Find that piece of wisdom God has for you in the midst of each season

It's been so long since I've 'blogged' ... So many things have been happening ... especially 'job-wise'! .. Interesting stuff, I tell you... But the important thing is what God has taught me in the past 10 months and what I've learnt from it ... and I think that the devotion below does translate that perfectly...

God is always in control.. and as the author says, may I forget about being superman/woman and trust in a super God instead... may that be true for you too...

(Extract from a devotion by Marybeth Whalen)

"Whatever your situation, trust that God is sovereign and He ordained for you to be where you are at this time, for His purpose. There is something to be gained from every season in life. The trick is to find that piece of wisdom God has for you in the midst of each season.

When the angel appeared to Mary, he told her some pretty shocking news about what was going to happen to her. His message ushered her into a season in life that included confusion, rejection and some pretty extreme transition. And yet, her response was "May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38).

I want Mary's reaction to be my own reaction. I want my attitude to be one of complete surrender to God's will, no matter what the circumstances. I want to be able to say with confidence "May it be to me as you have said" instead of whining to God, "Why did you let this happen to me?" like I usually do.

The first step in embracing every season is to let go of our own expectations--even when it means learning to love our limitations. Whether you are struggling with illness, or lack of energy, or a marriage situation, or money problems, or family issues--whatever it is, that is where God has you. Stop trying to be Super Woman and trust a super God instead. "

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Practicing the Presence by Max Lucado

How do I live in God's presence? How do I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and his inaudible voice in my ear? A sheep grows familiar with the voice of the shepherd. How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here are a few ideas:

Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step out of bed, step into his presence. I have a friend who makes it a habit to roll out of his bed onto his knees and begin his day in prayer. Personally, I don't get that far. With my head still on the pillow and my eyes still closed, I offer God the first seconds of my day. The prayer is not lengthy and far from formal. Depending on how much sleep I got, it may not even be intelligible. Often it's nothing more than "Thank you for a night's rest. I belong to you today."

Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with him in silence. The mature married couple has learned the treasure of shared silence; they don't need to fill the air with constant chatter. Just being together is sufficient. Try being silent with God. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10 niv). Awareness of God is a fruit of stillness before God.

Give God your whispering thoughts. Through the centuries Christians have learned the value of brief sentence prayers, prayers that can be whispered anywhere, in any setting.
Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God. By giving God your whispering thoughts, the common becomes uncommon. Simple phrases such as "Thank you, Father," "Be sovereign in this hour, O Lord," "You are my resting place, Jesus" can turn a commute into a pilgrimage. You needn't leave your office or kneel in your kitchen. Just pray where you are. Let the kitchen become a cathedral or the classroom a chapel. Give God your whispering thoughts.

And last, give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God. Thank him for the good parts. Question him about the hard parts. Seek his mercy. Seek his strength. And as you close your eyes, take assurance in the promise: "He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Ps. 121:4 niv). If you fall asleep as you pray, don't worry. What better place to doze off than in the arms of your Father.

From Just Like JesusCopyright (W Publishing Group, 1998, 2001) Max Lucado

A Woman’s Price Tag

By Bonita Lillie, She Speaks Graduate

I looked like a peacock strutting in full splendor, displaying regal feathers. I was wearing my “coat of many colors,” a plaid sateen jacket, a gift from my sanguine mother who loves color and flair. It felt awkward wearing my mother’s personality. I err to the conservative side, preferring that all eyes not be on me. Uneasily, I slid into one of the front rows of the church, hoping the shine of the jacket wouldn’t distract people from the sermon.

I became engrossed in the service and it wasn’t until after church was over that the jacket came to mind again. My neck was itching and as I reached back to scratch it I was horrified to discover that the price tag to my new jacket was hanging down my back. Worse yet, I wasn’t just on sale, I was on clearance! I guess my fellow worshippers were too embarrassed to tell me.

Unfortunately, many of us are like that jacket. We look good, but we have an imaginary price tag hanging not on our clothes, but on our person. We see ourselves as cheap, not worth much, possibly even on God’s clearance rack. We don’t believe anyone could ever love us and certainly, God could never use us in His plan, but nothing could be further from the truth.

