So The Journey Begins

Theatre & The Creative Atmosphere

2012-02-14T14:08:00.001-08:00

Drama! The ministry I've struggled most with, the one with the biggest challenges but also the ministry that God use me more through my weaknesses... Would I take the leap of faith and strive to honour and glorify him despite my fears, insecurity and challenges?

It was a challenge, that first practice. Unfortunately as the weeks progressed it only continued to get harder and harder. I fell and fell into a massive pit of sin. I struggled to unravel myself. Performing, taking on different characters... I mean what was it all for? Trying to connect to other emotions, not of my own, presenting them so that they felt and looked real... I didn't think I could do it. I was so caught up in me that I failed to look at God and his plans!

Months and months of frustration. I had numerous conversations with another lady about the situation but nothing changed. How could I get out of the pit? What did I need to learn? Where did I need to turn for help? I realised only a few days ago just how much I was allowing 'me' to control the situation. Instead of looking to God and asking him how I could glorify and honour him I was letting Satan get a grip hold of my ability to be used by God in this area.

This happened days prior to a scheduled performance of 'The Bus Drama'. As a group we were invited to attend a Youth Camp. During our time on the camp they had a couple of scheduled evangelism days. For months and months we had spent time practicing. It was hard for everyone. This drama was probably the heaviest drama that we would be asked to learn or perform.

The drama starts of with an everyday bus scene. People come, people go. That is just normal. This isn't just an ordinary day though. Everything freezes on the bus and you start to get a glimpse into the lives of those on the bus. One by one the different scenes come into action while the others are 'frozen' on the bus. You start with an abusive couple. Who freeze on stage while a teenager walks into the scene, the mum chasing them. They are fighting and you know that they don't have a very good relationship. Prior to moving into the next scenes those on stage go through a stage of crying out to God or something else... "SET ME FREE" you can see the anguish, the desire, the hope, the despair... We then start to see the situation of a young couple who have fallen pregnant. The young man forces his girl to get an abortion. You then see them start to go though the emotions of what it means to face the reality of losing a child. We end with a man who is a self harmer. Something in his life has driven him to this. Just prior to the drama ending Jesus steps into the situation. He starts to offer salvation to each and every person. You see some people take on board this salvation, others don't. I want to share some of the pictures that were taken from our recent performance of the drama.

The ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

THE RELAXING AGENT - DRUGS!!!MOTHER and DAUGHTER FIGHTING

SEEKING...

THE MAN OF THE HOUR, OFFERING SALVATION

Straight after we performed this play we share an explanation. Prior to the camp we were asked to volunteer to do different things. This time around I offered to share the 'message' after the drama. It was so hard. One of the hardest times I've had standing in public and sharing about God. I started off by explaining the scenario that they had just seen. I shared about how I needed it to be explained to me when I had first seen it. I also shared about the very fact that when I see this drama all I can think about is closed doors. Often we don't see the pain of others, we don't dare look at another person and wonder what there life is like but I also shared of how when we aren't with Jesus that if we are in a situation like this we often think that he can't be inside of it. We think that Jesus doesn't know, that he doesn't care. I challenged them to think about who Jesus was and to take a chance, to pray. Straight after the performance and message I looked out across the parking lot to see a young man from camp praying with a woman who was crying endlessly.

In that moment my heart broke... In that moment God showed me what could happen when I allowed him to take over, the words, the performance. This was what it was all about. Theatre, the creative world, could and was being used by God.

TALKING IN PUBLIC IS NOT EASY BUT WORTH IT TO SHARE ABOUT JESUS!

THIS YOUNG MAN HAS A HUGE HEART FOR GOD AND MISSIONS, PLEASE PRAY...

The Night Before

2012-01-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

and I sat in quite reflection...

It was a children's ministry day. I still felt weird. The last few times I'd gone with the team into a home I was extremely tired and it was a battle. These battles were my first experience beyond sheer delight about going. I couldn't seem to find my way through it. The day previously the leader of the Children's ministry and I sat down to talk. During our conversation she talked about motivation, self-motivation and being able to give your all despite the current feeling. It was hard to hear but necessary. I had a choice to make and I needed to make the right one. I had to let it all go, to hand it all over to God. Today was the opportunity to start the process of change.

We sat down. Together in our living room. "What can we pray for, what is on your heart?" She said... "Can you all please think about something to pray for, share it and in a moment we will pray for it." My first thought was of the new children in el Arca. Over the Christmas period at least 7 children left the home to either be reunited with their families or to be taken care of by another. This left an opening for new children. Currently we have 5 new children, 4 boys and 1 girl, two families and the possibility of receiving 4 more. I wanted to pray for them. My thoughts were off their possible challenge of been taken out of their families, placed in a new environment and having to search for a new normal... and we began to pray Korean style...

Straight afterwards we split into out two different teams, Sion and el Arca. It's here that we focused once more on prayer, specific prayer points for the home of el Arca and the children of el Arca. Once again we were asked to chose a prayer point. I chose to pray a second time for the new children. This time the prayer was focused on the program we would share. It was the first 'religous' input for the year. We had tried previously however circumstance hadn't allowed for it. Had these children ever heard of God? How would they respond? I asked for God to keep our hearts and minds open so that we could be responsive to his direction.

Our theme for the day was "What does it mean to be a child of God?" with a sub-category of "You are wanted!" This day we shared the parable of the lost son. We also gave a short message that had things like, God wants to know you, he wants to care for you, he will forgive you, he is happy to be able to spend time with you and he loves you, in it. During the presentation of the programme we rarely have the time or the opportunity to interact with the children. However their is always a craft section to the programme. It is generally done last and it is our time to talk and interact with the children.

Today one girl, of about 15yrs, sat next to me. Since the boys and girls team of el Arca combined I've had the opportunity to get to know more of the girls. This particular girl has continually made an effort to know me and to speak with me. As we sat we conversed little, mainly about the activity in front of us and how I could help her with it. Every so often I'd speak in English with my leader and she would ask to be included. My leader gave me the opportunity to try and share with her in Spanish. This little girls face shone as she began to understand the Spanish I used and more than likely because of the effort to have her included. After our time together I noticed one of the new boys...

During the programme it can be difficult. It's not always easy to get the children's attention. Today was a rough day. It was noisy. Despite the noise one little boy remained focused and attentive. I was surprised to see it was one of the new boys. The same boy that I'd just noticed. Moments ago I'd asked one of the guys on our team to teach me the way to say "Can I look?" I walked up to him and said "Puedo ver? Es muy bacan. Me gusta mucho." A bright smile began to cover his face. I continued with "Te gusta la programa?" "Si" "Que es tu parte favorito?" "Dios" "Conose Dios antes?" "No" "Te gusta conose Dios mas?" "Si"

Can I have a look at your craft? It is very cool. I like it a lot. Did you like the programme?

Yes

What was your favourite part?

God

Did you know God before today?

Would you like to know God more?

I could not contain my excitement. My leader new almost as soon as I'd finished talking with this little boy. I feel blessed to have been a witness to his first encounter with the word of God, with God himself. I can't wait to see how his life grows and feel privileged to be able to pray for his salvation. It's moments like these that I can be grateful for the faithful workers of God within this ministry that have been here for years, praying for years and planting seeds.

Reflections

2012-01-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

In a room, sitting in bed, a bed is above me and a set of bunks to my left. That is my normal. Sharing a 4 bedroom house with a minimum of 10 others, normal, a bathroom with 5 other girls, normal.

Tonight is unusually different. It's quiet. Not a noise is heard bar the tap, tap as my fingers hit the key board. It's restful and a pleasure. My thoughts have drifted in and out about writing. Writing for myself, writing for you but more than that writing to share with God.

Currently I live in a different country, a different continent and have now passed the 5month mark of living outside of Australia. Logically I can give you an answer as to why I am here. Mentally I can tell you it's because of God. A missionary is the term they use. It's a tag I now have. It's a tag I desired, it's a life I desired. I wanted to live a life for God, serving him and nothing else but has anything changed? I still desire to serve God. I desire to work in his kingdom. My time here has confirmed how much joy and pleasure I have when serving God through the work with the children. It has been exciting to experience.

What have I learnt? What am I learning? God! Dios! Jesus Christ! Jesus Cristo! Holy Spirit! Espiritu Santo! Where is he in my life? I have been walking through tough weeks in my relationship with God. Discipline has been necessary. I have failed with discipline, at times. I have needed to chose and battle the flesh, the selfish ways and desires. I have not always succeeded. My head has been a mess, too many thoughts, too many problems, not letting go and not knowing where to go.

This afternoon I spent some time talking. Talking with a leader. "What's Spiritual attack and what's not? How do I separate it?" "Have you been praying about it?" "The honest truth is no. I have struggled to talk to God for many weeks. I have remained reading his word though." "Maybe it's time you started a dialogue instead of a monologue." "You know last night was the first time in a long time that I'd come home, lain in bed and been excited to share with God about the day. It was an amazing afternoon and I was so blessed. I miss it. It's like having something go wrong in your relationship with your best friend and it's hurting." and the tears started flowing...

Today is a day that I can say God is irreplaceable in my life. The relationship may look different on a day to day bases but the important point is that I desire to have that relationship. It's an important factor in my life. It far outweighs being able to work in his kingdom. If I don't have him to talk to, to share with and to hear from then life is colourless.

The Book of Ruth

2011-08-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

'The book of Ruth isn't romantic' she said.

'Do you think?' was my response.

'Yeah I do.'

I have never been a fan of the book Ruth. In all honesty I prefer Esther. When my home group finished the study of Philippians we decided to move into the old testament. I believe it was myself and another girl who desired to enter into it. We are both massive fans. Our vote won. It took us a little bit to settle on a study. I wanted to do Esther, they didn't. In all honesty I begrudgingly accepted having to do the book of Ruth. I had no choice as I was outnumbered greatly...

Last night we travelled through chapter 3. In the study guide we were asked to compare and discuss the similarities/differences between the 'love story' of Ruth and the latest film/book we had read. We ended up discussing the Note Book. It wasn't the original film of choice. We travelled in that direction after someone mentioned how they thought the book of Ruth was not romantic at all. The Note Book was more romantic and lovely to watch. My heart sank upon hearing this. As a movie that Note Book is totally bankrupt and morally corrupt. I could not watch the whole thing and have not bothered to try watching it again. I disagreed with this girls comment and tried to show the romantic side of Boaz... via Chap 3

'You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.'

'Don't be afraid, I will do all for you that you have asked.'

'All my fellow townsmen will know you are a woman of noble character.'

Boaz is declaring how it has touched his heart that she would 'consider him' over the younger men, his desire to protect her and look after her but not only that he desired to esteem her in the community. That is a romance worth knowing. It is a completely different romance to that of movies like the 'Note Book' Oh how I feel so very different when it's so pointedly thrown in my face that others don't think the above is romantic in the least.

God has a perfect plan, if only we would follow his leading and direction, to seek out his very desires and wishes...

Repentance

2011-08-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

The Hebrew word for repentance: TESHUVA, meaning to return. It signifies going back to ones origin.

About 2 weeks ago, for a home group outing, we ended up at another church. We went to see a guest speaker on this principle 'Shane is mentored by a pastor with rabbinical training, and teaches the context of the Scriptures from a Hebraic perspective.' One of the girls was really keen on going and having a listen. I think something about digging into the Hebrew grabbed her attention. Least to say is that it was definitely an experience. The church is a charismatic church. Parts of a charismatic service I struggle with... I'm not entirely sure I even enjoyed the speaker. Struggled to be 100% happy with his biblical teaching... Despite not entirely knowing what to think about the service on a whole I left the night with one absolute shocker, something that hit me like a bombshell & didn't I just enjoy that. :)

It was the Hebrew idea of repentance. I guess in ways repentance is something I didn't really understand nor see how I could connect the dots to it all. How on earth could someone honestly remember and repent of all their wrongdoings without sorta going 'Well Lord I know I have sinned today, please forgive those areas in which I have fallen short.' It covers it right? The question that I was always left with; is it genuine? In all honesty is that coming before God and seeking out his face and truly asking for his grace. Does this idea feed into the whole 'vending machine' attitude we can have towards God? So what was the Ah hah moment for me?

The Hebrew word Teshuva means to return. It signifies going back to ones point of origin. In Genesis 3:3 it mentions how we would die if we touched the forbidden fruit. Our origin was life in God. Our relationship with God produces life. In John 6 Jesus is talking about how God has sent the bread of heaven, life once more is on offer to his people. It's through the death of Christ that we can come before God free from condemnation. Each day, each breathing moment I need turn my focus back towards God. This is why it's so important to spend time in his word and to talk with our Lord. It transforms our worldly thoughts. It grants us life in amongst death... It helps to shape our thoughts during the day. Each choice that I make to stray from my relationship with God I am only bringing death back upon myself.

Now the fellow, Shane, mentioned their are two reasons one will return to God. The first is out of fear. Unfortunately this 'repentance' is short lived. As the fear dissipates so does our desire to be in a relationship with God. The second reason is out of our love for God. This is a lasting repentance and a much better place to be in.

Oh the sermon wasn't really upon the above. He only really mentioned it briefly but the above thoughts definitely stirred in my heart. It's pretty cool in a way...

Absence

2011-08-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine hap hazardly came upon this blog and mentioned how long it had been since my last post. On reflection I guess 10 months is quite a bit of time... The reasons and purpose for starting the blog had been achieved; I was reading God's word more, reflecting on the journey he was taking me on & challenging myself to be in God's presence more frequently. I stopped writing firstly because I found I couldn't find the time to do so. I was inundated with other things but secondly I reasoned that I didn't need to anymore seeing as I had reached the goal. It's a bit sad in a way because by no means has God stopped the journey. No, he has continued to grow and stretch me. At times it's been the most challenging thing I could come across. Their have been days that have stretched onto weeks and then months where I have felt nothing but silence from God. I have struggled to surrender and to repent even knowing by doing so my heart would feel freedom, comfort, peace and love. The battle with sin is extreme...Then their have been the days, weeks and months where I've felt if he gives me anything more I will explode. Their is an overload of information which broadens my perspective and knowledge of who God is. So as I sit here today I am contemplating being able to share, present, talk, write as I once did on here. I will leave with this one thought. A relationship with God is the most challenging thing I have come across but IT IS THE MOST REWARDING also!

