Tag: Christianity

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Life Random thoughts teaching

When you’ve gotta go…

I lost my wallet yesterday.

The cherubs and I were at the ALDI checkout, a couple of dozen grocery items jolting along the conveyor belt toward the cashier when I looked at my hands and realised both were sans wallet. As were all my pockets – both jacket and pants.

Assuming I’d left my wallet in the car, I sent Cherubs 1 and 2 with the keys, to retrieve it. While they were gone, I made it to the front of the queue and Cherub3 helped me bag the items as each was scanned.

The lovely check-out guy rang up the total… then Cherub 1 arrived back with the bad news. They couldn’t find the wallet; Cherub 2 had remained in the car and was still searching, and where did I think they should look next?

Apologising profusely to both the lovely check-out guy and the man waiting in line behind me, I left Cherubs 1 and 3 in the store with our groceries; the check-out guy suspended the sale, and I raced out to join Cherub 2 in what was to be a thorough but fruitless rampage through the car.

No wallet.

If you know me, you’d know just how much panic would normally be ensuing at this point in time.

And yet – it wasn’t.

Reason being? It was 4pm after my most-full-on day at work. The day where I start at 7am and literally don’t get a minute to myself until 2.50pm- and yesterday, even that minute didn’t happen. I therefore found myself in the middle of a missing-wallet-dilemma, and all I could think about was how soon I’d be able to extricate myself and find a ladies room.

Man, oh man, was I ever regretting the whole ‘drink plenty of water, it’ll cleanse out your system’ regimen I’d decided to try!

So there I was, turning my car as inside-out as is physically possible, and although the back of my mind was trying to tell me that ‘Losing my wallet was a Very Serious Situation that I’d need to deal with, pronto’, my bodily urges were saying, ‘Nuh-uh! My problem trumps yours, bucko!’ And the bodily urges were winning.

Long story short, I was back at the checkout with Cherub1 – Cherubs 2 and 3 safely ensconced in the back seat of the car, groceries paid for with the generous assistance of an old friend who God had just-so-happened to have take out the right amount of money and shop there at that particular time – when the lovely check-out guy (who’d taken my name and number when I’d scoured every aisle, looking) called me over and told me a wallet had been handed in.

Yes, it was mine. So I could pay back my friend, pack the groceries and Cherub1 into the car, and make it to a ladies room in time.

Relief all ’round!

Moral of the story? Not entirely sure. It’s good to know that God’s in control, maybe? And does every story even need to have a moral? Who knows. Perhaps what every reader gets out of a story is different, anyway…?

Anyway, just thought I’d share that with you this morning.

Here’s wishing you a wonderful week, dear reader!

— KRidwyn

 

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Christianity Life random scribblings Scribblings Writing

Short story: CRIME

Herewith, a story soon to be published in my local Writers’ Group biannual magazine. 800 words. Here’s hoping you enjoy it! 😀

*****

CRIME

Nathanael stood still, watching.

The man in the bed next to him didn’t have long to live. He was 87, after all, and had been ill for months now. Nathanael watched him sadly, wheezing in his sleep. It was such a waste, it truly was.

Nathanael had guarded hundreds – if not thousands – of humans before. He’d been assigned to them when they’d finished their terms as innocents, and stayed with them until their last breath. Then he’d been assigned a new human to guard. Every assignment presented its own challenges, its own highlights. No two were identical, just as each of the Master’s creations was unique. But this last assignment left him saddened. It had been easy, but that in itself had been part of the problem. It had been too easy. The man wasting away in the bed next to him had not lived. Not in any meaningful way. Yes, he had been alive, but he had never lived; he had only existed. And they were very, very different things.

This man, his current assignment, was the second child of three. Overshadowed by both his brothers in intelligence, the man had made up his mind at an early age that he would never amount to much. He had lived with the ridicule of his siblings and the disappointment of his parents, and so had found it difficult to make friends at school. His peers didn’t like him; he’d never gone out of his way to be friendly. By graduation, he’d been friendless. Average school marks had meant that further education wasn’t an option, so he’d gone into the workforce, helping out in his father’s business. And he’d stayed there. Sixty years later, when society had forced him to retire, he’d stopped going to work and stayed at home. The home which he’d inherited from his parents after their death, after his brothers had moved on to bigger and better things. Successful careers. Marriages. Families. Houses. Overseas holidays at ski resorts.

This man, though, had had none of those things. He had told himself that he didn’t want to be seen to be ‘ambitious’ – but really, Nathanael thought that it was because he was scared. Scared of what might happen if he had tried. Scared to succeed; scared to fail. Coasting, making as few decisions as he possibly could, carried less risk. So that’s what he’d done.

