One of my new favourite things about Jesus is that he keeps his heart open to people. Even when he was on this earth he fully loved people and told them the truth and there was no contradiction in that. He knew that he was going to be despised and rejected and yet over and over again he would chose to love and serve.
In this day and age we find it hard to keep our hearts open to people especially if there is an indication of difficulty or pain involved. If we think there could be rejection or separation on the horizon we would rather get out before we get hurt. How opposite to Jesus.
Jesus died for people who hated him (like us). He washed the feet of men who were going to deny even knowing him.
I have a feeling it's because firstly, he is love, and secondly he was so confident in the love of the Father and the Father was the one he lived to please, so even if people rejected his love he knew his Father delighted in him.
I really want to be like Jesus!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
God, our creator
This week I have had two worship with the Word sets that have awakened my heart again to the wonder of God as creator.
When you read Job 37-38 you see God talking about storehouses of snow, boundary lines for the sea and him telling the lightening where to go. He is the God over all creation, this is to be a comfort to us. In Isaiah 40 Israel are called to remember the Lord God, the creator of the ends of the earth and to wait upon this one who is all knowing and all powerful. It's not just that God has wisdom but he has the power to act according to his wisdom.
When we look at the events of Revelation and we see the natural disasters that will be occurring we can know this: The safest place to be is to make the One who commands the lightning and thunder to be our refuge and to put our trust in him alone.
When you read Job 37-38 you see God talking about storehouses of snow, boundary lines for the sea and him telling the lightening where to go. He is the God over all creation, this is to be a comfort to us. In Isaiah 40 Israel are called to remember the Lord God, the creator of the ends of the earth and to wait upon this one who is all knowing and all powerful. It's not just that God has wisdom but he has the power to act according to his wisdom.
When we look at the events of Revelation and we see the natural disasters that will be occurring we can know this: The safest place to be is to make the One who commands the lightning and thunder to be our refuge and to put our trust in him alone.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
One year left
I'm back in Kansas City after a wonderful time at home. I love New Zealand, I think it's a marvelous place to be able to call home. I enjoyed spending time with my friends and family, especially my niece Caitlin, 13 months is a really fun (and loud) age.
Now I'm back in Kansas City I am looking at this year and asking myself and the Lord what is the best way for me to spend this last year at IHOP? I try to live in state of heart that is always thankful wherever I am and making the most of the season the Lord has me in and well as the opportunities that arise. Hopefully this year will be the same.
I'm excited about what the Lord has planned for me post KC but am determined to not let that rob me of the joy of living in the present now.
Now I'm back in Kansas City I am looking at this year and asking myself and the Lord what is the best way for me to spend this last year at IHOP? I try to live in state of heart that is always thankful wherever I am and making the most of the season the Lord has me in and well as the opportunities that arise. Hopefully this year will be the same.
I'm excited about what the Lord has planned for me post KC but am determined to not let that rob me of the joy of living in the present now.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Why the night watch?
I was talking with my friend and flatmate last night about the night watch. We were basically talking about how amazing it is to live in a community of young adults who have all switched their body clocks and their lives in order to pray in the night
Personally I think this is an unusual phenomenon. Many people stay up late, many people pray at night, many people have the graveyard shift but not many people order their entire lives around keeping a prayer room going from 12-6am and do it in the midst of a community.
I've always said, and this will remain true that I love the night watch because I love telling Jesus I love him and I love his leadership in the midnight hours when the rest of the country are sleeping or doing things you don't want to know about, but the Lord knows.
I also love this community of believers, I think the night watch are some of the weakest people here. We do the night watch because it hedges us in even more to pray and fast. But when I look around the room as I prayer lead sometimes my heart overflows with love for these people I see almost every day. Even those we don't know intimately, we know each others journey, we see one another continue in the place of prayer through difficult seasons and through times of promotion.
I joined the night watch because I wanted to love Jesus in the night, and I can truly say I also love his people in the night.
Personally I think this is an unusual phenomenon. Many people stay up late, many people pray at night, many people have the graveyard shift but not many people order their entire lives around keeping a prayer room going from 12-6am and do it in the midst of a community.
I've always said, and this will remain true that I love the night watch because I love telling Jesus I love him and I love his leadership in the midnight hours when the rest of the country are sleeping or doing things you don't want to know about, but the Lord knows.