Be Strong, Be Courageous

2010-11-17T23:21:00.000-08:00

Joshua 1:7-9 'Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth, meditate on it all day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'

There is such a blessing in God's word. Over the past week or so I've had a few different things cross my mind and stick with me throughout the day. One has been 'Honour the Lord your God' Another is 'Be Strong, Be Courageous'

As God calls me into a closer and more intimate relationship with him I begin with timidness. I love the instructions in the above passage, the promise that is held within it and of course later on seeing the results of Joshua's and Israel's faithful obedience. So as I step out into a new adventure I know that God is beside me, before me and I have within my reach tools to remain close to him. Praise God!!!

The Parable of the Talents

2010-11-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

Mt 25:15 'To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. The he went on his journey'

The brain started kicking over... What if Christ was talking about the gift of the Holy Spirit throughout this passage. Please don't misunderstand me. Upon accepting Christ we have passage via Christ's death to the Holy Spirit yet can we deny it's full strength, the full strength of Christ? vs 21 'His master replied, 'Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your masters happiness.' vs 28-29 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone that has will be give more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.' As a child of God who has received the gift of the Holy Spirit what then is my responsibility? Am I to sit in a sense of idleness waiting for the very day the Lord returns? Or should I look at what I have received via Christ's death, give thanks to God and then invest what I have received?

Honouring God

2010-11-17T21:43:00.000-08:00

I was called by name, a child of God. A journey was set forth of personal discovery in my Lord Jesus Christ. So he asks of me 'Do you honour me?' Of course I want to cry yes, to yell it out but my Lord knows my heart and the dishonesty there within. 'What my child do you still place as an idol in your heart, what is still in my dwelling place?' So I searched the inner depths to find the trash there in. I cried out to my Lord 'Please forgive me. Help me to remove this trash. Please find your way, dwell fully with in me is my plea.' O how could of I been so careless with such a treasure on offer? My saviour please come and rescue me!!!

Self-Doubt

2010-11-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

'There is no better teacher than God the Father, our Lord and Saviour when we are ready and willing to accept it!'

I'm not the best listener. I hear but often do not hear correctly! I could sit here and try and explain the numerous reasons as to the whys but won't. What I can say is that eventually God does get through to me and it's in his timing, his perfect timing. As the year starts rolling to a close I can reflect and acknowledge that there have been lessons learnt and still lessons to be discovered. Please allow me to share an exciting lesson that I've discovered yet not mastered.

Currently I'm reading 'The Pursuit of God' by A.W.Tozer! I decided to take on the attitude to read a chapter a day rather than straight through it all at once. It has been difficult but worthwhile. Each chapter contains within it a lesson to be learnt. As I rise I read a chapter and as I lay down at night I re-read. To fully comprehend what Tozer is saying I've needed to do so. Parts have been easy to understand others have been difficult. I've not finished the book but through it am understanding myself in God a lot better...

Tozer starts with the mindset that Christ first calls us and that our responsibility is to then pursue him. He then adds to it how God is replaced in our hearts, 'God's gifts take the place of God' The story of Abram and Issac is used for impact. I understood immediately what Tozer was suggesting via these two chapters. I struggled with the next!

Tozer moves into the story of Moses and the tabernacle,God dwelt amongst the people of Israel. Even though God dwelt amongst his people there was still a barrier, veil between them. Christ's death not only took away condemnation but it also allowed Christ to dwell in us!!! (did you get that cause I didn't at first; Christ died to take away condemnation, to restore our relationship with our father but he also meant for us to have his fullness dwell in us here, right here on earth.)

Tozer then goes on to explain that even though Christ suffered the cross we still have the veil that hides his fullness from us. Self, in Tozer's words, is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us.

To translate what I'm reading into a way that my brain can understand I re-structure... So in Libby's words...

Christ never intended the outward pleasures of life to replace his innermost place in our lives. Just as we can not stop at stage one, knowing Christ has chosen us, we can not stop at stage two...

'Self is put before God. One needs to hand over there life to him. To let go of all self-attitude, God provides everything.'

Personally I can name, self-reliance, self doubt - which effects the strength of my faith, self-criticism - unable to forgive myself, self-righteousness - inability to receive Christ's gift of the cross... no need to go on for ya all... i think you get the picture...

Rom 11:12 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.'

Boldness

2010-11-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

'Lord please build my meekness into a Godly boldness!'

I sense conclusions on the horizon for me in areas whilst others begin. As I returned to the farm this time I came with the attitude of recommitting to God. Taking on the urgency that is needed to be close to his presence always. So if I could draw your attention to something that I came to understand, starting with a life experience to enhance an understanding of scripture!

These past few months on the farm have offered many pleasurable opportunities. One such activity that I've recently become acquainted with is Hap Kai Do. Hap Kai Do is a Korean self-defence marital art. As you would expect, when you're learning something new, it takes time to understand concepts and to build the muscle required, figuratively speaking. We have always been taught to tolerate as much pain as we can and to inflict as much as another can tolerate. (Of course this is all in a safe environment. There is a point to it so please don't flip out on that.) I've continually been reprimanded for my lack of boldness to use the drills effectively. The response my instructor has continually gotten would be; I lack an ability to gauge my strength, I'm uncertain of the effects and thus am afraid of the outcome.

I was reading through Luke11, particularly the ask, seek, knock part. Now I've always understood that if we are to ask, seek and knock God will be happy to bestow his Holy Spirit on us. The revelation for me comes somewhat earlier, in verses 7,8 and 9. Here Christ is talking about a friend approaching another friend for gifts. Christ states clearly that it is not because of the friendship but because of the boldness (persistence, depending on translation) that the friend receives as much as is needed. Once we connect with Christ a friendship starts developing thus our persistence or boldness to ask, seek and knock enables continual connection with Christ.

How much do you want of me, my child, how bold will you be about asking? Just as I've been meek with the Hap Kai Do so have I with asking to be full to the brim with God! The same principles apply as to why...

'I lack an ability to gauge the strength in Christ, I'm uncertain of the effects and thus am afraid of the outcome.'

Trivia

2010-10-18T04:09:00.000-07:00

So mummy tagged me here and it's actually one that I understand enough to play along!

1) What is the one moment in your life you would love to live over again & why?

If I could live over anything it would be my words, my harsh and un-helpful words. Not a situation but my tongue because it's the most destructive thing in my life.

2) Which historical figure would you like to meet & what is the one thing you'd really like to ask them?

You would ask this wouldn't you mother! History is really not my thing. Why go back into the past and reach for it? Can you not also find the answers today? Hehehehe but if I had to answer this I would say Peter, the biblical Peter. I'd want to chat to him about his relationship with Christ.

3) What is your Heart's Desire?

That's an easy one; to have an unbroken relationship with Christ, to be continually in his presence, no longer a sinner!

4) What is your most irrational fear ~ & are you game to share it here?

I fear losing a limb. I would be devastated to be limbless!

5) Cat person or Dog lover?

Do I have to choose? Can I say Alpaca? Any animal is a rich part of the family dynamics.

6) If you could be a tree what would you be & why?

I should be concerned now mum... Um a gum tree... They are so pretty out here, white trunks with intensely green leaves. I believe they might be called the river gums...

7) When you meet Jesus what is the one thing you really, really want to say to Him?

I don't want to speak, not at first, I just want to be... I've never thought past that :)

Hmmm not sure how to tag, but here goes!!!! I can't reach 7 but I shall get over that... Chose to play along anyone...

Mrs C
Mrs HoJo
Persuaded

Questions

1) Why'd you become a Christian?
2) What's the most amazing experience you've encountered?
3) Ocean or waterfall?
4) What degree do you have and why/why not?
5) Did you always envision having children?
6) What have you felt called to but always ignored?
7) Why or why not pro/anti facebook?

As Requested ~ Nerry Update

2010-10-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

It appears as though I have left my camera cord at home. This means I can't post any of Nerry's drawings nor an updated picture of my little man. What I can do is share a little more of what Nerry has shared with me regarding his life.

July 2010

Nerry is very happy to send you a very cordial greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. He hopes that you are doing well along with your family. He mentions that he is well, he does not live with his father or mother but he is very happy. He asks that you pray for him and for his grandmother. He wants to know how are you? How is the weather? So long ~ Written by tutor!

12/03/2010

How are you? Nerry Rolando greets you again with his letter praying that you are doing well. He wants to thank you for the Christmas gifts you sent him. He received a pair of shoes and socks. He and his grandmother pray for you. He doesn't forget his parents. He says his father died in evil. He died in the side of the road of his village because of the alcohol. He doesn't go to church because his grandmother doesn't take him. How long have you been a christian? He says goodbye to you with a hug. ~ Nerry

Dec 09

Nerry greets you with much love. He wishes you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Yr. He is happy to send one more letter to you. He would like to know where will you spend Christmas? He likes soccer. He participated in the Vacation Bible School and learned of the Word of God. He learned many songs with his classmates in the student centre. He asks that you please continue praying for him. God bless you, with love Nerry!

Just a couple of letters I've received. Just a little something for MRS C particularly. Enjoy the read everyone and please continue to pray for this special little man!

Prayer

2010-09-18T02:50:00.000-07:00

Your just a prayer away.

My strength is in my faith.

I'm never alone, I'm never afraid because you are just a prayer away.

When I close my eyes, Lord I call your name, and the dark subsides. Nothing can take the place of the peace that I find.

(Jaci Velasquez)

Prayer can be confusing and frustrating but it is also vitally important for an intimate relationship with God. Web Def for Prayer; the act of communicating with a deity. Clear communication in any relationship I believe is only healthy and helpful. So what stops our communication with God? Is it our unanswered requests or the straight froward NO'S we receive? Do we hold grudges because we think we know what's best?

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

(Casting Crowns)

Philippians 4:6-7 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus' This part of scripture has become one of the most thought upon and important regarding my prayer life. I'm reminded that I should be talking to God about everything that's upon my heart. God honours our prayers with a peace that protects our hearts and minds. Does that spell out love to you? It has enabled me to go to God in prayer with the thought of finding love regardless of the outcome.

James 1:5 'If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.' I have struggled painfully for many months to get a grip on how and what to pray for. Should I pray directly about a situation expecting, by faith, my requests to be granted? Or should I simply go if it's God's will? I believe both these choices can create an unhealthy balance and often leave behind hurt, angry and bitter people. I, however, have concluded that God wants to hear from me continually (it's important for a growing reltionship) and that HE WILL GRANT ME WISDOM to walk through anything.

James 4:5 'When you ask, you do not recieve because you ask with wrong motives, that you spend what you get on your own pleasures' This third part of scripture nails it for me. I do believe that God can and does answer us when we ask directly for something. What is evident to me, however, when we pray like this is that we should really seek our hearts motives. We should be concerned about the bigger picture, the Godly picture.

Romans 12:2 'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the re-newing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.'

I Pray

2010-09-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

EPH 3:16-19 'I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.

I am on a journey, here on earth, grasping and searching for my path. I often find the spiritual and world conflicting. It presses against my sides leaving me gasping for air. I believe with unwavering certainty that my path is to bring others into a intimate relationship with Christ. I feel the call to MISSIONS, it's strong. So where I don't understand my walk I must have faith in my Lord.

It's a burden on my heart, to draw close to Christ, near inescapable.

MY DESIRE!

(Comes from Psalm 51, verses 6, 10-13)

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

My Faith In God

Comes from Psalm 145:18, Psalm 32:8 1 Jhn 5:14-15

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

This is the confidence that we have in God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked for.

I must have faith that as I call upon my Lord he will draw near, I must believe that he is steering the ship even when I feel blinded.

Bargining with God

2010-09-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

"I love my camera and take it with me everywhere, even here."

Dangerous? No! Would it fall in the water? Of course not!

During the weekend my Apprentice and I discovered a lovely little creek...

Of course the camera eventually went for a swim. I watched as it sank to the very bottom. My reactions almost non-existent to try and rescue it. The only thought I could come to; Mum has a waterproof camera, wow she wouldn't have just broken her camera by dropping it in water. Slowly but surely my hand reached into the water to rescue the camera. My heart resolved to the fact I'd just lost a good companion. Yet my brain focused in on problem solving... 4hrs later the camera is still not functioning.

So I went to bed that night, talking... 'You understand God that I don't have the resources to be able to buy another camera currently, you also understand how much I am in love with the camera and enjoy taking pictures. God I know your capable of anything, even fixing my camera. The question I ask is it hindering our relationship. If it's not can I wake up in the morning with a camera that's working, pretty please? I'd say I'd promise to write more on my blog but we both know that's a promise I can't keep. I'd also say that I'll try to read the bible more often or to talk to you more often but alas it's also something that I won't keep. O I have an idea God, what about if I promise to blog about your faithfulness???'

I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. HE HAS FIXED MY CAMERA!

The Apprentice has an Apprentice

2010-09-11T04:34:00.000-07:00

When you come to a farm don't expect a holiday, rather expect to be put to work!

A friend of mine has had the opportunity to visit the farm and spend the weekend with me. I think she, by the end of her visit, will be privileged by being a witness or involved in most *Alpaca'ish* farm chores. It has been great to share in person this Alpaca Experience. Welcome to Triple Peaks!

The chores I got out of, hmmm... My Apprentice claimed the titles to feeding the Alpaca's. This meant mixing the supplement for the mums + a bit of hay for the rest. Of course she couldn't pass up the opportunity to *cuddle* one. Getting cuddles doesn't come easily though. You do have to catch them. The weanling's however were due to be halter trained once more. My Apprentice took it on board like a hero, doesn't she look like a natural.

However I think this was her fav part of the day!!!

What did I do? I cuddled my favourite alpaca on the farm, Alpache...

Sheering Day!

2010-08-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

I have been looking forward to sheering day since I arrived on the Alpaca Farm. My companion laughed at me and mentioned "I would definitely re-consider my enthusiasm after the day" I can happily sit here and say that she was wrong... It was a pleasure to see, after hearing so often, the sheering happen and to be a part of the day. The Alpaca's seem pleased to rid themselves of 12 months fleece, I saw firsthand the differences in fleece types and classes and sat in awe of God's creation many times as fleece upon fleece was shorn.

So the funniest thing to happen on the day; about four Alpaca's in a row passed wind (fluffed, farted, whatever you want to name it) in a row as they were put on the sheering table, eeeww... You should have seen everyone fly away from the table instantly. The poor shearer and helper couldn't though :)

The worst part; I felt grotty (dirty) after the first Paca was shorn... I can handle playing in the garden, being covered in dirt but ugh give me natural fibres and I'll run. It was itchy, on the nose, the face, the legs. My hands were handling it all morning... O don't let me forget the last 10 Alpaca's spent their time spitting whilst on the table. That is one of the most revolting smells I have ever come across. YUCK! So the first thing I did after finishing was to have a shower, ahhh SOOOoo much better!

