Good Aftershave… a pathway to healing.

My seven year old son, a young man way beyond his years, decided he wanted to try my aftershave. After splashing it onto his neck, he cried out in alarm as a painful stinging sensation stabbed into his skin. He had a slight scratch on his neck and the aftershave applied to it caused pain.  I explained to him that this was a good pain to experience as it meant the alcohol in the aftershave was killing bacteria in the wound and therefore the scratch would heal better.

Now I’m not sure if this is a medical fact or an accurate understanding of the molecular nature of aftershave, but after the discussion with my son I pondered the truth that a clean environment helps the healing process, and I realised this was a general principal in life.

There are many things that corrupt and dirty our lives; however the Bible lists three main categories. The World, the Flesh and the Devil.  Working together , they pose a huge threat to our lives. They wound us. They kill us. They create an environment that stinks. What is needed is good aftershave.

The Church knows the terrifying consequences of falling prey to the lures and temptations of the World, the Flesh and the Devil which is why it has so many “disciplines” to confront them. Practicing  a discipline such as silence, fasting, solitude, serving, study, community etc. helps create a clean environment for our lives to heal. However the application of a discipline can sting and cause pain, much like that aftershave.

Is this a self help exercise? Yes and No. We do need to be involved, however the process makes us even more aware that God is the only one that can heal our Soul, 

There are many examples in scripture and throughout history that demonstrate a cold reality. Unrestrained passions and undisciplined living will destroy, even if we desire to love God. That is why we are called to be Disciples. A Disciple is a disciplined person.  Indeed the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes self control.

I personally believe that many people who are trying to “sort things out” in their lives forget that wounds heal faster in a disease free environment.  What is polluting your life? Find out about some of the church disciplines and begin to practice them as this will clean your environment.  If Jesus did these things, surely we need to follow his example. As Ephesians 5 says, “Follow Gods example… and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself as a fragrant offering to God”

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Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of the 

children's picture book Polly's Little Kite.

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite

Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk

Blue Collar Prayers. (Part 2) by Brian Maunder

Blue Collar Prayers. (Part 2)

I wrote these 10 prayers about 8 years ago whilst working in a sheet metal factory with a bunch or awesome guys making doorframes. I scribbled them onto little pieces of oil stained paper as the thoughts worked through my heart and mind.  Peace.  

Prayers 1-5 are in the previous Blog.

6.

Father I thank you that you are big enough to take squarely the hard knocks of life. Like when people insult you and take you for granted, or want things from you that you know you cannot give. I pray Lord that today, I can be like you in this regard and if it gets difficult, help me face things squarely. May the struggles of life not negatively influence my heart, my actions, my drive or my passion, but may they spur me on to new levels of adoration of Your greatness.

Father, there are all sorts of people to deal with today, with all sorts of attitudes. Some may rub me up the wrong way. The work culture itself may seem a million miles away from your glory and appear to slam the door on your goodness. It all may seem a bit tough at times. However…Here in this factory, this is where I am and this is where You are, and this is where we all belong for now.  My workmates and me, we are all in it together and I’m so glad that by your example, you showed that it’s your intention to hang out with people like us.  Lord it’s your good intention for us to know the reality of your presence in the work environment. Raw humanity and truthfulness, jokes and friendly banter, does not scare you off or catch you by surprise. 

You’ve seen and heard it all before and you enjoy real people being themselves.  You understand the conflict that a human heart must sometimes endure as it deals with human limitations in real life work. You understand that this stress can overwhelm us at times. Lord, thankyou for loving us though it all. Fill us with understanding to realise that whereas human power has limitation, your power doesn’t. May we overcome in your name. Amen.  

7.

Father, thankyou that you are always with us, and that your presence permeates creation in every way.  Thankyou Lord, that you made me, dust as I am, to live to have my own identity; and you have surrendered your power enough for me to make my own choices and understand the power of these choices. Help me to remember that as I interact with others… that we are all created by you.  May even those people who turn away from you, remind me about how great you are. You allow us all free will and the opportunity to choose, and have made yourself vulnerable to be rejected and hurt by us. It is amazing that you care and respect us so much Lord.

With this in mind Lord, I pray that you teach me to choose wisely in the decisions and actions I make today. I pray that my choices do not work against the natural order of things but work in line with your will. Amen        

How did a LifeFM sticker end up on this machine? I don't know.  

8.

