Not Forgetting Anyone

Service vs Solitude

2010-07-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Jesus was a popular man. Crowds always flooded to him, always wanting something from him – a word, a touch, a prayer, an answer. Countless times Jesus found himself in the company of thousands. But countless times, he was also in the company of just two – him, and God.

Yet the news about [Jesus] spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Lk 5:15-16)

For some reason, we think that we have to serve, serve, serve and never take time out. We judge ourselves by how many people we have helped in a day and overlook the moments of solitude. In the bible, we focus on Jesus’ service and preaching and miss the little verses where he withdrew for a time:

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. (Matt 14:22-23)
At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. (Luke 4:42)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, and left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)
Then Jesus went with his discples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to the, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." (Matthew 26:36)

Do you think God is trying to tell us something here? Maybe that solitude is just as important as service.

Think about how a car race works. Cars drive insanely fast around race tracks, hoping to come in first. Races put both the car and driver under intense pressure. However, all races have this ingenious invention called ‘pit stops’. Cars once driving over 200km/hr stop and sit at 0km/hr for a few seconds. These crucial stops offer rest, refuelling and repairs to allow the car to continue racing until the very end.

And without these pit stops … well, just look at Lightning McQueen is the kids’ movie, Cars. Lightning McQueen was so focused on winning and pleasing his fans that in his mind, he could not afford to stop. However in the words of the commentator, ‘short time gain, long time loss’. Yes, Lightning McQueen gained a huge lead after skipping his pit stop, but the car could not hold up and he ironically almost lost the race and his dignity. However, in the race decider, Lightning appreciates the value of pit stops and races a completely different race.

We are not exactly in a car race but we are in the race of life and pit stops are just as important. We need to take time to just sit and watch the rain drip off the roof, listen to the chirp of the crickets, look at a child as they play, enjoy the clouds as they change shape, and listen to God’s gentle whisper in the storm of life. Service and work are important, but sometimes God just wants us to put down the book and just sit his presence.

Please never look down on moments of rest and solitude. Jesus did not just rest when no one needed him anymore. People were always fighting for his attention. But he chose when and who to give his attention to.

Do the same. Use your time wisely. Jesus had 24 hours in a day just like you. What will you do with yours?

Stronghold

2010-01-21T04:07:00.000-08:00

The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

‘Stronghold’ is such a powerful word. It is the solid rock amongst thrashing waves; it is the sturdy tree inside a cyclone; it is the harness of rock-climber. A stronghold is whatever stays firm and strong, when everything else is crumbling away.

As my world begins to get busier and more demanding, I am becoming increasingly aware of the importance of having a stronghold. Just as someone caught in violent rapids needs at least a rope to hold on to to survive, so it is important for us to have something to cling to; something that will not budge or move despite the storm raging around.

For me, and for David in the bible, God is that stronghold. He is the one thing that will remain when everything else falls away. Unlike people, he will not leave; unlike money, he will not run out; and unlike everything in this world, he is not limited in any way. Having God as the stronghold of my life is very important for me.

Lately, I seem to be having to let go of a lot of things, including people. Often, I have felt like I am stepping out over the abseiling overhang, having to leave everything and everyone on the platform and abseil down, trusting just the rope … trusting just God. No one else can come down with me. It is just me and God.

The thing with abseiling though, is that the hardest part is the first part … the stepping out over the edge. Sometimes you feel as though your legs are going to buckle or slip as you shift your feet from the top to the edge. It is also here that you first start putting all your trust in the rope. This first part often needs to be done slowly and carefully, making sure there is a balance between moving the feet with letting out enough rope. It is not always easy.

But then, isn’t this like life? Isn’t the hardest part of trusting having to first let go of things and head out on our own? With abseiling, someone else can fix your harness, someone else can walk you to the edge, but stepping over you have to do yourself, and it is imperative that your trust the rope completely.

Lately, I have been feeling as though I am walking out onto the overhang. In the past I have had people supporting me and holding me up, but then at times God has been calling me to the edge, to step out from what is comfortable and familiar, and just trust him to be my stronghold. No one else can do anything for me anymore here. It is just up to me and my faith in my Father.

Unfortunately though, even when we do get over the edge, it is not always just smooth sailing. Even when we have the courage to let go and trust God, for the first part, it can still be very tempting to reach back up for what is familiar. And then even after we ignore those temptations, we are still hanging in midair with nothing to hold onto but the rope! This is sometimes where we are most vulnerable, where we may feel the grunt of the storms.

But God promises to be our stronghold; to be that rope that will not drop us. He promises to hold us, even in mid air, when a storm rages around. He promises to bring us safely to the next place.

When God is the stronghold of our life, of whom, or of what shall we be afraid?

They will not be Forgotten

2009-12-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Peter Shirley, a violinist in the gospel music industry, spoke of a young boy who wanted to jump off the Story Bridge. This is his reason why:

Mummy and Daddy are splitting up.
Mummy wants my brother, Daddy wants my sister.
But no one wants me.

Whether this was the reality of his situation does not matter, for this is his perception which was driving him to give up on life at just eight years

Peter also said that when interviewing a number of 8 and 9 year olds, the one thing they wanted in life was that Mummy and Daddy would stay together. It wasn’t to be popular, to be rich, to be sporty or successful, it was to have a whole family.

What breaks my heart is so vulnerable and helpless kids are. All they want is to be loved, accepted, valued and appreciated. But every day, hundreds of kids are born into broken families, abusive families, war-torn areas, slums and places of disease and extreme poverty. They have no say over where to be born or when to be born. They just have to deal with wherever they’re put. Kids have to deal with whatever decisions their parents made or will make.

As life in this world spins more and more out of control, with increased stress on financial, environmental, political and medical issues, we’re seeing more and more kids being pushed aside. We’re seeing them being forced to grow up, to care for the family, to be the parent, when they still need a parent so badly themselves.

Kids are being forgotten. They just need love.

A couple of months ago, I went as a leader on a camp. One of the days, I was sitting with this little boy called Jimmy. Throughout the week he had been a handful to his leader, not wanting to join in on activities, and showing little respect to the people around him. But when I sat with him, he told me how his Dad’s girlfriend had just moved in. He told me how she would be there when he got back, but he didn’t like her very much. He told me how he had been going back and forth between his Mum and Dad’s house. The longer I sat with Jimmy, the more vulnerable he appeared. All he craved was attention and acceptance.

There was another boy on the camp, Kyle, who was very similar. He was also the tough guy on camp, but underneath, he had some great passions and a real desire to be respected.

Kids just aren’t getting that these days. I’m very limited in that I’ve only had experience with kids in developed countries, but think of the kids born into slums in Asia, Africa, America … anywhere. They’re born into this cycle of poverty but they still crave the love we all need. IT'S SO UNFAIR!

