Right. So this week, I have been told to stop Mothering someone, and by another, that I should START Mothering them! What's with that! In both cases though, I really didn't want to be doing anything close to Mothering these people, and yes, in one case I was, where I shouldn't have been, and in the other I said no... One mother and one father in any family tends to be quite enough, otherwise it just get's confusing!
Anyway, the 2 episodes together got me thinking about the concept of mothering- as in: Stop Mothering me! and what we mean by that. I guess, when we are saying that, we are really saying something along the lines, that someone has overstepped the boundaries between themselves. They are trying to take on responsibilities and tasks that are not theirs to do. We are depriving that other person of an experience, or opportunity to see how well they will do in a situation. We are depriving them their space, opportunities for them to stretch out, find their space, and their limits or boundaries. We aren't allowing that person the opportunity to grow.
I realised too, how easy it is to try and take things into my own hands, with people, and with God. It's so much easier, when we know what to do, to step in, or make the comment, do the job, or whatever it is. In thinking about it in terms of my relationship with God, again, it's so easy to try and make things happen, to pre-empt the steps ahead, or try and take onto ourselves things that are not ours to be responsible for. It's a very fine line, as we are called to serve, love and care for others, yet we do need to do so with open hands, and in listening to God, and praying about different things, we need to allow God to make the way ahead clear, so we can see HIM at work and not us, and what we want to have happen, to see his way made clear, and his Glory revealed! Much more fun!
It's a fine line and balance between one and the other though...
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
Whiter than the snow....
There's a song we sing sometimes that has the above line in it, and I understood it in a whole new way today!
After a slightly fraught morning, I was getting ready to go to church, then realised I didn't ACTUALLY have to go to church, as I would be going tonight anyway(which was a good thing in the end as it was the same sermon!), so I came out and down for breakfast to see the amazing sight of snow falling on the roof outside! It completely stopped me in my tracks for a few minutes as I watched it falling onto everything outside. Completely silent, completely white, covering everything.
It was such a picture to me of forgiveness, grace, the slate wiped clean, beauty, redemption!
So instead of going to church, instead of staying home and listening to some sermons, I went out on the common (local park), and went for a lovely long walk to enjoy it for as long as it would last, have a coffee in a cafe, and slowly head home. It was an absolute gift, and lovely treat- one that just can't be planned or created. It just is. Like grace, forgiveness, beauty, redemption.
After a slightly fraught morning, I was getting ready to go to church, then realised I didn't ACTUALLY have to go to church, as I would be going tonight anyway(which was a good thing in the end as it was the same sermon!), so I came out and down for breakfast to see the amazing sight of snow falling on the roof outside! It completely stopped me in my tracks for a few minutes as I watched it falling onto everything outside. Completely silent, completely white, covering everything.
It was such a picture to me of forgiveness, grace, the slate wiped clean, beauty, redemption!
So instead of going to church, instead of staying home and listening to some sermons, I went out on the common (local park), and went for a lovely long walk to enjoy it for as long as it would last, have a coffee in a cafe, and slowly head home. It was an absolute gift, and lovely treat- one that just can't be planned or created. It just is. Like grace, forgiveness, beauty, redemption.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
The Body of Christ
There are so many things that I love about what goes into the Body of Christ. It is made up of people, with different needs, wants, expectations. They are all in a different place, have dfferent experiences, different perspectives, gifts, talents and understandings.
How then, do we, as the body of Christ work together to support each other? if one has a problem, they all have a probelm(like our bodies- eg a sore toe, or a broken arm!).
We are all given different understandings, and perspectives. We are all unique and individual, shaped in the likeness of Jesus, yet we aren't the be all and end all, like he is.
How then do we work together and support each other? How then do we say we need help? And if we can't say that, then is there something wrong with the Body of Christ as we know it?
I remember hearing a sermon a few years ago about how the Body of Christ, Christians lived that out as they served each other in practical ways, in serving, supporting, praying for the people in need and it was such a wonderful picture of seeing God, at work, through his people.
Oh, to see more of that, and be more open and available in that way! To see the Body of Christ united, and going in the same direction, seeking God's glory first in all things! What a glorious thing that would be!
