Well that sounded a bit of an oxymoron when I first heard that! However I think it means that nothing in His plan is perfect in our eyes. In the end it is, but not at the moment. It's a really encouraging quote. There are so many things going on which makes the year look bleak as I'm really trusting God completely. I just don't know what's going to happen. I've been looking for peace and confidence about the upcoming camp - yes I know I've done it a few times before, but I still didn't feel bang on right. God reminded me of the passion needed to continue His work in children.
I then got a cold just when I was feeling good about it and am wondering again! Nothing is perfect - we're just waiting for God to show us His perfect plan!! I think I've written about this before but when I feel compassion for others I know who aren't Christians and I feel annoyed it hasn't happened or that prayers haven't been answered. I remember getting this little reminder that everything that happens IS part of God's perfect plan so it obviously wasn't the time. I guess it's keep praying and wait patiently!!
I am of course hoping for another camp like last year and that God will move among us once more this week!!
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Life's Ups and Downs
Just to put a few thoughts down for the week or so.
Everything in life is always constant ups and downs. I had this song given to me by God a few weeks ago, it's called "I Am New" by Jason Gray. It reminds me that God doesn't see me the way I do. Instead He says of me:
"Forgiven beloved, hidden in Christ
made in the image of the giver of life
righteous and holy, reborn and remade
accepted and worthy, this is our new name!"
Another thing that bugs me a lot is talking about the day Jesus comes again. I know it's gonna be awesome, but I just keep thinking of everyone I know who hasn't accepted Him and how awful it'll be for them. And I don't know about you, but it's incredibly difficult to share about the gospel without either making a fool of yourself or sounding too "preachy" about going to hell. That's not at all how I want to do it. I pray for them a lot, but at these times when people are quoting how soon it'll happen and I just can't handle it. There are some hymns about hell that I can't even sing - it's just too much.
Again God gave me the right words which I hope will be a help to others as well. It's a snippet from 2 Peter.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, like some may understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
I really hope those thoughts are helpful and I'm so grateful to God for showing me the way, even though there are so many times I don't understand what on earth He's doing!
Everything in life is always constant ups and downs. I had this song given to me by God a few weeks ago, it's called "I Am New" by Jason Gray. It reminds me that God doesn't see me the way I do. Instead He says of me:
"Forgiven beloved, hidden in Christ
made in the image of the giver of life
righteous and holy, reborn and remade
accepted and worthy, this is our new name!"
Another thing that bugs me a lot is talking about the day Jesus comes again. I know it's gonna be awesome, but I just keep thinking of everyone I know who hasn't accepted Him and how awful it'll be for them. And I don't know about you, but it's incredibly difficult to share about the gospel without either making a fool of yourself or sounding too "preachy" about going to hell. That's not at all how I want to do it. I pray for them a lot, but at these times when people are quoting how soon it'll happen and I just can't handle it. There are some hymns about hell that I can't even sing - it's just too much.
Again God gave me the right words which I hope will be a help to others as well. It's a snippet from 2 Peter.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, like some may understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
I really hope those thoughts are helpful and I'm so grateful to God for showing me the way, even though there are so many times I don't understand what on earth He's doing!
Monday, 4 April 2011
"Children are a blessing sent from God above, for us to care and nurture and most of all to love."
I found the poem where this quote came from just after watching "Care Home Kid" on TV. Some parts showed children having good experiences in the care system, but others show that it's pretty bad. I think they said the statistic for kids in care ending up in prison / young offenders in later life was about 60-70%. Not good.
Aside from that, there are lots of people round here having babies just now, which is great for most of them! My childhood best friend just had one, and I think there's about 3 others from my year already had kids. I'm 18 (19 this year), so it just seems a bit soon for us to be doing that already!
The quote at the top shows what's most important: love. Every child is important. God cares for them and will provide whatever they need, in His time.
That's another thing I've been thinking about lately. God has reminded me that He does and will provide. With a few Christian friends leaving the area for various reasons, I've been wondering how I'm going to manage. God, ever-faithful, has reminded me of a time a few short years ago when I felt the same way. Just the fact that here I am again shows that He did provide for me, which is comforting to know that He can do it again.
After having a great weekend with Christian friends things are on a high for a while and then down the next week. I'm reminded now of the song "Party"! Good times here on earth are just a reminder of what it'll be up there. So for now, let's enjoy the good times we have and if anyone is struggling, just hold on and God will provide. "Oh the answer will come but only in His time, stand still and let God move".
