On the brink of another year...

Well, it's not really the 'actual' brink of the year any more, but this post has been on my mind forming slowly since mid-December...:)

This is the time of year, when we celebrate Jesus' birthday, and all the surrounding events. In recent years, it has been customary to 'give' a gift to Jesus, as an acknowledgment of all he did, that it is a birthday to remember, and celebrate even after all these years! And, following that, we can give, something, symbolic, or otherwise, to him as a continued act of love to him.

Mine, for Christmas 2008 came to me as I was waiting for a friend one afternoon.. actually, in retrsopect, it had started one afternoon when I was at Balmoral, watching a seagull floating in the air- I couldn't believe how weightless it was, and how vunerable it was, at the mercy of the wind blowing whichever way it goes...

So, waiting for my friend, knowing that well, things weren't as they seemed, and life, and relationships were changing... I realised just how vulnerable I was feeling, being in that position of waiting for her, and, well, just not knowing! As I was thinking about how vulnerable I was feeling, I realised how much I try to protect myself from those times.

Anyway, my birthday present to Jesus,is my vulnerability, to trust, be open, be receptive to all that God has in store for the year ahead..... and as part of this new year, He has given me an opportunity to be incredibly vulnerable... so I will keep praying hard, and trusting that God will open the doors he wants to open, and close those that should be shut.... and look forward to seeing how this year unfolds! So far, it's looking pretty exciting! Busy, terrifying, and exciting:)

What do you see when you see 'me'?

What do you see when you see 'me'...

Do you see a person, someone full of talent and zest? Do you see my secret longings, and desires, the hidden secrets..

Do you see me as I was created? As God designed and purposed me? Do you see me as one that God loves, who has plans and purposes? Someone who is carefully and lovingly created, placed in exactly the right place at the right time…

Do you see all the things I have done wrong, and have been accused of, my faults and imperfections, or do you see how far I have come, all I have learned, and

Do you see straight through me, a stranger in the street, or someone who gives you a faintly uncomfortable feeling. Do you see me as one who makes you uncomfortable in your comfortable safe zone…. do you see need, and desperation as I seek to survive. Do you see hopelessness and a whole lot of need and responsibility if you look too close.

Do you see danger, if you get involved, and strike up a conversation.. do you see fear and insecurity rubbing off, a contagious social virus, that if you get to close, you will catch it, or can the love, care and friendship offered be more contagious, life giving, and freedom enabling… bringing light, and life….and wholeness

Do you see the potential for hurt, that if you get involved, you will be damaged, that by sharing who you are, you will be stolen, taken for a ride, that something will be lost…

Do you see the old, wrinkled, and arthritic exterior, or the warm, lively young person inside who once was...

Do you see the possibility of life, of hope, an enriched existence, that as you see me, and get to know who I am, you will be enriched, and grow and be a better person as a result?
Do you see me as unique and valuable, special and beautiful, or handsome? Do you see me as someone worth giving time and effort, love, and resources? Do you see me, or do you see the cover, the wrapping, the exterior….

Do you see me as someone worth getting to know, as a friend, colleague, girlfriend or boyfriend, or eye candy, or someone to check out from afar…or someone to mess around with no strings attached…

Do you see the possibilities and potential, all that was, and is and is to come…?

What do you see when you see me……?

Shalom

One of my favorite verses telling of Jesus’ coming is of Isaiah 9:6..

‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting father, The Prince of Peace’

I received this card last week, with that verse on the front, and loved what it said about Shalom in the page following, so thought I would share. I love that picture of wholeness, completeness, peace that comes when everything is in that harmony with God.

Enjoy!

The Blessing of “Shalom”

May you be whole in body, soul and spirit as a result of being in harmony with God’s will and purpose for your life. May his peace be your covering, your heart know His fullness, and by His mighty power may you know victory over every enemy. May He bring to pass the deepest desires of your heart. May you know the healing power of His presence, and the restoration of every broken relationship. Through His sufficiency, may every need that you face be met by His limitless resources. May His covenant promises be fulfilled in your life and in your family. May He bring you the greatest measure of contentment, and the deepest satisfaction that your heart can possibly know.

Roy Lessin.

Aussie compliments....

I got caught out today... with Aussie humour! I still have moments where I have cultural glitches- where you just don't know what the 'rules' are, or what's going on...!

Anyway, today, it was Aussie compliments..! I am used to complimenting people straight out, not with a backhanded compliment, or reverse insult...

So why do we find it so hard, as Aussies, to give, or receive compliments, and to be a friend, honestly. Is it a self preservation thing, where we can't give too much away, of ourselves, or who we are..? Wouldn't it be nice if we really could live as Children of God, chosen, and loved,secure in our relationship with God through all Jesus has done....no matter what..!

Carols by the Bridge!

The church I go to now hosts a carol service each year by the Harbour Bridge, so I am joining in this time!

But I wanted to let you know, because Carols by the Harbour bridge, will be fun! And what an awesome location!!:)

Anyway, if you would like to go too, it will be on this Sunday, 21 December, there will be Jazz from 5:30pm, and face painting for the kids young and old:)

And Carols start from 7:30. So, come to Bradfield Park, Kirribilli, and enjoy!

Check out the Church By the Bridge website too, here:)

Newsletter cut'n'pasted!

Well, have FINALLY sent out a newsletter, but thought I would put it here for those who don't get it... so, happy reading! Oh, if you don't get it and would like to, let me know:)

Hi all,

Well, for some time I have known it really was time for a newsletter, yet, where does one start, and how, seriously, does one begin a newsletter sending an update of life, when everything is up in the air, or in transit in some way or another. While things have been steady, they have been steady in their ‘in transit-ness’, so it has been a matter of waiting to see how things fell into place.

So, the following will be a bit of an update, and summary of what life is looking like for me now post-in-transit!

College
Returning to Sydney to study Counselling at Wesley Institute was the reason for my leaving Hong Kong, so the last few months has found me with my head in a lot of books trying to make head and tale of the study of Theology, and Psychology, and how they work together, integrate, relate to each other, and to each of our lives! It has been great to read books from different perspectives, and my eyes have been opened to the needs that are out there, and attitudes towards people who are struggling. Reading of experiences, and the theory of mental illness and the spectrum they encompass has been challenging, and I have been reminded again, and again of just what complicated people we are!

Last year in Hong Kong, with the children, we watch a DVD by Louis Giglio called Indescribable, which compares outer Space, and the Human body, looking at their complexities, and on the other hand, just how much more there is to learn of each, and wow, it is amazing! I have come to a new appreciation of both over the last few months! College has been far more challenging, and in depth as I have struggled to settle back into study again, and come to grips with new understandings and concepts far beyond any I had learned in this area over the last few years. Semester 1 is nearly over though, so I look forward to a break, and diving back into it all in the new year.

Home
Home has been fun, fun, and more fun! I have moved to Cremorne to live with my sister, her husband and 2 children, which has been a delight! While I wake up earlier and earlier, it is a house full of joy, and I love being there! We all moved into a lovely big house together which is in a beautiful part of Sydney, and I am enjoying the thrill of living near one of my favourite beaches (Balmoral!) and being able to walk to the harbour.. amazing!Sunday
It has been lovely to find, and join a place of like minded believers close to home, and it it’s not too hot(as I found out the hard way, last week!!!), I can walk there from home. I have joined a mid week group that has been refreshing and challenging, as well as the Christmas Choir- we will be singing Carols under the Harbour Bridge next Sunday (21 December), so if you are close by, it should be an absolute treat! There will be lots of activities from 5pm, so bring a picnic, and come and enjoy some Christmas cheer, and the beautiful harbour!

Work
Work has, this last semester, been, quite literally on again, off again, but I am now settled into a full time job for the Summer holidays, working for an organisation called Care and Share. One of the reasons why I am there though, is to work with their new fair trade department. I have been so excited about this role, and being able to pass on some of what I have learned while in Hong Kong! My immediate boss has been to meet the people I worked with in HK twice this year now, and LOVES it! It has been a real gift to see how this connection has been made, and how all the details, including a ride, with a good friend who lives close by!

Thank you for your care, and grace as I have walked these days, for some, been unreasonably silent, and sought to work out what life is, and looks like here and now!

MUCH love to you all!