How then, do we, as the body of Christ work together to support each other? if one has a problem, they all have a probelm(like our bodies- eg a sore toe, or a broken arm!).
We are all given different understandings, and perspectives. We are all unique and individual, shaped in the likeness of Jesus, yet we aren't the be all and end all, like he is.
How then do we work together and support each other? How then do we say we need help? And if we can't say that, then is there something wrong with the Body of Christ as we know it?
I remember hearing a sermon a few years ago about how the Body of Christ, Christians lived that out as they served each other in practical ways, in serving, supporting, praying for the people in need and it was such a wonderful picture of seeing God, at work, through his people.
Oh, to see more of that, and be more open and available in that way! To see the Body of Christ united, and going in the same direction, seeking God's glory first in all things! What a glorious thing that would be!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Surreal...
There is something quite surreal to be at the airport, everything, well all the major stable things in life have changed, and home is inside my lap top!
But I am so glad for God's leading, guiding, protecting, growing, and that He knows the way ahead, for me, and for those I have just said bye to!
Thanks for walking this journey with me, and being a part of it in some way!
But I am so glad for God's leading, guiding, protecting, growing, and that He knows the way ahead, for me, and for those I have just said bye to!
Thanks for walking this journey with me, and being a part of it in some way!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Remembering back....
Still going backwards... remember this post?? This was from 1 1/2 years ago! Amazing!
And amazing too to be reminded of how I came to be there, and all that has happened since then!! God is good indeed!
And amazing too to be reminded of how I came to be there, and all that has happened since then!! God is good indeed!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Going backwards?!:)
Hmm.. I feel like I am going backwards slightly at the moment, but was looking for the songs to "Be thou my vision" for something today, so googled it as that's usually quickest.
Anyway, I cam across this, so thought I would share! It's and awesome recording of the song,with lovely photos (I think) to match, and suite the song on so many levels!
Enjoy:)
Anyway, I cam across this, so thought I would share! It's and awesome recording of the song,with lovely photos (I think) to match, and suite the song on so many levels!
Enjoy:)
A reminder...
I was reminded of this story again today, so thought I would share it, again. It was such a reminder to me that it isn't US that can still the waters, we can't do it, not even close to being possible, and while it is a bit of a stretch for this story, it's still true. We can do what we can in a situation, but in the end, we just need to be still.. and choose to be still and wait... and wait some more. It' s not inactive, it's a choice, and often the hardest thing to do at the time!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Psalm 22
I have been reading through psalms at the moment, and got up to Psalm 22 yesterday, well, the day before, but it wasn't sinking in, so I read it again yesterday, when it really hit home! Why? yesterday was Good Friday!
A bunch of us went for a walk up the mountain behind where we live, and had about an hour of quiet, so I started reading from where I was up to, and boy it was amazing! How awesome to find a Psalm that was so fitting for Easter, yet written so long before the actual events!
God and his amazingly perfect timing, plans and insights!
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
A bunch of us went for a walk up the mountain behind where we live, and had about an hour of quiet, so I started reading from where I was up to, and boy it was amazing! How awesome to find a Psalm that was so fitting for Easter, yet written so long before the actual events!
God and his amazingly perfect timing, plans and insights!
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel. [a]
4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
8 "He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you [e] will I fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it.
Words, words, words!
Well, as the saying goes.... Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me! How wrong that is! Isn't it amazing how powerful words are, and how important it is to speak out encouragement, to affirm, and bless. It is in the daily practice of being steady, constant, and clear that we get our point across.
I was struck again the other night by how powerful our words are to each other, they can cause so much blessing, and equally so much damage! There are days when I don't say things quite the way I want, or don't say anything at all(I am more used to listening than speaking), or you misunderstand, or plain mis-interpret! Then there are the times when things just need to be spoken out- I am soooo often reminded that silence is just silence, and alot can be read into silence, depending on someone perspective on a situation.
I am so glad we have the bible (yet again!), and that we can trust and rely on it completely, in all situations!
I was struck again the other night by how powerful our words are to each other, they can cause so much blessing, and equally so much damage! There are days when I don't say things quite the way I want, or don't say anything at all(I am more used to listening than speaking), or you misunderstand, or plain mis-interpret! Then there are the times when things just need to be spoken out- I am soooo often reminded that silence is just silence, and alot can be read into silence, depending on someone perspective on a situation.