What can we do to help them? How can we help kids? Maybe it’s by getting involved with kids or by supporting organisations. I don’t know, but pray. Pray for the kids of this day. Pray for ways to help them.

Whatever you do ... please do not forget God’s children.

May Your Wonders Never Cease

2009-12-05T23:50:00.000-08:00

(Third Day)

Father in Heaven

Lord, may Your name be glorified

Above all others

Above all this world

Above everything else in our lives

For nothing else in all of this world matters

But to live our lives for You and You alone

May Your wonders never cease

May Your Spirit never leave

May we ever long to see Your face

When we've turned from You again

Oh how quickly we forget

May we be reminded of Your grace

May your wonders never cease

Beautiful Saviour

Truly You proved Your love for us

While we were sinners in all our weakness

Still You gave Your life on the cross

You saved us, Lord, from all our transgressions

And delivered us into Your loving arms

Father in Heaven

Lord, may Your name be glorified

Above all others

Above all this world

Above everything else that's in our lives

For nothing else in all of this world matters

But to live our life for You and You alone

Weeding the Garden of your Heart

2009-11-17T20:30:00.000-08:00

While pulling out the weeds in the front garden this morning, I began to think about the weeds that may be growing in the garden of my heart. These weeds are things that endeavour to take over me; things like selfishness, greed, anger, fear, doubt and insecurity. These weeds grow in all shapes and sizes, they may not all grow at the same time and some are more persistent than others, but nonetheless, they are weeds that try to prevent me from being all that I can be.

We all have some sort of weeds – that’s just life – and no one likes them. Some are ugly, some are painful but all try to take over our lives. Therefore, it is important to deal with them; we need to do a little weeding in our own lives. Amazingly, everyday weeding teaches a little about how to do this.

The first step to weeding is to acknowledge the presence of weeds (it’s not rocket science ... or is it?). Acknowledging the presence of weeds can actually be quite painful. Many of us try to deny them. But I discovered that if you choose to ignore weeds, they can very quickly take over the garden, whether physically or hypothetically. It can change the whole garden’s identity into something unintended. For example, our front garden is a rock garden with lots of cacti; so when weeds start growing, the little cacti are hidden and the larger ones lose their beauty. It no longer looks like a cacti garden but a natural mess. If we try to ignore the weeds in our own lives, they may very quickly take over, changing our identity and never allowing us to show our true beauty and potential. Identifying the need for weeding is the first and very important step.

The second step is where we need to get down and dirty. This is the actual weeding process. There are two gardening ways to do this. The first is to get the lawnmower (or wipper-snipper) to cut them down. This is quick, painless and gets the garden looking a lot prettier. But (there’s always a but), beyond the point that lawnmowers cannot get the little weeds amongst the plants, they only cut the tops off. Lawnmowers are like a bandaid solution. Very soon, the weeds will just grow straight back because really, they’re still there. The roots are there, it’s just the visible part that’s missing ... for now.

The second, more effective way is to get down on all fours and pull the weeds out one by one, roots and all. This is long, it hurts (especially in a cacti garden), it’s dirty and it’s in no ways glamorous, but it gets rid of those weeds. All it takes is perseverance and a humble heart. When you go right to the base of the weed, right to the source - the roots, it stops the hold the weed has had on your garden and stops it from coming back any time soon.

But another thing to note, which I’ve discovered while weeding, is that some weeds come out really quickly. One pull and they’re out. But others take a lot more effort. Sometimes you have to dig around the root, or pull it out bit by bit. Some weeds just have too big a hold for us to conquer straight away. But take heart. Persevere. Pull it out bit by bit until it comes. As painful as it may be, that weed is probably the one doing the most damage.

Finally, once all the weeding is done, we need to keep tending the garden. I have found that even when you pull the weeds out from the roots, weeds keep on coming back. The seeds get blown in from other gardens, other situations. When a weed starts growing, pull it out straight away. Never neglect your garden but keep tending it. Weeding is an on-going process.

I won’t lie, weeding is tough, but the more we get into practice, the easier it will become and the less weeds we will have to pull. And don’t feel you have to do it on your own. God wants to help you pull those weeds out. He created the garden in your heart, he created you, and he wants to help you be all that you can be. And let other people help you while doing the same for them. This is all a journey.

So next time you go outside and see a weed, let it be a little reminder of your own garden.

How’s it looking?

Questions

2009-11-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

What would the world look like if we knew all the answers? What if no one ever had any questions: questions about relationships, about the world, about life?

We would not be overcome by stress and confusion. We might actually sleep instead of lying awake at ridiculous hours, wondering about the past or the future. When it came to making decisions, we would not have to hesitate. No more, ‘should I’ or ‘what if’ but rather ‘I know what to do’.

Sounds great! But is it really?

If we had all the answers, would we really be happy? What if there are things we would miss out on?

Could we really know the feeling of achievement? Without moments of doubt, confusion and question, how can we know the relief and excitement when things finally click? Look at the joy a child has when they finally discover an answer to a homework problem. It’s only homework but they look as though they have unlocked the mysteries of life. Our problems are most likely bigger; therefore the joy should be greater. But if there’s no searching period what’s the use of a celebration party?

Would it be possible to grow or would we always remain exactly the same? There would be nothing to learn; therefore there would be no reason or cause to change. Can that really be all that good?

What about relationships? Would half of them even form? Think, if we knew all the answers, we would never have to call someone for help and they would never call us for help. There would be no ‘guess what I’ve learnt’ or ‘I need advice’. There would be no crying together, no celebrating together, no laughing at each other’s mistakes. Would there even be a need for friends?

Questions are frustrating. They confuse us, stress us and can tire us out. But without questions, there is no sense of achievement, no reason to grow and little reason for relationships. Moments of mist strengthen us. They are not meant to bring us down, but build us up.

I definitely do not have all the answers. In fact, I have more big questions than answers. I am also still learning how to deal with all of them but hopefully this will encourage you to know that questions aren’t all that bad.

Keep searching, keep hanging on and one day, some day, you will look back and praise God you asked that question in the first place! You have no idea what you may discover!

What climate will you create?

2009-10-21T03:10:00.000-07:00

'It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather… I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspirations. I can humiliate or humour, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and the child humanised or dehumanised.’

~ Haim Ginott

It's Spring!

2009-09-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how birds seem to know the exact day spring starts?

Yesterday, the day felt no different. The morning was quite cold in spite of the sweltering last week of winter, the sun still greeted us at about the same time as it had been, and the only difference is that the date on our clock now read 1 Sep. And yet, when I woke up, I heard a bird singing outside my window, the sound I had been missing the past few months.

Today, the second day of spring, was no different. The sun and clouds were painting magnificent pictures in the sky as a kookaburra laughed at the lorikeets flying from tree to tree. The crows joined in on the chorus which made the kookaburras only laugh even more.

Spring has arrived!

But how did the birds know? They have no calender.