Picture please do I hear you ask??? Well if not I thought I'd add some anyway :)

Pre Sheering, aren't they so cute and adorable. Ugh they look so calm and relaxed mwhahaha that's before they knew what was coming!

The sheering table. An Alpaca is tied by the feet on either end... It looks horrible but the animals are NOT hurt by it in any way.

SAY CHEESE!

Intimacy... In-to-me-see!

2010-08-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

'I hated myself, people and the world! I have been completely dishonest and closed about who I am. Imagine, just imagine, God working in a stubborn heart to change it.'

As my relationship develops with God I understand how important it is to be honest with him and to myself, I discover how much he desires an intimate relationship with me! So a web-def for intimacy;Very personal; private: an intimate letter. However the best way I've ever had it described is; Intimacy; In-To-Me-See!

If you have known me or have read here for any length of time you'll have discovered my passion for missions! As I begin to know God on a deeper level I start to understand his passion, desire to be intimate with all of man-kind. I do not just want to see others acknowledge Christ with their lips but rather I want to see them discover an intimate relationship with him. I'd love to disciple and encourage others to develop intimacy with Christ.

I have discovered and continue to discover areas in my life that I have not surrendered to God. This ultimately hampers my intimacy with God. I have a burden upon my heart to be intimate with people. I have held onto justification upon justification as to why I have a right to not share but I find nothing is excusable when I look at the cross and Christ's act of love. I find via honesty and openness that others relax and are more comfortable in doing the same. It leaves the door wide open to develop intimacy and to minister through Christ. Ultimately holding onto the hope that they draw closer to Christ himself.

I have to admit quite honestly that for a very long time I saw very little hope in people. I literally couldn't love them! It was a struggle to see that God had created a loving human kind. These last few months have been a journey about discovering God's love via people, tenderness and care, and the developing of my love toward others.

I came across this part of scripture yesterday; 1 Peter 2:22 'Now that you have purified yourself by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another, deeply from the heart.' It sums up what I think God is trying to teach me, the journey he has me on. Trust me when I say that it hasn't been pleasant nor easy!

The Journey...

2010-08-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

I love walks there are so many photo opportunities. I wrote this out in an e-mail recently, minus the self-pity. It's interesting how God uses scripture to comfort us!

I don’t understand the journey God has me on. While my peers go to Uni to complete degrees, marry, have children, are grounded in church life or are setting up their careers I’m on an Alpaca Farm, achieving what? I feel so empty, hopeless and lost with tears stinging my eyes. I have no idea how to achieve what I want, what steps to implement and I constantly feel that I am blinded to the bigger picture, walking by faith but is that enough?

I don’t feel as though I have grown in my walk with God or that I’ve let him be a bigger part of my life. I don’t see him shaping and moulding me closer to who he is. I struggle so much in my walk with God. I want this continual pressure to be and do better to ease off. It has me snared causing many tears to be shed. Why do I feel this burden, the tightening of it around my heart and the inability to let go of it? Why why is it that once again I struggle to open my heart to my Lord, why am I struggling to talk to him again? I feel like a child who has seen candy but can’t have it. It’s like my connection with God breaks and is reconnected. Why can’t it be constant.... I can’t release the pain that it is causing me!

I feel so far and distant from people. The miles that separate us are nothing compared to the distance of our hearts. This journey is ridiculous, I feel so completely and utterly broken and empty. (well maybe not minus the self-pity)

1 Peter 5:7 'Cast all anxiety on him because he cares for you'

Psalm 94:18 'When I said 'My foot is slipping', your love, O Lord, supported me.

Psalm 34:18 'The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those crushed in spirit

Mt Maroon!

2010-08-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

I've been climbing mountains again! I love the challenge, the conquering and of course the spectacular views. I finally had my chance to climb a mountain that I am often staring at daily! My little hearts skips a beat every time I see Mt Maroon and it's only intensified now that I've been to the very top and back. Some more pictures of my surroundings, a different perspective!

Part of the climb.... Also part of the climb... Looking South @ Top...

Looking West @ Top... 1/3 of the way up!

The Veggie Patch!

2010-08-24T01:56:00.000-07:00

My companion and I have decided to make a veggie patch. As a child we always had veggies growing in the garden. I don't consider a home home until it has it's veggie patch. When I saw a vacant part of yard that suited perfectly for veggies we began work. Currently we have Lettuce, Silver beet, Potato and Tomato plants. We are growing Zucchini, more lettuce and dwarf beans... We have yet to put in the sweet potato and also radish... A few pics of our progress so far!

Just for you Mummy!

It started off like this...

After hand ploughing!

Paca Poo, best fertilization

Veggies go in :)

Compost Heap

My Tools

We now have three veggie patches that look like this....

I can't forget the spuds...

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO REAPING A HARVEST!

The Perfect Child!

2010-08-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time as a child reminding my mother that I was her perfect child! I was not aware, at the time, how much I would torture myself in later years and become my own worst enemy. To others I may come across as being fairly sure footed so I feel it is about time to be open with a continual battle, a daily battle of mine!

Mum often jokes that I am a perfectionist! I would always deny the accusation, 'Not me Mum. I don't have to have my cloths ironed, the house spotless, shoes shined, hair perfect, correct spelling or grammar.' This is all outward perfection, not my struggle. Mum is right though, I am a perfectionist!

I can handle criticism about almost anything bar an attack on my persona. I struggle in my walk with God based on my imperfection. My heart is not pure before God, I have fallen short on a daily bases and I fight with God constantly. My relationship with God weakens as I sit and dwell on the fact I can't be perfect for him. He has rescued me from self-pity more times than I'm happy admitting.

When critercised by others I instantly know that they have seen imperfection, my worst fear! I expect rejection, not love. I fear rejection so I hide myself! If I wasn't accepted by others they hadn't actually rejected my core self. It has stopped me from being an open and honest person in my relationships.

I critersise myself and expect better of myself more than anyone has ever burdened me with. I have a continual drive to grow as a person, to have a deeper relationship with God. It is inescapable, conflicting and burdensome...

HEART SOUL MIND

2010-08-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Holy Spirit is real! We can spend our lives running from the Holy Spirit or we can embrace the Spirit with all our HEART, SOUL and MIND

Can we out run the Spirit? Can we lie to the Spirit? Are we too proud to think that it doesn't grieve our Lord when we do not listen to his instruction? We can lie to ourselves but it will only bring destruction! It is time, never too soon, to acknowledge our need for Christ, for our Saviour!

It was sin that destroyed our perfect harmony with God, that is why we are in need of God's saving grace. It is not through our own strength that we can enter a relationship with God, not via keeping his decrees, not by fasting and not by good deeds! God's grace is why it is possible...

We can put on a performance, we can lie to ourselves and those around us BUT can we discover the art of being humble? Whilst we are arrogant there is no room for growth!

Imagine, just imagine for a moment the gift we have received, OUR RELATIONSHIP HAS BEEN RESTORED WITH GOD!

My current home!

2010-08-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

From the middle of June my location changed, semi-permanently, from the comfort of my parents house. I've committed to staying on an Alpaca farm until the end of Nov!

I wanted to share a few pics of my current home!!!

Doesn't it just look like you've stepped back in time, it sure feels that way :)

A reminder of how fun halter training Alpaca's is!!!

The beauty of God's creation

This little boy was only an hour old, the picture says a thousand words in my humble opinion.

My little home, off set from the main house, a replica of what is was like back in the days... I do have electricity now. I originally didn't. O modern technology, I love it, extension cords!!!

I hope I look at home...

The cost and reward!

2010-08-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit"

Stephen was stoned to death! (Acts 7:54-60) I cried over this event! Of course as the tears welled up I promptly started to deny them being there, but alas I have to own the fact it hit a nerve. Being stoned to death just doesn't sit well with me, I can't handle thinking upon it for very long.

I cried for Stephen and his pain! I was distraught and and felt empty over it all... Then I remembered the cross, I remembered the words Christ spoke; "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.", "My God my God why have you forsaken me?", "Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit'

I listened to Stephen and his words, "I see heaven open and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.", "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.", "Lord do not hold this sin against them"

In my emptiness I received joy, comfort and peace. Christ was crucified for restoration between man and God. Stephen was a man "full of God's grace and power", "full of the Holy Spirit" and upon facing death he knew his saviour.

Stephen was able to face physical death without fear! Praise be to God, may it also be with me!

Babies

2010-08-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

My Cry has constantly been; WILL I EVER GROW UP?

“I become complacent, proud and all of a sudden Christ is growing me again... I look back on what I thought was once mature and go wow it wasn’t. It impacts then how I see the future and the huge depth to Christ and knowing him.”

I have been battling almost daily these last few months my inner self. A battle that has been entirely draining and self consuming! Some days I feel as though Christ and I are making progress, other days it feels as though no progress has been made. It's frustrating and completely maddening.

So I was talking with a friend that instigated the above quote. For the first time in months I was able to verbalize some of what I've been feeling. In amongst this conversation I was also building a new friendship which ultimately drew me to God's word once more! These are the parts of scripture that have been a comfort to me and have helped strenghten my resolve!

Rom 7:15 "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

Phil 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1 Cor 8:1-3 "Now about food sacrificed to idols: we know that we all posses knowledge. Knowledge puffs up but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God."

10:12 "So if you think you are standing firm, be careful and do not fall."

24 "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others"

2 Cor 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

21-22 "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

4:8-9 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed."

17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all"

God has had to remind me over and over again that I am nothing without him. All the dreams that grow in my heart daily will achieve nothing if I do not have him. I've fallen and fallen not wanting to get back up on my feet. I have been discouraged and low, but he has lifted me up out of my despair. He is faithful!

On The Surface!

2010-05-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

So what have I been up to since my return from Melbourne and the PFT week. Well their is a selection of photos above of my various adventures that have kept myself extremely busy. I celebrated Easter this year at an event called Easter Fest. It is a massive Gospel Music Festival. I've wanted to go for so long and I got the chance to do so this year. I was able to convince a friend of mine that we definitely were not too old for face paint and thus spent a day walking around with our faces painted. The weekend completely astonished me. A few thousand people were camping in a tiny area (the event was being held right next to the camp ground) and nothing started to close until early hours of the morning. So music was pumping until about 2am. I came home after a sleepless weekend and then celebrated with my family and another friend. Something different for the family in a Hannukah which I found extremely enlightening!

I spent time trying to find my next few steps. Every time I tried to put a "plan" in place it fell apart on me. Frustrating, yep extremely so, as it still is. The one thing I concluded is that I needed to take a step back from work or at least the working environment I was in. It wasn't a stable or healthy place for my mind. That left me with questions galore. I considered doing a DTS with YWAM (youth with a mission) yet as I started trying to pull that together it fell apart on me. It would have been great and gotten me through 6months so very easily yet it could have pulled me away from the local church I'm still trying to be a part of.

Not doing the DTS lead me to a volunteer role on Champs Camp. I stepped into a volunteer role not knowing anything about the camp or what they were trying to achieve. I went on trust I had of someone I knew and respected. I will say that it was one of the most challenging times of my life on a personal level. I had no electricity, no phone reception and I was basically in the bush for 10days with bush loo's and a bush shower. Give me a challenge and I'll rise to it. What I didn't expect was to be asked if I'd like to be taken through the programme the boys are taken through. It was rewarding but in the same instance hard to have a good hard look at yourself.I met an amazing lady during those 10 days and she has stuck by me ever since even through the many unflattering things I can sometimes do. A friendship is developing that I treasure extravagantly.

So life is moving ahead. I've started to recognise what went on in Melbourne for me and I started to try and sort through the many emotions that had developed since being told to wait on the prospect of overseas missions. Work was getting more and more aggravating and I was struggling daily as to why I was still remaining in that job. Then a friend suggested I attend another personal development program type by the name of Landmark Ed. I chose to do a Sydney one and thus my work resignation went in. It was only days after I handed in my resignation that I crashed my car to the point it has been written off, no longer drivable. STRESS GALORE!!! I'm supposed to drive down to Syd in about a weeks time. Shrugs no can do, I'd have to fly. lol You have got no idea how stressful that week ended up being...

So I flew down to Syd and did the forum. I spent close to 13hrs for 3days in an environment with 110 people. I knew no one. In so many ways what they were teaching fascinated me. What I thought was at the very core of everything simply was; as people we let something in our past control our future. We make a decision at a pinnacle point we may not even be aware that we have and thus live our lives based on that. A lot of things to think about once again.

So what am I doing in the meantime while I figure out my next move. Develop a support team, people who are willing to walk with me and try and find where life will lead, what prospects I can offer to the world and people. I can now say that my local church has hooked me up with a mentor who is amazing, I'm already extremely fond of her. I also have a lot of support that was always there + the new found support of the amazing people I have met over the last few months. A lot of people want the best for me and would like to share in my journey and of that I'm so very excited.

This is all the surface level but essentially what has God been teaching me amongst all of the chaos and confusion?

Alpaca's

2010-05-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

The place I am calling home currently is situated just beneath the Great Dividing Range, it's called the scenic rim. I have views of Mt Barney, Mt Maroon, Mt Lindsay and Mt Earnest. The farm is 50 acers and the owner owns 33 Alpaca's! She owns a little shop which sells all Alpaca merchandise, very grovey! The temperature in the evening's/mornings is ranging between 1degree-3degrees... Brrr... It heats up nicely during the day though haha it just sucks that I have to get up in the cold and work in it.

The owner breeds Alpaca's. That's the main reason for her owning them. So many different things go into breeding them lol but I won't go into it just yet. You also 'harvest' the fleece just like you would sheeps wool. She also does tours for groups, singles ect ect... It's a lovely farm!

This morning we did a spit off. It's part of the mating procedure. The Alpaca's were checked to see if they were pregnat and thus be mated if they weren't. I also spent the rest of the morning picking up Alpaca poop. What joy! We are waiting on a bus comming this afternoon for a tour, only 20 people this time round, yay, after which I'm done for the day!

Shrugs just a little update, it's been difficualt the last few weeks, months to update....

Favourites!