The Visitor

My bro-in-law brought home a film to watch tonight, which turned out to be a really good one! Called 'The Visitor', it's set in America, with an American lecturer, whose speciality is teaching, and writing about Global Economics, in developing Nations. He is suddenly drawn into the life of some illegal immigrants, and given a very real and different perspective of life, and all he is studying.

It was really well done, and great to watch, especially as I am working full time with an organisation that, as part of it's aim, is working with groups around the world to sell fair trade goods in Australia! Very exciting!It is such a privilege to be doing that kind of work even from here, and makes me so proud, once again of the team in HK.

So, if you get a chance, check out the film- oh, and the African drums and music... awesome!!:)

I was reminded on the weekend of some awesome verses, that are such an encouragement to me, so wanted to share! It's so cool to read things in the Bible that just stick out, but it's nicer still to be able to share them with others so that they can enjoy and be blessed by them too!

So, here's what I was blessed by this week!


One will say, I belong ot the LORD'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob: Still another will write on his hand 'The LORD's' andwill take the name Israel.....Isaiah 44:5

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

Enjoy:)

No internet at home

Well, I have had a great week in Brisbane with my sister and her 2 kids, visiting our Grandmother.... though, Nat and the kids all had gastro in the end, which made for a more challenging drive, and time there!

Anyways, I am back at work now, with no internet access at home currently, which is making for interesting times, especially as I would love to finally send out a newsletter, and catch up with a few people who I can only 'see' over the internet.... so, if you can help me fix my internet issues, that would be great, otherwise, I will keep plodding along and try to work it out:)

Stay tuned for more... sometime:)

Anything but....

Why is it so hard for us to say what we mean at the moment for which we need to say it, and why do we say one thing, and actually mean something entirely differently?? I keep getting caught out by people who say one things, but their actions, and 'off the cuff' words show that they actually mean something entirely different... and why is it that I am asked one thing, and automatically say 'It's fine', only to find moments, hours, days later that it is ANYTHING but fine.... oh it makes me mad!

We are complicated, confusing beings...!

Brain overload: Semester 1

There is sooo much I have learned this semester at college, and soooo much I want to share, and now that I have learned it..'get it back out again', however, brain overload hit last week, and I am desperately trying to pack yet more in... It has been much harder, and full on than I expected, with far higher expectations, so it's been all I could do to knuckle down and do what I could! I feel like a badly packed suitcase, where you are just trying to pile more stuff on top... hopefully the next semesters will be better..!

Anyway, suffice to say, there is much to share and pass on, and hopefully I will be able to... :) One more assignment to go...!:)

Theming environments!

Something really cool happened today, which was really encouraging to me! Well, lots of fun things have been happening, but this really stuck out!:)

You may have gleaned that I have moved recently, and most of my time has been spent just dealing with the daily necessities of life, like living and college! Anyway, I was at Ikea this morning enjoying the HKness of it all(not HK at all, just lots of good HK memories) and realised that... I have a theme for my new room! It's actually almost finished, but I just didn't realise it was happening! Essentially, it is Spring, and all that it holds. I haven't quite thought it through yet, but have realised that all the things I brought back from HK, and all I had already, and what I have actually kept out, are all based around that theme in general!

It's still a work in progress though, so no photos yet, but I did get a cherry blossom lamp from Ikea today, and a wooden kitchen trolley for my printer, and current text books that are in use, oh, and an awesome little step ladder for a bedside table (which was sooo not Ikea, yet, I couldn't resist! It was old and marked, and 60% off, and will be fab with a coat of paint!).

Still more assignments to do though, so will try and be restrained till after then:)

Random things to miss....

I have found, in the months since I have been in HK, that there are things that I have missed! Now, some of them I expected- missing my friends, the kids, community, missing doing the kind of work we did and knowing it was important and made a difference... I missed the food, and times with friends, the seasons, the weather (yes, even that!).... one thing I kinda questioned when I left... and then dismissed was whether I would miss my stapler or not..! I thought that was a rediculous thing to miss, yet at the same time, I used it often every day for over 5 years in my job, so much so that I had 2 on my desk so others wouldn't have to wait for me to finish, and vice versa... and they have staplers in Aus.... right???

Anyway..... as I have settled back into life and college here, I have indeed missed it...I have hunted for a replacement.... but none were as good...so finally asked for the details of the one I missed so I could hopefully buy a new one of the same brand... to little avail. So, in the end the wonderful TLR came to the rescue and found me one, same colour and everything! So all is well again, I can work again to my hearts content knowing I have a stapler that will help me on my way:)

Wisdom exhibition

I was... procrastinating at some stage during the day, and came across this article about an exhibition featuring people of wisdom. What an awesome idea! Hopefully I am not too late to go and see it, but the next few weeks are rather jam packed!

I think it's great, that in a culture where youth is revered, these older people are honoured and valued for the wisdom they have to share with the younger generations! It gets me to thinking about wisdom in general, not to mention God's wisdom but that's a whole other blog post:)

Blog by Mail

Some months ago, my good friend Liz emailed me and pointed out that Blog by Mail was about to happen. I found about this from one of my favorite food Blogs last year, Anne's Food and had been intrigued, so had been interested in taking part in it sometime, so check it out! While there were a few glitches, the first time around, I am looking forward to next year already! I want to start collecting goodies now!!



So, I sent a package to Twofatals in New York City, but have received a fantastic package from Erin in Michigan, USA! I loved it, all the wonderful goodies (though customs chose to keep the tea- d'oh!) So, Erin, thank you! What a treat!









So, as you hopefully can see, there is a wonderful selection! Books, cards, Hot tamales(yum!), Craisins and Dried bluberries- it was such a thoughtful collection- not to mention the awesome home decorating! Thank you Erin!!!:)

So, for the bloggers out there, who might be interested, yes, I would totally recommend taking part next year:)

Baby steps:)

I have been feeling really discouraged this week about college, and all the assignments. It's been so long since I have studied properly, and the assignments are big and bulky, technical, and very theoretical. Not to mention that I have never been great at studying....! I haven't got any marks back yet, and really don't know if I am on the right track, and know too, that much of what I am studying really depends on different circumstances, and pat answers don't work...!

Anyway, woke up this morning feeling discouraged about it too, and something happened- completely seperate to college, that was just completely ENCOURAGING! So, while I still don't really know why I am here, and doing this course, I know God does, and so will continue to trust him in it all...! But am incredibly grateful for the encouragement!!:)

Christmas present to Jesus

I was reminded again of the Christmas present I gave to Jesus last year (you may, or may not remember, depending on who you are, that where I used to live, Christmas day was a day for Celebrating Jesus’ birthday and giving thanks for him). It was, well painful, yet, incredibly precious, so wasn’t really something that could be shared easily. Anyway, I realised the depth of it this week, and the amazingness of God in so many ways.

So, my gift, was a shattered heart, one that had been torn, and I was returning it to him to put back together, his way. And he has done that, in so many ways, and very differently to the ways I might have expected! There are aspects that have been with me throughout my life that have been revealed, and while I am not there yet, God is at work, and showing me what he’s doing now- I can’t see the future, but, he’s brought me this far… I think I’m in safe hands!:)

I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice. Psalm51:17 Msg

Perspectives

Last weekend I was talking to someone, and it really struck me! They were sharing about how they had Chronic fatigue for several years, and how they had tried to fight it in many ways. The turning point for him though, was when he finally stopped, and asked himself, ‘is this as good as it is going to get, and if so, how can I live, as I am, to the fullest?” And surprisingly, or not surprisingly, once he started living from where he was at, he started to get better!

I can’t imagine having it for 5+ years in various degrees, but it was amazing to talk to him. The thing I took away from it all though, was the turnaround in his perspective. I often slowly take myself down a path that ends up seeing things in a way that I really shouldn’t and get caught out, but the awareness and insight when you see things from another person’s perspective, or God's perspective, is amazing!

Some random quotes

I am working on a nice huge assignment this week, and glad I have time in the day at the moment to do so, because this one is a big topic to get my head around, with loads of ins and outs!!



