Trust and Change

Well, it looks a little like bloggerland has become a little scarce. No surprise as we find ourselves gearing up for a busy couple of months. I couldn't help reflecting on the year so far today. I'm going for a job interview this afternoon, and I'm tempted to be a little overwhelmed. Why you ask?

It's just that it's been a pretty crazy year and it's not over yet, and it seems that just maybe, there's more to come before the end of year. There was a time some years ago, where I used to embrace change, sadly I realise that's hardly the case today. When did this aversion arrive? If only I could remember.

The great thing about it all, is that I can't say I wasn't warned. Towards the beginning of the year I felt a new stirring in me to write about what I believed this year held for me(something I hadn't done before). It's pretty spot on. One of the things I wrote was that 'I have to change, the old way of doing things isn't going to work.' How true that's been. It's quite easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same old, same old, even though there's a place for some of that.

God's the kindest person I know. This year he's prepared me for a number of things that would take place. He did it because he loves me, knowing it would be difficult, but I think also, so that I would know how he expected me to respond. I'm not saying I knew the details, no way, if I did I would have been a big massive mess before anything took place. I really like that about Him(how he prepares us). Not once has He overlooked my emotions or discounted my life, even in the face of a huge universe, filled with millions of people with needs. As far as I can tell he thinks I'm pretty special and if you think that's strange, well let me tell you, he thinks you're pretty special too. Hahaha

So what's so great about change. It's an opportunity for us to fully trust in God. In His Goodness and Faithfulness, when we have no idea of what tomorrow brings. One of the changes and challenges for me this year was to give everything to God with no guarantee that I'd get anything back. I only had the words he'd given me a few weeks prior. It's tough, but having little idea of tomorrow is perfect breeding ground for a life of great faith. I used to pray for clarity often, I still do but not in the same way, because I've come to believe that if I always want clarity there's very little room for trust.

This year the only sure thing I had was God. He's given me my greatest desire and with this one gift it's still spilling over, cause there's a lot more that comes with it, and I'm catching glimpses of how extensive that gift is for the future. I never imagined that it would be like this, my dreams were far too small!

That's just some of the stuff that God and I did together this year(work in the trust area still continues!) So if you don't know where you're heading right now, or you're not too sure of the details, let me just say. God has an awesome plan and it's perfect. He has authority over every storm. When it's totally out of your control, be reminded that it's completely within His control. He's a Master at what He does, He is good, faithful and definitely trustworthy. Learn to trust and I believe your faith will soar. Maybe we'll start seeing the dead rise! Yes Lord!

Surely I have seen Your Goodness God, and surely I will see it in the days ahead!

Satisfy your hunger

I started reading a novel this morning, but as I looked out the window I got a little distracted. The whole day’s ahead of me I thought, what shall I do? A whole array of ideas raced through my mind. I looked at the chocolates on the coffee table(Bryan surprised me with them last night, a rare treat) and was tempted to eat them. I began to think about how thoroughly I enjoy food. Yummy..

Have you ever been hungry, and unable to satisfy that craving right away? Like when you’re cooking dinner and it all smells so wonderful and you really want to taste as you go, but you hold off until later. Then you sit down to eat and find your appetite gone, and you just know it doesn’t taste as good as it would have an hour ago.

Makes me think of God. I don’t find Him very convenient. He draws me at the strangest of times. The middle of the night, seems to be a favorite. When I’m locked in my wee office, driving to work, or the early hours of the morning. But I find if I don’t give in to that hunger for Him right away, the anointing for that moment passes and the impact isn’t the same. You just know it doesn’t taste as good as it could have. So for now I’ve decided I’m gonna sit at His feet awhile and see what He has to say.

And I’d like to encourage us all to become aware of His presence and listen. And if you feel that pull, let’s give in. You never know what He might tell you.

Satisfy your hunger for God

On a mish

I’ve been thinking a lot about the mission field and evangelising over the last few weeks. Here are my main areas for evangelising.

First I want to start with this: Me
It may seem strange to put this in here, but I don’t think it’s far wrong. We’ve probably all heard the phrase “you can’t give what you don’t have,” well I think it’s true, so why put off sowing into your own life. Read your Bible, talk to God, involve Him in your decisions, get to know the Holy Spirit, become more aware of Him, grow in your knowledge of Him. And that’s just covering some of the basics. What about eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, letting yourself rest! Our bodies are temples. Yep God’s been convicting me about all of these.

