Morning Cuppas With Glenys

Finding peace in this sad old world

It is a fact that we live in a fallen world. When Adam and Eve fell from grace, they set in motion a world of sin, death, disease and running from God. For the first time in creation, they hid themselves from God and were afraid.

Previously to the Fall, they had enjoyed fellowship with God. But with sin came separation from God with anxiety, endless toil, pain in birth, death and terrible diseases and tragedies.

This has continued to today and indeed the effect of the Fall has made earthly existence a bitter pill to swallow. No one is immune from sins' effects. Not one of us.

Trials will beset all of us and will surely come. We can do little to offset sins' effects, except pray and ask God for strength to overcome.

We know that He has overcome the effects of the Fall and we can rest assured in the work that Christ has done. By His sacrifice of Himself, He defeated sin and the Devil, giving us the assurance of an eternal Home with Him through believing and accepting His salvation.

But until He comes again, we are stuck with sins' effects and the trials we have in this world.

When we are going through a trial, whatever it is, we have the choice to run to God or run away from Him. We have the choice to worship God no matter what, or to whine or run from God in a petulant manner that alienates us from Him.

We forget that God is God and He is sovereign and as such, He can allow anything He wants in our life. Sometimes we can't figure it out either and it flies in direct opposition to the false teachings some of us have heard about claiming in faith what we want and it shall be so. It does not work like that.

We have to believe that God allows trials in our lives to bring us closer to Him. He wants us to run to Him for our strength. He wants us to grow in faith and godliness. He wants us to trust Him.

Running to God in trouble should be our first reaction, for there we will find help and there we will have our faith and love reinforced. There in Him will be peace, love and joy that is not dependent on our circumstances.

Running from God will result in the opposite and will invite anxiety, fear and alienation from a loving God Who wants us to trust Him and love Him.

Until He comes in glory, we need to stay close to our Saviour, no matter what comes our way. Like the saints of old, we can attest to finding joy and peace no matter what we experience in this sad old world.

The flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17b-18

A leaf out of the Old Testament

In ages past the Jewish people were often suspected of practising magic arts and were regarded with suspicion because in times of illness they often went unscathed.

When the Black Plague happened, most Jews survived and not only were suspicions heightened, but so were the hate crimes and anti-semitism as seen in more pogroms.

The Jewish people then and to this day practice good hygiene according to the Torah. They wash hands frequently, especially before eating in a ceremonious washing of hands. There are strict hygiene laws regarding mildew, illness, body fluids, menstruation and house cleansing and food preparation.

Because of these Laws, many Jewish homes were untouched by illness, much to the consternation of the gentiles who didn't really need much to trigger their pogroms and hate.

So what can we learn from these practices today? We can use basic good hygiene, such as washing our hands frequently, but especially before we eat or prepare food.

We can wash bedclothes, towels and tea towels frequently in times of illness. We can ensure that all cooking vessels are thoroughly washed and rinsed, especially tea cups and cutlery. This is good practice whether there is illness or not in order to prevent illness or if it's in the house, spreading.

The people in the Old Testament and in particular Leviticus were given these Laws by the Creator God Who blessed these people and covenanted with them. They are the same Laws that will protect Christians today.

Basic hygiene will keep us safe from contracting the Corona Virus, just like it did for the Jewish people during past plagues. Let's incorporate godly hygiene practices by taking a leaf out of the Old Testament.

"And the Lord spoke to Moses saying, "You shall also make a basin of bronze, and its pedestal also of bronze, to wash with; and you shall put it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. For Aaron and his sons shall wash there their hands and their feet. When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire to the Lord. So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not; and it shall be a statute forever to them, to him and to his seed throughout their generations." Exodus 17-21

Your sleep can be sweet.

I often wake with a panic attack induced by a dream. This is pretty common for the fibromyalgia sufferer.

The first thing I do is purposefully relax my body and allow the adrenaline to subside. I usually feel it coursing through my body like a cold chill. By relaxing instead of tensing, it usually leaves through the soles of my feet. That takes care of the physical nasty effects of the panic.

