Thoughts from the moments with Him

We just returned home from a delicious, laughter-filled and tearful evening with amazing friends. We really had fun. We ate too much and gained far too many calories (hospitality is such a blessing!). And we shared our vision about church and prayed with and for one another. In the time of sharing, we not only shared the prayer requests as a matter-of-fact items but were able to open our hearts in front of each other. Our friend shared his view that in church, we are actually to be the toilets - the places, where people can unload their burdens. In Galatians, Apostle Paul says the same in a bit more politically correct way: Bear one another's burdens, and  so fulfill  the law of Christ. (Galatians 6,2) The way Christ wants us to live is to model him. He did not just lead from distance, save from far away and remain in his comfort zone. He became one of us. He chose the form of a servant, he suffered, came alongside of us bearing our burdens. He can fully understand us,

Last night we climbed on a small hill with a group of dear friends to see how people around us celebrated the change of the new year. It is impossible to see and know everything this year will bring. It will definitely bring various kind of situations. But for sure also some challenges. No one can know for sure if the year will be rather easy or more one bringing mountains to climb over. But in midst of everything, there are some constants that remain, and which make it possible to see light in midst of all storms, joys, battles and disappointments. I love the attitude of apostle Paul. The way he writes about his life, goals and his constants in life is amazing. That man suffered. He paid a high price for following what he believed in. When he prayed for others, he reveals what he knows to be true also for himself - and that changes the focus from suffering to joy, rejoicing, and living a life worth of it all. These are some things I wish we all will allow to enourage us

Have I ever felt that life is unfair? That things fall apart? That it is not good how things are? That I am not treated in a fair way? Interestingly, my answer does not depend on the circumstances around me but rather within me. In the Psalms, David shows the same truth to be valid throughout the times. We may be surrounded with difficulties. We may face injust treatment from people we have shown love to. We can be pressed, in anguish, hated and persecuted. And still maintain hope, joy, future, and deep trust, which lead us to a lifestyle of praise! How can it be? In the darkest moments, we still have the possibility to look at the light, and the darkness loses its grip and power. In within us. In within my heart and soul! When I know, as e.g. in Psalm 145, that Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise,  his greatness no one can fathom... and I will meditate on your wonderful works... I choose to look at, to think about what God has done, not on what others may or

The beauty of His presence The  Lord  is my  shepherd; I shall not  want.    He makes me lie down in green  pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.   He  restores my soul.  He  leads me in  paths of righteousness f or his  name's sake.  Even though I  walk through the valley of  the shadow of death,   I will  fear no evil,  for  you are with me; your  rod and your staff, they comfort me. You  prepare a table before mein  the presence of my enemies; you  anoint my head with oil; my  cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall  dwell in the house of the  Lord  forever. (Psalm 23, ESV) We were traveling in the Northern Europe over the summer. And I suddenly noticed, that I hardly actually was missing nothing from the things we have in our home in Germany. We got a one-room flat for use in Finland, furnished it from the second hand shop with used furniture, and half of the times we spent living with people or at