Art, history or Jewelery?

I was out in the city this morning doing a few jobs, and stopped to check out one of the jewelery shops. I realized again, how much I love seeing the new stones and settings, and the amazing beauty in them (well, most anyway!). One thing I loved doing in London was walking through Harrods seeing all the beautiful jewelery, especially the antiques- they are stunning! I love wondering about their story, and the people who have owned throughout the generations. I love the idea of their story and history and don’t really look on them as something I want in particular-more like a wonderful art form using things that God has created.

We don’t have many antique jewelery stores here, so I have to make do with the modern jewelery. I was thinking too about the transition between seeing them in a store, and seeing them, one or any, in my possession and realized again, that for me, I think it’s the process more than the product! I love the idea of having one of those pieces, just one, but I think the idea of having someone who cared enough about me to give me one is much more appealing:) So for now, will enjoy the wonderful art and history that each of these wonderful pieces are!

Interviewed by Zoe:)

I was at my desk today, and Zoe (11yrs) came to sit and chat during lunch. I was going through a pile of papers, so she jumped on my computer and starting asking me lots of random questions. This was the result!:) Isn't she lovely, and what lovely kids we have here!:)

Hi my name is Miwa I am 32 years old I work in HK. I work with a girl named Beth. She is a lovely girl but she is not here right now because she is in England I have blond hair short hair. I am wearing a white tee shirt and a long beautiful purple skirt I have brown sandals on. I am also wearing a nice necklace to match my outfit .And to top all of that I have some silver studs in my ears and did I mention that the earrings match my nice necklace. My middle name is Jean. And my birthday is first of November my favourite colour is yellow. My favourite animal is a dog .I like dogs because they are friendly. I am not allergic to anything (yet). My favourite sport is soccer and Frisbee. My eye colour is green with a little brown. My favourite movie is oh wait I don’t have one. My favourite food is smoked salmon and chocolate. My favourite lipstick colour is pink with a little brown in it. My favourite thing to do is go out with friends. My favourite part (time ) of the day is between 5 and 7 in the evening I like that part of the day because it is very peaceful and it is usually the time wen people come home from work and catch up on the day. My favourite meal of the day is brunch . my favourite thing about brunch is making eggs and eating eggs.

What do we like about Maria ?

*****

You will have to guess, but what Zoe said was lovely:)

I am concerned….

I was struck last night by how often I have made that comment this week… I am concerned. Mostly that has preceded something I have said about the kids here. I was thinking about it later on, and have generally thinking about a few things along that path in terms of the coming weeks, what concerned me, what I possibly should be concerned about yet wasn’t, where I was focussing my energies to make right, what were my priorities…

And what did I get out of it? That I think I could probably cope with anything so long as it was just me who had to cope with it! I have been concerned for, and raised concerns about the kids this week, as much of my time has been spent there, trying to make sure things are smooth, and transition well from one teacher to another. I have been much more concerned about that, and far less on the possibility that I might be taking on my old job again, as well as my current one(which, aside from training someone up next week, I’m not!)!

I have been curious to watch the areas where I am happy to spend/waste time to the areas of time that really frustrate me too! Parts of last night seemed like a complete and utter waste of time that just floated away in a way that seem so unproductive, unplanned, and unfulfilling, whereas other parts were completely constructive and ‘worthy’. Who puts these thoughts into our head anyway- and which really are the right ways to spend one’s time?!:) And today… well today I am just feeling incompetent!:)

I guess that this is where the theory comes into action again, the thought becomes deed, in prayer, in praise, in living a life of faith in Him who gives that life, reason to praise, reason to trust, and method of always keeping in touch!

Another gem from 'Edges of his Ways', by Amy Charmichael

Ephesians 5:19 Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Do we sing enough? Are we a singing company? It is written that the singes of the Lord’s house were to have their portion given to them every day. God takes great care of His singers. (Neh 11:23)

The singers did common work; they were “over the business of the house of God. For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.” (Neh 11:22-23)

Change the small k to a caption K, and you have something good, something to be counted upon. Singing people are fed; they “feed on faithfulness.” They are strong and glad and always have something to give to others. The world is full of sadness. Let us be a singing company even though we grieve with those who are grieving. It would be a happy thing if, among all the sounds that rise from this poor world just now, our joy might be like the joy of Jerusalem that was heard even afar off- afar off among the people about us- afar off, even up to the gates of Heaven. (Ezra 3:11-13)

****

Oh, to be able to sing and make melody in my heart to my Lord like that, always and always!