I have trained myself to immediately respond with praise. Worship and praise are key to controlling it on the emotional level. I make myself lay in bed and I pray for others' needs. I also force myself to dwell on positive things like counting my blessings.

If I refrain from getting up, but stay in bed instead, I can usually fall asleep again. Panic attacks are sneaky things that can catch you unawares, such as when you are sleeping. But they don't have to linger.

Focus on relaxing and getting your breathing controlled and then focus on praiseworthy and good things. God gives His beloved rest. He's got your back, even in your sleep. Your sleep can be sweet.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Proverb 3:24

Yet will I trust in Him!

I believe in miraculous healings of course, but I think the name it and claim it teachings are not only unbiblical, but put a lot of unnecessary pressure on people who are already suffering.

God does say no to some healings and no amount of temper tantrums and stomping on the Word is going to change it. The fibro flare continues, the depression doesn't lift and the arthritis doesn't abate.

We either believe that God is Sovereign and accept that He has the final say, or we can continue to stew and rant and become distant from Him. Which is not the way of true faith.

We need to teach more about the faith that says "Even though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him! "Job 13:15a

Just run to God and pray

Prayer is as important to the Christian as breathing, but a lot of Christians don't pray much or are intimidated by the very word "prayer".

They get bound up with perfectionism, worrying that they may not be eloquent enough to pray properly. Then there is the fear of political correctness: how does one approach a loving but strict God?

Still others are afraid to approach God through prayer. They feel unworthy to come before Him. All these things are hindrances to prayer.

So what is prayer? Prayer is talking to God. It is expressing our heart to Him in the confidence that He hears. It is an act of faith. It is just having a conversation with Someone with Whom we have a personal and deep relationship. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: 1 John 5:14

Prayer is not using long flowery words spoken with the eloquence of angels... it is deep and meaningful communion between God and ourselves.

Prayer is knowing that we have a heavenly Advocate: Jesus Who intercedes to the Father for us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous 1 John 2:1

Prayer is the us in our faith: Us and Him. It's the sharing, the confessing, the repenting, the guidance, the Spiritual Intimacy that our souls long for. It's the heartbreak, the grief and it's the Love of a Father for His Child: us. you. me.

Prayer is the medium for communication between the Divine and us. It's a natural outflow of a loving relationship with the Creator as we travel this journey called Life. It's freely available day or night with no wi fi connection problems...

It doesn't matter where you pray, or even how you pray if you are sincere. God already knows what we need and what's in our heart, but He longs to hear from us- and even when we can't pray or find the words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays for us.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

We know that sometimes our prayers aren't answered as we had hoped, and sometimes unconfessed sin can hinder that. But it is still important to keep faith and keep praying for that is the umbilical cord or connection to communicating with our God.

Only God knows why He has not answered a prayer according to our wishes, but that is not a reason to give Him the cold shoulder. Take your disappointment to Him in prayer and re-establish that relationship with Him. He no doubt has something in our best interest when He withholds answering that prayer. Pray anyway. Even if it is just to be comforted. Pray.

None of us are worthy in our own right to approach the Throne of God and pray, but God sees us through the work that Jesus has done. Come to Him and pray about everything. All the time. For everyone. Even strangers. Even your enemies. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Quench not the Spirit.Despise not prophesyings. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray with clean hands and hearts for the prayer of a righteous man availeth much. And if your hands and heart aren't pure, pray for forgiveness with sincerity. Prayer will keep us safe from the Evil One and close to The One Who loves us and gave His life for us. And Who Himself prays to the Father for us. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

Let our first reaction in all things be to run to the Father and pray! © Glenys Robyn Hicks

Not even on our worst day.

Whenever we sometimes question the why of doing our housework, let’s consider the end result of not doing it! These photos are pictures of an actual apartment in Houston which had been evacuated *prior to* not *because of* a hurricane! I will publish a picture and then the links to others as they are true lessons in the whys and wherefors of housekeeping!

Here is a link to more photos. Every type of filth is in that house (Check out the bathroom basin. If they had wings they would take off! ugh! ) Somehow, I don’t think this lady would get the prize for Housekeeper Of The Year!