Number One: Home
I’m not a big fan of housework, but it’s nice to have a clean home. This is probably my least favorite of the lot, cause it encompasses such a huge area. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, dishes, gardens etc, the list just goes on, and what about family members. Parents, siblings, husband or wife, children and pets. Before Bryan gave his heart and life to God I used to marvel that God had entrusted into my care a person who didn’t yet know him, and He wanted me to be an example to him of unconditional love. ??? It was daunting, exciting and humbling all at the same time. Do you have any family members at home who are unsaved? God has entrusted them into your care. What are you going to do about it?

Number Two: Work
Yuck, yuck, I say it because I’m tired of being there. I say it because sometimes I go home saddened and grieved at all the wasted opportunities, and I must remind myself not to kick me around too much. Tomorrows a new day and there’ll be more opportunities. I used to look at my workmates and see them as the people to reach and they are. But what about all the customers coming into the store(Countdown Tikipunga). Last week I had the immense pleasure of paying for a customers groceries. His card had declined and I was just leaving, but hung around and when it declined again, I told the operator I’d pay for it. He was rather overwhelmed and extremely grateful. The poor man looked in much need of financial assistance. It instantly made me very grateful. It’s also amazing how many people are impacted by a cheerful greeting when you answer the phone.

Number Three: Friends and Family
I love my church family. They are so wonderful, encouraging and just amazing. I love serving them in God’s house. I love sharing with them about what God’s been doing. I love my friends and having coffee with them, sharing their burdens and praying with them.
I also enjoy hanging out with unsaved friends and family. You never know when an opportunity to share a testimony will arise. I enjoy listening to their stories and I’m finding when I do that they’re more willing to hear mine even the ones loaded with God. It also allows you to hear their heart and what’s going on in their lives, so you can pray about it.

Number Four: Everyone else
I really want to be a greater blessing. Hard to do when you're self-absorbed, so I‘ve been asking God to help me look outward and upward. It’s tough going when you’re a compassionate person and busy trying to stifle it(I've been convinced to do otherwise). God is changing me slowly and opening my eyes to people and their need to know you care. They’re all so precious. I’m becoming more conscious of their need for a savior. I’m aware of my shortcomings as an evangelist, but I don’t want it to hold me back. God you are bigger!

You don’t have to go far to find a mission field. When you wake in the morning .. open your eyes

Look, it's a spi

Halloo Spi

RRaaa!!

If….

If I were God right now I would be cracking up.
If I were a spi right now I would be tormented.
If I were the spiders in my vacuum right now, I would be contemplating revenge.
If I were me(dude, you are you), I would be wanting a rerun on the ridiculous antics we get up to when we are high on adrenalin(from handling very scary spi‘s), and overtired from lack of sleep(don‘t start, I keep diving into bed but sleep is eluding me, I‘ve decided the best thing to do is tire myself out. Hence the weird state I find myself in right now). Actually I would love a rerun on the ridiculous things we do. That would be so fun! This is one story I'm keeping to myself. But I think you can imagine, considering the previous post.

Yep, that little speck is what I like to call a SPI! Yes, that is my hand!!

This is Baba Spi(say hi), I am debating about donating him to the Drake home, where he will hopefully grow into a Gigantulous Spi(right after he's resurrected. Oh Neens... ;0)

Ps Please don’t tell Spiderman about the contents of my vacuum(new best friend).

Phobia or ..

Phobia - a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that leads to a compelling desire to avoid it, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not dangerous. A strong fear, dislike, or aversion. The word originates from Greek.

The wikiwiki, tells me phobias are the most common forms of anxiety disorders. Wikiwiki, come on, you know what I mean! Hey, that would make a good ditty(would you stop getting side-tracked already!). Yes I talk to myself all the time, and sometimes I answer myself, and no, I am not crazy.

I was talking to one of my workmates a couple of weeks ago(wow, darls really!!) and I have no idea how this came up, but she told me how her son has a fear of people. This got my attention. Lots of people fear man, but this is kinda different. He has what they call a Sociophobia, which is fear of society or people in general. From the age of nine he was pulled out of school and has avoided society ever since. He’s now twenty-three years old and living with one of his brothers. What’s he gonna do if his brother gets married? The only company he can bear is those who are immediate family members. On rare occasions after a few drinks he may head off to the pub with a family member. That is one sad story. I don’t know what to do about that except pray.

We often hear our Pastor talking about faith being the currency of heaven. Well, something I hadn’t really thought about is the complete opposite. If faith is the currency of heaven, what is the currency of hell(not that I want to operate in this at all, but it‘s interesting)? Could it be fear?