Anyway, the following are a few quotes that really encouraged me, and stood out for various reasons, so since I have enjoyed them, and typed them out, thought I would share them. Funny thing was though, that I didn't realise that two of the quotes were by the same person till I put them here, but thinking back... it makes sense:)



Without forgiveness we can never be free to try again. Without forgiveness we can never love another person for what that person is, and loving a person for what that person is and not for what we want that person to be is the only kind of love which allows us to life freely without the demands and expectations which cripple and isolate us.. Forgiveness and love are inseparable. We cannot have one without the other. We cannot live in relationships with others unless we can forgive others and forgive ourselves. (Dorothy Rowe)



Hatred is simple. Love, real love, is much more complicated. The problem about love is that it is inexorably linked with freedom, Love is spontaneous. We cannot love on demand. We cannot order someone to love us. …..but we all know that the mystery and wonder of love lies in the fact that it cannot be commanded and it can only be freely given. I cannot love you just because I feel I ought to or because you want me to. The fondness we feel for people who give us things, in the hope, perhaps, that we shall love them, we call ‘cupboard love’ and know it is not the real thing. We do not love someone just because that person gives us presents and does things for our benefit.

But love is a risky business. It means getting to know another person. It means loving a person as that person is, and not as we want that person to be. … (Dorothy Rowe)





Maslow characterizes the creative persons as those who objectively view and are comfortable with life, personal relationships, and reality itself. Like Paul, they have learned to ‘be content in whatever situation’- content, but not complacent. They are free to engage in flights of fantasy, to imagine the unimaginable, to see visions and dream dreams, and they are willing to act on what they envision. “I can do all things in him who strengthens me,” Paul exults.

To be creative one must not only be spontaneous in response to a problem, situation, or personal relationship, but also be willing to take risks. Taking risks means possible failure. People who must always be right, who are afraid a mistake will cut them off from acceptance, cannot create. The gospel liberates us for risk-taking precisely because it frees us from the need to be always right, correct, good, or sinless. Willingness to risk failure takes courage, as Luther knew in taunting meticulous Melanchthon, “Sin Bravely!”

Both the person living under the gospel and the creative person are characterized by freely given compassion. Compassion is generated by willingness to stay in touch with our almost automatic response to human suffering. Who can remain unmoved by accounts of kidnapped children, of suffering in a refugee camp? But most of us don’t act on the feeling of compassion. What stops our compassionate action is not insensitivity, but self-defensive fear. “I’d better not get involved”. In liberating us from self-defensiveness, the gospel frees us for compassionate action and for deeper, more genuine entry into human relationships and into the risk-encounter of love itself.

In life under the gospel, we become creative, free to lose ourselves in work, in problem solving, in a sense of mission. Because we no longer overprotect our ego or out reputation, we are able to lose ourselves in our tasks or our play in an unself-conscious fashion. The self-defensive need to count the cost no longer hampers and inhibits. In the gospel we can ‘press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. (A Becker)

Heaven

It suddenly occured to me today... that I can't wait to go to Heaven!



Some of that might have something to do with the fact that my general 'in transit-ness' is more accentuated by the fact that I am moving again today, finally! I am so looking forward to this new chapter, of settledness, of being in a home of my own, having a home church, a home group (made initial enquiries yesterday, yay!). College is, of course, sorted, so all that's left is a job, that slots in perfectly with the rest of life in general:).



I was thinking about Heaven today though, and wondering again, how my life would look if I really lived in the light of its fullness, of going there myself, and knowing others who may, or may not be going. Where does my courage, confidence, and sense of belonging fit into the big picture?



As always, Jesus is pretty straightforward, saying, in John 14: 1-3

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have

told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go

and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with

me that you also may be where I am.

An awesome statement, room enough for all, and a wonderful place to look forward to!:)

Honesty..

One of my friends, who is most beloved, is a fellow blogger. I love her blogs, and so enjoy reading them! One of the reasons why I love reading them though, is her challenge to herself, to always be truthful. And while she doesn't always blog, and doesn't blog about absolutely everything, she doesn't hide the stuff that's less beautiful, or isn't stuff you would normally say about yourself.



Hmm... so, am I as truthful? Nooooo...:) but I don't think you would want me to be, either:) Even in sharing the less beautiful stuff, she's still beautiful in it all, whereas, all too often, I just feel like a ball of wool that's unravelling as fast as I try to keep myself together.



Oh, am sure God has a plan for all my messiness......and yes, one day I look forward to the days when it becomes clearer... but for now, I will continue to find my way through each day as it comes:) And give thanks for those who are braver than I:)

Home

I got some new CD's yesterday, which is just great! It's wonderful to have some fresh music, something different, and great lyrics to think through!

One of the CD's though, that I got was the soundtrack to Prince Caspian. I saw the movie soon after I returned here, and the last scene.....well, it went straight to the heart! The Pevensie children, thoroughly enjoying life in Narnia, suddenly returning home to war torn London, and that feeling of shock as you suddenly return to somewhere so normal and familiar, yet sooo removed from where you have just been..

The music though, that was played at the time was really special though, and listening to the lyrics, realised how much they resonated with me,but especially in light of heaven. That is my home, no matter where I am here, or what I am doing, or feeling...

So, 'This is Home', by Switchfoot.

I’ve got my memories
Always inside of me
But I can’t go back
Back to how it was
I believe you now
I’ve come too far
No I can’t go back
Back to how it was

Created for a place I’ve never known

Chorus
This is home
Now I’m finally back to where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I’ve been searching for a place of my own
Now I’ve found it
Maybe this is home
This is home

Believe over misery
I’ve seen the enemy
And I won’t go back
Back to how it was
And I got my heart set on what happens next
I got my eyes wide it’s not over yet
We are miracle and we’re not along

Chorus

And now after all my searching
After all my questions
I’m gonna call it home
I’ve got a brand new mindset
I can finally see the sunset
I’m gonna call it home

Chorus

Now I know
Yeah, this is home

I’ve come too far
And I won’t go back
Yeah this is home.

Moving..

It still doesn't seem real, yet, on Tuesday, I will be moving house! Slowly things are filling, and in some parts, taking over, but it's getting there! The house is great, location is fab, people are the best and I am sooo looking forward to being there!

One thing that has brought great joy to us all is the shelf quickly filling with our combined library of cook books... ahh:) cook books! cooking for people, being able to have people over for meals again:) Happy days:) So, when things settle down, more assignments have been handed in, hopefully time will be quickly made to have people over to visit and share this wonderful gift of a new home:)

Hide and Seek...:)

Today has been such a lovely day of possibilities, hard work, and seeing things happening that will have a huge impact on the future! And how exciting is it??!! I still can't believe the things that God is putting into place, and has in store- for me! And while it may not be all that special or whatever in the eyes of the world, to me, it just shows again God's lavish, personal, unique love for each of his children!

I was reminded too, on my way home, of the verse in Jeremiah 29: 12-14...

Particularly...

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I love the sureness, and steadfastness of this verse, that God will be found when we put him first. I love that he desires relationship with himself, and that we CAN trust in him no matter what!

And yes, there are days when I want to yell out.... God is GOOD, all the time, BIG time, hoo ha!:)

Birds eye view...

I am in the process of moving house/flat again... I counted it up with my sister the other day, the it was only yesterday that I realised I had forgotten to include 3 or so of them, so the current total (not including times when I have lived out of a suitcase!) would be 12 moves...! Amazing!

Anyway, there are things I love about moving, and things I am less keen on, but has a sudden, insanely excited moment when I found some things that had been long forgotten (Including some birthday invitations to my 23rd birthday!), but one was a card I had received while living in London the first time saying...

Spread your wings and fly my friend
For who knows what beauty is to be seen
Who knows to what height you can aspire
With God all things are possible.

How lovely is that! It is something I have often remembered, but really hadn't thought I still had the card!!

Anyway, I am moving and it currently looks like it will happen in the next 3 weeks. I still can't quite beleive it, and there is MUCH that still needs to fall into place, but am excited about it all!:) So, step by step...and many lessons learned along the way...:)

Super-people..

There are times when I really did wish I had super powers! I mean, wouldn’t it be great to have that one thing that made you truly unique and special, like in The Incredibles, the family all had something special… to stretch, dissapear, light fires, run faster than the wind, have super strength… but wouldn’t it be great too, to have regular everyday super powers- to have insight into what’s going on, big picture, strength and stamina to get a large job done, and kept up to date, or prepare extraodinary meals super quickly, or have incredible insight into people’s character and understand the forces at play in different people’s lives..

