His Banner Over Me
He brought me to His banqueting table (echo).
He brought me to His banqueting table (echo).
And His banner over me is love.
I am my beloved's and He is mine (echo).
I am my beloved's and He is mine (echo).
And His banner over me is love.
Yes His banner over me is love.
And we can feel the love of God in this place.
We believe Your goodness,
We receive Your grace.
We delight ourselves at Your table, O God.
You do all things well, just look at our lives.
I am starting to see this song in a whole new light....
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Blessed be your name!
I love the song 'Blessed be your name' and how wonderfully it speaks of the way God gives us gifts, and while God has different purposes in the gifts, life is a gift, as is all that's within it. It's all about perspective!!
I was reminded of that song again today and of how God gives and takes away, and we can choose our attitude within the gift giving, and receiving. I have been so blessed with such alot of things this year, and so aware that there are alot of things within that that I couldn't take for granted. I have so loved the lessons learned, places, people, times spent, and knowing that through it all, it had a time limit, whatever that might be...
Next year will be fun! A few things have happened this week, and one in particular, that means that everything else will too, and while it's sad, it's exciting too! I started praying about a month for a door to open, and who knows:) Maybe it's starting!
Hopefully through it all, no matter what, I will continue to trust God in all things, and events,and as the song goes, my heart will choose to say, blessed be Your name!
I was reminded of that song again today and of how God gives and takes away, and we can choose our attitude within the gift giving, and receiving. I have been so blessed with such alot of things this year, and so aware that there are alot of things within that that I couldn't take for granted. I have so loved the lessons learned, places, people, times spent, and knowing that through it all, it had a time limit, whatever that might be...
Next year will be fun! A few things have happened this week, and one in particular, that means that everything else will too, and while it's sad, it's exciting too! I started praying about a month for a door to open, and who knows:) Maybe it's starting!
Hopefully through it all, no matter what, I will continue to trust God in all things, and events,and as the song goes, my heart will choose to say, blessed be Your name!
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Living example?
I have an assignment due next week. I haven't started. I am living the assignment, in many ways, which is good, and very in my face.
I note my relationship style, how my affect comes into play, the anxiety I feel, and my actions that seem to follow so quickly much to my regret, all too often.
I want to get off this boat! I see the light, hope of a new road and adventure, and I want it, I choose that way, that route... but how do I get from here to there, crossing the great divide I have spent my whole life running away from?
This is where the theory becomes action and hopefully with the questions and confusions, so to will the answers.
A wise friend promised in her blog never to delete anything and today I choose the same, to remind myself of where I have been and am going. And with her wise words tonight, in a situation she knows nothing about apart from my tears, will choose once again to trust God in thoughts, words and actions.
I note my relationship style, how my affect comes into play, the anxiety I feel, and my actions that seem to follow so quickly much to my regret, all too often.
I want to get off this boat! I see the light, hope of a new road and adventure, and I want it, I choose that way, that route... but how do I get from here to there, crossing the great divide I have spent my whole life running away from?
This is where the theory becomes action and hopefully with the questions and confusions, so to will the answers.
A wise friend promised in her blog never to delete anything and today I choose the same, to remind myself of where I have been and am going. And with her wise words tonight, in a situation she knows nothing about apart from my tears, will choose once again to trust God in thoughts, words and actions.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Challenges
At college we are learning alot of new things, new stories, new lives, new ways to see the past, present and future. Some things are good, and some not so good. Some are just plain emotional as we look back on painful events and memories.
We are also being challenged to rewrite our stories in different ways, and I am trying hard to take steps to do so in different ways- some easier than others. As I try and navigate some though, they are just plain challenging, and new, with new ways of thinking, reacting to others, myself and situations. Not always so much fun, as I seem to find myself in situations that aren't always friendly or pleasant, and yet it is with the hope of something better than ever!
I sometimes wish we didn't have to go through the pain and frustration of change though that often brings us out to new fresh pasture!!