I also love this community of believers, I think the night watch are some of the weakest people here. We do the night watch because it hedges us in even more to pray and fast. But when I look around the room as I prayer lead sometimes my heart overflows with love for these people I see almost every day. Even those we don't know intimately, we know each others journey, we see one another continue in the place of prayer through difficult seasons and through times of promotion.
I joined the night watch because I wanted to love Jesus in the night, and I can truly say I also love his people in the night.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I don't believe in New Years resolutions but...
Maybe this will be the year I will get better at blogging regularly.
So I will give a brief update and recap of my life in bullet points because they are my favourite.
1) My Fall interns left just before Christmas. My new ones arrived 4 days ago, though this time they are track 2 (our internship has two three month tracks) and I'm leading with a wonderful women Eileen.
2) Christmas and New Years were spent with good friends and very enjoyable, though I intended to take photos, I forgot and so I don't really have any evidence of any fun that was had!
3) The onething conference, which is the young adult conference IHOP run at the end of the year was amazing, and I have enjoyed listening to the archives that have been made available for free! Since I was sick for the conference I probably saw more than I would otherwise because I watched it at home instead of working for it
4) I'm going to be with my family in New Zealand for 4 weeks in 2 1/2 weeks and I am pretty excited. I've borrowed dresses for the two weddings I'm attending and can't wait to play with Daniel and Caitlin.
5) I am also looking forward to my sister Jo, her husband Devan and their little boy Jame visiting me in July, the last time I actually saw my whole family in the same year was 2006.
6) I really do want to write more on my blog, probably on topics relating to holiness and the pursuit of the Holy One, so we'll see how we go with that.
7) I think that's a good recap of my life, and maybe I'll actually write more this year. You never know.
So I will give a brief update and recap of my life in bullet points because they are my favourite.
1) My Fall interns left just before Christmas. My new ones arrived 4 days ago, though this time they are track 2 (our internship has two three month tracks) and I'm leading with a wonderful women Eileen.
2) Christmas and New Years were spent with good friends and very enjoyable, though I intended to take photos, I forgot and so I don't really have any evidence of any fun that was had!
3) The onething conference, which is the young adult conference IHOP run at the end of the year was amazing, and I have enjoyed listening to the archives that have been made available for free! Since I was sick for the conference I probably saw more than I would otherwise because I watched it at home instead of working for it
4) I'm going to be with my family in New Zealand for 4 weeks in 2 1/2 weeks and I am pretty excited. I've borrowed dresses for the two weddings I'm attending and can't wait to play with Daniel and Caitlin.
5) I am also looking forward to my sister Jo, her husband Devan and their little boy Jame visiting me in July, the last time I actually saw my whole family in the same year was 2006.
6) I really do want to write more on my blog, probably on topics relating to holiness and the pursuit of the Holy One, so we'll see how we go with that.
7) I think that's a good recap of my life, and maybe I'll actually write more this year. You never know.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Winter coming fast - Summer here I come!
It's becoming very cold here in KC, it's already been below 0 a couple of times, the leaves have fallen and even some snow!
It warms my little heart to know that I will be in NZ summer during the coldest month of the KC year.
In other news, the Lord totally provided for my ticket home - from a person I don't even know! My mum meet someone at her retreat who wanted to give me money after hearing about what I do here. The Lord is my Provider!
Events of recent weeks has caused my to be sober once again in the times that we are living in and I want to give myself to the knowledge of God, not just to know information but to know his heart.
My interns are wonderful, and just thinking about them makes me smile, I don't think I've ever had to answer so many questions but they all have such hungry hearts for truth.
that's me
It warms my little heart to know that I will be in NZ summer during the coldest month of the KC year.
In other news, the Lord totally provided for my ticket home - from a person I don't even know! My mum meet someone at her retreat who wanted to give me money after hearing about what I do here. The Lord is my Provider!
Events of recent weeks has caused my to be sober once again in the times that we are living in and I want to give myself to the knowledge of God, not just to know information but to know his heart.
My interns are wonderful, and just thinking about them makes me smile, I don't think I've ever had to answer so many questions but they all have such hungry hearts for truth.
that's me
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Another attempt at consistancy
I would like to think for the most part that I am consistent. With this blog I am consistent in not writing very much, so I guess that's better than nothing.