It makes sense that in Titus we read the older ladies are to teach the younger ladies how to be domestic. Having a home like this certainly wouldn’t be an example of a Christian home! No Christian woman should keep her home like this, even if she is chronically ill.

Most of us sacrificial home keepers usually manage to keep our homes basically clean and a scene like these wouldn't be a scene from any of our homes- not even on our worst day!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

“[To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed”. Titus 2:5 ..

Humility and meekness becomes us!

Over the past forty years of being a Christian, I have witnessed to people without saying a word. Everything has been done in His Name and I have been very open about being a Christian. But I never preached at them.

Many people in our neighbourhood have come to me when in trouble and I have prayed for them. I have been called upon to exorcise homes and bless homes. I have given handkerchiefs prayed over by the pastor and anointed with oil to people facing risky surgeries, who were afraid and needed a touch from the LORD. I helped sick neighbours and visited hospitals in a Ministry group at church.

People just seemed to call on me when they needed a pastor and were unchurched and unsaved. And some asked me about becoming a Christian. Not all became one, but that was their choice. Some were saved.

The reason I am telling you this is that we can't segregate ourselves from the world. We must work amongst the unsaved without pride or judgments. It is not helpful to insist on the unsaved acting as saved before you minister to them. God loved us when we were still sinners. Besides, we were just like them once: in need of a Saviour. We are saved by Grace!

I have found that people who are unsaved but who call on believers in time of trouble are already tender to the things of God. There's nothing attractive to non believers who are searching, like a self-righteous, proud, overly pious Christian who looks down on them. People know instinctively when someone is doing that.

This serving of people who as yet do not know the LORD should be done in a seemingly ordinary but loving way so that people see Jesus in you. That is the aim of all Christians who are trying to be Christ-like. To draw attention to Him, not them.

When or if questions are asked about our faith, it is important that we share the love of Christ and what He has done for us and will do for them, in a simple way. Give them hope. Give them a reason to accept Jesus as LORD. But remember to include them in the hope you have, and be gentle but sincere.

As servants of the Most High, remember our example: Jesus. Putting on humility and meekness becomes us and glorifies Him.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

Serving God when the nest's empty

I have been a homemaker since I was 16 years old- 51 years in total. I love a clean house, and I plan and clean, but after the cleaning is over, my heart asks ‘now what?’ I don’t find that housework in itself brings me full satisfaction in my Christian life. It is my responsibility before God to run my household well and to look after my family, but what about after that’s done for the day? I mean, after 51 years, you do get housekeeping down to a fine art! Over the years I have found ways that I can work from my home and serve Christ and others.

Now I realise that there are many home-based businesses you can do, but I am specifically talking about ministry- acts of charity and kindness one can do from home. With small children at your feet, and dinners baking in ovens and simmering in crockpots. Laundry tumbling happily in the laundry room and no freedom to leave the home. And really there is no need. As keepers of the home, it is to our advantage to be at home-for then people will know where to find you. But therein lies the problem:; how do we satisfy that craving to serve Christ and others more fully whilst still being Keepers of the Home? How can we show charity and acts of kindness to others whilst at home?

There are many ways one can be charitable and kind to others without leaving home. Here are some of the things I have done with children around me, and now grandchildren.

* I have baked for the woman down the street who was on bed rest for a problematic pregnancy. And learnt to praise God that mine weren’t.

*I have designed and typed resumes for neighbours who didn’t have the ability or computer. Put to use my training as a data entry operator.

* Designed my own cards with a personal message for the sick and sent a child over

* I have minded a fractious baby for a friend who was a new mother and just needed some time-out! (Wishing I had had that myself in hindsight. Smile)

* Over a cup of tea, I would help a friend work out a budget as she wasn’t sure how to stretch the funds and her husband had handed the responsibility over to her (probably feeling overwhelmed) I have been there too- but because of that, I had become extremely good at frugality. For which I praise the LORD!

* As it became known that I could sew, it was not uncommon to have a hem of some school trousers or a friend’s dress to take up or even to be asked to finish knitting a baby jacket someone had started and was running out of time to finish.

