Saturday, November 30, 2013

Unworthy

Verse of the day:
"I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants." Luke 15:19

If any of you read the bible (or were taught bible stories as a child), this verse would be familiar to you as it is one of the verses in the Prodigal Son story.

For those of those who haven't, or don't, this is the lowdown: A wealthy farmer had two sons. One of them was a good son, and the other, as soon as he was old enough, he took his inheritance and left home to go 'find himself.' After a while, he had blown his inheritance and he found himself homeless, eating less than the pigs did at home. He decided to go home and when he got there he said to his father "I'm sorry, I have sinned against you and against God. I don't deserve to be your son any longer, so treat me like your servants."

He felt unworthy. But his Father threw a huge party because he was back. The older son was jealous, because he had been good all along and hadn't got anything, while the unworthy son got a huge party. The father told him, "Everything I have is yours, and you are aways with me. But it is fitting to throw a party, because my son is lost and now he is found!!"

I have felt like the second son many times. I have felt my parents' disappointment over something - even very minor things - time and time again and felt unworthy.

I have also done things that are wrong and felt guilty in front of my heavenly father, and felt unworthy to be his daughter.

But we must remember that God loves us, and every time we repent, he throws a party in heaven because we have been found!!

I'm praying for you guys!!

Friday, November 29, 2013

Getting Back To Basics

Verse of the day:
Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, how they said, "Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to it's foundations!" Psalm 137:7

Today I'm going to talk about getting back to basics.

Lately, I feel like life has just gotten so complicated. So this Christmas, I'm going to cut down to the basics and slow it down, and try to only fit a few important things in my life. Family, friends, God, blogging, and my novel. The important stuff.

I know you guys may not think that my novel is a 'basic,' but I want to work on it. And being unemployed, I should really be working towards something that can make me money. And I'm cutting down my expenses too.

I've come up wit a rule for myself that will hopefully get me working on my novel more and spending less. I spend WAY more money than I should, and it doesn't help that I get a pension, so my rule is this:

I am going to pay myself a certain amount of money for every hour I work on my novel (like an hourly rate), and I will keep a running total of how much it is, and subtract what I spend. If I really really want something that I can't afford, I have to do the required number of hours on my novel before I buy it.

What are your basics?

Thursday, November 28, 2013

How did you get to where you are?

Verse of the day:
You can be sure that using people or religion or things just for what you can get out of them - the usual variations on idolatry - will get you nowhere and certainly nowhere near the kingdom of God, the kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:5

I know it's only Thanksgiving, so it's a little early for a Christmas post, but we don't do Thanksgiving here in Australia, so here goes.

A lot of people these days (actually, this has probably always happened), only get to where they are in their career, or anywhere else in their life, by using people. They only use them to advance them to where they want to go, or to get what they want. They want something so bad that they don't care who they step on to get it.

People also do this without realizing. I know I've stepped on people's toes and used them to get what I want without knowing it.

But this Christmas, why don't we all make a conscious effort to NOT step on anyones toes to get what we want? Or better yet, why don't we forgo what we want and help others instead? Help your friends, your family, help a friend, or help someone who is underprivileged or needy.

And be thankful for what we've already got. I'm thankful for my friends and family, and the fact that I am alive and healthy. And I'm also thankful for you guys - my readers!

Happy thanksgiving!!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Would You Rather

Verse of the day:
A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. Proverbs 27:3

 Have you ever done manual labor? Or lifted something so heavy it was almost impossible for you to life?

I have. I'm not a good example, because with a heart condition, I can barely lift anything heavy, but I know what it's like to hold a baby or a toddler so long you feel like your arms are going to fall off.

Yes, some things are heavy. Yes, you can barely lift them. But what's worse is any emotional burden.

The bible verse for today talks about if someone is provoking you, or testing your anger, but I'm going to open it up to any emotional burden.

I know I'd rather hold a baby till my arms drop off than have the emotional burden of worrying about a friend, or grieving the loss of someone, or even being frustrated because someone is provoking me. Give me physical pain over emotional pain any day.