2010-03-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

Life never seems to slow down. My family is starting to feel the pinch of me not being home a lot. I'm either at work or dissapearing from the island over the weekend. Who would've thought that they'd actually miss my company :-D and simply put mum rang my mobile just so that she could catch up with me! Things are slowly starting to take shape in areas and others just seem to continually fall apart, such is life. The only thing that remains constant is God, yes our relationship changes day by day but merely that is choice on my behalf. Do I want close or do I want to push away. My choices don't change who he is though. Anyway so I thought I'd go through my favourite books of the bible and scripture that seems to stick with me! Please post your favs in the comments section, we all have stories!

So my Fav books are; Hebrews
                                   Philippians
                                   Ephesians

Fave Parts of Scripture; (Hebrews 12:5-7)
                                       (Phil 4:6-7)
                                       (Phil 3:12-14)
                                       (Eph 4:12-16)
                                       (Eph 1:13)

I might actually write out these at a later date, apparently you can edit posts ;) and add a few more to the list but I don't have the time now!

Can God Talk?

2010-03-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

Mt 27:46 "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud

voice, 'Eloi Eloi, lama sabachthani?' - which

means My God my God why have

you forsaken me?"

Luke 23:46 "Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit' When he had said this he breathed his last!

Has their ever been a time in your christian walk, your walk with God when you've cried out "My God my God why have you forsaken me?" It's often at our lowest points that this cry is released, at our darkest hour. In Christ's final moment's on earth this was one of his final cries, in his darkest moment!

I've really believe that God has highlighted this to me tonight, I also believe that he has highlighted the example Christ gave in his darkest hour and how we ought to respond in ours. I fear to often for myself that I forget that God has my best intentions at heart, that he is there overseeing every part of my life. So when something doesn't go according to "Libby's" ideas I falter and stumble letting Satan get a foothold into my life. I look away from God, letting my eyesight falter and I'm surrounded by me. It's at these moments where I am completely in Sin, these are the moments that I can't handle life that I struggle whole heartedly.

So what did Christ do??? He called out in a loud voice "Father into your hands I commit my spirit" He knew that God's best intentions were at the heart of everything and he chose to TRUST, he gave back to the Lord of his life in HIS DARKEST MOMENT! I should also do the same for it was first by Christ's example...

Personalities!!!

2010-03-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

"A good friend is not someone who necessarily agrees with everything you do and say--it's somebody who lovingly challenges you to be a better person. We grow in maturity when we can test our thoughts and ideas against another person, and when we're open to correction when we're wrong."

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another"

Life is generally cosy with people, I'm usally laid back (easy going) enough to get along with people but every so often out of the blue someone comes across my path that just doesn't get me. It's often at these times that self evalutaion is very strong. It's at these times that if we are willing God shapes and molds us all the more like him.

It's at times like these that you can start to look at somebodies needs instead of looking at your own. We can step out of our comfort zone and effectively try and bridge differences. It's at these times that our own failures are bought to the fore of our persona, the times that we rebel aginst discipline. It can be the time in life that we are hurt the most and feel attacked and alone. It's also at these times that strength via God comes out, for he is our source of comfort, our source of moral, our source of being able to lift another up instead of tearing them down.

It's the attitude that we take to these circumstances, I whole heartedly agree with this ~ As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another....

I Love You and You Know Who You Are!

2010-03-17T04:49:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3 (New International Version)
A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

No Man's Land!

2010-03-17T03:28:00.000-07:00

"Can you actually feel as though you are in no man's land, just wandering the earth with no purpose, no drive nothing you want to conquer? Have you ever been in no man's land? Can you ever empathise with someone who has? So if no man's land exsists why does it so?"

So I got a not yet from OM Aus, they don't think that I am ready simply put ;) My no man's land episode starts. Do I move on and forget about it all??? Should I invest in other areas, do I believe that conflict between me and someone else can be resolved??? Or do I do the smart thing and trust that stepping out in faith was the result of a heart felt conviction and that I really ought to rely on God? Questions Questions Questions. Luckily I believe that God is a constant and that we now have a strong and solid relationship that no one else can destroy, lucky I know who I am in God.

I'm in love with God, I'm in love with missions, I let my heart believe that it would happen... I want to be God's light for children in South America so desperatly. Can it be that realistically there are so many negatives in my persona that keeps them from sending me??? I see the negatives clearly but I can also see that their could also be positives. Is time the answer??? The question I ask is it time I need to ready myself or is it time they need to see that I am capable through God to go now!!! Time is the key to knowing me inside and out, the key to having a good judgment of whom I am, O how little people actually invest in time.

Ask my mum, ask my sister, ask anyone whom is close to me My Love Langauge is QUALITY TIME! I'm starting to come to the conclusion that I don't have a strong secondary and therefore rely heavily on my primary "Quality Time" I know for fact that when someone openly displays a want to spend time with me my heart melts, I also know when someone openly says that time doesn't matter it hits me hard.

I'd like to share a few pics of my recent trip to Melbourne, everyone whom is in these pics with me spent time to get to know me... They are people that I cherish dearly and hold close to my heart. Please pray for them as well as myself!

God Please Be with me....

2010-03-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

God Let Your Peace Flow Over Me!

A friend wrote this in a letter recently "I believe part of the call that you feel is heaven already drawing you nearer" How does one actually respond to that??? How can one really open up on how true that is! It's something that I hadn't really reconized but truthfully their have been times where I have asked and asked God to take me to him! I know that I want to be with him.

So this is how I want to start of my post in regards to my week in Melbourne with the Aus OM team. Do you think it strange? I do, lol I def do... I went down to Melbourne as part of the application process regarding mission in Chile. It's a week where you meet the team and are equipped in many areas to minister effectivley. Funny enough what I learnt regarding that is not what I want to talk about, what I want to share is how much of Christ I encounted while I was with them.

The best way I can try to start to explain is by this; Last sunday's youth Service. Luke 24:53 "and they stayed continually at the temple, praising God" Acts 1:14 "They all joined constantly together in Prayer" What was highlighted in the sermon were these to aspects of the first Christian church. They came together to pray and praise God. Not just when they felt like but constantly, they were disciplined in the area.

The team in Melbourne are disciplined, they came together each morning to pray. The PFT family whorshiped each morning, prayed and were taught from God's word under the direction and leadership of OM AUS. My life is such a contradiction to that with work! Yet after hearing the sermon on Sunday I started to understand why it was so hard for me to walk away at the end of the week. We all gathered together each day in likemindness, we had the same reason. It's the first time I have ever really felt like I belonged somehwere, the first time I experienced what it could be like with God in hevean.

The thing is though none of this could have happened if the team wasn't a team that was reliant on God. I was able to spend time with so many people down their. Often times it was sharing and discussing God, what he has done and what he is doing. I was encouraged daily to step out and commit to Christ more so than I had already. I witnessed others commitments to God. I was blessed by God through the OMers. They are and have shaped their lives around God and it is testimony to that by how much I see of him in them all.

The last three days have been the biggest struggle. To try and sort through my own emotions, the feeling that I won't be accepted the letting go of what I see as the closet I've been to home. I haven't been able to share nor explain to people how I feel to have them understand. Shrugs...

I saw in them what I'm trying to achieve through Christ!

2010-03-03T00:31:00.000-08:00

Turn from my selfish or fleshly ways and turn to him and his decress.

Romans 12:2 ¬ "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will.

So we come to the underlining place that I'm at... If I wish to be able to share Christ or to be effective in the body than I really need focus on Christ, none of this is achievable without him being there 100% It talks in the bible often about purifying ourselves or renewing ourselfs, letting go of the old and finding the new! Here are two parts of scripture that recently have jumped out at me that I find completely compatiable to focusing on what I'm trying to say.

2 Corinthians 7:1 ¬ "Since we have these promises dear friends, let us purify ourselves from anything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence to God." Colossians 3:1- ¬ "Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." It's interesting to note the use of Body/Spirit/Hearts and Minds; for in everything we are God wants a transformation. He states that very clearly. Understanding why this is so important to God at times can be very challenging and confusing, one of the biggest struggles.

"This part of romans 12:2 has always been important to me. ------- Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is (his good pleasing and perfect will.) How can you test and approve something that you don't know???? Yet he is instructive by this --- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind! Personally I've concluded that the more I become aware of who God is, through the scriptures, the more my mind is being transformed, the more I understand what his will is and the more I'm able to test and approve what it is.

Conclusion; To have the body at full strength we need to equip each part to be able to continually be transformed by God, which is turn will allow him to glow through his church. We can achieve this through him by turning away from selfish and fleshly desires and returning to him and his decrees. This enables the great commission to be fullfilled, ie his good pleasing and perfect will (great commission)

Glowing Because of God!

2010-02-11T02:03:00.000-08:00

"The importance of letting God glow from inside"

How can we proclaim to be Christians without the outflowing of Chirst? I know that is a bold statement yet I truely believe that's the way it's ought to be. How can we evagelize if others are not confronted by Christ in our very beings or better yet why would they belive if they can't experience part of Christ through us???

Yeppo this is the second theme that has been running wildly around my little head. Again God has used the Chile prospects as a learning ground. Every christian is called to witness, we are all called to the great commission, in the way that God has called them to do so. We can not sit on the sideline as benchwarmers, we ought to be in the fight. Everyday oppotunities arise, every contact I have with people should mean that they encounter the Holy Spirit if he flows from my very core. I don't have to say anything but let my life be the example and wait on the Holy Spirit's guiding hand for direction.

Developing relations with others, making new acqauntices, WOW! I delight so much with the very idea (lol does explain my job choice :p) and am humbled everytime God places another specail person in my life to begin a relationship. So my prayer today is; Please Dress Me In The Fruits Of The Holy Spirit. God let your love flow out of me to friend and enemy alike, shine upon your people and flow from their hearts, encourage equip and love them with a love that I can not.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and selfcontrol."

Side note: will hopefully finish these rambelings off soonish, the last post is half written but umm late at night, work in the morn... Hope everyone has had an awesome season that is passing before our very eyes and I'm very sorry if I haven't been able to read your own postings as much as I would like, respond to them and your comments here, alas your are all in my hearts and I think often of you all.

The Body's importance!

2010-02-11T01:40:00.000-08:00

"It's extrodinary to think that many parts of the body are now involved in this process!"

My thoughts can be a jungle ground for even me at times how anyone esle gets by I do not understand but please bare with me. My previous post inclded the above post. Of it's own accord it may appear as just a passing comment however for me at just a glance it means so much more. So within the next few words I'd like to expand on what God has taught me and the pleasure I'm getting from his direction.

Back in Sep 09 I really felt challenged to read more of the bible. Since then I have tried my best to read more, it's been amazing. What I have found though is their seems to be a theme to what I'm reading or more so an urging I get to share and make explicit what I'm learning.Simply put it is; The church body is not at full streangth if all parts are not in service. As a whole we need to reconize individual gifts of the Holy Spirit and put them into use according to oppotunity. We should rejoice about the gifts we recieve, we are not to grumble that it is not worthy for us but rather give with a willing heart! Being part of the church body is truely humbeling.

"Remeber this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly nor under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in all good work. As it is written 'he has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his rightousness endures forever."

So after getting sidetracked momentairly by spiritual gifts I'll try and focus on the point at hand. So I have in the back of my mind how important the whole of the church body is to Christ when I started applying and sharing my interest with the oppotunity inn Chile. What I didn't know at the time was how to involve the whole and how important it was to do so, not only for myself but also for the wider church. Sharing with different parts of the body has been an amazing experience. It has made God's word so real and alive. I thank him so much for the way in which he teaches me.

How many letters were written between the apostles and the churches??? Their are so many examples in the new and old testement about how encouraging it is to hear of our Lords work. Our testimony dosen't end when we become Christians rather it has just begun. Can we look at those letters in the new testiment as examples in how we should celebrate and share???? Let us be encouraged by one another, to share and proclaim the works of our Lord.

Our God deserves to be spoken of more than he is, to be reconized more than he already is. I hope beyond all hope that Christ flows out of the blog and that others are encouraged and challenged by God. Praise the Lord!

Notes on the Journey so far....

2010-02-11T01:10:00.000-08:00

I wrote this some time ago, it is part of my reflections on the journey toward missions and I thought it was just about time that I shared it!

"The last few days have hit home how real this oppunity is. It's extrodinary to think that many parts of the body are now involved in this process. How from something so simple and little God can grow and make achievable. My heart longs to embrace my saviour and seek his guidence and counsel. The heart has relented and started to believe. This part of life, this momentry phaze of time has made me aware of the importance of letting God glow from inside. God can only achieve this if I turn from my selfish or fleshly ways and turn to him and his decress.

I have highlighted three parts to what was written for I wish to futher discuss them. I particuarly think that these three things are essential to a christian's walk. I feel as though God is leaning on me and challenging me in these areas. I'm also prone to pushing back and squeling unfair but alas I enjoy the challenge... I would like to address each area seperatly so please bare with me. I would like to leave you all with this thought though

"Lord Please Dress Me With The Fruits Of The Spirit!"

Mountains and Moses!

2010-02-03T01:52:00.000-08:00

This crew and I decided to head up Mt Warning on Aus Day. Some ridiculos idea that came from New yrs eve! However I enjoyed the day emmensly. I think others didn't enjoy the climb as much as I did but it's just a different way of doing things I suppose. One of the fellas on the climb up made a comment about Moses and it got me thinking. I'm reading through Moses part of the bible, it covers many books... How often do we hear or read about Moses being on top of the mountain or climbing the mountain to be with God??? It clicked on the climb what that actually entailed and I mean WOW Moses did it so often. He must have been a very fit man.

Climbing a mountain is very challenging in itself but can you imagine climbing one in expectation of seeing God himself. I literally can't!

Relationships

2010-02-03T01:16:00.000-08:00

I recently started chating to someone about the book The Purpsoe Driven Life and it's theme basically being the only thing worth investing in is RELATIONSHIPS because it is the only thing that can follow us into hevean! (sorry if I have gotten that convo wrong) I would love to have been able to talk more on the issue as it has gotten me thinking, lol shrugs better yet I can talk it out with myself hahah.......

When I heared this statement: "The only thing worth investing in is RELATIONSHIPS because it is the only thing that can follow us into hevean!" the first thought to cross my mind was, WOW isn't that why Christ had to die??? Christ died so that our relationship with God would be restored. If the relationship between man and God meant so much how much more should we invest in the very art of relationships, ecspecially godly ones? Yet often times we fail to enhance or par-take in putting 100% into relationships.

