Tag: christian blog

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought

A KISS ON THE KNEE

joymargetts

Those of you who read my blog regularly will know that my grandchildren are a source of constant inspiration. They are small and trusting and loving, and as yet untarnished by the values of this world. How they interact with us speaks to me so much of the relationship God seeks to have with us, His children.

A Kiss on the Knee

A few weeks back we had both grandchildren to stay for the afternoon. Our granddaughter is only 17 months old and it has taken her a while to get comfortable with being left without mum, but we had finally cracked it. She had played beautifully with her 3 year old brother for hours. We had fed them, bathed them and even got them into their pyjamas, before mum came to pick them up. As my daughter walked in I observed something really cute. Our granddaughter glanced over at her mum, stood unsteadily to her feet and walked over to plant a kiss on her mum’s knee. She then went straight back to her toys.

We laughed at the time. Actually amazed that having been separated from my daughter for some hours, that she wasn’t more effusive in her welcome. We half expected tears of joy/why did you leave me?  But a small kiss on the knee was all mum got –  at least it was an acknowledgement of her return and a sign of her affection!

A small sign of affection

I was musing on this and I knew that this is sometimes how I treat God. I know He is there, and I know He cares about me, but sometimes life gets so full that all I can manage is a ‘kiss on the knee’; a small, short, acknowledgement of His presence and of my love for Him. A whispered prayer, a moment of worship, a cry for help.

We all go through busy times and seasons. For young mums like my daughter, life is crazy busy. She, I know, would love to have more time to spend with God. It is just not always possible. I wondered if sometimes God gets hurt by our lack of time spent with Him? Is it not enough to just give Him the odd moment of our attention?

But my daughter loved that little show of affection! She was so pleased to see her daughter happy and contented, and yet aware of her presence.

Is it enough for God?

I know that the most precious times of my life are when I can spend lots of quality time with God. I love speaking to Him, listening to Him, immersing myself in His Word, worshipping Him with music. Those times are life-giving and vital, and I know He loves them too. But there are days where I just don’t have the time and space to spend a long time with Him. I could feel guilty about that, I could go down the road of self-condemnation. I know that it isn’t ideal and that God deserves more of my time. I know my life is far richer and I am much stronger the more time I spend with Him.

But what that kiss on the knee reminded me of, is that God takes any and every demonstration of our affection, however small that might seem to us, and it really blesses His heart. He understands when we can’t do more. He doesn’t condemn us. He is in effect sitting in the room, watching over us as we ‘play’, as we get on with our lives, loving us unconditionally. All He asks is that we acknowledge His presence and whisper our love for Him. That we take the moments to place a kiss on His knee. There will be plenty of times for full hugs later and He will be waiting for those too.


Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, The Word of God

KISSES THAT MAKE IT BETTER

joymargetts


My grandson is 3 now, and growing up fast in many ways. It is precious to see that he is still trusting and that life hasn’t yet stolen his innocence from him. He is a mostly quiet and calm child. His play is generally creative and imaginative. But just every now and then he reminds us that he is a boy, with energy in abundance. He will hurtle around the room, or throw things or jump on the furniture, or engage in play fighting. Inevitably this sometimes ends with him hurting himself. A bruised knee or bumped head, a cut or a scrape.

KISSES MAKE IT BETTER

Adorably, when this happens he will come to find me, or his mum or dad, point out the injured area and ask for a kiss to make it better. Invariably, even when there have been tears, a small loving kiss planted on the knee, elbow, head or finger seems to do the job. It makes it better. The tears stop and he is off playing again.

Image shows a photograph of a mother kissing the forehead of a small girl.
Image Courtesy of Canva (Pixabay)

I was thinking about this when God reminded me of a verse in a not often preached about book of the Bible. Song of Solomon is a beautiful piece of poetry, written by an ancient King of Israel, using imagery that is hard for the modern reader to make sense of. But it is so obviously a love song.

GOD’S LOVE SONG

Many believe it is in the Bible to serve as a allegory of the love that Christ, the Bridegroom, has for His Bride, the Church. But I have learned to make the message of that particular love poem personal to me. I even wrote a whole novel based on the way that little book expresses the devoted love that God has for each one of us.

