Wesley Harris

2011-04-08T17:44:00.001-07:00

Answering depression

2011-04-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

The writer of psalm four said, "There are many who say, 'who will show us any good'". We could say that again! News is full of troubles in Japan, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan and around the world. The media feed on a diet of disaster and encourage us to do the same. Good news gets squeezed out. But we can take a tip from the psalmist who, when the outlook was bad, decided to try the uplook and prayed, "Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us". It is said that a single grain of indigo could colour a ton of water which might show how infectious the blues can be! But hope is catching too and the need for 'cheerupadists' is great! Any volunteers?

Life is a tightrope

2010-09-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Charles Blondin crossed over Niagara Falls on a tightrope four times. Good for him! There is no limit to what some people will do for fame and fortune but count me out when it comes to high wire exploits like that! However, life itself is a tightrope and calls for a good sense of balance. Without it we will surely fall, as many do. To suggest that someone is unbalanced could infer their insanity but many rational enough folk - including some who are quite clever - get their lives out of balance and live lopsided lives. For an example of a truly balanced life we should look to Jesus Christ who from his youth developed mentally, physically, spiritually and socially (See Luke 2.52).

Plans for you

2010-08-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

In the book of Jeremiah, chapter twenty nine and verse eleven we read, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". I like the use of the plural 'plans' in the New International Version of the bible. God's plans are comprehensive. We might say that he has plans A and B and if we mess up and frustrate his ideal will for us he is never at a loss to know the path we should then take. We should trust him. He knows what he is doing and what we should be doing as well. No worries!

The Salvation Army

2010-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Some viewers will know that much of my life and ministry has been wrapped up in The Salvation Army in which movement I have been a leader for over sixty years. As I review the past I have no major regrets. Life has been fulfilling and my confidence in the SA is as strong as ever. I believe that our uniform has helped to make our message visible and our music has made it audible but only our holiness or integrity can make it credible. What matters most is not what we do but what we are. Character will talk over our heads. In this respect many of us know that we are far from perfect but at least we are trying to 'be the best that we can be'and we will keep on keeping on. Fair enough?

Living by faith

2010-07-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

We may be pessimists by nature but we can be optimists by grace. Wearing the dark glasses of unbelief the future may seem gloomy but by faith we can see light on the horizon. I haven't sung it for years but a snatch of an old chorus has been going through my mind. It went like this: "Lord, lift me up and help me stand, By faith, on heaven's table land". With all the gloom and doom in the world we can look up and believe that beyond the clouds the sun is shining. God has not done with his world or with us as individuals. Hope is the music of the future and there is no reason why we can't dance to it today.

Get a life!

2010-07-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

It might be said that a person's bare individuality is like the bit of grit which gets into an oyster shell. The pearl of our lives is made by the relationships we gather around us. Some people find relationships difficult and resist them even as they long for them. But it is only by being open to others that we can help them to overc0me their inhibitions and be open to us. That is the way to get a life. I would add that we should be open to God also. He is not remote or removed from us but only a prayer away. He has revealed what he is like though Jesus. Incredible as it may sound. he really loves us.

Living and dying

2010-07-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

It must be tough to come to die only to realise that you have never really lived! For some people life is nothing more than a monotonous succession of days leading to nothing in particular. As an old man I am glad to look back and realise that my life has had meaning because at a young age I dedicated all I had to God for service to others. That means a lot to me.

Beyond the blues

2010-04-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

I have read that a grain of indigo can colour a ton of water - which indicates how infectious the blues can be! Little things can colour our day and blur our vision. So what can help us? One answer to depression is prayer. In Psalm four we read, "There be many that say who will shew us any good?Lord lift up the light of thy countenance upon us" (KJV). When the outlook was bad the writer tried the uplook! We could do the same.

In God's waiting room

2010-04-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

It is said that all men think all men mortal but themselves and it is true that many people - men and women alike - give little thought to their own demise and what may follow. At one time preachers often spoke about the furniture of heaven and the termperature of hell. Now user friendly sermons give such subjects a wide berth. Of course, there is no need to be morbid, but we are all in God's waiting room and one day we will be called to give account. Personally, I am calmly confident, not because I think that I am good but because I know that God is, and that the Judge of all the earth will do right.

A traveller's tale

2010-04-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

Aussie's are known as great travellers. The accent may be heard in New York, Beijing or old London town. But we need to ask ourselves where all our travelling gets us. In one sense, only the inward journey is real . It is not what happens to us but what happens in us that counts. Some of the greatest people who ever lived didn't travel very widely in a geographical sense but they went a long way in their hearts and minds - and that is what matters. I believe that going all the way with Jesus Christ is what brings true fulfillment, and faith is the ticket to ride.

Alive in more ways than one

2010-04-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

When Christians claim that Jesus is alive just what do they mean? Firstly, they believe that he is alive with God the Father in Heaven, secondly, that he lived on in the cherished memories of those who knew him on earth -memories perpetuated in the gospels - and thirdly that he is alive through the Holy Spirit who makes him the most knowable person on the planet. Millions of perfectly rational human beings claim to know Jesus - (and not just know about him) and they find their lives tranformed through their relationship with him. He is only a prayer away!

All alive

2010-04-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

Easter is not just a date on a calendar but an experience in the heart.

Confidence under threat

2010-03-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

News bulletins with repeated accounts of death and destruction can be demoralising. The world may seem to be a dreadful place and our confidence for life and living can be shattered. But Easter is a fillip for faith with its message about the triumph of life over death and goodness over evil. All is not lost. God is still alive! Robert Louis Stevenson said, "I believe in an ultimate decency of things" and John Greenleaf Whittier wote, "Yet midst the maddening maze of things And tossed by storm and flood, To one fixed trust my spirit clings, I know that God is good!" I say Amen to that.

Who is in the driving seat?

2010-03-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

It has been said that man is an omnibus in which his ancestors ride and we may believe that our genes are an important factor in our life. But all not all important. I don't believe that any of my ancestors drive my bus! By the grace of God we can determine our own destiny. Years ago I knew a fine Christian man who told me that he was born as a result of his mother being raped. The circumstances of his birth could have undermined his self-worth. In fact he had made good and chosen to live a life that was useful and happy.

