You know ...I have to say that I love my God so much....and I know that He loves me unconditionally too!....
These last couple of days has brought me some uneasiness ...physically...it is almost a year since I fell ill, with that in mind my heart is clouded. My back has not been feeling too good lately. Well more like there is a different sensation that I feel. The more I think about it, the more I feel that it gets worse. I know in my heart that God has this great plan for my life and there is sooo much for me to do but I am feeling that something's gotta give and I REFUSE FOR THAT SACRIFICE TO BE MY HEALTH! I admit I am not in my best shape and my focus in life shouldn't be about trying to get the perfect figure or have my outter shell reflect what society SAYS I should be..but it's hard. I feel like it's a hindrance on so many things that I want to do.
I think about everything that I am doing right now and weigh up the things that I should sacrifice and today it was my career...I felt quite sad thinking about what I would have to give up. As I write this blog, what goes through my mind is "Make a decision that will change your life". It plays over and over in my head. Like I said I absolutely love my job and I absolutely believe with confidence that He has blessed me with it, with the purpose to learn as much as I can so that I can use it in His ministry. It saddens me to think that leaving my career will leave such a big hole in my life. I really need to seek some guidance on this.
My appointment is booked for next Monday. As I have done I will continue with living life and really putting in prayer what God wants me to do....only He knows what is best for my family. In saying that ...I am thankful that Dan and I have just signed off on our life insurance so in that area we are okay....
To God be All the Glory!!!! xxx
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Getting back to basics...
You will have noticed that my blog is changed from "My daily story..." I had decided to rename this to reflect more of what this has become; sharing my insights with you. I asked Dan what he thought I should name this blog as; and so it became...."The Insights of a Virtuous Woman"....I felt really special that he thought of me as that...a Virtuous Woman :). I love that scripture in the bible ...Proverbs 31. It really does depict the kind of woman, mother, sister, daughter and friend that I yearn to be. I grow in my virtuosity :)
I got up early this morning to prepare for my Sunday school class and was blessed by the reading I was to share with my kids. The reading talked about how Esau sold his birthright to Isaac for a bowl of stew. I had read this story before but never really understood its meaning until I did some research. Amazed at how quickly Esau would give up his right to being the eldest for some food. I think about the times in my life where I felt that things were too hard in my life so I gave in to the "flesh" and got involved in things that I thought would satisfy me. I am so thankful that I am in a position to understand the situations that surround me and wise enough to know not to get involved.
In teaching my kids this morning about this, I had to get them to understand what consequences are. Every decision we make has a consequence, whether positive or negative. It's in making these decisions and facing whatever consequences that define us as individuals. Again, I need to say that I am so thankful that every decision I have made has lead me to where I am today. I am thankful that the bad decisions I have made has not lead me too deep down a path where I felt I couldn't get out of. Where there is a way in...THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY OUT (of our troubles)!
The conversation during lunch today reinforced to me that doing anything in the name of my God was NOT a waste of time! They are times where we plant seeds of encouragement, they are times where we are doing some good work to help build lives around us, it is time that we sacrifice with our families so that in the future time will be given back to us ten-fold to spend as a family. No effort that is made in His name is a waste of time! It IS TIME! A few seconds to our God is but a lifetime to us! I was reminded to continue the work that I do, and not to give up where it seems that those we help have given up.
Our service tonight talked about having a direct (phone) line to God. Often when we try to get a hold of families or friends, their phone lines are busy or we're told to leave a message. But with God he is always on the end, waiting for you to call Him! And when you do call on Him, He will answer! he may not answer in the way that you expect Him to, but have faith that He will answer your Call.
In this journey I am learning so much more about myself. Having so much courage to be honest with myself about where I am at spiritually. It has not been an easy road to walk down these past 10 years, but it is a journey that I would not trade for anything else. God has been so good to me and has helped me grow so much as a person. I can only wish for the same for everyone else, that you come to believe that you can grow into the person that you were made to be!
This week is a busy week of planning, studying, starting and finishing assessments, focussing, training but I think most importantly is TALKING TO GOD!...starting with the basics. Welcoming Him into my day and into my night. Walking in His protection and guidance is what I will need this week.
