Tunnels can be quite daunting and scary. Often they are dark and damp, narrow and lonely, and others may shed a hint of faint light from occasional lamps situated within them. Sometimes we have to walk through the tunnel to find the daylight at the end of it.
And God said, 'let there be light.' Genesis 1:3
A tunnel is a pathway through to another place and sometimes we try to avoid walking through them because we are afraid, but it might be a necessary route to take because there is no other way to reach our intended destination unless we make that journey through the tunnel. Sometimes God will lead us down difficult roads, not to break us but to make us!
'You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.' Psalm 18:28
Life can sometimes lead us to a tunnel, and some of us will try to avoid walking through it due to fear of the unknown, but eventually we come to the inevitable conclusion that it is the only way forwards to reach our goal. We soon start to realise that God is with us on this journey and he has been from the start. I read somewhere about footprints in the sand, looking back there were often two footprints in the sand but at times there were only one set. This is when we question God asking the typical questions, where were you God? Why did you leave me? The footprints aren't clear to us that God was there the whole time, when there was only one set of footprints that was when God was carrying you.
'I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.' John 12:46
It may be that some of us refuse to enter the tunnel through our lack of certainty, whereas others of us will somehow find our strength and courage from God to walk through it, and however long the journey through the tunnel might be, as soon as we see that small glimmer of light, we know we've almost got there; the journey is almost at an end when we see the light increasing in strength until it becomes brighter and that welcomed sight of daylight appears. We made it through the trial as we came to recognise the strength of God inside us bringing hope as we put our trust in him.
'This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.' 1 John 1:5
Tunnels can appear within books as a way through to another place, or just a place to hide away; tunnels can be used as a means of increasing the mystery and adventure within the storylines, and other times the tunnel may be avoided because of what lurks within it. Whichever it may be, a tunnel can bring a sense of suspense and intrigue. Whether you choose to enter the tunnel, or simply avoid walking through it, just remember there is always light at the end of the tunnel. And that light is the light of the world!
Saturday, 27 May 2017
Are you stuck in a rut?
We can all probably say that at some point in our lives we have been stuck in a rut, where normality becomes like a long drawn out tedious day of events that turn into an endless spiral of repetition.
We all have jobs that need doing and things we have to attend to on a daily basis, but how many of us, if we are honest, feel like we are living inside a maze?
We head in one direction, turn right, then go further along and suddenly we hit a brick wall. We carefully retrace our steps, turning left instead of right in a hope to find the exit. This way seems to take us further than before, and we think we're almost out of the maze, until we spot another brick wall up ahead of us.
The maze is like a conundrum, a puzzle that needs solving; but with so many brick walls already in our way, we begin to wonder is there actually any escape?
Only from an aerial view can we look down on a maze and see the complexity of the route. The exit is visible to us from a distance, from a height, but when we are right in the middle of it ourselves, the exit is unclear, hidden from sight.
It can feel like you will never escape the maze and you believe you will be stuck here for quite some time. There is always a way out, a means of escaping the maze, the rut you are in. A little patience is needed, along with some gentle persuasion and help. Guidance from others is also sometimes essential, because quite often we can become comfortable in our rut and accept that we will not get out of it. Comfort is the enemy of progress, we can never move forward if we're just staying in the same place. For many it's hard to get out of this place, there is however a solution and many will choose to ignore it, even Christians because it is overwhelming asking for help, giving up our control, we often like to find solutions ourselves, we are of little faith and trust. When Jesus was walking on the water he said to the disciples, 'Take courage! It is I! Don't be afraid.' They'd seen him do all kinds of miraculous deeds but they were afraid in that moment because the sea was raging, there was a storm, they couldn't see clearly if it was really him or some trick of the wind, maybe an hallucination. Faith is required and trust. In that moment Jesus was not only standing on the water but the word.
'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.' Psalm 119:105
Peter was walking on the word, but once he took his focus away from Jesus and became distracted by the wind he began to sink. Take as big or little steps as you need in your walk with God, trust his timing, dont look to the world or what you think you know, don't allow yourself to be stuck.
This rut... there will have been something that brought you into this place, examine your mind, are you pessimistic or optimistic? Do you allow what others think of you to affect you? Does work lead to stress? Do you fantasize about running away? Do you find yourself questioning why a lot of the time?
'Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.' Romans 12:2
Take one step at a time, and don't allow yourself to be side-tracked with unnecessary things, distractions will come and it gets harder to stay focussed but if you set your mind on things above and not on earthly things, you will find greater freedom. Follow the lead of others who have escaped their own ruts, and you too can break free of the maze you are in. Allow God to break you out of this rut!
We all have jobs that need doing and things we have to attend to on a daily basis, but how many of us, if we are honest, feel like we are living inside a maze?
We head in one direction, turn right, then go further along and suddenly we hit a brick wall. We carefully retrace our steps, turning left instead of right in a hope to find the exit. This way seems to take us further than before, and we think we're almost out of the maze, until we spot another brick wall up ahead of us.
The maze is like a conundrum, a puzzle that needs solving; but with so many brick walls already in our way, we begin to wonder is there actually any escape?
Only from an aerial view can we look down on a maze and see the complexity of the route. The exit is visible to us from a distance, from a height, but when we are right in the middle of it ourselves, the exit is unclear, hidden from sight.