So be sensitive about any emotional pain others around you might be feeling, and show compassion.

How can I pray for you today?

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Running Ahead Of God

Verse of the day:
Like a lame man's limbs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Proverbs 26:7

Not much has happened today - very little to blog about. I was home all day researching for something. However, I know I need to tell myself sometimes (especially on days like today) not to run ahead of God.

For example, I want to live in the US for a year (at least) ASAP - I feel like this is God's short-term plan for me. However, I'm researching different options, and I need to tell myself to pray about it.

 For example, if I get offered a job in the US, I need to pray and make sure it's the right one before I go crazy and prepare to move. Or, if I think studying over there might work, I should pray about it and ask God what his plan is before researching every college I can think of.

Anyway, just wanted to remind everyone of that.

I'm praying for you!!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Friends

Verse of the day:
Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. Proverbs 25:19

Hey guys, I'm back!!

Lately I don't seem to be as close to my main group of friends - and when I say not as close, I mean that the last time I saw them was a couple of months ago. At first I was kinda hurt that they weren't inviting me when they get together.

But yesterday, I had a breakthrough. What if God has decided to move me away from them because they're a bad influence?

These same friends taught me to drink. And the hardest night I have ever had when once I went out with them fresh out of hospital and wasn't allowed to drink, but SO wanted to.

I want to drink more when I'm with them than I do with anyone else.

It's hard not seeing them because a couple of them I have been close to since I was almost too young to remember, but I'm not not going to refuse to see them. I'm just going to consciously take a step back from them as a group. I will definitely still see them one on one and in little groups in the daytime, just maybe not consider them my 'main' friends anymore.

The other way I think this parting is from God is because it has given me a chance to rely on him and not on my friends. Yes, it's good to rely on friends. But ultimately you need to rely on God.

Also, by the way, my friend Bree's blog has featured me as Woman of the Week. Check it out here.

Praying for you guys!!

Feel free to comment or email me!!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Taking a break

Hey guys, I know I've just started this blog (and that I should keep updating), but I'm going to take a break from blogging till Monday. There are a couple of reasons for this:

1) I'm sick (and whenever I get sick my brain goes AWL), and

2) I'm going away this weekend to visit family.

There, the two reasons for my break. I know you're wondering why I'm visiting cousins while sick, the truth is I just have a cold that will probably mostly be over by the time we leave this weekend, so that covers the next few days, and then on the weekend, we'll leave, which covers Saturday/Sunday of my break.

Praying for you guys!!!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Responsibilities

Verse of the day:
Be careful not to neglect this matter. Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of royal interests? Ezra 4:22

This verse, I believe, can be interpreted two ways. But the way I'm going to interpret it is: You cannot neglect your responsibilities.

We all have some responsibilities, and these are also things God has put in our lives to make us grow. At first, it's small amounts of responsibility, but the older we are, the more responsibility we get.

The topic of responsibility is also covered in a parable (a story) in the bible. If you want to check it out, it's Matthew 25:14-30.

Anyway, in the parable a rich man calls together three of his servants and says he has to go away, but that the three of them will be caretakers of his money while he is gone. He gives $5 to the first servant, $2 to the second servant, and $1 to the third servant.

While he is gone, the first servant invested his money and, in turn, made $5 more. The second servant also invested money and, again, made $2 more. The third servant hid his dollar in the ground to keep it safe.

When the rich man returned, he asked for reports on his money, and they all explained what they had done with the money. H e was pleased with the first two servants, and in turn promised them more responsibility. The third servant, however, angered him because he had not used his money wisely.

Responsibility is not the main point, or moral, of the story. But there is an element of responsibility there.

What I'm alluding to is the rich man gave the first two servants bigger and better things because they had been wise with the responsibility they already had.

I have to admit, I'm not always the greatest with responsibility. I spend too much money, and I forget to do important thing (just to name a couple). But I keep trying to be better, because if I am wise with what God has given me, he will give me bigger and better things. I don't know what those bigger and better thing might be. It might be a book contract, or a family to take care of, or even making me head of a ministry. I have no idea. But I want to be a good steward of the things God has entrusted me with.

