Grateful for Grace even after a bad case of rocks in my head.

A Case of Rocks in my head!!

Have you ever done something so dumb so stupid you actually wonder whether you had rocks in your head, and who put them there? On the odd occasion, I have this terrible habit of pulling some dumb pranks or worst still you imagine some crazy idea that the world is against you, when in fact that is not what is happening.  You mis-read a situation over hear part of a conversation and the rocks in your head start to rattle around like ball bearing in a stainless steel dish. An incessant din like the clatter of a pneumatic drill demanding the attention you don’t want to give it. If you are the sort of person who wears their feeling on their cuff well the rocks tend to rattle a little more close to the surface.

This time the rocks were rocking, like majorly, a prank that seemed harmless and fun wasn’t, it hurt some people I love, and at that moment I just so wanted the ground open up to swallow me. I probably deserved it really. So this is a personal confession and an apology I guess.

On the same day I experienced a huge amount of grace. Friends who were instrumental in calming the rocks in my head, bringing about some peace to the imaginations, that are often wrong in the first place, and planted by the devil so that you start second-guessing yourself.

Anyway publically, to those people I hurt and probably made very angry huge sorryness. (and I know there’s know such word, well there should be) I’m grateful for grace so undeserved. For you your gift is on it’s way just a token but nevertheless with huge love and appreciation of you as a person.

Grace so undeserved,

Friends to precious too name or loose,

Friends you will never repay,

Wells up in a thankfulness and praise.

Jesus for real

Jesus for real

 

Today I led a devotional period for a group of Salvation Army Officers. We were gathered where you would expect to find people praying, in a hall. 

I think they call this an epiphany, a moment of enlightenment whether new or the magnification of an old truth its an ahhhh moment and you become aware.  Two builders walked passed at the time which only served to underline the prophetic nature of this moment in time; that is that Jesus meets people on the highways, the lanes, the corner markets, or just generally  amongst the clamber of every day life.

My attention was drawn to one of those coffee table books it was entitled “Journeys with the Messiah”. It’s an exquisite book and will be an alluring pick up and read book that will lead to some long conversations for the future. What is so cool is this guy had an epiphany one day, to find someone to fit the profile of what Jesus may have looked like, and then to go to Israel walk the same dusty lanes and take photo’s of Jesus talking with normal people from all walks of life, and from different periods of history. My favourite of all is Jesus walking with a Nazi Soldier carrying his rifle and back pack deep in conversation. How many Soldiers in the heat of battle find themselves talking to Jesus even if it is just a cry for help? The other is that of a refugee family walking along a road and there is Jesus carrying all their bags, giving them a break from the long arduous journey. Just talking about life.

The photos are profound, prophetic, but most of all left me thinking, maybe Jesus is not found in cold stone cathedrals or pristine Citadels but on the road with people just talking, just helping, not leading them nowhere but somewhere, to His pretty amazing kingdom. Here’s some photo’s to inspire you I hope you enjoy them.

Crazy little thing called love

Crazy little thing called love

It’s been far to long since my last blog so sincere apologies to those who read it. Since then I have decided to commence a Dip in creative writing paper. That’s been heaps of fun, and very refreshing.

In the 70’s, showing my age now,  there was a song that hit the charts. One of the lines in the song is one of those lines that keeps hanging around. Every now and then it is as if someone pushes the playback button in your head .. “Crazy little thing called love”. The crazy thing is it’s the only line I remember after 30 or so years, the rest of the song left know impression whatsoever.  

On Sunday morning, I’m watching Charles Stanley; He’s talking about “This Crazy little thing called love”. First, it is not a little thing and secondly it is not crazy, although it has been known to make people do crazy things, extravagant things and some bizarre things too. Before we even utter the words, we had better know exactly what we mean or people get hurt.

What peeked my interest was, he was both talking about marriage and friendship in the same context. Although they are on different levels, the components to true love remain the same.  I’m thinking to myself so how many time's has someone said to me “Love You” or I to someone else. I have always used those two words carefully, thoughtfully and sparingly because if we are going to use them we better be sure we can fulfil the obligations in our relationships at whatever level. I mean do I have it wrong when I say in today’s culture it’s bandy about all to easily and insincerely or at best ignorantly.

So here’s four words to contemplate.

• Love Selflessly
• Love understandingly
• Love forgivingly
• Love Sacrificially

To the last Charles Stanley suggested this is often the most costly and requires we sometimes take the fall to protect another we love.

I had messed up badly. Careering through the trees, weaving in an out through the many bush walks, and unmarked tracks, we were racing my colleague and me. I was a Christian he was a pothead and we were grassed on. In the bosses office our list of sins were recounted, one of us was going to get fired, one of us had to take the fall.