May your week be satisfying and fulfilling as I believe mine will be!!! xx
I got up early this morning to prepare for my Sunday school class and was blessed by the reading I was to share with my kids. The reading talked about how Esau sold his birthright to Isaac for a bowl of stew. I had read this story before but never really understood its meaning until I did some research. Amazed at how quickly Esau would give up his right to being the eldest for some food. I think about the times in my life where I felt that things were too hard in my life so I gave in to the "flesh" and got involved in things that I thought would satisfy me. I am so thankful that I am in a position to understand the situations that surround me and wise enough to know not to get involved.
In teaching my kids this morning about this, I had to get them to understand what consequences are. Every decision we make has a consequence, whether positive or negative. It's in making these decisions and facing whatever consequences that define us as individuals. Again, I need to say that I am so thankful that every decision I have made has lead me to where I am today. I am thankful that the bad decisions I have made has not lead me too deep down a path where I felt I couldn't get out of. Where there is a way in...THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY OUT (of our troubles)!
The conversation during lunch today reinforced to me that doing anything in the name of my God was NOT a waste of time! They are times where we plant seeds of encouragement, they are times where we are doing some good work to help build lives around us, it is time that we sacrifice with our families so that in the future time will be given back to us ten-fold to spend as a family. No effort that is made in His name is a waste of time! It IS TIME! A few seconds to our God is but a lifetime to us! I was reminded to continue the work that I do, and not to give up where it seems that those we help have given up.
Our service tonight talked about having a direct (phone) line to God. Often when we try to get a hold of families or friends, their phone lines are busy or we're told to leave a message. But with God he is always on the end, waiting for you to call Him! And when you do call on Him, He will answer! he may not answer in the way that you expect Him to, but have faith that He will answer your Call.
In this journey I am learning so much more about myself. Having so much courage to be honest with myself about where I am at spiritually. It has not been an easy road to walk down these past 10 years, but it is a journey that I would not trade for anything else. God has been so good to me and has helped me grow so much as a person. I can only wish for the same for everyone else, that you come to believe that you can grow into the person that you were made to be!
This week is a busy week of planning, studying, starting and finishing assessments, focussing, training but I think most importantly is TALKING TO GOD!...starting with the basics. Welcoming Him into my day and into my night. Walking in His protection and guidance is what I will need this week.
May your week be satisfying and fulfilling as I believe mine will be!!! xx
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Time to Re-focus & Re-energise!
First day back at work today since returning from our four day break in Auckland. Well not really a break. I was busy playing photographer for 3 days while my family had a break. It was such a blessing to be given the opportunity to photograph 8 beautiful families. Check out my photo blog for the pics www.photographybyleonegrace.blogspot.com
So now I'm back home and trying to get my mind, spirit and body back into gear. I have assignments due in a couple of weeks and I want to break the old habits and get my assignments in early. Work is full-on so am trying to work out where I can put in extra hours but can't see where at the moment. Our church is preparing for the Easter National conference. It is such a huge task but I know we can get through it.
So what's my focus for this week?? My health has taken a major back seat for some time now. I'm talking with Dan and our cousin about why I always seem to put myself last. hmmmm...I look up at my shelf and the title of one of my books is staring at me in the face.."You Were Made for More"....
I am made for more! I am made for so much more than WHAT people give me and WHERE people put me. But at the moment with my health, I'm not believing that statement. Unconsciously I'm not believing that my health is made for more! I do know that by taking care of my body I can do so much more with it especially in Ministry, but at times it feels like such an effort. But I know it is an effort that is worth it. Especially after what I've been through last year! So on thought I google some spiritual encouragement to help me...
I read through many scripture but the one that I like the most and is reflective my walk is this..
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God"...if there was a LIKE button right now.... :)
How that rings so true to my spirit right now.....in everything that I do....this is what I will have going through my mind as I prepare to organise myself for the week around school, work, family, church, HEALTH!!!
Stay blessed.....
So now I'm back home and trying to get my mind, spirit and body back into gear. I have assignments due in a couple of weeks and I want to break the old habits and get my assignments in early. Work is full-on so am trying to work out where I can put in extra hours but can't see where at the moment. Our church is preparing for the Easter National conference. It is such a huge task but I know we can get through it.
So what's my focus for this week?? My health has taken a major back seat for some time now. I'm talking with Dan and our cousin about why I always seem to put myself last. hmmmm...I look up at my shelf and the title of one of my books is staring at me in the face.."You Were Made for More"....
