HIDDEN CELL

LETTER FROM THE HIDDEN CELL

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Yeshua,

Many apologies for the delay in writing to you.    We have survived a traumatic move and are safely hidden away in our temporary home.   More news to follow.

If you ever doubted the instruction in Revelation 18 - 4-5

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying

Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not her plagues.

For her sins have reached unto heaven,

and God hath remembered her iniquities.

KJV

please watch the posting on You Tube by Bob Mitchell "Jacob Prasch speaking in Hastings UK.

It's in five parts - but a very necessary teaching for confused sheep.

Please remember Jacob in your prayers,  that the Lord will be a mighty hedge of protection around him and those he loves.  Many will be working to silence him.   He will surely be their undoing as sheep move to safer pasture and anointed leadership.

We are particularly mindful of those of you who not only have unsaved in your families but suffer the ridicule of those who consider they have a superior intellect.   Simple sheep we just trust in our shepherd.   There are men on the internet who could deal with their disbelief.

Thankfully we do have internet access here and we recently watched the You-Tube posting on "The temptation of Christ" by Ravi Zacharias who deals with those who consider they have an answer to everything in the science they have been taught and accepted,  no doubt one day soon they may face unbelievable challenges as the unimaginable fills their horizon.    Whoops - too late to go back to the drawing board.

Matthew 18 - 3 - Yeshua said "And verily I say to you, Except ye be converted and become as little children,  ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." KJV   

On a lighter note we are safely housed in a recently renovated estate worker's cottage.    In the distance we can see a loch and mountains.    We decided to rent a property rather than buy until we could find land and a suitable sized building to shelter those escaping the escalating persecution.    We need to be as independent as possible where food supplies are concerned and will need arable land.   It also gives us time to assess the market and pray for direction.     We don't want to buy in haste and repent at leisure.

The children are being home schooled.    Beth had made this decision before we left the home group we didn't want the polluted state system to gain a foothold.   We have also moved the horses to nearby grazing, they will be a necessity for getting around if we have a bad winter.    We still have the Land Rover that can usually cope with anything, but I can just see Beth riding out on to the hills on Blackie.   She is such a sturdy pony and in the past a local farmer has used her in his search for buried sheep.

All in all, we are well blessed.

This letter was written in two stages and the final addition is good news.    We have found an old church for sale on the internet.  It's on the mainland, but quite isolated, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

This might be just what we are looking for.    Please pray that we make a right decision.  We still have to research what we can and can't do with the land surround the building, we do need to be able to put cabins on the site.

Meanwhile we will be praying the Lord will be a mighty hedge of protection around you all.    Please know that if we get the right site the cabins or static homes will be our first priority to ensure we have a place for you if and when you decide to visit, or perhaps join us.

May Almighty God protect each and every one of you as you witness His Kingdom to come in the encroaching darkness.   

Remember Romans 12 - 2

And be ye not be conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

KJV.

Isaiah 52 - 12

For ye shall not go out with haste,

Nor go by flight:

for the Lord will go before you:

and the God of Israel will be your reward.

KJV

Love and blessings always,

Beth and Joel.

   

 SHALOM

The Audit

And it came to pass that when he returned, having received the kingdom,

he then commanded these servants to be called unto him,

to whom he had given the money,

that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

Luke 19 - 15

Sheila sat on the hillside and gazed across the valley towards the setting sun everything so beautiful, so peaceful.   Suddenly the thought came into her head "what if tomorrow never comes" and the music played in her head settling on the words "there's no second chance"

That afternoon she had been watching a video by the late great David Wilkerson who had clearly won his crown of glory and was now well and truly home.   Surely the trumpets sounded as the gates flung open wide and there amongst the multitude waiting to welcome him George Bowen (bombaybowen.wordpress.com/) the man he considered his inspiration.

This amazing man was recorded as being THE example 'of what a Christian is' even to the heathen idol worshippers he lived and walked amongst, and yet in his forty plus years of ministry in India it is stated Bowen had not one convert.    