We are also being challenged to rewrite our stories in different ways, and I am trying hard to take steps to do so in different ways- some easier than others. As I try and navigate some though, they are just plain challenging, and new, with new ways of thinking, reacting to others, myself and situations. Not always so much fun, as I seem to find myself in situations that aren't always friendly or pleasant, and yet it is with the hope of something better than ever!
I sometimes wish we didn't have to go through the pain and frustration of change though that often brings us out to new fresh pasture!!
Monday, October 05, 2009
Calling a spade a spade..
I avoid confrontation. Argument. disagreement. distaste. dischord. anger. I hide away, and do all I can to see the good, positive and what must have been intended.....
Tonight I expressed my disagreement to something I had seen over the weekend. It was a new situation and context, new people, and perspectives, but the results of this event left a bad taste in my mouth, so... this time I rose to the challenge and have expressed that experience to the situation. I have needed a few days, and a few conversations to work out where I really stand on it all, and hopefully have been encouraging even in my disagreement of the event.
But oh, I don't like having to do it!
Should I have done it though?? We are doing a series on Titus at church at the moment, and in a nutshell, false teaching calls for comment.... it is a great series, and I will hopefully share more on it at some stage soon! But for now.....well, will see.
Tonight I expressed my disagreement to something I had seen over the weekend. It was a new situation and context, new people, and perspectives, but the results of this event left a bad taste in my mouth, so... this time I rose to the challenge and have expressed that experience to the situation. I have needed a few days, and a few conversations to work out where I really stand on it all, and hopefully have been encouraging even in my disagreement of the event.
But oh, I don't like having to do it!
Should I have done it though?? We are doing a series on Titus at church at the moment, and in a nutshell, false teaching calls for comment.... it is a great series, and I will hopefully share more on it at some stage soon! But for now.....well, will see.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Stories
I have been thinking about stories over the last few days, different stories, in different contexts. We all have our own story, and are part of each others. I heard the story again of the work in Hong Kong, and realised that, like so many others, I am a part of that story- even though I haven’t been there in a while now. At work, there is a story, and I often wonder at whose story it is. Is it ‘mine’- belonging to one person’s, or ours, or our’s but actually ‘mine’- belonging to just one.
I drove home this evening along a route where I pass many friends houses and as I thought of them, it was with thanks, and a wave (not that anyone sees!:)) but it was also with sadness as some have dropped off the radar a little and I wonder how much I should say, or push, or if it is just a phase, and they are just busy. They are a part of my story, and vice versa, and I love that- I think of them with gratitude, and love time spent with them- for the beautiful tapestry that has been crated by their place in my life, and hopefully vice versa..! I was thinking of the ‘story lines’ that feel like they are fading slightly, and sad, but grateful for the time spent too, but came across a friend’s blog tonight, and was blessed to see some of me in it- part of her story, and was wonderfully filled with a renewed sense of how we are part of each others story- we all have our own too, that is beautiful and unique- and realized that as we share ourselves, we don’t give that part away completely so there is less of us- it is more like the loaves and fishes! As we share ourselves, our lives, and our stories, we multiply. We grow, bear fruit, share, and there is enough, and more for everyone, in abundance!
Today, I was reading about narrative therapy- of each of us being able to tell our story- not just the extremely negative bit (as can often happen), but the positive too- and am encouraged by the new stories that are unfolding, with people known and unknown, acquaintances that may become friends, or others met in different ways… and who knows what God has in store for each of us! What an exciting adventure!
I drove home this evening along a route where I pass many friends houses and as I thought of them, it was with thanks, and a wave (not that anyone sees!:)) but it was also with sadness as some have dropped off the radar a little and I wonder how much I should say, or push, or if it is just a phase, and they are just busy. They are a part of my story, and vice versa, and I love that- I think of them with gratitude, and love time spent with them- for the beautiful tapestry that has been crated by their place in my life, and hopefully vice versa..! I was thinking of the ‘story lines’ that feel like they are fading slightly, and sad, but grateful for the time spent too, but came across a friend’s blog tonight, and was blessed to see some of me in it- part of her story, and was wonderfully filled with a renewed sense of how we are part of each others story- we all have our own too, that is beautiful and unique- and realized that as we share ourselves, we don’t give that part away completely so there is less of us- it is more like the loaves and fishes! As we share ourselves, our lives, and our stories, we multiply. We grow, bear fruit, share, and there is enough, and more for everyone, in abundance!
