Forgiveness

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 how for what we want that person to be is the only kind of love which allows us to live freely without the demands and expectations which cripple and isolate us. Forgiveness and love and 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

I read this as I was researching this assignment, and was stuck by the clarity of it, and the importance of forgiveness, once again.... She's not a Christian by the looks of it, but wow!

Irrational beliefs

I was given some hand outs this week, as per usua, at college. One though, was a list of 10 Major Irrational Beliefs, as found by A Ellis.

I would post them here, but I don't think they are helpful on their own. Once I read them, and recognised many of them in myself, I was keen to, to see what you all though of these beliefs, but then realised that it might be more helpful to add a counter argument from the Bible. All of them, every one are real, and pervasive in life today, and yet, they are so clearly counter- argued in the Bible!

Anyway, thought I would share. I will probably do the counter arguments much the same as I am writing here... when I am supposed to be writing a very long assignment due next week....!!! Now... where to start....

Beautiful writing recently.

I haven’t been blogging much recently, but I have been doing a lot of reading. Lots! Anyway, I keep coming across gems of writing, so, while they won’t fit into the assignments I am writing, I thought I would share them here. Enjoy!!


Sometimes the suffering
Has no voice, it is silent.
It is a question of survival,
And the poor have no choice.

By Sister Naoko Iyari, MMB
In God’s Image 1990


Counseling is the process of helping clients get “unstuck” and develop a sense of direction. G Egan.


The ethical life arises as the life of liberty in service to God through Chris by the power of the Spirit. The Christian life is also the celebration of life, for as we live in the Spirit we celebrate the life of the triune God. Offering ourselves as a thanksgiving for God’s love and mercy lavished on us in Christ is the pathway to true joy and fullness of life.

This returns us to the human ethical quest where we began. I noted in chapter one that well-being and peace of mind have repeatedly formed the object of philosophers deliberations. The biblical writers declare that within the community of Christ we gain an even greater peace than the great ethical thinkers sought. Our Lord mediated to us peace with God (Rom 5:1), a peace “Which transcends all understanding”(Phil 4:7). This greater peace is not ours because we have sough after it, but because the Holy Spirit showers it upon us as a byproduct of our ethical quest, the quest for God’s kingdom and righteousness. Knowing such peace is the cause for great celebration. And it is in this context of celebration that we discover the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise for “all these things” are truly given to us as well (Mt 6:33).

The Moral Quest, by S Grenz

Soooo mad!!!!

I got mad today. Really really mad.

Really mad.

Two weeks ago I was crushed.

Today I am just plain mad.

What causes someone to mistreat another. What causes someone to think they can hurt and damage children, or people who are vulnerable, who care and want to help?

How dare someone hurt and mistreat another, and think it's ok. Not only does it damage that person, but if they don't deal with it, forgive, and let it go, it will fester in them, and grow, and in turn that hurt will go on to hurt others. Sometimes in self preservations, just because they don't know any different.

I know someone who was hurt years ago, and while I still see the amazingness, and beauty in this person, they have been damaged to the point where they hurt others, often because they are just so scared they don't know what else to do.

But who am I really mad at? Satan. I had the damage he wrecks on people, in relationships and lives. I hate how he sneaks in through depression and other slippery illnesses. I hate how he causes one person to hurt and malign another because of the sneaking voices he puts inside their head.

How do we, as Christians stand up to him? To the one who causes people to do such terrible things to each other..... how do we fight back in love? and completely baffle him? How do we challenge thinking that isn't God's way?

One day... I hope healing and wholeness will come.....

Process vs product in life choices

I was sitting at a market waiting for a friend last Saturday morning, and was a few minutes early, so sat down to read my book. However, a man came down and sat next to me and started up a conversation. Anyway, he had just moved to Sydney from Perth, and was doing contract work. In the course of conversation he told me about his life now as well as telling me about what he would like in life in the future.

It really got me thinking about plans and how we get there, keeping the now, and the future in delicate balance.....and not letting now be all there is, because there is the danger of still being in the now in ten years time, with all the hopes, dreams and plans still somewhere in the future... it made me think about the decisions I have made through my life, and where I am going.....