I think the one I would choose at the moment would be to have the ability to carry others through times of great trouble and adversity, to be the best friend and support possible in whatever way that was needed. But to be perfect in any one thing, let alone everything, isn’t possible in this fallen world, and while we have each been called to do all we can, it doesn’t mean we have to do everything, no matter how much I, or others may want to. I am reminded of the verse… my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, that it was Jesus who came to seek and save the lost, to bind up the brokenhearted, to bring wholeness to people, not us. Yet in it all, God gives us a part to play, no matter how fallen, broken and sinful we are. We are given second chances, and in God forgiving us wiping away our sins, so we can go out complete, loved and knowing we are part of his great design and plans, that he has good things for us to do…!

With that too, would need to be the power to take the times when I am not treated the way I would like to be treated, and try to treat others, to see past it, and continue to be full of grace...:)

...Another happy place...:)

I have been working on an assignment with a challenging topic over the last week, and couple that with it being my first of this degree, made for an interesting time! The assignment ended up fine, I hope- will see when I get the marks back, and I learned alot too! Tis a great topic!

I had a morning of working on it a few days ago, and I knew I would just be distracted if I stayed at home to work on it, so, to me, the obvious place to go, was a cafe! So, off I went to the local cafe that just buzzes, with great latte's and breakfast menu to get some work done. It got me thinking though- why was that the obvious place to go to work.... and it's something I do quite a bit, and have done more over the years... and realised... cafe's are happy places! They are often full of people talking, fellowshipping in some way, they want, and choose to be together to share that time, it's a place of enjoyment! A happy place!

So, cafe's are a great place to be among people, yet get work done that just plain needs to be done... hmm... now, where are some other happy places...???

One, I realised today, too, was a garden with great garden furniture...:) when I move, that, for me will be a priorty:) fun to know that I will be able to sort some 'non-essential' (in terms of practical' yet, essential in other ways items:) just need to find a place that sells, or gives away cheap garden furniture:)

Wanted

As you know, I have been trying to get my head around a few essays over the last few weeks- one being on Forgiveness!

I watched the movie: Wanted, last night and talk about the opposite of forgiveness in one movie!! Vengeance as far as you can go...!!

Good movie... violent... not no forgiveness throughout it all. And interesting to see where all the vengeance in their movie led them to! Now, how do I say all that in an essay...:)

The four loves, by CS Lewis

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it careluf round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless- it will change. It will not be broken; it will become uncreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.... The only place ourside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers... of love is Hell.

God's beauty

I am reading a book at the moment that spending lots of time talking about God's beauty, and how it's expressed, and how we, as people, can see it. I went to a church service last night, where the passage spoken on, was Ephesians 1:1-10, which is a passage so full of God's beauty, it astounds me!


The book I am reading talks a bit about the beauty in women, which got me thinking about some of the amazingly beautiful women I know. While they are beautiful in different ways on the outside, it's their inner beauty that really makes them shine, and thoroughly enhances their outer beauty! I am rather blessed to know, and be friends (or sister to) with them!


It goes beyond that though too, to God's family and the beauty there! I went to another church this morning, and was struck, yet again by the beauty the radiates out of the family of people who are there!!



So, will keep a continued look out for God's beauty, in people, places and events! He's an awesome God:)

Shattered dreams

I have been home today reading through great stacks of books, doing research for one of my essays... the problem is that I get sidetracked, or skim them, or just don't get a chance to really get stuck into what I need to in order to get the heart of what I am trying to learn, or understand more. There are just too many good things to read and learn:)

Anyway, I have just skimmed through, what looks like an awesome book- one I would like to buy and read... sometime when I have more time! It's by Larry Crabb, and called Shattered Dreams, and looks at how God can take us through really challenging times to bring us to a new place. There are so many ways of looking at this topic of suffering, and many, many examples of how God deals with challenging times in the bible, yet all the time, maintaining that he loves us and loves to bless us, and be in close relationship with us.

He touches on a passege from Jeremiah that I just love. We have been talking about this concept recently at college, of digging our own wells, rather than going to the Well with Living Water that only Jesus can provide.

Jeremiah 2:13 says... 13 "My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken me,
the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns,
broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Pretty powerful picture..

And he finishes, by saying... The journey to joy takes us through shattered dreams. That's the lesson of Naomi's story(the Book of Ruth).
A new way to live is available to us, a way that leads to a joy-filled encounter with Christ, to a life arousing community with others, and to a powerful transormation of our interior worlds that makes us more like Jesus.

The well of positivity!

What an awesome idea!!:)


http://www.wellofpositivity.com.au/

A new God- willed heart..:)

Ezekial 36: 24-28 "'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God!

How beautiful is this passage, and the promise it contains..! I love the picture of the water cleansing us, and the picture of a stone heart, being replace with a heart that's God-willed.. not self willed! What a wonerful gift!

This is something that has come up in a few contexts over the last few days, and so many passages have since come to mind, as well as topics, thoughts and ideas...

The main one that has really struck me, is the story of the woman at the well who meets Jesus. We all seek answers, happiness, satisfaction in something, but here, Jesus recognises the thirst this woman has, who is seeking Life in things that ultimately don't satisfy, because they aren't found in a walk/adventure/journey/relationship with Jesus.

Ahh... to drink deeply again of that living water, and not be distracted by other wells of water that just don't satisfy.....

I was pointed to a couple of quotes yesterday, and was really struck by their simplicity, and effect!

'hurt people, hurt people'.... I can't remember who said it, but wow, so true...

'Pain that isn't transformed is transmitted' Richard Rohr

As I think through the topic of forgiveness, and the amazingness of the gift it is to be forgiven (by God and others) and to forgive... am struck again by the wonder of love God has for each of us..!:)

Giving and forgiving

I have been trying to speed read through a book I would much rather read slowly and enjoy… but there we go! It’s called Free of Charge, by Miroslav Volf, and is n Giving and forgiving. It’s got much in it, and while I need to return this copy to the library tomorrow, I am tempted to buy it anyway..!

So, for your reading pleasure, here’s a few tidbits for you to enjoy!

Forgiveness is a special kind of gift. When we give, we seek the good of another, not our own good, or at least, we don’t primarily seek our own good. The same is true of forgiveness. We forgive for another’s sake, though we too may benefit from the result. But there is also an important difference between giving and forgiving. We give when we delight in others or others are in need; by giving, we enhance their joy or make up for their lack. We forgive when others have wronged us; by forgiving, we release them from the burden of their wrongdoing, offence, transgression, debt. And that’s what makes it more difficult to forgive than to give.

What is God’s relationship to forgiveness? It’s similar to God’s relationship go giving in general. Briefly, God is the God who forgives. We forgive because god forgives. We forgive as God forgives. We forgive by echoing God’s forgiveness. So to understand our own forgiving, we need to start with God’s….

Heart cut, cracked, broken....

Finished off tonight at college with the following poem by Michael Leunig (he has quite a way with words!)

When the heart
Is cut or cracked or broken
Do not clutch it
Let the wound lie open

Let the wind
From the good old sea blow in
To bathe the wound with salt
And let it sting

Let a stray dog lick it
Let a bird lean in the hole and sing
A simple song like a tiny bell
And let it ring




Reminds me of my Christmas present to Jesus last year!

Blog by mail??

A friend of mine who lives a few hours north of me, and I, have decided that we are going to take part in an event (for want of a better word!), called Blogging by mail!

We found it at Anne's food blogspot (a place I often go to for cooking inspiration!), and you follow the link to Dispensing Happiness and she will share the instructions on how to go about taking part in it!

Try it out, and see what you think!

Forgiveness and essays..!:)

I am trying hard to get my head around my assignements that have due dates that are approaching rapidly! I am having fun reading up on the topics and deciding what exactly I am going to write about- though am having issues with all the technical jargon that comes with counselling...!

But anyways! The reason I write here tonight, is forgiveness! I am doing an essay on Forgiveness as related to counselling practice and theory.

So, forgiveness! I have been thinking through what happens when we do, or do not forgive someone, or God even, for something that has happened, whatever it is.

My brainstorming has got me this far, but I wondered if you could help and add some more to the lists...? Feel free to go for your life, would love to hear what you have to say!