He’d never married. Never had anyone that he could call friend. Never even owned a pet! The man had deliberately chosen to be responsible for no-one and nothing. He had told himself that he had preferred it that way. Nathanael wondered if that was true.

It wouldn’t be long now, Nathanael knew. The man’s breathing was becoming more and more erratic. With his angelic sight, Nathanael could see the man’s bodily systems labouring with more and more difficulty, then starting to shut down. The man had just minutes to live.

But what is a life? thought Nathanael. Is it just the number of breaths measured out to a man? Is it the seconds that he has between conception and death? Or is it the decisions that he makes in the time allotted to him? The emotions he allows himself to feel? The experiences he chooses to have?

The Master had created humans to be social creatures. He had created them to be part of community. To care for each other. Life was about living. Not just existing, oblivious to those around you. A life without choosing to interact with others was no life at all. Nathanael knew this. He had had enough experience watching lives to be utterly convinced.

This man, who had lived without thought for others, had done little harm to them. But neither had he done any kindness. And that was such a waste. He could have done so much good! He had had the opportunity for wealth – and with it, the opportunity to be generous with that wealth. He had had the opportunity for friendship – and with it, the possibility of choosing to make others happier. To make their lives easier.

But he had chosen to live his life as risk-free as possible. He had chosen a life without social interaction. A life of solitude. A life alone.

A life wasted. It was almost criminal. To have so many opportunities, and to neglect to nurture them. It was so sad.

Nathanael watched as the man took his last breath. He watched as his heart beat its last time. Nathanael watched as his soul departed, to the place where all souls went, ready for the final judgement.

Nathanael sighed. A final reflection on this man’s life. Then he too departed, thinking with hope of the next life that he would guard. He wondered who his next assignment would be.

The man’s body lay almost as still in death as his spirit had been in life. Unremarkable.

*****

So – did you like it? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please feel free to leave any and all comments below.

And have a lovely week, dear reader 😀

— KRidwyn

Categories
Christianity family anecdotes Life More about me Random thoughts Writing

When stuff goes pear-shaped

I remember one of my godfathers once asked me to choose a present for myself. I was about 8, and we were in the local newsagent.

I looked for a long time, finally bringing him the thickest compendium of Garfield comics I could find, which he bought without hesitation. Afterward, he questioned my choice. “I was only able to choose one gift,” I explained, “so I wanted to make sure that the gift I chose would last me a long time.”

That’s me. I’m a thinker; a planner. I’m the person who always has to know what is going to happen, WAY ahead of schedule, so I can plan for it. That photo next to ‘control freak’ in the dictionary? That’s me.

Well, it used to be, anyway. I’m learning to relax a lot more. God working in me and all that, maybe?

Case in point: this blog.

Last week. No blog post.

Whoops! Monday morning came; Monday morning went; all 24 hours worth of Monday disappeared… and no new words appeared here.

And it was completely human error. Mine.

Thees last couple of weeks have been busy ones, you know? As in, three-cherubs-underfoot-EVERY-SINGLE-DAY-and-no-time-to-stop-and-think-and-realise-exactly-what-day-it-is-today kind of busy.

Hence Tuesday evening, when I went to watch the Monday TV show I’d taped the night before, I realised that I’d been a day behind. No TV show taped. And also, no blog post published. It wasn’t even written! It hadn’t even been thought about!!!

Cue panicked screaming, running around the house, arms flailing, et cetera – for a whole 20 seconds.

And then I thought, ‘You know what? These things happen. It’ll be okay.’

Decibel levels reduced to within nationally appropriate safety standards, my arms stopped flailing, my heartbeat slowed again, my mind ceased racing, and the cherubs whose presence had caused the upset to routine in the first place, chalked the episode up to yet-another-example-of-Mummy-being-crazy, sighed, and returned to watching old episodes of Pokemon I’d recorded for them. (Yes. Record their programs, not mine. Go figure.)

Stuff had gone pear-shaped, and little ol’ control-freak me was going to… be okay with that.

I’d realised that no amount of panicked screaming and arm-flailing was going to change the situation. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change” seems appropriate to quote here, but actually, it was a tweet that same day that hit the nail on the head for me, instead.

Screen Shot 2016-08-14 at 4.06.24 PM

So often I allow stuff over which I have no control, to trip me up. Do you do the same? But although the idea of ‘stumbling over something that lies behind us’, is ludicrous… how often do we do it?

If we can’t change the past, then let it lie. Don’t dwell on it; forget about it inasmuch as it is able to be forgotten (obviously, consequences will out and all that).

But, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t want to be the person on her deathbed at the end of her life, saying ‘I regret spending all that time worrying’. Especially when it’s worry over things I can’t do anything at all about.

[Aside: It may be trite, but I believe that worry is simply an unsaid prayer.]

So my advice, when stuff goes pear-shaped? Do something about it, if you can. And if not, then don’t sweat it. In the long run, it’ll probably be small stuff anyway.

Well, that’s my take on it. Your thoughts?

And have a great week, dear reader!

-KRidwyn

Categories
#blogjune Blogging challenges Christianity Reading

30 must-read books – #22

And yes, I *know* I’m exceeding my self-imposed ‘quota’ of Christian books here – but I can’t NOT include this second non-fiction book in my ’30 must-reads’. Because this book, in my opinion, should be read like a handbook for our lives; informing us of philosophical underpinnings we’re not easily made aware of in today’s information-overloaded culture.

#bj22

There is SO MUCH brilliant information here, thoroughly yet concisely presented. It reads like a textbook in its organisation, making it easily digestible in spite of its comprehensive size.

Yes, it’s dated – published 2001 – and yet, it’s still profoundly relevant here and now – June 2016. Which is why I don’t hesitate to recommend it to you, dear reader!

And have a lovely day today 🙂

— KRidwyn

 

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#blogjune Blogging challenges Christianity Reading

30 must-read books – #21

It’s flying by… today’s date-stamp means that we’re into the final third of #blogjune! And I thought I’d finish off this ‘Christian’ books week with a couple of non-fiction titles. Firstly, Philip Yancey’s classic What’s So Amazing About Grace?

#bj21

Non-fiction rarely moves me; perhaps that’s why I prefer novels. But this one had me both laughing and crying – in fact, there’s a modern version of ‘the prodigal son’ in there so powerful, even thinking about it now gives me goosebumps.

Incredible writing. And what a message! It’s always an inspiring read. Truly, one of the best. Which is why it’s my Book 21, of course 🙂

Have you read it? Would you agree?

And have a lovely day, dear reader!

— KRidwyn

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#blogjune Blogging challenges Christianity Reading

30 must-read books – #20

The first thing that hit me about this novel was the incongruity of the cover. The GREEN was so vivid – and yet, it’s titled Black. I remember I was intrigued enough to glance at the blurb; and that was all it took; I was hooked. (I must admit, having recently finished his thriller Three also helped!)

#bj20

Our choices. Dreams. Reality. Good and evil; pursuit and rescue; death and life: it all adds up to an action-packed page-turner – and the first in his Circle series.

Screen Shot 2016-06-18 at 4.49.42 PMA must-read. But if you don’t have time to read all four novels, read Three instead. Because you won’t want to stop until you’ve read the entire series. Truly!

Happy reading, and see you tomorrow!

And, as always, have a lovely day today, dear reader 🙂

— KRidwyn

 

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#blogjune Blogging challenges Christianity Reading

30 must-read books – #19

And for Book #19 in my ’30 must-read books’ for #blogjune 2016, it’s a return to the ‘classic’ Christian novelist with C. S. Lewis’ Cosmic Trilogy, which I read in my late twenties and fell in love with.

#bj19

An intergalactic parable; this trilogy with blow any ‘Narnia’ / ‘Christian apologetic text’ preconceived ideas clear away. Not to be read when tired; you’ll want to pay attention. And if you’re like me, these books will make you think – a lot!

Have you read them, dear reader? What did *you* think?

And here’s hoping that you have a great day, wherever you are!

KRidwyn

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#blogjune Blogging challenges Christianity Reading

30 must-read books – #18

Book 18: A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers 🙂

Francine Rivers is one incredible writer. Inspiring in her brilliance. Her Mark of the Lion series is one that I turn to when I’m in need of ‘a shot in the arm’ as it were.

#bj18

I’m a sucker for a good historical novel (today’s post is book 18 and there’s Shakespeare, Austen, Dumas, Hugo, and Pargeter in the list already!) and the research in River’s novels is reminiscent of Bodie and Brock Thoene’s meticulous work.

[Unfortunately, although I have immense respect for the Thoene’s novels, I don’t have enough room in my ‘Christian titles’ week to include them 🙁 ]

This series is perfection. History comes to life amidst romance, political intrigue and the clashing of cultures. In spite of the enormity of world-building needed, there are no ‘info-dumps’ removing the reader from the story. It’s a thrilling ride, and I – for one – am caught from start to finish, every time I read them.

Definitely one for the ‘30 must-read’ list. What’s your favourite historical novel?

And have a great day, dear reader!

