CR5 Issue 147 August 2017

What a wonderful world
We have been enjoying some brilliant weather
and it gives us opportunity to enjoy the wealth of
countryside around and about us. When visiting
friends closer to London I am always struck with
how claustrophobic is feels – and, comparatively,
how open it is in Coulsdon.
It’s the joy of being the ‘last outpost’ of Greater
London in the south; that we are bordering the
green and leafy Surrey countryside. Whether
it is a stroll through Banstead Woods and the
surrounding fields; or perhaps Farthing Downs
opening out onto Happy Valley:
We have many places to enjoy within a stone’s
throw of the centre.
I often have to remind myself to go and enjoy
it – as it is all too easy to end up with tunnel
vision – commuting between work and home,
occasionally scurrying out on a scavenging mission
for food!
When I look at the beauty of the natural world I
find my mind elevated. Above the hum-drum of
the day-to-day, lifted and refreshed. I find space
to breathe (both literally and metaphorically)
and take stock of life.
It is like a detox for my soul in many ways.
Perhaps you find something similar.
CR5 CODEWORD
Each letter in this puzzle is
represented by a different
number between 1 and 26.
The codes for three letters are
shown. Once you have filled
these throughout the grid you
can start guessing words and
reveal other letters. As you find
the letters enter them in the box
below.
Why can the wonder of the created order
have such a profound effect on me I wonder? I
believe this is because I am experiencing what
in theological circles is called the General Grace
of God. God is the creator and sustainer of all
things (quite the mechanism for creation is of
less concern to me) and those things that we see
as beautiful have been provided for our benefit
in kindness by our loving God. They are available
to all and designed to point us in God’s direction
– that we might wonder; be awestruck, amazed.
Why would God choose to do this? Why not
create a world of cold beauty-less efficiency?
Partly because God is good – but also because
He wants us to respond to Him – to find Him and
to know and love Him.
Have a blessed month.
Peter Russell
Prayer for Coulsdon & Old Coulsdon exists to
encourage Christians to pray for the town and
its residents. If you are interested in praying
with us you are warmly invited to join us for
one of our prayer gatherings (which last an
hour) on:
Tuesday 29th August
8pm –
65 Edward Road, Coulsdon
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Answer on page 88 - no peeking
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