In the light of this conversation and thinking about this guy, I had another conversation with someone else about personal mission statements! I was struck and challenged by the thought of writing one(I am trying to work out what our work one is right now too!!) and what changes I might potentially have to make as a result. While so many things are good, and right, we can't do everything that looks good. How do we choose, and how do we know what God's plans are for us in life.... interesting random themes and conversations to think through. Hard too, when decisions made potentially have an effect on more than just us. I can't do everything, and be everything to everyone, so how do I choose....??

Sharing testimonies

I have been involved recently with a group, and we have been sharing our testimonies. It has been so encouraging to hear each person's story, of how they became a Christian, of how God has personally, specifically, radically worked in each person's life. I love it!

It was my turn this past Tuesday. I hadn't really thought about what I would share- it's your story of how you became a Christian, right? So it doesn't change, but grows!

So, it was immensely encouraging to me, to share it again, but so much has happened since the last time I thought about, or shared my testimony. It was also really encouraging to me, because someone left a voicemail message on my phone that I didn't get till just after I had shared my testimony, so it was awesome to hear it, in the light of having just been reminded of my what God has done, so amazingly, not only in my life, byt in the lives of so many others!

God is GOOD!

Some joy

I have spent quite a bit of time recently, thinking about Love in its various forms. But this post isn't about love. I have since gone on to reading an awesome book, called The Happy Intercessor, by Beni Johnson- it was brilliant, and while I have just finished it, I would love to read it again! It is about joy, and the power of joy in our lives, so, while I haven't quite left love behind(!), I have been thinking about joy more recently. I came across this poem a couple of nights ago, and how special it is. Enjoy!

LAUGHTER CAME FROM EVERY BRICK


Just these two words He spoke
changed my life,
"Enjoy Me."

What a burden I thought I was to carry -
a crucifix, as did He.

Love once said to me, "I know a song,
would you like to hear it?"

And laughter came from every brick in the street
and from every pore
in the sky.

After a night of prayer, He
changed my life when
He sang,

"Enjoy Me."

- Teresa of Avila

Life is....

A few weeks ago, an article was left in our pigeon hole at college. The topic being “Who’s life is it anyway?” It was referring to Paul’s comment- For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain(Philippians 1:21).

The question posed to each of us though, was what would we say?
“To live is ___ and to die is ____”.
It’s been an interesting question to think through over the last few weeks, through the ups, down’s interesting twists and turns in each day…….! What would I put, what I like to put? What is there now, based on how I live my life now…..???

So, with Mother Theresa’s words…


Life is too precious

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.


I am not sure if I entirely agree with all of it, but it is a great start, would be interesting to add to the list of what life is…. And if so… what would I add?!?!

Not closing down after all!

In a radical turn of events, the organisation I mentioned in the previous post looks like it won't be closing down after all. The person running it has seen hope, and the possibilities for it to continue to run. People are coming alongside them to support them, and help in whatever way they can to continue to run, there's hope!

Thanks for praying- it's been amazing to see it unfolding, and connections being made at exactly the right time!

Organisation closing down

I wrote this article a few weeks ago... and today we found out that it's likely they will have to shut down!!!!

Please be praying for them, and for amazing miracles as they find the best answers to their situation. It's an awesome group that does amazing work with the people in the area, and it would be really sad if they did shut down!! Not only does it help people who are living in poverty, many have become Christians, and... they make the most beautiful things!

Thanks heaps!!

Easter Greetings

I don’t normally write cards for people at Easter, but this year, I did- well, one anyway. But the verse that came to mind for it was…..James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

I love that picture of God, and the amazingness of the gifts he gives! Anyway, it came back around to bite me, rather this evening… I was getting really discouraged by things where some might see the events as great, and others see them as anything but- and being in the middle trying to bridge the gap- then remembered this verse! And, remembered that if it is indeed a good and perfect gift, it does come own from the Father of Heavenly lights- and no, he doesn’t change!!

The other verse that came to mind really clearly, that blessed me immensely on Good Friday, was the phrase… for the joy set before him endured the cross…

From Hebrews 12: 2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What an incredibly awesomely, amazingly wonderful God we have!!!

Feet like the deer...

I came across the following verse on Monday morning when I got to work, and it's been such an encouraging, sustaining verse!!

So, Habbakuk 3:19.....

The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

But... check out the whole chapter! Pretty awesome stuff!! Also, super wonderful, yet super challenging too... Revelation 21: 1-8. Oh, for that wonderful water of life!:)

On integrity

I was doing some reading for college this evening, and this was in one of my textbooks, so thought I would share..!

