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:)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
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……?
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……?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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.
‘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.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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..!
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:)
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:)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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!!:)
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!!:)
Thursday, December 04, 2008
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:)
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:)
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