Life is lent

2010-03-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

For many people Lent is a season for making sacrifices - going without meat, sugar or whatever. Perhaps we also need to remember that life itself is only lent. We came into the world at no cost to ourselves. We didn't purchase our existence or do anything to deserve it. One day we will have to give it back and be accountable for the ways` in which we have invested our years on earth. We tend to think that all are mortal except ourselves but sure enough the day of accounting is coming for all of us. By the grace of God we can face that day with confidence not simply because we are good but becuse God is.

Never give up!

2010-03-01T00:22:00.000-08:00

Winston Churchill went to give a speech at his old school. He was announced as the greatest orator of his generation and the pupils waited for his words with bated breath. Churchill went to the podium and in measured tones declaimed, "Never, never, never give up!" Then he returned to his seat. It must have been one of the briefest speech he ever gave - and one of the most memorable! An illustration of what he must have had in mind took place on February 8th, 2010 when in Haiti, Evan Ocinia was rescued from the rubble of a market and taken to a Salvation Army clinic 28 days after the earthquake and two weeks after official rescue operations had ended. We may marvel at the buoyancy and the spiritual resilience of a man who could survive such an experience. It challenges those of us ready to give up under far less pressure.

For good or ill

2010-02-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

My wife and I have family in Australia and the United Kingdom and have cause to give thanks for the internet conection we have with those far away. Every week we talk and laugh with our daughter, our son-in-law and two grandsons in England. Distance seems to shrink and precious relationships are strenthened for us. But the technology that can bring such a positive boon can also be a bane. I have been sickened by accounts of the way in which unscrupulous men use the net to lure children into sexual relationships. Technical advances without moral development can be disastrous and that is the biggest problem we face.

A culture of violence

2010-02-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

When I lived in north America I was taken aback to discover police offices in some schools, apparently required in order to cope with violent and other crimes. Will that become necessary in Australia? News of a thirteen-year-old charged with murder is a chilling omen. Violence against overseas students is something else which causes concern and affects our reputation abroad and dents our Aussie pride. Window shopping in the CBD in an evening may no longer be a safe option for many. One could not identify a single cause for the fact that we seem to be developing a culture of violence but it may have something to do with the diet of entertainment served up by the media. Programme after programme on the telly features mayhem and murder as do the video games which fill the minds of impressionable kids. Small wonder if seeing becomes behaving and copycat violence increases!

Blow away

2010-02-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

My wife and I attended the annual dinner of the Salvation Army Veterans Band in Melbourne. Back in the eighties I played a small part in the formation of this group which was just intended to be for a a special weekend of celebration. All these years later it is still going strong with fifty members and a well-filled diary of engagements. The fellowship of these older Army bandsmen is terrific and their music making is of a high standard. Age doesn't seem to weary them and sharing their company is inspirational. Old bandsmen never die they only blow away - and thrive in the process!

Technicalities and incompetence

2010-02-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

I am vastly impressed by the technical progress which makes possible worldwide communication at great speed. But the human element is still crucial. We still suffer from the incompetence and slackness of staff who fail to use the means of communication available to them. We should all realise how what we do (or fail to do) impacts others. In our dealings none of us is perfect but we should aim to be.

Regeneration

2010-02-06T12:29:00.000-08:00

I visited the scene of last year's disastrous bush fires which cost the lives of 173 people in Victoria, Australia. The blackened remains of trees and empty spaces where houses stood are reminders of the fearsome fires which roared through the area faster than one could drive a car. But the green shoots on trees and the rebuilding of homes indicate that renewal is taking place. The aftermath is still apparent in the lives of somewho survived and The Salvation Army is among the organizations working to bring healing and renew hope. I believe in regeneration for the human spirit and there is evidence that this is happening. Of course, it can take place anywhere where the fires of misfortune have brought disaster. There are no hopeless cases only people who have lost hope but who can find it again with God's help.

A tower of strength

2010-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Many years ago I read that some people call the Christian story a tall story but it has stood without toppling for 2,000 years and been a tower of strength to multitudes. As a senior citizen I can look back over many years, and checking out those words testify that they are true. My recipe for living is to trust in God and follow the example of Jesus Christ. There is no better way.

A hundred years young

2010-01-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

The Salvation Army congregation in Camberwell of which I am a member celebrates its centenary this year. For a hundred years Salvationists in the district have been meeting for worship and seeking to witness to the wider community. In 1910 on the first Sunday they came together the Salvationists were on the streets sharing the gospel. Through the years also there has been outreach into the community with practical service to those in need - not as an alternative to the Christian gospel but as an expression of it. Surprisingly the need for such service seems to be greater than ever and the services being offered are also more extensive. In this year of celebration Salvos will be taking their hats off to the past and their coats off for the future, thanking God for the privilege of service.

Traffic in people

2010-01-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

When I was at school I understood that traffic in people and slavery had long since been abolished. Now the ugly business has reared its ugly head and may be more widespread than ever. In Australia as elswhere are women lured by false promises and now caught in the web of prostitution. Captain Danielle Strickland of The Salvation Army is one among a number of fearless campaigners against this new/old evil in our midst and should be able to count on the support of all right-thinking Aussies.

Intellectual interlude

2010-01-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

When we get older we are likely to have what are euphemistically called 'seniors'moments which I prefer to call 'intellectual interludes'. But 'oldies' are not the only ones likely to be forgetful. Some young people are notoriously likely to forget to pass on phone messages or give thanks for gifts received. But an attitude of gratitude sits well with everybody and helps to make life worth living for all.

Too much of a good thingh?

2010-01-25T00:07:00.000-08:00

Can we have too much of a good thing? Is it possible? It may be heresy so say so in Australia but do we go over the top with our sport? Developing physical fitness is fine and so is healthy competition but it seems that sport tends to dominate our airwaves at times. For some it is almost a substitute religion and is given an importance out of all proportion. At one time on one T-V channel a regular news bulletin was suspended during the period of an American golf tournament - a case of stop the world while we chase a little ball. Sport may have its place as a recreation or a diversion but there are more important things - aren't there?

