Tsaneen

Two Owls

2008-07-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken last year outside Trudy's home. There are no leaves on the tree so it must have been wintertime. A lovely surprise to see these two owls just sitting very close together but keeping a close eye on what Trudy and I were doing - taking their picture. We then hurried inside and put it on her computer and sent a copy to me. We had fun doing this as Trudy had just got her laptop and wanted to know how everything worked.

I Then Shall Live

2008-05-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

Listened to this song today. It was sung at the memorial service for Alf Pearce 101 and a bit years. Alf was a truly wonderful person in thought, word and deed. A wonderful example of how we should express the love of God toward those we work with, our family, and friends.

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid
I know my name is clear before my Father
I am His child, and I am not afraid
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love I gladly will obey.

I then shall live as one who's learnt compassion I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridgesI dare to see another's point of view
And when relationships demand commitment
Then I'll be there to care and follow through

Your kingdom come around and through and in me
Your pow'r and glory, let them shine through me
Your hallowed Name, O may I bear with honour
And may Your living Kingdom come in me
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honour
And may You feed a hungry world through me
Amen, amen, amen

"Gratitude" and "Mind Set"

2008-05-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of week’s ago a good friend of mine posted a video on his blog about expressing ‘gratitude’, in particular toward military personnel when you meet them give them a sign of recognition and appreciation of what they do. Solution given in video – when seeing military personnel put hand over heart and then extend toward the person and say thank you.

The question was raised - Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say "thank you."

Then last week a Newsletter arrived from ‘The Daughter-in-Law Rules’ site. Although no longer a DIL I do have SIL’s & BIL’s as well as CIL’s. The following is a quote taken from The daughter-in-law rules Newsletter -

"Gratitude is a wonderfully powerful emotion. Appreciation is the positive attitude or mind-setthat we have when we're experiencing gratitude and acknowledging all the abundance in our lives.” ...This was followed by the 'frogstory' by Peggy McColl, quote taken from 21Distinctions of Wealth..”

As a result of receiving this Newsletter and watching the video my thoughts were turned towards how we can improve relationships within our circle of friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues as well as in the market place.

We are often easily upset by the actions, however well intentioned, of others and seek ways to get even or pay back by becoming aggressive, controlling, argumentative, prickly in an effort to deal with the situation.

Zig Ziglar says -

“we need to have the habit of an attitude of gratitude. He quotes – Ansel Yuar (Sp.not right) the great Stress Specialist who said “gratitude is the healthiest of all of our human emotions”. It is an absolute fact that the more you express gratitude for what you have the more you will have to express gratitude for. It is also a fact that the more you complain about your problems the more problems you will have to complain about.

So what next? The video response is a good way to show gratitude in particular toward service men and women.

Philippians 4 verses 4-9:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Anyhow before completing this post I read the following Pastor’s Point for May 4th (www.CGCC.org.au) written by Dr Keith Graham entitled "Mind-Set"

Living in community with other Christians is always a challenge. The church is made up of such a disparate group of people. Jesus said: "all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 Is this the reputation of our church?

How can we make this a reality? We are instructed to: “. . . in humility count others more significant than yourselves” Philippians 2:3. C. F. Hogg asserted that: "whenever we compare ourselves with others to our advantage, we are out of touch with Christ."

On Wednesday this last week, we buried a man ( Mr Alf Pearce 101+4 months) who believed the words of Jesus were to be lived out in life. He took to heart the command to mimic Christ's mind-set. Christ humbled Himself even to the death of the Cross in order that others might be spiritually blessed. Christ models the mind set that is to characterise us. Self-centeredness, the lack of a sacrificial spirit are foreign to the mind-set of Jesus. Philippians 2:5-8.

Paul regarded his own life as a sacrifice in the interests of the spiritual advancement of others. Paul's “sacrifice and service” is his willingness to not only endure sufferings but also to lay down his life if that was going to advantage others. Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6. Paul's mind-set meant the welfare of others was more important than his own personal agenda.