Could it be that as they slept in the trees, God whispered into their ears, 'It's spring! It's spring! Wake up and sing for today it's spring!'

Wouldn't it be great if we woke up and thought, 'It's spring! It's spring! Wake up and sing for today it's spring!' It's a new season. Today's a new day.

Why don't we just this once, drop everything and just sing with the birds and praise God for all that he is. Praise him for the magnificent sunrises, praise him for the emerald trees, praise him for the refreshing water. Praise him for new days and new seasons!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!! (Ps 150:6)

2009-07-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Without a winter, there can be no spring;

Without a night, there can be no morning;

Without clouds, there is no amazing sunset;

Without rain, there is no rainbow.

Withough tears, there is no joy;

Without pain, there is no music;

Without fear, there is no peace;

Without hard times, there is no growth.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28

Judging Others

2009-04-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

[Matthew 7:3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your eye?”

Why is it that we are always so quick to judge other people before assessing ourselves? Is it pride, and the need to point out other people’s faults to makes ours less obvious? Is it shame, and the idea that other people have done things just as bad? Or could it be our insecurity or even jealously that gives us the desire to push other people down to make ourselves seem important? Whatever the reason, none of these can be considered as even half a reasonable answer.

From my own personal experience, I find that I am often guilty of judging others. But the thing is, God didn’t intend for me, or anyone, to be someone who walks around criticising others. He made us to love one another, to encourage one another. As Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Bear with one another. This is Grace, where we let people make mistakes without hitting them with a wall of accusations when in truth, we are guilty of the same thing.

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with offering guidance, especially when we’ve been in the same situation. But there’s a difference between being a mentor and a judge. One loves unconditionally despite one’s faults, the other accuses and condemns.

Don’t be a judge. Let God do the judging. If you were a doctor, you wouldn’t rock up to a construction site and start doing someone else’s work. And if you were an architect, you wouldn’t walk into a school and start teaching prep. In the same way, God didn’t create us to be judges, so don’t be a judge. Do what he made you to do. God reckons you’d make a much better person doing what he planned for you, than judging others.
Get yourself in check first and then leave the rest up to God. It’s that simple.

Isaiah 41:9-10

2009-01-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

God, the King of Ordinary (Part 2)

2009-01-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

So, what does this meant to us then? Hope, confidence, joy! All these stories show us that God can use anyone to do extraordinary things, including us!! We don’t need to be wise, strong, courageous, experienced, mature, talented ... etc. All we need is faith! God has given us all different gifts and talents and all he asks of us is to use them and to give ourselves to him. He will do the rest. We just need to make ourselves available to him.

God is someone who not only sees who we really are on the inside, but he also sees who we could become and what we could do through him. He is not limited and let me tell you, God dreams big!!

He used a persecutor to become one of the greatest evangelists, he uses bands that started in a garage, to reach thousands of people through their songs, he uses a couple of people with a little bit of money, to feed thousands of people in need, he uses little kids to bring a smile to a hurting heart.

He has a plan for you too! God has big plans for everyone!!

Please bear with me as I go off a tangent but there is something I must warn you to be careful about. Do not get caught up in ‘hierarchy’. What I mean is, often we view great evangelists and philanthropists as the epitome of spirituality and living out God’s plan. We can feel as though we will never reach the next ‘level’ until we do things like mission or cultivate revivals. But know, God doesn’t work on a scale. Every little and big thing matters to him. He has given us all different gifts, all of the same importance but not all as obvious as others. An evangelist living out God’s plan in their life should be just as proud as a teacher living out God’s plan for their life.

Paul once described the church as being one body with many parts. This body is made up of all these different parts – big, small, obvious, hidden – all working together. If one part were missing, the body would not be whole.

In short, God has big plans for all of us, no matter who we are or what we’ve done, and we can have faith in him to carry them through.

God is the King of Ordinary in that he uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. His Holy Spirit empowers us and fills us with strength and wisdom for whatever situation.

So smile big in knowing God has a plan mapped out for you. Journey with people as God uncovers that plan. And hold on; keep plodding on as the times get tough. God will never leave you and he promises to be right beside you the whole way!
Happy Travelling!

____________________

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

For I know the plans I have for you,“ declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

God, the King of Ordinary (Part 1)

2009-01-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

When you read through the bible, you will uncover an array of incredible stories. From building an ark, to knocking down Jericho’s walls; from the parting of the Red Sea, to explaining scripture to an Ethiopian eunuch; from proclaiming Jesus’ birth to dying for the sake of his name. These are just a few of the many extraordinary stories recalled in the bible. So, if they’re so extraordinary, why then is God the King of Ordinary?

Go, look closely at each story. Look at the characters in them, the ones God chose to do amazing things. There’s Noah, a 600 year old faithful bloke; Gideon, a weak insecure soldier; David, a little shepherd boy, overlooked by his brothers; and Esther, a beautiful, shy orphan who went on to save all the Jews. These are only four people because there just isn’t time to mention them all.
Moving into the New Testament, when we look at the people around Jesus’ life, the word ‘ordinary’ continues to be blatantly obvious. Who were the first people the angels appeared to at Jesus’ birth? The shepherds! These were just casual guys, often looked down on by the religious people, who watched sheep all day. Nothing special and yet the angels gave them a large exclusive concert before sending them off to a stable. (Are you following now?) Then there are Mary and Joseph, a teenager and a carpenter who parented the King of kings.

The theme of ordinary continues as we look at Jesus’ disciples: Simon (aka Peter), Andrew, James and John, all fishermen, and Matthew, a tax collector. And still, the list of ordinary people just goes on and on as you continue to read through the gospels.

But hey! Don’t stop there. Keep reading! Read about the first church. At the beginning of Acts, Peter and John, both fishermen and both followers of Jesus, are clearly on a mission from God! As they preach and do miraculous things in the streets, more and more people come to believe in Jesus. But as Acts 4:13 says, “they were unschooled, ordinary men”. Nothing special. It’s pretty clear to see now that God is renowned for using everyday people to do amazing things through His power.

There was nothing too special about any of them. They were just ordinary people with one thing in common, a desire to live out God’s will for their lives. When they were willing to surrender all their doubts and fears, God was there with His Spirit to empower them and help them do unspeakable things. But like I said, nothing special about them.

Puzzle Truths

2008-11-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

If you know me, I enjoy doing puzzles. I don’t know why but I find them relaxing. I know there are many people who are completely opposed to puzzles due to their ‘pointlessness’ but over my years, I’ve come to discover a few truths I’ve learnt through doing puzzles. I want to share four truths with you today which all have something to do with how we should treat people and respond to challenges.