Before I could speak in my defence, my friend spoke out and said it all, he took the fall. He fell on his sword and was fired while I got a warning. The Crazy thing is, before this, I never considered him as a friend. He would push his way in try to hang with me, I was indifferent after all he was a pothead I was a Christian.  This Crazy thing called love was no more clearly exhibited than now to me. As he walked out of the gate, and out of work a lump came up in my throat. It should have been me, because I was after all the ringleader. What a coward I said to myself. When I asked him why he said, "because I think your cool you've got responsibilites I haven't and I like you".   

I have never forgotten that sacrificial unbridled act of extravagant love. That guy knew more about love then I ever will.

Real Love is letting Go !

Gods Warriors

Another Commissioning weekend, or for those who do not know Salvation Army Culture  the Ordination of Salvation Army Officers. It is definitely a celebration, with a degree of solemnity & dignity.

The amazing thing is seeing ordinary people arrive at BCM, (Booth College of Mission) some I know well they are good friends and some who are relations. A transformation takes place as God moulds these ordinary people, calls them to the college, an artificial environment where a carefully thought out strategy in the hands of the holy Spirit turns ordinary people into warriors for God,  while not taking away from the roar material that is them. God knew from the beginning of time, what His plans were. It is something to give thanks to God for and this formation of “Warriors of Christ” will continue long after they leave.

                                         

I am left with both a sense of awe and loss as I see the process repeated year after year.  For others it is the same; maybe not so much a sense of loss as the turning of another chapter. These are defining moments and I recall my own training, the sense in which you are moving from one chapter of your life to another. The awkward feelings of sadness and joy as relationships, friendships and alliances change. This is normal. Some of these will become stronger some will dissipate. This too is natural, a part of the cycle of life.

In talking with families this is sometimes a difficult time for them. Some think their charges are making a huge mistake. In reality it is a little like when your children leave home and begin on this exciting new adventure of life. You’ve prepared them for this but you haven’t prepared yourself, and when it happens it takes you by surprise.

Real love is letting go. It’s celebrating and being there in the milestones and the catastrophes along the way, and they will come as each person fulfils Gods amazing plan for their lives.

Formation will happen and if you stay around long enough you will see how God takes this roar material and turns it into something beautiful. Like a good Novel, watch and pray; enjoy the unfolding story as each chapter has its unique part in the whole.

Just show you care !!

He who as ears listen!!

It’s a beautiful day. I’m sitting on the deck and a Tui is singing a delightful tune in the tree next door. It seems everything is in the full splendour of early summer.

I received some news today that makes you take stock. No one knows another person fully or deeply. In the recesses of the mind we all face our turmoil and demons, we are but clay vessels declares Paul marred, yet still God uses us regardless of ourselves. This shows his all-surpassing Glory. We should never forget that, nor should we judge another.  God uses us despite ourselves that is what is so amazing about Grace.

27 years of ministry isn’t bad, most of the time it’s been fun, an adventure, there’s lots of hard work, often on your knees bringing situations and people before God. I consider myself reasonably spiritual, most day’s anyway. I fail to maintain a balanced life some of the time because I have always been hard working and suffer from a driven personality. I love my call, but I do not like some of the circumstances and situations it places me in despite all of this, I am completely committed to the cause of Jesus Christ.

The other day I hit a brick wall. It was so random so unexpected I could not explain it. There have been other such occasions. It is just too simplistic to say it is because one has not looked after oneself, or the stresses of ministry. These are all contributing factors however the sate of the Spirit and mind is a very complex thing. The interrelation between external forces, internal forces and our very make up make it impossible to gauge our limits or the health of our Spirits although I have found my ability to do so has improved with time. But just sometimes wham,  we still get caught out.

Then there is the demand of our call. This never lets up and there are simply times you have to say that is enough for now, and walk away. The truth is you may never be able to explain yourself to others, they will judge anyway.

Early on, we have learnt to say; Today I need space, I need time with my family, friends and God. I need to be honest with someone about how I am really feeling. Supervision is of great benefit but a friend a spouse will want to be a listening ear. You are what matters on these occasions and you will know when they are.

If you are a friend and you hear an honest plea never ignore it people are important not program. Regardless of the personal cost, your personal concern you should respond. The reward will be great as you help a friend. It maybe just a listening ear a kindly word and most of all do not judge, preach, or be like one of Job’s comforters. Just be there. Someone rightly pointed out that to put your own health at risk for another may not always be the best thing to do. I agree and I don’t each situation must be considered on its own taking into account your own needs. Self-care is important and we ignore it at our peril. Just sometimes, it is not enough and that is when honest dialogue with family and friends is important. They will stand in the gap for you, a listening ear, offer prayer and will show practical acts of love that should leave you in no doubt that they care.

