else

Dark on the shore, light plays on water

And they jump in but I stand watching

We’re getting near,

‘Come, have some breakfast’

Now I wade in and I’m coming and I’m nearer

And I’m here my Lord.

(Based on John 21: The Bible)

Unseen

It was unseen.

The waiting on God.

The time spent.

The listening.

No tweets, status updates.

No 'look at me world'

Just plodding by slowly.

Slowly, so slowly.

It was unseen and steady

She longed for the depths.

Walking, and talking

Speaking out prayers.

Learning to listen.

No seeking the glory,

In the unseen.

Intimacy

Swim across the moat 

Scale the walls 

Cut through the padlocks 

Break down the doors 

Walk through the hallways 

Search the rooms 

Arrive at the tower 

Here is the key 

Climb the stairs 

Knock oh so gently 

And there you will find me