Truth #1: Don’t take things at first glance

When you first open a puzzle box, it just looks like a mass of colours and random things. It doesn’t look like anything significant or remotely exciting but over time, when the pieces are joined together, it looks like a masterpiece!
This also applies to people. When you look at a person and form and idea about them from your first impressions, you may never see their true beauty of their true potential. This can usually only be discovered through time and perseverance. With challenges, we often look at them and freak out because they’re just too hard or confusing. But really, it’s all about perspective. We can choose to look at challenges and see a mass of stress and vulnerability, or we can see them as opportunities to grow and make something beautiful. It’s all about putting in the long yards which brings me to my next truth.

Truth #2: Perseverance

This has got to be the first word people think when they hear the word puzzle. Puzzles are the epitome of things that require perseverance. If you give up thinking it’s too much effort, you may only see half the picture. Stick it out and wait!

Truth #3 (my favourite): Every piece is unique and significant!

When you first tip all the pieces out of the box, none of the pieces look remotely significant. The all tend to look the same and there are always a few which don’t look like they belong with that puzzle. But the more you do the puzzle, the more you recognise individual piece and the better idea you have of where they might belong. And we all know how frustrating it is when one piece is missing: the puzzle is incomplete!You are both unique and significant! You may feel as though you’re an unimportant piece in the box but you are so important that if you were missing, God’s picture would be incomplete and we wouldn’t see its true beauty.Futhermore, don’t be afraid or embarrassed of being different. Think, if every puzzle piece was exactly the same, how boring would that be! As cliché as it sounds, BE YOURSELF!!!

Truth #4: Don’t expect every puzzle to be the same

I have done a number of puzzles: a dolphin, a house on the water, a field of flowers, and the list goes on. Some of these puzzles took me a week to finish, others a month. With some I’d leave the sky last because that was the hardest, but in other puzzles, the sky was the easiest. So, you cannot expect each puzzle to be the same degree of difficulty and require the same techniques.
Therefore, it each person, or challenge, was a different puzzle; don’t expect that what worked for one will work for another. You need to open your eyes, be sensitive and adapt to each new situation.

As you can see, puzzles can teach us a lot of truths about how we should treat people or respond to challenges. I have only given you a little bit of advice and insight but I hope you can now go away and let your imagination delve into these truths a little bit more.

If I had to sum all this up, I would say to you, be yourself and hang in there! You are so special and too valuable to be taken for granted. Don’t ever forget that!

Happy learning!

My Dearest Daughter

2008-04-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

I am writing this letter to you because I have heard your prayers. In Jeremiah 33:3 it says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (1)." You have been calling to me and I have heard every cry. My sweet child, do not worry, I am here.

I know you feel confused right now but trust me. Trust in me with all your heart and try not to lean on your own understanding (2) of things because my child, my ways are higher than yours (3). In all that you do, acknowledge me and my presence and I will make your paths straight (4). Don't let them worry you, I am here.

I've watched you struggle with your thoughts and become discouraged with your imperfection but little one, I want you to know that my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (5). I love watching you try to follow in my footsteps, but don't get discouraged when you trip or jump into the wrong one. I am your father and love you deeply and will lift you back up and will wait for you. Come back to me and we can start again.

I will bless you and I will keep you in my arms forever. I will make my face shine upon you because you bring me such joy. My child, I will give you peace (6). So don't be anxious about anything, but come to me and talk to me (7). I want you to be able to come to me whenever and tell me everything that is on your heart.

Most importantly, know that I love you. You are my special daughter. Keep on smiling and I will lift your face up so that you need not hide in shame. You're doing great, don't give up, keep on going. And remember, I am here, every step of the way.

Love God, your Loving Father

1. Jeremiah 33:3

2. Proverbs 3:5

3. Isaiah 55:9

4. Proverbs 3:6

5. 2 Corinthians 12:9

6. Numbers 8:24-26

7. Philippians 4:6-7

In His footsteps

2008-04-14T00:59:00.000-07:00

Learning to Drive ... Live

2008-04-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

Learning to drive is very much like learning to live for God. It's all part of a journey with ups and downs with lots of things to learn from along the way.

When I was learning to drive, my Dad would sit next to me and direct me in what to do and how to act. He'd tell me when to start breaking, when to indicate, how hard to turn the wheel and so on. There are some sections of the road where he'd let me just zoom through and there were some where he told me to take it a bit slower, despite the other cars passing by. He'd take me through wide sections and he'd take me through narrow sections, he'd take me where the road is rough with lots of potholes, and he'd take me where it's as smooth as anything. He'd take me to long flat roads, or he'd take me to a road with many hills. Sometimes we'd go on the main road, other times we would drive along the back streets full of roundabouts.

This is like God: He's always with us, helping us and telling us how to act. He never throws us into the deep end without teaching us to swim first. He journeys with us. There are some times in life where he says we can just cruise through, but then there are times when he asks us to slow down and take it at his pace, even though everything else seems to be zooming by. He does this to teach us different things. We're all on different journeys and it's not up to us to follow what the other cars do, but to do what the Instructor says. Sometimes God leads us through easy sections of life where everything seems so clear and easy. But then there are times when God leads us through those narrow, hilly and holey roads where we feel uncomfortable, in order to teach us and give us more experience so that we'll be better on the other roads.

Whenever I made a mistake with driving or took a corner too sharply, I'd ask Dad if I could do it again, and he'd say, "Yes". Some times he'd tell me what I did wrong, other times he'd wait until later. There were even some times where he wouldn't say anything but would get me to think about it. Dad would let me do things over and over until I got it right, again and again until it became natural and I didn't have to think about it.

How much is this like God?! He is so patient and understands when we make mistakes. That's how we learn. Just think, if you hadn't run into the gutter, how would you have learnt how wide the car is? : ) God is a God of many chances and lets us try and try again until it just becomes so natural that we don't think about it. Some times God corrects us straight away, but I know there are times where you have a feeling that something's wrong and don't work out what it is until later. But even then, God gives you another chance. He is so incredibly patient.

Furthermore, whenever I went out to practice driving, it was always Daddy's route we'd follow. Half the time I had no idea where we were. Sometimes I'd ask, other times I'd just go with the flow. Driving takes so much trust. I remember I asked Dad once to tell me where we were headed before I left the curb, so that I had some idea, but he said he'd tell me when we got to the road he wanted. That made me uncomfortable because I wanted to know where I was going, but that's where trust comes in. I didn't know what type of roads lay ahead but most of the time, he did and my job was simply to trust and turn when he said turn.

How often do we feel completely lost and don't know where we are? How often do we want to know where we're headed before we start out? Living for God takes trust in knowing that He knows the route and knows what we can handle. God won't take us onto the big roads until he knows we can handle them. Notice the emphasis on the he. When I first began driving, I didn't think I could handle the roads, but Dad knew I was ready. Driving takes trust and so does living for God.