It’s interesting that in Proverbs 31 before God ever addresses the godly woman’s “to do” list, he establishes her worth. Before she ever says or does anything, He deems her worthy, apart from all works and He does it in such a way that we can never forget it. He doesn’t just label her adequate, but He raves about her, ranking her superior to the rarest, most exquisite stones. God’s woman is worth more than costly gems. That woman is you!

Your worth isn’t wrapped up in your accomplishments, possessions, job title, popularity, or looks. It isn’t about what others think of you, good or bad. It doesn’t even matter what you think of yourself. We can be our harshest critic, can’t we? Your worth has nothing to do with any of those things or even your ability to carry out the duties listed in Proverbs 31. You are precious to God simply because you are His child.

The truth is that one day you did have a price tag hanging on you. I Corinthians 6:20 says, “you were bought with a price.” Yet, you weren’t cheap. In fact, it cost God everything to purchase you for Himself. You are one valuable lady, a woman deeply loved and valued by God. You mean the world and all to Him!

Father, when I’m tempted to look down on myself or feel unworthy, help me to hold my head high, knowing that my value doesn’t come from my own feelings, but from You. You say I’m valuable and that is enough. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)

For great is Your love, higher than the heavens

It's been a while since I've blogged... Since February 12th, I've been starting work at 7 which means my day starts at 5.30 AM!!! 5.30 AM people! although it ends at 3.30pm, it somehow feels like a longer and more tiring day than the alternate 9-5.30...

It is however an amazingly long 8 hours where each of the 4 people in a team can deeply affect the overall mood of the others . . . . and also, an opportunity for me to shine a light in the darkness.. To witness and live for Christ .. . . nudge people I encounter, closer to God ... As Greg Fletcher shared with us in OCF yesterday, our last PM for the semester ... "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

... Oh, here's something I read and hope you enjoy too....

That's How Much I Love You
by Max Lucado

Untethered by time, [God] sees us all. From the backwoods of Virginia to the business district of London; from the Vikings to the astronauts, from the cave-dwellers to the kings, from the hut-builders to the finger-pointers to the rock-stackers, he sees us. Vagabonds and ragamuffins all, he saw us before we were born.

And he loves what he sees. Flooded by emotion. Overcome by pride, the Starmaker turns to us, one by one, and says, “You are my child. I love you dearly. I’m aware that someday you’ll turn from me and walk away. But I want you to know, I’ve already provided you a way back.”

And to prove it, he did something extraordinary.

Stepping from the throne, he removed his robe of light and wrapped himself in skin: pigmented, human skin. The light of the universe entered a dark, wet womb. He who angels worship nestled himself in the placenta of a peasant, was birthed into the cold night, and then slept on cow’s hay.

Mary didn’t know whether to give him milk or give him praise, but she gave him both since he was, as near as she could figure, hungry and holy.

Joseph didn’t know whether to call him Junior or Father. But in the end called him Jesus, since that’s what the angel said and since he didn’t have the faintest idea what to name a God he could cradle in his arms.

Neither Mary nor Joseph said it as bluntly as my Sara, but don’t you think their heads tilted and their minds wondered, “What in the world are you doing, God?” Or, better phrased, “God, what are you doing in the world?”

“Can anything make me stop loving you?” God asks. “Watch me speak your language, sleep on your earth, and feel your hurts. Behold the maker of sight and sound as he sneezes, coughs, and blows his nose. You wonder if I understand how you feel? Look into the dancing eyes of the kid in Nazareth; that’s God walking to school. Ponder the toddler at Mary’s table; that’s God spilling his milk.

“You wonder how long my love will last? Find your answer on a splintered cross, on a craggy hill. That’s me you see up there, your maker, your God, nail-stabbed and bleeding. Covered in spit and sin-soaked. That’s your sin I’m feeling. That’s your death I’m dying. That’s your resurrection I’m living. That’s how much I love you.”

From In the Grip of GraceCopyright 1996, Max Lucado

March 21, 2007

Rejoicing Over Me?
By Van Walton


Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (NIV)

Devotion:
Quietly I entered my son’s room. In the gray shadows I could barely outline the form of his sleeping body. Peace and calm hovered over his bed, a vast difference from the energy that sparked around him in the midst of his active day.