No Christian is greater than his, or her prayer life

The Church has many organizers, but few agonizers;

many who pay, but few who pray;

many resters, but few wrestlers;

many who are enterprising, but few who are interceding.

People who are not praying are playing.

Two prerequisites of dynamic Christian living are vision and passion, and both of these are generated in the prayer closet. The ministry of preaching is open to a few. The ministry of pray is open to every child of God.

Don’t mistake action for unction, commotion for creation, and rattles for revivals.

When we pray, god listens to our heartbeat. Hannah’s lips moved, but her voice was not heard (1 Samuel 1:12-13). When we pray in the spirit, there are groanings, which cannot be uttered (Rom 8:26). Tithes may build a church, but tears will give it life. We have paid, the place taken. When they had prayed, the place was shaken(Acts 4:31)

In the matter of effecting praying, never have so many left so much to so few.

Brothers, let us pray.

Leonard Ravenhill from Why Revival Tarries

- forwarded from a friend, and oh, what a challenge!
Who doesn't want to the the upfront centre stage stuff! The things behind the scenes, the praying, doesn't get any worldly praise at all, and often goes unnoticed... what a challenge for action! Of action in prayer!

Beat the Drum

We watched the Movie “Beat the Drum” last night… an amazing movie sharing about the spread of Aids throughout Africa. It was an amazing movie, and well worth watching. It really brought home some of the misconceptions people have and lies that are told about Aids, and what is being done- good or bad- about it. Do we stand and face it, in truth, or run and hide from it, because it is just so big and overwhelming now….?

I loved seeing the individual people who stood up for what they believed, from where they were, and did something to make a difference using what they had and who they were. It was yet another testimony to me, that while, we might be ‘one person’ who might not be significant, or important, or have a recognised voice, and that can discourage us from even trying…. We can indeed make a difference. We don’t need to be an organisation, a club, or committee to see change take place!

There is much to be done, and much that we can do!:)

Random gems

I have 'discovered' Max Lucado with a vengeance recently and have just finished his first ever book, 'On the anvil', a selection of short chapters on life, compiled from columns he wrote when he was working for a church way back when he first started out in ministry.

***
On the question of "God, don't you care?", he writes, With all the patience that only one who cares can have, he answered the question. He hushed the storm so the shivering disciples wouldn't miss response. Jesus answered once and for all the aching dilemma of man, Where is God when I hurt?
Listening and healing. That's where he is. He cares.
***
I love it! Listening and healing, what a challenge for me, us to live up to....!

Soon after reading that, I was reading something by Amy Charmichael, which also turned out to be on healing....
***
The last thing the Lord Jesus did before His hands were bound was to heal.
have you ever asked yourself, If I knew this was the last thing I should do, what would I do?
Our Lord Jesus spent much time in healing sick people, and in the natural course of events it happened that the last thing He did with His kind words was to heal a bad cut. (I wonder how they could have the heart to bind His hands after that.) In this, as in everything, He left us an example that we should follow in His steps. Do the think that this next minute, this next hour, brings you- faithfully and lovingly and patiently; and the the last thing you do, before the power to do is taken from you (if that should be), will be only the continuation of all that went before.

****

I really appreciate that constant reminder that in all things we are called to wholeness, completion, building up each and encouraging one another, because, in doing so, we all benefit as a result, joy is brought, wholeness and trust is nurtured, only good comes of it:) awesome:)

What's in a name...

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, a little boy in London decided to rename me ‘Miwa’! It was a very funny conversation, and he was in a lovely joyful mood, however the name stuck!

When I moved to HK and was looking to get a Chinese name, I asked if perhaps Miwa could be incorporated into the name. At the time it couldn’t because it wasn’t a known or recognised name, however, yet again the name stuck, so I am now called Miwa here! Some weeks ago a Chinese friend asked me how I came to have that name, and I explained it to her. I asked her why and she said it was a very old Chinese name! Amazing!