Paul claimed that the only person available to be sent to the church at Philippi was Timothy. Everyone else was obsessed with their own interests, not the interests of Christ Jesus. Everyone except Timothy had a non-christian mind-set! Which category do we fit into?

There is Epaphroditus who : “nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life” Philippians 2:30. Epaphroditus had the same mind-set as Jesus. He placed the interests of others before his own.

Do we?

Why is there disharmony? discord? friction? between Christians? Basically it is because we have the wrong mind-set.

Florence Alshorn was a missionary in Uganda. Conditions were difficult, the climate unhealthy, but the chief problem was the jealousies, the quarrels between missionaries. A senior missionary was a veritable pain in the neck! Seven young missionaries had come in seven years but none stayed.

One day, Florence was sitting on the veranda crying her eyes out when an old African lady came and said: "I have been here for fifteen years. I see you come. You say you bring us the Saviour but he never save this situation. You fellas got it all wrong."

Her words brought Florence to her senses with a bang. She was a contributor to the problem. She did not have the mind-set of Jesus. She resolved to change her thinking.

Every day for a year, Florence read I Corinthians 13. Life became an adventure in learning to love instead of an agony. The old missionary became very fond of Florence and Florence of her. Later she wrote: "my colleague whom I have come to love very much."

The trouble stemmed from the fact that the missionaries knew Romans 5 "Christ died for us," but Romans 6, which tells us that we "have died with Christ," was like a foreign country to them. They hardly knew anything about it. If we want to make it easy for God to complete our salvation, let us spend time in Romans 6 and I Corinthians 13 in order not to be obsessed with self. “. . . may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all" 1Thessalonians 3:12. Let us adopt the mind-set of Jesus.

Keith Graham
[I am indebted to the late Mr Tom Carson for the missionary illustration.]

So set myself the challenge of increasing my attitude with more gratitude, to read 1 Corinthians 13 everyday for the rest of this year and also refresh myself with Romans 5 and 6.

Response to Won comment

2008-04-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

The cruise we went on to the winery was in a small motorboat holding approx 30 passengers. Windows all around to maximise the views. Took about 45 minutes to arrive at the winery jetty. One way the owner gave a commentary about various points of interest, properties and land. Wine tasting was fun and everyone was friendly and we enjoyed some good conversation with a few of the locals. Perfect day for a cruise with a light sea breeze I am not a good sailor however, the water was very calm and not a cloud in the sky.

The next day the cruise was on a much larger vessel which had two decks. The weather while fine was very breezy and a number of us entered the cabin area where the Captain and controls were. I am glad my hair was my own. We all got a litle wind burn on the cheeks. It was a fun cruise as we got to chat with lots of people, mostly those who did not have
9-5 JOB's.

Next trip will be the South West when I go to Warnambool for four days in May to visit June and Noel. They are on the move from MMM today.

Visit to Lakes Entrance

2008-04-14T01:26:00.000-07:00

Monday April 7th 2008 dawned bright and clear. I had risen early as the car needed to have the dust washed off- residue from a dust storm a few days earlier, then stowed away my two bags and headed for my sister-in-law’s place about 20 minutes drive away. A quick cuppa and we were on our way.

Trudy was very excited that we were on the first leg of our four day trip to Lakes Entrance. This would be the first time we had spent more than one day together since we had known each other – forty years. Trudy has struggled with loneliness especially in the evenings. I on the other hand after the busyness of the day enjoy the solitude of the evening hours.

The first 30 minutes or so were bumper to bumper as we weaved our way through the morning J O B’s traffic. Once we were clear of the main link roads we made our way to the freeway and headed towards Gippsland which lies south east of Melbourne.

Our first stop was Warragul and here we met a Solicitor who seemed very happy to personally guide us to the Craft shop we were looking for. We must have walked around the whole town because my legs were beginning to object to the pace we had set. He also seemed very pleased to encourage us to visit Loch which was Patchwork heaven he said. I’m not if he was the Quilter or his wife! We enjoyed 30 minutes looking around and I made a few small purchases. Next stop would be Yarragon.

