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...!!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
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:)
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:)
Friday, July 18, 2008
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:)
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:)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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...!
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...!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
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!
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..!
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..!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
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!
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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...:)
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Molly(the black one) and Pebble's (the brown one) wondering why I am taking so long and why aren't we walking....!!!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
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..!:)
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..!:)
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