A seed lies dormant until a specific trigger starts its growth.   Surely the same can be said of sowing the seeds of faith.   God decides when - all he requires is that we sow, he is the trigger.    Taking the years into account 1840 - 1888 it is not surprising there isn't a record of lives changed.   It was hardly the era of today's flamboyant evangelists, lear jet and all.    Yes, they fill the pews with a personal agenda, one look at the palace they call home says it all.   Hear this, be very afraid of the Day of my Lord.

The commentary stated "it was only after his death in 1888 that missionaries discovered he was one of the most beloved missionaries in the Nation.   David Wilkerson wrote "His humble life and powerful words still enflame my soul and the souls of others worldwide"    Obviously the people saw Christ in his witness, and the outcome, only God has the head count. 

"I can match that"  Sheila considered.

David Wilkerson - millions upon millions of converts even now, via the internet.

Sheila Wilson      - nil - and not even worthy to receive a crown, what would the Lord say reading her performance figures on the great Audit day.  

In her imaginary interview Sheila swallows hard "I kept You close to my heart Lord.   But perhaps in my defence I might add "I did throw seed around and speak your Truth at every given opportunity, but even the legalists and pharisees called me a 'critical spirit, disruptive, disrespectful of their God given leadership.  Non christians considered I had a bad case of religious mania or I was just plain mad as a box of ferrets.

Memories surfaced of Christians she had met on her pilgrimage who were busily re-writing the Jewish Messiah out of their bibles, creating another Jesus, blatantly ignoring Matthew 5 - 20 and the fact that Jesus's ministry fulfilled the law but didn't abolish it.

Sadly whatever she witnessed was contradicted by those who were twisting doctrine to suit their life styles.   True nicolaitans, they wanted the world and the church in that order, and finally when enough was enough it was time to leave - Revelation 18  - 4 "come out of her My people" 

Her study bible taught "know that those who have the greatest knowledge of the Truth will be held accountable to the wise stewardship of that knowledge.    There will surely be much dancing when Messiah returns some "DANCING ON HOT COALS"

Another memory surfaced. She stood at the open doorway of her church as a greeter.   Most walked past already engaged in conversation.   Occasionally a parishioner smiled and exchanged salutations.   She was warmly wrapped against the bitter cold, fur hat, gloves, thick coat and snug boots.   The arriving vicar probably considered she looked more like a refugee from Siberia.   "Can you take that hat off" he instructed "it doesn't say much about the heating system in the church"   Whether it was dry wit or a serious order she obediently removed the offending hat, embarrassed by his curt remark.

Back to the imaginary audit.   How could she even stand alongside her elderly sister in Christ who pounded the streets of the city in fair or foul weather offering soup, sandwiches and drinks to the homeless boys on the street.  Totally oblivious of any hurtful or sarcastic comments she told them "Jesus loves you" but many were blind seeing only the material world and their plight.   Audrey saw a soul screaming inside a drug tormented mind and a dysfunctional body and she wanted to keep trying, just one of many saints striving and burning themselves out against the rising tide of darkness.

"But Lord" said Sheila " (probably in a vain attempt to qualify her feeble actions) "surely it is written,

the conclusion, the end game, and only the Father knows the day.   And when You come back every knee will bow, every tongue confess Your Lordship.  Romans 14 - 11

She continued "I really did try Lord, but they remain blind and deaf, arrogant, so full of their own considered superior intelligence and prominence in the scheme of things, surely it takes more than my simple witness, perhaps a 'Road to Damascus' job.       "Lord is it so wrong to just want to be a Mary? because that is where I long to be, close to you.       

Luke 10 - 39 - 42

And Jesus answered and said unto her Martha, Martha,

thou art careful and troubled about many things;

But one thing is needful; and Mary has chosen that good part,

which shall not be taken away from her.

The juke box starting playing in her head the popular Carpenter song "Close to You" and she sang out loud with a slight variation "Just like me, they need to be, close to You."

Sheila scrambled to her feet, reached for her faithful companion Tess and began the journey down the hillside, through the grazing flock of sheep, towards the twinkling lights in the valley and as she went she whispered a silent prayer.   "Lord, I am just so grateful to be one of Your sheep.   Love you Lord" she whispered "I'll try harder - that's a promise"

SHALOM

  

RUNNING

ISAIAH 45 - 22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:

for I am God, and there is none else.