Myself

I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be fit for myself to know,
I want to be able, as days go by
Always to look myself straight in the eye;
I don’t wan to stand, with the setting sun,
And hate myself for the things I have done.

I don’t want to keep on a closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself, as I come and go,
Into thinking that nobody else will know
The kind of a man I really am;
I don’t want to dress up myself in a sham.

I want to go out with my head erect,
I want to deserve all men’s respect;
But here in the struggle for fame and pelf
I want to be able to like myself.
I don’t want to look at myself and know
That I’m bluster and bluff and empty show

Can never hide myself from me;
I can see what others may never see;
I know what others may never know.I never can for myself, and so,
Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience free.

Edgar Guest

5 smooth stones

When I came back to Sydney, I felt like there were five big areas of my life that needed to be sorted out. Four now have been done, but the fifth... I feel like I keep digging down to the bottom of the bag to get it out, and each time I do, it has someone else's name on it, so I need to give it to them.... well, in actual fact, looking back, I feel like I have had this bag far longer than I realised, and I have been pulling out this stone and passing it on to other people all this time.

Fortunately, it's a beautiful stone, so it's a joy to be able to pass it on, but...one day, it would be lovely to get the stone out with my name on it...:)

One Year on tomorrow

It is amazing to me that a year ago, tomorrow, I moved away from Hong Kong. It still seems surreal that it happened, and as I look back over the year, I see God so clearly at work in it all.

It is another moment of being so grateful for what has been, and what is to come. I am so glad that God knows best, even though, most of the time I don't understand... and sooo look forward to what is to come!

Thank you for being part of this journey!

Ethical superstore and inhumane slums...One World

So, I discovered just how behind the times we are in Australia compared to other countries- though, yes, other countries leave an awful lot to be desired, but more about that later.

I was doing some research on fair trade organizations today, and looking at different ranges of products that are available, and came across a website in the UK- the Ethical SUPERSTORE! Can you believe it! And the range of things on the site is amazing!!

I have, however, found a website too for “Green” beer in Australia, where they give back 100% offset, which is apparently the latest thing, and a good thing at that.

On the other hand, I was talking to someone in the Philippines the other day about environmental issues, and their attitudes there. For them, survival is more the key, so things like where you put your rubbish really doesn’t feature in their priority list. Environmental awareness is becoming more popular amongst the wealthier parts though. For the regular person though, it’s normal to drop your rubbish wherever you put it, because they have never been taught any differently, fuel isn’t as refined as in other countries, so the fumes, and smoke are more dense, the struggle to survive is more important, people live on rubbish dumps, slums are common, and food is hard to come by.

As attitudes and awareness continue to change around the world, I look forward to seeing what comes of it all, as we all work out what part we have to play. Hopefully, as in soooooo many areas of need, our eyes will continue to be opened to how we can each help from where we are at.

Article for work...

Well, I have just written an article for work, so thought I would share it with you for your thoughts, should you choose to share! Obviously, I have been more clear as to the names of people and organisations, but aside from it, this is it for now! See what you think... Oh, it's a monthy newsletter that will be emailed to suppliers of fair trade product around Australia.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to a new chapter of ETP! As we have continued to grow and share with you about the organizations that we partner with create the beautiful items that are part of the ETP range, we are thrilled to be able to embark on a new chapter. We have come to see the importance of sharing stories, and so, once a month, will have a special focus on sharing stories with you of the organizations we all work with around the world. Our heart is to bring to you an insight into their daily life, their joys, needs and ways in which connections can be made. Buying any one of the products in the ETP range truly will help those around the world in need in a practical, and life giving way!

So it is with great joy that we bring you our first newsletter. We greatly welcome any news and feedback as we seek to share.

Many of you will be familiar with the beautiful papers and soaps of VH, and organization based in the Philippines that seeks to teach useful skills and give employment to those living in poverty in The Philippines. Mike, has partnered with people in the Philippines, to teach and equip them as they create beautiful soaps and stationery to sell around the world. All the profits and proceeds of the sale of each item go directly back into the local community (Mike and the team that work alongside the Filipinos are all volunteers). In a country where those starting companies will do whatever it takes to get ahead, VH is unique in the community, as they pay each person a fair wage that is salaried- not per item, or hourly. This brings great stability and security to the team and their families as they then know when they will be paid, and can plan ahead.

