Years ago, a popular kids game to play, was 'if you love me, would you please smile', involving one person saying that, and trying to make the other person smile. I was reminded of that game today and thinking about the kind of love this game is talking about.. words came to mind such as maniplative, abusive of love, selfish....love that actually isn't love at all, but coercing the affection of another for your gain.
But love... what is love, and how does one recognise it? There are different kinds of love, depending on the situation, but going back to the Bible seemed like a great idea yet again... and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 came to mind.....
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
I wish it was easier to live up to this, to do the right thing in every situation, and to be able to do the right thing by yourself and those around you. It would be great if it was easier to live with integrity, and to be able to think ten steps ahead of the game.
One day at a time, I guess, prayerfully:)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Brokenness redeemed
It has been so refreshing to return to college this week- the subjects I am doing are intended to be the first you study (rather than later on for people like me who started in 2nd semester, last year!). They are, therefore, going slightly back to basics for me in many ways, yet so good on that they are reminding my why I am studying it again.
the concept of healing and wholeness has really struck me again- that process of relationship restoration in different contexts. It's a hugely powerful thing- when relationships are whole and complete- within ourselves, with ourselves and God, and with ourselves and others, then things flow smoothly. Life is well. When they aren't though, that's when relationships break down and things fall apart- physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. A mess!
I heard an awesome talk last week, that compared liberty with freedom- that liberty is what we have in the world- it looks like we can do whatever we like, make choices for ourselves. Freedom, on the other hand, comes from living in Right relationship with God, choosing his way ahead of our own wants, and through that, true freedom comes, like we have never known it before.
I love that Luke 10:27 says....He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
A beautiful picture of wholeness, so simple, yet so challenging!
When I looked those up though, I came across the following... oh, so beautiful! So cos I can, will share:)
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
May God continue to open our eyes to see what is good, to open our ears hear his singing, to calm our bodies to rest in His love, to motivate us to act in response to Him and His love for each one of us:)
the concept of healing and wholeness has really struck me again- that process of relationship restoration in different contexts. It's a hugely powerful thing- when relationships are whole and complete- within ourselves, with ourselves and God, and with ourselves and others, then things flow smoothly. Life is well. When they aren't though, that's when relationships break down and things fall apart- physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. A mess!
I heard an awesome talk last week, that compared liberty with freedom- that liberty is what we have in the world- it looks like we can do whatever we like, make choices for ourselves. Freedom, on the other hand, comes from living in Right relationship with God, choosing his way ahead of our own wants, and through that, true freedom comes, like we have never known it before.
I love that Luke 10:27 says....He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
A beautiful picture of wholeness, so simple, yet so challenging!
When I looked those up though, I came across the following... oh, so beautiful! So cos I can, will share:)
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
May God continue to open our eyes to see what is good, to open our ears hear his singing, to calm our bodies to rest in His love, to motivate us to act in response to Him and His love for each one of us:)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Lent
Since becomming a Christian, I have spent some pretty special Easters in amazing ways, whether in England, or Katoomba, or HK. each have added to the special-ness of the season and as each year has gone by, a new layer has been added to the richness and depth of each year, of remembering what Jesus did for each of us.
This year, will be another big step in the process of returning to Sydney, of starting new traditions, and being more settled here. I don't know where I will be or what I will be doing, but I have got as far as thinking about lent.
I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago, about lent, and what we would give up for that time. I started thinking about the things that would be hardest to give up, and thought of one. Then discarded it quickly, thinking yup, too hard... complicated... anyway, events unfolded that it became clear that it seemed right indeed to give up, so after a really rocky start, and slight interruption, it has indeed been given up. It has been much harder, and easier than I thought, but will have to, as always, take each day as it comes.
These are amazing, humbling days, and I look forward to seeing what Jesus does in, and through them...not to mention digging once again into the Gospels.
And briefly, on other news..:) I passed all my subjects from last year, and some, I even did ok in! Sooo relieved! And met someone today who used to live down the road from me in HK- Tsuen Wan! And yes, am excited to be studying again... who would have thought!:)
This year, will be another big step in the process of returning to Sydney, of starting new traditions, and being more settled here. I don't know where I will be or what I will be doing, but I have got as far as thinking about lent.
I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago, about lent, and what we would give up for that time. I started thinking about the things that would be hardest to give up, and thought of one. Then discarded it quickly, thinking yup, too hard... complicated... anyway, events unfolded that it became clear that it seemed right indeed to give up, so after a really rocky start, and slight interruption, it has indeed been given up. It has been much harder, and easier than I thought, but will have to, as always, take each day as it comes.
These are amazing, humbling days, and I look forward to seeing what Jesus does in, and through them...not to mention digging once again into the Gospels.