I am made for more! I am made for so much more than WHAT people give me and WHERE people put me. But at the moment with my health, I'm not believing that statement. Unconsciously I'm not believing that my health is made for more! I do know that by taking care of my body I can do so much more with it especially in Ministry, but at times it feels like such an effort. But I know it is an effort that is worth it. Especially after what I've been through last year! So on thought I google some spiritual encouragement to help me...
I read through many scripture but the one that I like the most and is reflective my walk is this..
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God"...if there was a LIKE button right now.... :)
How that rings so true to my spirit right now.....in everything that I do....this is what I will have going through my mind as I prepare to organise myself for the week around school, work, family, church, HEALTH!!!
Stay blessed.....
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The pressure is on but nothing is going to stop me!!!
What a crazy week I'm having!! So many wonderful and exciting things are happening for my family, for me, for my church, for my youth, for my region!!!
I'm in the middle of packing my bags to head up to Auckland for the weekend. I will be busy with photo shoots over the weekend but I look forward to spending some quality time with my extended family back home.
I am so thankful that I am at a place spiritually that when I'm hit with things that can just throw you off your walk I am able to stand strong against the Goliaths in my life! Already in this week I have learnt some new things. Never forget who your leaders are! There is a huge heart among our youth to develop and to learn as much as they can for their own spiritual walks. As great as it is for them to seek from their leaders, new leaders at the end of the day when you are serving under a Pastor's leadership, your relationship needs to be at a point where you seek guidance and counsel from them. I am only equipped with so much and I am not afraid to let people know that and I will seek the information/guidance on their behalf or point them in the right direction.
We rely often on our own understanding, wanting so much to do things on our own but at the end of the day everything is possible with God. Focussing on Him will help put everything else into perspective. At the moment I know and can feel my body is feeling something that isn't quite right. I am telling myself that I need to slow down. And it's not because there is no-one else to do the job, I think it's more of wanting to do so much more for my God. I am so happy that as little things pop up and falter my plans I am at peace. A peace that only my good Lord can give me. I'm in my room and I listen to the trees blowing in the wind outside and the Holy Spirit tells me to be still. Close my eyes and listen. In my mind, everything falls away and my focus is on him. Growing up I have always found comfort in sleeping with my window open because I love to hear the wind, and feel the breeze enter my room. I do feel as though a calmness has entered my heart.
I am so blessed that returning home I am greeted with some great news. Two of our youth who are rebuilding their lives in Christ have made decisions to change their lives. One found a permanent job! Praise God, the other has made an appointment to sit the test for his license. Small things to some but major changes to these two. I am so thankful that their hearts are being open to receiving the vision that they can have a great life but only in God.
So this weekend, I will be busy with meeting beautiful families and capturing beautiful moments and reminding myself during these sessions how wonderful our God is to reveal himself in the faces of these families! I pray that in these images you will see the image of God and all his wonder!!!
Stay blessed xxx
I'm in the middle of packing my bags to head up to Auckland for the weekend. I will be busy with photo shoots over the weekend but I look forward to spending some quality time with my extended family back home.
I am so thankful that I am at a place spiritually that when I'm hit with things that can just throw you off your walk I am able to stand strong against the Goliaths in my life! Already in this week I have learnt some new things. Never forget who your leaders are! There is a huge heart among our youth to develop and to learn as much as they can for their own spiritual walks. As great as it is for them to seek from their leaders, new leaders at the end of the day when you are serving under a Pastor's leadership, your relationship needs to be at a point where you seek guidance and counsel from them. I am only equipped with so much and I am not afraid to let people know that and I will seek the information/guidance on their behalf or point them in the right direction.
We rely often on our own understanding, wanting so much to do things on our own but at the end of the day everything is possible with God. Focussing on Him will help put everything else into perspective. At the moment I know and can feel my body is feeling something that isn't quite right. I am telling myself that I need to slow down. And it's not because there is no-one else to do the job, I think it's more of wanting to do so much more for my God. I am so happy that as little things pop up and falter my plans I am at peace. A peace that only my good Lord can give me. I'm in my room and I listen to the trees blowing in the wind outside and the Holy Spirit tells me to be still. Close my eyes and listen. In my mind, everything falls away and my focus is on him. Growing up I have always found comfort in sleeping with my window open because I love to hear the wind, and feel the breeze enter my room. I do feel as though a calmness has entered my heart.
I am so blessed that returning home I am greeted with some great news. Two of our youth who are rebuilding their lives in Christ have made decisions to change their lives. One found a permanent job! Praise God, the other has made an appointment to sit the test for his license. Small things to some but major changes to these two. I am so thankful that their hearts are being open to receiving the vision that they can have a great life but only in God.
