Driving up the Range (a big hill to get from the farm to Toowoomba) last night I heard the song "G'day G'day" on the radio and it really made my heart lighter. Check out the link below with photos of Brisbane (I thought it might be a boon for the Aussies away from home and funny for the non-Aussies out there!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7TrRqv-flU&feature=related
Also - while surfing You Tube this arvo I looked up Rodney Atkins who I have to admit I'm a bit of a fan after hearing his song "Watching You" a while ago talking about how his son watches him and wants to be just like his Dad. This song, and the others that I've heard from him sum up just about everything I like about country music - honesty, heartfelt lyrics, and well.. yes, cute guys too!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Morning After
Yesterday started with a very chilly 5am with my feet freezing in my boots, and fingers so cold they were unable to tie my filly up in the float as we traveled off to a horse show where we got utterly flogged. The class we were in was for 2 years and under so our little 9 month old weanlings didn't stand much of a chance against horses that were broken in and better muscled. That having been said though, the black QH filly that beat us in Marburg came second :<
We got back to the farm and after a quick cup of tea I was on a horse preparing it for a parade today in Brisbane, off the horse and washing 3 others so tired I could barely keep my feet after a huge week at work. Thankfully, considering the event today was for the Light Horse Troop my services were not sought... so I left the farm at 6pm and went to church fortified by a take-a-way double shot hot chocolate enabling a sleep in this morning.
I've had an incredibly delightful day. Sleeping in, brunch, reading and a glorious day. I now sit in the botanical gardens writing away with birdsongs serenading, a lovely crisp breeze and the fresh pine smell of the tree I rest again.
I recognise, as three bike riders slowly glide by, that "The Morning After" is an unusual title for a blog where the antecedent evening was occupied by church going and sleeping alone. Yet it fits for a singular reason. Last night, God, through the sermon preached (1 John 1 was the text) healed me of my hurt and bitterness that I've recently written about. Only God is capable of healing and removing the type of pain that yesterday was so tangible, and I give Him the for what I asked for and what He has done.
No tears were involved, no laying on of hands, no outpouring to a third party, yet no less real is what He has done. The pastor spoke on the darkness that can be in our lives as Christians, there is light yes, but like twighlight in comparison to noon-day darkness can still be present where we don't have fellowship with others as we know we ought. How it mentions in 1 John 9-11 that:
We got back to the farm and after a quick cup of tea I was on a horse preparing it for a parade today in Brisbane, off the horse and washing 3 others so tired I could barely keep my feet after a huge week at work. Thankfully, considering the event today was for the Light Horse Troop my services were not sought... so I left the farm at 6pm and went to church fortified by a take-a-way double shot hot chocolate enabling a sleep in this morning.
I've had an incredibly delightful day. Sleeping in, brunch, reading and a glorious day. I now sit in the botanical gardens writing away with birdsongs serenading, a lovely crisp breeze and the fresh pine smell of the tree I rest again.
I recognise, as three bike riders slowly glide by, that "The Morning After" is an unusual title for a blog where the antecedent evening was occupied by church going and sleeping alone. Yet it fits for a singular reason. Last night, God, through the sermon preached (1 John 1 was the text) healed me of my hurt and bitterness that I've recently written about. Only God is capable of healing and removing the type of pain that yesterday was so tangible, and I give Him the for what I asked for and what He has done.
No tears were involved, no laying on of hands, no outpouring to a third party, yet no less real is what He has done. The pastor spoke on the darkness that can be in our lives as Christians, there is light yes, but like twighlight in comparison to noon-day darkness can still be present where we don't have fellowship with others as we know we ought. How it mentions in 1 John 9-11 that:
11But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. (Amplified Version)Further, he went on to elaborate that unless we love others (and don't hold things against them) we can not really love God.
1 John 2:2-4 And He [Jesus Himself] is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours alone but also for [the sins of] the whole world. And this is how we may discern [daily, by experience] that we are coming to know Him [to perceive, recognize, understand, and become better acquainted with Him]: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments). Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him.Hard teaching, and strong words but at the same time, freeing ones. My love for God is greater then my hurt and so I choose, in light of God's love for me to lay it aside. That simple. Thanks for your prayers, I don't think I would have been open to this word were it not for them. I rejoice that the pain is gone... and thankfully astounded too!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Rentry Transition
I've been doing some research at work to do with enabling our students to exit our very close Christian school with minimal fall out when they enter the "real" world, away from friends, understanding teachers, and a known support network. To be themselves and find a life outside of school with great success, not floundering and wishing to be back...