The right to write

2010-01-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

I think I must have been born with ink in my veins because from a very early age I was writing verses and essays, poor as they were. The itch to write could not be denied. Now I am grateful for opportunities to write books along with articles galore and to be able to do so without fear of restrictions by a repressive regime with secret police likely to knock on my door. But freedom is not free. It comes with a price and the need for tolerance of views different from our own. Freedom of speech is precious but it must be employed with responsibility and also guarded with vigilance. There is a delicate balance to be maintained. which could easily be lost.

Haiti

2010-01-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

Even the most insensitive should have been shocked by the situation in Haiti which has long held an unenviable record as one of the world's poorest countries. Tragedy brings out the best and the worst in human nature. In a Salvation Army children's home unaffected by the quake there are fears that it may be invaded by starving neighbours or gangs seeking any food thought to be within its walls, meagre though that may be. Getting supplies to desperately needy people is difficult because of roads clogged by debris and by people sleeping out for fear of being killed by masonry falling from any buildings. The UN Secretary General is at the scene and hopefully it may soon be possible to bring some order out of the chaos and much needed aid to the desperately needy. Prayer and financial assistance is all that most of us can offer - and should offer - to help.

Cock-a-doodle-doo

2010-01-14T12:14:00.000-08:00

It has been said that there is often a lot more 'cock-a-doodle doo' than 'cock-a-doodle-done. The air is often filled with opinions about what should or should not be done by other people and rather less by reports of things done and advances made. It may be hoped that 2010 will be the year of the achiever - a time when we move beyond the talk-fest to positive action on issues such as climate change, people trafficking, binge drinking and road carnage. Never mind the spin and the buck-passing, we need to see something done!

Geting adjusted

2010-01-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

Adjustment is a necessary part of living. In a new year we have to remember the change of dateline. Soon the holiday hiatus will be over and we will have to adjust to busier roads and the routine changes in our work. Life cannot stand still. If anything doesn't change its change! But we survive by being adaptable and by moving with the times. That has always been the case, now more than ever, and instead of being daunted we should relish the challenge it brings.

God is down to earth!

2009-12-17T14:39:00.000-08:00

The message of the Christmas angels spoke of glory to God in the highest Heaven but also of his glory - expressed in peace and goodwill - on the lowest earth. God is not confined to a rarefied spiritual atmosphere beyond our comprehension. He is to be found in the rough and tumble world where we are, not remote or removed. He is with us and only a prayer away. He was revealed to humble shepherds and was born in a smelly stable. And if our hearts are open we may know his presence in the bustling supermarket or the crowded street. It is a sense of God's presence which can make the meaning of Christmas really come alive for us.

We might make the following our prayer: 'When our Christmas joy evaporates with the frustration of Christmas shopping and my holiday plans elaborate until I'm wrapped in the trappings and trapped in the wrappings, Lord untangle me; help me get the tinsel out of my hair refresh me with a look at the gift of your Son'.

No present like the time

2009-11-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

It is said that there is no time like the present but also, there is no
present like the time! We might receive wealth or position but without
time they would be of little worth. The gift of time is not something
to be left under the tree but rather to be used wisely and well.
Compared with previous generations we have many time saving devices
but what do we do with the time which is saved? We should resolve to
spend it wisely, and the time to begin is now!

A culture of death?

2009-11-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

AN announcement on Australian T-V news stated that the leading cause of death for both men and women under thirty five was suicide and it seems that this obtains in some of the richest countries. The tragedies of affluence abound. But why this waste . not least among young people with the potential to 'make it' in life?
I put it down to a lack of faith in the widest sense of the term. Many lose faith in themselves and in there being any meaning in this life and are ready to take their chance on the next world even if for them it represents nothing but oblivion.
People with a positive attitude or faith believe that the best is always yet to be. Life is not a bubble, empty and without significance. It is more like an egg, full of untold posibilities.
Life is to be affirmed and meant to be lived to the full believing that God loves us and thinks highly of us.

Live contact

2009-10-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

No doubt recorded messages have their uses but sometimes I am frustrated when I phone a firm and receive a series of recorded answers to questions I never thought of asking anyway. I want to scream 'Let me talk to a live person to whom I can explain my individual need!' On many issues I am glad that by faith I can speak to God and be assured of his care and concern for me as an individual. I will not be fobbed of with a stock answer but will receive grace sufficient for my need.

Take courage

2009-09-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Courage is not the absence of fear but its conquest. Fears can come like poisoned darts and destroy our confidence but courage is fear that has said its prayers. In the Bible the phrase 'fear not' appears 366 times- once for every day in the year - even in a leap year. The peace of God can be like a sentinel guarding heart and mind. That is just what we need!

Knowing and not knowing

2009-07-29T03:46:00.000-07:00

St John said that we know that we have passed from death to life but St Paul said that we only know in part. To know is not to know all. We can know enough to be able to live and move and have our being, physically and spiritually. But we should also know that there is much that we don't know. It is said that faith is a balance of knowing and not knowing. We may find satisfaction in knowing but humility in realizing that there is much that we cannot know or, in other words, mystery in life and death.

Talk 'n tucker

2009-07-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

We live in a world of rushing and sometimes miss out on the blesings of a more human approach. I think of sharing a meal with a good friend and engaging in open conversation with a real person and compare that with the exasperation I feel when dealing with many dehumanised firms with recorded messages answering questions I never thought of asking.

Ideals and possibilities

2009-07-16T15:19:00.001-07:00

It is good to have ideals and aims for which we strive but sometimes we have to come to terms with what is possible. This is not a perfect world and we are not perfect either. There are limits which we have to accept and beating ourselves up may not solve anything. The bible says that God knows our frame. He at least is reasonable. Without being overly soft on ourselves we can only do our best, leave the rest - and then be at rest.

I

2009-07-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

No worries?