Fire in the night started it's Fall track 10 days ago, 80 interns, 5 young women who I am responsible for for the next three months. One thing I like about working with people is it means the same job is never the same. I find that I led so differently track to track depending on the women in my apartment and where think people are at. You don't led an 18 year old and a 30 year old the same way.
Fall is here, and I do like fall, but when I think about it I actually like all the seasons for different reasons.
My sister Jo had her first baby, James and I am so excited, I think it's amazing that in a moment a women becomes a mother, I think it's so cool.
Speaking of cool, I'm going home for a visit in late January. I'm looking forward to it and it makes living in another country easier when you know you get to go home sometimes.
That's all
Fire in the night started it's Fall track 10 days ago, 80 interns, 5 young women who I am responsible for for the next three months. One thing I like about working with people is it means the same job is never the same. I find that I led so differently track to track depending on the women in my apartment and where think people are at. You don't led an 18 year old and a 30 year old the same way.
Fall is here, and I do like fall, but when I think about it I actually like all the seasons for different reasons.
My sister Jo had her first baby, James and I am so excited, I think it's amazing that in a moment a women becomes a mother, I think it's so cool.
Speaking of cool, I'm going home for a visit in late January. I'm looking forward to it and it makes living in another country easier when you know you get to go home sometimes.
That's all
Friday, August 1, 2008
Sustained by the Word
one of my favourite passages to prayer lead is "Kiss me with the kisses of your Word". I like it because it's simple, I'm asking God to speak to me, and because he's given the Word it's as simple as asking for his Word become alive to me.
I truly believe that we are sustained in our spiritual walk with the Word of God, the written Word and that which the Lord speaks to our hearts. I believe it because it says in Hebrews 1 that he sustains all things by the power of his Word and I'm pretty sure that I am included in the all things.
Tonight I experienced what I know to be true. I went into a 2am worship with the Word set very tired, it's been a long week for me with spending 23 hours with an intern who was sick in hospital, and then have a relational wholeness seminar with fire in the night; that makes for a long week, add in the fasting element I have felt my weakness and human frailty the last few days.
Then we started to sing, about delighting in his Word, about him drawing us to himself by giving us a revelation of his love (which for me personally means giving me a revelation of the cross). I left the platform at 4am feeling renewed, feeling like I wanted to live righteously, feeling like I really could fast another 8 days. And why? The simplicity of singing and speaking the Word back to God. Truly the Word is living and active, it truly is our daily bread. I am so thankful that I get to prayer lead worship with the Word sets because it means I get to meditate with a bunch of other people on the Word and get my heart cleansed and my mind renewed. Plus I get to bring joy to the Lord because he loves my voice, plus I get to stand in the gap for a generation that do not know him.
All that to say, I like my job and I love the Word.
I truly believe that we are sustained in our spiritual walk with the Word of God, the written Word and that which the Lord speaks to our hearts. I believe it because it says in Hebrews 1 that he sustains all things by the power of his Word and I'm pretty sure that I am included in the all things.
Tonight I experienced what I know to be true. I went into a 2am worship with the Word set very tired, it's been a long week for me with spending 23 hours with an intern who was sick in hospital, and then have a relational wholeness seminar with fire in the night; that makes for a long week, add in the fasting element I have felt my weakness and human frailty the last few days.
Then we started to sing, about delighting in his Word, about him drawing us to himself by giving us a revelation of his love (which for me personally means giving me a revelation of the cross). I left the platform at 4am feeling renewed, feeling like I wanted to live righteously, feeling like I really could fast another 8 days. And why? The simplicity of singing and speaking the Word back to God. Truly the Word is living and active, it truly is our daily bread. I am so thankful that I get to prayer lead worship with the Word sets because it means I get to meditate with a bunch of other people on the Word and get my heart cleansed and my mind renewed. Plus I get to bring joy to the Lord because he loves my voice, plus I get to stand in the gap for a generation that do not know him.
All that to say, I like my job and I love the Word.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Where do the months go?
Yes that's right it's been another month since I last wrote. While I have two room mates who are very faithful in their blogging I am not, and I'm only writing now because I'm waiting for my sister to be on skype.
Speaking of Skype, it really is a gift to all people who live overseas from their families and friends. It's so great to be able to chat, call and see one another over the web, I think everyone should get it!