I am so glad we have the bible (yet again!), and that we can trust and rely on it completely, in all situations!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Splinter....
I was sitting, working away tonight, and scratched the side of my foot.. then realized there was a huge splinter in it! There was a bit of pulling and tugging, and finally, it came out. It was a reasonably big one though, and lodged in very firmly!
I was reminded of the passage about noting a speck in someone's eye without doing anything about the log in my own. There are some people I am likely to challenge in their thinking... and question why they come to think that way, when I have a different opinion(yes, I like a good discussion, and understanding where people are coming from, though there are times...!:)). But I wondered too, how often do I gloss over any 'logs' that might be in my eye.. if I don't see them, they mustn't be there, right? How often do I have wrong attitudes that should change, or act in a way that isn't how I should behave in situations. In many ways I want to say, yes, I am perfect, correct, and everyone else is wrong, but I KNOW that's not the case... but that brings me to realize that I am unfinished business. I like having things sorted, and clear. I DO NOT like unknown situations(as I have been reminded of in so many ways this last week!), and want to get it all sorted.. now!
I am also not very patient when I could be doing something about something that needs dealing with.... ahh the dilemmas of life! We are all works, masterpieces, of God's, in progress!
I was reminded of the passage about noting a speck in someone's eye without doing anything about the log in my own. There are some people I am likely to challenge in their thinking... and question why they come to think that way, when I have a different opinion(yes, I like a good discussion, and understanding where people are coming from, though there are times...!:)). But I wondered too, how often do I gloss over any 'logs' that might be in my eye.. if I don't see them, they mustn't be there, right? How often do I have wrong attitudes that should change, or act in a way that isn't how I should behave in situations. In many ways I want to say, yes, I am perfect, correct, and everyone else is wrong, but I KNOW that's not the case... but that brings me to realize that I am unfinished business. I like having things sorted, and clear. I DO NOT like unknown situations(as I have been reminded of in so many ways this last week!), and want to get it all sorted.. now!
I am also not very patient when I could be doing something about something that needs dealing with.... ahh the dilemmas of life! We are all works, masterpieces, of God's, in progress!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
The seen, and unseen...
Why is it that we find it sooo hard to understand the things that are unseen! If we can't see it, feel it, walk around it, know its tangibleness, then it mustn't be true, or real!
We all know so many things that we can't see, that ARE real, like wind, different kinds of illnesses, God's voice, to name a few. I have been struck by this for some time, but this week, I was reminded of it again in a number of ways.
Why is it that we can understand a broken leg, but not chronic fatigue. Why can we understand cancer, yet not depression. Why can we understand events and people who draw a person from one thing to another, yet when it is God speaking to someone, that's not always a good enough reason? As Christians, we are called to believe, and put our faith in a God that we may not see, yet as we get to know Him, we learn to recognize his hand, his voice, his call on each of our lives. We see him at work in our world, in the lives of those around us, and in our own life, as we seek to know him, spend time with him. And as we spend that time, we soon get to know him, and 'see' him in action, and what an awesome thing that is!
I am reminded of a couple of verses too...
1 Corinthians 2: 9-10
However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
It's a great reminder again, that I, and we, are all called to walk by faith! An awesome challenge!
We all know so many things that we can't see, that ARE real, like wind, different kinds of illnesses, God's voice, to name a few. I have been struck by this for some time, but this week, I was reminded of it again in a number of ways.
Why is it that we can understand a broken leg, but not chronic fatigue. Why can we understand cancer, yet not depression. Why can we understand events and people who draw a person from one thing to another, yet when it is God speaking to someone, that's not always a good enough reason? As Christians, we are called to believe, and put our faith in a God that we may not see, yet as we get to know Him, we learn to recognize his hand, his voice, his call on each of our lives. We see him at work in our world, in the lives of those around us, and in our own life, as we seek to know him, spend time with him. And as we spend that time, we soon get to know him, and 'see' him in action, and what an awesome thing that is!
I am reminded of a couple of verses too...
1 Corinthians 2: 9-10
However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
It's a great reminder again, that I, and we, are all called to walk by faith! An awesome challenge!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Giving thanks at all times!