2009-07-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

In all the English speaking coountries I have visited there have been characteristic catch phrases. For example, when I first came to Oz I was taken back when a 'check out chick' said "See ya later!'. Then there was "Good on ya" which sounded friendly and encouraging. But the phrase, "No worries" was one that stuck in my mind. Like most people I tend to worry at times - often about things which never happen anyway. Worry is the interest we pay on tomorrow's troubles and sometimes it is at a high rate. Jesus said not to worry. He also said that we should have faith and I try to do as I have been told.

One of those days?

2009-07-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Albert Orsborn - a former world leader of The Salvation Army - used to say that there are days when all God's angels seem to be flying in the wrong direction. Certainly, we all have times when everything is NOT going our way. For us the test is how we cope at such times. I find that my faith helps enormously. It does not make life trouble-free but it does make me free to deal with each day as it comes - living in day-tight compartments - without fretting over the past or fearing the future.

Finding what is lost

2009-06-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

I don't make a habit of losing things but recently I lost my wallet/diary. It was a small thing but a big bother for apart from cash it included credit cards, driver's licence etc. I searched high and low retraced my steps to shops I had visited and so on. Then, when I got up the next morning it literally dropped at my feet! An answer to prayer, certainly! How it happened, another story.
Retrieving something we have lost is an enormous relief and may not always refer to material things. Recovering peace of mind or a clear conscience may take an enormous load off our shoulders and there too may involve both seeking and praying.

For this cause

2009-06-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

During the civil war in China a communist was about to be executed by nationalist forces. He managed to tear the bandage from his eyes and, before his body was riddled with bullets, he shouted, "I'm dying for an ideal. What are you living for?" His words should certainly challenge us all. Some live to make money or further a career but have nothing that could be called a cause.
On trial before Pontius Pilate Jesus said, For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world that I should bear witness to the truth" (John 18.37 NKJV)
I believe that our destiny is to make the cause of Jesus Christ our own. That will invest our lives with the meaning and significance it must otherwise lack.

History without tears

2009-05-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

In a car a rear view mirror may be nearly as important as a windscreen! A backward glance can help to avoid past mistakes catching up on us. For a few years I have been involved in the Salvation Army Historical Society and we have been seeking to review the Army's past in order to improve its future. By innovative presentations we have sought to teach 'history without tears' and last evening saw a good crowd gather for such an event.
In our personal lives it may sometimes be good to look back before we go forward. That way we may avoid repeating past errors. To make a mistake once is human but to go on making the same mistake may be just plain daft!

An overload of news

2009-05-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

We seem to suffer from an overload of news in these days. There are the recurring themes of the financial crisis, the flu epidemic, attacks by pirates, explosions in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan and so on. Good news rarely makes the front pages of the papers or the headlines on the telly and yet it is present in abundance and to keep a balanced view of life we should keep it in mind. In western countries most of us have plenty to eat and can sleep peacefully in our beds. There are plenty of people ready to do us good turns. The sun comes up each morning. God is good. When I take my morning walk I often make a resolve that until I get home again I will count the blessings which are mine - all manner of things for which I am grateful. I never run out of things for which to give thanks and always feel better for exercising both body and soul. Try it and see!

A culture of violence

2009-04-09T02:17:00.000-07:00

Increasingly, it seems that we have a growing culture of violence. This is evident in school-yard bullying, nightclub bashings, mayhem at sporting events, road rage and abuse of women and children. There must be many reasons for the unfortunate trends. Without doubt, some of the problem is related to the influence of alcohol and drugs. Media moguls must also share responsibility for the violent content of many video games, T-V programmes and the like. When some deny that this affects the behaviour of viewers I point to hard headed business interests ready to pay very big bucks in the belief that media advertising does affect people's lifestyle choices. Then the much publicised violence of sports stars provides a shocking example for adoring fans and the weekly procession to tribunals for statutary slaps on wrists seems to have little effect. Signs of blood-lust in crowds at some sporting events are disturbing and indicate that in our secular society the jungle is not far from the surface and still needs taming. That points to the need for a power greater than our own.

A matter of life and death

2009-04-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

Easter is a matter of life and death. We commemorate the death of Jesus Christ as the victory of vulnerability over brute force and love over the forces of evil in the world. The early Church proclaimed that Jesus was still alive. Certainly he was alive in the memories of his followers - which memories were perpetuated when written in the gospel records. Then there was the conviction that, as he had prophesied, He was still alive with his Father God in Heaven. Furthermore, he was alive - and is still alive -through his alter ego or other self, the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. For Christians the flag of faith is not at half-mast but flying high. Jesus is not dead. He is alive and let loose in the world. He has moved from the 'here' to the 'everywhere'. Small wonder that Christianity is a faith which exults.

A memorable man

2009-04-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

I have just had news of the passing of a friend known as a composer of music and a writer of prose and verse throughout the Salvation Army world. His name was Brindley Boon and at one time we worked together editorially. He had a phenominal memory and a fund of stories from a life-time of service in the Army. I learnt so much from him and enjoyed his huge sense of humour.His legacy of creativity will remain for many years and I am only one of many who are in his debt.

A balanced view

2009-03-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

The news bulletins reveal human nature at its best as well as at its worst. In recent months we have learnt of the incredible bravery of volunteer firemen and other helpers at the scene of the bush fires. Such people have been ready to put their lives on the line with no prospect of personal reward. In what has sometimes been called the 'me generation' they stand out as shining exemples.

2009-03-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

There is a growing awareness of problems caused by alcohol such as binge drinking by young people, road trauma and violence. The man in charge of a Scottish prison told me that 70% of his inmates were incarcerated for alcohol related offences, at great expense to taxpayers. I remember when many dismissed the suggestion that smoking was harmeful, but not now! It is time that more people also woke up to the dangers of alcohol. Few people start drinking with the thought that they will ever become addicted, but too many do. As a Salvationist I am pledged to and can celebrate an alcohol-free life and would not compromise my personal example in this resepct. I have met too many who have regretted starting to imbibe but not one who has regretted abstaining! There is no question of being judgemental of those who do not share my point of view - including some good friends. On the contrary, I am part of an organization that, more than most, seeks to help those with addictions.