This small centre is set on the highway and is the best place to stop for a break, enjoy a picnic lunch or to eat in the famous Corner Cafe. There is a large grassed area to the side of the highway with an old locomotive engine standing at one end. Our children had played on it pretending to be train drivers. These days it is fenced off - so this joyous activity has been curtailed for today’s children.

We made several more stops at Craft shops before arriving at Beaches Family Units. The approach to Lakes Entrance is quite spectacular. A channel built over a long period of time allows the tidal lakes to flourish. Fishing vessels can be seen dotted about with many venturing out into the ocean to gather the plentiful fish and seafood supply. The footbridge allows entrance to the main beach area and a 2 hour walk through bushland to the entrance with the choice of the return walk along the beach. Along the Esplanade are picnic areas and a walking track from one end of the town to the other. A beautiful place for families to spend a holiday.

On Tuesday we took a boat luncheon cruise to Wyangar Winery taking the North Arm of the Lakes to get there. A beautiful cruise taking 45 minutes with a short bus ride up the hill to the winery where we enjoyed a tasty lunch. In the middle of the festivities we were all surprised by the sudden swooping of a Kookaburra who stole one of the Flathead Tails from a visitors plate and made off with it in double quick time. The cheeky blighter. Wine tasting was also on the menu and the highlight of this was tasting the Muscat which had been in the freezer. Thick, smooth and a totally different taste to the room temperature version. Although cold it was not frozen. Mmmm a great taste.

Trudy and I took a trip to Buchan Caves on Wednesday morning. There are 500 caves in all. However, I am glad that visitors to the Caves are only taken on a walk of the Fairy and Royal Caves. Many of the 500 caves are extra narrow and require people crawling on hands and knees, getting wet and very dirty. These caves have a number of entrances which offer animals shelter - bats in particular. The caves we visited are sealed caves so there are no creepy crawlies, snakes, wombats, or bats, so for the main part smelled quite sweet. The entrance led to a narrow walkway and we were enclosed by wire mesh and a hand rail – no touching of the limestone, so narrow we had to turn sideways and sometimes even stoop. The display of natures work was absolutely spectacular. We went down 43 metres. I surprised myself by not experiencing claustrophobia. If I had known the passageways were so narrow (closed in) I might have had second thoughts about entering in. The caves are known to fill with water from time to time, but we were informed this quickly drains away within 24-48 hours through cracks and crevices in the rock and comes out at the swimming pool area clean and clear.

After lunch we then took a cruise around the larger lakes which was interesting today but the seals were nowhere to be seen.

Our return trip on Thursday took up the whole day as we called in to many Craft shops on the way. We thoroughly enjoyed the break, getting a spot of sun and wind burn.

A Quilt of Patterned Squares

2008-04-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Recently my sister and I spent a few hours together working out a design for a lap quilt. She had some squares of fabric she had been collecting and was wanting to include, separating each with a plain colour. It was not coming together in the sense that there was no pizzaz. After a while we removed the plain pieces and decided to use only the squares which had common shades of purple, lavender or lilac in them. Then it was off to the shop to find a piece to use for the in-betweens. Once we had found a piece - dark purple with mottled pattern - it all came together. The patterned squares took on a much brighter look when framed with a narrow piece of the mottled purple. Each design was set off by the in-between strips.

My thoughts returned later to consideration of how it is with us human folk, we don’t always look much by ourselves but when we have the love of God in our hearts and are surrounded by others who also have His love in their hearts, we come to life. He has breathed the breath of LIFE in us, and we are surrounded by His love. It is His love and life in us that binds us together and brings out the ‘pizzaz’. Together, and with our lives centred on our precious Lord and Saviour, we shine.

Paul's "traditions" and church liturgy - Are they the same?

2008-02-21T03:32:00.000-08:00

How is it when you begin looking into a subject your search takes you down many rabbit trails. I was reading II Thessalonians Chapter 2 when I came across verse 15

“Stand firm, and hold to the traditions which you were taught,
whether by word of mouth, or by letter from us.” (NASV)

The question arose “What are the traditions Paul is referring to here?”