In doing so, I've come across some great resources, one in particular, which I plan to use myself. You see I never "debriefed" when coming home, never had the opportunity to really express some of my emotions, hurts, joys and experiences in a healthy way. Partly because I was going through personal grief at the same time, and partly because it was never a mentioned option.
Heading back to Hong Kong, I'm realising how much there still is to work through, and I've been really blessed by this work research as it's highlighted and reinforced the need.
The best article I've come across thus far is this PDF which also has a workbook with the writers giving permission to "pass it along". And so I do :)
Secondly, you might have been shocked by my statement of hurt a few entries ago, and I guess I need to clarify the issue... The bible is very clear about when you feel wronged you are to go to the person directly and then take witness etc. But what happens when you are forbidden to approach the person letting them know of the wrong? What happens when you're manipulated into a situation that is wrong and act accordingly with that manipulation? What happens when you're so weak and devastated by someone's words that you can't fight on your own, and when someone else fights on your behalf they are slandered to your face? All of this and more, happened in the situation of hurt that I mentioned. I have been working through forgiveness with God about the issue and hope, through this "debriefing" process and continued prayer, along with guidance by the Word and people whose opinion I value, one day be able to see this person face to face with no feelings of residual resentment or hurt. I also ask for your prayers, both for me, and all that were involved.
In doing so, I've come across some great resources, one in particular, which I plan to use myself. You see I never "debriefed" when coming home, never had the opportunity to really express some of my emotions, hurts, joys and experiences in a healthy way. Partly because I was going through personal grief at the same time, and partly because it was never a mentioned option.
Heading back to Hong Kong, I'm realising how much there still is to work through, and I've been really blessed by this work research as it's highlighted and reinforced the need.
The best article I've come across thus far is this PDF which also has a workbook with the writers giving permission to "pass it along". And so I do :)
Secondly, you might have been shocked by my statement of hurt a few entries ago, and I guess I need to clarify the issue... The bible is very clear about when you feel wronged you are to go to the person directly and then take witness etc. But what happens when you are forbidden to approach the person letting them know of the wrong? What happens when you're manipulated into a situation that is wrong and act accordingly with that manipulation? What happens when you're so weak and devastated by someone's words that you can't fight on your own, and when someone else fights on your behalf they are slandered to your face? All of this and more, happened in the situation of hurt that I mentioned. I have been working through forgiveness with God about the issue and hope, through this "debriefing" process and continued prayer, along with guidance by the Word and people whose opinion I value, one day be able to see this person face to face with no feelings of residual resentment or hurt. I also ask for your prayers, both for me, and all that were involved.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Hilarious!
An Asian couple had just gone from visiting Dad when I arrived home this evening. On the bench I noticed a bottle of Glenlivet which Dad had only realised as alcohol after drinking it. He also asked me if it was very strong, which I thought would have been evident due to it making him cough as it burned down his throat!
Absolutely hilarious - neither of us have any idea why they gave it... he asked if it could have been a joke, to which I replied if it me giving it as a joke I'd choose something cheaper... oh well, he'll sleep well tonight! (Dad's strictly a wine man, and used to like Midori until I told him it wasn't a normal cordial..)
So Steve, chances are there'll still be some in the cupboard for when you come home next :)
Absolutely hilarious - neither of us have any idea why they gave it... he asked if it could have been a joke, to which I replied if it me giving it as a joke I'd choose something cheaper... oh well, he'll sleep well tonight! (Dad's strictly a wine man, and used to like Midori until I told him it wasn't a normal cordial..)
So Steve, chances are there'll still be some in the cupboard for when you come home next :)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Heading Back
I'm booking flights and accommodation this week for Hong Kong in September, where I'll be attending a good friend's wedding. I've decided against the Island Shangri-la in terms of a hotel (however nice it would be) in favour of something a little cheaper in order to have some more spending money.