Father I thankyou for the example of your son. I’m so glad that he is one of us, one who knows what it is to use his hands to earn a living. I’m so glad that he provided for his family by the sweat of his brow and through his job. His example showed that ordinary work and the jobs that need to be done go hand in hand with your plan for us, which is constant friendship, reliance and companionship with you in every day things. This is the good life, what it’s all about Lord. Those moments in our day when we are content with who we are and what we are doing because we love you and knowing that you are working in us and through us. Co-workers with you Lord, the divine carpenter. Knowing you are with us fills us with joy Lord. May we have many moments like these today Father, and may we use our job, as an anvil to shape our character into Your likeness.

9.

Lord, your faithfulness to us had created another beautiful sunrise and we thankyou Father that you have given us another day.  Lord, we acknowledge the poverty of our fallen nature that is so weak that even those seemingly good aspirations and intentions that we can perceive in our sin weary state, even these things seem way beyond us, beyond our abilities. Father, we need your help, your goodness and purity to permeate our lives and actions to make up for our shortcomings.  Help us Lord in our strivings and bless our work. Help us achieve your purposes in our lives. Amen.

10.

Lord, even though life can seem secure and I feel in control of things, for me to think that I am independent and in no need of you reveals the pitiful state of my human nature. Pride can so easily blind me to your reality. There’s no doubt that you created the universe and all in it, and to think that I am something when I’m not is just foolishness. My time here on earth in only a blink of an eye compared to your eternity, yet I am so thankful that you have let me experience this moment. Help me Lord to experience time here, not in pride, but in adoration of you. Father help me this day to be a person who follows the way of the rest of creation, not in rebellion of your laws, but operating within them. This is your good will Lord, as it is the way that works best. Empower me to do it today. Amen. 

Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of the 

children's picture book Polly's Little Kite.

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite

Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk

Blue Collar Prayers (Part 1) by Brian Maunder

Blue Collar Prayers. (Part 1)

I wrote these 10 prayers about 8 years ago whilst working in a sheet metal factory with a bunch or awesome guys making doorframes. I scribbled them onto little pieces of oil stained paper as the thoughts worked through my heart and mind.  Peace.  

1.

Father, thankyou for the gift of another day. Thankyou for giving us another day to experience life.  We pray that today, as we work, we remember that there will never be a day quite like this one; it is a one-off, unique experience. May we treasure it as that. Help us to remember your love towards us, and your presence that can empower us.  Father, we know we aren’t perfect, we are human and have faults, but we pray that as we do our best, you’ll make up for the difference; you’ll pick up where we fall short and that today will run smoothly. We leave it in your hands. We know that even though we aren’t perfect, we aren’t just forgiven… there’s more to you than just forgiveness. Father, thankyou that you are our sufficiency. We pray that you protect us from injury in our work, be it physical, emotional, relational or spiritual. Give us wisdom and strength for the tasks ahead. Amen.

2.

Lord, sometimes it feels like we’re banging our head against the wall. Even as we do the job well, we get a sore head from the experience.  Father we pray today that we recognise that you are bigger than the walls we face, and that in comparison to your incredible universe, our problems are really quite small. However, to us, they are big, and we have to deal with them. Father, we pray that today we sense your presence in our lives as we work, and that we work in partnership with you.  We know that not only are you powerful, but merciful, so as we tackle today’s workload, may we treat others, as you have treated us; with kindness and respect, knowing that your power will enable us to do it.

3.

Father, thankyou for another day. We acknowledge that our lives are totally dependent on your goodness to us. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the ground we walk on; everything needed to live is provided by you.  However, we also acknowledge that we need to work to make provision available to ourselves and others. Father, we pray that you continue to provide for us the things we need so that we can do our job safely and efficiently. We pray for wisdom and a quick mind to solve problems with creative intelligence.  We pray for physical strength and endurance and a healthy body to resist and confront the physical stresses of the day.  We pray for emotional and spiritual strength to enable us to feel secure and free in ourselves and our actions, knowing that your presence fills our universe, and your grace and power works in, through and with us as we devote our work to you.

We pray that we maintain our true identity within our work culture remembering that our workmates, although made of the same stuff as ourselves, may tackle similar battles in different ways. May communication lines be open, and hearts strong as we embrace today’s work. Amen.    

4.

Father, these early mornings sometimes seem to kill me.  My body is still recovering from yesterday’s work and a sleep-in would be just excellent… but here we are again, pushing the grindstone.  Lord, give me strength, starting from the inside. Give me strength of mind and will to know that whatever I face today, I am more than capable of fighting it, because you are with me.  Thankyou Father that you are with me even now in my sleep weary state, and you are powerful and mighty.  Your fresh energy sweeps across the sky every morning and from it reflects the beauty of your creative genius. Father, I pray that your presence fills my heart like that sky, and that fresh energy from you fills my being, and that your glory may reflect in my life.  Lord it’s wonderful that I can call you Father.  I love you Lord.