So this weekend, I will be busy with meeting beautiful families and capturing beautiful moments and reminding myself during these sessions how wonderful our God is to reveal himself in the faces of these families! I pray that in these images you will see the image of God and all his wonder!!!
Stay blessed xxx
Monday, March 14, 2011
I give myself away...
I give myself away
I give myself away
So you can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So you can use me
Here I am
Here I stand
Lord my life is in your hands
Lord I'm longing to see
your desires revealed in me
My life is not my own
to you I belong
I give myself
I give myself to you
This song is so beautiful and is a true reflection of my spiritual walk since I became a christian on the 29th of September 2000. :) This weekend was such a blessing. Of course as most camps go, you will get a few that just don't want to be there, but give them time and the right mix of people to hang out with and you've developed some strong relationships.
Friday was a great warm up to what the weekend was going to bring. Listening to other leaders sharing was inspiring. It was a challenge to motivate youth to open up, but it was worth it in the end. Saturday's encouragement was inspiring even for me as a leader. The morning's Word came from Genesis 1: 1 - 2. It was great to be reminded that darkness is man-made. God's light moves in our situations and overcomes any darkness we face. I enjoyed just spending time with youth. Sharing with them. Getting to know more about their walks and putting challenges to them.
Our services on Saturday night and Sunday were just so awesome. The atmosphere was filled with love, challenges, spirits ready to move forward. All kinds of tears were shed that night and the next morning's service. In my sharing with the youth I described that when I first became a Christian my tears were tears of forgiveness but I am happy to say that the tears I shed for my Lord are tears of complete love and faith that He continues to provide for me! He does so much for me and the simplest of these would be blessing me with a carpark that is 2 mins walk from my work when I was already late!...so blessed...
My sharing with the youth was based around the theme of making decisions that will change your life. It took a long time to work out what it was exactly that I..no God wanted me to share. And in the end the simple message was that through my life I have made decisions that were thankfully the right ones because each time God has blessed me beyond what I could ever imagine!! I cannot describe the goodness that He has done for me, and I will continue to serve Him with complete faith! I am not perfect but I will strive to do my best to live my life pleasing to him. I know that any mistakes I made along the way is not of His doing but of my own. But I am now in a position spiritually where I can just learn from my mistakes and move on. Surrounded by supportive, spiritual and loving people I am able to move on. I pray that you have that support surrounding you.
Amazing that while our youth were together at camp, what was happening around us astounded me. Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Japan!! Killing between two cultures in Australia!! Our wake up calls are getting stronger, and so I work harder to serve!
At our service last night, I felt something that I had not felt for a long time. With having so much going on in my life I knew that I needed to rely on God so much more. My tears came from my wanting to serve Him more. In my heart from the time I accepted Jesus I always felt that I needed to keep giving Him more. That I don't deserve His love but He deserves mine. I suppose that's why I try to do so much. But today was another decision I made that would change my life. I offered myself to preach His word. I had thought about this for a very long time and after a lot of encouragement from close family I decided in prayer that this was my opportunity to rely on Him again. I also responded to a call during the morning service for those who have a ministry in their hearts. My ministry is to help develop the skills and experience of our brothers and sisters in Christ to build God's kingdom. I am very big on this because I believe that everyone has something to offer. With everyone working together we can build such a great "Mansion" as good friend Kitiona Leota said during his sharing.
So....now with big events drawing near I am set to be busy again. :) During this week I did feel pings in my back but I ignored them thinking that my mind was playing tricks on me. I think I am just tired and I don't want my body to crumble now when things are going so great and our God is so good nothing is impossible to Him.
So I look forward to the opportunity where I can share His word. It will be an experience I will never forget....
Bless all of the Wellington Youth over the weekend, their Pastors, Youth leaders and families for their hearts to want to serve our God. xxx
I give myself away
So you can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So you can use me
Here I am
Here I stand
Lord my life is in your hands
Lord I'm longing to see
your desires revealed in me
My life is not my own
to you I belong
I give myself
I give myself to you
This song is so beautiful and is a true reflection of my spiritual walk since I became a christian on the 29th of September 2000. :) This weekend was such a blessing. Of course as most camps go, you will get a few that just don't want to be there, but give them time and the right mix of people to hang out with and you've developed some strong relationships.