In planing my trip I'm coming up against a lot of emotions in heading back to a place that is so special for many reasons, but also filled with a great deal of pain. I'm aware that I'll be seeing some people, one in particular, who have caused me a great deal of pain. This female has hurt me like no one ever has, but in the process I've been made stronger and this is what I think I need to focus on - not the pain - but the process which has been redeemed by God.
Aside from the narkiness - so many special things happened there that aren't any more. How do I visit these places and not long for what once was? I'm not sure... Either way, I think I'm going to be spending the entire time on my knees or drinking too heavily - probably a bit of both :) I've decided that I'm going to have the time of my life - go with the attitude not to worry about things for the 5 days while I'm there, and with God's grace confront things as and when they crop up. I guess this trip might be the focus of a few more blogs!
I am really looking forward to seeing people though, and so excited to be able to be at the wedding of my dear friend. I'm looking forward to my honey beer, and my Peak restaurant meal, and a Lychee martini and a hundred and one different things... book me in - my diary's filling up!!
Oh - and for those of you who are getting into the warmer months of the year, spare a thought for us over here - I needed to wear my snow jacket out to the markets this morning (farm fresh fruit and veg - yum!) and my hands are only just now thawing out..
In planing my trip I'm coming up against a lot of emotions in heading back to a place that is so special for many reasons, but also filled with a great deal of pain. I'm aware that I'll be seeing some people, one in particular, who have caused me a great deal of pain. This female has hurt me like no one ever has, but in the process I've been made stronger and this is what I think I need to focus on - not the pain - but the process which has been redeemed by God.
Aside from the narkiness - so many special things happened there that aren't any more. How do I visit these places and not long for what once was? I'm not sure... Either way, I think I'm going to be spending the entire time on my knees or drinking too heavily - probably a bit of both :) I've decided that I'm going to have the time of my life - go with the attitude not to worry about things for the 5 days while I'm there, and with God's grace confront things as and when they crop up. I guess this trip might be the focus of a few more blogs!
I am really looking forward to seeing people though, and so excited to be able to be at the wedding of my dear friend. I'm looking forward to my honey beer, and my Peak restaurant meal, and a Lychee martini and a hundred and one different things... book me in - my diary's filling up!!
Oh - and for those of you who are getting into the warmer months of the year, spare a thought for us over here - I needed to wear my snow jacket out to the markets this morning (farm fresh fruit and veg - yum!) and my hands are only just now thawing out..
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Oops
Corporations put their heads together while creating the idea of Thursday night shopping for people just like me... You go out with the purpose to buy ONE thing, decide to have a bit more of a look around and BOOM three hats and some facinators and hey - why not a few pink earings later I'm writing this blog - oh, and add in a red leather Jag wallet (which by the way is fabulous!)
My one thing was a curry comb for my pony who's being rugged, as all three horse stores were closed, I dropped in the main shopping centre and well, the above somehow happened when I found the wallet in Myer at 50% off and I walked past a closing down sale with 70% off. What sparked the buying of hats and facinators was that a friend asked me yesterday to join the Red Hat club, and as I'm under 50 I wear pink or mouve, hence the "excuse" to buy.
In reflection though I'm SO annoyed at myself. I mean yes, I don't regret the wallet, or two of the hats - but the rest? So could have done without them, and while the money doesn't add up to too much, with fuel the way it is (over $1.50 a liter) and using more of it getting to the farm and back to exercise Kokoda before the Ekka, and planning to buy an Iphone to replace the phone I dropped in a beer esky 4 months ago I do admit there was some stupid spending going on tonight!
Oh well - you live and you learn ... I hope!
My one thing was a curry comb for my pony who's being rugged, as all three horse stores were closed, I dropped in the main shopping centre and well, the above somehow happened when I found the wallet in Myer at 50% off and I walked past a closing down sale with 70% off. What sparked the buying of hats and facinators was that a friend asked me yesterday to join the Red Hat club, and as I'm under 50 I wear pink or mouve, hence the "excuse" to buy.
In reflection though I'm SO annoyed at myself. I mean yes, I don't regret the wallet, or two of the hats - but the rest? So could have done without them, and while the money doesn't add up to too much, with fuel the way it is (over $1.50 a liter) and using more of it getting to the farm and back to exercise Kokoda before the Ekka, and planning to buy an Iphone to replace the phone I dropped in a beer esky 4 months ago I do admit there was some stupid spending going on tonight!