My 2nd thought was; "Those that love us most often see the worst part of us and all to often" I know personally that my family sees the bad and ugly of who I am.. I come home from work eghausted and can rarely find the effort to be considerate, polite and love them with a Christ-likeness. Yet they are the people whom I love the most and hold the dearest, why is it that I can so easily hurt them???

The thought of my chatting pal; "I come home from work, cook and pretty much head to bed, I often don't have the time nor the energy to do things throughout the week!" I think if we all truly admit it work drains us more than we think nor would care to admitt, yet we live in a society where work is what makes us powerful.

The backbone of what this convo stirred in me is how much work is prioritised in our society and where we put our energy. Are we concerned with Godly affairs or earthly ones, why is that and what has the effect been??? The question I would ask of anyone and particuarly of myself is

"Why Do You Work, Is It For Self Glory; Gaining Man's Approval Over The Riches You Aquire, To Gain Gain And Gain So That Others See You As Being Rich, Or Do You Work So That You Glorify Your Heavenly Master, By Doing His Will And Making Your Work A Testimony To God? How Often Do We Acknowledge God For The Money In Our Accounts And Again Do We Ever Give Back What Has Been Given???

With the possabillity of Chile comming up it has really hit hard this one comment. It's made me think on how my life is, what I'm investing in now. You see right now my priority is work but in Chile it'll be realtionships/evangilism complete opposite focal point. Yeah relationships and evangilism may be a part of my life now but it is not the focal point more so if I happen across it yay!

I can see it slowly start to change in my life though. The more I take God by both hands and discover our relationship the more I want to give to those around me, at work, at church, at home, with friends. I want to focus on helping others find God and helping others develop their relationship with Christ. I see that as a worthwhile objective and task.

Adventures with a few Pics...

2010-01-09T02:27:00.000-08:00

So christmas has come and past, the new year following shortly after and before you know it we are 2weeks into the new year! Today I'm fairly relaxed, the most relaxed I've been since returning to work after a months holiday in November. This particular time in retail seems to always be draining, it's fast passed and somewhat complicated for about 3weeks. Nothing runs normally and if you make a mistake with orders you suffer the consequences. At this time you just dream of the normalcy of truck deliveries and orders. Ah huh but at least I can say that it's all returning to normal, we can all breath a sigh of relief.

It's also the first time I've been to my Ma's since early Nov. It's the first time I've been with her after the bombshell I dropped last time. This time she understood exactly what I was trying to say last time, which I fear could be bad or could be good, never the less I'm just happy that she is understanding! My Ma means the world to me, I'm sure she fears the 2yrs of seperation and all that could happen....

I guess this is why mum has been encouraging me to leave many fond memories with family and friends, particuarly with my Ma and sis. So my sis and I travelled to my Ma's for the long w/e I got. I've heared that we Aussies have a wild sense of humor so I'll leave some pics to show exactly what we got up to ;) hope you all enjoy (lighter side of me) we had a blast!

2009-11-28T21:20:00.000-08:00

Something that I have struggled a lot with is "PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME TEACHING AS ME YET WE LIVE DIFFERENT LIVES, MAN WHY CAN'T I BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE? I MEAN WHY AM OR DO I EXPECT MYSELF TO LIVE TO CHRIST'S STANDARDS? " Being chosen now is not a "free ticket" to be who I want to be and repent later, nor is it a burden to obey God's law!

Sometimes growing up in a christian home can be the hardest thing. From birth expectation is their to hold out and be different to the world yet expectations come from all angles. So much expectation is their to live by a certain set of rules either by teachers, the government, parents, God, or peers, we can not escape it. Having the vast difference of worldly rules, which are flaunted at us daily, and that of God's law which is required of us it can become challenging to the very core creating uncertainty and disgruntledness in us. Have we got our motives in the wrong place. You see we shouldn't feel required to obey God's law rather it's a pouring out of what's in our hearts.

So I recently discovered that I have the best opportunity and that I ought to take it with both hands and let it fly. I should never resent being called to know Christ and that of a younger age, it's not God trying to punish me or to make me feel unwelcome in the world. Christ rather is sitting their going LIBBY I'm giving you the opportunity to get to know me and to love me, what are you going to do with that? You see I now take pleasure in knowing that God is developing our relationship and that he allows me to know him in the simplest of ways, I thank God for that. He gives the opportunity to know him and it's showcased in our hearts which way we are travelling.

Commitment To God Brings Understanding

2009-11-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

Commitment to God has brought forth the understanding about the enormity of a commitment in marriage!

I was recently sitting on the deck of two dear old friends discussing the mission field that I was interested in joining. Yes agreed I probably should have been concentrating on the content at hand but as per usual my own mind travelled it's warped slide. You see this couple OOO I guess are in their 60s/70s They would be considered old by earthly standards yet from what I could gauge they were passionately in love and committed to one another. Wow that is a huge commitment, a choice to still love and cherish after so many years. Shortly after these thoughts was another, the same commitment had been made regarding Christ and their personal relationship with him, foremost in their lives was the happiness and commitment in Christ.

I guess God has been at me a lot about commitment, un-yeilding commitment, which granted I've rebelled against. I'm learning what a decision to believe in God is but also the difference to commit my life to him, every part of who I am. It comes down to being under his authority, loving him unconditionally and learning what it is to be continually in his presence.

So how did it get from their marriage to my commitment with God? Well that's an easy way to travel in my opinion. You see both require commitment, what is regarded as life long commitment. Even though I am very joyous about my commitment to God I'm not immune to my sinful nature, other desires and rebellion that ultimately follows. It's a pleasure to chose God but it's also a tough journey in which grace is given abundantly.

Christ gives grace freely to those who seek it! Even in knowing that how hard is it to commit to God completely? So my thinking is well if it's hard for me to commit to God and not rebel against his discipline what are the chances of succeeding with a commitment in marriage??? That's how God, commitment and their marriage came up.

In everything I need to evaluate if I have a servants heart or a demanding spirit, I first need to learn with Christ the simple act of self-less-ness before being able to commit to marriage or mission. I for the first time have understood Pauls teaching on singleness, truth be told the more days of singleness the happier I am. I just ask God to continually teach me to come under his wing.

An Eagle Flys

2009-11-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

For a many a year I've felt the desire to leave my country of birth and take God's love into a new and forign land. Some have been taking this journey with me since the beginings, others part way through the journey. I hope to set another blog up that will through my simple words show the journey from begining to now, to documentate the journey for friends, family, prayer warriors, brothers and sisters in Chirst. May we be continually together by the love of Christ!

It's hard to start at the begining when your heart and mind want to jump to the present and exciting desires. To understand the depth of excitment, God's grace and preservance it shall have to be a gruelling discovery from the begining. I hope to documentate things as accurate as possible, starting at the age of 10. I hope that you stay with me through this journey and that God is glorified.

Please Visit Here For The Mission I'm Considering

http://ganeidasknots.blogspot.com/2009/11/share-little-prayer-with-me.html

2009-11-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worship him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Unity in the Body Of Christ

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and the Father of all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high
he lead captives in his train
and gave gifts to men”

What does “he ascended” on high mean except that he also descended to the lower earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens in order to fill the universe). It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ might be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning craftiness of men in their decietful scheming. Instead speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up in him, who is the head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work.

I guess one of the questions I’ve been asking myself lately is “Why isn’t here good enough? Why can’t you just settle down in Australia and do missions?” For me that question is obvious (I’ve never wanted to settle down in Aus) however for others it can be a hard concept to accept. I mean all are called to witness, so why so far away? I’ve had to search my own heart and my own agenda (God’s will is where/what I aim to be in) and in doing so I came upon the fore mentioned scriptures and WOW!!!

(Eph 4 12-13) To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ might be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

(15-16) Instead speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up in him, who is the head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work.

WOW!!! This part of the passage still grabs and holds my attention, it’s like in a few words my heart melts. This simply put is my heart’s desire, that the church empowers every limb for the Head, Our Lord, so that as a whole we grow closer to him.

So in saying all of this there is no real evidence that I have to leave my rock. What is does say though in all it’s fullness is that by being a part of the body I have gifts from the Holy Spirit that need to be put into service. We all have Gifts and a responsibility in building one another up in Christ. Is it not our desire to be one in Christ, to be complete in him, closeness and full communion. My heart has ached for earthly death so that I could no longer sin and could be in complete union with my Lord. My heart has begged and pleaded, my mind no understanding as to why it couldn’t be so. Having read these comforting words it’s my goal or aim to be in constant communion with Christ on earth and to offer my services to the Lord therefore proceeding to build the Church into closer harmony with Christ himself.

So in answer to why abroad, I need to submit to God’s leading, talking with elders, pastors, prayer warriors, members of the body, seeking their wisdom and guidance after assessing desries on my own heart. We can look at the example of Jonah; regardless of what I or anyone else wants, the procrastination or rebellion on my behalf God’s will will be done! We can also look to the examples with Christ himself and the disciples, it was harder to witness to their own people.

So wherever I am this is my goal; To know the Gifts that were given to me by the Holy Spirit, to put them into service, offering my part to the body, so that we as a body can grow closer to Christ, I ask the very same of you. So to the elders of the church, pastors and members of the body, pray with me as I seek direction, especially in the case of South America, Chile.

Tugging of the Heart

2009-11-28T19:50:00.001-08:00

God has gently been tugging at my heart, I’ve felt him ask “Lib how do you see yourself; do you see yourself as others do or do you see yourself as I do? By the way Lib how do you know how I see you??? You can only know how I see you by knowing my character and too truly know my character you need to read the bible. You see Lib that’s who I am, every detail of who I am is there for you, every detail of how much I care about you is there, trust me and get to know me." I learnt a very valuable lesson as to why it’s important to read the bible; it’s something that I hadn’t quite grasped before.

In saying this there is something a little hard to comprehend; that is God chose me. God looked upon me and blessed me with the ability to know who he is. He tapped me on the shoulder giving me the knowledge to accept or to reject him. I will forever be grateful for that fact, not everyone gets the same opportunity. So Lord please allow my life to be a mission field, allow yourself to work through me so that all who come across me come across your love therefore giving them the very same opportunity.

Extracts from Pslam 119 ¬ My Prayer

2009-11-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

Psalm 119 My Prayer

How can young people keep their lives pure? By obeying your commands. With all my heart I try to serve you; keep me from disobeying your commandments. I keep you law in my heart so that I will not sin against you. I praise you O Lord; teach me your ways, I will repeat aloud all the laws that you have given. I delight in following your commands more than having great wealth. I study your instructions; I examine your teachings. I take pleasure in your laws; your commands I will not forget.

I lie defeated in the dust: revive me, as you have promised. I confessed all that I have done, and you answered me; teach me your ways. Help me to understand your laws and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings. I am overcome by sorrow; strengthen me as you have promised. Keep me from going the wrong way and in your goodness teach me your law. I have chosen to be obedient; I have paid attention to your judgements, I have followed your instructions. Lord don’t let me be put to shame. I will eagerly obey your commands because you will give me understanding.

Give me the desire to obey your laws. Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless. I want to obey your commands; give me new life for you are righteous. Enable me to speak the truth at all times. I will live in perfect freedom because your promise gave me life.

I AM A FRIEND TO ALL WHO SERVE YOU, OF ALL WHO OBEY YOUR LAWS…

Before you punished me, I used to go wrong, but now I obey your word. My punishment was good for me because it made me learn your commands. The law that you gave me means more to me that all the money in the world. Let your constant love comfort me, as you have promised me your servant. May I perfectly obey your commandments and be spared the shame of defeat.

My eyes are tired from watching for what you promised, while I ask “When will you help me?” Your commandments are all trustworthy; people persecute me with lies --- help me! If your law had not been the source of my joy, I would have died from my sufferings. I have learnt that everything has limits; but your commandment is perfect.

Your word is a light to guide me and a light for my path. Accept my prayer of thanks O Lord and teach me your commands. Your commandments are my eternal possession; they are the joy of my heart. I have decided to obey your laws until the day I die. As you have promised keep me from falling; don’t let me be overcome with evil. Bless me with your presence and teach me your laws.

I am unimportant and despised, but I do not neglect your teachings. I am filled with trouble and anxiety but your commandments bring me joy. With all my heart I call to you; answer me Lord, and I will obey your laws.

Those who love your law have perfect security, and there is nothing that can make them fall. I wander about like a lost sheep; so come look for me, your servant, because I have not neglected your laws.

Lord may I be able to fulfil all that is in here and may you lead me… your servant LobStar

God's Plan

2009-10-14T02:26:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a Youth Night at the church I'm going to. The event was called God Sphere, it was a chance for the young adults of the church to raise their most pressing questions and have "THE PANEL" (elder members of the church/ wise members) answer them.

We were grouped into tables, each table was asked as a group to write down two questions. One question that bounced around our group was, How do we know what God's plan is or his direction for our life? Now I have voiced that question numerous times, maybe not aloud all that often but often enough. Having someone else voice it I instantly found out my journey already had the answer. I'd always known it but not been happy enough with the answer.

God's plan. It is so simple and so perfect, to be in a relationship with his children. We have a very clear direction with that. We are to pursue whole heartily Christ, we are to follow his footsteps, to be like him. We are so defiant over this very simple act that he sent his Son to die so that Sin could no longer interfere with this relationship.

My biggest complaint for the last three years is that my life is going nowhere. I earn an income and that is about it. Everyone else is at uni, achieving their goals and in comparison my life is looked down upon by many. It's frustrating believing in God that this work is my prep for the mission field, that it's what I need to achieve his plan for my life. Yet I would be selfish and would not turn to him, I'd have no need, I'm not in a crisis, and that is being truthful.

I discovered that I don't care what direction life takes me, I just need to keep my focus on Christ and not loose sight of him. That is his plan, yes I totally believe that I have a direction for mission that is very powerful but it is pointless if I have no relationship with Christ.

Do not Doubt

2009-10-14T01:48:00.000-07:00

Mark 11:22-24 : So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

I think this has always been the hardest scripture for me. Often over the years of my life I have heard "Ask and you shall receive, pray" So I did but eventually stumbled over the above piece of scripture (not sure when) but have had many question drum at my heart as it's consequence.