Running

Those who profess your Name

run here and there exacting gain,

requiring they are first to receive

as earth begins to toss and heave

UNDER THE RISING SON.

Scoffers, Pharisees all passed by,

 He takes the hand of the damaged boy

and the girl who clutches the ragged toy,

the multitude mankind would not feed,

helpless victims of lust and greed.

The meek and humble kneel in awe

each single soul their peace secure.

Children of His precious Word,

beautiful, shinning, forever preferred.

T.Hills

2013

Revelation 19 - 2

"For true and righteous are His judgements:  for He hath judged

the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication,

and hath avenged the blood of His servants at her hand"

Vera realised her timing left much to be desired as she hurried to catch the hourly bus.    "Its okay Vera" shouted Vicky "we see you, don't worry"

Panting the elderly grandmother heaved herself on to the platform.   "Sorry about that" she gasped at the driver.   "Its okay ducks" the driver replied smiling "just sit yourself down and get your breath back"

The local bus was full of chattering pensioners laughing and joking.   The driver enjoyed his route they were such a cheerful crowd.

There's a lesson here considered Vicky, as the world slides towards the abyss there is still a glimmer of hope for mankind, always someone mindful of others.    We all travel the same road and eventually reach the same frail state.    

"King and commoner, it comes to us all" said the slight figure clutching a shopping trolley.

"What's that" enquired Vicky

"Death" replied the sorrowful creature.   Vicky realised she had always seen the elderly lady with a man, but now she sat alone.   She moved to sit on the empty seat beside her.   "I haven't seen you for some time how are you?  enquired Vicky    "I'm coping" she replied "but this is my first time on the bus since my husband died.   I'm determined to get back into some sort of routine.   

A hush settled on the passengers, almost as though they were hanging on every word exchanged between the two women at the front of the bus.

"I'm a widow" replied Vicky "I know how hard it is getting used to being alone, especially when it comes to social gatherings, couples everywhere.    I sometimes see very elderly couples walking hand in hand down the main street but know that will never happen for me."   

The silence was interrupted by a cheerful shout from the rear "you can have mine"   There was uproar as everyone burst into laughter.   They obviously knew her husband and found the comment hilarious.

The intruder was not being unkind, it was a truthful comment on aging relationships as folks stumble through their last days together watching each other slowly crumbling away.   Vicky often heard women complain about their aging partners, sometimes joking at their habits, sometimes incredibly cruel, but then Vicky knew human relationships were far from perfect remembering being truly shaken when a woman said "I'm glad he's dead he was a horrible man" 

"We who are left behind have to struggle on to the finish line" she said smiling at the elderly passenger "and you know the old saying" she comforted "until you have walked in someone's shoes you don't know what they are going through.   

"I think it was moccasins wasn't it?  suggested a passenger joining in the conversation  "and it's an old Indian saying".   "Thank you for that" replied Vicky smiling over her shoulder at the intervention. 

As the passengers piled off the bus Vicky prayed silently "Thank you Lord, without your love and encouragement I would never have made it through the early days of widowhood and the realisation that at any time our grasp on life is so very fragile and death inevitable.   But my hope is in You and Your Kingdom to come.
  

Just one kind word or action

Lights a dark corner of this hurting world

HIS KINGDOM REVEALED.

SHALOM

  

LABEL

Revelation 2 - 15

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans

which thing I hate.

My study bible had fallen open at Revelation - 2 and as anyone who studies the bible will understand the Holy Spirit highlighter invariably illuminates a portion of text for a reason, and at that point you ponder the significance.  In this instance Revelation 2 - 15.

The study note was clear - Nicolaitan doctrine - teaching that seduced people into idolatry and immorality - my curiosity was aroused as to culture and historical cities involved.   

My birth church education involved endless latin chants, the odd potted bible story, perhaps an example would be Samson and Delilah.   Not that I had any idea what that was all about other than she chopped his hair off and he lost his strength.  Then there was Noah, swallowed by a whale, really, yucky!!   David was married to Bathsheba,  nobody mentioned her husband Uriah,  and of course Noah built a huge boat, how on earth did he get all those animals in there.  I was just a curious child asking questions, expecting answers and meeting with silence.    Thankfully no one preached about children being sacrificed to Molech, or people eating their own babies,  even reading the text as an adult I remain very grateful that I didn't live in that particular zone or point in time.