There is a Colin Buchannan song that I just love! It's called "Give Thanks" is about God's people looking at the amazing things that God has done for his people, the chorus going:
"give thanks to the generous God, who blesses his children again, and again! Give thanks to the generous God, we should never complain, for He blesses his children again and again" Simple, yet so true!
I had a cool conversation with someone tonight about our constant desire here to give thanks thanks for what God has done, in the day, a situation, event, whatever it is. Over the years, it has become second nature to see things to give thanks, that we are expected to always have something to give thanks for, or a word to share, and it's such an awesome way to be! I am so grateful for having had to develop that habit. It multiplies, grows, encourages, blesses others when we get together and share the amazing things that God has done!
I was then doing some cooking and listening to a sermon and was doubly blessed, as the topic was all about giving thanks, and was overflowing with joy at all that God had done in and through the community, and the whole talk was just a beautiful picture of a Christ-filled community!
I guess it's like having a different perspective, of coming from a place of seeing from a place of wanting to find things to give thanks for, of wearing spiritual glasses the pro-actively look for things to give thanks for.
I love that in 1 Thess 5:16-18 says: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
It's not always an easy thing, when tough things are happening, or there are times when we just don't understand, but it's awesome to be able to give thanks all the time, knowing that God has already gone ahead of all that has and is happening and we are called to walk in obedience.
"give thanks to the generous God, who blesses his children again, and again! Give thanks to the generous God, we should never complain, for He blesses his children again and again" Simple, yet so true!
I had a cool conversation with someone tonight about our constant desire here to give thanks thanks for what God has done, in the day, a situation, event, whatever it is. Over the years, it has become second nature to see things to give thanks, that we are expected to always have something to give thanks for, or a word to share, and it's such an awesome way to be! I am so grateful for having had to develop that habit. It multiplies, grows, encourages, blesses others when we get together and share the amazing things that God has done!
I was then doing some cooking and listening to a sermon and was doubly blessed, as the topic was all about giving thanks, and was overflowing with joy at all that God had done in and through the community, and the whole talk was just a beautiful picture of a Christ-filled community!
I guess it's like having a different perspective, of coming from a place of seeing from a place of wanting to find things to give thanks for, of wearing spiritual glasses the pro-actively look for things to give thanks for.
I love that in 1 Thess 5:16-18 says: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
It's not always an easy thing, when tough things are happening, or there are times when we just don't understand, but it's awesome to be able to give thanks all the time, knowing that God has already gone ahead of all that has and is happening and we are called to walk in obedience.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Dead ends and busy highways
I started what seemed like a really good conversation with someone recently. It was on a gritty topic that challenges me, and I don’t know all the answers, but enjoy talking through all the possibilities. Unfortunately the topic was ended suddenly at the point of discussing the problem. I realised just how unsatisfying it is to just complain about something. Anyone in the world can, and does do that. There’s always something to complain about, someone is always doing something wrong at the wrong time, they should be doing it our way(even if we don’t know what to do, or don’t want to do it if we do), someone to pull down, and discourage, deflating them like a balloon..
Are you sure?
I love that God speaks to his people in so many different ways. That as we get to know him better, spend more time with him, we learn to recognize him in our lives, that we learn to follow his leading, wherever that goes.
In so many ways, we have it so easy! We have the Bible, choc full of examples, stories and eye witness accounts of different events in which God speaks to his people. In some, God is working through examples like Job, where everything went wrong, Job lost absolutely everything, to people being persecuted, and going to jail- then being raised up to be the leaders of their country! Or where God speaks to his people, or a person in certain ways, through 'normal' ways, or though radical ways such as a burning bush, or a donkey. The people in the Bible had faith alone to go on, no Bible, or examples to look back on, often they were the ones who were paving the way for those going on after them, as they sought to seek, listen and obey God with their whole being.
And God uses them all. He calls each of us into a closer relationship with him, and each way is as unique and individual as we are each different from each other, yet he calls us each to be One Body, United in him.
And still there are moments, when I have heard his voice, and I want to ask, is that really you, God? Are you sure you want me to do that then, soon, or at a certain time?