I'm praying for you guys xoxo

Feel free to comment or email me!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Baptism

Verse of the day:
Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands. Ephesians 2:11

Why this verse may seem gross (which is what I thought when I first read it), as well as confusing, it has an important meaning.

I was reminded of my baptism by this verse. Although I'm still fuzzy on exactly what it means, but it's about becoming "one with the flesh" with Christ.

This usually happens during Baptism, when we are secured into God's family. I grew up in the Lutheran church, and we usually baptise babies soon after they are born. But I understand that not everyone believes this - in fact, I'm not sure I believe in infant baptism myself. I don't see the point - children could just get baptised when they have their own faith, not just their parents'.

I also don't see God refusing to allow a baby to get into heaven if they die just because they haven't been baptised. If you haven't been baptised, and began a relationship with God today but died tomorrow without being baptised, you would still go to heaven, because it's your heart that counts.

On the other hand, becoming "one with the flesh" with God is good; it means we have entered into a covenant with God - much like marriage.

Anyways, enough theology for today. I hope you have an awesome day! I'm praying for you!!

Feel free to comment or email me!!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

These Are The Days Of Our Lives

Verse of the day:
If we are thrown into the furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from her Majesty's hand. Daniel 3:17

God has saved me in every way a person can be saved. Physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally (is that all??).

But today I'm going to talk about God saving me physically, which he has done many times.

6 days after I was born, I turned blue and it was discovered I had a heart condition, which is WAY to complicated to explain. I was airlifted to a different state so I could have my first open heart surgery. Since then, I have many, many surgeries and I was the first Australian to survive one particular surgery (don;t ask me which one, I was too young to remember). In fact, I have only had 2 surgeries that I can remember  - when I was 10 and when I was 21.

Plus I have almost been skittled on the road - twice. It's not because I'm careless, both times were the driver's fault.

The first time, I was 15 and crossing a busy intersection at the lights - across the road from the Adelaide Children's Hospital, no less - and I started to cross when the light turned green. I was a quarter of the way in (which wasn't much - only a step or two off the sidewalk) when I suddenly stepped back, almost as if I was pushed back. Not a moment too soon, because suddenly a car zoomed around the corner in the exact position I would have been at that moment if I hadn't stepped back. I knew at that moment that God had pushed me back to save me from the car.

The other time was a couple of years ago. I was standing on one of the town squares, ready to cross the road - a small road, but cars can come from many directions. I clearly remember doing a 180, which is a more careful look for any incoming cars than I usually do, and there were NO cars in sight. I started to cross, and I got halfway across when suddenly I had to run across the rest of the way because a car came out of nowhere and was zooming towards me, obviously speeding. If the driver had just been going 5km slower, I wouldn't have had to run across.

So praise the Lord! I'm still here, and I'm still (relatively) healthy. God still has a purpose for me. And I'm grateful for each and every day he gives me. I think it also makes me more joyful and appreciative, knowing that I'm getting more days than I could have.

I'm still praying for each and every one of you.

Feel free to comment or email me!!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Sorry

Verse of the day:
They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the lamb!" Revelation 6:16

Sorry, guys, I can't blog today. Something's happened and it's too emotional and upsetting (I think there's still a bit of shock too). Just wanted to update and tell you guys that I haven't forgotten to blog, it's just that I can't.

I'm praying for you guys xoxo

Feel free to comment or email me!!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

 Verse of the day:
No, that's not your experience at all. you've come to Mount Zion, the city where the living God resides. The invisible Jerusalem is populated by throngs of festive angels and Christian citizens. Hebrews 12:22

Today I woke up early. I like to wake up early to get a start on the day, and today I woke up about 5.30am, and pulled out my iPad to read for a bit. But I reckon I was only in bed for 2 minutes when I looked out my window (I don't use blinds or curtains), and saw a GORGEOUS sunrise!! I am in awe that God made such a beautiful sunrise!!So I hopped out of bed and out the front door to take a photo. This is the result:



Okay, disclaimer: the sunrise was much better than that, it was all pink. The photo DOES NOT do it justice.