Walking back and forth from the head of his bed to the window where I could look up to the endless sky, I prayed over him and held him up to heaven. I praised God for this precious child, a most wonderful gift to me and my husband. As I listed his wonderful qualities, such as a peaceful nature, a ready smile, always a loyal friend, never an unkind word, I asked God to keep watch over him. I begged for protection. “Don’t ever let anything bad happen to him. Keep him healthy. Most of all keep him close to You, Father. ”

With my prayer over I automatically turned to leave the room. Stepping toward the door, I realized that I didn’t want to leave. I relished the time I could spend just looking at him breathe, while I took in every feature of his innocent face. The simple pleasure of watching him as he lay still filled me with a contentment I longed for but hadn’t known where to find it.

Oh how I loved this boy. Then a tune came to me, a tune I used to sing when he was a baby. “Skinny marinky dinky do, skinny marinky do, I love you. I love you in the morning and I love you in the night…” I finished that song and began another. I don’t know how long I lingered. When I left and closed the door behind me, I felt refreshed, like I had somehow accomplished a good thing.

Look at your children the next time they are sleeping. Watch them in their moments of zero activity. Do they bring you pleasure while they sleep? Doesn’t your heart swell with wonder and overwhelming love? Don’t you smile with joy and pride? Isn’t that unconditional love?

Don’t you think God may very well feel the same way about us? Isn’t that what He’s saying in Zephaniah when He reminds us that He delights in His children?

The Bible says that God loves His children unconditionally. There is nothing we can do to get Him to love us more. He loves us because we are His. Children learn in catechism classes that our “chief aim is to glorify God.” We glorify Him by accepting that we are His and by stepping into relationship with Him.

I find it hard to believe that God can love me, that I can’t earn His love. What about you? Do you really believe that God loves you just the way you are?

Next time you doubt God’s love for you, reject the thought and accept His truth. He rejoices over you with singing!

Dear Lord, Help me know You are good. I can hardly imagine that I would be worthy to approach the King of heaven, yet You encourage a relationship with me. Help me understand and accept that You delight in me. Lord, I know I cannot do anything for You to love me more. I pray my trust and obedience would be an acceptable offering. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Counting blessings!

I remember one day when Esther said 'Last year, I prayed for friends. This year, I thank God for friends He has brought into my life'...

This year, I too offer this thanksgiving to God

... for friendships so precious...

...Friends who have been around but never thanked enough...

...Friends who've been there and helped me find my heart, my way...

..Friends who've invited me closer to God.. closer to His heart because they were there...

Forever Friends!

Things I'll never forget...

Iced mochas!

Brown rice!
White chocolate and strawberry muffins!

M&M's from Farmer Jack's!

Red grape dark chocolate!

Strawberry handwash! Seoul BBQ!

Britney Spears and favourite colour: Pink!

COLES subi not Woolies subi!

Captain HOOK, not Cook!
Gold medals that I owe! Please wait till my pay allows it! :D

Thank you, Father for friends so dear!

hahahahahhahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahhaahhahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahhahahahah
steph
hahahahahahhahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahhaahhah

P.S>> Have the privilege of having a wonderful friend in Dorcas too ... [Thanks for coming for my graduation, Dorcas... thanks so much! It means so very much to me!]

A devotion I received today... How true and apt... and how wonderful...

"I read a story about a little girl who was very nervous at the prospect of her first horseback ride, even though she was to be perched behind her grandfather who was an excellent rider. As her parents helped her onto the horse, she cried, “What do I do? I don’t know how to ride a horse! I’ve never done this before! What do I do?”

Her grandfather said in a reassuring tone, “Don’t worry about the horse or about how to ride it. Just hold on to me, Darlin’, just hold on to me.”

This story reminds me of the familiar saying, “When you’re at the end of the rope, hold onto your faith.” That’s easier said than done unless you realize that the object of your faith is a person???Jesus Christ. We always can hold onto Him.

