I was away on holidays last week, and one of the highlights (and it was pretty much all a highlight!) was the first afternoon... sitting on a swinging chair, reading an awesome book, in a beautiful garden, with... a cup of tea! Awesome!
It doesn't often get too much better than that! I don't often have time to spend a good amount of time just sitting outside and reading, but it is one of my favorite things to do. Other factors that add to this can be the food eaten, time of day, if there is company(looking back over the years there have been only a few people who have really shared these times), location...
Anyway, it was a reminder to me of the little things in life and that it doesn't take too much for me to be happy... I don't think:) But that moment (well, couple of hours) was pretty special!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Being Judged
I have been thinking about a particular situation today, and haven't been able to place a finger on where I stand with it, but finally think I realized what it was that bugs me about it.
I don't like being judged, or being presumed upon. I don't like it when people put things together and reach a conclusion about me.... and it's wrong. I don't like being judged on my actions when the actions weren't expected, and may not make sense to the outside world, yet to me, they were my only option.
I also realized that I don't especially like being judged based on how another person acts, or reacts, and how that may or may not reflect on me as a direct, or indirect result. I tend to try and disappear as much as possible then, well... as much as possible anyway. It's not always that easy or simple. It's been a strange thing to be reminded that our actions can have a reaction in some way in another persons life- either positively, or negatively, and it was a unsettling thing to me, to be reminded of what I am capable of too.
I sometimes wonder too how black and white we see things to be. I know at times, I do, especially when looking from the outside into a situation. But I am reminded again and again that we don't know what's really happening, I can't judge what's going on, but have to maintain my course as much as I see is right and Godly, though it's not always easy when you can see yourself or others being indirectly effected.
In it all though, we are, as always being called to love one another, and to unity, that we are one body in Christ. That's the big picture.
I don't like being judged, or being presumed upon. I don't like it when people put things together and reach a conclusion about me.... and it's wrong. I don't like being judged on my actions when the actions weren't expected, and may not make sense to the outside world, yet to me, they were my only option.
I also realized that I don't especially like being judged based on how another person acts, or reacts, and how that may or may not reflect on me as a direct, or indirect result. I tend to try and disappear as much as possible then, well... as much as possible anyway. It's not always that easy or simple. It's been a strange thing to be reminded that our actions can have a reaction in some way in another persons life- either positively, or negatively, and it was a unsettling thing to me, to be reminded of what I am capable of too.
I sometimes wonder too how black and white we see things to be. I know at times, I do, especially when looking from the outside into a situation. But I am reminded again and again that we don't know what's really happening, I can't judge what's going on, but have to maintain my course as much as I see is right and Godly, though it's not always easy when you can see yourself or others being indirectly effected.
In it all though, we are, as always being called to love one another, and to unity, that we are one body in Christ. That's the big picture.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Omnipresent yet personal too!:)
Almost exactly a week ago, a fax arrived, and amazingly I saw it, and was completely struck by it, so much so, that instead of doing the sensible, practical logical thing and going to work today (there was a choice- it was a public holiday), 2 friends of mine and I went to a prayer training conference run by Jackie Pullinger with a particular focus on Alpha and the work of the Holy Spirit.
And yup, it was as awesome as we expected and more! It was lovely to be reminded of a whole lot of truths, that God works in and through EACH ONE OF US, not one or two of us, that he gifts each of us, that he speaks clearly, and we can expect to see, hear and watch him at work. There was sooo much to learn and take in, and I am sure I will continue to share about some of the things that happened there (well, I hope so anyway!)
One thing I did want to share now though, is a lesson I have been re-learning recently. I had forgotten this, but it has come back, and continues to come back to me in different ways. It is the reminder that God can and does speak each one of us. He doesn't speak to person A about something to do with person B without their being able to hear it too, and have it confirmed in themselves and their spirits.
I was reminded of this in my life recently, as well as in the word. I read through Ezra last weekend, and how awesome was that! The whole book seemed to be about how God move in his people, large populations of his people to bring them back to His temple to worship him. In Ezra 1, it talks about how God moved the heart of the leader, and his people- so they in turn were moved to go and worship God. Awesome!
This was one of the things that struck me as Jackie shared, that she was clear that if someone speaks a word over us, we will know in our spirits if it is for us, and from the Lord. We can take a word and pray about it, or ponder it, or test it against scripture, or receive it(or give it, if we are the people praying for another) know it is from God and that he loves each of us and speaks to us, yes, each of us. I think we often think that God speaks to 'everyone else' first, but that isn't always the case.