But for now, my list is as such:

To forgive:

Freedom
Release
Joy
Wholeness
Can move on with life, relationships, direction, and purpose.
Forgiveness brings life, space for the Fruit of the Spirit to grow!

(Short list.... i know there is much more, but these are pretty encompassing)

NOT to forgive:
Guilt
Anger
Rage
Stress
Destructive relationships
Fester
Eats away at the person, and relationships
Manifests itself in other ways, and relationships
Stuck in the situation, feelings, can’t move on
brokenness
Symptom of other things that aren’t right
Impatience
Un-forgiveness needs something to feed on, takes energy, time, is a downward cycle.
Others suffer for it


I was reminded of what the Bible says about this too, so finish of with some encouragement to all

Ephesians 4:30-32 (NIV)
30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Thanks:)

How does one say...

How do I say…

- You are loved- in the right way that is heard
- You are missed- that you hear I value your friendship in my life
- I want to help- in a way that is truly helpful
- I am here if you need me- no matter how near or far away that may be
- You are special to me- that I want to learn and understand how best to be a friend to you
- You can trust me- to be here, no matter what
- You are safe- there is nothing to judge and find wanting.
- There is no pressure to be anyone but who you are- that’s the person I care about, who’s friendship I value so highly, the whole person.

Hasten slowly

For some time now, I have been thinking through what it means to hasten slowly, in its various thoughts and concepts! As I have settled back in, in many ways, I have felt like the brakes have been on, that while I have recognised the pressure that's placed on each of us (inadvertantly) to be busy, busy, busy, I haven't specifically felt overwhelmed with the need to live under that expectation.

Tod Boslinger describes it by saying “We should pay attention to the difference between hastening to what is important, and hurrying after what is not. Between hastening to hug, to care, to forgive and to serve and hurrying around frazzled, distracted and spent. Between being busy as an outward reality and being hurried as an inner state of being.”


I put that in my most recent newsletter, and had some most intriguing responses, which have me continuing to think on the topic, and how long I hav ebeen thinking along these lines, even without realising it. One person wrote back saying ' it is God who leads us but the devil who drives us....so we can distinguish who is behind our motivation if we feel driven (the enemy) or led (God). How cool, is that! And challenging too!!

Anyway, something to keep thinking about!:)

Silent vs silence

I was reminded tonight of why I started a blog in the first place.... in some circumstances, times, with certain people and contexts, I have absolutely nothing to say, and am, to all extents, completely silent. It may not be because I have nothing to say- far from it, but because of whatever is happening, I have absolutely no desire to share!


As a person though, who is far more comfortable being silent and listening to others, it's always an interesting situation when I suddenly find myself in a place where I am the one doing all the speaking... and communicating, though. Of being the one listened to. One such examle of recent times has been in interviews (eugh!). It's funny being on the other side of the silence barrier, and wondering what on earth the silence means. Sometimes it's a comfortable silence, and other times it's really not. And at other times again- I just can't 'read' the silence. Most of all though, it makes me wonder what people think of the times when I am silent, or just listening.

That said though, it was an interesting weekend last weekend, when I spent 4 days with 2 different groups of people, almost completely unknown to me.... and I had almost completely lost my voice, and was therefore forced into silence..!:)

Human nature and counselling

Well, I am technically well and truly into semester and all that it involves! There have been hiccups, but in all, the biggest problem already is the lack of time, and I just don't know where to start in terms of reading the books I currently have, so I can at least try to make a start on the HUGE assignments that are due just around the corner!

But for now, here's something I read in " The biblical basis of Christian Counselling for people helpers" the other day.

Human being are not hollow on the inside, empty selves who hide behind masks and have no purpose for living or no hope for the future except decomposition after death. Instead, we are created in God's image, valuable to Him despite our sinfulness, and challenged to be pure and holy. We can bring honor to God, even in the way we eat, drink, work, or engage in other of our daily activities, including counseling. At death, though out bodies return to dust, each of us has a spirit soul that continues to live and eventually will be reunited with our resurrected bodies. For believers there is promise of an eternity with Christ, where there are none of the tears we see in our counseling rooms.

Gary Collins Phd (In terms of the tears...Maria adds-0r anywhere else for that matter!:))

How cool is that! I love the reminder that we are indeed valuable to God in all our brokeness, and that no matter what our lives look like now, we have the promise of eternity with Christ. What an amazing gift for each of us, and gift we can pass on to others in all we do, say and are!

Leading by example..

On Sunday at church, the person speaking was sharing about various things, but one thing that was talked about was love. Specifically 1 John 4:19, which says 'we love because he first loved us.'

It reminded me again, of when I became a christian, and how I was taught by the overwhelming and daily example of others, and seeing them love Jesus, and love each other as a result. Through them, I learned about who Jesus really is, and came to know him properly for myself.

It got me thinking about how we all learn best, how children learn through the example of their parents, and those around them, especially when it's stuff that parents don't want their children to pick up..:)

But what happens when people, whoever they are aren't loved first (yes, I know God does love all of us), aren't cared for in a way they understand, who aren't shown the difference between right and wrong.... who is going to come in and show them love, care, joy, compassion, thoughtfullness, grace if someone doesn't first show them to us. How would we know how it feels if we don't have the opportunity to experience it ourselves...? We can hear about it from others, read it in books and the Bible, but till we experience it ourselves...

Something to continue to think about...:)

Friends and 'Friends'

I have been thinking a bit about some of the friends I have, and how contexts and circumstances bring different things to light. With the revolution of Facebook and facebook friends, I have been really struck again by Facebook friends I have, vs actual friends(beit on facebook, or in person!). Sometimes I feel like I observe people's lives from the outside, and know about them, and what they are up to, but when I see them in person... I suddently think... are we friends, or just virtual friends? Do I know them enough to go up and say hi... or.... not??

I was reading one of my textbooks for college about the biblical basis for counselling, and we were reminded that... it is important, too, to recognize that knowing ABOUT God is not the same as KNOWING God...! It's an interesting comparison to make, and in the case of God, a personal relationship can't be fakes, assumed, or glossed over. We each need to know him ourselves!

We all need to be in relationship with each other, not in our own little virtual zone of the world, but sometimes it can become a false sense of security against the potential fears of getting out there, and knowing others, and being known.. much more fun than the virtual replica:)

The first class

I started college last week, and, after one class... it's going to be a very interesting semester...!!The first was theology and counselling foundations.. looking at theology and how counselling slots in with God. Quite a challenging topic, and quite something to suddenly be talking Theology, philosophy, rthodoxy, exgesis and the like..!!

We were given a couple of helpful quotes to help us all get our heads around us. I like the one by Kevin Vanhoozer...

Christian theology is the intellectual, imaginative, and spiritual attempt to discover the truth about God, the world, and ourselves, to appropriate this truth to ourselves, and to bring the Word of God to bear on all areas of life, thereby rendering God's Word in speech, thought and life back to God to the glory of God.

Quite a mouthful, but I like the implications.. that we take what we learn, and live it out.

Now, for me to take in all that is taught in this class... and 2 others... and live it out, write it out, and get it out in the exams...!!

Blogging

I have been missing a few people in the blogging world of late. I have a lovely list of blogs I love to visit, to 'hear' their thoughts, or pray for them, or whatever. Anyways, a number of them have stopped this year, or just gone silent, which has been sad, because I have missed them!

On the other hand though.. there are times when I blog, or don't blog, and was thinking about some of the reasons when I don't blog... often because I don't have anything to say, or because I have soooo much to say, that I just don't know where to start!!

This week has been one of those ones though, when there has been so much to say, think through, re-assess, and re-choose to walk in... God has, and is so good in it all, and I am so glad to know he has the answers, and I just need to continue to listen out for that still small voice, and trust that he knows what's going on.

We were reminded of the story of Job this week, and that while Job didn't know what was going on, and his friends tried to make sense of it, in the end, and as it was from the very begginning, it was God, and Satan who knew what had caused it, and God who knew where it would go!!

And yes, while I miss my blogging friends, I am sure they have their reasons, and probably have so much to say they don't know where to start- I also found found a good friend who has just started blogging, and had a great chat with a new friend, who reads and follows a good friend of mine's blog (though, she only vaguely knows her), but gets great joy from following their lives and seeing the amazing things that are happening:)

Next week!