A true story: I have a good friend who was involved in ministry for 15 years. I thought I knew him well. We shared closely and encouraged one-another. One Sunday morning he turned up at my meeting. He did not come to the start and didn’t stay to the end. He just came to hear Gods word. He knelt at the mercy seat and left. We were slack, we did not get his details, but I knew he was my friend my buddy my ministry partner. We said we would be there for each other and I took that seriously. I have always been loyal to friends. I had moved away and had heard he become disenchanted with the ministry and with Christians in general. When he turned up that morning I knew, this was a God moment. I did not get to pray with him, I was gutted. I was too slow off the mark, too busy leading my prayer meeting, too busy to kneel and pray with my friend or afraid maybe.

Just show you care: I contacted him soon after and I will never forget his words.

“Forget the preaching.”

“Forget all the good works.”

“Forget all the learning and building a Church, all I wanted was for someone to come and talk to me. Know one turned up know one contacted us.

Just Care Craig that’s all people are wanting, just show you care and show up.”

That is my blog, it seems wordy and inadequate but please do not give me platitudes and the normal spin just show you care.  On that note, I challenge my own efforts in this regard.

"Forgiveness" A great story found on Face Book .. LOVE IT.

A Story Of Forgiveness   Read: Philemon 4-21

This is a wonderful story of God’s forgiveness and restoration and the need to forgive others that have done us wrong. We all have times in our lives where we need to forgive and be forgiven. As long as we live in our human flesh, we will be hurt and hurt others. Sometimes we may not realize we have hurt someone else.

I believe that forgiveness is the key to healing. It is the start point in the healing process. You can never know true inner peace until you have forgiven. I know it’s not easy. We may feel completely justified in holding onto un-forgiveness. But the problem with that is bitterness gets in and takes root. We continually think about it, reliving it over and over. It needn’t be that way. It’s only destroying us – taking away our joy and peace in life.

Philemon needed to forgive Onesimus for stealing from him. Whether it is a friend stealing from you, or someone who has done something offensive to you, forgive and restore the relationship. Paul mentions in verses 15-16, to receive him back, not as a slave, but as a brother, he restores the fellowship.

We should too. We need to choose to forgive. Place it at the foot of the cross and leave it there. Then you will know God’s peace and love filling you. You will sense a heavy burden lifted from you, because un-forgiveness is a heavy load to bear.

If you feel you have any un-forgiveness or resentment in your heart, will you give it up to the Lord today? He loves you and truly understands what you have been through. The start point to truly being free is to forgive.

Give someone another chance Jesus gave us so many.

Love this story :)

It’s been a while since I blogged .. An interesting couple of days.

Funny how when you think you’re getting on top of everything something disturbs your equilibrium, your plans.

Funny how when you see a miracle unfolding, the enemy comes to steal it away.

It’s actually not that funny. It’s disappointing, frustrating and hurtful.  Misunderstandings can follow or worse still blame shifting occurs. You wonder why your best attempts at communicating your true motives are never understood. Words fail you, and any attempt to correct things only makes it worse.

I am reminded that we “Fight not against flesh and blood, but spiritual forces in high places”

I am reminded that our enemy the Devil has one purpose “To steal and to Rob” the blessings of God on our life, his purpose is to destroy anything of Kingdom value.

We say we should live counter culturally. We say we want to live by kingdom values yet in our relationships we choose to live by the standards of a popular pseudo secular wisdom that has only a smattering of the Kingdom of God and is more aligned to secular thinking than transformational living.

What would happen if we truly lived out our relationships through Kingdom eyes, if true forgiveness was a reality, and true restoration was given half a chance? How transformational would that be?

Fare Trade coffee, the responsible purchase of fair trade goods is all well and good and is to be applauded.  To live counter culturally, to live by the values that Jesus taught is most  attractive, immensely refreshing and is at times seen as a little weird by society in general but is hugely transformational.

For those seeking another way; “Seek first the kingdom of God”

"Ruin is a gift; ruin is the road to transformation".

Where are the Men?

                     

It was Sharon who brought it to my attention.. “Craig your one, of only a few guys here” , I looked around sure enough a peppering of guys amongst a audience of women. My worst nightmare had come true, the butt of every male joke, and to boot Sharon and a friend thought it was a great joke.

The movie; “EAT PRAY LOVE” starring Julia Roberts. I’m still ticked at the promotion guru's who never warned it was a chick flick. What the heck,  I’ve paid and I’m getting my monies worth, besides it can’t be that bad can it? CONFESSION I enjoyed it, does that mean I’m becoming an all metro-male?

It's said “behind every cloud is a silver lining”?  I reckon that’s true, at least in my experience, every good bad & ugly thing that happens God provides a silver lining, there’s something there if you just look. Back to my Chick Flick, feeling self conscious and now admitting to loving the movie. Ahh who cares what people think. For me there was one line among many brilliant lines that stood out.  