5.

Father it’s hard to keep motivated at times. Here we are again, doing what we do, back here at the old familiar, pushing the plough, grinding the millstone.  It’s hard to keep motivated at times, because sometimes it seems as if all this hard work is for someone else’s benefit. With all the bills recently, I don’t have much to show financially for all this sweat, and my financial goals seem to be unobtainable. All I do is continue on this seemingly circular pathway of events, trying to make ends meet.   It’s wearing me down Lord.

I suppose that I could blame the way of my life on you, on myself, or on the systems of the world.  I could get “shirty” with my workmates or my job…but it’s just the way things are. These events that make up my day to day existence are not at fault. However, if I am not careful, all these stresses could culminate into a deadly brew if I see them incorrectly. All these “cares” could poison my heart... towards life and you. Father I don’t want this.  Help me see things from your perspective, not from a covetous, fearful, limited or human perspective. I must understand that all my needs will be met by you this day Lord. 

Father I want to be pure before you, so that when I look into your sky, or see your creation, I know with fullness, who it belongs to and who I belong to.  Father, keep my motivation high. May my work be a work of active devotion to you Lord, and not a way of passive acceptance for the way things are; not just a way to “pay the bills”.  Help me Father to remember that you are indeed bigger than all my problems and that in your hands, I am actually living the best life there is. Amen.

Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of the 

children's picture book Polly's Little Kite.

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite

Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk

Little Kite's Dark Night. By Brian Maunder 2014

Hi Peeps.

I wrote this short story to be read to older students (years 3-7) to challenge them with ideas introduced from the book "Polly's Little Kite". It links an important christian event into the story in a subtle way that expands the children's picture book allegory even further. 

As I am more "an ideas man" than a literary guy, I would value any comments or ideas from people who have a greater grasp of English and the rules that apply. Please if you see any mistakes or problems with the text, leave a comment. 

Little Kite's Dark Night.

by Brian Maunder 2014

Little Kite was so, so scared.

He listened. It was quiet.

His ears strained to hear the sound that woke him from his tormented sleep.

Trees around him clicked. Their branches scratched and scraped as the silent breeze forced life into their black ghostly forms.

At night, when all you can see are shadows and the silence creeps in on darkness, you become distinctly aware of how alone you are. Alone, in the silent dark world.

Little Kite listened, but all he could hear were the echoes of his broken heart.

Thoughts of his former life filled his mind. Beautiful memories of a time long ago mocked his aching soul. He would never be a part of that world again. He lost it all when he lost Polly. Lost it all. He reached with desperation into the cruel dream, but each time he touched her hand, the apparition vanished and his heart broke again.

The string that bound Little Kite and Polly together used to be so strong. What happened to it? That wonderful connection. That bond of love. It was his lifeline. When the string was strong he used to fly and zoom, rise and soar like an angel.

What caused the string to break? Was it neglect? Maybe he didn’t care enough. Was it anger or resentment? Fear? Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter now. The string was broken and she was gone. All he had now was his aloneness and this night.

A steady wind blew through the darkness causing Little Kite's tattered fabric to sway as he dangled in the tree. The moon hid behind clouds, sometimes courageously peeping out and dispersing glowing light onto the strong cross which held Little Kite together. A night owl turned his head.

There’s that sound again. The sound that woke him. 

Little Kite’s ears searched  the broken silence. Yes. He could hear it now.

A strange wailing sound, floated like a whisper on the dance of the breese. At first, Little Kite wasn't sure if it was all in his mind. Maybe his heart was amplifying his dreams and memories into a pseudo reality. But the more he listened the more he knew it was real. Sometimes louder, sometimes softer but it was definitely not his imagination. It was the beautiful sound of a voice singing. And it wasn’t just anyone’s voice. It was Polly’s voice. He was sure of it. His lovely Polly singing a sweet, sweet melody. Never before had he heard such a beautiful sound.

"How strange", Little Kite thought. "Why would she be singing now? At night? What was so special about this dark evening that would cause her to sing?"

The words of her distant song filled his brokenness as he dangled from the tree.

Silent night. Holy night.

All is calm. All is bright.