Today, I was reading about narrative therapy- of each of us being able to tell our story- not just the extremely negative bit (as can often happen), but the positive too- and am encouraged by the new stories that are unfolding, with people known and unknown, acquaintances that may become friends, or others met in different ways… and who knows what God has in store for each of us! What an exciting adventure!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Worship Central on Vision to Action
I listened to an awesome talk a couple of weeks ago on the Worship Central podcast- which, yes, is on worship! Anyway, there was an interview with Tricia Neill who overseas everything on the Alpha International team about taking Vision to Action- and in this case, it was the huge vision of taking the Alpha course worldwide. Amazing! I have just listened to it again to take notes as I wanted to share it with work, so thought I would post it here just cos I can!
Key tips
Vision without implementation is a waste of time. Leaders who have the vision- need a person to implement and put the systems in place to make the vision a reality. If you have a big vision- you need people to make it a reality.
Surround yourself with people who compliment your skills. If you see a gap- find somebody who can fill it. It is important to be able to see what you can and can’t do, and find people who can supplement it.
Remember to communicate your vision- depending on the people involved in your vision- more to the people who are closely involved in the vision, and slightly less with the people who are further away. The key people you need to keep involved in the vision and also the key team.
It is more difficult to share vision with email- relationship is the key! Phone, in person, spending time with people. Meet with your team regularly. Ensure they have ownership of the area they are responsible for.
Team- meet up with them individually every 2-3 weeks. They look to the leader for direction, vision, and encouragement.
Clear lines of communication, and people to report to, and receive support.
Regular one on one and team meetings are important. When there are regular meetings in place that cover the various areas- everyone can work in freedom because they know that a time has been set aside to meet together and all get on the same page.
Take people to see the vision lived out in other places (Eg- for HTB church- Sandy Miller would take people to see John Wimber in the US to see what was happening there) and have a taste of what’s going to happen. Bring them to something to see where they could get to. Involve the people in getting from where they are to where they want to be so they have ownership.
Difficult people and situations- open discussion. If you have a relationship and its ongoing it’s easier to be encouraging. Be encouraging! Highlight the things they are good at. Ask them how they think they went, or are going? Regular honest, encouraging feedback that encourages people to grow, diffuses any issues, and dispels any disconnect.
Key tips
Vision without implementation is a waste of time. Leaders who have the vision- need a person to implement and put the systems in place to make the vision a reality. If you have a big vision- you need people to make it a reality.
Surround yourself with people who compliment your skills. If you see a gap- find somebody who can fill it. It is important to be able to see what you can and can’t do, and find people who can supplement it.
Remember to communicate your vision- depending on the people involved in your vision- more to the people who are closely involved in the vision, and slightly less with the people who are further away. The key people you need to keep involved in the vision and also the key team.
It is more difficult to share vision with email- relationship is the key! Phone, in person, spending time with people. Meet with your team regularly. Ensure they have ownership of the area they are responsible for.
Team- meet up with them individually every 2-3 weeks. They look to the leader for direction, vision, and encouragement.
Clear lines of communication, and people to report to, and receive support.
Regular one on one and team meetings are important. When there are regular meetings in place that cover the various areas- everyone can work in freedom because they know that a time has been set aside to meet together and all get on the same page.
Take people to see the vision lived out in other places (Eg- for HTB church- Sandy Miller would take people to see John Wimber in the US to see what was happening there) and have a taste of what’s going to happen. Bring them to something to see where they could get to. Involve the people in getting from where they are to where they want to be so they have ownership.
Difficult people and situations- open discussion. If you have a relationship and its ongoing it’s easier to be encouraging. Be encouraging! Highlight the things they are good at. Ask them how they think they went, or are going? Regular honest, encouraging feedback that encourages people to grow, diffuses any issues, and dispels any disconnect.
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