How awesome is our God, that he loves us and entrusts us with his Spirit for his good purpose!
I should add too... it is been something that has brought much peace to many situations recently, knowing that if something is from God, He will speak into all involved in some way- a lovely place to rest in!:) We just need to walk faithfully in what He has given us, and He will sort out the rest! :)
And yup, it was as awesome as we expected and more! It was lovely to be reminded of a whole lot of truths, that God works in and through EACH ONE OF US, not one or two of us, that he gifts each of us, that he speaks clearly, and we can expect to see, hear and watch him at work. There was sooo much to learn and take in, and I am sure I will continue to share about some of the things that happened there (well, I hope so anyway!)
One thing I did want to share now though, is a lesson I have been re-learning recently. I had forgotten this, but it has come back, and continues to come back to me in different ways. It is the reminder that God can and does speak each one of us. He doesn't speak to person A about something to do with person B without their being able to hear it too, and have it confirmed in themselves and their spirits.
I was reminded of this in my life recently, as well as in the word. I read through Ezra last weekend, and how awesome was that! The whole book seemed to be about how God move in his people, large populations of his people to bring them back to His temple to worship him. In Ezra 1, it talks about how God moved the heart of the leader, and his people- so they in turn were moved to go and worship God. Awesome!
This was one of the things that struck me as Jackie shared, that she was clear that if someone speaks a word over us, we will know in our spirits if it is for us, and from the Lord. We can take a word and pray about it, or ponder it, or test it against scripture, or receive it(or give it, if we are the people praying for another) know it is from God and that he loves each of us and speaks to us, yes, each of us. I think we often think that God speaks to 'everyone else' first, but that isn't always the case.
How awesome is our God, that he loves us and entrusts us with his Spirit for his good purpose!
I should add too... it is been something that has brought much peace to many situations recently, knowing that if something is from God, He will speak into all involved in some way- a lovely place to rest in!:) We just need to walk faithfully in what He has given us, and He will sort out the rest! :)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Nice people don't change the world...
Well... that's not exactly accurate..:)
I read a book last week by Lynne Hybels, about women of God. The title of the book being "Nice girls don't change the world". It challenges stereotypes from communities, and refers back to how God created women to be, with a sense of self, uniqueness and identity, with gifts and skills for glorifying God in all that they do.
At the end was something of a prayer that I share with you, changing the gender slightly, because, while the book was aimed at women, the topic is one to be shared.
May we be dangerous women and men.
May we be women and men who acknowledge our power to change, and grow, and be radically alive for God.
May we be healers of wounds and wrighters of wrongs.
May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
May we cherish children,embrace the elderly and empower the poor.
May we pray deeply and each wisely
May we be strong and gentle leaders.
May we sing songs of joy and talk down fear.
May we never hesitate to let passion push us, conviction compel us, and righteous anger energize us.
May we strike fear into all that is unjust and evil in the world.
May we dismantle abusive systems and silence lies with truth.
May we shine like stars in a darkened generation,
May we overflow with the goodness in the name of God and by the power of Jesus. And in that name, and by that power, may we change the world.
How awesome to see more men and women of God 'dangerous' and united, like that!
I read a book last week by Lynne Hybels, about women of God. The title of the book being "Nice girls don't change the world". It challenges stereotypes from communities, and refers back to how God created women to be, with a sense of self, uniqueness and identity, with gifts and skills for glorifying God in all that they do.
At the end was something of a prayer that I share with you, changing the gender slightly, because, while the book was aimed at women, the topic is one to be shared.
May we be dangerous women and men.
May we be women and men who acknowledge our power to change, and grow, and be radically alive for God.
May we be healers of wounds and wrighters of wrongs.
May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
May we cherish children,embrace the elderly and empower the poor.
May we pray deeply and each wisely
May we be strong and gentle leaders.
May we sing songs of joy and talk down fear.
May we never hesitate to let passion push us, conviction compel us, and righteous anger energize us.
May we strike fear into all that is unjust and evil in the world.
May we dismantle abusive systems and silence lies with truth.
May we shine like stars in a darkened generation,
May we overflow with the goodness in the name of God and by the power of Jesus. And in that name, and by that power, may we change the world.
How awesome to see more men and women of God 'dangerous' and united, like that!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Going Home
One of the things I have been praying for in the last few months has been for the healing of a friend with dangerous and aggressive cancer. She is too young for it, too much to live for, but her Father took his precious daughter home today.