It’s when we lose touch with the Lord that we fall into fear and panic, but keeping our minds on Him in thought, prayer, and worship brings peace to our hearts and minds. Most of us have sung about this truth. Today let the words of this old faithful hymn sink deep into your soul.

What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and grief to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

We must grip tightly to our faith in Christ through prayer and mediation on a daily basis Then, whether our day is like a tried old nag or a bucking –bronco, holding on to our faith keeps us in the saddle until the ride is over. However, if we look to ourselves or at the “beast,” whatever that may be, then we will always feel weak, helpless, and afraid.

Like the grandfather, who was an excellent rider, our heavenly Father is even greater. Christ has both hands on the reins. He knows how to ride, which direction the horse will run, and how long the journey will last. All we have to do is hold on."

Kids style

I've Got A River Of Life

I've got a river of life flowing out of me!
Makes the lame to walk, and the blind to see.
Opens prison doors, sets the captives free!
I've got a river of life flowing out of me!

Spring up, O well [gush gush gush gush] within my soul!
Spring up, O well, [splish splash] and make me whole!
Spring up, O well, [yee haw] and give to me
That life abundantly.

©Unverified
Words and Music by L. Casebolt

A Life of Surrender

Nothing is out of God's control... nothing is out of His reach, His touch...

I used to think it so hard to surrender to Him... How can something be so bad when I know that I need it? Why is it not mine yet? Why does it have to be a struggle to just let go and let God?

Things have changed since I started job hunting, resume building, job interviews, etc... I knew that things were out of my control... There was NOTHING I could do...

As Pastor Timon was saying, when we are struggling and no longer have the strength, nothing to offer, that's when He steps in...

He will use the hardest, the most impossible, the most 'down' periods of our lives to show us His love and His power to see us through ... He will show us that He can be trusted and that He knows best...He will reveal Himself to us in those moments ...

Of course, those moments can be BAD... and I mean, really bad sometimes too... but what is it when He, the LOVER of our souls is right by our side, carrying us in His everlasting arms?

--steph

'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light' (Matthew 11:28-30)

Not 7 times, not 7 times 7, but 77 times 7

Today was the worst day I've ever had since starting work... woke up at 5, walked to the train station in the absolute darkness of daylight saving 6..started work at the early hours of 7... with the worst first 2 calls I could ever have at the start of a day...

Those calls are unsettling. Those things that happened are not my fault, yet, I have to listen in to all the dirty words! Totally uncalled for! It's just that I am the 'face of the organisation' ...

I try to understand, show empathy... 'You can have no idea..NO! You cannot understand!', says the guy.

*sigh* if you say so... I try to show God's love but that is not how it goes in our fallen world...


that's why there are laws, rules and regulations... errors just aren't allowed or tolerated... People get upset, angry and just lash out at anyone! everyone!

it's a world without grace, without love...

I have to remind myself so often that this is definitely not how God intended the world to be... AND hope is the only thing that can get me through....


I flip through my Bible, seeking strength, calmness, quietness, love, a heart to forgive from the Only One who can give it to me ..

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ , you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you... if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? .... So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" (1 Peter 4)

Continue to do good... not by my strength, but by God's!

--Steph
'Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.' (Psalm 124)

For my sisters...

. .. . stars .. . the gentle breeze... .. sunsets ... .rainbows ... mountains ... .valleys. .. .. rivers ... .

... Esperance .. Broome .. . Bungle Bungles .. . Kalbarri... . Albany .. . . Ayers Rock. . . .

All tell of the wonders of God and the Beauty of God ... All gifts from a wonderful God...

There is a book written by John & Stasi Eldredge called 'Captivating' where they say:

"Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion.

This romancing is immensely personal. It will be as if it has been scripted for your heart. He knows what takes your breath away, knows what makes your heart beat faster. We have missed many of his notes simply because we shut our hearts down in order to endure the pain of life. Now, in our healing journey as women, we much open our hearts again, and keep them open. Not foolishly, not to anyone and anything. But yes, we must choose to open our hearts again so that we might hear his whispers, receive his kisses."