Then I came to know Messiah Yeshua and I follow Him and His teaching not the teaching of those who twist and corrupt scripture.   I seriously doubt I will ever get through every reference point in my Jack Hayford study bible, or be able to correctly pronounce Jewish labels, (names and places) but at this point as my search engine was up and running I was ready to research Nicolaitans.

One touch of a key and it was all there.   Starting with an explanation and meaning of the names of the first deacons in the early Christian church.

Nicholas of Antioch was in the first group of deacons appointed in the new Christian church.   He was a proselyte of Antioch.   A convert from paganism to Judaism and then Christianity.   Raised in a pagan culture and immersed in the activities of the occult.   Apparently he was not afraid to change religions.   Suddenly a shaft of light pierced the darkness of my ignorance.

HE TAUGHT A DOCTRINE OF COMPROMISE.

He did not consider intermingling with other belief systems a problem and saw no reason why believers could not continue to fellowship with those still immersed in the black magic of the Roman Empire and its countless cults.   Could this prompt be pointing to a case of what goes around comes around.

Young and weak believers could have been easily swayed in the early days of the church and would have found it difficult to remain uninfluenced by their pagan family and peer group also enduring fierce persecution. 

For them to slip in and out of the pagan world was considered acceptable by Nicholas, one might question whether he was any relation of "OLD NICK"   The devil obviously had his plant in that group of deacons.

He positively encouraged worldly participation and led the people to indulge in sin, lowering Godly standards.   He literally conquered the people.    Sounds frighteningly familiar.   

Small wonder many true followers of Yeshua consider Adonai has closed the door on Britain and turned back to the Jews. 

Interestingly in the O.T. Balaam used "prostitution" to destroy the people of God.   

So maybe the new leader of the state church in England could be labelled a Nicolaitan, he likes a foot in both camps and obviously doesn't have a problem with the present culture.   Perhaps its time he stood on the Word of God, even if it means a congregation of twelve.  He might also consider exchanging his elaborate clothing and residence for a staff and simple robe following in the steps of the Lollards.  Real men of God.

The persecution of real Christians continues unabated because we turn the other cheek and follow Yeshua's teaching in Matthew 5 - 44  - But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

Yeshua encouraged - Revelation 2 - 10  

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:  behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

And the meaning of the Christian names (label) of this particular writer:   Small and victorious.

IT IS WRITTEN

THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET,

AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH

Psalm 119 - 105

SHALOM

  

HAND OVER

IT IS WRITTEN

ROMANS 1 - 24 - 27

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness in the lusts of their hearts
to dishonour their bodies among themselves,
who exchanged the truth of God for the lie,
and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator,
who is blessed forever.   Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions.
For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.

Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,
burned in their lust for one another,
men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves
the penalty of their error which was due.

Lets keep it simple because for many people even reading the names of the tribes of Israel is a problem myself included as I struggle with Numbers, unable to even pronounce some names.    We all need help understanding scripture and there are real men of God out there who do just that.   Jacob Prasch, David Hocking, Mike Hoggard to name just a few, their teaching videos freely available on the internet.   There is no excuse for ignorance.   

If you call yourself a Christian your roots are in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.   YOU ARE GRAFTED INTO THE VINE.   Those following the Sizer camp are in a very dangerous place.       

No Christian who truly follows his/her master would harm another human being.    Testimony to that fact are the countless number of martyrs around the world in the past and today who have paid with their very lives standing on the Word of God.

This week the Daily Telegraph reported the latest comments of Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury who suggested that Christians should repent over their 'wicked' attitude to homosexuality.

He went further, stating the vast majority of people under 35 think that the Christian attitude to gay people is 'wicked and incomprehensible' of course,  THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIANS AND DON'T BELIEVE THE BIBLE.   And if they consider themselves Christians then they haven't read Romans 1 and they should also know that those who practice lawlessness will be judged more severely than the pagan.

