Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62: 5-6
To say the last few weeks have been horrible for my extended family would be a HUGE understatement. Firstly my gorgeous cousin's Father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer and lost the battle within a few short weeks. The toll this has taken on her and her husband has been heartbreaking to watch and reminded each of us that life is short and to treasure each moment.
There is something about the loss of a friend or family members parent that gives you a wake-up call about the reality that we are all growing older and will eventually replace them as the "grown-ups" in our families. As hard as losing a parent is, it is something we all know will happen at some point, and although sometimes it is premature, it is something that happens to everyone at some point.
What we don't expect is what happened last night. My other cousin (from the same family) lost her partner in tragic circumstances. So now, a family that was already battered and bruised, is faced with more heartache and suffering. A beautiful girl has lost her life partner all to soon and her boys have lost a man they loved.
I received a message from a friend today and she pointed out that I'm Mercedes from last nights Glee episode and she is Kurt. If you don't watch Glee, last nights episode centred around Kurt and his Father, and ultimately Kurts lack of belief in God. Mercedes however is full of faith and sings a moving rendition of 'Bridge over troubled water'. Now, I'm no black girl that can rock it like nobody's business, but I do have faith. And right now, I'm having faith for my cousins as well. Faith that they will feel the comfort and love coming at them from all our super supportive friends and family.
Earlier tonight I was sitting at the kitchen table when the words of the below song came to me, I've used it in a previous blog and I pray that this will somehow help in coming days.
Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Putting on the armour...............
'Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.' Ephesians 6:11
Having been raised in The Salvation Army, the wearing of a uniform to church is normal and just what we do. So much so that I remember going to a different church with a friend one Sunday when I was younger and finding it quite odd that they didn't have one. There has been a lot of discussion over the years as to whether the uniform is necessary, practical, fashionable or off-putting to people who enter through our doors for the first time. Everyone, myself included, has varying opinions on the topic and at times I'm sure has been the cause of many heated discussions!!
It's actually been a number of years since I have worn uniform, and over recent months I have started to think about why I wore it and what it meant to me. I got enrolled at 14 because that was what you did. It was the natural progression in those days and somewhat expected. Also, once in uniform, you got to be in the Songsters & Band and, if you were lucky, be involved in a trip or two that may take you to another Salvo church where there might be cute boys!! ( There never was, in case you're wondering!!)
Looking back these are not the best foundation for a serious commitment. Don't get me wrong, I was fully committed, but hadn't made the decision focused on the right reasons. Tomorrow I plan to change all that. I will be wearing my uniform with pride, knowing that the reason I wear it is to be a witness for God, a beacon to those who need help, and to show my commitment in the war against evil in this world.
I will be putting my armour on, ready to fight!!!
Having been raised in The Salvation Army, the wearing of a uniform to church is normal and just what we do. So much so that I remember going to a different church with a friend one Sunday when I was younger and finding it quite odd that they didn't have one. There has been a lot of discussion over the years as to whether the uniform is necessary, practical, fashionable or off-putting to people who enter through our doors for the first time. Everyone, myself included, has varying opinions on the topic and at times I'm sure has been the cause of many heated discussions!!
It's actually been a number of years since I have worn uniform, and over recent months I have started to think about why I wore it and what it meant to me. I got enrolled at 14 because that was what you did. It was the natural progression in those days and somewhat expected. Also, once in uniform, you got to be in the Songsters & Band and, if you were lucky, be involved in a trip or two that may take you to another Salvo church where there might be cute boys!! ( There never was, in case you're wondering!!)
Looking back these are not the best foundation for a serious commitment. Don't get me wrong, I was fully committed, but hadn't made the decision focused on the right reasons. Tomorrow I plan to change all that. I will be wearing my uniform with pride, knowing that the reason I wear it is to be a witness for God, a beacon to those who need help, and to show my commitment in the war against evil in this world.
I will be putting my armour on, ready to fight!!!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Don't let the sun go down on an argument........
"In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26
I have often heard the words “Don’t let the sun go down on an argument”, but until recently I did not realize this pearl of wisdom was directly from the Bible.