I keep coming back to James, and reminded again and again of what we are each called to do. James 1: 22 says: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. An easy thing to do when it's all easy, but when it's something that doesn't make sense, or is hard, or you look silly, then what do you do? Well, it's pretty simple really, yet I think I get lulled into thinking it should all be easy, smooth sailing, and all the answers come all at the right time!
And so it's great that we do have the Word of God here, open, and full of God's promises, and his word, and he's faithful in, and through it all!
In so many ways, we have it so easy! We have the Bible, choc full of examples, stories and eye witness accounts of different events in which God speaks to his people. In some, God is working through examples like Job, where everything went wrong, Job lost absolutely everything, to people being persecuted, and going to jail- then being raised up to be the leaders of their country! Or where God speaks to his people, or a person in certain ways, through 'normal' ways, or though radical ways such as a burning bush, or a donkey. The people in the Bible had faith alone to go on, no Bible, or examples to look back on, often they were the ones who were paving the way for those going on after them, as they sought to seek, listen and obey God with their whole being.
And God uses them all. He calls each of us into a closer relationship with him, and each way is as unique and individual as we are each different from each other, yet he calls us each to be One Body, United in him.
And still there are moments, when I have heard his voice, and I want to ask, is that really you, God? Are you sure you want me to do that then, soon, or at a certain time?
I keep coming back to James, and reminded again and again of what we are each called to do. James 1: 22 says: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. An easy thing to do when it's all easy, but when it's something that doesn't make sense, or is hard, or you look silly, then what do you do? Well, it's pretty simple really, yet I think I get lulled into thinking it should all be easy, smooth sailing, and all the answers come all at the right time!
And so it's great that we do have the Word of God here, open, and full of God's promises, and his word, and he's faithful in, and through it all!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Working things out:)
Well, this week, I just worked something out! It has only taken me about 8 years to sort this one out, and now that I have, I don’t quite know what to do with this information, and what it really means in the long term.. quite possibly nothing at all though! I think it’s quite funny though that it’s taken me this long, so look forward to seeing what it all means in the grand scheme of things!
Be patient, then brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the Autumn and Spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near (James 5:7-8)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Five years in HK
I have been living and working in this part of the world for five years today. I remember vividly, the person who came to collect me from the airport, the people I ate my first dinner with, where I had come from, the tour I first took. Of all the years I have been here, this was the one that I most wanted someone to remember and note... and it hasn't been. The funny thing though, is that I have never really wanted to celebrate this anniversary, and I could never work out why. It has been remembered and marked, but I have always wanted to downplay it, and not make a big deal of it, so why does this one matter so much...
Perhaps it's because there won't be another one, perhaps because, for the second time since I have been here, I have said no to something... What if we were all only remembered for what we haven't done, for what's lacking, for not living up to expectations. Perhaps, because I have said no, it feels like I have failed, that I have been selfish, or unreasonable, and I wonder if I will be remembered for that alone, that in the end, the last 5 years doesn't count for more than that...
None of us will ever do enough, be enough, give enough, love enough, live up to who we should be, or be doing, and I see again and again how true that is in me, yet, am so, so grateful for the truths we can all build our lives around. And, I am so encouraged when I do feel like I am being selfish and unreasonable for saying no occasionally, that I can bring it to God, and he will sort it out, that he hasn't asked us for perfection, or to be everything to everyone.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says....
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
And I will give thanks for these five years, for the amazing people, work, friends, awesome times, awesome growth, and, I trust much more of all of it to come, wherever I am! I have loved these years and all they have held and will continue to call them awesome:)
Perhaps it's because there won't be another one, perhaps because, for the second time since I have been here, I have said no to something... What if we were all only remembered for what we haven't done, for what's lacking, for not living up to expectations. Perhaps, because I have said no, it feels like I have failed, that I have been selfish, or unreasonable, and I wonder if I will be remembered for that alone, that in the end, the last 5 years doesn't count for more than that...
None of us will ever do enough, be enough, give enough, love enough, live up to who we should be, or be doing, and I see again and again how true that is in me, yet, am so, so grateful for the truths we can all build our lives around. And, I am so encouraged when I do feel like I am being selfish and unreasonable for saying no occasionally, that I can bring it to God, and he will sort it out, that he hasn't asked us for perfection, or to be everything to everyone.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says....