Need and greed

2009-03-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

The financial crisis is hitting people all over the world and its complexities may baffle many. But it is plain that unrestained greed has contrbuted to the problem with a knock-on effect affecting millions of decent,law-abiding folk. It might be said that there is enough in the world for everyone's need but not enough for everybody's greed. Hopefully some lessons have been learnt and there will be contols which will prevent any repeat of the widespread problems of the past year.

After the fire storm

2009-03-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

It seems that the firestorms in Victoria may now be under control and victims have been humbled and grateful for amazing support from around the world but, what for observers may seem the beginning of the end is only the end of the beginning for those most affected. When the fires no longer attract headlines the work of rebuilding homes and lives will still go on. The Salvation Army has declared that it is 'in for the long haul' and hopefully other NGOs and government departments will also be committed for the long term. We should all continue to pray and pay for those who have suffered so grievously.

The fiery furnace

2009-02-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

The Victorian bush fires continue to dominate the headlines and the horrendous extent of the havoc becomes even more clear. The disaster seems to have brought out the best and the worst in human nature. We have been inspired by the devotion of the fire fighters, the courage of many of the victims and the generosity of the public with an avalanche of donations. On the other hand we may have shaken our heads in disbelief at stories of looters and fires being deliberately lit. As a Salvo I have been humbly proud of the part being played by The Salvation Army alongside other bodies. My wife and I are on call to assist as we are able and certainly we pray for all those affected by the events of recent days.

Let the sunshine in

2009-02-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Many years ago in the UK we used to sing, 'Let the blessed sunshine in Open up the windows, open wide the door Let the blessed sunshine in'. I thought ironically about that this morning as I 'battened down the hatches' and closed blinds and curtains in anticipation of one of the hottest days on record. I love sunshine but I guess one can have too much even of a good thing. Today my prayers are with those whose homes are threatened by fires and the brave people who will be fighting the blazes. In a world where we have a financial crisis caused to some extent by greed it is good to recognise others who are prepared to put their lives on the fire line for the sake of others, God bless them!

Unread

2009-02-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

For a few years I have been a member of a writers' group comprised of people from various backgrounds. Some are very able with their pens and yet most of their work is unpublished while much that is vastly inferior finds its way on to book stands.What a pity! It is like that with the Bible which may be the most unread best-seller in the world. I remember some verse written by John Greenleaf Whittier:
'We search the world for truth; we cull The good, the pure. the beautiful, From graven stone and written scroll, From all the flower fields of the soul And weary seekers of the best We come back laden from the quest To find that all the sages said Is in the book our mothers read.'

Hot stuff

2009-01-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

A few years ago the catchphrase in a British comedy show on T-V was, 'It 'aint 'arf 'ot, Mum! Not surprisingly, it has come to mind in recent days! The heat at the tennis tournament seems to have been excessive but the crowds have turned up driven by enthusiasm for their favourite sport. Good for them! I like to see enthusiasm. I have many friends whose enthusiasm for the Christian faith has been no brief spasm but a life-long commitment.I have seen them in the extreme north of Canada or Norway in long, dark, cold winters. I have also seen them in the heat of Africa. The word enthusiasm literally means 'full of God'and folk who are enthusiastic for good causes are needed everywhere. Will the true enthusiasts please stand up!

Rain, rain

2009-01-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

In Melbourne we are in the midst of a heatwave and have had a month of drought conditions. For lack of rain the lawns are yellow and paddocks are parched. I remember ruefully that as a boy in the United Kingdom I joined in a jingle which began with the line,'Rain, rain go away until another washing day'. Then it seemed that we had too much rain; now we know what it is not to have enough. Water is essential for life. Our bodies contain a large amount of water. Without it we would soon expire. Jesus said, 'I am the water of life'. He meets the spiritual needs of parched souls and there are plenty of those around.

A new day

2009-01-22T13:35:00.001-08:00

Watching the inauguration of a new US president was a moving experience. The inaugural address was thrilling and was a restatement of some of the values which have made America great, but of course it will take more than a great 'say' to bring in a new day. In the hurly burly of politics it is easy to lose sight of the ideals which we profess to defend. My prayer is that the new president may be led by the Lord and lead the nations into paths of peace. A sick and sorry world is crying out for that.

Try kneeling

2009-01-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

It is said that if we have long-standing problems we should try kneeling.Prayer can change things or more likely, prayer can change people. Folk have known that since time began but unfortunately some have forgotten it. God is only a prayer away. We don't have to 'go it alone'. He is nearer that we think.

Resolutions or revolutions?

2009-01-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

How are the New Year resolutions going? Some may be shortlived and forgotten by the second week in January. The need is for something more than a resolution; we may need a revolution. Unless people are governed by God they are likely to be ruled by tyrants, controlled by prejudices or addictions.But faith in God can be the spark that starts a revolution in our hesrts and the beginning of a new era in our lives.

The month of January

2009-01-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

This seems to be a time when Australia 'dies' to prepare for living again. Even those who are not on holiday have a kind of holiday. Certainly the pace of life slackens and the traffic abates. I usually use the time to clear out rubbish - old documents, magazines and the like. I am a squirrel by nature and tend to hoard bits and pieces which just might come in handy. My wife on the other hand is enthusiastic about clearing out and looks eagerly at my well-lined book shelves which she thinks should be thinned out. I have resisted so far but I fear I may be weakening. I need the support of other husbands under seige! Hoarders of the world should unite!!

Black dog

2009-01-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

One of my Christmas presents was a large book entitled, "Churchill and Australia". The subject was sometimes described as 'the greatest living Englishman' and certainly his achievements were huge but so were his mistakes and sometimes he was subject to depression which he described as his 'black dog'.He had the weaknesses of his strength. He who could rise to great heights could plunge to great depths. As a lesser mortal I find fascination in history and biography and in the realization that even the great and famous have to struggle with themselves and their frailties even as I do.