There are hundreds of phobias out there and millions of people suffering from the intimidation and lies of the enemy. I’ll admit here that I have an illogical fear of crawlies. Yuck!! I can just bear to look at them, but don’t you dare get them near me!! It possibly has a lot to do with my fondness for beauty, and I certainly don’t consider bugs to be beautiful. One day..

Good thing I have no phobia of tissues. Hmm, wonder what that would be called. What about giant rats dressed in clothes….my eyes!

Faith challenges those lovely, comfortable, no risk situations(I am so convicted right now!). Faith challenges me to get over the fear of crawlies. Faith stirs up hope. Faith is like fresh air after breathing in the stench of rotten fish(gross, I know). Why ever do I do it? Yep bad English, but who cares, I’m only pc when I’m not writing a pretend sermon to convince myself to get over it. Aha..

Renewal, renewal, renewal. God please bring renewal. Bring it to your church. Bring it to me! I started reading this very cool book last night(When heaven invades earth by Bill Johnson). It is literally loaded with faith, and if it’s possible to feel strength and faith seep into your spirit, that’s what it felt like. That and a kick in the guts. A kick, because I need to wake up and smell the morning coffee and stop giving fear anymore ground(no more bugs will be added to my list). Mmm coffee.

Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance I want, not fear. Faith that will break off the chains binding people up and encourage them to reach out to an awesome saviour.

And what about love. The kind that is without reservation. The kind we don’t yet fully grasp. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 2 John 4:18 Whoa. And what about this. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world. 2 John 4:17 Wow, boldness. I want more of that. My shyness need not be an excuse. Love has been perfected among us. As He is, so are we in this world. Aha, I totally agree, but Father please get that into our spirits so that we will not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Enabled to proclaim liberty to the captives, and opening of the prisons to those who are bound. Reuben, God wants you free from that prison of bondage!

There have been some awesome times when I am so overwhelmed with his supernatural love that it has enabled me to overcome insurmountable situations and come out the victor. The amazing thing about the perfect love of God is how absolute it’s work is.

Final Words: God’s love is absolute!

Thanks Hubbard

Here’s an article I read, which I thought was pretty cool. It’s written care of the Hubbard team(yep those guys who make cereals).

For a long time, humankind survived with little or no legislation. People were expected to use their common sense, to treat others as they wished to be treated themselves, and generally to take responsibility for their actions. And for the most part it all seemed to work quite nicely.

But as the years have rolled on, we have seen more and more legislation enacted to cover many aspects of our lives. Some is entirely necessary, reflecting changes that have occurred in our society over time, but it’s sometimes disturbing to note how much law seems to be diminishing the importance of personal values and growth through education.

Is it perhaps suggesting that individuals, families, and communities can now transfer the issues of responsibility and accountability to schools, to workplaces, and to government? And is this sending a signal that we don’t need to use our common sense?

Bryan and I were both happily stunned and very encouraged when we read this. People are genuinely questioning these points, which I agree with(at least to some degree). The sad fact is that many of us in New Zealand have been quite happy to lay the responsibility and blame at someone else’s feet. We desperately need good morals restored, and the responsibility of this needs to be returned to the home, with parents being accountable for children’s overall education and principles. But this isn’t a complete answer.

People change and what is acceptable in one generation may not be in another. What is common sense to one person is completely illogical to another so this approach is also likely to fail. We don’t really want to rely on common sense alone, our nation needs reformation through the Holy Spirit. That’s where the enabling to do right stems from. Praise God for the Holy Spirit! The standard we want for our nation(no, the world) is with Christ at the head.

So I leave us all(me especially) with this encouraging reminder ‘the fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.’

God we fervently want our nation to receive Your salvation!

What if..

What if you were a ball of goo and over a trillion million years you evolved into a walking human being? Worse, what if you were a human being and you woke up tomorrow as a ball of goo? Oh dear… Would you even realise you were a ball of goo? I know! It’s worth thinking about. Ok, so I don’t spend a lot of time considering such things but to me that’s how logical the theory of evolution is.

Can a person believe in science and creationism? Many speculate that such a position isn’t possible. I have to disagree.

A professor and director of education, by the name of Michael Reiss of the Royal Society has resigned over a statement made about creationism. He believes creationism should be discussed in schools. This resulted in an uproar amongst scientists concerned about appearing to endorse creationism and a belief that such comments were damaging to the Society’s reputation. !!!