Friday was a great warm up to what the weekend was going to bring. Listening to other leaders sharing was inspiring. It was a challenge to motivate youth to open up, but it was worth it in the end. Saturday's encouragement was inspiring even for me as a leader. The morning's Word came from Genesis 1: 1 - 2. It was great to be reminded that darkness is man-made. God's light moves in our situations and overcomes any darkness we face. I enjoyed just spending time with youth. Sharing with them. Getting to know more about their walks and putting challenges to them.
Our services on Saturday night and Sunday were just so awesome. The atmosphere was filled with love, challenges, spirits ready to move forward. All kinds of tears were shed that night and the next morning's service. In my sharing with the youth I described that when I first became a Christian my tears were tears of forgiveness but I am happy to say that the tears I shed for my Lord are tears of complete love and faith that He continues to provide for me! He does so much for me and the simplest of these would be blessing me with a carpark that is 2 mins walk from my work when I was already late!...so blessed...
My sharing with the youth was based around the theme of making decisions that will change your life. It took a long time to work out what it was exactly that I..no God wanted me to share. And in the end the simple message was that through my life I have made decisions that were thankfully the right ones because each time God has blessed me beyond what I could ever imagine!! I cannot describe the goodness that He has done for me, and I will continue to serve Him with complete faith! I am not perfect but I will strive to do my best to live my life pleasing to him. I know that any mistakes I made along the way is not of His doing but of my own. But I am now in a position spiritually where I can just learn from my mistakes and move on. Surrounded by supportive, spiritual and loving people I am able to move on. I pray that you have that support surrounding you.
Amazing that while our youth were together at camp, what was happening around us astounded me. Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Japan!! Killing between two cultures in Australia!! Our wake up calls are getting stronger, and so I work harder to serve!
At our service last night, I felt something that I had not felt for a long time. With having so much going on in my life I knew that I needed to rely on God so much more. My tears came from my wanting to serve Him more. In my heart from the time I accepted Jesus I always felt that I needed to keep giving Him more. That I don't deserve His love but He deserves mine. I suppose that's why I try to do so much. But today was another decision I made that would change my life. I offered myself to preach His word. I had thought about this for a very long time and after a lot of encouragement from close family I decided in prayer that this was my opportunity to rely on Him again. I also responded to a call during the morning service for those who have a ministry in their hearts. My ministry is to help develop the skills and experience of our brothers and sisters in Christ to build God's kingdom. I am very big on this because I believe that everyone has something to offer. With everyone working together we can build such a great "Mansion" as good friend Kitiona Leota said during his sharing.
So....now with big events drawing near I am set to be busy again. :) During this week I did feel pings in my back but I ignored them thinking that my mind was playing tricks on me. I think I am just tired and I don't want my body to crumble now when things are going so great and our God is so good nothing is impossible to Him.
So I look forward to the opportunity where I can share His word. It will be an experience I will never forget....
Bless all of the Wellington Youth over the weekend, their Pastors, Youth leaders and families for their hearts to want to serve our God. xxx
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Preparing myself....
Only a couple more days before we head off to camp and fellowship with other Wellington Youth. Should make for a great weekend of sharing. Will be nice to be away from home for a bit.
Since my last blog I have received a lot of encouragement that has really been uplifting to my spirit. Amazing how positive words can have such an impact on your life. I am very big on building relationships and not breaking them. As such an impact that positive words have on our lives, so do negative words that can crush you.
I was just sharing with Dan and my sister Liz about how easily encouragement has made me feel very proud about the thought of committing myself as a preacher but then I quickly assess my thoughts and remind myself how important the role of a preacher is and to truly ask myself whether I would be ready to take on that commitment. Again the power of self-talk and the Holy Spirit helped me to be fully aware of the dangers of taking encouragement as something for one's own glory!!!...Snap out of that one :)....will pray about it! :)
I am still contemplating on what to share with the youth this Saturday. I am looking forward to the opportunity. I feel that I will be okay and will be able to restrain myself from shedding any tears that will prevent me from saying what I need to.
I just set up my workstation in my room. Sitting at it right now with its sleek black colour and textbooks staring at me in the face as I look up, I feel organised. I feel prepared. :) But will I start studying?? hmmm now that's a question for tomorrow ;) I have prepared a few things for this weekend first.
I read a few previous blogs and it's a great feeling to know that if this blog doesn't inspire as many people it continues to inspire me which I absolutely love. To think that these words came from me....no I think they came from Him. So that one day I can go back and read entries that will motivate and inspire me again.