The reason I now know this, is that I had what I shall call a “disagreement” with someone at work. Actually, disagreement probably isn’t even the right word. The incident involved someone speaking to me in a rude and aggressive manner because of something I had been asked to do. To my credit, I said nothing and seethed quietly at my desk. Obviously this person realized the manner in which they treated me was wrong, and without me having to say anything (which I’d be planning to do), they apologized. They also started their apology with the above verse. In fact they apologized so sincerely, I started to feel bad about rejoicing over the fact that a puppy had crapped in their office while they were out earlier in the day.
This of course started me wondering: Why is it SO hard to apologize to someone we’ve done wrong by or fought with unnecessarily?
I actually don’t mind a good argument. Just ask Paul. I argue with him all the time! But I also apologize, even though I’m right, because I don’t like to waste time mad at each other. I have a friend who can give her Husband the silent treatment for weeks at a time. She does this in the hope that he will realize what has upset her in the first place. I’ve tried to do this, but failed miserably as I like Paul, (or whoever I’m having a disagreement with) to know exactly why I’m angry/upset with them. By doing this we have the opportunity to discuss it and move on a lot quicker. I’m certainly not saying that everyone should do this; I just find it works best for me.
Recently Paul and I had a huge fight and much to my shame I punched him in the arm and told him to pack his bags and get out. (Please note I in no way encourage violence as a solution to an argument)
Imagine if I had of let the sun go down on that! I of course didn’t mean it, but Paul would not necessarily have known that and without resolving the situation I could have created bigger problems than what the initial argument was about. (For those of you interested, it was an argument over Grocery Shopping – pathetic I know, but you had to be there!!)
And so I encourage you all; never go to bed angry with a loved one & don’t be afraid to apologize. If you must go to bed angry, let it be over something like Telstra or Centrelink!
I have often heard the words “Don’t let the sun go down on an argument”, but until recently I did not realize this pearl of wisdom was directly from the Bible.
The reason I now know this, is that I had what I shall call a “disagreement” with someone at work. Actually, disagreement probably isn’t even the right word. The incident involved someone speaking to me in a rude and aggressive manner because of something I had been asked to do. To my credit, I said nothing and seethed quietly at my desk. Obviously this person realized the manner in which they treated me was wrong, and without me having to say anything (which I’d be planning to do), they apologized. They also started their apology with the above verse. In fact they apologized so sincerely, I started to feel bad about rejoicing over the fact that a puppy had crapped in their office while they were out earlier in the day.
This of course started me wondering: Why is it SO hard to apologize to someone we’ve done wrong by or fought with unnecessarily?
I actually don’t mind a good argument. Just ask Paul. I argue with him all the time! But I also apologize, even though I’m right, because I don’t like to waste time mad at each other. I have a friend who can give her Husband the silent treatment for weeks at a time. She does this in the hope that he will realize what has upset her in the first place. I’ve tried to do this, but failed miserably as I like Paul, (or whoever I’m having a disagreement with) to know exactly why I’m angry/upset with them. By doing this we have the opportunity to discuss it and move on a lot quicker. I’m certainly not saying that everyone should do this; I just find it works best for me.
Recently Paul and I had a huge fight and much to my shame I punched him in the arm and told him to pack his bags and get out. (Please note I in no way encourage violence as a solution to an argument)
Imagine if I had of let the sun go down on that! I of course didn’t mean it, but Paul would not necessarily have known that and without resolving the situation I could have created bigger problems than what the initial argument was about. (For those of you interested, it was an argument over Grocery Shopping – pathetic I know, but you had to be there!!)
And so I encourage you all; never go to bed angry with a loved one & don’t be afraid to apologize. If you must go to bed angry, let it be over something like Telstra or Centrelink!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Make a Joyful NOISE!!
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God;
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise;
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting;
and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100
I am one of those people you may watch when stopped at the traffic lights. You know the type; singing at the top of my voice, a little head banging and the occasional bout of drumming on the steering wheel. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. In fact I know I'm not as I have witnessed others doing the same on several occasions. There's something about being alone in the confines of your car that lowers your inhabitions and just makes you want to rock it out to whatever may be playing on the radio or CD player at the time.
It's the same at Shopping Centres. People will randonly break into song when they recognise a familiar tune. And kids! My girls are constantly making up songs about everything from bath time to spoons. And when they sing, they give it everything they've got. It's not always tuneful or in time, but it's infectious and always brings a smile to my face.