Now, I apologise that this has gotten quite long but I want to encourage you: don't give up. Everything takes time. Whenever you feel discouraged, think back to when you first learnt to drive and remember how long that took and what you had to go through to know how to drive now. Remember, God is so patient and will let you take us long as you need. Just enjoy the road trip!!

Happy journeying my fellow travellers

To all you Graduates

2007-11-16T23:00:00.000-08:00

It may be the end of the jetty ...

... But it's not the end of the world

Memories Go On ......................

Opportunities

2007-09-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

"Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other? "

Taken from the new movie, 'Evan Almighty' (2007)

[Like wise, if you ask God to help you grow, will he make you 'older' or give you opportunities to grow?]

God's Joy in Watching Me Grow

2007-09-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

So often, I am just amazed at how patient and forgiving God is with me.

One day, I'll be sitting on cloud nine with Him, enjoying every word I read in the bible. I run out of time as I try and scribble down all the notes and remember them. But then, the next day, I might I wake up tired, read the bible trying to keep my eyes open and keep on thinking about who I'm going to see that day.
Other days I may be really friendly to my friends, have some great chats and encourage them when the next lunch hour, I might be annoyed and suddenly give them the silent treatment.

This doesn't happen every day but to be honest, it does happen sometimes. Practically every day I write in my journal to God about how I want to grow to be more like him. But I constantly find myself failing so I get discouraged with myself and wonder how God can put up with me.

But something I thought about today, is that God is our Father and we are his children. Think, when a father is teaching his little daughter to walk, he doesn't get angry every time she falls, but smiles and picks her up. He takes delight in watching her try and loves every day as he sees her learn new things.

This is the father we know. God is like that. He loves to help when we stumble and he takes joy in watching us grow. He looks at us and smiles as he can see himself in the person we are becoming. When you look at a baby, some people say that "he has Dad's eyes" or "your mum's smile." To be honest, it takes me a while to see all these things, but I do notice that when people grow up, they begin to look more and more like their Mum or Dad and as they are presented with challenges, certain traits begin to show.

Growing takes time. God doesn't care that we're not perfect, or that we're so naive to some things. He loves watching us as we find new things and he loves watching us learn how to walk in him. God just loves to watch us on the journey. Imagine: He's got one of those books where he records all your first achievements. And on the first page, he's recorded your first step to him.

... Wait ... Just Wait ...

2007-09-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

The Moreton Bay Fig tree is a mighty big tree with the diameter of the trunk measuring at least 4 metres and the leaves spanning 35 – 40 metres. There’s one near my school which is so old, it’s heritage listed, and every day, I walk under this massive tree.

Okay, so what has the Moreton Bay Fig got to do with waiting? Well, bear with me and I’ll explain as best I can and I hope by the end, you might see my point and be encouraged.

This tree is pretty amazing. Besides being massive, it also has interesting seasonal traits. (I don’t know if that makes sense but I’m trying to got give my point away too early). I love the way it stands there, so tall and as green as anything. It looks so strong like nothing could knock it down or move it.

What a good feeling to feel! Is it ever like that where you just feel so tuned into God that nothing can crack you or knock you down? All you want to do is stand strong, hands held high and radiate with the glory of God. It’s pretty cool hey? Just you and God, having the time of your life.

Unfortunately, life isn’t always the walk in the park. It’s a fact that we’re not going to feel so up in the clouds every day. Just take a walk through the bible and listen to the stories of amazing people with such faith and it’s so obvious to see you’re not alone. I’m sure they’d be able to sit down with you and share countless stories of times when they felt confused, lost and far from God. That’s why I want to share this story about waiting for God’s timing.

At the start of spring, the Moreton Bay Fig suddenly loses all of its leaves in the space of about two weeks or less. This once magnificent tree is now bare and doesn’t look very exciting. No birds sit in its branches and if the tree had feelings, I reckon it would feel pretty useless and ineffective. This reminds me of the days when I feel like I’m having no impact on the people around me, no matter how hard I try. But the cool thing with the tree is, although everyone walks under it and doesn’t really notice it, although it’s pretty bare and vulnerable, it still stands strong with every one of its branches held high. It’s still significant in God’s eyes and it knows that in God’s timing, things will change, so all it does is offer what it can – the bare branches.

You know, it may just be a tree but we can learn from this. Sometimes, Satan is really getting at us and discouraging us and we just feel so vulnerable and confused, but the thing is, God is still there, watching us and loving us. It’s hard but raise your hands to God and wait for his timing. A tree doesn’t grow strong without being exposed to storm and wind. The strongest trees are those that stand alone. Sometimes, a little discomfort can make us so much stronger. So, I encourage you to keep on chatting to God and tell him what you’re feeling. Sometimes I tell God that I’m confused over whether he’s really there or not or whether he’s actually doing something in my life, but he just sits there patiently and listens. Don’t be afraid to tell him how you really feel. What could happen, you’d get closer to him? Wait for God and trust that he’s there doing something.

For the past term, I’ve been praying for a friend and getting worried because I rarely see her anymore and when I do, things seem awkward. I’d pray often but things just didn’t seem to change. I felt like I was the one not doing enough in her life or not being the friend and I started to lose hope that God actually wanted to help her. I knew he could but after a while, I started to forget that he wanted to. You know, God sees things we don’t. When the tree is standing bare, it looks dead but underneath the surface, new life is happening. I was walking around school when a song I’d sung at the piano the night before cam to mind. It’s called, ‘In his Time’ and reminded me that God does things in his time. The other day, he told me to “let go and let him.” It’s not easy and God knows that but we need to trust God and wait for him to do his stuff. Whether it’s waiting for friends to reunite, or waiting for silence from the confusion storm, trust that God is working on the inside and in ways that we can’t see and just wait.

The cool part of the story with the Moreton Bay Fig tree is that after a fortnight of being bare, it got all of its leaves back within the space of a weekend. It had waited with its hands high, and now, it is even greener than ever. I hear more people talking about it, see more people looking at it, and can hear more birds in it. Because it had waited and endured the tough time, it had grown even stronger, even prettier and even more productive.

To end, I encourage you to look at a tree and remember how everything happens in God’s time. Hanging with God is an adventure, through parks and over mountains. Don’t be discouraged but remember that you’re not alone. Look at the Psalms and see how many times David talks about waiting. As my Mum says, “This too shall pass.”

