Between the conferences

I have been to two conferences in recent weeks, run through two very different churches and with two very different themes, and they have been awesome, full on And overwhelming in different ways, there has been so much to take in, both in theory, and in practice, in head and heart- just through different ways of teaching and learning.

It was good timing to stop a lot of things, and for the most part, staying stopped, just to have more time to spend in 'conference space' if you know what I mean, and that has been really good- much easier than expected, and while I am back on those things, and that's great, I am still kinda missing the headspace, so much so that I did do a big cull to de-clutter the space, and am hoping a few more things will change- but, am back here:)

What have I learned? What am I getting more comfortable living? It's a continuum really- of more, and deeper, which I love.

There is greater freedom in not knowing what's happening, or will come- even if I really, really want to know what THE plan is- no matter how important/not important the plan is... And that has given greater freedom to trust my heart, and not be so worried about feeling so foolish, but trust that in whatever i am feeling so foolish about, I am doing the right thing, even if it is costly, or makes no sense. Well, I am exercising the freedom, trust, muscle much more actively now... With varying results:) so, will keep on exercising that one, probably for a long time to come, methinks- but am enjoying the results of that one already;)

This actually didn't completely hit home until the day after the conferences, back at my home church. In the talks, comments, random passing comments that wouldn't mean anything to anyone else, that's where it all became consolidated... And even since then. Other talks have continued to confirm the same message, of making the most of what's in your hands to bless those around you, because you never ever know what will come of it all. There has been amazing to see and hear of incredible examples of God working through people and circumstances in the most extraordinary ways, and see the fruit, where it looked like where seemed to be nothing for so, so many years. It has been a huge blessing to see the fruit of what was, and looked so silly 'back then', and to see fruit in them now, but also, as I things are unfolding for the year ahead, to be encouraged that while I may not see it now,there will be abundant fruit in years to come, and so to live with faith, with hope, with perseverance, and to keep looking for, and expecting to see God doing amazing things, and to see continued and sustained breakthrough, in the most miraculous of ways!!:)


Hoping I will say more as I think through all that I have heard and seen, but the song that framed this time- was sung ALOT at the first conference, and then at the end of Sunday, was Oceans, by Hillsong United...

And here are the awesome lyrics!

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior


I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

Heart for...

I am writing a couple of ‘blurbs’ at the moment explained my heart for them…. Thinking about that saying seems like a rather random one. What’s my heart for being in crèche, or organizing events, or any of the other fun, random things I get to be involved with, whether it’s individual people who I get to be friends with, or helping with different groups? And what do I want to invest, and what have I got and been given to invest?? It has to all come from the heart though, because otherwise where does the motivation for doing any of these things come from anyway. If they come from motives other than the heart, doing something for free, giving your time or energy, I guess it’s not going to come from a place that’s as good, because it if comes ‘from the heart’, then hopefully it will be the passing on of something we have been given, something we can do, that in being shared, will grow and multiply, rather than holding onto it closely. It’s more fun to be part of something bigger than oneself, whether it is done for one person, or many, whether it will be a mutual sharing, or given with no expectation or opportunity of return.

And so I am having fun rediscovering ‘my heart’ for why I do what I do, and in the writing down, it’s bringing new clarity , inspiration and heaps more direction which is pretty helpful. And as I have been given, and recognize, receive the gifts, feel the good, solid, sure weight of the gifts, so too can pass them on, and trust that they will be ‘paid forward’:)