Julia Roberts is in Italy (an amazing place) the camera pans over the ruins of Rome, if you’ve been there you’ll know ruins litter the city. I got to thinking, like my life I have ruins that litter the citadels of my soul, some just innocent errors of judgement, some mistakes I’m just fully ashamed off,  safe in the knowledge that Jesus Loved and died for me because of those very ruins.

So there’s this amazing line as you see all these ruins.  "Ruin is a gift; ruin is the road to transformation".

WOW!!! What a line, what a truth, behind every cloud there really is a silver lining .. God uses everything and wastes nothing.

So here it is, I had a ruinous situation, which I didn’t think would ever lead to any chance of transformation or any good thing. Today I am grateful to God for not only the personal transformation and spiritual formation this has caused in me, its made me a different person on the inside and the outside. Through friends support and huge amounts of prayer, not only is God transforming relationships but is in the process of “Restoring what the locusts have eaten” .. God never does things by halves.

So I’m in this chick flick, sorry bro’s and this one line has been reverberating around in my head  space ever since:  "Ruin is a gift; ruin is the road to transformation".  

I never thought a ruinous situation could be a gift, but I guess in the hands of the creator of the universe everything’s possible. 

Grateful to everyone mostly to God !!

I LOVE a sunny day .. Serotonin PLUS mood enhancer

At congress, Commissioner Don Bell said, “Our faith and our service must not be based upon what God has or hasn’t done for us but on His character” and than he shared, other wise circumstances will determine our faith and service to God rather then a life lived fully in God.

A string of sunny days in Wellington totally theraputic:

I’ve been thoroughly challenged by those words. I find it extraordinary how the weather affects my moods, my service, this is nothing new it’s a proven fact. An unkind word, a disappointment or a smidgen of road rage when I start my day can spoil my day. Are these the circumstances Commissioner Don Bell could be referring to among other things?

Like why is it that what is external and outside of my control can have such an indelible

impact on me. Is it because I have not yet learnt the gift that Paul spoke of in Phillipians

4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,  therein to be content.

I’m an emotional person, my family say I always wear my feelings on my sleeve, and to a degree I’ve learnt to accept it, because no matter how I try to hide my sleeve like a well trained cuff it soon rides down to reveal a little of itself.  

Or could it be that my personality is so easily swayed by outside influences because of the way God wired me. Do I need to learn to trust more upon Gods character and to trust in the way he has made me? I’ve learnt to accept the way I am because God has a greater purpose; I figure there’s a whole lot of strengths in this and God wants to take all there is of me.

Is learning to be content reaching a place of self-acceptance while still expecting the Fruit of the Spirit to shape me into Gods perfect vessel safe in the knowledge that I’m made like this because its Gods purpose for me. 

• I’ll reach some that others won’t,
• I’ll do some amazing things that others can’t, because they are not me. 

Holiness is the Fruit flourishing in our lives for all to see. It’s also God taking the best of us and the worst of us-mistakes and all, and making us into something far more transformational, far more attractive than we would otherwise be. What Paul says; “This treasure in vessels of clay.”

THE PRAYER "Send fourth your spirit" ; Another angel enters heaven.

Another Angel enters heaven:

Her breathing is laboured. The spaces between are long and arduous. There’s a peace beyond understanding around the bedside. The family gather knowing her faith was strong, her spirit like a buttress challenging immortality, because she can, she knows her Saviour is more than able.  This Soldier of Christ sweeps through into eternity, not a whisper not a sigh just knowing she has gone to be with her Lord. Another angel enters heaven. 

 I quietly slip out: Its been a long night, and so I take a moment in the chapel thanking God for the privilege of sharing these special moments with this family. I pray for them my arms stretched out leaning on the face of the alter. With a thankful heart, knowing all is well, another angel enters heaven. I glance down to find the most awesome prayer. Its authentic, its real, its raw and its from the heart and pen of “Edward Haye.”

THE PRAYER "Send fourth your spirit"

My heart is cold today O God,

I feel no burning desire,

no zeal to pray or be with you.

My heart is frozen by the chill of emptiness,

sluggish and stalled.

Send fourth your Spirit,

to revive my heart.

Spark it with relish for service,

with a longing to pray.

 And may my desire,

to be your flame of warmth and love spark other stalled souls,

to come alive, aflame in you.

All wrapped up in my own little world then POW!!!! Your scare me sh*^%$#less he said.

I apologise for the cheap slang, but then again maybe I shouldn’t : It was frankly refreshing some honest feed back.

Us Christians get so caught up in our own little world. I remember at training college our training Officer now Retired LT Colonel Peter Savage (best training Officer ever) pounded into our thick little heads, “cut the religious jargon say it so the average man in the street knows what your message is”.