– KRidwyn

Categories
#blogjune Blogging challenges Christianity Reading

30 must-read books – #17

I must admit, I’ve found this year’s #blogjune to be SO much easier than in previous years. Maybe because I’m finally getting into my stride with it? Or perhaps because in 2016 I’ve run with a theme? And I hesitate to say a third possibility: because I’ve been writing more (novels, newsletters, writing challenges, etc) that the writing is flowing more easily? Anyway, it seems to be working because we’re past the halfway mark and it’s only now lack-of-internet problems are rearing their ugly head, I’m worrying about how-and-where I can use public data supplies to continue this challenge. Not because of lack-of-ideas, or lack-of-time. And that realization makes me happy. (The lack of internet, far less so. But let’s keep this a happy blog post, huh?)

Anyway, after all that introspective waffle, on to my Book 17 of 30 must-read books. This week, it’s Christian titles I’m recommending, and who could go past Tim LaHaye and Jerry B.Jenkins’ Left Behind series?

#bj17

This is an awesome series. The ‘end of the world’ scenario tends to cause a plethora of debate in Christian circles, but I’m glad that the approach taken by these authors stays true to one of the main interpretations of the rapture. I must admit, their interpretation (that the rapture occurs pre-Tribulation) concurs with my own, so I may be more easily impressed 🙂 That being said however, even if they’d written this series with a different interpretation (mid-Tribulation rapture, for example) I think I still would’ve included them on my ‘30 must-read’ list because their writing is so thoroughly compelling.

Have you read them? What did you think?

And have a fantastic day, dear reader!

– KRidwyn

PS I liked the ‘Left Behind – The Kids’ version too! Although admittedly, I haven’t finished the entire series, what I have read has left me in no doubt of their abilities to write masterfully for the MG / YA audience as well  🙂

Categories
#AtoZchallenge #blogjune Blogging challenges Christianity Writing

26 lessons from God’s metaphors: #26

And we’ve made it to Z! The final ‘metaphor’ of God: King of Zion.

Each of these posts was inspired by a cross-stitch made by my Mum. The picture of the ‘z’ square shows: a crown of thorns (although in reality apparently the thorns were approximately 6 inches long!); the phrase ‘King of Zion’; and the verse Matthew 27:37. This verse reads:

Z

“A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Now you’ll notice that the word ‘Zion’ isn’t included. In fact, the word ‘Zion’ isn’t part of this verse in Matthew at all, in any version.

Rather, the designer of this cross-stitch pattern used this verse to emphasize Jesus’ kingship. The bit about ‘Zion’ comes from Psalm 2:6: “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” And some translations use the word ‘Jerusalem’ instead of ‘Zion’ as well.

So what *is* Zion?

Well originally, it was a place. A fortress in fact, which David captured in 2 Samuel 5:7, and later built the royal palace there. His son, King Solomon, built the temple there too, and the word ‘Zion’ came to mean the whole temple area. Later in the Old Testament (as in, before Jesus’ birth) the word Zion is used to refer to the city of Jerusalem, the land of Judah, and even the nation of Israel as a whole.

In the New Testament (from the birth of Jesus onwards) the word Zion refers to God’s spiritual kingdom (See Hebrews 12:22 and 1 Peter 2:6).

So the Romans who were crucifying Jesus, and who then hung a sign above his head showing that his ‘crime’ was being ‘King of the Jews’, incensed the Jews watching the spectacle. John 19:19-22 records that the Chief Priests ask for the sign to be changed, from ‘Jesus, King of the Jews’ to ‘Jesus, who claimed to be King of the Jews’. Pilate (the Roman governor) refused.

And so Jesus, the King of the Israelite nation, was killed. His death was sought by the leaders of Israel; and sanctioned by the leader of the Gentiles (non-Jews).

And he died.

And yet, God had decided that He would install his King on Zion, on His holy mountain.

So Jesus didn’t stay dead. God raised him from death, thus conquering its hold on us, should we choose to believe in Him and follow Him.

Jesus, is now, and will remain forever, King of ‘Zion’: which is God’s spiritual kingdom.

And I’m a part of that kingdom, if I choose to be.

And I do!

So with that, we conclude the lessons for this month of April, and this, my first attempt at the annual #A-Zchallenge.

What a huge month it’s been!

Thank you to all those who’ve supported me along the way; your company and encouraging comments have truly made this journey a memorable one! I never would have realised how blessed this experience could be. Thank you!

So where to next? Well, back to my regularly scheduled once-a-week blog posts… for the month of May, at least. Who knows where after that; what with #blogJune an’ all…!

Anyway, time for me to stop rambling. Have a lovely day, dear reader – and thanks for stopping by!

May God richly bless you today 😀

— KRidwyn