* I would provide free after school care for my neighbour’s children if she had a dental or medical appointment that would prevent her from getting home earlier.

* I have sat at home packing endless pieces of jewellry or Christmas cards with a friend who was subsidising her disability pension with piece work and was behind.

* I have laundered clothes for a friend with a house full of sick children and so overwhelmed with that and laundry that I told her to bring a few loads to me.

* And ironed those clothes too- now that’s love! (Smile)

* My home has been like a crèche some days as the neighbour’s children played with mine because their Mother was morning-sick (I relate so well to that one!)

* And I have just sat at my kitchen table with a cup of tea and listened to some friend’s problems and offered advice if asked, but mostly listened. A problem shared is a problem halved! Never underestimate the gift of learning when to listen and when to keep silent. Many mistakes made and lessons learnt for me there!

* I have sewn countless little cotton shifts and pants for the orphanage our church sponsored in Madagascar. I never saw them wearing them, but I got letters!

* I have sat countless hours after my housework was done sewing sequins on big banners for the Worship Hall in our church. Thousands of sequins..thousands!

* And I have lost count of the number of women who have come with unfinished projects that we have worked on at my home. Sewing, knitting, crochet… And speaking of crochet and knitting…teaching a couple of friends crochet and knitting and how to read knitting patterns!

* Teaching my friend to touch type was another thing I did at home. That taught me a lot about patience, believe me!

* A young man who was my son’s friend couldn’t read and confided in me and he came and I taught him to read. He has a lot of confidence now! Praise God!

* I helped a friend with a disabled child do physical therapy at my home on the days when she was too exhausted to do it. I sure learnt a lot about a mother’s love!

* A rather humorous time was my neighbour who lived behind me asked me to show her how to peg her laundry out like I did- boy, I didn’t know she was looking!

* A young wife wasn’t sure how to use ammonia on her oven and asked me for a demo. I had the cleanest oven in town by the end of the day.

And then there were the fun times- I was showing the same woman how to bake a certain recipe, and it flopped! But the fellowship was sweet at least! The LORD will give you wisdom to know who is needy and who is greedy or lazy! It is never good to be used up when there is no need of it. But I found the majority of people asked for help only when it was truly needed- but I feel I must caution you to be aware that some people can abuse your friendship if you don’t set boundaries and use wisdom.

Putting this all to paper makes me realise just how many things we can do from home to show charity and kindness to others. I am sure you can think of more. But it is these things that I believe make up that part of home keeping that are fulfilling for me.

After my house is clean- then I can joyfully branch out into that part of life some call ‘ministry’, others call helping, or friendship or mentoring. Whatever it is called, it is possible to be kind and charitable from your home. Not only does it help your neighbour, but it helps you feel totally fulfilled in your calling as a wife and mother.

What better way of serving Christ than to serve others in His Name? I give God the glory for bringing these people into my life, and for allowing me to pass on a little of what I have gleaned of life along the way. May the LORD richly bless you in your homes and bring opportunities for acts of charity and kindness to you.

Please note that this was over a period of years... my recollections over the most productive years of my life prior to becoming chronically ill...

"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10

Hunker down in cosy nests

So there are many changes to our lifestyle since the Corona Virus. They are extremely important if we are to stop its' spread.

Currently we are in isolation with only essential services allowed to stay open. Even the doctors no longer want to see us unless it's of an urgent nature.

Chris and I went to our doctor today for repeat prescriptions. He gave them to us and told us that last night the Australian government have implemented a Telemed system whereby you can ring the clinic and the doctor will fax your script to your chemist.

So now we are hunkering down, shopping online and worshiping online. Woolworths asked some details from us to prove we were either aged or disabled. They will only be doing online shops for us. Last week they emailed me to say I was approved. I am happy about that.

For me, staying at home is not really a problem. I have plenty of opportunity to rest as my fibromyalgia flares, in fact I have been sleeping a good deal.

I have also been doing some decluttering and cooking soups for freezing. There are also some projects we are doing like finally putting pretty pictures up in the bedrooms and putting my electric blanket back on for the coming winter.