Perhaps Justin Welby might just realise he is accountable to God for the total mess he is making of the Church of England.   He is supposed to lead his flock - not be manipulated by them.  He should surely be thankful he is not living in the "dark ages" he would have been burnt at the stake for that heretical statement.  

What is the agenda of this man, is this his best effort to fill the empty pews of a dying church,  saving his job and the rest of the Pharisees from extinction.   The church in Britain is dying - but the real bride of Christ is growing and we patiently wait for the "Day of the Lord" because we know "The Battle is the Lord's.

No genuine follower of Yeshua would treat a homosexual or lesbian with anything other than  compassion and kindness.   Judgement belongs solely to our God.   Those who don't know their  Messiah need salvation.   Those who profess to be Christians but continue with their former life style are denying Holy Scripture and are deceived. 

Only one man achieved perfection in this world - Yeshua HaMashiach - Jesus the Messiah, Son of the living God.   We are all sinners, certainly not worthy of His love and compassion, but as Christians we strive towards that goal and stand on His Word.    

Perhaps Justin Welby has actually read his bible and if so he will surely know this.   God raises up an enemy to deal with a disobedient people and there are no prizes for guessing who that enemy is.   As for political and religious leaders who are against Israel and determined to divide His land,  His wrath is surely against you.    

Disaster approaches not in the form of a giant hammer but financial collapse.   Yes may be the leaders will escape the fall out rushing off with their ill gotten gains to where ever Blair hides with his stash, but the mental torture they will surely suffer will be their undoing, along with the religious fraternity who deny the Word of the God they are supposed to serve they are heading for a very hot eternity.   They won't have to worry about the cost of energy  - they will be in the fire.        

BRITAIN STANDS CONDEMNED along with all those who outwardly practice the three Christian rites of  Hatch, Match and Dispatch,  denying the God of Israel and turning His Holy Word into a mockery.    

So please - don't call yourself a Christian if you don't follow Christ.   We are warned that in the last days false prophets will arise.    They are already here!!!!!!!

Matthew 7 - 15 - 16  -   Yeshua said "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheeps clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.   You will know them by their fruits.

Perhaps we should also beware of those who have revised God's Holy Word in the new bibles circulating supporting what can only be described as the synagogue of Satan.

And for heaven's sake you might ask - who are you?   No one - merely a watchman - a sheep in the Lord's flock waiting with the remaining remnant for His returning.   Even so, even so even so Yeshua come.    All creation waits for the returning of her King.   Come and take your place on your throne Jerusalem.   

ROMANS 1 - 18

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.



SHALOM

THE KNITTING CIRCLE

Jeremiah 23 (36)

And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more:

for every man's word shall be his burden;

for ye have perverted  the words of the living God,

of the Lord of hosts our God.

You could be forgiven for thinking this was a cosy pensioners get together in the snug at the Pig and Whistle.   Every September when cool winds whispered autumn's song the knitting needles came out.  Some knitting for those who would know the cruel winter nights, others that dreaded Christmas jumper.

A stoic generation surviving everything the second world war had thrown at them were now planning survival tactics.    Dad's army deceased they alone were left to carry the banner to the 'pot noodle generation'. 

"What about dandelion leaves" suggested Doris "roots for coffee, leaves in a salad.   We spend all our time getting rid of them, the day may well come we might be grateful for their sunny face."

Patsy laughed "that is presuming you have sunlight.   If the biggy goes up in Iceland the ash cloud would block out the whole of Europe and it is bulging at the moment, not a good sign"

"So is my waistline" signed Lucy "I am in danger of looking like a ball of wool with knitting needles for legs"   

"Do stop fishing for compliments my dear" replied Dotty "you have the best figure here.   We all expect to go up a size when we age don't we, although Martha is disappearing, not only shrinking but she is so terribly thin.   Perhaps she is forgetting to eat.   Note that Lucy.   We must check and perhaps take her some homemade soups."

Dan arrived to take their order.   "What will it be ladies, same as usual" he enquired.   Four faces beamed back "yes please, although I think Dotty should probably stick with a half, she is glowing already" said Doris.