I've been thinking about holiness recently. I was reading Galations when it talks about how if we walk in the spirit then we wont fulfill the lusts of our flesh. Holiness is simple, we simply fellowship with the Holy Spirit. When we know what we are saying yes to then it's easier to say no. For example when we have a vision for holiness and gazing upon the throne of God then it's easier for us to say no to the inappropriate movie or the course joking. I think so much of the time we can focus on what we "can't" do anymore instead of the fruit that is produced by walking in the spirit - love, joy, peace and patience. Are you kidding me? That's amazing!!!
Some of our problem is that we don't really believe that God is more pleasurable, but holiness is more enjoyable because in God's presence there is fullness of joy. I want to be holy as he is holy and I want to be one who is pure in heart that I would see him.
That's my thought, probably till next month!
Speaking of Skype, it really is a gift to all people who live overseas from their families and friends. It's so great to be able to chat, call and see one another over the web, I think everyone should get it!
I've been thinking about holiness recently. I was reading Galations when it talks about how if we walk in the spirit then we wont fulfill the lusts of our flesh. Holiness is simple, we simply fellowship with the Holy Spirit. When we know what we are saying yes to then it's easier to say no. For example when we have a vision for holiness and gazing upon the throne of God then it's easier for us to say no to the inappropriate movie or the course joking. I think so much of the time we can focus on what we "can't" do anymore instead of the fruit that is produced by walking in the spirit - love, joy, peace and patience. Are you kidding me? That's amazing!!!
Some of our problem is that we don't really believe that God is more pleasurable, but holiness is more enjoyable because in God's presence there is fullness of joy. I want to be holy as he is holy and I want to be one who is pure in heart that I would see him.
That's my thought, probably till next month!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Another month gone by
I can't believe it's been a month since I last wrote. I don't want to be another person who started a blog but did not continue, so here I am typing away, when I know I need to get to bed soon.
The Spring interns left today, the new interns arrive the day after tomorrow, which means I have one day of not being a core leader. I'm finding I have reached the stage that core leading is just a way of life for me, it's strange to think of doing the night watch and not being involved in fire in the night because I have been since I got here and I have no plans to move on.
Speaking of moving on, I am now officially prayer leading seven worship with the Word sets a week, and I'm excited, a little nervous, but excited. I just agreed to do another two which is what brings me up to seven a week. I love Worship with the Word because it requires team work, humility, listening to others and the Holy Spirit and a commitment to go deep on the Word for it to work. I've found my heart become so alive in some of the scriptures we have been singing. I am excited for this season, I know it wont be for too long as other prayer leaders are being trained, but I think it will be fun however long it lasts. I love seeing where we go with the scripture and that I can prayer led the same verse three times in a week and we go to different places with each team.
I also love the Summer, it makes me happy, I was totally made for the day when the Lamb will be the light, I just wonder what the temperature will be
The Spring interns left today, the new interns arrive the day after tomorrow, which means I have one day of not being a core leader. I'm finding I have reached the stage that core leading is just a way of life for me, it's strange to think of doing the night watch and not being involved in fire in the night because I have been since I got here and I have no plans to move on.
Speaking of moving on, I am now officially prayer leading seven worship with the Word sets a week, and I'm excited, a little nervous, but excited. I just agreed to do another two which is what brings me up to seven a week. I love Worship with the Word because it requires team work, humility, listening to others and the Holy Spirit and a commitment to go deep on the Word for it to work. I've found my heart become so alive in some of the scriptures we have been singing. I am excited for this season, I know it wont be for too long as other prayer leaders are being trained, but I think it will be fun however long it lasts. I love seeing where we go with the scripture and that I can prayer led the same verse three times in a week and we go to different places with each team.
I also love the Summer, it makes me happy, I was totally made for the day when the Lamb will be the light, I just wonder what the temperature will be
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The beauty of silence
We live in the world that is full of noise and activity; at least we do in the west, and especially here in America.
Henri Nouman is his book "The way of the heart" talks about solitude and silence. He says we need to be silent before we can have anything to say(or something like that, it's not a direct quote). And I think he's right.
In a world of constant words how many of us have words that speak life into another person? We are so quick to speak that the fire the Lord puts within becomes a smoldering wick because we feel this unusual pressure to speak of things before their time, unlike Mary, the mother of Jesus, who pondered in her heart, we are quick to ponder out loud.