Later, when I came up with the verse of the day, I had to hunt for what the verse means, and I found out it's actually talking about heaven. That got me to thinking.

So it's saying that when you get to heaven, you'll be where God lives. They'll be festive angels and other Christians there.

 This description, along with the sunrise I saw, makes me long for heaven. I know I'll be there one day, but that won't be for decades (God willing).

Today, as I look towards heaven, I feel closer to God, and am singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow, because one day that's where I'll be - over the rainbow. And it makes me feel closer to God.

Here's a link to Somewhere Over The Rainbow for your enjoyment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSZxmZmBfnU

Feel free to comment or email me!!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Understanding What It Means To Follow Jesus

Verse of the day:
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. John 3:1

Today I was reading the story of Nicodemus (if you want to check it out, you can read about it at John 3:1-21, 7:45-51 & 19:39-42).

I don't think I've every read his story before, but I came across it and I was struck by how he didn't understand what it meant to follow Jesus.

He was confused. He didn't understand.

Often we are confused about God or the bible or how to follow Jesus. At the same time, we assume the people in the bible had all the answers, that they automatically understood, and we forget that they actually were confused.

And yet, later, when Jesus had died, Nicodemus helped embalm his body and bury him. Wow. He didn't understand, but he served Jesus anyway.

That blows my mind. We should all be like that. I don't know about you guys, but if I come across a verse I don't understand that I'm supposed to do the S.O.A.P. method on for my bible study, I give up. I just quit my bible study until the next day. I know I shouldn't, but I get discouraged when I don't understand.

If you're wondering how to do the S.O.A.P. method, I do an online bible study as part of the Good Morning Girls website and here is a link on the same site to explain the S.O.A.P. method:

http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/?s=SOAP

Yay! Worked out how to do links!!

Feel free to comment or email me!!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Who are you living for?

Verse of the day:
Let every detail of your lives - words, actions, whatever - be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. Colossians 3:17

I was having a conversation with my next door neighbour, Chelsea (she's almost 12), about this (by the way, she was home sick today, pray for her!). We were talking about our hopes and dreams for the future and I was telling her how I'd like to be an author one day, and she said "I think you should get going with your novel."

Oh, my. What I thought right at that moment was, "Out of the mouths of babes..." For any of you who don't know what that means, it's a verse in the bible (that I can't seem to find), that means that children speak truth and wisdom, often wiser than their years - and it's usually exactly what you need to hear (well, in my experience it is).

Chelsea's right. I've done about 6,000 on my novel and I'm aiming for about 60,000, so I'm about 10% done - in 3 years. While I don't have a job I should really be spending every moment I can on it.

God gives us time to bring him glory. Every moment we live should be for him, not to waste. Of course, it's okay to sleep in and be lazy once in a while  - we all need to rest now and then. But if we find ourselves living a life of leisure (that I have been), there's something wrong. I should be using every moment to do what God what God wants me to do that day.

 I used to ask God each night to show me where I should spend my resources - my time and money - the following day. But for some reason I've stopped doing that, I don't know why.

I'm going to start doing it again, and living every moment for God. As someone with a heart condition, it's a miracle I have every moment I get - I should have only lived a few days. God saw fit to give me years because he has a purpose for me. I have to live that purpose, not for myself.

Who are you living for?

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Being Real

Verse of the day:
Including a full account of his rule, his exploits, and the times through which he and Israel and the surrounding kingdoms passed. 1 Chronicles 29:30

Today I have been thinking about being real, and how I'd rather be real than hide my flaws and weaknesses from other people in order to feel or look superior. We all like to pretend we're as put together as the next person - even though no one is truly put together.

Well, I'm stopping that right now. I'm a mess. If I'm ever put together, my life's going right and I seem to be living well - making time for God, exercise, my blog, and other things I have to do, it lasts for about 1 or maybe 2 days (at a stretch). Then it all falls apart and I'm a mess again. So I think we should all stop pretending.

