Psalm 8

I don't want to intrude on thoughts about Lee, but I think its also fitting to focus on God's goodness. The Solid Ground group were asked to learn part of Psalm 8 to recite somewhere over the summer when they were in awe of God's creation. Here is mine. Lake Garda was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. One evening I went for a walk and just enjoyed standing and looking around. I felt very close to God in that moment. Although the picture does not do justice to the scene, here it is anyway.

'When I consider your Heavens, made by your fingers, the moon and stars that you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him? The son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him alittle lower than the angels, you have crowned him with glory and splendour, made him lord over the works of your hands, put all things under his feet. O Lord, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth'

Andrea

Amy's Tribute to Lee

I am glad a knew Lee. She 'babysat' (Simon of course, not us!) 3 years ago while mum and dad were out collecting. She brought some DVDs for us to watch with sweets and popcorn. We had some great evenings. She was so kind and so much fun. I didn't know her very well but I will miss her. I am sad for her family that they have lost such a special person.

Andrea's Tribute to Lee

As always in situations such as this, I feel inadequate to pay tribute to someone everyone else has known alot longer than me. All I can say is I am glad Lee touched my life. She was so good to me and the family two years ago, when I had surgery for cancer. Every time we met, she would not answer my questions about her health, until she was satisfied we were all okay. She was so unselfish, so grateful for all God was doing in her life, so full of hope, despite the frustrations of her illness and profound sadness that she could not physically be part of the corps fellowship in the way she wanted. I am so glad Solid Ground began when it did, and she could see her idea beginning to make a difference to the lives of others. We really do owe it to her memory to make it work, not just as a tribute, but so that it can reach its potential in helping people grow closer to God. That was always her prayer, and her desire was to input into the spiritual journey of others. Thanks Lee for helping me in mine.

X Factor Tribute to Lee

Dot said Lee will be missed by all who knew her. In a strange way Lee will also be missed by those of us who never really personally knew her. I only ever met Lee once in all my time at Bellshill, but through George I felt that I knew her quite well, Lee sent a lovely letter to the kids at 'X Factor' it was one of the most inspirational messages that I have ever read. She hardly ever mentioned her own state of health, but instead she was leading us in prayer through her letter for the other people of the corps, her letter touched the hearts of the 'X Factor' kids and she will always hold a very special place in our hearts.
'The X Factor'

Dot's Tribute to Lee

I didn't know Lee all that well however I do know that 5 and a half years ago when I first became unwell and then the subsequent 3 and a half years it took to establish the root of my health problems, Lee was always one who asked how I was whenever she was at the corps, and was always more interested in how I was rather than let me concentrate on her and how she was doing - that takes a special kind of person, and Lee was definately a special person. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, especially I'm sure, by George and the rest of her family.

Welcome back!

Welcome back to Solid Ground after the summer break.
I hope you found the summer programme helpful. It would be good to have some feedback, maybe some pictures of where you recited or read Psalm 8, and appreciated God's creation.

We also need to find a fitting tribute to Lee. Thank you for the suggestions so far. Solid Ground was born out of Lee's desire to input into the spiritual journeys of others, with prayer support and personal contact. Lee was promoted to Glory last week after a long illness that kept her from corporate worship for the last couple of years. But she always remained positive, never gave up the hope she found in Jesus. Now that hope has reached its true fulfillment.

We also say goodbye to Kenny and Sarah, as they travel to London today to start their training to be Salvation Army Officers. They will stay connected to the corps through Solid Ground (amongst other ways!) so please do support them in the coming days. They have had a tough couple of days - the Devil's last ditch attempt to disrupt their calling! So please remember them in your prayers.

Blessings to special people
Andrea

Until We Write Again...

Don't know where this orginated from but this is lovely. Dot

Happy Holidays

This is the last post before we go on our holidays. I hope you all have a good summer, and find the summer programme on re-discovering the Bible in different ways helpful. Have fun, and make sure you thank God for the beauty and richness of His world as you discover more of it.
Andrea

Give to Grow Week 2

If you could keep only 3 possessions, then just one, what would it be.
I think for me it would be things of sentimental value, rather than monetry value - my 'mum's treasures box' full of bits and cards the kids have made, photos, etc. But thinking about it, my most treasured possession is my engagement ring. Before you all reach for the paper bags! let me explain. It is most precious because of what it represents - Al's love for me, and because I know what it cost him that I might have it.