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
And I will give thanks for these five years, for the amazing people, work, friends, awesome times, awesome growth, and, I trust much more of all of it to come, wherever I am! I have loved these years and all they have held and will continue to call them awesome:)
Monday, February 04, 2008
Who am I to....
Have you ever wondered who you were to a person? What part do we play in their lives, is it a big part, or a little part, a best friend... or a good friend... an acquaintance...a colleague, a peer, or something else entirely. And what happens when one person thinks one thing, and the other person thinks something else entirely... for example, Person A thinks that Person B is a good friend to them, whereas Person B thinks that Person A is just a random person they met in the street. An extreme example, but you get the point.
Over the course of my life, I have been in situations when I have mistaken my relationship with someone, or someone has mistaken it with me, or we just can't figure it out in the social context that it exists, so we just have to wait and see how it all turns out... sometimes we are very pleasantly surprised, and at others, we have to live with what's offered.
I was thinking about it, and the thoughts turned to our relationship with Jesus and how we understand that relationship... he loves us more than we can possibly imagine, and we respond to that in very different ways. At best, we know him and love him, and live our lives seeking to serve, honor and know him better. At worst, we ignore him, or use him, or worse....
And yet, he stands there waiting for us to stop and turn back to him. And if we are in doubt, all we need to do is read through the bible, as it's jam packed full of God specifically telling each one of us how much he loves each of us! Amazing! I was reminded of The Father's love Letter, which is a small selection of verses from the Bible that share a taste of who we are to God!
What an awesome God!
Over the course of my life, I have been in situations when I have mistaken my relationship with someone, or someone has mistaken it with me, or we just can't figure it out in the social context that it exists, so we just have to wait and see how it all turns out... sometimes we are very pleasantly surprised, and at others, we have to live with what's offered.
I was thinking about it, and the thoughts turned to our relationship with Jesus and how we understand that relationship... he loves us more than we can possibly imagine, and we respond to that in very different ways. At best, we know him and love him, and live our lives seeking to serve, honor and know him better. At worst, we ignore him, or use him, or worse....
And yet, he stands there waiting for us to stop and turn back to him. And if we are in doubt, all we need to do is read through the bible, as it's jam packed full of God specifically telling each one of us how much he loves each of us! Amazing! I was reminded of The Father's love Letter, which is a small selection of verses from the Bible that share a taste of who we are to God!
What an awesome God!
Saturday, February 02, 2008
A massive re-shuffle!
What would happen if everyone in the world could do the job they wanted to do? What would happen if every Christian could do what they believed God called them to, in the place he calls them to(whether or not it is a job as such)?
It makes sense to me that if each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, created specifically, uniquely, one of a kind, made with purpose and love, specifically knitted together, then... if we were all doing what God called us to do, then it would be kinda like pieces in a puzzle (taking into consideration that we live in an imperfect world of course) where everything fit together.
We, God's people would be like a well oiled machine all working together as one body in Christ, working in unity together... how great would that be!
Some people know too, from the beginning what they would like to do in their lives. They have a vocation, or purpose, or vision, yet for others it takes a while to get there, but it's still valid and unique, and who's to say the things they did along the way didn't have purpose or meaning.
I have had a few conversations today with people who have been talking about visions, and things, or projects that just seem to make their hearts sing, and it's such a beautiful thing to see and walk beside, and it makes my heart sing to listen to them and support them as they talk through their hopes, and work through the process of making it all happen.
I was reminded yesterday of a book I read a year ago now, 'Cure for the common life' by Max Lucado, that looks at each of our gifts, and the concept of living in our sweet spot- that ideal place that put the things we most love to do, to best use. Thinking about this too, I was reminded of Psalm 139, and Romans 28-31. How awesome is our God:)
It makes sense to me that if each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, created specifically, uniquely, one of a kind, made with purpose and love, specifically knitted together, then... if we were all doing what God called us to do, then it would be kinda like pieces in a puzzle (taking into consideration that we live in an imperfect world of course) where everything fit together.
We, God's people would be like a well oiled machine all working together as one body in Christ, working in unity together... how great would that be!
Some people know too, from the beginning what they would like to do in their lives. They have a vocation, or purpose, or vision, yet for others it takes a while to get there, but it's still valid and unique, and who's to say the things they did along the way didn't have purpose or meaning.