No matter what we do, say, or think (or don't do, say, or think), God sees. We can't hide from God, just as we can't hide from ourselves.

Part of my hope for this blog is that you guys will keep me accountable - I want to be real on this blog. That means being honest about my failures and the things I struggle with as well as my triumphs.

Thanks for allowing me to be real :-)


Monday, November 11, 2013

Lest we forget

Verse of the day:
And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day. 1 Samuel 8:18

Today, here in Australia, it is Remembrance Day. 95 years ago today, on the 11th hour of the11th day of the 11th month 1918, World War 1 ended - "the war to end all wars" they said. Huh. Funny how that wasn't true.

It serves to remind us to remember those of us (at least here in Australia, I'm not sure what other countries observe this, if any) who have served and fallen, particularly in World War 1. This is why we observe a minute of silence at 11:00am - to remember.

I also know that in the US today is Veterans Day, which I believe serves the same purpose (if I'm wrong, feel free to correct me).

Although I don't know anyone who served in World War 1, I know one of my grandpa served as a cook in a war, I'm guessing World War 2 because he would have been the right age. But I miss him and I always think of him on Rememberance Day. My grandpa died in May of 1994 - when I was 7. It's almost 20 years ago. One thing I'm looking forward to doing in heaven one day is getting to know him - because I was young when he died, my memories of him are sketchy.

Another person I was remembering today was my oldest friend's (okay, she's more like a sister) grandfather who died in July. He was in the army for a time. I don't know much else, but I did know him and I was thinking of him today. In fact, I pulled out his funeral card from my bag (which so needs a cleanout!!) and inside were the words to The Old Rugged Cross. I love that hymn, and it's fitting, so I'm posting a link for it here so you guys can listen to it. I hope you enjoy it.

Lest we forget.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUju31yqll4

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Welcome!!

Welcome to my new blog!!! I'm not sure entirely what it's going to be focused on yet, but we'll see. One day hopefully this'll be an authors blog - I'm currently working on my first novel.

Anyway, I wanted to start off with something God has shown me recently. I've debated putting this up, but I feel God's been pushing me to share this story, no matter how small or insignificant it is.

Last weekend, I went to Sydney for the weekend to visit my "other" family - the family I was an Au Pair for for 7 months late last year and earlier this year. It was great - because I currently don't have a job, I've been bumming round the house weeks - and I had the best time. That was, until Sunday.

Let me just clarify that although I may be a drinker, I am not an out-of-control drinker. I drink a few - probably a few more than I should (and that goes back to the way I was raised) - but I have always been able to handle my alcohol.

On Sunday, my host mum had friends and family round to her place for a BBQ. It was great that I could catch up with everyone and I was having fun. I had less drinks than I have had before over MANY hours (12.30pm - 7pm) but somehow I ended up passing out and hitting my head. I can remember getting up from the floor and the HUGE pool of blood (I've always been a good bleeder) and the next thing I know I was in an ambulance going to hospital. Now, the hospital was uneventful. No stitches, nothing unusual, and even the doctor commented I hadn't had more than what is recommended - 1 drink every hour (although I know I was drunk).

I have asked since and apparently during the time I don't remember, I only had 1 tequila shot. No more wine, which was what I was drinking. What was huge to me was the huh? factor. I have no idea what happened.

After a few days thought, I summed up that God must not want me to drink - at all. And even if he's still okay with me drinking, I am declaring that I am never going to have alcohol again. I know it'll be harder to say no to any second drink after "just one" glass than it will be to say no to the first drink offered to me at any time.

I also feel that God has provided me with this experience for a purpose. I hope to be a social worker one day and will have to deal with alcoholics - I now know a little of what they must feel. I feel more empathetic towards people with alcoholism now.

Thanks for reading/listening guys!!! Also, if anyone has suggestions/requests for the blog, let me know!!

Verse of the day:
Do not conform 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. Romans 12:2