The Church we went to in Hobart had a lovely old man named Jeff and boy did he sing: loudly, out of tune and generally two bars in front of everyone else, but you always knew when he was there and to see the joy on his face when he sang was a real blessing. I remember shedding a tear one Sunday while listening to him sing - not because I thought he was bad, but because I knew what a great hole he would leave in the congregation when he was no longer there. You see, you don't have to be an awesome singer to have an impact on someone, you just have to sing from the heart. I don't profess to be the best singer and I don't think you have to be. It is no coincidence that Psalm 100 says "Make a Joyful noise unto the Lord". You see, God doesn't care whether we're in tune, on time or sound like a hippo in pain; He just wants us to sing praises to Him.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God;
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise;
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting;
and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100
I am one of those people you may watch when stopped at the traffic lights. You know the type; singing at the top of my voice, a little head banging and the occasional bout of drumming on the steering wheel. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. In fact I know I'm not as I have witnessed others doing the same on several occasions. There's something about being alone in the confines of your car that lowers your inhabitions and just makes you want to rock it out to whatever may be playing on the radio or CD player at the time.
It's the same at Shopping Centres. People will randonly break into song when they recognise a familiar tune. And kids! My girls are constantly making up songs about everything from bath time to spoons. And when they sing, they give it everything they've got. It's not always tuneful or in time, but it's infectious and always brings a smile to my face.
The Church we went to in Hobart had a lovely old man named Jeff and boy did he sing: loudly, out of tune and generally two bars in front of everyone else, but you always knew when he was there and to see the joy on his face when he sang was a real blessing. I remember shedding a tear one Sunday while listening to him sing - not because I thought he was bad, but because I knew what a great hole he would leave in the congregation when he was no longer there. You see, you don't have to be an awesome singer to have an impact on someone, you just have to sing from the heart. I don't profess to be the best singer and I don't think you have to be. It is no coincidence that Psalm 100 says "Make a Joyful noise unto the Lord". You see, God doesn't care whether we're in tune, on time or sound like a hippo in pain; He just wants us to sing praises to Him.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Pretty Dresses........
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
I like nice things. I love jewellery, clothes, bags, shoes…..and so the list continues. I not only like these things for myself, I also like them for my 3 daughters. Creating materialistic monsters springs to mind! But in my mind, if they always look good this reflects nicely on me!
In fact, after recently buying the older two a new dress each (which I of course justified them needing in a thousand different ways), I thought I’d best do a stocktake of their cupboard. I started counting dresses and was surprised (read horrified) when I reached 80 very quickly. I immediately started to panic that maybe in our relocation to Melbourne 2 years ago we’d inadvertently left 16 more daughters behind! But no, these are the dresses that I apparently need to clothe three little people. I should also point out that figure does not include skirts or the other dresses currently in storage until the warmer weather arrives.
This started me thinking about clothes and how important they are in shaping the kind of people we want the world to see. I am certain that I am not the only one who sees someone wearing a certain outfit and jumps to a conclusion of what ‘type’ of person they are. For example: trackies, mochies and a Ford or Holden jacket to your knees just screams “I live in Glenorchy and hang out in the Bus mall when I’m not shoplifting at Northgate.” Now, I know this is a HUGE generalization. They don’t ALL live in Glenorchy, but you get my drift. We have all been known to judge people on the clothes they wear and fit them into a preconceived stereotype that is probably vastly inaccurate.
One of mine & Paul’s favourite pastimes is people watching at the shops. There you will see the biggest fashion faux pas’ and it always gives us a bit of a giggle. Don’t judge us – I know you’ve done it too! There’s just something about a fashion train wreck chugging past that gives me great pleasure. But why? Surely an outfit shouldn’t define who we are as people? And yet so often it does. It speaks volumes of how much we earn, where we live, if we’re clean, how we’ve been raised, whether we have taste……. and the list goes on.
Counting 80 dresses in my girls’ wardrobe gave me a reality check. I am in danger of overlooking true beauty in this world because I am too concerned with the way it’s presented and a bigger danger of raising the girls to believe that you have to look and dress a certain way to fit in.
I want them to live by 1 Peter 3:3-4 and value theirs and everyone else’s inner beauty, for that is the beauty that matters most…………..
I like nice things. I love jewellery, clothes, bags, shoes…..and so the list continues. I not only like these things for myself, I also like them for my 3 daughters. Creating materialistic monsters springs to mind! But in my mind, if they always look good this reflects nicely on me!