Little Kite's eyes filled with tears as his heart surrendered to the beauty of the sound. A wave of emotion flooded his soul with the realisation that a new future was possible. A new wonderful future. He had hope. He had glorious, wonderful, empowering hope. This precious night. This beautiful night had given him hope.

Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of
the children's picture book "Polly's Little Kite".

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite
Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk

The Lords Prayer - Matthew 6 v 9 -15.

The Lords Prayer

by Brian Maunder -  Matthew 6 v 9 – 15

A Quick Note on Prayer. I have found that reading written prayers out loud, verbally, really helps cement my own commitment to the prayers I pray. I know that God is committed to prayer, but sometimes, (actually often) my own prayers are very whimsical and non-committal. I do not really want or believe or understand what I am praying for. Silent prayers may not actually even be prayers at all but only theological ponderings or day dreaming. Praying out loud helps counter this.  

“Our Father in Heaven,”Father, you are so close to me, my family and all my friends. You are near me in all I do, all I say and all I believe and think.  Even though I may not fully perceive this at times, your presence is real. You hear my prayers, regardless of my belief or unbelief, for you are closer than even the air I breathe. This is the reality.

“hallowed be your name”Father, I pray that I honour who you are, and I pray that those around me honour and respect you, and not slander your name, or use it in ways that dishonour your glory. I don’t like it when people spit your name as a curse or use your name as a manipulative device Lord.  May people realise how wonderful you are and honour you accordingly. 

“your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”Father I ask that your desire and heart, your will and influence permeates into my world the same way as you rule in the spiritual realms. Wherever I have the capacity to choose or exercise my own power of influence on earth, may it be in line with your will.  Lord there are many powers above me in society.  Institutions, laws, authorities and groups that I have to submit to or get along with, in order to exist and function. Some of these groups have a cultural standard of disobedience to your preferred way.  Father, may your rule come into effect in these places.  Break up those powers that may influence my life in ways that are contrary to your will. Even though you give all people free choice and respect people so much that you allow decisions and attitudes to go against your will, I pray that these bad behaviours don’t gather momentum within groups and become the cultural norms. Help me understand my role in this. May your plan and your way be the manner that earthly powers, authorities, groups and culture are governed.

“Give us today our daily bread.”Father, please give me what I need today to function and live. Give me what my physical needs require. The food and water, air and sunlight that my body needs for nourishment. The clothes and shelter along with everything else it needs to be healthy and safe.  Give me also what I need emotionally, relationally and intellectually.  Keep my soul intact and energised as I go about the day.  Father give me what I need spiritually to live on this sin weary planet.  May You guide and lead me, may your word strengthen me, and may your truth encourage me as I walk this day with you. May all my needs be met by you this day Lord.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”Father forgive me when I don’t do what’s best or what’s right.  Be patient and forgiving towards me.  You know and I know that I am still growing in many ways. I need your mercy and kindness to cover my faults.  Love me though my mistakes and shortcomings and through your forgiveness may I find cleanliness of heart towards you.  Lord I pray that I treat others the same way as you have treated me, not harbouring resentment or bitterness towards people that do wrong to me.  May I show the same kindness to others as you have shown to me, and love them in their weaknesses.  Give me the power to do this Lord.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”Father keep my paths pure.  Help me walk the right path, a way that does not deviate and turn towards wrong and evil things.  May my desires be fixed on you and not on selfish lusts, covetousness and indulgent and evil fantasies. May I not placidly and blindly follow the ways and influences of the world and media. Many of these things lead to destructive paths that ultimately destroy life and relationships. Eventually the systems of this world, trials, selfish desires or the evil one could destroy me if I am apathetic towards them. May my focus be on you Lord whilst mindful of the dangers around me.   And Father, if I am confronted or overwhelmed by trials or temptations, save me from them. Take me away and rescue me from things that I, in my own strength, cannot escape from. Steal me away from those things that oppose your goodness and truth. Keep me away from situations that cause me undue stress, hard times and pain.  These things can hinder my faith Lord if they come my way. I pray that you shelter me from circumstances that could crush my soul, injure my spirit, or hurt my body. Father, keep me safe Lord.  I am in your arms and in your care Father.

For yours is the kingdom, the power and authority, for ever and ever, Amen.And I am confident of your care Lord, with full assurance that you will keep me. I feel totally safe with you, for you are greater than all powers and authorities in the earth and all creation. Your kingdom reigns over all things.  Your power is limitless and your majesty is seen from the highest mountain to the deepest valley.  You will always be there Lord, loving and strengthening me, close by my side, closer than even the air I breathe.