She is a brilliant woman, with an incredible family, both immediate and spread out further and what an amazing force they have been throughout these months as they have stood with God no matter what the time or the cost, against the enemy.
I am so glad that death has lost it's sting, that if God is for us nothing can stand, that He can do the impossible, that he will NEVER leave us or forsake us. I am sooo glad for the way he has worked in and through each of them, right till he took her Home to him, and beyond, and look forward to the days ahead when we continue to see his glory.
What a precious, treasured gift these wonderful people have been to me through so many years, and what a bittersweet joy it has been to walk these days with them, even so far away.
She is a brilliant woman, with an incredible family, both immediate and spread out further and what an amazing force they have been throughout these months as they have stood with God no matter what the time or the cost, against the enemy.
I am so glad that death has lost it's sting, that if God is for us nothing can stand, that He can do the impossible, that he will NEVER leave us or forsake us. I am sooo glad for the way he has worked in and through each of them, right till he took her Home to him, and beyond, and look forward to the days ahead when we continue to see his glory.
What a precious, treasured gift these wonderful people have been to me through so many years, and what a bittersweet joy it has been to walk these days with them, even so far away.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Amy Charmichael strikes again:)
I was thinking through a few things this morning, and wondering what on earth the answer to any of them was.... then read the daily reading from Amy Charmichael's 'Eedges of his Ways' so write this out as an encouragement to me, but share it here so it's an encouragement to you too!
There are countless promises given to us for times when things are hard. There is one in the Old Testament which, perhaps, lest we should be tempted to fear that it was spoken only or specially to Joshua, the writer of a New Testament book writes as if spoken to himself and to all who read his writings: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper." I like that "boldly", don't you? We aren't meant to shiver when faced by temptations, but we may look up to Him who conquered the powers of evil when He 'reigned from the Tree." These powers can never say He did not, for He made a show of them openly. We follow a triumphant Christ, and if upon Him is all our reliance, we need never be defeated. Today, from hour to hour, if we look to Him, he can and He will lead us on in triumph.
And if something has to be done that seems quite impossible, the same certainly holds good. Over and over again, I have seen the Lord do the "impossible" things. I think He delights in the impossible, and He delights to meet the faith of one who looks up to Hom and says, "Lord, Thou knowest I cannot, but I believe Thou canst."
There are countless promises given to us for times when things are hard. There is one in the Old Testament which, perhaps, lest we should be tempted to fear that it was spoken only or specially to Joshua, the writer of a New Testament book writes as if spoken to himself and to all who read his writings: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper." I like that "boldly", don't you? We aren't meant to shiver when faced by temptations, but we may look up to Him who conquered the powers of evil when He 'reigned from the Tree." These powers can never say He did not, for He made a show of them openly. We follow a triumphant Christ, and if upon Him is all our reliance, we need never be defeated. Today, from hour to hour, if we look to Him, he can and He will lead us on in triumph.
And if something has to be done that seems quite impossible, the same certainly holds good. Over and over again, I have seen the Lord do the "impossible" things. I think He delights in the impossible, and He delights to meet the faith of one who looks up to Hom and says, "Lord, Thou knowest I cannot, but I believe Thou canst."
Thursday, October 11, 2007
North Shore Wannabe!
I have always known that when in Sydney, I have been a North Shore Wannabe...I go there all the time, many of my friends live there, it's beautiful, a joy to drive through, it's just great!
Tonight, however, I discovered that if indeed I did ever (can you imagine!!!) move back to Sydney, the north Shore, or more specifically, Gordon, is indeed where I would be....! Why, I hear you ask???
My parents gave me a subscription to 'Delicious' Magazine for Christmas last year- the best present! The latest edition arrived in the mail yesterday, and I have only just been able to sit down and read some of it..... to find that my favorite tea shop in the UK is opening up it's first branch in Gordon! I have such fond memories of Wittards during each time I have lived in and been back to the UK, so it was a wonderful surprise to find they are moving around the world. And while we can buy some of the range here in HK, it's nothing compared to a whole shop full of their things..!
Hmmm....wonder what their staff situation is like...:)
Tonight, however, I discovered that if indeed I did ever (can you imagine!!!) move back to Sydney, the north Shore, or more specifically, Gordon, is indeed where I would be....! Why, I hear you ask???