Well I’ve become so aware of how I haven’t yet learnt the lesson.  I’m chatting to a good friend, an Ex-Sallie who was an influential leader in his own right, worked closely with me, he turns up in 2009 at my Corps makes a decision at the mercy seat and promptly leaves without a bye or leave.

Yay for FB: Next thing we connect on face book. I put up some status that is so religious with the word UNCTION in it. So I get this message from my friend. Quote excuse the language but in this context it’s right “Sheee Craig when you said that word you scared me shitless”.    I deserved it. Sometimes our jargon only alienates and divides. In our enthusiasm, instead of Building bridges we tear them down, even burn some bridges to people at times, even our own.

So we got talking:  “It’s like a language within a language” he said.  So I asked him how can I do this better. What he said next captured my imagination and my heart for people.

“You know Craig I’ve been away from Church for 10 years and no one has attempted to contact me”. I said “that’s really sad”.  He said, “Less churchy-ness and more caring would go along way, just take the time to care.”

He went on and pointed out ..  “A good salesman will visit lapsed clients in order to build a bridge to them, yet in the Church we fail to do that”.  Then I remembered Peter Savage drilling us with Order &Regulations for Officers it went something like this;  “On arrival at your appointment an Officer will make every effort to contact lapsed Salvationist seeking to build bridges and engage them in the war” words to that effect.

Thank you my friend, for helping me to understand again that building bridges to those we have hurt, or to those who have hurt us, is the Spirit of true Salvationism.

I’m sorry I scarred you Sh*^%$less I’ll do better next time.

I walked up to the front door .. bright tulips greeted me and I’m just privileged.

Today I meet a wonderful lady: It’s a privilege to serve the King of Kings, it’s a Joy to be a part of His amazing purposes in the world. Its not the big things that count it’s the little things that count at least that’s what I was reminded of today.

She’s very unwell, she counts the days until “This temple retires from active service .. but the Spirit goes on” . What a Spirit; it so epitomises the tulips at the front door. Lying dormant over the winter and at the command of nature they appear, bright colours standing tall challenging the winter that has been and gone. 

It’s the wee things, its relationships and the little kindnesses that count: “I didn’t think I’d see the tulips this year, but praise God they have come”.  she said. When someone who has run the course and proved faithful in the race speaks, you stop and take notice.  “It’s the wee things that count the relationships, the people who care enough to send a wee message, a card the kind thoughts, these blessings are all around I’ve learnt to appreciate them all. When you don't know whether you will be here tomorrow its funny how it’s these little things that become so important. The birds feeding, the garden, friends, family and my tulips at the front door; did you see them" she said. "Yes I did they're bueatiful".

Sharon and I are just privileged: Such a strong Spirit, no malice only love, thankfulness, kindness, such steadfast faith that even in the last moments of life she wants to be a blessing and she is.  WOW we’re just privileged. That got me thinking how often am I caught up in the whirly burly of the urgent, the issues, the protest, the next project and fail to see the blessings all around. If this was my last day on earth how would I live it? God give me that spirit that is like you in everyway, seeking to challenge the wintery blasts of un-christlikeness.

Tulips I should grow some next year.

I SLEEP WITH MY MENTOR

Its your worst nightmare: after 7 days of total frustration and challenges, a lack of sleep powerless to change some situations and today I have this meeting with my mentor. Don't you just hate it when they ask the very questions you don't want them to ask. Its like they have this kinda sonar device, ... I wonder did my demeanor my body language and my face say it all? Forty questions later we've probed, dragged through the feelings, emotions and frustrations. We talk about around all 6 events until clarification and some common sense prevails. In leadership it helps to have someone giving you perspective.

“Whack” … I’m floored by the extent and barrage of the challenge:


"Your angry" .....
"Your frustrated" .....
"Your minds thinking about what’s not a proven fact" Well YES and why do I come here and put up with this !!!!


So I meet regularly with a very skillful support person (a mentor). Its good to have that, it’s good to reflect on your actions your thoughts, emotions, responses. I come face to face with the relationships broken, or intact and the need of restoration because it's necessary to move forward.

Sometime an advocate can help. A wise word from someone who’s been around the traps awhile; If your young, gather wise council around you it is a good thing, if your old still gather wise council around you, and remember nothing is ever that bad. Gods purpose is restoration, renewal and a divine destiny for us all. Never hold anything against anyone else and be at peace with all men. SO Put it right if you can, this will bring back the peace and poise , to avoid it will only holds up Gods best for you.

I sleep with my best friend and mentor: Sharon is an amazing lady. She has perspective, she's hugely supportive and the 6 events that triggered some righteous indignation and some not so righteous indignation meant we walked this together. I thank God for an amazing partner and wife in ministry. She has poise and perspective, she's my go to person, the mentor I sleep with every night.