Oh well - you live and you learn ... I hope!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Perfect Night
My Brothers and I used to play cards when I was younger - 21, Blind BlackJack, Poker, those sort of cards, betting with little tiny chips that Andrew picked up somewhere. I can't really say we were that into Snap or Old Maid, although we did go through a UNO phase, and now that I think of it we had these HUGE Popeye cards that were fun to play with (I wonder where they are now???) As a family too we've always been pretty good at 500, and I do have to admit that mom's rather addicted to her computer Spider Solitaire games... ok, you get the point, we all still play cards and most of us wouldn't say no to a round of Texas Holdem....
*here goes all my staunch conservative readers who now think I'm going to hell... probably did before this anyway!*
Anyhoo - It's funny to remember these things, times like when Andrew completely conned me while playing Blind BlackJack for a while... he'd pick the same seat every time (not that unusual for Andrew) but after a while started to laugh when I was getting frustrated about him always winning, this was until he told me to look behind me and there, lo and behold, right in his line of sight was a mirror... (I'm sure Steve knew what was going on and led me along too - he's a bit quicker on the uptake then I am).
All of this has come flooding back after leaving work late tonight and deciding, after an incredibly full on day to hang all and go to the movies - you guessed it - I saw "21", a movie about counting cards in Vegas, and I loved it! Yes, not the movie to go and see if you agree with Greg Koukle that the definition of a bad movie "is one which makes sin look fun", there were definitely a few parts which did that (I'll never think of high rise apartment windows in the same way), but even if you are in a prudish (or perhaps wholesome is the right word) mood, there are some redeeming qualities where people had been jerks and they said sorry and the world was righted once again, greed is bad and so is jealousy etc. etc...
Moral judgments aside, I've come home on a buzz, ready for another mammoth day tomorrow, exhausted but stoked - a great day at work and a perfect night of putting my hair up, going to the movies, and remembering family fun :)
*here goes all my staunch conservative readers who now think I'm going to hell... probably did before this anyway!*
Anyhoo - It's funny to remember these things, times like when Andrew completely conned me while playing Blind BlackJack for a while... he'd pick the same seat every time (not that unusual for Andrew) but after a while started to laugh when I was getting frustrated about him always winning, this was until he told me to look behind me and there, lo and behold, right in his line of sight was a mirror... (I'm sure Steve knew what was going on and led me along too - he's a bit quicker on the uptake then I am).
All of this has come flooding back after leaving work late tonight and deciding, after an incredibly full on day to hang all and go to the movies - you guessed it - I saw "21", a movie about counting cards in Vegas, and I loved it! Yes, not the movie to go and see if you agree with Greg Koukle that the definition of a bad movie "is one which makes sin look fun", there were definitely a few parts which did that (I'll never think of high rise apartment windows in the same way), but even if you are in a prudish (or perhaps wholesome is the right word) mood, there are some redeeming qualities where people had been jerks and they said sorry and the world was righted once again, greed is bad and so is jealousy etc. etc...
Moral judgments aside, I've come home on a buzz, ready for another mammoth day tomorrow, exhausted but stoked - a great day at work and a perfect night of putting my hair up, going to the movies, and remembering family fun :)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
For an hour alone...
I've stayed home from Church this morning for a blessed hour alone at home... since Dad's operation (from which he's recovering really well), home, while still very sweet, has become slightly claustrophobic with constant presence in the house.
To be still and know that it's just me, God and the birds singing sweetly outside is a boon to my soul. I've cleaned and vacuumed, made a passionfruit smoothie, and now, after only an hour, I feel incredibly rested and relaxed.
This past week at work was quite stressful, with my boss away and various issues with staff I was hugely thankful that I came home on Friday night with energy. In fact, I even left the house before 7am to go down to the farm to muck out stables... I must be feeling good *grin*.