Isn’t that just amazing? Being concerned about their reputation because they appeared to endorse creationism. And though a person is criticised heavily for mentioning such an idea, the theory of evolution is defended as the best explanation for life on Earth. It seems that belief in creationism as genuine science is discouraged. I’m just glad they called it the theory of evolution and not evolution.

My simple mind finds it difficult to understand this concept, cause I didn’t think science was about theory. I thought it was the study of the natural and physical world, but I’m not here to kick anyone around. I’m just astonished that a person has had to resign because of personal views on creationism.

My belief in God being the author of life stands, and I’m glad I won’t get fired for believing it; I just hope Mr Reiss has no difficulty finding employment. Maybe the creation science team would employ him. ??

We are not bits of goo, nor is the universe, we are masterpieces created for a divine purpose.

In the beginning God created..
Gen 1:1

Who stole my jarmies?

Since there's only two of us living here, I guess it's not hard to figure out. Bryan read one of my blogs a few days back and I think he's been planning retribution ever since!

So there's this great game I love to play and it works for any item of clothing, but I always find socks best(mental note: socks work best). You wait for husband to get out of bed and hide under the covers pretending to be asleep. You hear husband throw clothes on bed and wait as he changes. Husband then sits on bed and attempts to put socks on(Bryan hates putting socks on), you sigh while bed shakes and bounces(good thing you weren't really sleeping, cause now you'd be awake!). While husband is putting socks on, you throw off the bedspread and dive for the other sock, you giggle, then just as quickly take cover back inside the bed attempting to push the sock and yourself as far into the bed as possible. Yay!! It's a fun game.

Well, last night I was in the bedroom getting ready to go to bed, and one must always dance crazy-like before climbing into it(It relaxes you, you know). Bryan walks in, so I encourage him to join me which amazingly he does! Wow. Before long he gets into bed and I carry on(cause really, it's more fun with an audience anyway). Eventually I give it up and decide to change into my jarmies, but they're not on the bed anymore. ??? I turn around thinking maybe I put them on the dresser. No jarmies. ??? So I turn back around with a laugh, suddenly realising why Bryan had a cheeky grin on his face when he climbed in bed! He stole my tricks!! And my jarmies!!!

Just goes to show; You reap what you sow!!

Fashion gone wrong

This is Talitha, she has a story(don't we all). Her middle name is Cumi. Yes, her mother named her after the child Jesus raised from the dead in Mark 5:41. How fitting I believe the name is, and I pray prophetic. Her name means 'Little girl, I say to you, arise.' She has a special place in my heart. She is 9 years old and lives with my parents. She's a child who needs the assurance of your love.

This morning was supposed to be a blogless day. After visiting dear darling sisters website and checking out her photo album, it all changed. The cheerful, carefree attitude of today gave way to angry and grieved(but not for long). I encourage anyone reading this, it's not always wise to stifle your emotions(but sometimes they need to be ignored) we have them for a purpose. In this case my emotions moved me to tears and prayer.

It seems the kids of today have a penchant for fashion. Amen, I say. Ok, maybe not all of them but my niece is one example of many and one only has to walk through the city to become aware of the effects of fashion, culture and superstars(as they're called) to name a few. Why is it that young girls think they need to put their bodies on display?

I ask you this question. What are we doing to our kids?

We have five year olds in skirts just covering their rears. Bellys on display, and kids with seductive poses in magazines. Can you hear my utter disgust!!

So when I see photos of my niece in such clothing and seductive poses........I see red. (I decided I couldn't post the picture I'm referring to cause my conscience screams against the idea)

My sister had a problem. I forget her age, it was somewhere between the age of 9 and 11. She had a guy stalking her(why does anyone stalk a young child of this age?). It totally freaked us out. Perverted people like this don't need encouragement.

These are our kids. Let's take responsibility for who they become. Let's role model a modest display of fashion. Let's tell them that image is great, but despite the adverts on tv and such 'Image is not everything'. Let's give them someone to look up to. Let's show them that life is beyond the catwalk, singers and movie stars.

We want our kids to retain their innocence as long as possible, if that means being naive to certain things then so be it. Let them be naive to seduction, lust and every nonsense of this sort.

What one does when in need of laughter!!

After 4 months of coughing and such carry on, 1 week of waking during the night because I can't breathe and keeping husband awake with more coughing, I decided I best go see the doctor. But at about 2am this morning I came up with a rather brilliant plan(yes, occasionally I get them and sadly it is often during the night when a person is mean't to be sleeping!!) Why didn't I think of it sooner? Isn't laughter the best medicine? So it's decided. Today I allow myself the pleasure of laughter, and the extreme pleasure of making myself laugh. Tomorrow, it's back to being intensely serious......