Some of you may have huge questions as you enter partnership or singleness in ministry: What will happen? How will I/we cope? Have I/we got what it takes? Do I/we have the emotional and mental dexterity to pursue Gods destiny for me/us?


• Yes you do because otherwise you wouldn't be called.
• Yes you do because God provides people around you open your eyes and see.
• Yes you do. Maintain authentic relationships and be friends with all who will be friends with you.

YES YOU DO BECAUSE YOUR NAME WAS AT THE TOP OF GODS LIST FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT .... so yes you can walk through the nightmares that will come .
Beloved, be encouraged.

Knights in white satin ... White satin to Cyber space!

Moody Blues: I'm definitely showing my age now. Along with Eagles and other bands this was one of my favourite bands. Their Genre was rock mixed with orchestrations and some odd instrumentation that made their music different an interesting. Their Lyrics were deep, meaningful and cleverly grafted. Loving words, as I do, I would hang on every word. One of the songs went like this.

Knights in white satin,

never reaching there end

letters I've written never meaning to send ....

When I think about all the letters, or e-mails or blogs I've written, that never reached their end,  because I procrastinated or I thought better of it. Words can be incredibly powerful, moving, motivating or can comatose you, like a bad sermon that never ends, both for the congregation and the person delivering it.

Today I wrote a letter: Nothing new in that, I write many letters, I do a lot of writing full stop, excuse the pun. Anyway, the particular letter I had to write, I had no choice about. Added to this is it was one of the most important letters I have had to write of recent days. Many things go through your mind, not least how will it be received? Have I made myself clear enough? Will I be misunderstood? Will it encourage and bring about a satisfactory result?

Letters I've written never meaning to send. Sometimes we write letters but we never really intend to send them we don’t push the send button. It just helps us to write it; well I find that anyway. This letter I’ve written not only do I have no choice about writing the letter, I have to send it too, in the hope it will be received in the right spirit. I like the idea of "Knights in white Satin". A knight in the context of the song by "Moody Blues" is someone who will bring about a pleasing end, a type of rescuer, someone who would bring hope or justice perhaps. A knight was a protector or an emissary.

Letters that should be sent: How many times have I decided to write but procrastinated or got way laid by the tyranny of the urgent. The Knights in white satin, or should I say cyber satin that I should have sent but didn't ? Maybe I feared the consequences. But just maybe those knights may have brought some hope, brought about justice, rescued a friend from a wrong decision. The letter I should have sent may have protected a friend or may have been an emissary who advocated in bringing reconciliation to family or friends. Some letters, yes should not be sent, and we all have pushed the send button only to regret the decision. I suggest there are many letters we should have and didn't.

So fellow "Knights in white satin" send that note, that e-mail, that blog into cyber space and trust God to use your creative skills to bring hope, justice reconciliation and encouragement.

Letters I’ve written Craig!

JUST TOOOOO Cool a quote:

I have found a peace that plows on through the storm
I have found a joy that jumps over sadness
I have found a love that lights up every room
I have found, I found You.

The Beach the Beach the beach .. For those who love the beach !!

It’s been almost four months since I walked on this beach. It was one of those magic Wellington days, so we went to Lyall Bay. Panda was excited. Anticipation was all over him the idea of meeting other dogs he’d missed over the four months of winter, well thats what I think at least. Like us Panda likes the beach. The surf was up and as seals, wet suited surfers skilfully weaved along the face of the wave until in a mass of white froth what was a perfectly shaped wave descended into a caldron of foam dissipating to a white ribbon stretching along the shoreline.

It was almost four Months: It was on this very beach that my life took a twist, like a tsunami I was never to know how ferocious it was to be. That’s when God spoke to me. Like a surfer it required me to read the waves, the storm, and navigate skilfully through to the other side. Sometimes I was buried, sometimes I rode the wave like a pro feeling a higher power a higher law carrying me. Troubles come and with Gods help and grace you will make it through, as you draw on God. Don’t get me wrong its not as if there wer'nt some huge hard times along the way, when you fall off the face of yet another wave and get slammed it still hurts like hell, and they still come out of the blue every now then although less frequent now.  I’m not sure whether I’ve learnt to ride the waves better; I hope I have, or whether they have become less powerful. I know God becomes greater in our lives at these times. Is it that God has increased?

So I’m walking along the beach: I walked this way four months ago under very different circumstances I remember it as if it was yesterday. The first thing I notice is that the beach is the same beach but different. That probably doesn’t make sense to you, but I have changed in the last four months. God has done a huge work, I have discovered I’m flawed, forgiven and empowered. I’m a bit of a sailor not a surfer, I do know that the power of the sea is an awesome thing. As we walk along the beach I see it’s the same accept its been swept clean over the winter period. The same stuff is there accept it’s moved around, that’s the power of the sea.

