My Dad is a minister and often talks about an attitude of gratitude.
I love that concept. It is so easy to get bogged down by all the crap life dishes out, but the power of a grateful heart can beat all.
I really encourage you, if you can find it in you, on those days you are really struggling, take a moment to say thank you. It can be the smallest thing. Sometimes I start with being grateful I have 10 fingers to type with.
It's amazing though, how once you get started you realize that there are SO many things to be grateful for and all the annoying things that are bugging you, suddenly lose their impact and importance.
I'm not saying there isn't time in our lives to mourn, feel justified anger and be able to vent if we need to. There is and sometimes it's important to be able to feel and do those things.
I'm simply saying that an attitude of gratitude can work wonders on a really off day :)
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Being a missionary
I was thinking about my life today as I drove home from dropping my son off at kindy. I had bumped into another mom on the way out the door and mentioned we were moving to China. She shared a few things with me about the Chinese church over there and it got me thinking.
My husband and I are not going over there to be missionaries. He's going to be teaching Math and Science at an International School.
But I guess no matter where we are in the world, whether it's home in New Zealand or abroad in China, we are missionaries.
And to me that means - loving others, being honest about who I am and what I believe, but not shoving the bible down people's throats. Whoever I come in contact with, I prayer I can impact them in some small way through being the salt of the earth. I always ask God to use me and shine through me.
Is that too weak? Should I be pronouncing my faith from the rooftops?
Sometimes I'm not sure if my subtle approach is exactly what God's looking for, but it does work for me and I hope God will tell me otherwise if I'm getting it wrong.
As you can imagine, I feel a little confused on this subject sometimes, so it was with much delight that I saw my bible verse for the day was...
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:21
I want to live a life that glorifies God, shines his light and touches the world through my actions. In doing that, I'm pursuing righteousness and love... and therefore my life will be what God wants it to be.
What do you think about being a missionary?
My husband and I are not going over there to be missionaries. He's going to be teaching Math and Science at an International School.
But I guess no matter where we are in the world, whether it's home in New Zealand or abroad in China, we are missionaries.
And to me that means - loving others, being honest about who I am and what I believe, but not shoving the bible down people's throats. Whoever I come in contact with, I prayer I can impact them in some small way through being the salt of the earth. I always ask God to use me and shine through me.
Is that too weak? Should I be pronouncing my faith from the rooftops?
Sometimes I'm not sure if my subtle approach is exactly what God's looking for, but it does work for me and I hope God will tell me otherwise if I'm getting it wrong.
As you can imagine, I feel a little confused on this subject sometimes, so it was with much delight that I saw my bible verse for the day was...
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:21
I want to live a life that glorifies God, shines his light and touches the world through my actions. In doing that, I'm pursuing righteousness and love... and therefore my life will be what God wants it to be.
What do you think about being a missionary?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
God's Plans
“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
Need I say more?
That verse is so incredibly cool. God has a plan for our lives... and I believe it is good. That doesn't mean there isn't heart ache along the way, but it does mean that he loves us enough to make a plan.
I'd love to know what my specific plan is, but God doesn't work that way. So I continue to surrender to his will for my life and trust that what he has in store is great than I could ever imagine.
Need I say more?
That verse is so incredibly cool. God has a plan for our lives... and I believe it is good. That doesn't mean there isn't heart ache along the way, but it does mean that he loves us enough to make a plan.
I'd love to know what my specific plan is, but God doesn't work that way. So I continue to surrender to his will for my life and trust that what he has in store is great than I could ever imagine.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
New Zealand National Anthem
I went to this AMAZING carol service on Sunday night and we ended up singing our entire national anthem - all the verses. It is SUCH an amazing hymn, I wanted to share it with you. I think this prayer could be prayed over every nation :)
God of nations! at Thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our Free Land.
Guard Pacific's triple star,
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand
Men of ev'ry creed and race
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our Free Land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our State,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our Free Land.
Lord of battles in thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our Free Land.
From dishonour and from shame
Guard our country's spotless name
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our Free Land.
Guide her in the nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy Glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.
source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/miscellaneouslyrics/nationalanthemslyrics/newzealandnationalanthemlyrics.html
God of nations! at Thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our Free Land.
Guard Pacific's triple star,
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand
Men of ev'ry creed and race
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our Free Land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our State,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our Free Land.
Lord of battles in thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our Free Land.
From dishonour and from shame
Guard our country's spotless name
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our Free Land.
Guide her in the nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy Glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.
source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/miscellaneouslyrics/nationalanthemslyrics/newzealandnationalanthemlyrics.html
Monday, December 12, 2011
Priorities
My daily devotional was talking about prioritising your time... and it got me thinking. As a writer, I HAVE to prioritise my time. It slips away so easily and there is so much to get done, you really don't have the luxury of idling through your day. You have to be productive.
But how should I be prioritising the rest of my time?
Because I am passionate about writing, it is so easy to let it engulf my day. When the kids are up and needing me I sometimes find it a real pain... I just want to get back to my work, but that's not the right attitude.
Jesus had two main prioritises that he wanted us to live by,
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
They are so simple, yet it is so easy to let the world distract us from this.
How should I be prioritising my time... my life?
Firstly, I should be dedicating each day to the Lord and including him in every aspect.
Secondly, I should be thinking of those around me and I how I can love and serve them best.
Thirdly, I can think about my writing :)
But how should I be prioritising the rest of my time?
Because I am passionate about writing, it is so easy to let it engulf my day. When the kids are up and needing me I sometimes find it a real pain... I just want to get back to my work, but that's not the right attitude.
Jesus had two main prioritises that he wanted us to live by,
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
They are so simple, yet it is so easy to let the world distract us from this.
How should I be prioritising my time... my life?
Firstly, I should be dedicating each day to the Lord and including him in every aspect.
Secondly, I should be thinking of those around me and I how I can love and serve them best.
Thirdly, I can think about my writing :)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
O Holy Night
I LOVE Christmas Carols... and since it's December I've decided to post a few carols... the ones where the words are just so beautiful. I find it helps to read a song sometimes, makes me focus on what I'm actually singing.
O Holy Night is one of those carols that gets me every time. It's just so beautiful.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine, oh night when Christ was born.
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
O Holy Night is one of those carols that gets me every time. It's just so beautiful.
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine, oh night when Christ was born.
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Everlasting Life
"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26
Do you believe this?
I do - wholeheartedly - and I can safely say, that it makes life so much easier. I have no fear of death, because I know what comes after it. I do fear how I might die, but at least I don't fear the death part :)
It makes me so sad for people who don't live with this knowledge... or chose not to believe it. I don't know what it feels like for them. I know everyone has their own beliefs and I respect that. But part of me can't help wondering if there is a certain emptiness to their existence... or a small feeling of hopelessness.
Choosing to believe in his Christ and his everlasting gift gives me hope everyday, no matter what that day brings. It's a liberating feeling.
So - what do you believe?
John 11:25-26
Do you believe this?
I do - wholeheartedly - and I can safely say, that it makes life so much easier. I have no fear of death, because I know what comes after it. I do fear how I might die, but at least I don't fear the death part :)
It makes me so sad for people who don't live with this knowledge... or chose not to believe it. I don't know what it feels like for them. I know everyone has their own beliefs and I respect that. But part of me can't help wondering if there is a certain emptiness to their existence... or a small feeling of hopelessness.
Choosing to believe in his Christ and his everlasting gift gives me hope everyday, no matter what that day brings. It's a liberating feeling.
So - what do you believe?
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