I'm even more thankful for being ok at the end of this week as today marks 2 weeks off my prescription. (When I ran out of pills before my trip to Canberra and was unable to get more, realised that I was coping really well without them and have decided to stop for the time being.) I've been taking what a dear friend calls "my happy pills" since getting back from Hong Kong and seeing my Doctor who said I should have gone on them long ago... they're not strong, but certainly took the edge off a low or anxious mood. I'm definitely not ashamed of taking them and would recommend certain people really think about prescribed help to get back on track, and would go on them again in the future should need be. I've been so thankful for their help, and my doctor's, as the new patterns of thinking and positive reinforcement has been lifechanging.
I've also bought a crock-pot or slow cooker.. very stoked and enjoying the world of coming home to a meal that's been cooking away while I've been at work.
Finally, I'm shocked to say it, but while I was watching the Wallabies win over Ireland last night I had a vague thought that I miss watching NFL! This when I'm watching the first rugby international under Robby Deans coaching... oh well, it's grand loving sport! (especially might I add while eating a thai green curry that I cooked washed down with a Kilkenny beer!)
To be still and know that it's just me, God and the birds singing sweetly outside is a boon to my soul. I've cleaned and vacuumed, made a passionfruit smoothie, and now, after only an hour, I feel incredibly rested and relaxed.
This past week at work was quite stressful, with my boss away and various issues with staff I was hugely thankful that I came home on Friday night with energy. In fact, I even left the house before 7am to go down to the farm to muck out stables... I must be feeling good *grin*.
I'm even more thankful for being ok at the end of this week as today marks 2 weeks off my prescription. (When I ran out of pills before my trip to Canberra and was unable to get more, realised that I was coping really well without them and have decided to stop for the time being.) I've been taking what a dear friend calls "my happy pills" since getting back from Hong Kong and seeing my Doctor who said I should have gone on them long ago... they're not strong, but certainly took the edge off a low or anxious mood. I'm definitely not ashamed of taking them and would recommend certain people really think about prescribed help to get back on track, and would go on them again in the future should need be. I've been so thankful for their help, and my doctor's, as the new patterns of thinking and positive reinforcement has been lifechanging.
I've also bought a crock-pot or slow cooker.. very stoked and enjoying the world of coming home to a meal that's been cooking away while I've been at work.
Finally, I'm shocked to say it, but while I was watching the Wallabies win over Ireland last night I had a vague thought that I miss watching NFL! This when I'm watching the first rugby international under Robby Deans coaching... oh well, it's grand loving sport! (especially might I add while eating a thai green curry that I cooked washed down with a Kilkenny beer!)
Friday, June 13, 2008
AGHHHHH!
you are now listening to a long and drawn out primeval scream.....
still going
Yup - still there, good thing I can type and scream...
and now drawing a breath.
(for those that are worried, other than a very frustrating afternoon I'm doing great)
still going
Yup - still there, good thing I can type and scream...
and now drawing a breath.
(for those that are worried, other than a very frustrating afternoon I'm doing great)
Thursday, June 05, 2008
There and Back Again - Part Two
I'm sitting at home, in the comfort of my own lovely, lovely home while writing the second part to this blog. I wondered at some time during yesterday if I should rename it the Never Ending Story, but as I'm home and the adventure is over, I'm thankful to just add a Part Two.
Tuesday Night cont.
The flight down to Canberra was good, actually, it was great. I ordered a Kosher meal and was hugely impressed by the outstanding quality of this airplane food! Steamed chicken infused with spinach, kosher rolls, a light rye bread slice with smoked salmon and a delicious dessert - wow - I have a big thank you to write to Customer Service. (Note Well: order Kosher meals when flying... much better then the normal fare.)
I was reading a book called "Light Force" by Brother Andrew and the lady next to me struck up a conversation based upon it. She introduced herself as a spiritual person, and asked about the book which has a picture on the front of a Jewish and a Muslim boy walking together.
She said that she held Jesus in great respect, but held him on the same level as Buddha - a great teacher. I said great, I didn't consider myself a religious person and don't like the divisiveness that religion can bring either, but that I do firmly believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. Further more, I disagreed that it was a possibility for Jesus to be just a great teacher - in fact (and I surprised myself by quoting CS Lewis) that either Jesus was a liar - he proclaimed himself as God, so if he wasn't then he was simply a liar, or he was a madman - if he believed his proclamation that he was God but wasn't then he was a deluded madman, or he was God - he was what he said he was. I was really surprised by her reaction which was very receptive and we went on to have a really good conversation.