"Apathy, total apathy" muttered Patsy "oh joy, I've dropped a stitch, now where is it."   She continued "apathy that dreadful disease afflicting this once great God fearing nation.   For heaven's sake what will it take to get this self appointed government of muppets into constructive productive employment elsewhere"

"I'd have them cleaning public toilets and sweeping streets" announced Doris "they could wave goodbye to the gravy train and get their hands dirty."

"Do you know our Refuse Disposal Officers are lovely guys" interrupted Dotty.

"Do you by any chance mean bin men" enquired Patsy "and yes, our guys are really nice and would probably do a better job than those privileged planks.   It has never been what you know but who you know and I for one respect a guy for doing that very essential service.   Where would we be without them, disappearing under a mound of rubbish.   I wouldn't need a funeral"  Patsy laughed "There, just serves me right, sorry God, I now have to go back two rows I forgot to twist."

The women burst into laughter "you wouldn't fit in with this generation Patsy, it all about twist and con" said Doris.

The clicking gathered speed "Oh for heaven's sake" groaned Lucy "Hitler was nearly on our shores before this country got it's act together, wake up and smell the smoke.   What will it take a huge fat ball fire in the London sewers to get people motivated.   Get down on your knees and pray then vote to get them out, they are supposed to serve the people not help themselves, push for change before they turn the water cannons on you - it is surely coming."

"After that gloomy prognosis exactly what are you knitting Dotty" asked Lucy.   Dotty beamed "vests for little African babies, my daughters keep bringing balls of yarn in all colours of the rainbow and so I keep knitting"   

"How many have you knitted" asked Lucy.   "No idea" said Dotty smiling "as long as they need them I will just keep making them, probably just slip away with a half finished vest in my hands."

"May I make a suggestion ladies" said Doris.

"As long as its politically correct" joked Patsy.

"Let's just vote with our feet.   The company that takes water from suspect sources and then sells it as "mineral water" swallowing up its competitors on the way needs boycotting.  They also make cereals, chocolate, all sorts of stuff, do your research ladies on the internet and don't buy their products.   Power to the people."

"I drink Buxton water" said Dotty  "Er so sorry" said Lucy "they gobbled up Buxton water a couple of years ago, next time you buy a bottle look for the tiny insignificant little logo on the side of the label and add that to your list of don't buy "Nestle" goods of any description.  Be a watchman.   That calls for another round please Dan" 

"Perhaps we could force the clothing giants to bring their manufacturing back to Britain.   Ah, but that would half profits, the share holders wouldn't like that.   We pretend to be proud of our country but that is where most people are downright hypocrites." suggested Lucy.  "I certainly don't need racks of clothing and stacks of shoes.    My Jesus sandels cost £70 but I got them in the sale for £40.   They were probably worth even less than that in reality but they will last me two summers.   Along with my current pair of wellies, winter boots, boot slippers and one practical pair of casuals, what more do you need it's ridiculous.   I try and buy quality clothes and would be prepared to pay more for them, just have less.

And as for what is going on in the State church the answer is simple - leave.   You can't call yourself a Christian if you don't believe the word of God.   Their new leader is in a very dangerous place, don't shelter under his umbrella."

The clicking needles seemed to be gathering momentum.    Dotty's face was flushed the half pint had become a pint and she had reached her quota.   "Now then" she said sternly "my suggestion to these kids of ours is get out fast before you are forced to accept a very different yoke.

And you know what, I really admire that young Russian pole vault champion Isinbayeva.   Russia should be proud of her.   You should respect the laws of a country when you visit.   If I wasn't such a tired elderly granny I would be following Snowdon and asking Putin for asylum,  suddenly Russia seems so very attractive.

Our men gave their lives in two world wars to protect this tiny island.  Where is the Dunkirk spirit.

Dead and gone, the following generations rotting away thanks to the drug cartels and poppy fields of Afganistan.   Death from a distance, not a single shot fired here."

"Gracious I should finish the back at this speed" suggested Lucy.

"Seriously" said Patsy "while regions of America appear to be turning into giant sieves, SINK HOLES R US, our "nice but dim" guys are apparently bent on making their own entrance to hell.