In fact, after recently buying the older two a new dress each (which I of course justified them needing in a thousand different ways), I thought I’d best do a stocktake of their cupboard. I started counting dresses and was surprised (read horrified) when I reached 80 very quickly. I immediately started to panic that maybe in our relocation to Melbourne 2 years ago we’d inadvertently left 16 more daughters behind! But no, these are the dresses that I apparently need to clothe three little people. I should also point out that figure does not include skirts or the other dresses currently in storage until the warmer weather arrives.
This started me thinking about clothes and how important they are in shaping the kind of people we want the world to see. I am certain that I am not the only one who sees someone wearing a certain outfit and jumps to a conclusion of what ‘type’ of person they are. For example: trackies, mochies and a Ford or Holden jacket to your knees just screams “I live in Glenorchy and hang out in the Bus mall when I’m not shoplifting at Northgate.” Now, I know this is a HUGE generalization. They don’t ALL live in Glenorchy, but you get my drift. We have all been known to judge people on the clothes they wear and fit them into a preconceived stereotype that is probably vastly inaccurate.
One of mine & Paul’s favourite pastimes is people watching at the shops. There you will see the biggest fashion faux pas’ and it always gives us a bit of a giggle. Don’t judge us – I know you’ve done it too! There’s just something about a fashion train wreck chugging past that gives me great pleasure. But why? Surely an outfit shouldn’t define who we are as people? And yet so often it does. It speaks volumes of how much we earn, where we live, if we’re clean, how we’ve been raised, whether we have taste……. and the list goes on.
Counting 80 dresses in my girls’ wardrobe gave me a reality check. I am in danger of overlooking true beauty in this world because I am too concerned with the way it’s presented and a bigger danger of raising the girls to believe that you have to look and dress a certain way to fit in.
I want them to live by 1 Peter 3:3-4 and value theirs and everyone else’s inner beauty, for that is the beauty that matters most…………..
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Be Still.............
As a Mother of three, there are several phrases I find myself saying on a regular basis. "Sit still" & "Be quiet and listen" would have to be on top of the list. And I am not alone. A trip to a busy food court or any public place ,busy with children, will have parents whispering, loudly pleading or in some cases yelling these words on a regular basis.
There is just something about a childs unwillingness to do either of those things. And I wonder if this neccessarily changes as we get older?
As life begins to become more complex with work, family and other commitments do we allow ourselves time to sit still and listen? Or do we instead, as the waves of everyday life crash over us, pick up the pace in a mad panic simply to survive?
I am starting to wonder if God sometimes loses patience with my unwillingness to "Be still", just as I lose patience with my girls? One thing I'm grateful for is that I'm fairly confident God doesn't have a naughty corner. If he did I am sure I would be sent there on a regular basis aong with a couple of other people I know!
Driving home tonight the words of the song "Still" came into my head:
Hide me now, under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Chorus:
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quiteness and trust.
When the oceans rise
and thunders roar,
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
This song reminded me of how inportant it is to be still,and trust in God even when we we are facing the toughest storms in life, for it is then that he picks us up and helps us soar.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
In these days ahead I am going to be still and listen, just as God himself has requested fom me.
It will be a challenge,but if anyone can get me to listen God can!!!!
There is just something about a childs unwillingness to do either of those things. And I wonder if this neccessarily changes as we get older?
As life begins to become more complex with work, family and other commitments do we allow ourselves time to sit still and listen? Or do we instead, as the waves of everyday life crash over us, pick up the pace in a mad panic simply to survive?
I am starting to wonder if God sometimes loses patience with my unwillingness to "Be still", just as I lose patience with my girls? One thing I'm grateful for is that I'm fairly confident God doesn't have a naughty corner. If he did I am sure I would be sent there on a regular basis aong with a couple of other people I know!
Driving home tonight the words of the song "Still" came into my head:
Hide me now, under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Chorus:
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quiteness and trust.
When the oceans rise
and thunders roar,
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
This song reminded me of how inportant it is to be still,and trust in God even when we we are facing the toughest storms in life, for it is then that he picks us up and helps us soar.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
In these days ahead I am going to be still and listen, just as God himself has requested fom me.
It will be a challenge,but if anyone can get me to listen God can!!!!
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