Holidays

2009-01-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

The word holiday is derived from 'holy day' and reminds us that originally it was the Christian Church which insisted that employees should be given time off for rest, recreation and worship. Like metal human beings can suffer from fatigue. We need to be renewed in strength. At this time of year many people exercise their right to rest and hopefully use it wisely.

What's new?

2008-12-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

So what is new about New Year - apart from a date on the calendar? Much remains the same - chores to be done, bills to be paid,appointments to be kept. But just as punctuation marks can lift a sentence liable to sag so a New Year can be the occasion for new resolves that can lift our living. We can determine that with God's help we will do better in the future than we have done in the past. We know that there is room for improvement and if we do some 'possibility thinking' we may not only make some good resolutions but keep thas as well.

Christmas at home?

2008-12-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

The possibility of getting home for Christmas is relished by many but also impossible for others. But it should be remembered that the holy family were away from their home because of an edict by the Roman government. There were no home comforts for them but they were (and are) at the centre of spiritual gravity, where God's action was. Christmas is spiritually rather than geographically located. It is where there is true worship of the Son of God. In that sense we can take our Christmas with us and find its true meaning wherever we are.

Goodwill

2008-12-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

With incessant news of violence arround the world it would be easy to get sceptical about the idea of peace and goodwill. But there are many signs that those qualities are sill alive among us. The other night I went door-to-door collecting for the Salvation Army's work for the disadvantaged while our band played carols in the street. In the soft evening light the sound of the band brought a sense of peace and the marvellous generosity of householders was evidence of great goodwill. I gave thanks that despite the darkness in the world the light of love is not extinguished and having a care for others is still to be found.

Scared of Christmas?

2008-12-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

I once asked a group of recovering alcoholics how they felt about Christmas. They replied, 'Scared!. They felt that the season might threaten their hard-won sobriety. For some people feelings of loneliness are particularly acute at Christmas as they think of relatives they have lost. But the words, 'fear not' feature in the Christmas story (and in 365 places in the bible - enough for every day of the year!) We can take them to heart and find that there is enough love in the world to go around and we can tap into it through faith in the One whose coming is celebrated. Churches will be crowded with people needing to get the message loud and clear.Don't miss out.

Christmas is coming

2008-12-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

'Christmas comes but once a year' and when it comes it brings - well, what does it bring? A lot of work, for one thing. Stores echo with the merry sound of cash registers. Some people deplore the 'commercialization of Christmas' but at least it provides jobs for people.And much of the activity is dedicated to getting goods as gifts for OTHERS.
Christmas brings shoals of greeting cards and contact with friends and relatives from whom we may receive no other word. That is good! For kids (and parents?) Santa brings joy. This is a time for family gatherings and they should be welcomed.So three cheers for the yuletide season!
Centuries ago there was a bill before the British parliament to ban Christmas but thankfully it is not on the statute book and so Christmas is something we can all enjoy.So lets all do just that!

A Christmas Prayer

2008-12-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

'When my Christmas joy evaporates with the frustration of Christmas shopping and my holiday plans elaborate until I'm wrapped in the trappings and trapped in the wrappings, Lord untangle me; help me get the tinsel out of my hair, refresh me with a look at the gift of your Son.' (Anon.)

(Please look into my other blog under 'History is His story' WH)

Something to share?

2008-12-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

It is said that if everyone cared enough and everyone shared enough everyone would have enough. Perhaps some of us are not as good at sharing as we should be. Blogging is a way of sharing thoughts. I have a blog under my name (Wesley Harris) and another under 'History is His story'. I don't always keep up to date with this sharing and a New Year resolution will be to do better. For fifteen years in retirement I have been sharing the story of Christianity with a couple of classes in a state school week by week. Now I fel it necessary to relinquish that role on account of age but I am so glad that others will be picking up the baton. Another unexpected opportunity of sharing in retirement has been through writing. I have just had my ninth book published and hope to go on sharing my experience of God through the written word.It is a paradox, but the more we share the richer we become. We don't give to get but it happens that the more we give the more we gain in many ways.

Birthdays

2008-11-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

My wife and I both celebrate our 80th birthdays this week. Margaret is two days older than me and I have sometimes joked that I decided to marry the older woman. Then of course, I have needed to duck! But seriously, we are so grateful for the years we have been given. For us this is a time to look back and give thanks. It is also a time to look forward to the time we may yet enjoy and to the mystery which lies beyond. God is good and perhaps that is all we need to know. We are finding it necessary to drop some activities but feel sure that there will still be worthwhile things to do. After all, service is the rent we pay for our room on earth.

What is best?

2008-11-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

I would rather aim at something great and fail than settle for mediocrity and succeed. The trouble with many people is that they are saddled with small ambitions and have limited visions. We should lift up our eyes and believe a better day is dawning.

Response-ability

2008-11-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

Dostoyevsky wrote, "People are people and not the keys of a piano'.We may like to blame our genes or our circumstances for our problems but to be truly human we need to accept that we are response-able (and accountable)for the way in which we live. What the bible calls holiness has to do with living responsibly.
Some say they 'couldn't care less' but Jesus our best example could not have cared more.The Jewish prophet Micah said, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly snd to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (6.8).

Ethics of a cash register

2008-10-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

I was present at the Salvation Army premises in Bourke Street, Melbourne for a crowded meeting listening to a highly qualified panel discussing alcohol abuse. One speaker described the way in which weaknesses are exploited for financial gain by people with what he described as the 'ethics of a cash register'. The bible describes the love of money as the root of all evil and there is no doubt that for the sake of financial gain much evil is perpetuated. By the same token, rightly used money well used can achieve great good in the world. There is nothing wrong with money, just the way in which some people use it!

The eye of a storm

2008-10-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

The effects of the world financial crisis are becoming increasingly apparent. They can be seen at the supermarket checkout where people are being obliged to cut their spending. They can be observed in the number of people obliged to turn to voluntary organizations for food parcels and other assistance. It is amazing that problems in the United States have had a 'knock-on' effect around the world. No nation lives to itself. For good or ill we are all bound together in the bundle of life on earth. What we do has a bearing on others and for nations and individuals that is part of the responsibility of being alive. The implications of that need to be worked out.