I have had a few conversations today with people who have been talking about visions, and things, or projects that just seem to make their hearts sing, and it's such a beautiful thing to see and walk beside, and it makes my heart sing to listen to them and support them as they talk through their hopes, and work through the process of making it all happen.
I was reminded yesterday of a book I read a year ago now, 'Cure for the common life' by Max Lucado, that looks at each of our gifts, and the concept of living in our sweet spot- that ideal place that put the things we most love to do, to best use. Thinking about this too, I was reminded of Psalm 139, and Romans 28-31. How awesome is our God:)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Waiting for....
There are times when it feels like I am still waiting for life to start, which is a slightly terrifying thing at my age(!).... but there are things I feel like I am waiting for, things to fall into place, so that everything else will fall in line, events to happen, things to add up... Some things are seen, and some things aren't but there is still that sense of waiting for things to happen
We have been doing a sermon series on James at church over the last few months, and it's just great! I have always loved the book of James, as there is so much in there, and so many practical things for each of us, no matter where we are in life. But my eye was caught by the word patience a few weeks ago, so have been mulling over James 5: 7-9 for some time now, just thinking through how it might apply in different situations.
Be patient, then, brothers until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near.
I am reminded too, of the seasons, in nature, where every season has a purpose, including winter, where, in general nothing grows. But that doesn't mean that it's dead, or inactive. Even that time has purpose to it, much like a farmer leaving a field to lie fallow for a time, to rest, and restore nutrients to it, so it can bear even more fruit, and grow much better, because of the time of rest.
There are some things too, that I am waiting for, and the funny thing is, that if I try to make them happen, they won't actually be what I am waiting for, so therefore I am stuck! I would dearly love them to happen, but if I have any active hand in them, it will transform them into something I don't want to be..... so once again, I am glad I can leave them safely in the Master Gardener's hands, knowing they are safe and well there, and if it happens, it will happen at just the right time and in his way (not just because I would like it to happen!).
So, I am encouraged that God's timing is perfect, that he knows the big HUGE picture of what is going on. He has everything timed to absolute perfection:)
Hmm.. God's timing.. that's a whole other post right there!
We have been doing a sermon series on James at church over the last few months, and it's just great! I have always loved the book of James, as there is so much in there, and so many practical things for each of us, no matter where we are in life. But my eye was caught by the word patience a few weeks ago, so have been mulling over James 5: 7-9 for some time now, just thinking through how it might apply in different situations.
Be patient, then, brothers until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near.
I am reminded too, of the seasons, in nature, where every season has a purpose, including winter, where, in general nothing grows. But that doesn't mean that it's dead, or inactive. Even that time has purpose to it, much like a farmer leaving a field to lie fallow for a time, to rest, and restore nutrients to it, so it can bear even more fruit, and grow much better, because of the time of rest.
There are some things too, that I am waiting for, and the funny thing is, that if I try to make them happen, they won't actually be what I am waiting for, so therefore I am stuck! I would dearly love them to happen, but if I have any active hand in them, it will transform them into something I don't want to be..... so once again, I am glad I can leave them safely in the Master Gardener's hands, knowing they are safe and well there, and if it happens, it will happen at just the right time and in his way (not just because I would like it to happen!).
So, I am encouraged that God's timing is perfect, that he knows the big HUGE picture of what is going on. He has everything timed to absolute perfection:)
Hmm.. God's timing.. that's a whole other post right there!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thanks friends:)
This week has been one, of realising again what amazing friends I have! There have been so many moments where I have just stopped in wonder at how awesome the people I know are, whether here, or far away, in whatever time zone. There are those here, who I am so blessed to live and work with (and oh, what a treat when I can even hang out with them!), those far away who I miss terribly from time to time, and those who are far away, who I am closely in contact with, whether it's through email, skype, facebook, or blogging.
Coming to the end of the week, having a wonderful evening with some great friends, looking back over the week and all that has happened, it's lovely to be able to Thank you Lord, for my most amazing friends, from the very bottom of my heart:)
Coming to the end of the week, having a wonderful evening with some great friends, looking back over the week and all that has happened, it's lovely to be able to Thank you Lord, for my most amazing friends, from the very bottom of my heart:)
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