This question occurred around about six weeks prior to a conversation with a friend who announced that he and his wife had become proponents of the liturgical practice of the Anglican Church. I was stunned by this news as previously they had been staunch participants in a close knit home church with no ritual or connection with the institutional church.

So my line of enquiry was broadened to cover more in depth searching of early church history. This process is taking some time – I’m not a fast reader.

Until I was 12 my family travelled (when we were permitted) to be with my Father who was a commissioned officer in the British Army. Church attendance was fairly limited as we were often living in non-English speaking countries. Church attendance was either CofE, or Methodist and sometimes church parades were a must to attend. Twice I was sent away to boarding school so did not get to church very much during these periods.

My teen years were spent living in the English countryside on the outskirts of Leicester, England and together with my family fellowshipped with a small group of believers who lived in the next village to us. We shared in each other’s lives – picnics, rambles, games evenings, special family events, worshipped together, attended Bible conferences together. We were one yet not without difficulties from time to time. These eight years were a stabilizing time for me. There was a good group of young people, being a small group we often visited with the youth of two other local and similar assemblies and we enjoyed discussions on all sorts of Bible related subjects.

In the 60’s my family migrated to Australia and in the 45 years which have followed there have been many changes among the assemblies and many of the ‘traditions’ Paul exhorts the believers to be steadfast in and hold fast to have been swallowed up in the great march toward modernity. The fellowship of believers as I knew it has virtually disappeared to be taken over by schedules, programmes, pre-planned services, Pastors, passivity, worship teams, song leaders etc.etc.etc.

So where to now? Is all that I learned in my teens for naught? The following verses are a few of those my thoughts have returned to:

Prov 22:6 “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it”.

Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

2 Thessalonians 2:2-4 “Do not be shaken from your composure or be disturbed...” “Let no one in any way deceive you...” etc

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown in their commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:15 explain:

“Stand fast - so as not to be shaken or troubled” and
“Hold fast - so as not to let go. Adding nothing, subtracting nothing.”

And so this is just about where I am on this trail – ‘standing firm’ and ‘holding on’. Research and reading program is on-going …. I shall take a break; eat some ‘trail mix’ before continuing.
DreamKatcher

Stay in step with God

2008-02-06T18:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it was my turn to bring a devotional at our MMM International morning ‘tea break’ so with a few minor adjustments here tis.

We experience many changes in our lifetime, during a year, and even through a day. I have been with MMM International for 18 months of Wednesdays and many who were working at the base then have moved on to other areas of ministry, taken a break for R&R or through illness and others have arrived and become part the MMM family. So several changes have taken place over the past 18 months. Within all the changes we experience we can be sure of one constant – God. He never changes. He is unchangeable. He is the one constant in our life.

I’ve have been one who has not enjoyed change unless I was the one who was making the change – a subtle difference. Many of the changes that have occurred in my life for which I was not the initiator or had control over have been devastating.
For example, my family constantly moving from place to place during the first 12 years of my life - I attended 13 schools. Migrating to Australia at 20. Work place changes by senior management. Losing a baby close to full term, losing my husband of 36 years, and losing myself for a while.

Often we do not see what God is doing in our lives or understand why. Sometimes God has to “shake” us up to get our undivided attention. In my case, more than once.
In February 2006 ‘The Word for Today’ covered the subject “Stay in step with God” over a three day period, and I would like to share the following extract ......

(First day) Isaiah 49:8 “I will answer your prayers.... I have set a time.” (CEV), (Second day) Habakuk 2:3 “The vision...for an appointed time, and (third day) Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) “I know the plans I have for you.”

(from day 1) Just like there's a rhythm to your physical life, there's one to your spiritual life. And God determines the beat. God has a plan, and a "set ... time." Sometimes He moves suddenly. But usually He has to prepare you for the changes He has in mind. Often He'll start by loosening your grip on a career that provided security, a home you've invested in, a relationship you considered long-term. Then He gives you the passion to pursue fresh interests, and before long you're thinking, "Hold on. These dreams will never be fulfilled where I am sitting right now." Thus - the desire for change takes root!