I don't doubt that God can do anything and everything, I doubt why he would for me. I doubt my ability to ask and pray in his will, as in WHY WOULD HE GRANT ME SOMETHING THAT I ASK FOR THAT IS NOT ACCORDING TO HIS WILL? I doubt my own faith is strong enough to not doubt ;) MAYBE MY DOUBT LIES WITH NOT BELIEVING GOD KNOWS WHAT'S BEST FOR ME! It's really weird though because I have no doubts that he has a plan for me.

It's been a very big challenge for me for many years. Why; well it comes down to prayer not being answered short and snappy but things being prolonged. I've been challenged with bullying since the age of 9 (still current) amongst other things that I've continually prayed about and eventually run from every single time.

What lesson is being learnt? In short; even though Christ has not answered my prayer/s I'm learning continually to lean on him, for him to be my backbone. It has been building my trust and faith in him, to preserve and remain in his will. To remain as one instead of separate.

I can't sit here and say truthfully that I'm always in his presence, what I can say is that I continually become frustrated and angry to the point that I shut down in my relationship with him. It hurts me as it does him, what I'm trying to figure out or learn from this is that With every circumstance trust in God, their is always a reason for it even if I myself can't see it.

That statement doesn't do much for me which is why I end up in such a mess sometimes. What is a better way of saying it is "FOCUS YOUR EYES ON GOD AND DON'T LET YOUR EYES DRIFT" When I'm not drawing away from God but instead turning to him with support via prayer I manage to get through things better.

The Absolute Truth!

2009-08-27T01:13:00.000-07:00

Eph 2:17-22
AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through him we both have our access in one spirit to the father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and you are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Christ himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Christ himself being the corner stone,

I want to point out here that its not the people personally but merely the divine revelation they taught. They authoritatively spoke the word of God to the church before the completion of the N.T, providing the foundation. God anointed his apostles to carry out his word to all tribes and nations. Matt 28:19 'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.' Christ is the one to build his Church and its continually growing because of the Lord and the Lord alone.

Acts 5:14 And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number.

11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable
numbers were brought to the Lord.

Jhn 10:16 I have other sheep not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

So we come to this;

Jesus stated that he is the only way to the father. What we as mere human beings need to understand is that we can not give the relationship of that between human and God to another person. A person must seek first Christ and that special relationship between God and them will flow from it.. We do not need a parish to give that to us, in saying that though it is relevant and helpful to the body. Ultimately the only thing that we need is Christ.

Jhn 6:35 I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not hunger, and he who believes in me
will never thirst.

11:25 Jesus said to her “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if
he dies”

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has
been given among men by which we must be saved.

The point I'm trying to make here is that Christ's first priority here is that we seek to know him above all else. The first commandment is... mt 22:27 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' It's important that we show a reflection of this; Romans12:2 And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

So how does one gauge if another is glorifying and following our Lord Jesus? The fruits of the spirit. Gal 5:22 'But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law. The fruits of the spirit is the out flowing of obedience to him, a lover is obedient.' It's not a chore but a way of life, it's not done by choice but it is rather inbuilt. Our obedience is done out of our love for our Saviour.

1 ti 1:3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines

1:15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

Christ is the Truth, as soon as we all realize this we'll realize that all we need to know and Love is God. The number of books is inconsequential to this fact for you can come to know the Lord via word of mouth, one verse one chapter, one book. So long as all the truth remains intact, ie I don't think Catholics nor Protestants vary in what scripture is but merely the meaning behind it.

Christ was named as a prophet, as the Son of God ultimately he is the corner stone and he alone has given us the truth for us to discover in depth that of our Lord. The absolute and ultimate truth remains with our Lord and Saviour which is revealed to us as so he desires.

Lk 13:24 Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

A Lurker

2009-08-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post some more yet I just havent found the time. I will say that there are a few things on the mind and in the making though.

So this will be short and sweet. I believe I've had a lurker whom enjoys reading this blog... mums too :p well after being hasseled greatly this Lurker has entered the blogging world, so feel free to go lurk on http://ramblesandnotesfromanisland.blogspot.com/ .... he actually has a really sweet post our friend auntie liddy so LURK AWAY, PLEASE DO! O n if you do make sure to hassel him about not just lurking but commenting as well :D

on another side issue, work today was horrible... I managed to lose a rather big amount of money which has not been found nor looks as though it will be. If you have it in you hearts to pray about this situation please don't hold back

Regards LobStar,

Romance + bits and pieces

2009-07-25T02:57:00.000-07:00

I've got to say that I truly cherish my single life. It defiantly wasn't like so 6months-12months ago. Society today throws so much on ROMANCE. I have in the last 3-5yrs been called a Lesbian over and over. Just because I had a stance on what I thought romance should be. Not this lust filled societies idea of romance. I relented though in a relationship that I knew that I should never have entered. I mean he was a fine young man, def marriageable material, I could see a life. I also knew that it was a life that I had never expected myself to have, a cozy home in Australia, two working parent family, children in day care. I suppose I was and am still frustrated with God, I slipped because of it as I usually do lol It's also usually drastic.

I guess what I'm trying to publicly say is that I sinned. I guess I have sought forgiveness and am now yelling out to the world that I am a sinner. The furthest I went with this guy was kissing :p for all peoples information. Yet in the six week relationship I have learnt a lot about myself and him. I have def learnt that I value my innocence so much more than I first thought. I've learnt that even though I feel that I'm ready and want marriage in my life that the single years until that happen are not a burden but more of a freeing experience. Something that I can cherish to have on my own. To build and develop my own character without hindrance. I don't want the cheapness of what the world calls Romance, I don't want every guy that I know to touch parts of me, to know the touch of my hand, my lips, I'm sure I can let your own imaginations go further. I guess what I'm trying to say in a sense is that I'm not on the market, I have my trust now firmly in place of God.

Which in a weird way is extremely funny because right now I don't want to speak to him, to even want his relationship. I suppose I try constantly to be in his will, to have something to move forward with. To have a relationship. I feel that it is one sided and have for a very long time. I feel as though I given my life to God and I have no direction for life no "relationship" with him I don't see the point, right now I really don't. Why bother if I'm constantly going to fail him, why bother if I can't even be close to the one whom says I can be. I'm sure I'll pull myself out of it, I don't see this changing though.

It sucks so bad though, I know that both the twins have had very vivid real encounters of God. I'm sure when mum reads this that she can enlighten you all to what went on there. My sis seems to have everything blessed in her life. Everywhere she turns life works. Me well I guess you could just say that every door that I see never opens, it's depressing. Extremely so. I'm stuck in a no-where-land. Just living life, round and round.

Shrugs whatever though aye. I was having a discussion with an atheist the other day. I guess I started a debate over whether he considered there was A HISTORICAL MAN CALLED JESUS. I'm in the process of going through this information so that I can put in writing a defense, I want to lay it out like so. If you can prove that their was a historical Jesus and what has been stated about him by many sources including the bible, how can you then disregard some claims but hold onto others, ie that he was the Christ. Also how does Christ fit into creationism if he does and how does evolution then play into it, shrugs who knows if I'll get it done but it's def something that I've been thinking over. If I finish it I'll def add it onto here.

The Case For Faith!

2009-07-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

I needed to post my previous post before going onto this. As I stated before "EVOLUTION IS TAKING A HOLD" I know of one man that was once an atheists, now a christian, the name LEE STROBEL. I've never really wanted to read his books for me, I gather that I can no longer say that truthfully though. The particular one that I'm interested in is "THE CASE FOR CHRIST" Evidently it wasn't the one that I picked up from the library.

What I picked up was "THE CASE FOR FAITH" I'm not sure that it is solely for me, but I get the feeling that it will help me to discover how to accept others opinion of "FAITH" and to let me defend some of the hardest questions concerning it. The case for faith is describe like so, "A journalist Investigates the toughest objections to Christianity" It looks at the 8 biggest objections to Christianity.

#1 Since Evil and suffering exists A God cannot
#2 Since miracles contradict science, they can not be True.
#3 Evolution explains life, so God isn't needed
#4 God isn't worthy of worship if he kills innocent children
#5 It is offensive to claim Jesus is the only way to God
#6 A loving God will never torture people in hell
#7 Church history is littered with oppression and violence
#8 I still have doubts, so I can't be a Christian

One thing that I have heard from people is, you can sin, God will forgive you and why would a loving God torture you in Hell for it. Wow, I mean you wanna wham bang a lot of issues into one sentence, lol the thing is to they do not want to listen to reason. They are able to make these statements, make you feel guilty and won't let you explain your stance or respect your stance because of one of the 8 objections.

So no wonder I'm really wanting to dig, not to just accept. When faced with issues I don't just want to show a dumb face and go "JUST BELIEVE" I want to be a servant in whom people can see Jesus Christ in, to show them that they don't have to follow blindly but have some shred of evidence to support there case. You can also state that the bible is our evidence, but I will tell you straight up that people will not always believe undoubtedly, their is to much room for corruption, it doesn't all add up, not my thinking but that of others I've come across. The many evolutionists that I have come across know the bible better than I do, they know the In's and outs of religion better than I do. I suppose I can only state that I just may know Christ better than them.

So what I'm trying to say is that this book will be great for it will let me into a world that I will eventually know and can dig into a better understanding as to why people have these thoughts and what has been found to discontinue that argument. I want very much so to also get his book "The case for Christ" out from the library, it is his #1 seller. This man was an atheist and in his search to disprove Christ he was convicted in him. I think it would be interesting to read into another's journey and mind set and see how God changed that. Shrugs let me know if anyone has read it before, either one or anything else that he has written, I'd be interested in your opinions.

I think I'm rambling with out much flow, haha doesn't pay to have three msn convos running, a convo with dad and being on the phone transferring money all in the same time space, meh women can multi-task but can't they!

SELF-DISCOVERY

2009-07-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

I think just about the most interesting thing in life is self-discovery. Over the last few years I have continually found new and odd facts about me. How and why I react to things, why I love. The one thing that I'm wanting to share and put on paper though is that of a Spiritual walk and my insane facts that I've found.

I'm not sure if other people are as vastly aware as I am when I am struggling in my walk. It may be so bluntly apparent, it may not be. I certainly am aware though. Certain traits kick in and it's so immensely hard to shut a door to that. I start to read the bible very little, haha and as I already don't do that much it's disastrous. The thing that is most concerning though is that my constant conversation with God starts to dry up. Where my faults lie my prayer life is usually constant in my journey and it is only when that ceases that I have real trouble.

Can I name the reasons as to why, I'm still trying to find them. I do know that I struggle to just accept. Yes you can say where is your "FAITH" but that does not and will not help. For whatever reasons God has placed people in my life over the last 2yrs that have really hammered home that people won't just accept God because that's what he says, that I need to be able to defend my God and why I believe. There is a thing called "EVOLUTION" that has taken the world in it's grips and is extremely hard to fight against. If people don't believe they will believe in evolution. It's becoming the apparent, the norm.

I will not sit here and tell you that I believe in evolution. I can't as I don't think there is enough evidence and the evidence that there is isn't hole-proof + it goes against everything that I believe. My problem is is that I lack the science knowledge behind it, I lack the sureness in my own faith to be able to make a solid argument against it. This in itself creates an unsureness in me, in my whole life, in faith. People and so many of them question my faith, it can't be real because of this and that reason. So I slip and fall and discover the bottom of a pit because deep down in my heart I agree. I live a lie, I live a life that is hopefully glorifying to God but I'm not in his presence, I'm not bound by him, I wear a mask for him but do not have "FAITH"

If and when I feel that God is binding me to restrictions and won't talk to me and provide a fire and knowledge and direction for me I stumble big time. I mean I realistically don't feel that I have a direction in my life at all. Evey time I even hit on what I think the future holds people don't seem to be in the same opinion. That leaves me empty and hallow and I look to the "GOD" I believe in and ask him for direction and all I feel is silence, utter silence. You put that together and people constantly questioning my faith then yeah I suppose we have an answer as to why I take steps backwards.

I will say for all you bloggers though that you will know when I'm at a low because I will fail to keep up to date with this ;)

Cooking Time

2009-05-16T01:07:00.000-07:00

My mum brought me this cook book last Christmas I think, shrugs it might have been for my last birthday, October.

I'm sure mum thought that I didn't like it as it took me over 6months to use it :-p The problem being was how to work my way to a recipe that I thought the whole famaily would like. With a father that likes very bland meals and doesn't like garlic at all it becomes very difficault to cook with lots and lots of herbs/spices and different tastes. Mums easy though, she'll eat most things I would. The Sis, who says she is a vegetarian, tried a bit of meat I'd cooked :-D

So I thought it was about time that I actually acted on those recipes, made a start instead of just looking at them.

So Far I've Tried

1) Fillet Steak With Onion Marmalade

2) Sweet Braised Pumpkin

3) Peppered Stir-Fried Beans

4) Peppered Beef Fillet With Bernaise Sauce

5) Citrus Walnut Salad

I'll add that beans are one of my all time favorite veggies and for me I love them crispy smothered on butter and cracked pepper, so I wouldn't recommend that recipe, corrinander isn't a fav taste :p The pumkin was divne and definetly something that'll be included in the daily house meals. I think everyone enjoyed it. Can't do much wrong with a steak but cook it wrong :-)

The citrus walnut salad was something that I wanted to do with the fillet steak, thought it would go nice together. I think it turned out all right but also think that I definetly need to find a store that sells walnut oil, would taste a lot better than the sesame oil I used. The fillet steak was very intersting, just like roast beef but complemented very well with the Bernaise Sauce.

All in all I'm very happy mum enjoyed the two meals I cooked over the weekend. Sometimes mothers deserve spoiling. lol and considering she brings me lunch almost everyday I work, well this mother deserves extra spoiling... Mind you had it been horrible, my experiments, she woulda smiled and kept eating it :-D Plus fahter not being able to get out to restraunts anymore every so often I'll go out of my way to cook something a little extra special!

The Two Meals

Fillet Steak With Onion Marmelade, Sweet Braised Pumpkin, Peppered beans with Mash Spud

Peppered Beef Fillet With Bernaise Sauce and a Citrus Walnut Salad

P.S I think mum dug into this meal before thinking to take a picci, lol can anyone find the fork?

Drawing Close To God!

2009-05-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

Why is it that it takes trouble and torment for me to realise that I have been slowly but surely stepping futher and futher away from my relationship with God? It's funny isn't it! I mean I don't think twice when everything is dandy and fine but often the reason is because I'm constantly in the presence of God. I will say that it has only been recently that I've discovered not to blame God for my circumstances but to re-evaluate where me and him stand. Almost always I find that I've drawn away from him. It's a realization that resaults in a time where I need to humble myself, seek forgivness and re seek my Lord.