Perhaps one of the problems we face is not that we don't have the words or the communication skills but that the Word is not burning on the inside, we don't give it a chance. If I live as the Word says "slow to speak, quick to listen" I wonder if I will have something to say one day that pierces hearts.
That's when silence becomes our friend, to quieten not only the external noise but to quieten our souls within us, sometimes the loudest voices are the ones that go on in our heads and that is the joy of silence we become aware of the voices we are listening to that eventually we will be tuned to the one Voice.
His sheep do know his voice, I just wonder if we struggle hearing it because of the noise we surround ourselves with drowns it out.
That's my thought for the day, rather abstract and mystical for me, but a thought none the less
Henri Nouman is his book "The way of the heart" talks about solitude and silence. He says we need to be silent before we can have anything to say(or something like that, it's not a direct quote). And I think he's right.
In a world of constant words how many of us have words that speak life into another person? We are so quick to speak that the fire the Lord puts within becomes a smoldering wick because we feel this unusual pressure to speak of things before their time, unlike Mary, the mother of Jesus, who pondered in her heart, we are quick to ponder out loud.
Perhaps one of the problems we face is not that we don't have the words or the communication skills but that the Word is not burning on the inside, we don't give it a chance. If I live as the Word says "slow to speak, quick to listen" I wonder if I will have something to say one day that pierces hearts.
That's when silence becomes our friend, to quieten not only the external noise but to quieten our souls within us, sometimes the loudest voices are the ones that go on in our heads and that is the joy of silence we become aware of the voices we are listening to that eventually we will be tuned to the one Voice.
His sheep do know his voice, I just wonder if we struggle hearing it because of the noise we surround ourselves with drowns it out.
That's my thought for the day, rather abstract and mystical for me, but a thought none the less
Monday, May 19, 2008
There is a time for everything
Which means it's time for me to write a blog, I think it's pretty obvious that I'm not a very faithful blogger, I guess I need to get into the habit of it.
Anyway, the middle of May and finally the sun is coming out to play, if only it would stay in the 70's! But I'm thankful that it's warming up, it seems to have taken a while.
Well, my Daniel class is over, but I didn't study Daniel today, I normally do that Tuesday so I don't really have much to say presently, what I did do tonight was prayer lead the 10pm and 2am worship with the Word sets. Sunday is my prayer leading day as I do both sets so I'm pretty tired by 4am. One thing I'm constantly being reminded of as I prayer lead is there is nothing more powerful than the Word of God. I mean we can say cool things, and give context or whatever but there is nothing as powerful than the Word of God hitting the heart of a person, I mean it converts the soul, it gives light into darkness, it's a sword that divides soul and spirit. And his Words are Words of life and I want them written on my heart, which is why I enjoy prayer leading because it actually causes me to go deeper into the Word.
I think that's all I have for now
Anyway, the middle of May and finally the sun is coming out to play, if only it would stay in the 70's! But I'm thankful that it's warming up, it seems to have taken a while.
Well, my Daniel class is over, but I didn't study Daniel today, I normally do that Tuesday so I don't really have much to say presently, what I did do tonight was prayer lead the 10pm and 2am worship with the Word sets. Sunday is my prayer leading day as I do both sets so I'm pretty tired by 4am. One thing I'm constantly being reminded of as I prayer lead is there is nothing more powerful than the Word of God. I mean we can say cool things, and give context or whatever but there is nothing as powerful than the Word of God hitting the heart of a person, I mean it converts the soul, it gives light into darkness, it's a sword that divides soul and spirit. And his Words are Words of life and I want them written on my heart, which is why I enjoy prayer leading because it actually causes me to go deeper into the Word.
I think that's all I have for now
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
About my class
I mentioned to a few people that I would write about my Daniel class I am currently taking. I will soon I promise! The problem with doing the class is that I don't have much time for anything else! Because it's 3-6pm Monday through Thursday, which is time that I can usually spend doing "life". With my "life" time cut short I'm afraid that I don't get around to doing such things as write in my blog, but I will, soon.
what I will say is that Daniel lived the life of prayer and fasting and I want to be like him when I grow up.
what I will say is that Daniel lived the life of prayer and fasting and I want to be like him when I grow up.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Another bulllet point blog
I love blogging in bullet point form, which is probably not the way you are supposed to blog, but sometimes words are so overrated! So here are some interesting thoughts or facts of the week
I have started drinking coffee, just in Mocha form, but still coffee, and it's a habit now. I'm trying to work out how I feel about this, but I'm going to wait until I've finished my 3pm class.