Grievances

2008-10-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

It is said that instead of nursing grievances we should teach them to walk. There may be times when everybody is niggled by someone or something. Small concerns can fester and poison our whole system unless we overcome them with love.

Turning the clock back?

2008-10-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

History buffs such as myself are sometimes accused of trying to turn the clock back. In fact, sometimes our desire is to wind it up. We may avoid the mistakes of the past if we look back and learn from history. The crass and crazy thing is that the follies of one generation are often repeated in the next.Howm dumb can we get>

Homelessness

2008-06-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

LEARNING that people slept on the streets of London William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, told his son Bramwell,'Go and do something!'Booth junior asked, 'What can we do?'.And hearing about homelessness in these days we may well echo his question.
Thousands of people - young and old - sleep on the street in Australia ever night. What can we do about it? The Salvation Army Historical Society will be focussing on the problem at the Inala Auditorium, 220 Middleborough Road, Blackburn on Friday
22nd August at 7.30 pm. There will be DVD footage about what the Army has done for the homeless in the past and is doing today. Nationally-known speakers will report on the problem and there will be music by the Camberwell Band and the 'Hope Choir' - the Army's equivalent to the 'Choir of Hard Knocks'.
There will be no charge for admission but what can we do about the problem? We can take part in a collection for work among street people.The offering may be in cash or kind such as hand-knitted garments such as scarves or beanies or newly bought socks. All are welcome!

2008-06-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

test

Courage to care

2008-01-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

My son's mother-in-law, Gus Kaminski, died this week.She was a person whose warm love seemed to embrace everyone. During World War 2, in her native Netherlands, she was involved in hiding many Jews who would otherwise have gone to the gas chambers. Her own life was on the line but she had the courage to care and was later honoured as a righteous gentile by the state of Israel. Her memory is honoured. Now I remind myself of the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer shortly before he was hanged by the Nazis, 'With God every apparent end is only a more glorious new beginning'.

If all else fails...

2008-01-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

I bought a new piece of computer equipment and despite being a little 'technophobic'was seeking to install it. Then in my frustration I decided that if all else failed I would read the maker's instructions.That helped a lot!

We sometimes make the same kind of mistake with regard to larger issues. We puzzle about the best course to take or the right decision to make then - eureka! - we realise that we should first read the instructions found in the bible and we discover that its ancient wisdom can be remarkably modern in its application to today's problems.

As a yound man I was contemplating marriage - a weighty decision for anyone! - when I referred to the words of Jesus in John 8.12 where he spoke about having 'the light of life'. I sought God's guidance and after more than fifty years am still married as a result of the wise decision I made.

But I could kick myself as I think of other issues about which I have foolishly fumbled instead of going first to 'the Makers' Instructions'.Still, I think I am learning at last!

It 'aint 'arf ''ot

2008-01-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

A British comedy programme on T.V had the catch phrase, 'It 'aint 'arf 'ot, Mum'and it has been called to mind as our temperatures have risen into the forties.Sunlight can be life giving but it is possible to have too much of a good thing as warnings about global warming would emphasise. Sun stroke, skin cancer, dehydration and bush fires are part of Aussie life and, as we hide in our air conditioned premises, we may thank God for people who take the heat in order to help others, like fire fighters, for example.Their courage makes us realise that despite many ghastly things going on the world is not such a bad place after all. While we face the mystery of evil let us also take acount of the mystery of goodness and the God-like quality of self sacrifice.

2008-01-09T12:52:00.001-08:00

2008-01-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

Resolutions or revolutions

2007-12-31T14:19:00.000-08:00

My old grandmother used to say that some people's promises are like pie crusts - made to be broken. New Year resolutions may soon be broken. So why bother? D.H.Farmer wrote, 'The true vow is the attempt to capture the high and serious moment, to take it out of the transciencies and make it one of the permanencies of the soul's life, to condense out of the vapour of feeling a solid mass and momentum of directed will'.
It helps us to keep our promises if we call other people to witness them - as happens in a wedding ceremony. We are also helped if our vows are made to God and with a consciousness of his presence and available help.
A life without vows, like a long sentence without punctuation marks, is likely to sag. But meaningful vows help us to live by our high moments and not our low ones. Resolutions then lead to revolutions in life and living.

Post Christmas

2007-12-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

The post-Christmas period can be something of an anti-climax.'Shopperolics'may find some relief in 'retail therapy'but for the rest of us it may be a case of taking a deep breath before launching into the New Year. But we might learn a lesson from the rustic shepherds who were first on the scene after the birth of Jesus Christ. Having seen the baby we read that the shepherds returned to where they were living in nearby nearby fields 'praising God for all the things they had heard and seen' (Luke 2.20).For them the glow and the glory didn't pass as a dream. They took Christmas with them back to the hum-drum task and the familiar setting. And life copuld never be the same again!

At home or abroad

2007-12-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

When I first came to live in Australia nearly thirty years ago I mostly felt almost as much at home as at home in the UK. But one thing seemed more than passing strange and that was Christmas. To hear a Salvation Army band playing, 'See amid the winter's snow while perspiration poured down the musicians' faces was odd, to say the least. I had to adjust my thinking and adapt to the climate in the southern hemisphere, realising that Christmas was not merely a date on a calendar or tied to particular climatic conditions. It was meant to be an experience in the heart. G.K.Chesterton wrote of Bethlehem as a place where God was homeless and all men are at home. And so,wherever we are we can be at home with the Christmas story and find a universal application of the truth that God is with us wherever we may be.

Where are you going?

2007-12-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

In the Christmas story those who sought Christ came from very different locations, from near and far. The shepherds came from down the road in the shepherds' fields. The wise men journeyed from another country. But the most important thing was not from whence they came but where they were going. They were all intent in finding Jesus and knowing the truth about him. Whether we come from poor circumstances or with the proverbial silver spoon in the mouth is beside the point. What matters is where we are aiming in life. We can all find in Jesus Christ the perfect form of whatever truth we possess - as long as we keep right on searching to the end of the road.