I found a blog I wrote about a planning day that Dan organised for the Hutt Valley regional youth. Thinking back to that day. It was great. We were a small group of representatives but so effective. Sharing our big ideas for the future of our combined youth groups. We were very enthusiastic and ambitious but we left that meeting feeling accountable. I think that's one of the things we lack in our lives...not feeling accountable..not feeling like there is a consequence to any of our actions. Understandable as it is for young people because they still live with their parents and haven't really grasped what it means to put food on the table, to pay the bills but that shouldn't be an excuse right? How do I teach my girls the value of a dollar when they won't truly understand until they earn a dollar themselves?? I used to envy my cousins who I thought lived in the upper end of town. They went to a pretty good school, in a well off suburb. They had a 3 - 4 level house, with 4 bathrooms, a swimming pool, and....well basically everything that I didn't. But in saying that I remember talking with my aunty about the things they were blessed with and she said made me realise that not matter what you have, you will always find something that you are not satisfied about. Even my cousins felt that they didn't have the latest in computer games etc like their friends. She has taught them to appreciate what they do have because there are others in this world, in this country, in this community, in your family that do not have what they have. I can only pray that God gives me the wisdom and knowledge to teach our girls what is important in this life. Again I am reminded of the scripture we learnt in Sunday school recently about not worrying about the treasures of this world but what awaits for you in heaven. hmmmm......
For now I am going to pack my things for camp and continue to prepare for my sharing session on Saturday night....I am looking forward to writing about my weekend. May take my laptop along to write at night....
Until then...xxx
Since my last blog I have received a lot of encouragement that has really been uplifting to my spirit. Amazing how positive words can have such an impact on your life. I am very big on building relationships and not breaking them. As such an impact that positive words have on our lives, so do negative words that can crush you.
I was just sharing with Dan and my sister Liz about how easily encouragement has made me feel very proud about the thought of committing myself as a preacher but then I quickly assess my thoughts and remind myself how important the role of a preacher is and to truly ask myself whether I would be ready to take on that commitment. Again the power of self-talk and the Holy Spirit helped me to be fully aware of the dangers of taking encouragement as something for one's own glory!!!...Snap out of that one :)....will pray about it! :)
I am still contemplating on what to share with the youth this Saturday. I am looking forward to the opportunity. I feel that I will be okay and will be able to restrain myself from shedding any tears that will prevent me from saying what I need to.
I just set up my workstation in my room. Sitting at it right now with its sleek black colour and textbooks staring at me in the face as I look up, I feel organised. I feel prepared. :) But will I start studying?? hmmm now that's a question for tomorrow ;) I have prepared a few things for this weekend first.
I read a few previous blogs and it's a great feeling to know that if this blog doesn't inspire as many people it continues to inspire me which I absolutely love. To think that these words came from me....no I think they came from Him. So that one day I can go back and read entries that will motivate and inspire me again.
I found a blog I wrote about a planning day that Dan organised for the Hutt Valley regional youth. Thinking back to that day. It was great. We were a small group of representatives but so effective. Sharing our big ideas for the future of our combined youth groups. We were very enthusiastic and ambitious but we left that meeting feeling accountable. I think that's one of the things we lack in our lives...not feeling accountable..not feeling like there is a consequence to any of our actions. Understandable as it is for young people because they still live with their parents and haven't really grasped what it means to put food on the table, to pay the bills but that shouldn't be an excuse right? How do I teach my girls the value of a dollar when they won't truly understand until they earn a dollar themselves?? I used to envy my cousins who I thought lived in the upper end of town. They went to a pretty good school, in a well off suburb. They had a 3 - 4 level house, with 4 bathrooms, a swimming pool, and....well basically everything that I didn't. But in saying that I remember talking with my aunty about the things they were blessed with and she said made me realise that not matter what you have, you will always find something that you are not satisfied about. Even my cousins felt that they didn't have the latest in computer games etc like their friends. She has taught them to appreciate what they do have because there are others in this world, in this country, in this community, in your family that do not have what they have. I can only pray that God gives me the wisdom and knowledge to teach our girls what is important in this life. Again I am reminded of the scripture we learnt in Sunday school recently about not worrying about the treasures of this world but what awaits for you in heaven. hmmmm......
For now I am going to pack my things for camp and continue to prepare for my sharing session on Saturday night....I am looking forward to writing about my weekend. May take my laptop along to write at night....