I start a new class on Monday, I have doing Daniel with Allen Hood and I am super excited.
Speaking of Daniel, I'm also starting to tackle Jeremiah again.
I got to talk with Angela and Joanne (or Ange and Jo) my older sisters last week, but what is amazing is that we all talked at the same time on skype. It was the first time in over three years.
Jesus is kind
that's it!
Wendy
I have started drinking coffee, just in Mocha form, but still coffee, and it's a habit now. I'm trying to work out how I feel about this, but I'm going to wait until I've finished my 3pm class.
I start a new class on Monday, I have doing Daniel with Allen Hood and I am super excited.
Speaking of Daniel, I'm also starting to tackle Jeremiah again.
I got to talk with Angela and Joanne (or Ange and Jo) my older sisters last week, but what is amazing is that we all talked at the same time on skype. It was the first time in over three years.
Jesus is kind
that's it!
Wendy
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Happy Birthday me
I really like being 26, I'm no longer in the 25 and under age bracket! I had a really nice day, it was pretty normal, classes, meeting, sets in the prayer room but it was happy and I felt loved.
I'm thankful to be spending another year in Kansas City, it's so strange to think this is the third birthday I have celebrated in the states.
In other news, our new interns have arrived, and they are wonderful, really sweet and kind, I think I'm going to really enjoy this track.
Sweet dreams
Wendy
I'm thankful to be spending another year in Kansas City, it's so strange to think this is the third birthday I have celebrated in the states.
In other news, our new interns have arrived, and they are wonderful, really sweet and kind, I think I'm going to really enjoy this track.
Sweet dreams
Wendy
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Pure simple devotion to Christ
Well, the title really does say it all but I think Paul has a really good point in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 when he encourages the believers to not stray from the simplicity that is in Christ.
It seems to me that we are prone to stray from the simplicity of love God, love people, loving God can become this to do list of things that mean we really love him or can prove to him (or to others) that we do love him. And then because of that loving people because this stressful task as opposed to an overflow of a loving heart.
When you come face to face with love you will give up everything for it, and I'm not talking about fake romantic comedy love I mean the love that is proven by the man with scars in his hands.
We love because he first loved us and gave himself for us, when we gaze upon this man, the one who gave everything, how can we not but love him? Love is a choice, not an emotion and it's easy to chose love when it's right in front of you.
My point? Let's give ourselves to thinking upon the cross, the demonstration of God's love that we might love him, because there is joy and peace found in this place of simple devotion. I don't expect to do much in my life that will be news worthy in this age but for all eternity I want to be known as one who loved well. It's what Jesus died for anyway
Wendy
It seems to me that we are prone to stray from the simplicity of love God, love people, loving God can become this to do list of things that mean we really love him or can prove to him (or to others) that we do love him. And then because of that loving people because this stressful task as opposed to an overflow of a loving heart.
When you come face to face with love you will give up everything for it, and I'm not talking about fake romantic comedy love I mean the love that is proven by the man with scars in his hands.
We love because he first loved us and gave himself for us, when we gaze upon this man, the one who gave everything, how can we not but love him? Love is a choice, not an emotion and it's easy to chose love when it's right in front of you.
My point? Let's give ourselves to thinking upon the cross, the demonstration of God's love that we might love him, because there is joy and peace found in this place of simple devotion. I don't expect to do much in my life that will be news worthy in this age but for all eternity I want to be known as one who loved well. It's what Jesus died for anyway
Wendy
Sunday, March 16, 2008
I did say I would post photos so here they are
Daniel, the cutest 2 1/2 year old ever!
Sarah and myself at Maritai, one of my favourite swimming beaches
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The power of being there
There is something I think we easily forget, that we are human BEINGS not human doings. In a world where people run around all day doing things, and what you do defines who you are, how important you are it's so easy to think that the Lord's primary object is to have us do things.
Now I do believe faith without actions is dead, well I have to, it's in the bible and I believe that work is important, but when our primary focus is what we do we miss out in simply being with the Lord.
Becoming all that the Lord has made us to be means that we need to BE before the one who created us, that he can continue to conform us into his likeness.