I have been playing worship music and listening to the Psalms on You Tube. Last Sunday I took communion at home after a time of personal worship.

It is important to remember that God is with us and is not surprised by this virus. If we do as we are told, and with His help, we will overcome.

Refuse to give way to fear- feel it, then bring it into the captivity of Christ. Fill yourself with songs of praise, pray and keep the faith.

Keep your nest clean and comfortable and full of Spirit filled words and music. Make sure your pantry and fridge have sufficient food. Enjoy some peace from the rat race world. There is no better place than home to come apart from the world and let the pestilence dissipate.

So clean your nest, fill it with good things, keep cooking nice meals, and renew your marriage and family life and your faith as you hunker down in your cosy nest.

Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. Isaiah 26:20

No help for fibromyalgia sufferers here

I have to say that in general I haven't found any real help via my GP's or rheumatologists here in Australia regarding my fibromyalgia. I am on the disability pension because I can't concentrate enough to hold down a job (not mentioning pain because there are some days when it is manageable), but in general the doctors over here seem to think it's something one puts on to get out of work! (If they only knew how we want to be able to work- especially in our homes!)

There was however, one GP who wrote me out a referral to go to a pain management clinic. I haven't been because I do not want to mentally put myself in the chronic invalid basket. If I try not to focus too much on myself and the symptoms it seems to help me mentally at least So I am trying self-help. Which truly isn't very helpful!

I have seen a rheumatologist recently who openly admitted to me that rheumies are practically useless in helping with fibromyalgia. I nodded my head in agreement!

I have found more compassion for my heart problems than my fibromyalgia. I wonder if it is because that is something that they can see? Or is it just the Aussie "She'll be right Mate!" mentality of some over here? Whatever, I would dearly love people to understand that fibromyalgia is a medical problem every bit as painful as diseases that can be seen.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2

Stay safe. Stay vigilant. Stay home.

Yesterday I received a message which I couldn't share as it was an audio message. It resonated as true to me and is worth passing on. It was written by a nurse who is working with Corona Virus patients.

She states that China has found out some more facts about the CV from autopsies and this is how it works. Once in your mouth, it hangs around for a few days before infecting your bronchial tubes and lungs. It forms very thick phlegm which impedes breathing.

Before it gets to that stage, if one starts to get a sore throat, she recommends immediately gargling with salt, lemon or vinegar in water. It doesn't do too well in heat, so she recommends drinking hot drinks: soups, tea, coffee and warm water. By doing this, initally the virus will be transferred to the stomach where the gastric juices will destroy the virus. Obviously, washing hands, refraining from smoking and social distancing will all help us avoid getting the virus in the first place.

These steps seem commonsense to me and certainly can't hurt to try.... Stay safe. Stay vigilant. Stay home.

Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. Isaiah 26:20

A true blessing

Ever since that wonderful day my love and I became as one,

I realised that our married life’s journey had only just begun.

I asked the Lord to show me how my joy could be complete,

And He brought to mind His Holy Word as I sat at His feet.

He told me that I would have to be willing to lay down my life

In showing the sacrificial loving that befits a godly wife.

He told me if I surrendered to His great marriage plan,

I would be forever blessed with a very happy man.

For I was born a woman who was called to be a wife,

A woman of great value and a pearl of great price.

I was called to be a helper to a man I call my own,

To lovingly care for him and make for us a home.

To always be thinking of him and how to please him best,

And to be a shoulder to lean on if he should need to rest.

I’d be someone he could talk to without fear of betrayal,

A listener and confidante not given to telling tales.

I decided I would seek the Lord daily and ask for His direction

In making me an instrument of His peace and affection.

A wife and treasure who would bless her man all her days,

In meeting all of his needs through learning of his ways.

So I will learn by prayerful watching and I will take every measure

To be a willing helper who brings her man much gain and pleasure

In putting him above all else except for our God in Heaven,

Showing him God’s marriage plan by being a true blessing.

‘The heart of her husband safely trusts her: so he will have no lack of gain: she does him good and not evil all the days of her life’ Proverbs 31: 11-12