Until then...xxx
Found this blog I never published in Feb... :)
Wow this week is full-on with something everyday. I suppose being busy in the Lord is better than....not....being....busy in the Lord :P
So today's service was a blessing, starting with Sunday school in the morning. I teach a class of 8 - 9 year olds. Cool bunch of kids. This Sunday was our turn to perform a memory verse for everyone. Something I enjoy doing because I like to change things up for our class and for everyone else. So today's memory verse Proverbs 6:19 was set to the fine tune of Bazooka Bubblegum (Tha Heights). We had a lot of fun performing it. Very talented kids I have in my class. So we pocketed 10 points today :)
I have another wedding opportunity to prepare for this weekend. Will be nice to try some new shots, better put in some practice this weekend.
My focus this week is to make thoughtful decisions about everything that I do. Hoping that by doing so, I will make wise decisions.
So today's service was a blessing, starting with Sunday school in the morning. I teach a class of 8 - 9 year olds. Cool bunch of kids. This Sunday was our turn to perform a memory verse for everyone. Something I enjoy doing because I like to change things up for our class and for everyone else. So today's memory verse Proverbs 6:19 was set to the fine tune of Bazooka Bubblegum (Tha Heights). We had a lot of fun performing it. Very talented kids I have in my class. So we pocketed 10 points today :)
I have another wedding opportunity to prepare for this weekend. Will be nice to try some new shots, better put in some practice this weekend.
My focus this week is to make thoughtful decisions about everything that I do. Hoping that by doing so, I will make wise decisions.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Am I ready?
Today's services were awesome. I lead Sunday School this morning. Which I used to dread because I thought it was quite boring and always felt the pressure of expecting to speak Samoan when I speak very little. But the past couple of years I have made it my responsibility to make the most of it when I am given an opportunity to serve in His ministry. And today...I loved it! It feels really good when I feel that our church is in a spiritual place that complacency can be broken and accepted. I have trialled so many different things since I joined this church and the congregation have been great and supported me in these little changes I make. But I think most of all, I really do feel that God is telling me to ruffle some feathers. I also want to be an example for our youth that there is no one way of serving our God. As much as we are all from different homes, different backgrounds, different mindsets we need to adapt our worship, our service to suit everyone. But of course having a husband whom I check in with before I do anything at church has always been very encouraging.
Today's message during Sunday School was about God's perfect plan. I taught the older youth today which was refreshing though I missed my 9 & 10 year olds :). We discussed their thoughts about what they felt their plans were for the future. Some really good insights were shared. God gave me an opportunity to share my testimony with them. I hope that in sharing my story with them it helps them to understand the goodness there is in living for Him.
We discussed the blessings that God gives us and a thought came to mind. Most people say that they will wait for the blessings, but ni this discussion I felt that God blesses us because of something that we have done that is pleasing to Him. So in order to receive more blessings from Him we need to do more. We need to act more on our intentions, on our thoughts. Too often I think we just think about things. I asked the class to write down what they think their plan is, or are for the future. And a comment was made that they weren't good in writing things down. I believe that in writing our thoughts down on paper our thoughts then become real. We don't write anything down because of the fear that what we need to do is what we HAVE TO DO. I felt really blessed and encouraged in sharing with this class. I hope they felt the same way too. One thing that was shared by one of the students was about fulfilling God's perfect plan for us wasn't just about achieving our goals, but it was about developing ourselves as a person so that we are capable to fulfil His perfect plan for us. Soooo true.
Our messages talked about never forgetting God. Realistically we get so caught up in our own day-to-day things that we do forget Him. But God is always there waiting for us. He never sleeps. Dan preached in the evening service asking ourselves about whether we are ready. This has been such a strong message ringing in everyone's minds with the recent earthquakes in Christchurch and in Wellington. Dan and I were in the kitchen having a conversation when we heard a loud rumble and the kitchen shook. We froze for a second and then ran to our girls' bedroom to check on them. They were fine and had slept through. But that event was enough to get us talking about what we needed to do when it happened during the day etc. I could see tears well up in Dan's eyes as we talked about our plan.