Blessings

“He makes all this beautiful in his time.” - Ecclesiastes 3:11

From the Maker's Hand

2007-07-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

From the Maker’s hand comes a world so new
Full of oranges and greens and sparkling blues
Sunsets and rainbows to light up the skies
Waterfalls and beaches to light up your eyes

From the Maker’s hand comes the fish of the sea
Swimming and squirming and wriggling with glee
The birds of the air join in on the song
Joined by all kinds of animals, both short and long

From the Maker’s hand come a whole new nation
Different tribes and traditions and new translations
He made every human as unique as they are
Gave them smiles, gave them tears and heaps of laughter

From the Maker’s hand comes feeling not known
Of love and care for those left alone
Incredibly compassionate, abounding in love
The maker of peace (sometimes shown by a dove)

Though the best thing that comes from the Maker’s hand
Is new life for all those throughout the land
Nails pierced those hands, tears stained his face
In order to set us free, he died in our place

From the Maker’s hand comes a world so new
Of forgiveness and mercy for me and for you
Holding my hand he calls me his friend
He loves me with a love that’ll never ever end

Thank you God

A Mothers' Day Poem

2007-05-03T02:01:00.000-07:00

Hey hey hey. I'm back, writing another thing. I wrote this poem for my awesome mum who I love so dearly. As Mothers' Day is coming up, I found it appropriate to share it. Hope you enjoy.

A Recipe 'Bout Someone I love

Here's a recipe 'bout someone

I really want to keep

So find a great big bowl
And make sure it is deep

Chop up some fruits
Kindness, peace and joy
Gentleness and faithfulness
And a lot of self-control : )

Put in some encouragement
For the times you've felt down
Add a hunk of humility
Then stir it all around

Pour in some tears
For the times she's cried with you
Roll in the words from
Ephesians 4 verse 2

Sift a whole lot of love
And a whole lot of care
Add a million hugs
And you're halfway there

Don't forget the wisdom
The patience and the faith
Put it in a heart tin
Then send it in to bake

When it goes warm
And glows outside in
Leave it out to cool
And take it from the tin

Add some great big smiles
And a whole lot of fun
Pour them all on top
And Oila! You've got my mum!

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!

Be Still

2007-03-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (Mark 4:34)

Alright. You know the story. The disciples and Jesus are cruising in a little fishing boat when a storm hits. The disciples are scared and think they'll drown. The Jesus stands in the middle of all the chaos and commands the wind and the waves to stop and they obey immediately.

I've heard this story often. I grew up hearing about it. But, strangley enough, a couple of days ago, I read a little kids book of my sisters which mentioned Jesus saying this. And the thing that got me was, "Be still."

Now, if you've read previous posts of mine, you would know that one of my verses for the year is "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Well, this kind of relates to the story of the disciples in the storm. But in a different way.

At first glance, you'd look at the story and see God's awesome power. How even the winds and the waves obey him. You also see the disciples' lack of faith as Jesus goes on the point this out to them. But, there's a whole lot more to the story.

Sometimes, I feel like the boat. Call me crazy but it's true. Sometimes life gets so hectic and so busy that we feel like we're going to sink. We struggle with all our might to stay afloat but as each wave crashes down on us, we lose more and more hope (hey, that rhymed!). We feel like we're out there alone, struggling through the storm by ourselves. The nearest bit of land yonks away.

But there's one important fact we're forgetting.

God is here!!

In the disciple's story, he was asleep at the bottom of the boat. In our lives, he's right here with us, waiting for us to call on him and say, HELP!! He may seem like he's not there. He's just waiting patiently and quietly for us to ask for his help.

So, just a thought. When life get's so crazy, ask God to come and help out. He'll come and calm the waves. And even if life still seems so hectic, He'll help you through the storm. Isn't it great?!!

Well, my prayer for you is that you won't get run down with life. Enjoy the scenery, and when a storm hits, don't lose sight but remember that God is here with you. Just be still, let God do his stuff and soon the storm will cease and the scenery will be back.

Have a good one and catch you if I do

Memo from God

2007-03-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Memo

To: My Child
From: God
Date: 18 March 2007
Re: I’LL BE THERE ___________________________________________________________________

I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be there for you. I’ll never leave you. I want to help you. When you fall, just call out and I’ll pick you up. Take care my child. You’re doing great. I love you.

I, myself, go before you and will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
- Deuteronomy 31:8 (My Version)

Back in His Arms Again

2007-03-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Mark Schultz

I see it in your eyes
The pain you keep inside
It's slowly tearing you apart
Though you've run away
Reminded day by day
You've stumbled and you've fallen
Still He's calling

I believe that He loves you where you are
I believe that you've seen the hands of God
I believe that you'll know it when
You're back in His arms again

I believe that He never let you go
I believe that He's wanting you to know
I believe that He'll lead you 'til
you're back in His arms again

Glad I found you here
'Cause in between the tears
Something in your eyes shows hope
And I stand before you now
As one that knows about
Coming to Him open and broken

And I know that He's callin'
He's callin' you Home

One life, one love, one way Home
And when you rise and when you fall
He will see you through it all
He is waiting, you are called,
back in His arms again.

Cry out to Jesus

2007-02-26T00:48:00.000-08:00

Words by Mac Powell / Music by Third Day

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heartT
here is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

Hanging with God

2007-02-10T22:27:00.000-08:00

Everyday I'll come
Spend my life with You
Learning of Your heart
And what You're calling me to do

Tim Hughes wrote those words in his song, I’ll Always Love You. I love the way he wrote them. He says that everyday, he’ll come to just spend time with God. I like to think of it as just sitting and hanging with God. Finding out about life, about his plan and just about who He is.

Everyday, friends spend time just hanging out with each other. And what are some things they talk about? I know, from a personal fact, that when my friends and I get together, we talk about plans for the future, about boys and just about how everything is going. By sharing our problems, we can help each other and we all grow stronger.

But what do people talk about when they hang with God? Sometimes nothing. Sometimes, just being in the presence of God is enough. Other times, in those quiet and special times, God reveals to us a bit more about his plan.

It’s so important to sit and connect with the King of the world. He knows us, knows his plans for us and wants for us to grow. We need to hang with God to learn what his plan is and to learn more about God. The best way to find out about people, is to be with them as much as possible. Sure, reading and listening to facts about people is helpful, but how much more to we learn by being with the person? By listening to him speak?

We’re all different and connect to God differently. I’ve heard that some people connect with God through music, others through writing poems. Some connect by playing sport, others by knitting. I find that I connect best with God by being alone, especially outside in amongst his creation. It’s when I get to slow down, come back to earth and refocus myself. I try to make a habit of sitting outside, listening to the birds, and listening to God’s voice. And I don’t mean that I actually hear a voice from heaven. Often a verse, a part of a song, a saying or something someone has told me will come to mind. Other times, by being away from everything, things just fall into perspective. (Did that make sense?)

I really want to emphasise the fact of how important it is to connect and hang with God. Hanging with God makes us strong and gives us a better understanding of who he is. So I urge you today, to start finding how you best connect with God. And when you find it, do it often, and start learning more about God.

God bless,

Harnessed and Ready

2007-02-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age.”

Jesus, spoke these words to the disciples before he left to go up to heaven. They’re pretty powerful. These 12 amazing guys had been hanging with Jesus for the past three years, listening to him and learning how to live life. And now it was their turn. Their turn to go out into the world and change lives. Jesus was leaving earth and giving the job to them until he returns.