I was at a party last night, and another friend commented on the name, saying that she knew a Japanese person whose name is…. Yup, Miwa! How amazing is that!

And yup, it has meanings and everything! What a special gift- my original name, and this newer name too!

Where am I....?

I am in the airport, having seen one person off to South Africa, one to Vietnam, and one to Sydney, and waiting to pick up a pair from Sydney!

Am working away (well, supposed to be!) and on skype with a friend back in South Africa!
Ahh technology!

Random scary exciting moments in time!

Today was one of those days that just make you want to gasp!

You know those moments in time when you hit a peak, and see a spectacular view, or experience a moment, or something happens that just makes you want to fly, but more importantly see a glimpse of God in action, and a tiny bit of the big picture He has..?

Today was full of so many things but most of it veered from terror to pure excitement at the thrill of all the possibilities! This new job of mine, looking after all the new international people is just overwhelming and exhausting most of the time, but today, during conversations, walking through scary moments, writing emails, drinking coffee and meeting new people, were just a joy and delight! It was awesome! Terrifying, exciting, but awesome...!

Missing the boat...

There are times when I wonder if I have missed the boat, so to speak on some things in life.

I often stand back from situations because there are so many people involved already and I don't need to be there, or the event happens to fall into place, or people are so keen to answer a question, or have/be/do the answer, that it's not necessary for me to get involved.

I wonder sometimes what might have been, if I had made more of an effort to get involved, or would it indeed be the negative thing I think it might have been. Sometimes I wonder if I am just lazy and use it as an excuse to stay out of the way. A bit chicken or egg syndrome, I guess..

What is the stance on meek vs assertive, especially in friendships here? There are some people, I realize that I have stood back from, because so many people are already friends, or want to be friends, or there isn't an opportunity, or I am just plain shy in some situations..! So while I wouldn't trade any of my friends, there are some people I wonder about, and how much richer life might have been if indeed I had made the effort to be better friends with them too...

So there we go, some most random wonderings from me:)

Spring time in the city!

Today was THE MOST gorgeous day!

It has been chilly and winterish for some time now, but today! The weather was glorious! A beautiful sunny day, clear blue sky, speckled white clouds, a light breeze, warm sky!

Lovely, and all on Easter Monday too!:)

He is Risen:)

ps.. and in my garden, one of the rose bushes has a beautiful pink rose, and the Clemetis is starting to bud!! YAY!:)

I really miss.....

Weekends away with friends..!

Every Easter before I came here, was always special, because a group of like minded friends would go away for the weekend, to Katoomba, go to Easter Convention there, eat good food and generally have an awesome time together sharing the most special time of year!

While we do really special things here, and I love being a part of it, a big part of me misses the weekends away, partly because weekends away with friends just don't happen any more, due to location and changing circumstances, and too, because I find it too distracting to celebrate Easter at 'home'. Work remains to be done, things to do, busy to be.. and Easter, no matter how hard I try, still seems to fade away somewhat...

So I am not sure when my next weekend away with friends will be, but hopefully this Easter will still be really special in all it holds!

May you know, too the power of the Risen King this weekend!:)

Kids #4

Tonight was the big night of the Easter play, where every department played a different act, and as always, it was awesome! I love that every year each performance and interpretation is so uniquely different! How amazing is it that one story can be seen and interpreted in so many different ways, and each of us can learn something new about God's character each time!

The kids who were acting in the trial scene tonight were fantastic! There were many thrills as they donned their costumes, manned the swords, ropes, and shields. Jesus received a new costume, and beard and was fabulous, he played his part beautifully! Barabbas was excellent! She was fabulously dressed in rags, matted hair falling over her face, and scars and tattoos galore! Pilate was suitably official and through the unexpected thrills and spills carried the part with grace and authority, while 'His' wife was terribly concerned that her husband was even remotely involved with that innocent man, Jesus! and the Army! Wow, Caesar would have been proud!

So that was the theater till next year- they were great! Will have to do some more dramatics sometime!:)

The Easter Equation

Sent through from a friend in HK...:)

1 Cross + 3 Nails = 4Given