Andrew met me at the airport with a hug (I have a great brother) and my niece vacated her bed for my sleeping pleasure and instead kept my brother up all night instead as she slept on the floor of her parent's room!
Wednesday
It was great to wake up amidst the sounds of my Canberra family, and got to see my sister-in-law who was having a stay in hospital (Praise God she's home again). I was very blessed that my work offered for me to travel down the night before so I could spend the morning (which would have otherwise been spent in travel) with my family. As a bit of a bonus, my niece and nephew liked their gifts from Aunty Liz :)
I got to the meeting location (ANU - which has to be the most scenic university campus in the world - especially in Autumn (photos on flickr soon)) and had quite a successful meeting which I wont' go into.
The fun (and seemingly never ending story) began at 4pm when we left the meeting to go to the airport... Our flight was delayed, and then canceled due to industrial action - the story seems to be that an engineer needed to sign off on maintenance work and wouldn't so they couldn't fly the plane. We got diverted to Sydney, and then on to Brisbane in another delayed flight... so, I ended up getting home at 2am! For those that know me you'll appreciate that this was amazingly late for me, and in fact, had to stop on the road at the half way point to have a nap before driving the rest of the way!!! (This drive made me really appreciate the efforts of a friend last year who waited for me to arrive on another much more delayed flight and then drove all the way home getting in at 7am)
What's more, the return flight was all with my direct boss, which, while having a few awkward moments (can you sleep on a flight with your boss besides you???) seemed to be an ok experience for the both of us.
After cooking dinner tonight though, and being completely nackered beforehand, I've now gotten my second wind :( something tells me though that I'll hit the pillow and be asleep very shortly.
Tuesday Night cont.
The flight down to Canberra was good, actually, it was great. I ordered a Kosher meal and was hugely impressed by the outstanding quality of this airplane food! Steamed chicken infused with spinach, kosher rolls, a light rye bread slice with smoked salmon and a delicious dessert - wow - I have a big thank you to write to Customer Service. (Note Well: order Kosher meals when flying... much better then the normal fare.)
I was reading a book called "Light Force" by Brother Andrew and the lady next to me struck up a conversation based upon it. She introduced herself as a spiritual person, and asked about the book which has a picture on the front of a Jewish and a Muslim boy walking together.
She said that she held Jesus in great respect, but held him on the same level as Buddha - a great teacher. I said great, I didn't consider myself a religious person and don't like the divisiveness that religion can bring either, but that I do firmly believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. Further more, I disagreed that it was a possibility for Jesus to be just a great teacher - in fact (and I surprised myself by quoting CS Lewis) that either Jesus was a liar - he proclaimed himself as God, so if he wasn't then he was simply a liar, or he was a madman - if he believed his proclamation that he was God but wasn't then he was a deluded madman, or he was God - he was what he said he was. I was really surprised by her reaction which was very receptive and we went on to have a really good conversation.
Andrew met me at the airport with a hug (I have a great brother) and my niece vacated her bed for my sleeping pleasure and instead kept my brother up all night instead as she slept on the floor of her parent's room!
Wednesday
It was great to wake up amidst the sounds of my Canberra family, and got to see my sister-in-law who was having a stay in hospital (Praise God she's home again). I was very blessed that my work offered for me to travel down the night before so I could spend the morning (which would have otherwise been spent in travel) with my family. As a bit of a bonus, my niece and nephew liked their gifts from Aunty Liz :)
I got to the meeting location (ANU - which has to be the most scenic university campus in the world - especially in Autumn (photos on flickr soon)) and had quite a successful meeting which I wont' go into.
The fun (and seemingly never ending story) began at 4pm when we left the meeting to go to the airport... Our flight was delayed, and then canceled due to industrial action - the story seems to be that an engineer needed to sign off on maintenance work and wouldn't so they couldn't fly the plane. We got diverted to Sydney, and then on to Brisbane in another delayed flight... so, I ended up getting home at 2am! For those that know me you'll appreciate that this was amazingly late for me, and in fact, had to stop on the road at the half way point to have a nap before driving the rest of the way!!! (This drive made me really appreciate the efforts of a friend last year who waited for me to arrive on another much more delayed flight and then drove all the way home getting in at 7am)
What's more, the return flight was all with my direct boss, which, while having a few awkward moments (can you sleep on a flight with your boss besides you???) seemed to be an ok experience for the both of us.