God has given us this job. He has commissioned us to go out into the world and change lives through the King. Just like the disciples went out into the world, we are called to go. Whether it means to go to a different country or just to our families, God has sent us out.

This sound like such a big task! I agree! But don’t worry. God hasn’t left us. He’s right with us, guiding us, giving us the words. Jesus promised that he would be with the disciples until the very end. And God never breaks his promises.

I have often heard the saying, “God opens the door. We need only step through.” That’s pretty true. God’s the one who gives us the opportunities to save lives. He opens doors and closes them. But walking through the door isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

One night, at the start of the year, a picture came to me. There I was, standing at the top of a 17m abseiling tower. I was standing over the edge of the overhang, both feet on the wet, metal pole, the rain falling on me. All I had to do was slowly let the rope out until my legs were horizontal. Then I had to move my legs from the metal bar to the wooden plank below the pole. Easy enough right?

Fear kicked in and I paused. Could I trust myself to move one foot from the pole to the plank without the other from slipping out from underneath? Then I realised something. This is just like the open door and just having to step through. Only this time, it was stepping over the edge, 17m above the ground.

Here I was, sitting on air, dangling over the edge. I was harnessed in. I had two carabinas connected to two ropes and my harness. The ropes went through a pulley and to a belayer with one back up belayer. Everything that could be done to ensure my safety was done. Everything that other people could do for me was done. The next step was up to me.

It’s kind of like life. Everything that can be done for us to be ready to go out into the world is done. All the training is done. If God wants to send us out, then obviously we’re ready. There’s nothing other people can do for us. There’s nothing God can do (he wants to give us choice). It’s us who needs to take the first step over the edge.

But the beaut thing is, once we muster the courage to take the step over the edge, it’s freefall to the bottom, harnessed in God’s love. How cool is that? Once we’re over the edge, it can still be kind of scary. But we’re completely harnessed in God’s love. And he’s got a hold of the rope. But God also gives us the freedom to hold the rope and stop ourselves whenever we get sacred.

So, we’ve been sent out. Are you still standing at the top of the tower? Are you standing just inside the door? If the door’s open, step through. If you’re all harnessed in, step over. And remember, God will be with you every step of the way. Just listen to him and trust him for each new day.

God Knows Everything about You

2007-02-04T23:06:00.000-08:00

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O LORD. Psalm 139:1-4

My Mum has often given me that verse and often I’ve had to look it up again to remind myself how much God cares about me. It is such encouragement (most of the time) to know that God always knows what we’re doing, where we are and what we’re going to say. But one thing I want you to think about today is how much God knows us personally.

Sometimes, I am a very open person and other times, I just close up, crawl into a shell and don’t let people near me. Not everyone knows everything about me. My parents don’t know everything about me. I don’t even know everything about me. That’s the beaut thing though. God knows everything. He knows everything about you.

He knows what makes you smile, what makes you cry and what makes you do that really embarrassing and yet funny giggle. He knows what melts your heart, what breaks your heart and what outright excites you. But, he also knows our capabilities. After all, he’s the one that created us. He knows our weaknesses and our strengths even more than we do. He knows what our comfort zone is and he knows how to stretch it without the boundary snapping.

In this busy world, it’s an encouragement to know that God hears out prayers and sees our tears. But more than that, he does something about those tears, prayers and hours spent in loneliness.

Over the past years, I have experienced great times and really low times. But because God knows me so well, he knew how to encourage me. He’d give me free moments when I could just sit and refocus myself. In stressful times, he’d send me gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. And in times when I really needed that hug, he’d send me just the right friend.

He knows you really well. When times get rough, stop, step back, and see what God’s doing to help you. Think of all the wonderful things he’s doing or done. Sometimes, it’s hard to feel God’s love, but it’s great to hold onto great experiences and just believe that God’s there. He’ll help you in this busy world. He’ll draw you back in and give you the strength to do each day.

GoD kNowS yOu AnD lOvEs YoU!!!!

Changed by God

2007-01-25T00:47:00.000-08:00

Your Love, O Lord, is just too much for me
Your creations, O Creator, are too wonderful to grasp
You saved me from drowning in my sin
You pulled me out from the whirl pool of lies

You lifted me up, sat me back on your lap
You wiped the hair from my tired face
You wiped my tears, held me in your arms
And told me how loved and special I am

When I was ready, you put me back down
Holding my hand, you promised to stay with me
You sent your angels to watch over me
They guard me as I sleep and when I wake
You sent your warriors to fight the lies in my head

Oh, how great are you my God!
You love reaches to the heaven and stretches across the sky
You took my sins and held them in your hand,
Then you blew them away, never to be seen again

You washed me and refreshed me in the clear ocean
I am anew and afresh, ready to now fight for you
How awesome are you God!
I love you! Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart!

Love always,

Your precious little princess

Never Underestimate God

2007-01-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

A million stars, three campfires, six mates and one awesome God = lives changed

Sometimes we underestimate God. I know that I underestimate God. We often expect big things to always happen, and when they don't for a while, we don't pray as much. I know that I sometimes have the trouble of knowing God has the power to do something big but won't really want to do it.

At the start of the new year, someone shared with me about a guy who needed prayer. For privacy's sake, we'll call this guy Larry. He knew God but didn't want to call himself a Christian until he knew it was for the right reason. I became friends with Larry at the holiday place we were both at. So, knowing he needed prayer, I prayed every night for him.

Two days later, Larry brought his kids to the kids program we were running. I watched his kids have fun, learn the memory verse and sing the songs. After, my friend and I went and chatted with them, building relationships. Seeing them come to the program was so wonderful and I praised God. I continued to thank God for Larry and pray for him every night.

Two days after that, on the last night, we were cooking damper over three camp fires. After burning one, I felt the urge to talk to Larry as it would be his last night. So I grabbed my friend and we went over and chatted. We talked about his life, his plans and other stuff. My friend left to cook damper and it was just me, listening to this amazing guy. It didn't take long for Larry to open up and tell me about his life and relationship with God. It was amazing, just listening to how God was working in his life.

One really amazing thing is, I love listening to people, but I'm not very good at asking questions to keep the conversation moving. God took over the conversation and kept Larry talking, even when we kept on getting interrupted. It was amazing.

My friend came back and so did some others. Larry retold what he told me and it was just amazing for all of us to hear about him. He spoke on how much we had blessed him by being Christians models and it was just a blessing hearing about him.

As we were nearing the end of the conversation, about 1hr and a half later (at least), my friend asked if we could pray for him. It was such an amazing thing. The five of us crowding around him, praying for him, under the stars, amongst the trees, in the light of the campfires. It was an emotional time and so awesome. All of us changed that night.

We continued talking to Larry and played a couple of games with him as well until midnight. It was so obvious God had done something amazing.