And briefly, on other news..:) I passed all my subjects from last year, and some, I even did ok in! Sooo relieved! And met someone today who used to live down the road from me in HK- Tsuen Wan! And yes, am excited to be studying again... who would have thought!:)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Running!
Hmm.. don't you love it that you only realise you have been running, when you are so exhausted you have to stop... turn... and face whatever it is you were running away from... and didn't even know it!!
So... to stop... take a deep breath... turn.... and...take the big huge step you didn't know you had to take, or was running away from till you finally had to stop!
Confused? I would be too:) Will see what happens with the step! Fortunately it's a step of faith, and I know God has brought me safe thus far, and safely, He will lead me home!
So... to stop... take a deep breath... turn.... and...take the big huge step you didn't know you had to take, or was running away from till you finally had to stop!
Confused? I would be too:) Will see what happens with the step! Fortunately it's a step of faith, and I know God has brought me safe thus far, and safely, He will lead me home!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Communicating Grace
How does one communicate Grace to those who don't know grace, and the awesome wonder of redeeming love. How does one communicate love- a tiny bit of the overwhelming love God has for each of us, to those who don't know love anything like that kind... and then it turns out that there are different kinds of love, and then what happens! In recent months, I have discovered, once again, the awesomeness of what I have been given, the amazing love God has for each and every one of his people- and that discovery has come from him, through so many avenues.
How does one communicate that to others though?? I have discovered a little of the power of God's love for his people as a result, and know, for the most part, it's the tip of the iceberg. Wow, what an amazing privilege. Truly humbling, challenging, rewarding......God is indeed amazing!!!
I am reminded of a few songs.. but this one comes to mind..
MORE THAN A FRIEND
(Jeremy Riddle)
In the quiet
Of my soul
In the stillness
I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe you
Jesus, You're more than a friend
Jesus, You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul
My heart longs to worship
You my King
I long to bring You a pleasing offering
'Cause I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe you
c2002 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
How does one communicate that to others though?? I have discovered a little of the power of God's love for his people as a result, and know, for the most part, it's the tip of the iceberg. Wow, what an amazing privilege. Truly humbling, challenging, rewarding......God is indeed amazing!!!
I am reminded of a few songs.. but this one comes to mind..
MORE THAN A FRIEND
(Jeremy Riddle)
In the quiet
Of my soul
In the stillness
I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe you
Jesus, You're more than a friend
Jesus, You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul
My heart longs to worship
You my King
I long to bring You a pleasing offering
'Cause I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe you
c2002 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
Sunday, February 15, 2009
James
So, at church at the moment, we have just started a new series on the Book of James. I think it must be one of the books I have heard most preached on- it was the last sermon series I heard in HK, and we have just started it now at my Sydney church, in particular.
So, going through my bible, I see many little notes, and much underlined. It happens to be one of my favorite books, and I seem to always get more out of it!
One verse that has stood out to me over the last few weeks is James 1:17
So, going through my bible, I see many little notes, and much underlined. It happens to be one of my favorite books, and I seem to always get more out of it!
One verse that has stood out to me over the last few weeks is James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.
I love that picture of God's steadfastness, faithfullness and love that is beyond understanding. And look forward to revisiting, and learning more of our awesome God through this book!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Good day at work!
Well, I had an awesome day at work today, after a few days there where I felt like I was on shifting sand, with lots of people coming and going, and jobs and things changing- I am (surprise, surprise) doing 2 different jobs at the moment, and was really feeling like I was falling into the cracks!
Anyway, today, was awesome, and I don't have anyone to tell, so I am telling you! A few things are slowly falling into place, but I was asked to write a monthly newsletter for the fair trade department of work- how awesome is that!! So, the initial idea, is to call each of the suppliers(groups in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, China, Cambodia, Africa) interviewing them, asking what their needs are, and sharing them with people here. So, who knows, I have loved blogging, and it looks like it's been good training, but that's for you to say, not me.
It reminds me of why I started writing in the first place... because I was getting so frustrated because I had things to say, and couldn't say them to anyone! So, to whoever has been reading, thanks! Hope you have enjoyed it and it's been an encouragment! I have been encouraged!
Anyway, today, was awesome, and I don't have anyone to tell, so I am telling you! A few things are slowly falling into place, but I was asked to write a monthly newsletter for the fair trade department of work- how awesome is that!! So, the initial idea, is to call each of the suppliers(groups in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, China, Cambodia, Africa) interviewing them, asking what their needs are, and sharing them with people here. So, who knows, I have loved blogging, and it looks like it's been good training, but that's for you to say, not me.
It reminds me of why I started writing in the first place... because I was getting so frustrated because I had things to say, and couldn't say them to anyone! So, to whoever has been reading, thanks! Hope you have enjoyed it and it's been an encouragment! I have been encouraged!
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