Well, I am completely stoked about next week! I will be starting college properly, with the most amazing subjects! I can't wait to get stuck into it! And... the rest of the week will be full of work! One of the things I had been thinking through as I settled back here, was what I really loved about the work in HK. Now, I loved the work, all of it! I loved what I did, the people (still do:)), and all the rest of it. I loved the vision.

But what did I personally, Miwa love? Well, lots of it too, but there were some things that I would really have loved to be involved with if I had the choice! And one of the would have been in fair trade!

Anyway, looks like I will be getting into fair trade goods in a whole other way in the coming weeks! More to come, but am looking forward to it all! God is good, faithful, keeps his promises, and comes through each and every time. I am still astounded that I have been led thus far, and so clearly, yet he's not going to stop now:)

A little tiny bit discouraged...:(

Life seems to be one long excuse to account for other people's behaviour at the moment. I am currently looking for a job, and trying to catch up with people, while trying to maintain friendships with people in other parts of the world. At the moment though, it seems like I am making one excuse for people after another as to why it all seems to go in one direction, why I am trying to go out of my way... yet not getting any responses.

I can understand that in terms of looking for work, that's just the way it is, yet, in friendships... what should be expected? When is it reasonable to expect friends to reply to emails, texts, letters, questions? When is it reasonable to expect friends to initiate conversations, and communications, to want to see me too?

It seems that my life is based solely on how other people operate, on their method of communication, timing, that they don't need to apolagise, yet I seem to so often find myself in a situation where it seems that's it's expected that I am in the wrong, and therefore need to say sorry.

I feel bad now, because I am starting to get busy again, I am about to start college, and really do need a job NOW and while there is no deadline for me leaving now... it would be nice if I could still catch up with people now that I am in the country.

All I am saying? I miss my friends, both the ones in this country and others. I want to see them and hang out, but at the other time, and I know there are many valid reasons why this can't happen for some, at this particular moment... it would be nice if they wanted to see me too...!

Logical vs Illogical

I had been thinking a bit recently about making decisions and the different ways we do that. Listening to a talk the other day, the person speaking was saying that people of the Jesus' culture didn't actually think logically, as we do, rather they think optically.

I was listening to another talk today, and they said a similar thing! I need to listen to it again, but was so encouraged by it. We often thing of different things that are happening, and there are different responses we can make- we can kick and scream and say 'it's not fair', or we can knuckle down, and draw deep on God's love and promises and hold fast to them, our assurance that God is in control, and loves us, delights in each of us, in a way that's beyond our wildest imagination. Depending on the situation, of course, too!

I was thinking about a decision I thought I had made some time ago. It was clear and 'there'. Then I came back to Aus, and the cold hard light of logic and reality set in, and as always(it seems!), I wavered, yet, after this last week, I wonder if I am once again back where I started, and returning to that decision and the reason why I made it in the first place.. well... that hasn't changed at all. It's just not a very logical decision, yet that doesn't mean that it's not right..! And I guess, even in wavering, it gives me a chance to really be sure... even if I do end up looking a little silly as I wander along!

Grief

I was thinking about grief today, and some of the forms it can sneak up on a person when they aren’t aware of it. Yes, you can tally the facts and figures, the things that one would normally grieve about, but the actual process of grieving, while you can do a general step by step of the stages of grieving, you don’t actually know when the next steps will come. Sometimes they will come in different orders, or just sneak up and catch you when you are least expecting it.
I was thinking about some things that have happened over the past few months, that I have known about, or known of, that have caused me to grieve for different reasons, people I love who have died, or been sick, the grief of leaving, and seeing people grieving for others. It’s been an interesting thing to see what has that kind of an effect on someone- some hit you at the time, whereas, at other times the grief has snuck up on me unawares.
And having to be strong for people around you when you would really much rather collapse in a heap and cry.
I guess we all have different roles to play in these situations, and will always have to find our way through. Sometimes it just seems easier to shut down and not think about it, but it always seems to come out in the end… so the question is, how to get it out in a reasonable way…. It struck me tonight too, that knowing more about the grief process doesn’t actually make you immune to it… just more clearly aware..!

Changing locations...

A lovely friend reminded me again, that it has been some time since I was in HK, and perhaps my blog should reflect that I am now residing in Aus... so, consider it noted, actioned and complete, even down to my blog- I now am in Aus:)

And to prove it.. here's some pics from the last few days. They aren't so great because they were taken on my phone, but there you go:)

The beautiful harbour.. and weather.. and bridge!

Just a few of the people at Aroma- the coffee, chocolate, tea, spice festival that happened at the Rocks on Sunday

Out for a walk around the bay...:)

Molly(the black one) and Pebble's (the brown one) wondering why I am taking so long and why aren't we walking....!!!

The Aussie fighting spirit

Dear Australians,

Where has the great Australian Fighting spirit gone???? I am an Australian, who has returned to the Great South Land after 5 ½ years overseas. I have returned though to find a nation of people who are bombarded daily, wherever they look, with news of doom and gloom, of rising petrol prices, food prices and housing prices. Everywhere I have looked, it’s seems, we are being bombarded with negative news and how bad life is getting here. Pick a topic, any topic, and yes, something bad is happening.

And what’s more- the Australians seem to be believing it! As I look around, people seem to be shutting down, stepping away, and protecting themselves again unwanted dangers, perceived, or real, dangers. People are looking out more for themselves and their families and giving less time to working in community with their neighbours and friends. I look around and see countless people with varying degrees of depression, anxiety, and panic.

I say, stand up and fight! We have a beautiful nation, full of amazing people, we have seen times of hardship and challenge in the past, yet in my generation, life has been so good to us! Life is rich and good, and we are more blessed than at any other time, yet, we seem to be facing the battle of our collective lives the battle within!

Just imagine… waking up, each morning singing, or even thinking “oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I have a wonderful feeling, everything’s going my way!” (From the Rogers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma” Can you just imagine, just a little bit what that might feel like… really and honestly?? I know it might seem tacky at first…. But really… how wonderful would that be!


And as Christians, we have the ultimate Hope, we can put our faith in the One on whom the world is built on, the solid Rock, the great I AM. We have nothing to fear, nothing to hide from, but can go to our Heavenly Father who loves us beyond our wildest imagination! He came, that we would have life to the full, remember?!

Let’s recognize the lies for what they are. Let’s remember, and walk in the truth, or at least head in that direction!

Phone a friend...

I have discovered, in a new way, that I really don't like calling people! I would much rather email them, or write a letter! It's not that I don't LIKE talking to them... I just don't like the idea of interrupting them, or they may not be there, and then there is the question of when is a good time to call someone..

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I no longer have that many phone numbers of people in Sydney, as I left a few vital things behind in HK..namely my list of names and phone numbers (what few I had!), so for whatever reason... there is email!

I much prefer seeing people in person though, when comparing the phone and face to face, though, yes, phone does work when it's the only option!

The downside of email to, is that while it is less intrusive, it's also likely for people to not reply, for whatever reason, or they just aren't on the computer as much as I can tend to be....

Oh well, one of the joys and delights of being back in Sydney..!:)

Life, rich, satisfying, enjoyed, abundant!

I woke up the other night with this verse on the brain...

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10.

I love the simplicity and clarity of the second section- Jesus is so clear when he says this.. I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full. I checked out a few other versions, and love that in all of the versions, the thief's plan is the same.. to steal, kill and destroy, yet... God's is much more lavish, rich, wonderful than that. How often we forget, or settle for less, well at least I do. It's easy to get bogged down in all the things that are constantly in front of us and lose sight of the bigger picture. And soo lovely to be reminded once again of how God loves each of us, and to be reminded of HIS purpose for each of us! So, may you know the rich, lavish, life to the full, in a new way this week!


10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows). (Amplified)

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (New Living Translation)

A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (The Message)

Awesome quote from Breakfast at Tiffany's!

I was watching Breakfastat Tiffany's this afternoon- it's one that's so famous, and well known though, that you can often miss the reason WHY it is such a well known, and good movie!

A quote really struck me at the end though this time, and really made me think about all the situations today where we can get caught in this trap, of trying to be free, and in the process, creating our own super strong cage!

This is Paul Varjak, speaking to Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn).