At church, a couple of weeks back, our pastor said that in trials, to hold onto special moments. I know that I'll always hold onto that amazing moment where God was so there. In times where it seems like I'm not being an effective Christian I can think back to that night. The start of my holiday was a little rough but God still used me to change a life.

So, never underestimate how God can use you. Even if you have given up on yourself, or you think you're not being effective or anything, don't underestimate God. If he can use the tiniest seed and make it into the biggest tree, than how much more can He do with us? Trust him today and hold onto experiences!

Lifesong

2006-11-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

(Casting Crowns)

Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

God's AWESOME Love

2006-11-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found it hard to understand God's awesome love for you? I definitely have. I can't understand how he doesn't doesn't get sick of my sins. I get sick of them. Like you say to God during your quiet time that you'll be a better loving Christian, and then you go and get angry with your sibling. I hate it. How does God keep loving us so much when we fail so many times?

I was reading in 2 Samuel this morning where Nathan was telling King David of all his sin. Now David, 'a man after God's own heart,' has just committed adultery with some guy's wife, tried to hide it but ended up murdering the guy with the enemy's sword. King David should have been struck down by God but David admitted his sin and was forgiven. But things weren't all flowery and pretty from then on. David had to pick up the pieces. The son he'd had through the wife died but then God was gracious and gave them another son, Solomon, who was favoured by God from birth.

It's amazing to see God's love. He forgave David and continued to bless him. Something struck me this morning while reading it. God shows us imense love by forgiving us for our sins, but there are still pieces that need to be picked up. Then God goes further and helps us pick up those pieces. His amazing love doesn't just stop with forgiveness, but rather goes furthar to make things right and build us up through them. HOW'S THAT FOR LOVE?!!!

So I guess, if anyone has done something bad and no one is forgiving you, remember, ask God and he will forgive you and then go even furthar and help you pick up the pieces and make things right. Just remember, things don't happen over night. They take time, pain and tears. But have faith, you have God next to you helping you every step of the way.

Different

2006-07-22T00:41:00.000-07:00

She was there, but she wasn’t
Her mind in a world of its own
She was with people, all around her
And yet she felt so alone

She didn’t fit in, she was different
Loud and shy all in one
She didn’t open that easily
Like a flower under the sun

She did try hard to fit in
She spent all her energy trying
But try as she might, she was different
That hope she had had was now dying

Lying in bed as the tears fell
She thought of all those smiles
Of friends who loved each other
Throughout miles and miles

Looking to the ceiling
Looking throughout all those tears
She wished for a friend, a best friend
Who’d love her through all the years

This went on for two year
Each week the same routine
Trying to fit in and then crying
Tears that no one had seen

But alas, one night some hope came
It was on a New Years night
As she watched all the fireworks
Her spirit began to take flight

Looking up into the night sky
She remembered God’s own promise
“I will never leave you,” he’d said
“And don’t ever forget this.”

A smile came to her eyes, she cried
This time they were tears of joy
There was someone who loved her
So much he’d sent her his boy

That night the girl did change
But she was still so different
But she didn’t care anymore
She received hope that God had sent

She’s still there, but she’d not there
Her mind in a world of its own
She is different, she loves God
But no more will she be alone

This Much

2006-06-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

In the garden of Gethsemane, crying tears of blood, Jesus thought of me and said, “This much.”

Walking out of the garden, accompanied by soldiers with swords, he thought of me and said, “This much.”

Face burning from being slapped, being humiliated, Jesus saw me in the crowd and said, “This much.”

Blood running down his back, each whip sending screaming pain, the Lord looked at me and said, “This much.”

Humiliated, painfully dressed as a king, a crown of thorn piercing his head, he sought me out and said, “This much.”

Staggering up the hill to Calvary, blood and pain enveloping his body, Jesus said to me, “This much.”

Spit, slaps, cruel words, flying in his face, disowned by friends, Jesus saw me draw back and said, “This much.”

Nailed to a cross, blood streaming down his precious body, humiliation everywhere, Jesus, Lord of all, looked down at me in the crowd, with arms spread out, shouted, “This much my child! I love you this much!”

Then he gave up his spirit.

Three days later, walking on the road, the Lord appeared to me, hugged me, loved me and said, “This much my child. This is how much I love you. Now go and do the same.”

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)

Inside...Not Outside

2006-06-19T01:13:00.000-07:00

There once was a flower
Faith was her name
She lived among the tress
None of which the same

Her petals were brown
With a dull grey lining
Her family’s were pink
But she was never wining

For she had a friend
One who loved her so
Even though she was dull
No leaves that would glow

The farmer, her friend
Cared so much for she
Even though her leaves
Were as pale as can be

He believes that all
All flowers are the same
Maybe not on the outside
And some get fame

But it’s not about the looks
But the heart behind the wall
For a pure, warm heart
Is the best feature of all!

Why Me?

2006-05-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat and looked at a tree and wondered, why, out of all the people who have or will live, why you're the one looking at that tree? That sounds pretty odd but think about it.

God has blessed me with an amazing family. I have two awesome parents and many tops siblings. So why, out of the 10s of millions of people who could have taken my place, why is it me who gets the honour of living with them? And why is my sister who she is, and my brother who he is? God could have placed either them or me on the world many years ago or later, but he chose now. Why?

We know that God has an amazing plan. Think, what would've happened if I was born into a non-christian home? Would I ever have come to know God? Would it have been hard or easy? Who would I be related to? There must be a reason for why I am who I am and why I'm sitting at this computer in this house. It's called purpose. The cool thing is, everyone has one. What most people ask is, "What is my purpose?"

Many times I wonder what my purpose is. Why do I live where I live? Why do I have a supportive church and family? Why do I like sunrises so much and just happen to wake up to a glorious one every morning right outside my window and walk home to a glorious sunset every afternoon? Why do I like clouds? Well, that's a bit off track. What I was getting at was, if I have so many supportive people around me, does that mean that my purpse is going to be one where I'll need all the support I can get? And are the sunrises, sunsets and cool clouds there to remind me over and over again how much God loves me, everytime I lose hope?

And why is it that I have so much trouble with friends? Why am I scared of dogs? Why can I sometimes be afraid of the dark? Why am I such a shy person? Is there a reason for everyone of those things as well?

I'm still not quite sure what my purpose is and I haven't worked out why I am living here now, but I know that God has a big plan for me. One that he planned out way before I was born. And I just need to trust that when times get tough. Things have gotten tough lately and I have lost lost hope a bit, but my family have been there for me. I once read in the bible or somewhere, that God uses every circumstance to grow and build us so that we can serve him. Does that mean that each trial, each hard time and each wonderful day we experience is used for building us up? God's one big God and I'm glad I know him. Even though there are so many strange questions, and this may not have made sense, and I'm wondering how to finish, I know that God's got a plan for me and he's holding my hand through everything, guiding me over every struggle.