God's purely and truly the perfect valentine. ... He's the One our hearts long for above everything else... He is the One who can give us all we need :D

The (soon-to-be) West Australian specialist writes

"
The Christian life is about living in union with a Person – Jesus Christ.

Jesus gives you desires to explore new interests and meet new people (Ephesians 2:10). How do you recognize His desires? Start by asking yourself, What have I always wanted to do? Where have I always wanted to go? Christ doesn’t give ideas that are boring, abstract, or irresponsible. Following your heart means pursuing something that truly makes you passionate. It could be starting a new business, exploring a new hobby, traveling to a new place, attending a new church, or moving to a new location. Like me, you might even desire to write a book!

People respect those who follow their dreams. Therefore, if you pursue the aspirations that Christ puts in your heart, you can become more attractive to others. In addition, you may meet someone who shares your passion, and suddenly you have a new friend.

We all want to live the abundant life that Christ spoke about in John 10:10. Yet He said that this abundant life would only occur as we let Him live it through us (John 15:4-7). He has a wonderful adventure planned for you. It may involve living in a small, quiet town, or it may take you around the world. Regardless of what His plan looks like, it will fulfill you.

To explore your internal urgings from Jesus, consider what is the passion of your heart. If you are unsure, take a small step of faith and try something. You might begin by volunteering some where, taking a class, or signing up for a short-term mission trip. Expose yourself to the things that you really want to do.

Jesus is your true Husband and Provider, and part of His provision is to lead you into new relationships. So pursue the passion that Christ puts within your heart. You never know who you might meet.
"
As you would suspect, I've 'plagiarised' this but it tells so well what I have experienced these past few weeks . .. . job interviews, one-day trial and steps of faith... I thought "I know that God has the absolute best for me. He has created me... I am fearfully and wonderfully made, says Psalm139. He knows what I can and want to do and will lead me to the best! I just have to go through whatever He puts on my way... day after day, trusting him every step of the way.. step by step.. minute after minute...just resting in His peace.."

That door-to-door thing couldn't have been such a rewarding experience if it wasn't God's plan... I wouldn't have been able to go through all those interviews (well, 2 so far actually) without the grace and peace of God... nothing is possible without Him but with Him, WOW!!! it's gonna be heaven!

I have learnt to let go and let God... experience His peace and rely on God's provision so so much these 2 times... and the last time has been really good... because now, I have a job!!! Yippeee!!! I am absolutely thrilled! For a first full-time job, I really couldn't have got better!!!

What can possibly be more interesting that organising, hand-designing holidays for people... and in WA on top of that... dream job I must say... hahaha!!!

That's the blessing that comes out of trusting, having faith in our Father... that comes out of surrendering and allowing God to work... and believe me, it's not the simplest nor the easiest thing to do, but it's the absolute best!

I hope you find that for yourself too... As that devotion said, follow your dreams, follow your passions and let God work out the kinks... I believe that He would NEVER ever tell you to do something that you hate... never! He loves us to much for that...

There might be some problems, steep slopes, valleys,obstacles, bad days bla bla bla ... BUT BUT BUT "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me...my cup overflows(some ppl know I like this cup thing! ahhaha!!) Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (psalm 23)

I feel like quoting verse after verse of God's promises and blessings for me...for you... but i think I've said enough for a day! :D

alrite then, one more!
"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."(Psalm 34)

woohoo!
--Steph

When things get tough, He is closer than we think...

Today reminded me of that time when Pastor Graham in Subi, showed us the DVD by Nooma, called 'Rain'...

There was this dad telling the story of when his family was out camping and one morning, he went on a walk with his baby on his back... Suddenly, a storm picked up and soon, it was raining heavily .. . .. lightning ... thunder . .. .

His baby started to panic, to cry at the top of his lungs ... afraid, exposed to the elements, getting soaked...

And what the dad did was.. take his baby off his back and hold him close, really close to his heart, whispering to him 'Daddy's here...it's gonna be alright..I will take you back safely..I love you'

...That showed us what God does for us too...

.. . . . .. When the going gets tough, when we get scared, when we cry out in despair, at the top of our lungs .. ... When there is nothing we can do for ourselves, God will take us into His arms... Our Father .. Our Daddy will hold us close, close to His heart and see us home safely, whispering words of comfort and love ... . ..

