Hillside Community

Hillside Community HillSide as a church may have closed but the fellowship, friendship and community spirit will forever live in our hearts.

We continue to share Colin and Lyn's Mindful Monday's and Wise Wednesday devotions, as well as Allan's Daily Devotions - our Spark messages for kids. Let you know when and what our Fathers (men's fellowship group) and Chat's 'n Chew (ladies group) are up to, as well as share what Stewi and JLife are doing - so keep following this page.

Quiet time routine disrupted.Our usual morning quiet time routine is that we listen to a digital devotion and then read ...
07/09/2026

Quiet time routine disrupted.

Our usual morning quiet time routine is that we listen to a digital devotion and then read two other devotions. I don’t know if you are the like me? I have got myself into a “groove”…… if I miss one of the these elements of my daily devotion it just doesn’t feel right. I'm sure God doesn’t mind-for Him maybe it's about sincerity rather than quantity? I need to remember that there's nothing I can do to make God love me more …. whether I read one or ten devotions He will love me the same.

On our bush holidays my quiet time often gets disrupted. The other morning after listening to the devotion I looked out the window of our chalet at Ngwenya Lodge. I could see the elephants on the horizon, the Impala prancing along the river’s edge. Zebra’s drinking with their reflections mirrored in the calm water; and I saw Egyptian geese flying in formation across the sky. All this time I could hear God’s symphony of different bird calls, the White Browed Robin trying his best to outdo the others but the Egyptian geese stole the show with their raucous call, louder by far than any other. .

As I sat there lost in the moment I realized that this was the closest I'd felt to God for a while, even without saying or reading a word, His presence was tangible. It was then that I become conscious once again that it was all about appreciating and being in the now.

Let’s pray: “Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art”. Jesus thanks for Your presence this morning. Please help me to remember that You are this close to me all day and every day. Please help me not to be so regimented in my daily routine that I miss Your presence, miss Your voice, miss Your message. Help me to savour these special moments of togetherness as Your creation reflects Your glory. In Jesus name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving. Amen.

Please take care and God bless you ands all those you love and care for.

Tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

Jesus thank You for Your perfect love. Because You are more than enough for me, I know I have nothing to fear. Thank You...
04/09/2026

Jesus thank You for Your perfect love. Because You are more than enough for me, I know I have nothing to fear. Thank You for reassuring me of Your love each and every day. I know my love is not perfect, and I often make mistakes that must hurt You—but I know Your love for me does not depend on what I can do. Please help me to love You and others more and more each day. They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. In Jesus’ name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving. Amen.

Just a reminder that this prayer is adapted from Daily Guided Prayer in YouVersion.

When we are squeezed, when the pressure is on what comes out?Have you felt “squeezed” by hardships, problems, disappoint...
02/09/2026

When we are squeezed, when the pressure is on what comes out?

Have you felt “squeezed” by hardships, problems, disappointments, sickness, or relationship issues? Don’t you find that at times like these whatever is inside comes out and sometimes it surprises us - profanities, anger, nastiness, bitterness and more come to the fore.

We don't have to pretend that painful things are good. They aren't. We don't have to enjoy being squeezed or understand why it is happening but we can trust the One who is with us while we are being squeezed. God desires and works for the good of those who love Him with the promise that He will bring goodness out of the most impossible-looking and painful circumstances.

I have seen this in my life. Many years ago Lyn and I went through a difficult time in our marriage. Years later God used our experience to help and encourage others. He brought goodness out of this painful experience.

Then there was the time I lost my job after 33 years with the company. Although I’d been promoted three weeks earlier the new CEO felt my position was no longer necessary. At the time it felt like rejection, injustice and a huge disappointment.

Two years later the Company called me back. Looking back I can see the redirection I couldn't see at the time.

Isn't that how God often works? He works in circumstances we simply don’t understand.

Let’s pray: Jesus when life squeezes me and I don't understand what You are doing help me to live by Your promise that nothing will separate me from Your love and You are working for my benefit and Your glory. Through all hardships you are working something to bring honour to You. In Jesus’ name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving.. Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin ❤️

Seize the Moment!There is something I have been learning for many, many years that has quietly become one of the most pr...
31/08/2026

Seize the Moment!

There is something I have been learning for many, many years that has quietly become one of the most precious parts of my walk with God. I call it practicing the presence.

I first came across the idea through Brother Lawrence a humble 17th-century monk whose writings described how he discovered God’s presence in the most ordinary things. He could wash dishes and talk to God because he had learned that God was just as present in the kitchen as He was in the chapel. That thought has stayed with me.