It can feel like you will never escape the maze and you believe you will be stuck here for quite some time. There is always a way out, a means of escaping the maze, the rut you are in. A little patience is needed, along with some gentle persuasion and help. Guidance from others is also sometimes essential, because quite often we can become comfortable in our rut and accept that we will not get out of it. Comfort is the enemy of progress, we can never move forward if we're just staying in the same place. For many it's hard to get out of this place, there is however a solution and many will choose to ignore it, even Christians because it is overwhelming asking for help, giving up our control, we often like to find solutions ourselves, we are of little faith and trust. When Jesus was walking on the water he said to the disciples, 'Take courage! It is I! Don't be afraid.' They'd seen him do all kinds of miraculous deeds but they were afraid in that moment because the sea was raging, there was a storm, they couldn't see clearly if it was really him or some trick of the wind, maybe an hallucination. Faith is required and trust. In that moment Jesus was not only standing on the water but the word.
'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.' Psalm 119:105
Peter was walking on the word, but once he took his focus away from Jesus and became distracted by the wind he began to sink. Take as big or little steps as you need in your walk with God, trust his timing, dont look to the world or what you think you know, don't allow yourself to be stuck.
This rut... there will have been something that brought you into this place, examine your mind, are you pessimistic or optimistic? Do you allow what others think of you to affect you? Does work lead to stress? Do you fantasize about running away? Do you find yourself questioning why a lot of the time?
'Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.' Romans 12:2
Take one step at a time, and don't allow yourself to be side-tracked with unnecessary things, distractions will come and it gets harder to stay focussed but if you set your mind on things above and not on earthly things, you will find greater freedom. Follow the lead of others who have escaped their own ruts, and you too can break free of the maze you are in. Allow God to break you out of this rut!
Saturday, 20 May 2017
What's behind the door?
There are many kinds of doors that we see and come across each day. There are doors leading inside a house, a shop, a garage, shed, supermarket, church, car, cupboard, the list is endless. Sometimes we can tell from the type and style of the door what we will find inside or behind it.
There are also doors leading to opportunities. Sometimes these doors only remain accessible and open for a short time before they close, and often can stay closed.
Within our lives we need to look for opportunities that may come our way, and be sure to step through this open door before we miss our chance and it is locked. Obviously this is a scary concept, leaving us feeling uncertain and anxious, but it can also be an exciting concept as we step through into the unknown. If you are brave and overcome your fears to take that first important step through the door, then in time the rest will fall into place.
Whatever you want to achieve in life and whatever your ambitions are, then firstly you must make that life-changing decision to step through the open door. Aim to take control of your life and you will succeed.
Always be on the look out and search for those opportunities within your life where doors are opened for you. Be bold and courageous in taking that all important step through it before it closes, because if you don't, you may just regret it. If the door is shut, don't be too annoyed or upset because another door of opportunity will present itself in good time, it's entirely up to you whether you walk through it.
There are many kinds of doors in books. Sometimes the characters are frightened or anxious to walk through it or even open it, fearful of what they might find lurking inside. Other characters relish the challenge and are full of excitement as they boldly step through the door.
Which character do you most relate to? Are you the timid, fearful character who holds back and misses their chance and opportunity, or are you the bold, courageous character who is searching and yearning for an adventure behind the door?
There are also doors leading to opportunities. Sometimes these doors only remain accessible and open for a short time before they close, and often can stay closed.
Within our lives we need to look for opportunities that may come our way, and be sure to step through this open door before we miss our chance and it is locked. Obviously this is a scary concept, leaving us feeling uncertain and anxious, but it can also be an exciting concept as we step through into the unknown. If you are brave and overcome your fears to take that first important step through the door, then in time the rest will fall into place.
Whatever you want to achieve in life and whatever your ambitions are, then firstly you must make that life-changing decision to step through the open door. Aim to take control of your life and you will succeed.
Always be on the look out and search for those opportunities within your life where doors are opened for you. Be bold and courageous in taking that all important step through it before it closes, because if you don't, you may just regret it. If the door is shut, don't be too annoyed or upset because another door of opportunity will present itself in good time, it's entirely up to you whether you walk through it.
There are many kinds of doors in books. Sometimes the characters are frightened or anxious to walk through it or even open it, fearful of what they might find lurking inside. Other characters relish the challenge and are full of excitement as they boldly step through the door.
Which character do you most relate to? Are you the timid, fearful character who holds back and misses their chance and opportunity, or are you the bold, courageous character who is searching and yearning for an adventure behind the door?
Tuesday, 2 May 2017
Let your light shine
We get light from many different sources; torches, phones, lamps, street lights, the sun, the moon, car head lights are just a few examples. In my story many types of lights are used to create different effects in a particular storyline. The light from a full moon gives an eerie setting when used to illustrate suspense and mystery; a flaming torch used within an old stone building creates a heart pounding setting creating dancing shadows from the walls giving the illusion of fear or intrigue; the bright sun shining by day gives a feeling of everything will work out alright, creating an ambience of joy and serenity; headlights from a car on a dark, foggy night may give a feeling of fear and uncertainty; the light from a torch may give a sense of purpose and guidance as the beam shines the way ahead.
At some point in our lives we have all used different sources of light for different reasons. As I write and develop storylines, I have in mind a particular idea or journey where the story needs to go; I find inspiration from things everyday whether it be something I have seen or something I have read. We all can be inspired from day to day to allow our own light to shine out to be an inspiration to others.
If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. Allow your imagination to soar, be all you can be and let your own light shine out, and whatever you do and whatever you want to be, it will become an inspiration to others to fulfil their own dreams in life.
Never let your light go out!
At some point in our lives we have all used different sources of light for different reasons. As I write and develop storylines, I have in mind a particular idea or journey where the story needs to go; I find inspiration from things everyday whether it be something I have seen or something I have read. We all can be inspired from day to day to allow our own light to shine out to be an inspiration to others.
If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. Allow your imagination to soar, be all you can be and let your own light shine out, and whatever you do and whatever you want to be, it will become an inspiration to others to fulfil their own dreams in life.
Never let your light go out!
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