Psalms 40 seems to pop up continually when I've been struggling, spec in the work force.

A Song Of Praise

I waited patientlly for the

Lords help:

then he listened to me

and heard my cry,

He pulled me out of a

dangerous pit,

out of the deadly quicksand,

He set my safley on a rock

and made me secure.

He taught me to sing a new

song,

a song of praise to our God.

Many who see this will take

warning

and will put there trust in the

Lord

Happy are those who trust the

Lord,

who do not turn to idols

or join those who whorship

false gods,

You have done many things for

us, O Lord our God;

there is no one like you!

You have made many wonderful

plans for us,

I could never speak of them

all -

there number is so great!

You do not want sacrifices and

offerings;

you do not ask for animals

burnt whole on the altar

or for sacrifices to take away

sins.

Instead, you have given me ears

to hear you,

and so I answered, "Here I Am;

your instructions for me are

in the book of the Law.

How I love to do your will, my

God!

I keep your teaching in my

heart!

In the assembely of all your

people, Lord,

I told the good news that you

save us,

You know that I will never

stop telling it.

I have not kept the news of

salvation to myself;

I have always spoken of your

faithfullness and help.

In the assembely of all your

people I have not been

silent

about your loyalty and

constant love.

Lord I know that you will never

stop being merciful to me.

Your love and loyalty will

always keep me safe.

A Prayer For Help

I am surrounded by many

troubles -

too many to count!

My sins have caught up with

me,

and I can no longer see;

they are more than the hairs of

my head,

and I have lost my courage.

Save me Lord! Help me now!

May those who try to kill me

be completely defeated and

condufsed.

May those who are happy

because of my troubles

be turned back and disgraced.

May those who make fun of me

be dismayed by there defeat.

May all who come to you

be glad and joyful.

May all who are thankful for

your salvation

always say "How great is the

Lord!"

I am weak and poor, O Lord.

But you have not forgotten

me.

You are my saviour and my

God-

hurry to my aid!

In my struggles it is always such a blessing to read this.

I Got Another Letter :-D

2009-05-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

Parts of Nerry's Letter in Spanish

The Picture I Sent Him Another Drawing He Sent Me

Dear Sponser LobStar,

Nerry Bol Choc, 4 yrs old is very happy to greet you and your family. This letter is to thank you of your $$$ gift that you sent to him. He recieved a pair of pants and a shirt. He asks our Lord to reward you very much. He and his family will pray for you asking our Lord to reward you in a very special way.

He thanks you very much for the card and picture that you sent to him. He shares with you that he does not play ball games in group. He likes to play alone in home. He is a young child. He does not have a favourite colour yet.

He thanks you for sharing with him about you. He is happy to know that you are in Australia. He and his family live in a community called La Isla "Raxruha", Alta Verapaz. He has three older brothers and four sisters.

He sends you his love, Nery Bolc Choc,

Written By Manuela Concepcion, tutor.

2009-04-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

I've heared so many times from people that it's not clear in the bible so it's okay. Sexual sin is something that I really don't understand nor am easliy leniant on, a fault on my part as I lack compassion however it is rampent through the youth of today, some can't defend why they believe others chose to say that it's not clear in the bible. I've been on a forum which promted this...

The Body Is A Holy Temple....

2 Corinthians 11:2 ~ "I am jealous for you, just as God is. you are like a pure virgin whom I have promised in marriage, to one man only, Christ himself."

We can enter hevean through him because he came and sacrificed himself, God promised Christ to us, this being used as a metaphor you can interperat it also as "you are like a pure virgin whom I have promised in marriage, to one man only"

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 ~ "Avoid imorality. Any other sin a man commits does not affect his body; but the man who is guilty of sexual immorality sins against his own body. Don't you know that your body is the temple of the holy spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God's Glory"

1 Corinthians 6:15 ~ "You know that your bodies are parts of the body of Christ. Should I take a part of Chrsit's body and make it part of the body of a prostitute? Impossiable"

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. It says "Don't you know that your body is the temple of the holy spirit" "You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price." Don't defile your temple "Should I take a part of Chrsit's body and make it part of the body of a prostitute?" Rember proverbs 7, clear definition from God's point of veiw what a prostitue is!

Definition, Immoral - not conforming to the moral law or accepted patterens of conduct. So what is the Law concerning this? Exodus: 20:14 - "Do not commit adultery", one of the 10 comandments. Matthew 5:17-18 "Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. Remeber that as long as hevean and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with - not untill the end of all things."

Eph 5:3 ~ "Since you are God's people it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality, or indecency, or greed should even be mentioned among you"

Corinthians 6:9-10 ~ "Surely you know the wicked will not possess God's Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral, or who whorship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts, or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves - none of these will possess God's Kingdom"

You need to understand that Sin can be forgiven, thus Christ died on the cross, ask and that sin is done away with, this verse is applicable to a sinner who has not recieved forgiveness imo!

Hebrews 13:4 ~ "Marraige is to be honoured by all, and husbands and wifes must be faithful to each other. God will judge those who are immoral and those who commit adultery."

Let me ask; if it is against God's will to be sexually immoral (an adulterer) then why is it okay before your married? You have had sexual intercourse with someone outside of your marriage bed, either before or after your marriage is it not the same in God's eyes? Is it not the same; for you are sexually active with someone other than your spouse regardless if your not yet married!

1 Corinthians 7:2 ~ "But because there is so much immorality, every man should have his own wife, and every woman should have her own husband."

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 ~ "Now to the unmarried and to the widows I say that it would be better for you to continue to live alone as I do. But if you can not restrain your desires, go ahead and marry - it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

We learn here that we should marry rather than burn with passion. Ie each one of us may desire what comes from marriage, a strong commitment to one another, sexual intamicy, emotional intamicy, a God fearing relationship with another. "Marry if you can not restrain yourself..." To me that means find someone settle down but be sure that it's one person, I know that you have desires but restrain yourself, Live first and foremost for Christ and if you can not keep from lusting marry.

This is why I believe that sexual intimacy is a sin outside of the marriage bed, regardless if you haven't met your spouse yet, it is still sex outside of the marriage bed. Sorry about the length can't as I know sometimes reading through tthings can be a bit of a pain, hope it makes sense. Again I'll say this is why I have my commitment!

P.E.O.P.L.E

2009-04-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

Lv 19:18 -Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord!

Unconditional love; I don't know how to even grasp that concept nor put it into practice. I don't think that it is a thing that will come very easily if at all for me. I know that the Lord is suggesting that I try harder and harder to love unconditionally but heck it is sooo soooooooo hard.

Mt 24:12 - Such will be the spread of evil that many people's love will grow cold

I work 5 days straight, 38 hrs, each and every week. I watch as people walk in, by and around me. Do they realize that they are letting me in on a little of how they live there life and vice versa. The world today is becoming less and less full of love. I see children day after day come in with there mothers to do grocery shopping with the mums yelling at the children to shut up, and the kids screaming and screaming. What does that say? Then I can be gone from the shop for a few days and I'll have a lot of the regular nice customers saying a G'Day ie making sure they do.... Problem is it comes far to less compared to the abuse.

I am constantly attacked and abused for almost anything imaginable, there not being this or that product; milk but not skim in a pauls variation, bread running out, a ticket being misplaced, 2c difference between an advertised price and scanning, nothing on someones shopping list being available... I mean come on nothing in a supermarket. Today I was called a cheeky **** **** cheeky ** just for asking to check someones bag (just so ya all no in aus if you carry a bag into a supermarket over the size of an a4 piece of paper we reserve the right to check it, shoplifting reasons) yet the lady going off at me had wasted my time for over 15mins, getting me to put her shopping through then leaving to get more, coming back to yell at me for not having this or that, then getting me to remove half of her shopping from her bill, yet I was the cheeky one, shrugs.

Jn 13:35 If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples....

He has such a high standard and I'm afraid to say that to start with I have a low threshold of tolerance, I can't seem to even want to love these people, drug addicts, spewing all over checkouts, constantly smelling like alcohol, buying cigarettes instead of food for the children. It's getting to me so much. I want to be like Christ but everything is just so unjust. I crave to want to give love but am repelled by this.

I seriously think that it is affecting my character. I can only trust that God is using this time in my life to some great and wonderful reason. Character building maybe, I wish that he would go about it a different way though.

The worst thing about it all is that if I have a bad day it almost always comes back into the house in a negative way. My sister wants attention/positive attention from me. I get so frustrated because I just want some time to chill out and get my head wrapped around it and there she is bouncing in my face lol if only I could show her unconditional love, I'm sure she doesn't realize how much she means to me.

Then there is mum. At least she understands to a degree that when I become tired and irritable that I am a complete and utter nicombuke (yes that was made up) I dunno again things that wouldn't normally bother me just get under my skin.......

1 th 4:9 - There is no need to write to you about love for one another. You yourselves have been taught by God how you should love one another.

1 pet 1:22 - Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.

Wow I think I'm just venting, shrugs, I just have got to complete opposites daily!

Pictures.....

2009-03-31T02:04:00.000-07:00

Nerry, pic he drew of him... A Bowl drawnby Nerry

Cup drawn by Nerry

A Reflected Sunset @ Home

A Sunrise @ SpringBrook

Little Pool

FORMAL Pic From Nerry's Letter

The Family Or Part Of

I Play Soccer :-p

Music N Youth

2009-03-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

Mary's Song

My heart praises the Lord;

my soul is glad because of

God my saviour,

for he has remembered me,

his lowly servant!

From now on all people will

call me happy,

because of the great things

the mighty God has done

for me.

His name is holy;

from one generation to

another

he shows mercy to those who

honour him.

He has stretched out his mighty

arm

and scattered the proud with

all their plans.

He has brought down mighty

kings from there thrones,

and lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with

good things,

and sent the rich away with

empty hands.

He has kept the promise he

made to our ancestors,

and has come to the help of

his servant Israel.

He has remembered to show

mercy to Abraham

and all his decedents for ever.

Satan's music is very prevalent today. Ez 28:13 is a clear view that his is music. The youth's music is filled with satanic lyrics. We must stand against his music---Ryan_Goodbody on 6/1/08 - taken from this site http://christianblogs.christianet.com/1146450098.htm

This statement I read while I was looking for a sure piece of scripture to say that Satan before his fall was the head of the choir, I failed miserably. I couldn't get exactly what I wanted instead I faced a problem that I get constantly. The music of today's youth is often over looked and frankly categorized as "filled with satanic lyrics" Wow that really annoys me, I have been fighting this for so long because a lot of today's christian youth bands are put into the same basket or a least thought of as a downgraded version of hymns. Following are a couple of lyrics to songs I love dearly further on I have put a few band names and songs I love. It is merely to point out that even though it may be rap or heavy metal, or pop rock, or pop, dance etc etc it doesn't make it bad. By the way Marry was probably a youth when she wrote Mary's Song or at least a young adult, shrugs not much changes from now to when she wrote that if your heart is seeking to praise the Lord and show his way!

Speak For Me

Jaci Velasquez

What have I to offer to a world in need?

Yet, for some unknown reason, you have chosen me.

Lord, you've set my journey, you've prepared the way.

Still, I'm desperate for the words to say, and

all I am is willing; all I have is in your hands.

Speak for me; this my plea.

Say the words I cant express.

Sing for me a heavenly melody

That the people will be blessed.

Speak for me.

Every brief encounter that you send my way

Is a chance to show the love you gave me.

I see their troubled faces, a hunger deep inside

But I depend on you to touch their lives.

Light what burns within me, let your truth shine through my life.

Speak for me; this my plea.

Say the words I cant express.

Sing for me a heavenly melody

That the people will be blessed.

Speak for me.

Sing for me, set me free,

They will see your holiness.

Speak for me.

cause your love will lead them on to heavens gate

Where they can look upon your face.

Light what burns within me, let your truth shine through my life.

(speak for me; this my plea.

Say the words I cant express.)

Oh, this is my plea

(sing for me) a heavenly melody

That the people will be blessed.

Speak for me.

Sing for me, set me free,

And they will see your holiness.

Speak for me, sing for me, speak for me.

You're all I have to offer to a world in need. oh...

Thoughts Of You

Barlow Girl

Thoughts of you

And how you've changed me

Fill my mind

Without You where would I be

So even though I've tried to express my thanks

It never comes out how I hoped

I want to say so much more so with these simple words

I'll try

[Chorus:]

I love You

My heart is Yours, only Yours

I long to give You all of me

My everything, my everything

God I never could repay

You You gave everything

Without You where would I be

You still loved me even when I

Pushed You away

You stood there and waited

Till the day I'd return

So even though I've tried to express my thanks

It never comes out how I hoped

I want to say so much more so with these simple words

I'll try

[Chorus:]

I love You My heart is Yours, only Yours,

Jesus I want to give You all of me I love You,

My heart is Yours, only Yours I long to give

You all of me

My everything, my everything

Thoughts of You

And how You've changed me

Fill my mind

Youth of the Nation

P.O.D

Stained Glass Masquerade

Casting Crowns

Beautiful Stranger

Rebeca St James

Bite my Tongue

Reliant K

Safe

Zoe Girl

Most of these bands are on my space or I-tunes you can easily check out a style or find lyrics on the net-

Proverbs 7 vs Proverbs 31

2009-03-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

I know that many of you would have read these scriptures before, some may not have that travel across this blog thus I write them anyway.

Proverbs 7

My child remember what I say and never forget what I tell you to do. Do what I say and you will live. Be careful to follow my teaching as you are to protect your eyes. Keep my teaching with you all the time; write it on your heart. Treat wisdom as your sister, and insight as your closet friend. They will keep you away from other men's wives, from women with seductive words.

Once I was looking out the window of my house, and I saw many inexperienced young men, but noticed one foolish fellow in particular. He was walking along the street near the corner where a certain woman lived. He was passing near her house in the evening after it was dark. And then she met him; she was dressed like a prostitute and was making plans. She was a bold and shameless woman who always walked the streets or stood waiting at a corner, sometimes in the streets, sometimes at the market. She threw her arms around the young man, kissed him, looked him straight in the eye, and said, "I have made my offerings today and have the meat from the sacrifices. So I came out looking for you. I wanted to find you, and here you are! I've covered my bed with sheets of coloured linen from Egypt. I've perfumed it with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come on! Let's make love all night long. We'll be happy in each others arms. My husband isn't at home, He's on a long journey. He took plenty of money with him and won't be back for two weeks." So she tempted him with her charms, and he gave in to her smooth talk. Suddenly he was going with her like a bullock on the way to be slaughtered, like a deer prancing into a trap, where an arrow would pierce its heart. He was like a bird going into a net-he did not know that his life was in danger. Now then sons listen to me. Pay attention to what I say. Do not let such a women win your heart: don't go wandering after her, She has been the ruin of many men and caused the death of too many to count, If you go to her house, you are on the way to the world of the dead. It is a short cut to death.