How are YOU helping VH??

C&S Products have recently designed a new range of soaps, and stationary for VH to produce. As a result, Mike found he needed to employ new people to assist with the production of the products.

One of the employees had a friend whose daughter was sick. She was taken to the hospital, whereupon her parents were told she would likely die, or if she lived, would be in a vegetative state for the rest of her life(this is a fairly common result of malnutrition). They were all told there was nothing to be done but pray. The parents could not pay for the hospital, so VH paid the medical fees. After about 3 weeks, she returned home, which was about the time the order from C&S arrived. Mike and the team saw the need for more employees, so invited the mother to join the team- thus enabling this family, including 7 children to have a regular means of income!

The family has joined in the local community, and the older children come to work to help out and walk home with their mother in the afternoon. As a result the lives of 9 people has been turned around, and they have a wonderful hope for the future- as a result of the love outworked in action.

And the little girl who was going to die? She is now a happy, healthy lively 4 year old nicknamed ‘Beautiful”, who often comes to visit the team of 18 at VH!!

So, thank you for your heart to help those around the world who are in need, you make a difference in each of their lives!

Keep an eye out for the wonderful new ranges of soap and stationary from VH, and we look forward to hearing from you! We encourage you to share the stories you hear with the people who purchase the ETP products, and love to hear your feedback of how we can better assist you!

Bill Johnson

I have had the privelege and joy of finally hearing Bill Johnson speaking in person this weekend. He is somene I have heard of for some years now by close friends around the world, and while I now have his books, and have been listening to his talks online for well over a year now, it was wonderful to see him, and his wife, in person!

So, it will take a while to process what I have seen and heard- not to mention seeing God heal soo many people of physical afflictions (some that had effected people for years!), it will take a while to assimilate it all into my thinking here in Australia. While it was known and familiar, it's all teaching and events that happen 'somewhere else', not here. And what will it mean for me, in my walk as a Christian.. is it for a weekend, or is it as Bill says- it is God given to ALL his people, and we are all equiped to go and do likewise. We were all put to 'work' praying for each other, asking God to speak into, and touch people's lives, and that's exactly what God did, through each of us...

What are some of the things I will take away from this weekend? I stress some..:)

I have recently been reminded of the amazing gifts God has given me, and have met people who I just want to pass it all onto, who have never received anything like these gifts before- things like knowing how much God loves each of us, for starters! We were reminded in one of the talks that we can only pass on what we ahve been given, so it was new encouragement, despite being discouraged, to keep passing on what I have been given as much as I can.

And we were all prayed for at the end, especially for supernatural courage. So I have it. I have no reason not to live it and walk it.... right?? So, will continue to choose supernatural courage each step of each day, and see what God does in it all!

A book of Joy

I have discovered I love anthologies, books that are compilations of short stories, excerpts, paintings, photos, poetry, scripture.

I was at my grandmother's place on the weekend, and borrowed some of her books, including an anthology called "The book of Joy". Yup, the title did indeed catch my attention, so I have been skimming it.

One poem that stood out is the following by Christina Rosetti, called "Waiting"

Somewhere or other there must surely be

The face not seen, the voice not heard,

The heart tht not yet- never yet- ah me!

Made answer to my word:

Somewhere or other, may be near or far;

Past land and sea, clean out of sight:

Beyond the wandering moon, beyond the star

That tracks her night by night:

Somewhere or other, may be far or near;

With just a wall, a hedge, between;

With just the last leaves of the dying year

Fall'n on a turf grown green.

Christina Rossetti

The Prince's Progress, 1866

If you loved me would you please smile..?

Years ago, a popular kids game to play, was 'if you love me, would you please smile', involving one person saying that, and trying to make the other person smile. I was reminded of that game today and thinking about the kind of love this game is talking about.. words came to mind such as maniplative, abusive of love, selfish....love that actually isn't love at all, but coercing the affection of another for your gain.

But love... what is love, and how does one recognise it? There are different kinds of love, depending on the situation, but going back to the Bible seemed like a great idea yet again... and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 came to mind.....

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I wish it was easier to live up to this, to do the right thing in every situation, and to be able to do the right thing by yourself and those around you. It would be great if it was easier to live with integrity, and to be able to think ten steps ahead of the game.

One day at a time, I guess, prayerfully:)