YOU KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU, MISS WHOEVER-YOU-ARE? YOU'RE CHICKEN. YOU GOT NO GUTS. YOU'RE AFRAID TO SAY,"O.K., LIFE'S A FACT." PEOPLE DO FALL IN LOVE. PEOPLE DO BELONG TO EACH OTHER, BECAUSE THAT'S THE ONLY CHANCE ANYBODY'S GOT FOR REAL HAPPINESS. YOU CALL YOURSELF A FREE SPIRIT, A WILD THING. YOU'RE TERRIFIED SOMEBODY'S GOING TO STICK YOU IN A CAGE. WELL, BABY, YOU'RE ALREADY IN THAT CAGE. YOU BUILT IT YOURSELF. AND IT'S NOT BOUNDED BY TULIP, TEXAS, OR SOMALILAND. IT'S WHEREVER YOU GO. BECAUSE NO MATTER WHERE YOU RUN, YOU JUST END UP RUNNING INTO YOURSELF.

Sticky Date pear cake with caramel nut topping

Well, I have been doing some baking, but finally remembered to make something new, AND take a photo of it, so here goes! Delicious!!

Sticky Date pear cake with caramel nut topping

180g dates, diced
1/2 cup boiling water
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp orange zest
125g butter
220g (1cup) sugar
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
225g plain flour
2 pears peeled, cored and diced.


Topping
130g brown sugar
60 g butter
50 g rolled oats
50g mixed nuts chopped
45 ml (2tbs plus 1 tsp) milk


Combine dates, water, baking soda and zest and stand for 1 hour to allow dated to soften. Heat oven to 170c. Grease and line a 23cm square cake tin. Beat butter and sugar will creamy. Add egg and beat well. Stir in date mixture, vanilla, flour and pears until evenly combined. Spread mixture in tin and bake till just set, 25-30 minutes.

To make the topping, place all ingredients in a small pot and stir over low-moderated heat till dissolved and bubbling. Quickly spoon over cake and bake for another 15 minutes or till risen, golden and toasted.

Best served warm from the oven, with cream!
Serves 12

That moment...

There comes a moment... that is undefined, but it seems that it just can't be avoided... when you return to a place that is known and familiar, it's normal and on the surface.. nothing seems to have changed... however.....

Yesterday I had a great day out with a friend who has also returned from Asia, after living there for 4 years. We were catching up on being away, but also comparing notes of the good and and the challenging of returning home. We were also bringing each other up to date or information that might be helpful to each other... useful information, websites, things that had changed, road rules- where we can and can't drive, and where we need those funky E toll things to drive, or where we need to pre pay for the public transport.... we might look Australian.. but there is quite alot, we have found that isn't clear to us... let alone for people who speak a different language, or haven't grown up here. We have changed, and our friends and families have changed too.

Anyway, all the conversation should have alerted me to the fact that I was more aware of it all, because, lo and behold the moment arrived... it's a time that you can't define, or predict, but the moment is unmistakeable. I don't know how one can avoid it, or if it's just something that a person has to go through when you return to a known, familiar place after a long absense.

Things have changed, rules have altered, relationships have changed or a different because of different circumstances, things are technically the same, but there are minor things that just take a person off guard, or shock, hurt, or baffle you, or maybe we just react differently because we are taken off guard, or are just trying to find our way, knowing that we, and the situations around us have changed.

On the up side- and there are far more ups than downs- it's awesome to know we are where we should be where, and have loved seeing the way God has been moving in our lives in so many ways.

So, in it all, while we can plan and expect reverse culture shock as we return to any known and familiar place after a long absense.. there are still times and moments when it takes us unawares..! And I know too, that I will keep making mistakes, both big and little, but am glad grace continues to abound, and trust that it does in my little neck of the woods here too!

When I grow up......

I want to be.....

a clown doctor
a baker for a cafe (ed- of cakes, biscuts and treats!)
a barista
a counsellor
a joy giver
a buddy for youth who need a friend and someone to support them
someone who cheers people on (I would say a cheerleader.. but not quite that..!)
a traveller
a prayer warrior
someone who sees God clearly, dramatically, hugely, miraculously at work in my life and the life of those around me..!

I am job hunting at the moment now that I am back in Sydney... looking for the perfect job that will fit in around life, and the perfect course(that I have!)..... good thing it's a no brainer for God!:)


edited... I think this list could and will grow....:)

In person

I had a wonderful day today with my sister, her husband and two children (and my brother too)! Having just returned to Sydney after a very long absence, I have only just met my younger niece who is now over 9 months old, so there is alot of catching up to do!!

I was holding her at one stage during the afternoon and stopped at one point in wonder of that moment. It can't happen long distance, over a skype call, or regular phone call. I haven't been able to see her in a normal context and really got to know her properly myself till now, and even then, I am just at the beginning. Albeit, I have heard loads about her, her gorgeous charm, personality, smiles, who she looks and acts like, how different she is to her sister.... but the stories and recommendations, even the baby talk, and giggles on the phone have not been the same as person to person contact.. of "being there", on hand and in person.

Many thoughts came together as I enjoyed this moment today- of people I like to see, in person who are spread around the world, of people I would like to support better- yet can't be in the same place as them for whatever reason, and then brought to mind a conversation I had recently of what our relationship should be with God. The jist was that we should be glorifying God in all we do, or celebrating him....but isn't our relationship with God too, about being there, in person, of being relationship, inviting Him in and giving our daily lives to him, in the big and the little- that it's not "out there" and and abstract concept, but tangible and lived in a relating way, like other significant people who we want, and choose to spend time with, in person...

So, for now, I will enjoy spending proper time with my nieces, and other friends and family in Sydney- I so wish I could hang out with everyone "now" and not have any other responsibilities... some time..!:)

Each bite of the apple...

Well the day has come, and I have arrived! I have much to say, yet am rather at a loss for words. I have many things to buy, and places to go yet no money; Many people I am dying to see, yet I don't know where to start... many jobs to do, but would rather see my friends, so, much to do, yet I don't know where to start!

I am in Sydney, with no ticket anywhere else, and huge stack of things to get through and don't know where to start... so I will listen to good music and reply to emails... till I go out tonight with a friend who is about to leave...

An update will come out soon and I am sure things will happen at the right time, but till then, looking forward to catching up with everyone in this beautiful freezing city:) Feel free to help me bite each bit of the apple, one bit at a time, and I am sure I will get there eventually:)

Travel plans!

Well, I was planning to send out a newsletter from London with my future plans... but I was suddenly lost for words and the whole thing was just too big in the tiny bit if time left!

So, in a nutshell.... I fly to Brisbane to spend the week with my Grandmother, then we both fly down to Sydney next Thursday. She will be there for a holiday, and I will be there to live!

More news to come, but that's it so far!

Thomas Merton

As I get to the end of my time here in London, I have been thinking back over some of the things I have done. One of those things was to attend a Besom Conference, on how to start a Besom in your own area. We were all given a Besom- a type of broom, make of small branches tied together- the concept being to sweep away the suffering. You can check out what Besom does here. Attached to the Besom, was a quote by Thomas Merton. It has stuck in the back of my mind as I have pondered it over the last few months, so I share it with you now.

"What is my new desert? The name of it is compassion. There is no wilderness so terrible, so beautiful, so arid and so fruitful as the wilderness of compassion. It is the only desert that shall truly flourish like the lily. It shall become a pool, it shall bud forth and blossom and rejoice with joy. It is in the desert of compassion that the thirsty land turns into springs of water, that the poor possess all things."

I have been hunting around to see what else he has written, and found the following, so share them with you now. Enjoy!

"Persons are not known by intellect alone, not by principles alone, but only by love. It is when we love the other, the enemy, that we obtain from God the key to an understanding of who he is, and who we are. It is only this realization that can open to us the real nature of our duty, and of right action. To shut out the person and to refuse to consider him as a person, as an other self, we resort to the impersonal "law" and to abstract "nature." That is to say we block off the reality of the other, we cut the intercommunication of our nature and his nature, and we consider only our own nature with its rights, its claims, it demands. And we justify the evil we do to our brother because he is no longer a brother, he is merely an adversary, an accused. To restore communication, to see our oneness of nature with him, and to respect his personal rights and his integrity, his worthiness of love, we have to see ourselves as similarly accused along with him ... and needing, with him, the ineffable gift of grace and mercy to be saved. Then, instead of pushing him down, trying to climb out by using his head as a stepping-stone for ourselves, we help ourselves to rise by helping him to rise. For when we extend our hand to the enemy who is sinking in the abyss, God reaches out to both of us, for it is He first of all who extends our hand to the enemy. It is He who "saves himself" in the enemy, who makes use of us to recover the lost groat which is His image in our enemy."

"Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody's business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy if anything can."

And finally a challenging thought for you all....

The biggest human temptation is … to settle for too little.

"Dear friend, understand this. Nobody has an effective healing ministry without love. As Paul says, what really matters is faith expressing itself in love. If we love people we feel for them in their needs and are prepared to turn to God for answers. Our faith may not always match the need, but spurred on by love we seek the Lord for more of His love, faith, power, and authority in our lives."

Colin Urquhart

Reversing reverse culture shock

Last week I was at a conference, which was just awesome. I may tell you more about it, but for now, it needs to sink in a bit. One evening though, I ended up having an awesome meal with about 5-6 other people. We had all lived overseas serving in some capacity (some had come to England especially for the conference before returning!). We have a rich conversation about reverse culture shock, and the process by which one returns home and settles back in. I was really interested.. because of the job I had done, because I am smack bang in the middle of returning home, and because I am really interested in learning more about how to support people as they come and go from overseas.

On fact that really shocked us, was that 40% of returning missionaries suffer from depression! That’s terrible! It was great talking through some of the things that can help or hinder the process of leaving and returning home, such as finding people to talk to who understand, our feelings of failure, or completion, or being, or feeling judged. It was awesome too, to hear about courses that are run for people who are going, and even returning home (I had never heard of that before!), as well as new books that are out.

There is also a new bible available which has an emphasis on God’s heart for the poor- how great is that! Check out an article on it HERE.

Monday night cooking...

Yesterday afternoon, I spent some time looking for something to make, finding the right one, going to the shops, to make it. It was a new one that I hadn't tried, and I was on desert. Sound familiar? Maybe not, but it just took my breath away when I realised what, exactly I was doing...!

You see, Monday night in HK is cooking night, where I cook a main, or desert, depending on whose turn it is, and while I miss my time in HK in general, this was a different kind of missing!

So, what was cooked? A birthday cake for Samuel, who is currently somewhere in South Africa, but we decided to celebrate anyway! A new recipe, chocolate walnut cake, from one of my favorite blogs, dead easy, and hasn't really lasted long:)

I don't know how possible it is, but will try and keep testing out new recipes each week- will see how it goes:)

Momento Mori

Momento Mori

Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright-
The bridal of the earth and sky-
The dew shall weep thy fall to-night,
For though must die.
Sweet rose, whose hue, angry and brave,
Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye,
Thy root is ever in its grave,
And thou must die.

Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses,
A box where sweets compacted lie,
My music shows ye have your closes,
And all must die.

Only a sweet and virtuous soul
Like seasoned timber never gives,
But, though the whose world turn to coal,
Then chiefly lives.


Robert Herrick 1591-1674

The Kingdom

I went to Wales for the long weekend a few weeks ago, and had a glorious time! One of the many, many wonderful things about it was rediscovering poetry in some books there. I couldn't resist writing a few of them out, so hope to share a few with you here. This one is from a book of collected poems by R.S. Thomas, a Christian poet, who wrote an enormous amount. The other book I found, was called " A book of verse for boys"! So it was full of war, hero's, vision, and and glory. I may share some of them later, but for now, enjoy:)

The Kingdom

It’s a long way off but inside it

there are quite different things going on:
Festivals at which the poor man
Is kind and the consumptive is
Healed: mirrors in which the blind look
At themselves and love looks at them
Back: and industry is for mending
The bent bones and the minds fractured
By life. It’s a long way off, but to get
There takes no time and admission
Is free, if you will purge yourself
Of desire, and present yourself with
Your need only and the simple offering
Of your faith, green as a leaf.

I have been thinking more about what I wrote in my last post, and think I may have misrepresented the topic a little. Well, I cirtainly didn't go into how much I don't like seeing the end results, or seeing people being recognised for the part they play in a project/person's life/event either directly, or indirectly. I didn't go into the fact that the building that I saw, were indeed built over decades, and some even over a hundred years, so of course, the people involved didn't expect to see them finished (though I wonder how they dealt with changing technology, and fashions- but then, yes, things did move slower than they do now!)

Anyway, overall, it was wonderful to look at those buildings and see the perspective that the people involved would have had. They were building in faith, knowing they were part of something much bigger than themselves. I am sure they would have loved to see the end result, as I really would, but they knew they wouldn't, but it didn't stop them from sowing into the lives of the generations to come in such an amazing way. Ahh, to have the grace and patience to see things through in such a way:)

Smaller than the big picture

During my time in Italy and the UK, I have seen a lot of churches! Especially in Italy for a week, we walked through many churches, heard monks singing Gregorian chants, sat and watched, saw a mummified nun, admired the architecture of the different churches of different ages. Amazing. Last week, I went with a Cantonese friend to Westminster Abbey, and that was an experience in itself! It was amazing!! I had never really bothered about going in there before, and am so glad to have had the opportunity to see it finally. I was amazed at how huge it was, but also how much was in there. For a place that is so important and used for so many big events, I was impressed that it hadn’t been completely cleared out!

So yes, in Westminster, there was the graves, or memorials of such people like Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Mary, Charles II, John and Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, Jane Austen, Jeffrey Chaucer- the list goes on!

The thing that has really, really struck me though, through all of these beautiful buildings, is that none of the architects would have seen the buildings complete, because back then they would have taken decades to build!!!! The people who started working on the buildings would have started in faith, trusting that each building would be completed, and not changed, that they would be used for their original purpose, that they would be special to the people who are able to use them. Talk about being open handed!

So, as I think about projects, people, things that I have been involved with, projects that I have seen the start, or the middle of- I have been reminded of these buildings, how small I am in it all, and what a gift it is, not a given, to see some of these things completed!

Check out some of the buildings I have enjoyed over the last few weeks!

Big Ben!

There are so many things I love about being in London, but one is seeing Big Ben! It always reminds me of the story of Peter Pan, one of my favourite London-based books, and since then, a favourite movie… depending on if it’s the Disney version, or any of the other ones that have been made.

I love that idea of the boy who didn’t want to grow up, and while there are times that I see adults who want to remain childlike in a way that’s not helpful, there is definitely a context that we are all called to be children, to come into God’s presence like children, open, aware, trusting of our Heavenly Father.

So when I see Big Ben, I am reminded of the scene in Disney’s Peter Pan, when Peter descends on London ready for fun, adventure, and new discoveries, and likewise endeavour to look ahead with that perspective too!

Matthew 11: 25-26
At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Matthew 18: 2-4
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Gentleness

As part of this time I am having at the moment, I am loving listening to talks by people from all over the world! It is wonderful having the time to ‘take a deep breath’ breathe in what is being shared in different churches and seeing how they all compliment each other, though they are from completely different places. It’s wonderful to see how God’s word works together, that it is real, life giving, our food and drink.

I was thinking about it all though and was challenged particularly by the concept of gentleness. I was listening to a talk earlier today, which really highlighted it for me, in a roundabout way! I mean gentleness in the calm, patient, caring, thoughtful kind of way, not a weak concept at all. It struck me that it could be seen as weak, of not being special or unique, and ‘nothing’, or something not worth anything, but I don’t think it’s that at all.

Being gentle in all things takes great strength, as we seek to stand for what God says in all circumstances, without bowing and being overruled, or going over the top in the other extreme. Philippians 4:4-6 came to mind as did 1 Timothy 6:11-12. Much to think on, and be challenged by, and challenged to live out....!

Snow photos

Well, I am sitting up here, tapping away on the computer, very aware of all the events that may be happening on the other side of the world today, and waiting, for, well, something, so am uploading photos!

I had taken some photos of the snow a couple of weeks ag, yet hadn't had a chance to upload them, so here they are!

The photo above was the scene that greeted me as I came out that Sunday morning- beautiful! It was absolutely magical!

This one, was while I was out walking across the Common (local park) to the cafe. It looks like most of the snow had gone, but it was still snowing at the time, so again, was wonderful! It's much warmer now, which is probably a very good thing, but I did enjoy it!

A beautiful picture, of grace, forgiveness, purity, and more:)