Proverbs 31

These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him:

"You are my own dear son, the answer to my prayers. What shall I tell you? Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings. Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol, When they drink, the forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need, Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery. Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness, Speak up for people who can not speak up for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy.

How hard is it to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than rubies! Her husband puts his confidence in her, and he will never be poor. As long as she lives, she does him good and never harm. She keeps herself busy making cloth from wool and linen. She brings him home food from out-of-the-way places, as merchant ships do. She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and to tell her servant women what to do. She looks at land and buys it, and with money she has earned she plants a vineyard. She is a hard worker, strong and industrious. She knows the value of everything that she makes, and works late into the night. She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth. She is generous to the poor and needy. She doesn't worry when it snows, because her family has warm clothing. She makes bedspreads and wears clothing of fine purple linen. Her husband is well known, one of the leading citizens. She makes clothes and belts, and sells them to merchants. She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future. She speaks with a gentle wisdom. She is always busy and looks after her family's needs. Her children show their appreciation, and her husband praises her. He says "Many women are good wives, but you are the best of them all." Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears, but a woman who honours the Lord should be praised. Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.

How many of us women have read and heard of the proverbs 31 woman? I mean it is something that a lot of christian women today desire to be and strive to become. It is such an excellent example of a Godly woman. I should also ask how many of us also know of the proverbs 7 woman? It is definitely the opposite of a Godly woman, described as a prostitute. What defines one from the other though. I think it is great to compare these two examples and dig into the characteristics that define one from the other.

I'll start with the prov 7 woman, "He was passing near her house in the evening after it was dark" The Prov 7 woman did her deeds in the night after darkness had come over. John 3:19 This is how the judgment works: the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil. Micah 3:2 yet you hate what is good and you love what is evil. You skin my people alive and tear the flesh of their bones. "she was dressed like a prostitute and was making plans" "She threw her arms around the young man, kissed him, looked him straight in the eye" "I came out looking for you. I wanted to find you" " Let's make love all night long. We'll be happy in each others arms. My husband isn't at home" "she tempted him with her charms" Simply put she loved doing as she pleased, she lived life for her fleshly desires. Eph 2:3 Actually all of us were like them and lived according to our natural desires, doing whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. In our natural condition we, like everyone else, were destined to suffer God's anger. 1 Peter 2:11 I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world. Do not give in to your bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul. This woman chose to live her life apart from God and caused death and destruction!

The prov 31 woman is a different example. " She gets up before daylight" I find it interesting that the term Light is used in this passage and darkness in the other. John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the pharisees again. "I am the light of the world," he said. "Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness" How many of us fear the future, I know myself that I worry a lot about it. It is one of the hardest things to put my trust in. I don't like not knowing. Jeremiah 29:11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. "She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future" Is it obvious or not that she has put her faith in God, "She looks at land and buys it, and with money she has earned she plants a vineyard", "She doesn't worry when it snows, because her family has warm clothing. "She speaks with a gentle wisdom. Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears" 1Peter 3:4 Instead your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God's sight. This woman loves God, in everything she does it draws her closer to him. "a woman who honours the Lord should be praised" This woman honours the Lord! It is obvious by the fruits in her life. Instead of death their is life

So who do you wish to become like, who do I wish to become like? I know the answer, the proverbs 31 woman for she was Christ-like!

PHILLIPPIANS 4

2009-03-22T02:46:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

12-13: I know what it is to be in need and what it is like to have more than enough. I have learnt this secret, so that everywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

Having read Philippians 4 today these two parts of this passage jumped out at me. Frankly they mix with the theme of contentment. Firstly we see that we ought not to worry instead to pray, ask for our needs, but we read on with; God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. Wow Huh! Seek God in prayer and you will be kept in a peaceful union with him.

The second part carries on with contentment in Christ. For realistically regardless of what situation we have caught ourselves in Christ should be our centre. If Christ is our centre than that should be our everything. How does God feel when we turn around and show our displeasure about the situation we are currently in? That was my first thought. I mean how many times have I complained and complained that everything isn't how I want it and not given God the praise he deserves when everything is great. I realise now that I am offending God in doing so. What I should be doing is turning to him in every situation with a thankful heart.

To truly be content is to be in the midst of God's will. We are not to worry for he is the creator of all things and we are to seek him in everything.

I'm not sure this will make sense, terribly tiered and sitting in front of the t.v with a laptop and trying to put thoughts together while I'm constantly distracted isn't the best of ideas.

Moutaineers....

2009-03-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm assuming that many of you have read mums account of our recent trip to Mt Tambourine. What you will find in the next few spaces is a version of mine mixed with a story, brief history.

As a child I had many dreams, if you had known me as a child you would know that one of them was to become a missionary. Now over the years this dream has not subsided at all. It started off very simply; a knowledge of what missionary work was, a language (Spanish) , a continent South America. Still to this day I'm not to sure exactly when I'll leave for mission but once gone I feel the likely hood of coming back is minimal.

With that in mind we went up to Tambourine. I am very keen always to do the bush/rainforest walks. Mind you mum is constantly on my case that I go to fast, ie don't take in the animals, the likes of birds etc. What I don't think she understands or can comprehend is that every time I am secluded in a cold rainforset I get a deep sense of belonging. It is something that is getting harder and harder to ignore or explain. I don't know how to say it but while I'm there I think of God more often, communicate with him more often and just sense him being there. In no other place but on a mountain side do I feel like so. The importance of going for me is so significant, it is the time that I know with such reassurance I will be able to minister to the street children of South America.

I have developed such a heart for these little ones. Even though I'm not to sure which part of the continent I'll be in I'm so sure of the children. My heart breaks knowing that girls who are as young as 8 are being sold into the sex trade, trashed and discarded by 12/14 because they are thought of as to old/used. They want untainted blood, little girls that haven't been abused yet. How sickening I find that is beyond explaining. We have the street children who are shot dead by police, that's right shot dead because they are street children and thought of as vermin. These children are born into this, they don't have a choice and the government is so corrupt that it adds to it and doesn't help + It is all so hidden from the general population.

So when I say I'm going, I commit my life to Christ and letting him fulfill this desire that he has placed on my heart. The mountains just draw it out of me and the insistence of going now. Who knows why, lol I think it'll be a few more years yet.

SELF - me, myself and I

2009-03-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

The parable of the sower found Mark 4:1-9, Matt 13:1-9 Luke 8:4-8

Mark 4:7 Some of the seed fell among thorn bushes, which grew up and choked the plants, and the didn't bare any grain.

When I was about 15 yrs of age I had a reoccurring nightmare, frankly I don't dream or am unaware of what happens. This nightmare started off with me at the bottom of an extremely big tower and just like a video game planks came out of the tower ready for me to climb. I wanted to climb and so I did. I manged to get 3/4 up but was pushed, was no longer anyway up or down. I was falling subconsciously aware I'd be fine as God was by my side. I hit the water beneath the tower and sunk and sunk and sunk. I was calling out to God and I was resurfacing but I then had ropes, vines all around my ankles pulling me down.

Soon after these dreams I was reading the parable of the sower and realised that this described my life; other people are like the seeds sown among thorn bushes. These are the ones that hear the message, but the worries about this life, the love of riches, and all kinds of other desires crowd in and choke the message and they don't bear fruit. So what does this mean? Frankly I was letting self destroy my relationship with God. 1 Peter 1:14 Be obedient to God, and do not allow your lives to be shaped by those desires you had when you were self ignorant.

Pe 1:16 The scripture says be holy because I am holy

Our God is Holy, he desires all of us to be as holy as him. He desires just to be by our side, just as a friend would like to hear of the day we've had so does he. I mean how many times have I personally let other things distract me from the one important thing that I ought to be striving for. It is all through the bible; mt 6:33 Instead be concerned, above everything else, with the kingdom of God and what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. Nothing will ever be as fulfilling as it will be with Christ, the sooner I get a grip of the reality the sooner that I will fully commit every part of me and hold nothing back. Ps 105:3, 1Ch 16:10 Be glad that we belong to him; let all that worship him rejoice.

So in understanding that Christ wants all of us he also desires us to die to self, to rid our lives of sin. How often do I fall short of being in his presence because of a choice I've made that does not par up with his being? ? ? How can I expect to ever be in the closeness with him that I desire when I lead a sinful life? ? ? He says it in Rom 6:2 Certainly not, we have died to sin - how then can we go on living in it? 1 cor 15:34 Come back to your righteousness and stop your sinful ways. I declare to your shame that some of you do not know God.

So back to the sower parable, I believe that each seed represents a stage along the christian path; the last a fruitful relationship with Christ. What I have come to realize is that we as Christians can get stuck in an unfruitful place and believe that we are living our lives for Christ to the fullest. Frankly for me I need to learn to submit myself to my Lord daily and keep our friendship alive and to let him discipline me and to be my God. Rom 12:2 do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of mind.

I think my all time favourite book of the Bible is Hebrews. This part of Hebrews has been a favourite of mine for quite some time. I first read it just after my terrifying nightmare and realisation of the sower parable. I'll leave you with it and another quote that I have recently read.

Heb 12:5-6

Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children?

My Child pay attention when,

the Lord corrects you,

and do not be discouraged when,

he rebukes you,

because the Lord correct everyone he loves and

punishes everyone he accepts as a child.

It is a tremendous freedom to get rid of all self consideration and learn to care about only one thing - the relationship between Christ and ourselves!

- Oswald Chambers

Nerry's First Letter

2009-03-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Sponser 'LobStar'

Hello, I write to you on behalf of nerry. How are you? He greets you with all his love. He is 4 yrs old.

Please pray for him and the horrible pain he feels. He does not feel very happy because his mother and father died when he was younger. Now he lives with his 3 older sisters.

What he likes to do the most is to sing and listen to music in his house. With love Nery,

Written by the childs teacher

I wanted to add the photos or pictures he drew, meh the batteries are dead in the camera. They also added a fingerprint and he has coloured in eyes that are his colour. There is a picture of him and a picture of a bowl and cup that he drew, lol I think merely for the resembelence of food and water.

I am putting spaces between paragraphs btw, it doesn't appear to be working though

Nery Rolando Bol Choc

2009-03-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

I guess I seem to have been caught on the blogging, can't not do it! :p Mum I'll just quickly mention that I purposely didn't do spell check just to gauge your reaction, as per usual it was the same.... Hmmm thought I'd clarify and the fact that you can't do anything about it well I love, might keep it lyk so. She is an English Lit and it frustrates her enormously. I apologise to everyone else as grammar has never been a strong point of mine.

NERRY

His Community

Nerry lives in Guatemala; a place called Aldea La Isle, Chisec, 138 km North of Coban, Alta Verapaz. The community consits of 1,500 residents and resides in the mountains. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, wood walls and thatch roofs, they do have electricity. The primary ethnic group is Maya, common language is Q'eqchi.

Diet: Maize, Beans, Bananas, chicken, fish, bread, cassava, beef, platains, rice, potatoes.

Health Problems: Respiratory diseases, diarrhoea, dengue fever

Common Work: Subsistence farmers, earn the equivalent of US $94 a month, they need employment opportunities, educational materials and recreation centers

Nerry's Situation

Nerry lives with his Grandma, where many children still suffer from malnutrition. Sadly he has suffered the loss of his parents. Nerry's duties consist of doing odd jobs. His grandma occasionally works as a maid and her work brings in very little thus she struggles to provide for the basic needs of the family.

Nerry doesn't go to school for he is to young; however he does attend education programs, including bible class, at the compassion project. He enjoys playing with cars, singing and listening to music. I'll put his first and only letter in the next posting...

P.S Princess I seem to only get one letter every three months but if there is any questions you'd like me to ask I'll most definitely ask. He is very young though so little sentences pretty please!

The Christian Life

2009-03-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

I have often sat quietly in the knowledge that my relationship with Christ was not as it should be. There was so much that I was missing from it and I couldn't seem to work past this head knowledge and enter into that much desired personal relationship. I knew that the lifestyle I was and am leading was wrong and I wasn't doing much to fix it.

I now want to use this blogging world like a journal of types. I want to delve into the scriptures, analyze it and write it down while sharing a part of me. Most importantly try to get more and more of Christ into my life, be more and more Christ~like.

I recently picked up Leslie Ludy's Book Set-Apart Femininity. I'm only into the 3rd/4th chapter and yet felt compelled to put my thoughts onto paper.

Ian Thomas quote - "The Christian life can be explained only in terms of Jesus Christ, and if your life as a christian can still be explained in terms of you- your personality, your willpower, your gift, your talent, your money, your courage, your scholarship, your dedication, your sacrifice, or your anything- then although you may have the christian life, you are not yet living it."

John 14:21 He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me and he who loves me will be loved by my father and I will love him and manifest myself to him.

The Ten Commandments
Worship no God but me.
Do not bow down to any idol or worship it
Do not use my name for evil purposes
Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy
Respect your father and your mother
Do not commit murder
Do not commit adultery
Do not steal
Do not accuse anyone falsely
Do not desire another mans wife, do not desire his house, his land, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys or anything else that he owns

Extracts From Song Of Solomon

Like a Lilly among thorns is my darling among women. Come then my love; my darling, come with me. You are like a dove that hides in a crevice of a rock. Let me see your lovely face and hear your enchanting voice. The taste of honey is on your lips, my darling; your tongue is milk and honey for me.

I dreamed my lover knocked at the door.
Let me come in my darling, my sweetheart, my dove.
My lover put his hand to the door and I was thrilled that he was near. I was ready to let him come in. I opened the door for my lover,

What is so wonderful about him?
He is feeding his flock in the garden and gathering lilies.

My love you are as beautiful as Jerusalem
I belong to my lover and he desires me.
Let me hear your voice from the garden, my love; my companions are waiting to hear you speak.

My God Desires My Relationship; Am I Ready To Open The Door?