A fracking we will go, a fracking we will go.  And where is the guy with the cheesy grin who stirred up the hornets nest that is now the Middle East, anyone know?"   And they all agreed.

ONLY GOD KNOWS

"Next week will someone remind me to study the pattern" said Lucy.  "We might make a list of the stocks we need to hold should the anticipated disruption of electronic systems arise in the coming months." 

"We can manage, remember rationing, that's if we don't get crushed by the manic snatch and grab crowd, honestly it's bad enough on a Bank Holiday weekend." suggested Doris. 

Dan watched the ladies as they began to gather their belongings.   "Er, exactly what is that for" he enquired pointing to Lucy's knitting.  "A giraffe" suggested Doris.   "Don't be cheeky" scolded Lucy "actually its a polo neck, must remember to bring a tape measure next week, honestly this generation."

Psalm 37 - (31)

The law of his God is in his heart;

None of his steps shall slide.

  

REFLECTIONS

Matthew 7 - 21

Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord

shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven;

but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.

A figure carefully wrapped and insulated against the bitter cold sat close to the small fire blazing in the hearth.   Supplies of fuel were running out but Bob managed to gather wood from the surrounding countryside and for the moment they had heat.

It was difficult to distinguish whether the body was he or she, fur lined hat with spaniel ear flaps tied under the chin, thick gloves and insulated indoor boots, cocooned in large red blanket, but this was Nanna and now and again she would burst into song "I know my Redeemer lives, I know my Redeemer lives" and then she would nod off once again.

There was no fear on that tired face.   Just an amazing peace, her battle almost over.   Those she loved stood nearby and if she had any concerns it was for their future.   Her witness to friends and family of what lay ahead had often brought derision and a questioning look regarding her sanity, but Lisa and Bob respected her vision and had made their preparations.

Remember the words of Isaiah 54.17 she encouraged.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;

and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,

and their righteousness is of Me,

saith the Lord.

"Perhaps we should ask Mum to help us with some sort of service for when"........Lisa's voice trailed off.    The blanketed Nanna spoke "My son-in-law is a minister for heaven's sake, not many men get the chance to bury their mother-in-law."   She giggled, and for a second she was young again her sense of humour restored.

"I suggested you start as all these modern funerals do with a song.   "I commend my soul" sung by Shannon Wexelberg, followed by her other track "I will rest in You" and finally Mal Pope's "Caught in your Light" so very very beautiful" she murmured as she dozed off again.

"Oh Nanny" pleaded Jenny "please don't leave us"   "Hush" said Lisa "she just asleep now, and when the Lord takes her she will look much the same.   There's no need to be afraid.  Remember what Jesus said.

John 11 - 25 - 26

I am the resurrection and the life: He that believeth in me,

though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

 Believest thou this?

Later that week it was clear Nanna was slipping away.   She grasped Lisa's hand.   "Precious girl, make sure you plant me facing east with Dad's ashes and then go off and have a really great celebration, and just one more request.   She drew a crumpled piece of paper from the deep folds of blanket.   "Read it sweetheart and laugh, this is not the end."

She continued "I first heard this song at a humanist's funeral,  you know its all falling leaves and the cycle of life, I could only think what an arrogant snub at the Divine.   So if you can get a backing track of "I did it my way"  this is my version."   That mischievious smile that had always amused her nearest and dearest faded as she drifted off again.

Lisa read the paper out loud.

And now, its very clear I've run the race hoping I'd win it.

Possessions they are few and my account's stretched to the limit.

But hey what's that to me, your message clear to those who hoard it,

There is a last report, a final audit.

For there were years, I know You knew,

when I messed up and joined the queue,

of those who sang a different song,

or just denied they'd got it wrong.

But then I cried and You replied.

NOW - DO IT MY WAY.

I know, I truly know, that I came nowhere near perfection,

in spite of every prompt I still went in the wrong direction.

But since that blessed day You took my hand might I just mention,

I tried, I really tried,

TO DO IT YOUR WAY.

Lisa crumpled into a heap on the floor her body racked with laughter and then the tears flowed.   Dusk fell, the solar lamp carried by an angel figurine on the bedroom window cill flickered on.   Nanna had gone.

SHALOM