The storm's still there but someone greater, who loves us so, is carrying us, in His loving, everlasting arms ... . . .

That's where I am right now and that's where I love to be ... :)

--Steph

Is someone supposed to win the rat race?

Why is it called a rat race? Are people acting like rats? Can anyone win a rat race?

What's a rat race anyway?

Tomorrow is round 2 in "trying to find my career path"/"trying to find something that I enjoy doing" ... how many more rounds until I can join the rat race? Should I join it? Or will I join it unknowingly?

This is a time full of uncertainties ... risks . . . new things ... and new adventures...

And it will never stop.. at least not while I'm still alive...

God never promised an easy life, as people say... Jesus came 'so that we can have life, and life to the full' ... and that includes those uncertainties, risks ... dangers and toils... but He did promise to be there with us ... to see us through the tough times, to carry us in His arms (footsteps in the sand?!?), to share our adventures ...

Adversities are what make us grow (Summerland..hahaha!)

I know .. . I just know that the time will come when I will be doing something that I really like... with passion . . . without wanting to stop and without complaints...

Meanwhile, I can worry, complain or letting go. . .

Worrying gets me pimples,
Complaining gets me dimples, (talking too much)
but letting go and letting God makes it all 'simples' (if u see what i mean .. . . . i'm just trying to make it rhyme!)

The choice is simple ... but why do I make it so hard? (shrug)

--Steph

God specializes in getting you through the tough stuff

"1. We worry when we add unnecessary pressure to an already full plate. Trying to meet everyone's expectations adds unnecessary pressure.

2. We worry when we subtract God's presence from our crises. Adversity minus God's presence equals doubt and fear.

3. We worry when we multiply our problems by inserting our solutions prematurely. Anxiety grips us when we insist on finding our own way out of the tough stretches in life instead of walking with God through them.

4. We worry when we divide life into the secular and the sacred. God doesn't want to compartmentalize our lives. He wants every aspect to be under His control.

Before you do anything else, reflect on your list of worries. Take a good look through the current events of your life. What is it that has you anxious? Overcoming those anxious fears won't be as easy as simply sitting in a church service or finding some magical Bible verse. You probably know that. The truth is, no matter what you are facing, worrying will do you more harm than good.

In The Message, Eugene Peterson captures Jesus' words in today's terms. Consider Peterson's rendering of Matthew 6:34.
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Worried about tomorrow? Getting strangled on anxieties that you can't seem to dislodge? Feeling like Martha?
Relax. Stop fretting about tomorrow … or next week … or next month. God specializes in getting you through the tough stuff.

Excerpted from Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something, W Publishing Group. © 2004 Charles R. Swindoll. "


I certainly couldn't have said it better myself!
--Steph

hi my name is ...

Imagine this work life:

Your working hours: 2-8pm. You are enthusiastic and hard-working and you have big career goals and opportunities. One day, you know that you will become a leader and train other people and consequently, own your own company. No single day is like the others. You get to meet people, have lots of friends, support and work in a fun environment. The harder you work, the more money you get... the more you want, the more you can get...


Sounds like something you would like ?


WELL< that is what a door-to-door salesperson does! no kidding!

They are each assigned blocks of houses... and just keep knocking... each and every door ... they even have a special kind of knock!!!

if they are hungry, too bad! thirsty? ask someone who seems nice enough! toilet? i don't know!

Lesson1:
Some people can be fantastic and really nice... they understand that those people are not mean but rather 'just doing a job'.... they offer sympathy and water... some have even allowed us to enter into their lounges [and those aren't people from whom I would especially expect it from though]

But i can tell you, those salespeople have taught me more than I could learn elsewhere in a day! They are enthusiastic and have a fantastic morale! imagine being rejected by a hundred people a day and still keep smiling and having fun!


What would you do, if someone knocked on your door and to sell you something? Slam the door? Be rude to them? Talk to them? Listen to them just so that they are satisfied and then, refuse the offer?

Before yesterday, I know that I wouldn't even have opened the door...