Then comes the waiting. Why? Because it takes time for change to produce the maximum benefit. During that time God:

(a) begins healing your past so it can't pollute your future;
(b) expands your knowledge so you're better prepared;
(c) develops your character.

Even though God says, "When the time comes, I will ... do all this" (Is 60:22 CEV), we don't appreciate His timing until after the dust has settled. One thing, however, is certain. When you allow God to work out His plan on His schedule, you get only His best. And remember, it's easier to know when to move if you stay in step with God and hear the beat. That sometimes means turning a deaf ear to the clamour of the outside world or the advice of well-intentioned friends. But the end results are always well worth it!

(from day 2) Listen: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed" (Pr 16:3 NIV). God's the One who gives us courage, plus a safety net under the tightrope we're afraid to step out on. When we "make plans - counting on God to direct" us (Pr 16:9 TLB), He strengthens us to do what we've never done before. He empowers us to get off square one! Remember, going out on a limb can be scary - but that's where the best fruit is.

(from day 3) When the crisis you're facing makes you want to throw in the towel, remember this: our problems become God's opportunities. He loves to transform our most costly mistakes into priceless gems of wisdom, our bruised and bleeding places into greater strength, and our deepest fears into unshakeable faith - once we start seeing them as part of His master plan! Today God wants to bring His purposes to pass in your life in ways that will astonish you. So stay in step with Him, keep trusting, and refuse to give place to discouragement no matter what?

DreamKatcher response to Won comment

2007-11-11T03:19:00.000-08:00

It is now two weeks since I spent a weekend at the ‘Success And You’ Seminar. I must say it has had a profound effect on me. As you know the last five years have been a deep personal emotional roller coaster for me, I believe that that weekend marked a milestone for me. There have been several over the past five years and this one no less significant.

The dark shadow that enveloped me at times, together with the feeling of displacement and being outside the world looking in - not really part of, nor being in control of my life has gone. The intensity of the loss of the love of my life after 36 years has been lessening, but the darkness was always there deep inside casting a shadow over my life. Now that the dark shadow hovering over my heart has dissipated, there is a sense of release and freedom. My Lord has been gently unfolding the petals of my life and the darkness of the night has slowly given way to the warm sunshine of His smile on my face.

I believe that during the Seminar meditation session on the Sunday morning, my Lord brought me to the point of acceptance that Charles is not coming back, that I CAN LIVE without him, that I CAN ENJOY myself, that I CAN BE the FULLY CONFIDENT me I was before, that I CAN SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS with Jesus beside me, that IT IS OKAY TO MOVE FORWARD. I know that my Lord has been beside me through all these dark times and I have gained the victory over these past five years. I have been truly blessed by this weekend in a very personal way.

I know I am still a work in progress, but now I am a confident work in progress, who is listening and obeying her Masters Voice and loving on Him.

"Two Wolves"

2007-11-05T02:47:00.000-08:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

I recently attended a long weekend seminar where we explored the “I’s” of our egos, and cleared out some of the ‘things’ which we were hanging onto – anger, sorrow, regret, arrogance, guilt, resentment, ego. It was a challenging, confronting and cathartic experience. But on the Monday evening I came away feeling invigorated, and refreshed like you do after taking a long swim in the sea on a warm day. It was a very personal experience for everyone who participated.

As believers we win when we feast on the banquet of Gods revelation to us as we read and digest His Word. The “I-lids” of our egos recede when the truth of Gods Word penetrates deep into our heart and nourishes us and the growing of the fruit of the Spirit--- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control takes place.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. The things which you both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Phil 4:8-9

So let us feed the good wolf that lives inside each of us.

"Unfolding the Rose"

2007-11-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

In 2 Corinthians 2 verses 14-17 we read:-

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God."

The following story and poem was shared with me this week and it struck a cord that while God has given us the ability to carry out many tasks ourselves, we have more success when we allow God to unfold the pages of our lives as He desires. Thereby bringing a sweet aroma of Himself through us to others

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, so he was inquiring of the older preacher.

The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry. Because of high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact...

It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...

“UNFOLDING THE ROSE”
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.