The Power of Two!

August heralds a special date in my calendar. It was the month when God did what seemed the impossible and manufactured a man for me! Well, sort of! On the 5th of August 1984, I realised that a good friend of four years was interested me! Really? Surprise gave way to wonder … and wonder gave way to a God-inspired conviction that Shan was indeed the man of my dreams. In four short days, I fell deeply in love! Forty One years later this month, how grateful I am for this remarkable man who has loved me so well and also been a truly wonderful Dad to our son. Thank You God for Shan. I think we have partnered well to bring up our son - the Power of Two!

When our son was little, God led me to begin a support group for Mums. MUM AND ME began with one friend and our two toddlers. For the first 6 months, we met simply to pray, seeking God's heart for M&m after which we invited others to join us. In due course, the number of Mums grew to more than thirty. 

For 5 years, we met fortnightly and supported each other through the joys and challenges of parenting. Our children had a fabulous time playing together. Pandemonium was usually the order of the day but it didn't matter. We all had so much fun, parents and kids alike, and made lifelong friendships. Now the little Me's are all grown up with their own little ones. It began with TWO!

Over a decade later, God led me once again to start a support group for Mums of kids with learning difficulties. When the friend with whom I was going to start REFRESH (the group) decided to opt out, my prayer partners suggested I wait for God to bring another friend. Jesus sent his disciples out two by two didn't He? A good principle. And sure enough, God sent me a partner in ministry. Anna and I met for a cuppa one day … and that very day, as we talked and shared and felt the bond between us grow, REFRESH was born. How glad I am that I waited for God to bring Anna into my life. Having her love and support as we reached out to others made all the difference. The Power of Two!

In the last 4 ½ years, I've had the joy and privilege of conducting services in a Retirement home a few times a year. I was thrilled recently, when my lovely friend Kristy said she'd like to help out. Last week, she joined me and I loved having her calm and caring presence with me! It was so good to have her help and support as we conducted the service and also chatted to the residents afterwards. I'm very grateful to God for bringing her to minster with me!

This August God's led me to start a small group who meet to worship Jesus and to enjoy the sweet fellowship that music brings – and yes, you guessed right. I have a friend who will meet with me as we begin. It is the Power of Two in action again. I look forward very much to worshipping God with her this week. Jesus said, 

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

Recently I was in need of prayer. I went through my list of family and friends whom I could ask for prayer, but found no one to call on. Well – I had bothered most of them too much and too often. It was time to give them a break. But then … the Holy Spirit nudged my heart and reminded me of One who's always available, He lives to intercede for us at the Father's Right Hand. I called out to Jesus and asked if He would pray for me for my need. Of course His answer was YES! Isn't it astounding that we can look to the God of the Universe to partner with us?

If you are feel alone today let me assure you that You are never alone. Psalm 139 assures us that God pursues us and is with us. All. The. Time. If you need prayer - Jesus is the One to call on – He intercedes daily for you and for me. How grateful I am for His loving care of me! His was a love that sacrificially gave His all! How grateful I am too for the many precious people whom I know ... my life is richer for having them. How grateful I am for the Power of Two and the amazing people who've partnered with me over the years to make God's dreams come true. 

Together with Jesus, you and I can make it. Together with brothers and sisters in Christ, we will make it.

Dear one, may you know the joy of a loving friend's presence today. 

May you also know the sweetness of God's presence. Today. Tomorrow. And always.

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. The God Almighty! Creator of the Universe - Hebrews 13:5

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11