The great prayer of Jesus is that we would BE with him where he is and see him in his glory, so I'm going with Jesus' prayer. Maybe it's true and Jesus, the Son of God, wants to be with us, even in our mundane little lives, maybe being his is enough.
Now I do believe faith without actions is dead, well I have to, it's in the bible and I believe that work is important, but when our primary focus is what we do we miss out in simply being with the Lord.
Becoming all that the Lord has made us to be means that we need to BE before the one who created us, that he can continue to conform us into his likeness.
The great prayer of Jesus is that we would BE with him where he is and see him in his glory, so I'm going with Jesus' prayer. Maybe it's true and Jesus, the Son of God, wants to be with us, even in our mundane little lives, maybe being his is enough.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Back in Kansas City
It's true, I'm back in Kansas City, wearing winter coats and now keeping doors and windows closed.
My time in New Zealand was wonderful, as I don't like super long blog entries I will say a few highlights, and post some pictures in the near future. Then I will attempt to start writing concerning things that I am studying and learning as well as general life updates.
But for now, a few of my highlights
1) My family, are just awesome, I loved being with them, hard to put into words how great it was to see them
2) NZ Summer, though it did rain quite a bit, that's okay, it's New Zealand, you never know what the weather is going to do but I have still come back with a tan
3) Hanging out with Sarah, I just had so much fun with her, going to the beach, driving around and laughing a lot
4) Bungy Jumping, has to be one of the funnest things I've ever done in my life and I hope to do it again.
It's been real
W
My time in New Zealand was wonderful, as I don't like super long blog entries I will say a few highlights, and post some pictures in the near future. Then I will attempt to start writing concerning things that I am studying and learning as well as general life updates.
But for now, a few of my highlights
1) My family, are just awesome, I loved being with them, hard to put into words how great it was to see them
2) NZ Summer, though it did rain quite a bit, that's okay, it's New Zealand, you never know what the weather is going to do but I have still come back with a tan
3) Hanging out with Sarah, I just had so much fun with her, going to the beach, driving around and laughing a lot
4) Bungy Jumping, has to be one of the funnest things I've ever done in my life and I hope to do it again.
It's been real
W
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
when counting down is almost over
The time is drawing nigh, I'm going home. When I tell people in KC it is quickly proceeded with for four weeks, other wise people get a little concerned.
I bought a swimsuit today, very exciting, I haven't done that for about 3 or 4 years!
I'm now in Zephaniah and Habakkuk who i have to confess I'm struggling a little to understand except that God judges wickedness and he restores all things at the end of the age and he keeps his promises with Israel. All of which I am thankful for.
Because I like lists I will say five reasons why I am looking forward to going home
1) Caitlin Grace Dorothy blundell - my new little niece, I can't wait to meet her and hang out with her older brother, and her mum and dad for the matter. Especially up at my holiday house
2) The holiday house, the place of refuge and quiet.
3) ROAD TRIPS - the fun thing about having someone not from your country come with you somewhere is that you really appreciate your country so much more, and it will be good to spend some quality time with my little civic.
4) Mum and dad, this list isn't in order but it'll be nice to hang out with my parents and be a daughter for a while
5) SUN and SUMMER,I am a pale night watch girl and it'll be so great to get outside in fresh air and sunshine, good for the heart, good for the soul.
I'm becoming too excited to sleep sometimes
Wendy
I bought a swimsuit today, very exciting, I haven't done that for about 3 or 4 years!
I'm now in Zephaniah and Habakkuk who i have to confess I'm struggling a little to understand except that God judges wickedness and he restores all things at the end of the age and he keeps his promises with Israel. All of which I am thankful for.
Because I like lists I will say five reasons why I am looking forward to going home
1) Caitlin Grace Dorothy blundell - my new little niece, I can't wait to meet her and hang out with her older brother, and her mum and dad for the matter. Especially up at my holiday house
2) The holiday house, the place of refuge and quiet.
3) ROAD TRIPS - the fun thing about having someone not from your country come with you somewhere is that you really appreciate your country so much more, and it will be good to spend some quality time with my little civic.
4) Mum and dad, this list isn't in order but it'll be nice to hang out with my parents and be a daughter for a while
5) SUN and SUMMER,I am a pale night watch girl and it'll be so great to get outside in fresh air and sunshine, good for the heart, good for the soul.
I'm becoming too excited to sleep sometimes
Wendy
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