The saying that we can only understand others by "being in their shoes" proved so right to me. I got a glimpse into what they do...

Next time someone comes by, please just offer them a glass of water, and show them some respect ... if not for their sake, then, as a gift to me... as a gift to them...


It was a lesson for life! A blessing once again!

Meanwhile, that ambipur car air freshner smell will hang around for a while, in my bag, my memories, my shoes? .. and definitely, my respect and my truest and deepest esteem! Hey, they are humans too! haha

--Steph

small things matter too

It is amazing how sometimes, time doesn't fly and so many things seem to happen in only a few days... And if they are good things, so much the better!

.. . . ... blood tests, job interviews that went really well - teaching me the power and grace of friends and their prayers .. AND .. God's peace that can fill us beyond measure and fear

.. . . . .. . shopping for new things to start a new job: new shoes, new clothes, new bag, etc, etc, etc .. . . . This would have been the most frustrating/depressing/unfruitful shopping experience I've ever had, and it did start that way, until I decided that I should let go and let God once again ... I once again was reminded to rely on God's provision and timing... If these things are important to me, they are to my Father too...

If we can trust Him for big things, why not the small things?

"7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7)

What a blessing indeed it is to be blessed!

A friend o' mine once said that one day, we should probably just sit down and count our blessings... recognise the many things that God has given us but which we have taken for granted until now.

places we have been. . .. .. ....
.. .. . . .
.. .people we have met at just the right time, just when we needed them the most... people who have just stuck by us when the going got tough...people who have changed our lives for the best... people who have left a footprint in our lives... people who have just been there, being who they are . .. ...
. .. .. things we have done [bungee jumping? undersea walks? parasailing? banana-boating?] . ..

.. .. .... things we have learnt .. . .
... . . . being known and touched by God's love . .. being adopted into God's family and called His children. . . . being told that we are the most perfect person in the role we have been given . . .. being told that we have a purpose, an eternal one too.. .. being saved and having inherited eternal life... . .

. .. salvation, peace, joy and love ... purpose, life .. . . blessings

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91)

Lesson from a driving lesson

At one point, I was so confused, I just let go. I didn't know what to do... [suspense]

Good thing that the instructor was right there... instructor .... to the rescue!!!

He said: "That is not what you should do.. What if I wasn't there? You should react, maintain control and stay out of danger's way"

This made me realise something: Isn't that what we are always taught? "Let nothing escape your grasp, try to control everything as far as possible. If things go wrong, get a grip and find a solution"

My reaction wasn't at all "wise"! But it can be the 'wisest' in my spiritual life. Isn't that what God wants me to do? Letting Him not only help me steer the car back to the right lane but instead, to get out of the car, get into the limousine, allow Him to drive so that, I can enjoy the ride: the music, the sights, the colours, the flowers, the rivers, the sky, vales and mountains, flashing sea ... and the food of course!

a tiny little lesson worth its while, huh?

Letting go and letting God...

--Steph

Prayer of Jabez

'The Prayer of Jabez' is a book by Bruce Wilkinson.

It is based on the prayer that Jabez (of course) prays (quite obvious, isn't it? haha)

It goes like this: "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. "1Chronicles 4:10

Basically, the point Bruce Wilkinson makes is that in some occasions, God does not give us blessings unless we ask for them, if we really want them, if we are ready to receive them (Oh, that you would bless me, Jabez said to God)... We can ask Him to bless us and He will...

We can also ask that He will show us new people, new places, new things each day (enlarge my territory, as Jabez said) ... where we can have larger and larger influences on other people... touching them, bringing them a little closer to our Father...

We can ask Him to be with us, all the time, everywhere (Let your hand be with me) ... because we know that without Him, we can't survive...

We can ask Him to not only be with us when we are tempted but instead, we can ask that He keeps us from temptations... That He'd keep the devil away!

At the start, I thought that it seemed a bit weird or unusual to be praying that prayer every day ... But as lots of people have said in that book, ever since they've prayed that prayer, their lives have changed and I believe that mine is too....

And this shall mark the start of what I shall call 'a life full of blessings'...

Shall keep you updated!

--Steph