God speaks to me again: He says “Craig I allow these waves to move some stuff around in your life, I've swept some places clean too"; causing me to value what’s valuable not what’s not. To appreciate what I have and not what I don’t or can’t have, to be thankful regardless of how well I navigate the waves. In fact Gods less worried about my prowess and more about me pressing into Him. God was about moving some stuff around, sweeping clean some stuff in my life and He needed some pretty big waves to do it. I guess those involved in my story are still part of my story, well I hope so anyway. The beach is still the beach; the same beach in fact, what’s changed is where everything is. Relationships have changed, I have changed, life has changed but the beach is still the beach. I love the beach I’m just not sure about surfing.

Press in regardless beloved.

Hows the set of your sail?

Without wind, a sailboat cannot fulfill its purpose. It can only drift aimlessly with the currents and in all likelihood will end up broken on a rock. Without the active leading of the Holy Spirit, a human being cannot fulfill her purpose. She can only drift aimlessly with the currents and in all likehood will end up broken on a rock.

That's why we were given two very important, but frequently ignored, commandments in the New Testament: "Grieve not the Spirit," and "Quench not the Spirit." It's amazing. A sailor cannot quench the wind or grieve the wind. (But why would he want to?) However, we can quench and/or grieve the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is a Person, the third person in the Godhead.

He longs to fill our sails with His Presence and His power. He wants to lead us and direct us daily. But we can push Him away -- quench the voice of His leading. We can also make Him sad -- bring grief to His heart.

Apostle Paul told us not to do either of those things. Don't quench the Spirit and don't grieve Him.

Just like turning down an ipod, or deleting a message on facebook, or ignoring a friend, we can quench our contact with the Spirit. And that always makes the lover of our soul very sad.

Just for today, why not say: "Holy Spirit speak to me and I will listen and obey You today, even if my obedience to You hurts my pride, or makes me uncomfortable, or causes people to mock me, or gets me in trouble. I'm so sorry that I have turned down Your voice and made You sad. Help me this day, to do what you say and live in Your way, not mine!"

By Steve Simms

Reconciling – A Mission

Its 3.25am in the morning , my friend a long black sweet coffee makes its presence felt. Always a friend at this time of the morning although a less frequent friend, I’m moving to tea-black weak no sugar, all part of my health regime.

3.25am its quiet I’m left with just my thoughts, my reflections, my longings. It’s also my most productive and creative time. So I thought I’d add another blog. Should I start with that well warn phrase Dear Blog site .. mmm it works for me. So in the quietness I reflect on 6 months of upheaval and personal growth.

This is suppose to be an encouraging blog, it will be but first I must fess up to being the biggest Pratt out, or as someone put it dweeb. I wish I could fix all the damage along the way but even though I would like to some things just take time. God has taught me patience and still is, we know how difficult that can be. Reconciling can be a mission yet that is all I want. For God to complete the work he is doing in me this will be necessary. That’s a little frustrating since there can be other people in involved in the process. I have learnt our effectiveness in MISSION has a direct correlation on our ability to succeed in this mission first that being Reconciliation. So Reconciliation is indeed “A Mission”. Just as the cross points skywards to God, so it stretches East to West, South to North. That’s our world our neighbour. Reconciliation is the heart beat of God and at the centre of his mission. So it must be our mission.

A Mission the best remedy for boredom and restoring fellowship/friendship:

Sharon and I have the privilege of being the National Youth Band Executives so three times a year we get to GO OUT and do mission in a different location, that has it's unique challenges. We are also the Commanding Officers of Wellington City Corps. We get the privilege of going on Mission to another location with the Wellington Citadel Band. Now there are of course heaps of other opportunities. I’m stoked because over the recent NYB mission to Tauranga and the Mission to Nelson with Wellington Citadel band we’ve seen God use us and others to impact the lives of so many people. Rejoice with us!!

OK now I get excited like REALLY excited .. ALLELUIA SEND THE GLORY !!!!! 

Something else happens on mission. Friendships are forged the fellowship of believers is strengthened and reconciliation happens. These are all important by-products of mission. Reconciling – A Mission really happens on all levels in the group or with individuals far from God!!

HOT TIPS FOR CADETS and Corps leaders:

When Sharon and I started ministry together, every now and then a Corps would get grumpy, difficult, and relationships were strained. We would instantly plan outreaches, open-airs anything to get the people out and about doing mission. BECAUSE when left in our holy huddles; and as an Officer I can be just as difficult; under the façade of fellowship the Corps had become a caldron of discontent and could be described as no more than glorified bitch sessions (excuse the coarse language I think its perfect in this context.)

When Gods people go on a MISSION, as we are designed to do, and more so being an Army on the march, then true reconciliation and fellowship happens. I reckon that’s why Jesus sent his disciples out two by two. The bible says they came back rejoicing. Their hearts were fall.