We can sometimes make prayer far more complicated than it needs to be. We may think we have to find a quiet place, kneel down and say all the “right” words before we can really talk to God. But over the years I have found that God wants to be part of my ordinary.

So I talk to Him while I walk. I talk to Him when I wake up in the middle of the night. I talk to Him while I’m working in the garden, having my morning coffee, driving somewhere, watching the birds, or simply sitting quietly and taking in what is around me. Sometimes it is a proper prayer. Sometimes it is just, “Thank You, Jesus.” Or “I’ve got that.” Sometimes I tell Him what is on my heart. And sometimes I don't say anything at all. I just enjoy knowing that He is there.

It has taken me more than 60 years of walking with God to begin to understand what it means to practise His presence. And I'm still learning. But I can honestly say this: The journey has been worth every step. Because the greatest blessing isn't simply knowing that God is somewhere out there. It is knowing that He is here — right here, right now, sharing this ordinary moment with me.

So perhaps today, instead of waiting for a special moment to talk to God, let's invite Him into the moment we already have. You might be surprised at how much more beautiful the ordinary becomes when you realize you are not doing it alone.

LET'S PRAY: Jesus, thank You that I don't have to wait for extraordinary moments to talk to You. Help me to recognize Your presence in the ordinary, everyday moments of my life, and help me to be aware of the little reminders of Your love that You place all around me. May my ordinary moments become opportunities to draw closer to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin ❤️

Almighty Ever-Loving Father, sometimes I just stand in awe that You love me so much and You purse a relationship with a ...
28/08/2026

Almighty Ever-Loving Father, sometimes I just stand in awe that You love me so much and You purse a relationship with a sinner like me. You are everything to me, and I want to seek You first each day. Please be a part of my every decision every thought every word and every action I take. My life is Yours and You are mine. When I pray these words Father my heart overflows with love and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving. Amen.

I LOVE YOUHave you ever noticed how easily we say, “I love you”?I say it quite often. Not just to Lyn or my family but t...
26/08/2026

I LOVE YOU

Have you ever noticed how easily we say, “I love you”?

I say it quite often. Not just to Lyn or my family but to people I have come to know, respect and care about. And when I say those three little words I don't mean it romantically and I certainly don't mean them as a throwaway comment. I mean, “I value you. I appreciate you. I care about you. You matter to me.”

Isn’t t love more than what we feel or what we say? The Bible gives us a very different picture of love. It tells us that love is patient and kind. It doesn't envy, boast or put itself first. It isn't easily angered and it doesn't keep score. In other words love isn't just something that happens inside us, it shows itself in the choices we make every day.

That makes me stop and think about my own “I love you.” We don't have to manufacture love by trying harder to be good people. As we allow Jesus to work in us His love begins to influence the way we respond, even when our natural reaction might be very different.

Perhaps that's what I really mean when I say, “I love you.” Not simply that I feel something for you but that I want God's best for you… and I want my actions to show it.

Love isn't merely something we say or feel… Love is something we choose to do.

Let’s pray: Jesus thank You for showing me what real love looks like. Help me not only to speak words of love but to let Your love be seen in the way I treat the people around me. When it isn't easy help me to choose Your way rather than mine. May people experience something of Your love through me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

THE STRENGTH OF GENTLENESSGood Morning dear friends,I have been thinking about gentleness lately and I must admit that f...
24/08/2026

THE STRENGTH OF GENTLENESS

Good Morning dear friends,
I have been thinking about gentleness lately and I must admit that for much of my working life I probably misunderstood it. In many cultures gentleness can be seen as weakness. We associate strength with being tough, assertive, always having the answer and making sure everyone knows who is in charge. I have come to realize that gentleness can require far more strength than aggression ever does.

During my working career being gentle probably cost me a few promotions. I was responsible for small teams and I tried to treat people as individuals rather than numbers, to respect each person for who they were, to look for their strengths and to bring out the best in them rather than concentrate on their weaknesses. Looking back perhaps what I saw as a limitation was actually a strength God had placed within me.

Isn't that just like Jesus? Jesus didn't show us gentleness because He was weak He showed us gentleness because He was strong enough not to need to prove His strength. He could have responded with anger yet He responded with love. He could have condemned yet He showed mercy. He could have insisted on His own way yet He served others.

I think about my running days too. I spent countless hours building strength, speed and endurance. It didn't happen overnight. I had to train, persevere and sometimes push through considerable discomfort. Gentleness is much the same.

Someone irritates us — we practise gentleness.
Someone disagrees with us — we practise gentleness.
Someone makes a mistake — we practise gentleness.
Someone doesn't treat us as we think they should — we practise gentleness.