Thankyou Lord that this is the real truth now, and it will always be like this for all time.  So be it.

Sock Teddy Bears - How to make a Sock Teddy Bear.

SOCK TEDDY BEARS 

By Brian Maunder

Every child should have a Teddy Bear, no matter how rich or poor.

 I wanted to create a way to make a Teddy Bear that used only safe materials that most people have readily available. This craft uses only soft materials, and elastic bands. If no elastic bands are available, then string could be used instead. 

 We used this craft in a Kids club (5 - 9 yrs).  It was probably a bit too challenging for children this age with most of them needing assistance, however they really loved it. I was surprised that even the boys liked the craft too. (I showed them how to make a cape and turn it into a SuperHeroBear). They also decorated the bears using pipe cleaners making swords, crowns, sheilds, etc.   

I created this activity to go with my new book "Polly's Little Bear". 

What you need. 

- One Sock - Fluffy Stuff - Elastic Bands - Tissues 

(any elastic bands will work well, but I 

found the loom bands worked brilliantly)

Also... Some Fabric for decorating 

Making the Sock Teddy Bear

1. Put some fluffy stuff into the sock 

2. Put an elastic band around the sock to form a head. 

3. Make some ears using elastic bands. 

4. Put what you have made aside for a moment.

 5. Get some tissues. 

6. Fold the tissue, then roll them up. 

Place an elastic band around them. 

You will need to make 4 of these.

These will be the arms and legs.

Making the Arms. 

7. Put the rolled tissue inside the sock.  Then wrap an elastic band around the outside of the sock, onto the tissue paper that is on the inside of the sock to create the arms. 

Making the Legs. 

8. Put the tissue into the sock.

9. Fold up the sock 

9. Then tie elastic bands around the legs. 

Front view 

View from the back 

Finishing your Sock Bear.

10. Get some fabric to create a Happy-Nappy.

11. Tie the nappy onto the Bear 

12. Decorate your Bear. 

 

HAVE FUN. 

Personal thoughts before illustrating my next book.

OK.. I have the story-line and general format…

I know what it is I have to do… illustrate.

So why… why… the procrastination and hesitancy?

I think it is because I know me. Many times in the past I have immersed myself so completely into a project that everything else (and I mean everything) is put aside. The project dominates so completely that after a while I become a zombie-like survivor of the apocalypse. Living on nothing but coffee and biscuits I delve into the creative depths neglecting all distractions. Unshaven, living in the darkness. The only light a dim lampshade throwing a lazer through dusty air while the quiet hum of the old PC drones on.

Well, that is a slight exaggeration, however if it turns out to be this way, it will become an ordeal I seriously do not wish to go through. But does it have to be like this? Does focusing on a project mean having to lose focus of everything else?

I want the books I’m creating to be about life and balance. About enjoyment and freedom. About the love of God, and to loving our world and the people and creatures that live here. I want the stories to reflect a certain reality even though they are works of fantasy, or else they might become just nonsense stories... and I'm not really interested in books that don't actually say anything real. 

But I also want to create something that reflects the joyous imaginary freedom and innocence of children. The courageous steps they take every day and the way they express that with bold flowing lines that evolve into Robots wearing gasmasks, wielding flaming swords that have curly-wurley bits on them whilst wearing armour that protect them from everything. The imaginary world they create becomes so alive, that sounds of spaceships’ exploding and guns attacking are often heard as the creator becomes part of the drama of their own world. They fully enter their creative world.. and this is sometimes what happens to me, except it goes on for days and sometimes weeks… and that is not helpful.

Kids are a burst of energy whilst growing in all areas of life when they are directed by a caregiver who knows what is best for them. Kids need this discipline.. Going to school, learning manners, eating tea with the family etc. etc.   All these things make them put aside their own creative fun and desires to do what’s necessary for living. And it is a necessary distraction, because reality is ultimately more important than fantasy. The relationships we form and the work we must do to survive and live is the real world we all share and live in. But without the imaginative flair of our personalities, what a humdrum boring world it would be. I’m so glad that God gave us this gift of envisioning different worlds beyond what we see around us whilst giving us a common reality to share it.

As I approach this next project, I need this childlike boldness in creativity .. whilst also being free to live a balanced and healthy life… placing first devotion to what.. or should I say … who… are the most important relationships I have, and also the tasks that need to be done so I can live in the real world and yet enjoy the God given ability to dream and create.

May it happen.

2000 year old Biblical Mystery Finally Explained...