Throughout the day the messages were about plans and preparation. The earthquakes put a lot of things into perspective for me...but most of all I honestly feel that this doesn't stop me from serving Him. This doesn't mean that I ignore everything else that goes on in my life but it does mean that my faith needs to be stronger. In everything that I do I cannot feel that tasks are a burden to me and my family. Because as soon as I feel that way, the potential blessing could be stripped away from me and my family. I would be asking myself, "Well what's the point?". "Why help others, when I feel that it will be too much work when I already have enough to do in my life?". Thoughts like this that creep into my head make me feel that I need to think outside of what goes on in my life. There are bigger problems out there. Opportunities as unfortunate as they are, to help others, and all that I feel is frustrated. I know that in the past I used to feel that way. Feeling that I have had to do so much in supporting our church when others don't move. But I remember the day when I said to my father-in-law, who is the Pastor of our church, that Dan & I used to take on all the duties because our parents were the Pastors but it no longer is about that. We are taking on the duties because we believe in God's Perfect Plan for our lives. The day that I announced that commitment really made an impact, a change for life for me. As did the decision I made to leave home in 2001 and declaring to God that I was leaving home for Him and that I believe that I will serve Him in His ministry and have complete faith that He will protect me and provide for me....and He did.....a million times over He did. I will never be able to explain in words the goodness that God has done for me but I can only show in my example for others.
So this week my aim is again to focus on the task at hand. To be patient in all that I do and to see every opportunity that God has laid before me to share with others about His goodness.
Today's message during Sunday School was about God's perfect plan. I taught the older youth today which was refreshing though I missed my 9 & 10 year olds :). We discussed their thoughts about what they felt their plans were for the future. Some really good insights were shared. God gave me an opportunity to share my testimony with them. I hope that in sharing my story with them it helps them to understand the goodness there is in living for Him.
We discussed the blessings that God gives us and a thought came to mind. Most people say that they will wait for the blessings, but ni this discussion I felt that God blesses us because of something that we have done that is pleasing to Him. So in order to receive more blessings from Him we need to do more. We need to act more on our intentions, on our thoughts. Too often I think we just think about things. I asked the class to write down what they think their plan is, or are for the future. And a comment was made that they weren't good in writing things down. I believe that in writing our thoughts down on paper our thoughts then become real. We don't write anything down because of the fear that what we need to do is what we HAVE TO DO. I felt really blessed and encouraged in sharing with this class. I hope they felt the same way too. One thing that was shared by one of the students was about fulfilling God's perfect plan for us wasn't just about achieving our goals, but it was about developing ourselves as a person so that we are capable to fulfil His perfect plan for us. Soooo true.
Our messages talked about never forgetting God. Realistically we get so caught up in our own day-to-day things that we do forget Him. But God is always there waiting for us. He never sleeps. Dan preached in the evening service asking ourselves about whether we are ready. This has been such a strong message ringing in everyone's minds with the recent earthquakes in Christchurch and in Wellington. Dan and I were in the kitchen having a conversation when we heard a loud rumble and the kitchen shook. We froze for a second and then ran to our girls' bedroom to check on them. They were fine and had slept through. But that event was enough to get us talking about what we needed to do when it happened during the day etc. I could see tears well up in Dan's eyes as we talked about our plan.
Throughout the day the messages were about plans and preparation. The earthquakes put a lot of things into perspective for me...but most of all I honestly feel that this doesn't stop me from serving Him. This doesn't mean that I ignore everything else that goes on in my life but it does mean that my faith needs to be stronger. In everything that I do I cannot feel that tasks are a burden to me and my family. Because as soon as I feel that way, the potential blessing could be stripped away from me and my family. I would be asking myself, "Well what's the point?". "Why help others, when I feel that it will be too much work when I already have enough to do in my life?". Thoughts like this that creep into my head make me feel that I need to think outside of what goes on in my life. There are bigger problems out there. Opportunities as unfortunate as they are, to help others, and all that I feel is frustrated. I know that in the past I used to feel that way. Feeling that I have had to do so much in supporting our church when others don't move. But I remember the day when I said to my father-in-law, who is the Pastor of our church, that Dan & I used to take on all the duties because our parents were the Pastors but it no longer is about that. We are taking on the duties because we believe in God's Perfect Plan for our lives. The day that I announced that commitment really made an impact, a change for life for me. As did the decision I made to leave home in 2001 and declaring to God that I was leaving home for Him and that I believe that I will serve Him in His ministry and have complete faith that He will protect me and provide for me....and He did.....a million times over He did. I will never be able to explain in words the goodness that God has done for me but I can only show in my example for others.
So this week my aim is again to focus on the task at hand. To be patient in all that I do and to see every opportunity that God has laid before me to share with others about His goodness.
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