Song of Solomon 1: 2 (NKJV) says this:

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your (His) love is better than wine.

What does that mean? Well, along with many commentators I believe that the ‘kisses of his mouth’ are referring to His words. The kisses God has for us can be found in what He has to say to us. And God has spoken primarily to us through His Word, the Bible. Now I know that this isn’t the only way that God speaks to us, but it is the main way. Even when we think we have heard God speak in other ways we always need to test what we have heard against the truth of His written word. His words are so full of love and encouragement.

KISSES THAT MAKE IT BETTER?

Kisses from God’s mouth make it better? Yes. My testimony is just that. For some time now I have lived with a condition that limits my physical abilities and restricts my energy. I have had times where I have felt emotionally bombarded, and anxiety and fear have threatened to take hold.

Like many people, life also has its challenges beyond just my personal ones. Family, friends, circumstances, even the things happening in the world around me. Loss, broken relationships, the pain my loved ones are having to go through. All these things have the power to hurt or wound me. But I have found that the Kisses of His mouth have the power to make it better.

Image shows a photograph of an open Bible resting on the corner of a balcony rail, with a misted out landscape behind it, all bathed in bright sunlight.
Image courtesy of Canva

HIS LIFE- BREATHED WORDS

When I am struggling, hurting, confused, fearful, lacking in strength, I have learnt to go to the Bible. I go to His life-breathed Word. I open my heart and I open my spiritual ears, and as I read scripture I can feel His life breath restoring me. Sometimes what I read speaks directly to the way I am feeling, and immediately offers its healing balm. Other times, the words on the page don’t seem to have anything to do with what I am going through. But still, in reading them, I feel strengthened and encouraged. I am reminded over and over again of how great God is, how powerful He is, how interested He is in me, and most importantly how much He loves me.

At a time in my life when I could not find healing anywhere else, I turned to His Word and He met me there. His kisses made it better.

LOVE KISSES MAKE IT BETTER

Now my grandson wouldn’t go to just anyone to ask for his healing kisses. He goes to someone that he knows loves him, that he trusts, someone who won’t laugh at him or turn him away. God doesn’t want us to look to ‘wine’ (the pleasures of this world) when His love for us is a much safer thing for us. Those things might numb the pain we are feeling, but His words have the power to heal us deeply.

When you are hurting, can I encourage you to turn to the One who loves you
so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for you? Bring your hurts to
Him. He is trustworthy. He knows everything about you and He cares about your
pain. He has the power to heal your hurts, and is waiting to make them better.

And He has graciously provided us with a whole book full of His love kisses.
Let him smother me with kisses—his Spirit-kiss divine. So kind are your caresses, I drink them in like the sweetest wine! Song of Solomon 1:2 The Passion Translation

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian blog, Christian Writer, Faith, The Word of God

CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOLD HIS HAND

joymargetts

Holding On

I have two grandchildren and they are a delight. Not that I am biased in any way! My grandson is 3 now and quite the little chatterbox. He is bright, and imaginative and sweet natured (most of the time). My granddaughter is just over a year old, and is already developing her own, very different character. She gives you such a hard stare at times it makes you want to crumple. I think she’s going to be a feisty one!

She is trying to walk now and wants to be on her feet all the time. She stands and takes tentative steps holding onto things, but has not yet been brave enough to try to walk on her own unaided. When she wants to move from one spot to another, instead of crawling, she will look around for someone she trusts and hold out her hand. If one of us responds to  her, offering her our hand, she will use it to steady herself as she stands and then will walk with you to where she wants to go. She doesn’t walk anywhere without holding on to the hand of someone stronger and steadier than herself.

Photo of two small children watching Tv. The smaller one is kneeling with his arm supporting the smaller one who is standing leaning on the TV cabinet.

His Hand

It made me think of how I am with God. I know He is there, and I know He is infinitely stronger than me. He loves me unconditionally and I can trust Him fully. His wisdom is unsearchable. His guidance, His understanding and His protection are there for my safety. I know all this and yet sometimes I forge ahead in life, without waiting to take a hold of His hand first.