I remember sitting by the fire. Yay for wood fires, they are the best! Bryan and I were watching a movie and I couldn't stop laughing. Don't you just love belly laughs! I was rolling and jiggling(as one does when they laugh) and roaring with laughter(is that possible?) and crying at the antics on the screen. I turned to share the laughter with Bryan and he had this weird smile on his face. It seemed he didn't really wanna watch the movie, it was preferable to watch me. Reminds me of Gary. Yea .... you know who I mean.

So what exactly does one do? Here's a few tips from me.

One hears husband turn up in vehicle and hides behind the computer desk. Husband knows wife is here somewhere(her car is parked right beside his) and searches for elusive wife. In all the usual places of course. He checks by the kitchen sink, the fridge, the washing line, no wife. Wife is having trouble containing her giggles. Finally husband checks his sock drawer. He finds socks but no wife. Husband gives up, and wife is now in tears from her laughter. Oh the joys of marriage!

One hears husband and hides behind the door, and leaps at him unexpectedly.

One visits the renewal website and is thoroughly entertained by unusual statements made by FeeNeensHolstRKPaisleySyJD and other strange individuals who visit this website.

One chases the cat around the house, seriously he loves it!

Wife is bored and wants to have fun. Husband is ignoring wife cause he's watching tv(the news again). One does crazy little jigs in front of the tv.

One dances as ridiculously as possible to the music on tv ads, till husband gives in and laughs.

One visits the site of one of her pastors, with popcorn and drinks for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

One wakes up, looks husband in the eyes and giggles cause life is good.

One leaps around the lounge and laughs cause she feels like it and nobody's home to see.

One listens to the message saved on her answering machine from her darling sister and laughs out loud, then saves it again for next time.

One wakes up, looks husband in the eyes, bounces on the bed and races out the door. I haven't done this one yet, but I will. Is anyone feeling sorry for Bryan about now?

One begins a conversation with workmates and proceeds to confuse them as thoroughly as possible.

One walks into the bedroom and sees husband lying in bed with his Bible. Wife walks slyly towards the bed. Husband becomes suspicious. Wife grabs husbands feet and begins to pat them. Husband begins to smile(not for the faint of heart, he loses control of his feet when they get tickled). Wife finds it more amusing to pretend to tickle than actually do.

I think I know now why Bryan wants children so desperately!?

My last piece of advice; be prepared to laugh at yourself

And finally a few quotes and proverbs:

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." E.E. Cummings
"Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." Luke 6:21
"Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of the heart." Mort Walker
"A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." Proverbs 17:22

What I'm learning about life in God's Kingdom??

The phrase in the Bible 'He who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted' confounds me. How is it possible in this lifetime to come to a complete understanding of this statement?? Especially considering that I'm forever changing. My perceptions and the angles at which I view this passage change with new bits of information. With new opinions I hear and my own life experiences.

It doesn't take much these days to find myself humbled, but I think it would be much better if I were humble. I'm certain my pride would be much happier which is why it's a good thing to be humbled at times. And don't you find it a true test when friends speak of your humility. Suddenly pride attempts to take over and you find yourself in a wrestling match. Again you're reminded of how easily one can revert to this state.

Strangely what is truly liberating is realising our imperfections, our weaknesses.

I look at my own life and see the ways in which I've failed. Recognising my humanity, which I'm not referring to as an excuse. Looking into my soul and seeing the insecurities, the lack. But somehwere in facing all of this I have reason to hope, because there is peace here. This is me, this is who I am.

A sudden revelation came to me recently. Though my demands(doesn't that just sound awful, but it's the truth as I see it) have been heard, it's been my cries that have been quickly answered. My cries; the voice which spoke brokenly, and incomprehensibly. The cries which couldn't be rightly expressed. It was those particular cries I doubted were heard but it's been those cries God has answered. And it's here he receives glory.

This is where we realise our insufficiency, our inadequacy . This is where we realise our absolute need of Jesus the redeemer. A place of realising our dependance and knowing that we were too weak to have done any good. This is where we become aware of our many strengths and became humbled by them because they proved useless to us, as we were too weary and feeble to use them.

Though these are some of our weaknesses, in me especially, but in us all, also be aware that we're changing and there's absolutely no way we're the cause of it. To God be the glory!!