Lord Be More Visible Than My Eyes Can See

A few years ago on holiday in Australia I were standing mesmerised and looking out across one of Queensland’s many beautiful bays as the light was starting to fade and a storm was beginning to roll in. I got stuck in the moment and , found myself in quiet conversation with God - or was it contemplation of God?. To be honest I don’t think it really matters. It was the moment that was important and I had the presence of mind to put it down on paper afterwards. It was only recently that I came across the full transcript and again... it captured my attention and stirred up a longing for more of him.

In the vastness of space, the movement of time,
the endless demand for breath, or the stretch for a footing
You are found far and near inspiring and affirming the life given through Jesus to me

Come into my tomorrow, my today, my hours, my moments, my present, my every breath.
Confine me, still me to hear your whispers and stretch me to hear the echo of your voice to the edge of audible sound

Lord, be more visible than my eyes can see
Louder than my unvoiced thoughts
Closer than the clothes on my skin, the brush of a breeze or a moment of being wrapped in a lover’s embrace

Lis Hart
Pastor

Making Space

On Sunday the 15th of January, our pastor, David, spoke about making space for God. (Click here to listen to the talk) He led us through a simple exercise from Ruth Haley Barton’s book ‘Sacred Rhythms’. He encouraged us to use this simple exercise of sitting quietly and reading a story in Mark 10:48-52, of Jesus meeting blind Bartimaeus and imagining Jesus asking us “What do you want me to do for you today?” I couldn’t wait to use this exercise at home to help propel me into making more space for God which had once again been lacking. Part of the problem for me is that I make spending time with Jesus a rule for myself to live by rather than spending time with a person I’m in a loving relationship with.

I tried out the exercise (I totally encourage you to do it too!) and what really stood out to me was when reading the story was that Bartimaeus was desperate for Jesus, he didn't care what others thought of him shouting out in the street, he knew the answer to his problems and it was coming his way and nothing was going to stop him receiving. I was struck at how distracted I get by people, food, Facebook etc when I could be spending time with Jesus, who is my life source and answer to my problems.

It was only the next day that I really struggled to get out of bed to spend time with Jesus, it was dark and cold and I was tired. As I lay there, beginning to beat myself up about not getting out of bed I heard Jesus, in his grace say “I love you, I love you”. I smiled to myself, joy welling up inside, that was what I had needed Jesus to do for me that day and I hadn’t even asked!



Beth Edgar

New Friends

I moved to Edinburgh in September 2011 from Fife, and started to attend the Almond Vineyard. David Hart encouraged people to attend a homegroup to meet other people and make friends. Eventually I decided to go to Max and Beth's homegroup. I am not great at going into gatherings or parties where I don't know people, so this was quite a difficult step for me to take.

The Almond Vineyard had made me feel very welcome anyway with a warm and friendly welcome each time I attended. The homegroup was no different. My first evening I left home early to make sure I got there on time, and with butterflies in my tummy I rang the bell.....and in I went. There were 8 of us the first night, different backgrounds and different ages - but all really kind and I felt relaxed. We had coffee, cake and fruit before opening the Bible and learning more about God’s plan for us. Everyone was normal and honest about the situations they were in, before we prayed for each other. It was very encouraging and I came away from there looking forward to the next one.

Last week I had the ‘flu and posted this on Facebook on the Friday morning. Beth and Bill (I have not met him) read my post and prayed for me. By the evening I was feeling much better and recovered fully over the next couple of days. I thank God for the Almond Vineyard and for new friends.

Ruth Smyth

God's Provision Came Through!

Just before Christmas we alwasy have a party at Jaffa Club, the SU group at school which I help to lead.  When I bought the party food and drink I didn't have enough money for a present for the children - we were catering for up to 40.  But God's provision came through!  A classroom assistant who prays for Jaffa Club brought along a bag of gifts on the day of the party. We hadn't said anything, but God organised it for us.

Janet Noakes