After cooking dinner tonight though, and being completely nackered beforehand, I've now gotten my second wind :( something tells me though that I'll hit the pillow and be asleep very shortly.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
There and back again - part one
Airport security is, in my opinion, one of the most degrading functions of our society which we submit ourselves to. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m in favour of security, I’m very much in favour of airport security, but I do, as a law abiding member of society find it a rather degrading process.
Take this evening for example. I was going through security in
This is nothing compared to American security though, where everyone is required to remove shoes, put them on the conveyor belt and walk, stocking footed through the metal detectors. I’ve had people shout at me for smiling, and force me to throw out my hairspray :( (yes I’m still working on forgiveness for that one!).
So as I sit in the lounge waiting for my delayed flight, I’m reflecting upon the fact that no matter which class we’re flying, first, business or coach, we’ve all been through the experience together.
We’re also all the same “status” regardless of the price we’ve paid… a bit like how we are in Christ really – it doesn’t matter what we “do” for Christ, or how much we think we’ve “paid” in spiritual terms reading the bible every day, going to theological college, or, like the sinner on the cross, accepting his Mercy at the last moment, we all sit in the lounge together.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
The Gift?
We have a prophet coming to Church today, or at least a gentleman that is gifted with Words of Knowledge and Prophecy. While thinking on the service this morning and last night, the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5 came to mind where Paul says don't despise the gift of prophecy. I had to repent because in some ways, I have been.
To back track a little bit, I used to be a prophetic word junkie - you know the type - someone with a gift would come to church and I was so lost and wanting to hear God's will that I'd go forward every time out of desperation and desire and confusion.
A lot has changed since then - words given to me haven't been fulfilled, I've matured spiritually (I hope!) and I'm much more confident with not only who I am in Christ, but also who I am in general. For the most part too, I'm content with where I am in this season of my life.
I know - it's pretty pointless to think about this because the chances of me being picked out of the congregation are pretty slim, it's how the Spirit leads and God knows how I feel about all of the areas I am confused about... the thing is, and I guess the real point of this blog: I don't feel that I need a Word from God at the moment [By hearing a Word from God, I mean from a Prophet - I do and want to continue to hear through the Bible and nature, and the Holy Spirit.] How proud is that statement? We all need to hear from God, we all need to be open to his Word and Leading and Guidance wherever we are in life.
It all comes down to a knowledge of God's love for me I guess - If God is good, and He IS good, and He loves me, which He does, and He IS love, which he is, then whatever he gives me today, or whatever he doesn't give me, is a good and perfect gift. So may I rejoice today as other's lives are blessed, and if my life is spoken over, may I bring that word before the throne in submission, and love, and belief in my loving Father.
To back track a little bit, I used to be a prophetic word junkie - you know the type - someone with a gift would come to church and I was so lost and wanting to hear God's will that I'd go forward every time out of desperation and desire and confusion.
A lot has changed since then - words given to me haven't been fulfilled, I've matured spiritually (I hope!) and I'm much more confident with not only who I am in Christ, but also who I am in general. For the most part too, I'm content with where I am in this season of my life.
I know - it's pretty pointless to think about this because the chances of me being picked out of the congregation are pretty slim, it's how the Spirit leads and God knows how I feel about all of the areas I am confused about... the thing is, and I guess the real point of this blog: I don't feel that I need a Word from God at the moment [By hearing a Word from God, I mean from a Prophet - I do and want to continue to hear through the Bible and nature, and the Holy Spirit.] How proud is that statement? We all need to hear from God, we all need to be open to his Word and Leading and Guidance wherever we are in life.
It all comes down to a knowledge of God's love for me I guess - If God is good, and He IS good, and He loves me, which He does, and He IS love, which he is, then whatever he gives me today, or whatever he doesn't give me, is a good and perfect gift. So may I rejoice today as other's lives are blessed, and if my life is spoken over, may I bring that word before the throne in submission, and love, and belief in my loving Father.
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