In truth, it's been a rough time, lots of small things rather than any one significant one and a couple of feeling poorly/very low days and here we are over a week later.
The photography has suffered too; I've not captured a daily shot in 5 days. I will do something this evening but I am NOT going to beat myself up for failing to keep to a posting schedule - it makes the practice a chore, rather than something to be enjoyed.
However, here's one I took earlier but haven't yet posted to my blog...
How Hill, Norfolk
So, what's the whole 'new direction' title about? Well, it hints that I have, once again, dipped my toe into church waters and it has been an interesting day.
I've had it in mind to go for several weeks but couldn't quite motivate myself to do the actual deed. Today, I felt compelled to make a conscious effort, so I got up early enough to shower, get ready and travel. Thus began a series of strange - Godly? - events.
As I drove, I was aware of a Bible verse from the book of Micah chapter 6:
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Shortly after this, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a glorious rainbow. It didn't stick around for more than a minute, but I was reminded that godd keeps His promises.
I arrived (on time) and found a parking space nearby (a miracle).
I steeled myself and stepped over the threshold and discovered I KNEW one of the stewards on welcome duty. We chatted for a couple of minutes and it turned out she was able to reassure me.
The service began and it felt good to be worshipping as part of a community. The 'moments' continued... Psalm 63 was used as a call to worship, interestingly the context struck chords in me - David was depressed at the state of the city, the lack of love, the lack of passion...
A short presentation on a mission link instantly led to a real link between this church and the one where my daughter worships... 125 miles from here...
As part of prayers we were offered James, Chapter 2 to meditate upon... faith without deeds... I don't want my faith to be a dead one!
At this point, I wrote myself some notes:
I will rest in Christ
I will listen
I will not dismiss the signs
So, my mind was buzzing, but I wasn't freaking out... I did have to tell myself, very firmly, that this was too much coincidence to be conicidence!
I was as if God, knowing me so well, didn't want to leave me in any doubt. Although I didn't instantly recognise the reading - from the Book of Amos - it was used to teach and illustrate one of the Five Core Priniciples of being a Baptist Christian.
I felt so encouraged that here was a church which was interested in reaffirming what makes us the Baptist flavour of being church... that takes prophecy, both foretelling and forth-telling seriously... that believes the Church has a voice in the world... that believes we need to be a LISTENING people, to our God who longs to speak to us.
Over a cuppa at the end, I also discovered that my son-in-law's best friend's brother is a member of the church... it somehow made me feel more like family.
So, for now, I plan to return, at least until the end of the teaching series, and listen and watch. Will God give me any signs? I'm relying on it :)
