This week is family council week.   FOCUS . . . .!!

You will need to do some preparation during the week for the coming weekend . .

· Select a passage of prose or a poem to read aloud that is special to you

· Select a family story to tell

· Choose one piece of music that is special to you . . . title only – you don’t have to bring it on CD

· Bring a photo or picture that is special to you that can be pasted into the family tome

· Bring an object that has some special interest

· Give some thought to your own story ie your past year and the coming year – the good and the bad, the difficulties the challenges, the disappointments, the achievements, the significant events, your hopes, aspirations and concerns.

· If you were an animal, what animal would best describe the person you are

Easter has hot cross buns . . . we need a special food / snack and drink for family council  . . . any ideas?

I am called by name. I am loved, I am special and I deserve to be here. I love myself, the way God made me. I have a role to play in this family, to be a blessing to others and to allow them to be a blessing to me.

I am here on this earth to serve others with courage, dignity, identity and direction.

I have rivers of fire and ice flowing in my veins . .
the heat, dust and passion of Africa that births spontaneity and fiery joy  . . .
the cold and icy winds of the old country that demands that I plan for the winters of life as it pulses from season to season.

Life is a journey towards truth and fulfillment. Just as the ancient Vikings crossed the icy oceans in open boats so we too are wonderers – never content to be in one place, always eagerly looking to the horizon for the next thing, the next place and the next challenge; our ears always straining the winds for the faint call of destiny.

We are warriors . . .
a sword to separate good from evil . . .
a shield to protect that which has value . . .
armour to protect our hearts from the rabid attacks of deception and injustice . . .
winged sandals to flee the battle but win the war . . .
and a battle horn ready to call for reinforcements.

We are strong but not everyone is so fortunate. We should therefore protect by our words and actions, those who are weaker or more vulnerable than we are.

Even as the owl with its remarkable neck of many vertebrae cannot see a closed circle so we too are vulnerable. We need God to close the gap in our consciousness on our behalf, to cover our backs when we are looking forward and to lead the way when we are looking behind.

We are a Christian family but respect everyone’s right to pursue meaning and truth in their own particular way.

Life is like a wooden chest. Inside the precious contents protected, warm and safe, outside the wooden exterior scared and battered by the shifting sands of agenda, time and place. The lock is the keeper; allowing only those of a true heart and noble character to open the chest.

Life is an edge, not a table; keen and sharp, a blessing in the hands of the compassionate surgeon, and a scourge when welded by those driven by lust, power and greed; we are called to know the difference.

I got up and followed the path down through the towering trees and into the high street. I stopped outside a small tavern; inside the only light came from a fireplace and a few candles.  To the side sat a foreign looking lout playing a steel drum, more like a flat gong but with many different notes. His hair was black and short and his face unshaven. He beat out a melody which was as round-and-plump, as he was tall-and-thin.

I sat down and wrote as the firelight danced to the metallic notes. I wrote until the ashes gasped and the night visitors had slunk away. I wrote as the tavernkeeper stacked the chairs and removed the candle stubs from their steel holders. I wrote as he noted the day’s takings into a well-thumbed book.

Finally, he came up to me and wiping his hands absentmindedly he announced, “It’s time”; his voice was pleased.

“I know!” I finished the last few strokes on a simple coats of arms surrounded by four words that I had sketched into the back of my book.

Today I share these four words with you – courage, dignity, identity and direction.

In addition to fighting a war that is mainly spiritual, a warrior is loyal, trustworthy, honest and displays qualities like integrity and honour. He/she looks after the well-being of those weaker than themselves.

A warrior is not afraid to lead and is characterised by all the qualities of love described in 1 Cor 13

Yesterday someone asked for a defination of masculinity and unlike almost every other kind of question, got no usable replies*.

Many men, and in particular, men in the church,  have no clue what it means to be a man. They do not know how to live a truly masculine lifestyle. *Frightening thing, is that no-one really seems to care.

Pursue God, wrestle with him, go the distance

I prayed, aloud, and God walked with me. This was easy.

As we mature God expects us to make more and more decisions in keeping with what he has taught us, and in accordance with our passions and talents. It like your son asked you, “Dad should I play rugby or hockey this year?” Both are good choices for a winter sport if he is physically fit and capable. You are going to give him your blessing and support regardless of the choice he makes; you want him to follow his passion; you want him to be happy.

Therefore this is a faith issue even if the decision is hard. Pray about it, expect God’s leading and then boldly make a decision (when the time seems right) even if God seems to be silent on the matter.

God

Persecution is what you experience all day, everyday as Satan works you. He throws the book at you trying to frustrate and thwart your good relationship with yourself and God.

 Spiritual warfare is hard, constant and daily; spending time with God is your only defense.

She said, “Spent an hour with God each day and never do what you know to be wrong. Do this and you will be fine.”

As a religion Christianity is so easy, but the human mind and heart loves to make things complicated.

Deep down within you, you have to have a thirst for God that drives you forward. Problem is, this desire for God, is God given!

If you don’t have it, ask for it; well and often! This is easy