His hand offers me strength but is also is there to direct me. If I am walking close to Him, close enough to hold onto Him, then I will not stumble, fall or step off the path that He wants me to walk on. As the song says  ‘He will hold me fast’.[1]

When I am feeling unsteady, weak, vulnerable, unsure of myself, it is perhaps natural to hold out my hand to God and ask Him to help me. But what about when I am doing well? When I feel confident, strong, in control? I wonder even in those times if God is still waiting patiently for me to reach out a trusting hand. How often have I set out on a path, without thinking of reaching out for Him first?

Close enough to Hold His Hand

There will come a day, very soon probably, when my granddaughter will find she can take steps on her own. When she will stop looking for a hand to hold on to. We call it growing up. We will applaud and celebrate it as an important milestone in her development.

But didn’t Jesus ask us to have child-like faith?[2] The faith that trusts without question in the one we know loves us. The kind of faith that knows we can’t walk through life on our own without risk of falling, or being led astray. His hand is strong enough for us to hold on to in every season, good and bad. He desires that intimacy, that connection.

And I need to remember that I am better walking close enough with Him that His hand is always within easy reach of mine.

Phot depicting an adult man's hand with a small child holding onto his finger.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

[1] Keith and Kristin Getty, ‘He will hold me fast’

[2] Matthew 18:2-4

Bible, Christian Writer, Faith, Grief, Jesus, Seasons of life, The Word of God

A CONSTANT HEART

joymargetts

UPS AND DOWNS

Image shows a tiny hand of a newborn baby grasping an adult's thumb

A little over a month ago I posted an emotional blog about the loss of our dog, and our grief over it. Our feelings of sadness at the time were really intense, coming on the back of a difficult few months. And then suddenly, within weeks, everything changed and joy replaced grief. Busyness replaced loneliness, and the unwelcome quiet was replaced by the longing for a little peace! Life is like that. You can step from sadness to joy in the matter of weeks, and then sometimes back to sadness again. Or worry, or excitement, or frustration, or fulfilment. Sometimes the ups and downs can leave us feeling pretty storm-tossed!

GOOD THINGS

Image shows a phot of the author signing a contract

In the last month some really, really good things have happened in our lives. Firstly we welcomed our second grandchild into the world. She came early, and came tiny, but she also came healthy and everyone is doing great. We are overjoyed to be invited to be so involved in our grandchildren’s lives – it is such a privilege. They are a delight to be with, and being a grandparent is one of the greatest joys of my life.

A second thing that brings me joy (and not a little anxiety) is my writing. In the same week that our grandchild was born, I signed a contract with my publisher for a third novel, that will be out later this year. This is exciting, and I am thrilled, but it also brings with it pressures, deadlines, stress. Publishing a book is a rollercoaster ride all of its own.

A CONSTANT HEART

Life is never all about one kind of emotion. We have to learn to navigate the seasons, or sometimes, the moments that we are in. We need to guard our hearts to ensure that extremes of emotions don’t derail us. That we remain constant, in our faith, our trust in God, our belief that He is in control, in being who He has called us to be.

One passage of scripture that always speaks to me is from Matthew 14: 13 – 21. Jesus hears about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. That he dearly loved John, and deeply grieved his loss is evident. He goes away by Himself to find a deserted place to be alone, with the Father, to process His loss. Only He is not alone for long, because the crowds follow Him. Did He send them away? No, v 14 tells us that He was ‘moved with compassion’ seeing how many of them needed to be healed. So after hours of healing and teaching them, does He send them away to find food for themselves, as His disciples suggest? No. He feeds them – and what a 5,000 guest party that was! So in a matter of a few hours Jesus grieved, was filled with compassion, poured Himself out, and then celebrated an extraordinary miracle. All the time He stayed right in the centre of God’s will for Him.

A STEADFAST HEART

Jesus’ example is hard to follow. I’m not saying that we should not take time to grieve, or to celebrate, but that whatever life throws at us, we can still seek to be at the centre of God’s will. We can listen to Him, trust Him, look to the needs of others, and keep our hearts constant. Or steadfast, as the Psalmist did – always finding a reason to praise. Psalm 57:7

Image contains the words of Psalm 57:7 against a background of abbey ruins and green leaves.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com