Every time we choose gentleness instead of our first reaction we are strengthening a different kind of muscle — one that makes us a little more like Jesus.

Perhaps gentleness isn't something we master once and for all. Perhaps it is something we practise every day until, little by little, it becomes part of who we are. So if you ever find yourself thinking that being gentle means being weak remember this:

Gentleness is not weakness it’s strength under control.

And perhaps the strongest person in the room isn't the one who speaks the loudest or has the final word. Perhaps it is the person who has every reason to react — and chooses gentleness instead.

Let’s Pray
Lord Jesus thank You for showing us what true strength looks like. Help us to be gentle when we could be harsh, patient when we could become frustrated, and gracious when we could easily react. Help us to remember that gentleness is not weakness but strength under Your control. May our words, our actions and the way we treat others reflect more and more of You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

Jesus, thank You for helping me carry the burdens, big and small, that threaten to weigh me down. You know all my troubl...
21/08/2026

Jesus, thank You for helping me carry the burdens, big and small, that threaten to weigh me down. You know all my troubles, yet You promise they will not overtake me. Please give me strength and hope when I feel overwhelmed. In Jesus’ name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving, Amen.

I’VE GOT THAT!Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what is going wrong and overlook the things that are goin...
19/08/2026

I’VE GOT THAT!

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what is going wrong and overlook the things that are going right?

I love sunset but often as I watch in anticipation the clouds gather and I think, “Well there goes another beautiful sunset.” Then almost at the last moment the clouds part and what at first looked like it would spoil the sunset becomes part of its beauty. Suddenly the sky is filled with vibrant pinks, deep purples, orange and gold, all enhanced by the cloud formation.

Breathtaking! and it makes me wonder: Is that simply a beautiful weather pattern, or could God be reminding me that He knows exactly what I need, exactly when I need it? Perhaps He is reminding me once again that what looks like an obstacle can sometimes become part of the opportunity.

I once read about a woman whose mother had a beautiful response whenever something extraordinary came her way. Whether it was a sunset, a moment of kindness or something unexpectedly wonderful, she would simply say - “I receive that.” I loved the thought behind those three words. She wasn’t simply thanking God for the blessing; she was consciously recognizing it as a gift from a God who loves her. I often respond in a much simpler way -“I’ve got that.” For me, it is a quiet way of saying, “Lord, I hear You. I know You are here. I know You have this.”

Perhaps we sometimes spend so much time asking God for what we need that we forget to notice the little gifts He has already placed in front of us.

A beautiful sunset.
A phone call from someone we love.
A laugh that catches us by surprise.
A moment of peace in the middle of a difficult day.

Maybe when those moments come, we can pause for just a second and say:
“Thank You, Lord. I’ve got that.”

Because the blessing isn’t only in what we receive. Sometimes the greater blessing is recognizing Who it came from.

Let’s Pray:
Jesus please help me not to become so focused on the difficulties of life that I miss the unexpected gifts You place along my path. Please open my eyes to recognize Your loving presence in both the extraordinary and the ordinary moments. And when I feel Your presence or receive one Your many gifts help me to pause, give thanks and simply say, “I’ve got that.” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Thank you for sharing this time with us today. May we become more aware of those little gifts from above — and remember that behind every blessing is a loving Father who knows exactly what our hearts need.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Lots of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”How many times have we heard that expression? Usually, it is something we say w...
17/08/2026

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

How many times have we heard that expression? Usually, it is something we say when life is difficult—a reminder that somehow, somewhere ahead, things will get better. But what about when we are in the middle of the tunnel… and we simply can’t see the light?

That took me back to my running days. As an ex-Comrades runner, I remember those moments in a race when the kilometres seemed to get longer, my strength was disappearing, and the finish line felt like a distant dream.

I remember one particular ultra marathon, The Korkie. At just 13 kilometres I was already in trouble—and I still had another 42 kilometres to go! At that stage the light at the end of the tunnel hadn’t just become faint… I think it had switched off completely! There was only one way I was going to keep going: I had to draw strength from above.

And isn’t that so much like life?

We often want to see the finish line before we take the next step. But faith doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes we simply have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting Jesus when we cannot see what lies ahead.

He IS the Light.

He has already run the race before us. He has already won the victory. And because of what He accomplished on the cross, we can keep running—even when the road is hard, the hill seems endless and the finish line is nowhere in sight.

LET’S PRAY:
Jesus thank You for the assurance that when my strength fails and I cannot see the way ahead that You will never leave me to run alone. You have already run the race before me. Please give me the strength to persevere and the faith to keep my eyes fixed on You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

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