Studying the rich young ruler this week has reminded me that what we offer to God is in response to the most precious gift, Jesus and the possibility of eternal life, and what it cost that we might have it. No wonder Jesus' response was one of sadness. The man had failed the timeless test of every heart. It is not about what he was unwilling to give, so much as what he was preventing himself from receiving from God.

We all have important possessions and money we can't live without. But these things become idols if they become more important than the things of God, and the things he has given for us to enjoy which cannot be measured in monetry value.
When talking to Amy & Tom about their pledge, the question was asked ' if someone offered you a million pounds for me, would you take it' Of course we answered 'no' but it was not until the question was reversed that the value of family and priceless people was really understood.

Blessings to special people
Happy studying
Andrea

Hi Folks,
This week has been pretty hectic for me, but I have had a lot of 'Give to Grow' thinking time.

It started a few weeks ago with planning for the 'Give to Grow' programme, it then became reality on Sunday morning when John was introduced to the Corps, I just had enough time to listen to what John said about this not being a 'giving time' it was more of a 'thinking time', and then I had to leave for X factor.

A few people had mentioned during the week that they felt that the 'Give to Grow' programme was a pointless exercise, as many people already knew what they were going to give without the Programme and the meal. And I must admit I sort of thought along those same lines.

As the week progressed and I got to some of the planned events that the Corps were hosting, I started to do some personal stock taking, looking not at what I should give to God, but looking at what God has given me.

When I started attending Bellshill Salvation Army, I always told people that I didn't know why I was coming to the Corps but I just felt that it was the right place to be, I knew God was planning something for me but I wasn't yet aware of what that something was.

The week before the 'Give to Grow' programme started I told someone that I still didn't know what God had put me in this Corps for. At the end of the programme and after a bit of stock taking I realise what a terrific change God has made in my life:
He has brought me to a place where I feel really at home amongst like minded people, He has allowed me to openly talk about my faith and my love of God, He has put me in a position where I can keep in touch with the needs, hopes and fears of the youngsters in our Corps, He puts me in a place where a bright new future for Bellshill Corps is just around the corner.
God has been really good to my family and myself, I just needed some 'thinking time' to realise it, thanks to the 'Give to Grow' programme it made me take stock of my life and it has been a great help in me looking at my/our pledge. I feel that it's pay back time and now I gladly Give back to God what is owed to him.

Bobby

Give to Grow Week 1

In our consumer age people's expectations often determine expenditure. There are two important implications to this:
1. We give according to what we want to receive
2. What we spend our money on shapes and influences who we are.
So, as Christian people the attitude with which we give is far more important that what we give.
Giving to God is different to giving to charity. If we gve to charity, our 'reward' is the satisfaction of knowing we have helped make a difference to someone's life. The great paradox of giving to God is that we give as a sacrifice of praise because God is shaping and influencing who we are, not for anything in return, but if we give this way, God has promised to pour blessings on us. More than we imagine or can even take in.

1 Chronicles 29:1-20 is our passage this week.
The perspective of our giving matters - v1 shows the gifts were not just for the temple but for God. We don't give to keep our doors open, but give with the wider perspective of giving to God himself.

The intensity of our giving matters - v2 - with all my devotion, with all my resources

The response matters - v17 they wanted to give, so gave willingly

The consistency of giving matters - v18. We give out of trust, even when we don't understand why God acts in the way he does.

Solid Ground will begin with a Bible Study called Give to Grow. This is linked to our Planned Giving review to take place 7-16th June. We will be encouraged to review our personal giving to God through this corps, and invited to make a pledge. The Bible study is designed to help us think about the importance of giving back to God financially. We give to God of time, talants and resources out of gratitude for all He has done for us.

Here are some initial questions you might like to think about and discuss with each other. Feel free to post your comments:

What does the Bible say about giving to God?

Why do you think financial giving is a 'touchy' subject for some Christians?

What is our attitude toward giving to others? (through various charities)