My parents gave me a subscription to 'Delicious' Magazine for Christmas last year- the best present! The latest edition arrived in the mail yesterday, and I have only just been able to sit down and read some of it..... to find that my favorite tea shop in the UK is opening up it's first branch in Gordon! I have such fond memories of Wittards during each time I have lived in and been back to the UK, so it was a wonderful surprise to find they are moving around the world. And while we can buy some of the range here in HK, it's nothing compared to a whole shop full of their things..!
Hmmm....wonder what their staff situation is like...:)
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Blessed
I came home tonight to find an email waiting for me from a new friend, one full of blessing, encouragement, and gratitude for all the things, great, and small that God has done for him and those around him.
I realized yet again, just how blessed I am... by work I love, wonderful friends and family, the gift of being able to pray for and with them in all they are doing, the gift of a Heavenly Father who knows us well, and loves us dearly, who leads, calls and guides. The list goes on and on!
So, as my friend has shared with me, so I share with you...
Be blessed as you wake up and as you sleep. Be blessed as the sun rises and as it sets. May your days be multiplied to enjoy God's glory.
I realized yet again, just how blessed I am... by work I love, wonderful friends and family, the gift of being able to pray for and with them in all they are doing, the gift of a Heavenly Father who knows us well, and loves us dearly, who leads, calls and guides. The list goes on and on!
So, as my friend has shared with me, so I share with you...
Be blessed as you wake up and as you sleep. Be blessed as the sun rises and as it sets. May your days be multiplied to enjoy God's glory.
Friday, October 05, 2007
By the way..
Please don't try to read to much into anything I am saying... much of the randomness is more my marveling at how God works in people's lives, and seeing that outworked in mine!
It humbles and amazes me that God cares so much for each of us in so much detail!
What a precious gift we have in knowing him!
It humbles and amazes me that God cares so much for each of us in so much detail!
What a precious gift we have in knowing him!
Joining the dots
You know how you can get those drawings where there are a series of dots with numbers beside them. You have to join the dots in sequence and from there the picture emerges...
I was reminded of that tonight in a conversation I had with someone on the way to the airport (I have been to the airport several times recently!:)) He said something to me tonight which confirmed much of which I have been praying about in recent days and weeks. I realized too, that it's easy to jump to conclusions and join the dots too soon, creating a very different picture, which may not have been intended.
So, while I am glad God doesn't show us the whole picture at once, it's great to see something beautiful unfold, yet at the same time, learning to be more patient, and wait to see what God is creating, rather than running ahead and second guessing him.
So once again I say.. how awesome is our God!:)
I was reminded of that tonight in a conversation I had with someone on the way to the airport (I have been to the airport several times recently!:)) He said something to me tonight which confirmed much of which I have been praying about in recent days and weeks. I realized too, that it's easy to jump to conclusions and join the dots too soon, creating a very different picture, which may not have been intended.
So, while I am glad God doesn't show us the whole picture at once, it's great to see something beautiful unfold, yet at the same time, learning to be more patient, and wait to see what God is creating, rather than running ahead and second guessing him.
So once again I say.. how awesome is our God!:)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Be thou my vision...
I have a good friend staying with me at the moment (well, 3, but am talking about one in particular right now:)), who, last time she was here, made us all sing a song to each other- Brother let me be your servant. Even now, when we sing it, it brings her to mind for several of us, and her challenge to each of us to live out the song in our daily lives. It brings tears to our eyes, and challenges us again to live in a way that serves and loves God and others in all we do. So she is back now, and we sang the song yesterday, but it brings me to my other all time favorite song... Be thou my vision....
I love this song, that it is a reminder to continue to keep Jesus at the centre, of our lives, of everything we see and do. I have been reminded recently that God speaks to me too, as well as people around me, and I need to continue to walk in God's ways, to stay in his word, and seek after him in all things... so that's my challenge to myself at the moment, so keep seeking after God, that he is the one I see all things through...and how cool is the combination of this song and the song, 'Brother let me be your servant'..!!
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Monday, October 01, 2007
A New Day...
Waking up early this morning, these words came to mind, as I stood outside…. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it… I love it, and what awesome words to come to mind of all days!
It has been strange thinking through it all, and the days ahead, that while this is a celebration of their marriage, and has nothing to do with us, those around them, on the other hand it has everything to do with us too, and it will change all kinds of things in the coming days, months and years.
I am so looking forward to the coming days, the expected and the surprises, of seeing this new life unfold and grow, of that clean slate and fresh start. What wonderful days and possibilities for all… and what wondrous things God has planned…!
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