Birds of a feather

2007-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

It is said that birds of a feather flock together. In other words, people of like mind find encouragement in the company of those who share their interests. My wife and I enjoyed a Christmas meal with a company of retired Salvation Army officers whose years of service around the world would add up to many thousands. As far as I know none of those present were millionaires. Their chosen profession didn't pay that well in dollars and cents. But they would be as happy a crowd as you could hope to find. Real riches lie in the knowledge that you have given your best trying to make the world a better place. That is better than money in the bank.

Leadership

2007-11-28T02:22:00.000-08:00

I mean no disrespect to the senior leadership of The Salvation Army. After all, I was once part of it as a territorial commander for 11 years and a chief/general secretary for seven years. But I have to say that some of the best initiatives in our ovement have come from the bottom up rather than from the top down.Take the wearing of uniform, for example. Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth, granddaughter of our founders, told me that it was not introduced because of an edict from headquarters but because of the desire of ordinary salvationists to show whose side they were on.
Following the recent 'Connections' convention I believe there will be many new ideas in our movement and ideas have legs! I notice a spontaneous 'Youth Speak' feature has appeared on the internet (www.beyondconnections.com.au)and I guess I will not agree with all the ideas which will be expressed but I am sure I will be thrilled by the enthusiasm engendered. After all, the literal meaning of the word enthusiam is 'full of God' and really, that is what being a salvo is all about.

Connections

2007-11-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Salvation Army's Connections convention in Melbourne has been fabulous with huge crowds gathering and much to inspire. The Army's leaders, Commisioners Jim and Carolyn Knaggs, have given splendid direction and this should lead to even greater things. Of course, the important point about a convention is not just what people feel during it but what they do after it. The mission of the Army has once again been brought into focus with the way ahead being plain. Now it is a case of 'going for it.

Sanctified cheek

2007-11-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

I have a cheek, Lord,
approaching the Chief Executive
of the universe on minor matters,
and little affairs of my little life.
In one sense I would not presume
To use you,
Only hope you may see fit to use me.
Yet I need help and to whom else can I go?
You did say, in effect,
your door was always open.
So, I've taken you at your word,
aware of your greatness,
amazed by your grace,
reverent in heart,
emboldened by faith.
Pardon my cheek, Lord,
but I believe you understand.

Wesley Harris

Get connected

2007-10-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Later this month The Salvation Army will be celebrating with a great series of meetings in Melbourne under the title, 'Connections'. The world leader of the movement will be a key speaker and there will be a coming together of Salvationists and friends. There will be an attempt to connect with each other, with the vital issues of these day yes, and with God. A list of events and venues can be obtained from the SA by phoning 9896 6000. See you there!

Uniform

2007-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

As a Salvation Army editor I had a lengthy interview with the late Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth, a grand-daughter of the founders of our movement. She told me that the wearing of uniform was not something imposed by headquarters but came from the desire of Salvationists to show whose side they were on as Christians. They turned out in in all sorts of rigs which were anything but uniform until it was reallised that common and easily recognised garbs would have a greater cumulative impact. Still, the uniform is meant to be a silent witness to Christian faith and may take on a sacramental significance. Police forces have their plain clothes and uniformed branches, and so does the Church!

SPROC

2007-10-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have just returned from the South Pacific Retired Officers' Convention in Adelaide. About 200 ROs from Australia and New Zealand gathered for fellowship, encouragement and prayer. It was a great experience. It was said that the company represented 6000 years of service and there was the throb of true spirituality along with the cameraderie and fun. The singing was outstanding - hearty and meaningful. In these days when congregations are often segmented and when, in some situations, the twain never meet we should recall that at Pentecost the young and the old were specifically mentioned in Peter's sermon. Both need each other and have a part to play. Amen?

Re-visiting

2007-10-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

This past week I have been taking some visitors from Scotland to see some of the sites around Melbourne such as the beautiful Dandenongs, Sovereign Hill, Phillip Island etc. I have done this tour before but have still enjoyed my latest visits made in good company. In a similar way I regularly re-visit 'sites' in the Bible and find new inspiration in words which have become familiar over the years. The need is for renewed vision and an ability to see new truth which God has to reveal. The Army Mother said, 'God's revelation will keep pace with my consecration'. Now that is a thought to ponder!

Spirituality and practicality

2007-10-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

The Ss on the collars of Salvation Army uniforms stand for 'Saved to serve (or save)' that is, spirituality and practicality. I am encouraged that many Army (church) congregations are more than ever involved in community service - being there when they are needed. But our community service must always be seen as an expression of the gospel and not a substitute for it. Helping people to find God is still the highest form of community service as far as we are concerned. The DNA of The Salvation Army makes that abundantly clear and we must be true to ourselves oin this respect.

Beyond the black stump

2007-09-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

When I first came to live in Australia I was intrigued by some characteristic sayings like'beyond the black stump' which I took to be a reference to somewhere remote. This week our prayers have followed Salvation Army leader, Commissioner Jim Knaggs and the Staff Songsters on their visit to various place in South Australia and the Northern Territory. The aim is to make people aware that although they may live in remote places they can be 'up close and personal' with God. In other words, there will be an attempt to proclaim the gospel with words and music. The effort should be well supported by prayer.

Ageism

2007-09-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

There is evidence that ageism is alive and well in our society and it works both ways. I have had experience of people who have been ready to dismiss some as 'too young' and others as 'too old'.
Even in some church congregations there is a kind of apartheid based on age instead of recognition that age and youth can complement each other. The ability to contribute to a united whole doesn't depend on the date on a birth certificate but on the quality of heart and mind. There are no useless people. Everyone has something which they can contribute, regardless of age and what is more everyone is needed. This week in my hospital visitation I spoke to a lady who knows she may only have weeks to live but her positive attitude provided a fillip to my own faith. In the past God has used her ability. Now he is using her disability and her buoyant confidence that 'the best is yet to be'.