Reconciliation is the heart beat of God. So pursue it. Sure, the relationships may change but in the context of Jesus Christ, they become healthy God honouring and authentic.

The COURAGE to ENCOURAGE

Sheeeee have I been bemused by what seems to be the proliferation of cynicism, and put downs. Blogs that indulge in theological point scoring to the enth degree. Don’t get me wrong robust constructive debate is healthy I just can’t help wondering if the purpose is to parade intellectual prowess, a little like a roster overdosing on hormones and testosterone while displaying its feathers in order to get attention.


I for one like to see courage in the face of opposition, the challenging the norm, not to get attention but rather out of a genuine concern, and a putting into action ones confession. Even if on occasion I fail to follow these convictions, the fact that I do some of the time has to be better than just talking or arguing; its to be applauded.

A wise person once said .. “I’d rather have someone who makes 100 hundred courageous decisions even though they may make mistakes than someone who only makes 1 or 2 courageous decisions and gets it right all the time”


It takes courage to stand against the flow. If that’s you, good on you.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear".

When Disappointment Happens?

Recently I have experienced a disappointment like no other. I have experienced them before but this was a little close to home. As an Officer I guess you never really get used to those times, after all your only human not a robot devoid of feelings or emotions; you know, the whole gamut that life spits out sometimes.

Those feelings are real; you try to remain calm, but on the inside every part of your being screams out for breath, the stomach turns into a knot and you come away sad. I come away so aware that this is a spiritual battle and at anytime we could be casualties. Jesus said, "Watch and pray least you fall"


I'm doing a lot of watching my life my motives with a generous serving of prayer. Do you wonder as I do, as a parent does? Does God the father have those same feelings that scream from the inside, the let down feelings that come when I let Him down? It’s quite cool that Jesus is our advocate reconciling us to God. There’s something comforting about knowing that someone else has experienced what you have experienced. They have empathy. That really helps. Disappointments come and will continue to come but it's cool to know that they serve a purpose of refining, burning up the dross.

Disappointment = God is there.
Can I be like Jesus to those who disappoint?

Birthday ramblings

Its been a while dear blog but today is my birthday. I guess I've been around a while now. OK I have lol.  I've experienced a few things the good the difficult and some things I'm pretty ashamed off. Indulge me once more dear blog as I reflect on characteristics of Jesus that I want to exhibit in my life as you give me another year to serve you.

The Jesus of second chances: Have I messed up on more than one occasion. On Sunday, God moved in a clear demonstration of grace and power. I think, “I don't deserve this, I deserve this least than most, why do I get the privilege of being Gods vessel?" Be encouraged beloved wherever or whatever God will give you another chance. People may not, Jesus does. This weekend I'm reflecting on "The Women at the well”.. She was a loner she had not to many friends, accept those who would use her. WOW do you remember the second chance Jesus gave her. It was transformational. Who are you going to give another chance to in the next few weeks, a letter and open door a hand of frienship?

The Jesus of reconciliation: Some time ago a lady was trying to contact a good friend only to find they did not want to make contact. She never knew why.  For whatever reason people may sometimes choose not to reconcile with one another and that is sad. The awesomeness of Jesus is he came to bring reconciliation. Now I used to think that was between man & God but in reality you can’t be reconciled to God unless you first are reconciled to those who may have hurt you. Reconciliation is one of the most unselfish gifts we can give to another. That horrible day when most of the disciples betrayed Jesus, remember? Can you imagine how tense the atmosphere must have been when Jesus rises from the dead and turns up on the beech cooking their breakfast? Not much is said, but as they eat there’s no judgment just acceptance and a new assignment for Peter. Reconciliation means I never give up on any situation or person.

The Jesus of the lonely: Since I’m doing a bit of nostalgic meandering; in our first appointment we were stationed in Queenstown. Andrea turned up on the doorstep she was working in Queenstown it was party central then, and she could party with the best of them. Despite a heavy social calendar, she was hugely lonely. She said "she often felt the odd one out and never really seemed to fit". That day she retold the story of how her mum took her to Sunday school and how God had spoken to her at a young age called her to serve him. That day in our front lounge, she connected with Jesus for the first time she said "it was like coming home to grandma's after Church and just felt so good. Over the next 12 months, we saw God take a lonely young lady who felt she didn’t fit to new levels of service in God. Just a month ago on FB out of the blue she shows up. Andrea the lonely lost young lady has been serving God in Europe with an outstanding ministry for years. She said “When I meet Jesus that day, I discovered for the 1st time a Jesus who looks out for the lonely, the odd waif and stray to transform them into significance”. Thank You !! WOW

Be encouraged Gods preparing you for significance!!