And keep praying for all these children who are not getting care, nurturing and love! Through many situations, all over the world, it's happening still. We pray that God will sustain and provide. On the thought of getting us all together up in heaven, we also need to keep praying for those God lays on our heart for salvation. That's really hard to share about sometimes, so we just need to wait for God to provide the opportunity.
Aside from that, there are lots of people round here having babies just now, which is great for most of them! My childhood best friend just had one, and I think there's about 3 others from my year already had kids. I'm 18 (19 this year), so it just seems a bit soon for us to be doing that already!
The quote at the top shows what's most important: love. Every child is important. God cares for them and will provide whatever they need, in His time.
That's another thing I've been thinking about lately. God has reminded me that He does and will provide. With a few Christian friends leaving the area for various reasons, I've been wondering how I'm going to manage. God, ever-faithful, has reminded me of a time a few short years ago when I felt the same way. Just the fact that here I am again shows that He did provide for me, which is comforting to know that He can do it again.
After having a great weekend with Christian friends things are on a high for a while and then down the next week. I'm reminded now of the song "Party"! Good times here on earth are just a reminder of what it'll be up there. So for now, let's enjoy the good times we have and if anyone is struggling, just hold on and God will provide. "Oh the answer will come but only in His time, stand still and let God move".
And keep praying for all these children who are not getting care, nurturing and love! Through many situations, all over the world, it's happening still. We pray that God will sustain and provide. On the thought of getting us all together up in heaven, we also need to keep praying for those God lays on our heart for salvation. That's really hard to share about sometimes, so we just need to wait for God to provide the opportunity.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding...
....in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
On the TV this morning was a debate where the topic was "Does prayer work?" I don't really feel comfortable watching debates so I only heard a little, but I would definitely say that this week God has been full of surprises!!
I came into town as usual Monday morning with literally NO CLUE as to what was going to happen. I ended up back at my previous placement, which was fine, although I knew I needed something different. As it happened, I got to meet some far-out cousins for the first time - which wouldn't have happened if the original plan had worked out. So yes God knows what He's doing!! And the very next day everything for this coming week just fell into place.
In addition to all this I'd been asked to do the story at the kids' club thing at church. I know I've been with little children a lot recently, but to talk to as many as that alone - really?? I'd heard it can be as many as 14. Well, I really didn't think I could do that.
While going through my regular blog check, this song came up on the playlist. It was "I Refuse" by Josh Wilson. I had never heard this song before, but the words were so powerful they interrupted my thoughts straight away! "I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself, oh I could choose not to move but I refuse...."
Even though I still felt terrified at the thought and hadn't a clue how I was going to do it, I knew now this was what I had to do. How did it go? Well, not bad I suppose. I only had eight children there, all but two well-behaved. To the people's eyes my little finger puppet did all the talking ... but really God did.
I've been reading Christy Miller, so doing something she never felt able to do before, was worded as "this is my bridge and I'm ready to jump", directly using the experience of another character. I know some parts of the books are about romance, where I'm going "No, this guy's better for you than that one!", but that part is a very touching and special one.
So back to the verse in the title - sometimes it seems so unclear, but trust God, not your own understanding, always acknowledge Him, then He just might surprise you!
On the TV this morning was a debate where the topic was "Does prayer work?" I don't really feel comfortable watching debates so I only heard a little, but I would definitely say that this week God has been full of surprises!!
I came into town as usual Monday morning with literally NO CLUE as to what was going to happen. I ended up back at my previous placement, which was fine, although I knew I needed something different. As it happened, I got to meet some far-out cousins for the first time - which wouldn't have happened if the original plan had worked out. So yes God knows what He's doing!! And the very next day everything for this coming week just fell into place.
In addition to all this I'd been asked to do the story at the kids' club thing at church. I know I've been with little children a lot recently, but to talk to as many as that alone - really?? I'd heard it can be as many as 14. Well, I really didn't think I could do that.
While going through my regular blog check, this song came up on the playlist. It was "I Refuse" by Josh Wilson. I had never heard this song before, but the words were so powerful they interrupted my thoughts straight away! "I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself, oh I could choose not to move but I refuse...."
Even though I still felt terrified at the thought and hadn't a clue how I was going to do it, I knew now this was what I had to do. How did it go? Well, not bad I suppose. I only had eight children there, all but two well-behaved. To the people's eyes my little finger puppet did all the talking ... but really God did.
I've been reading Christy Miller, so doing something she never felt able to do before, was worded as "this is my bridge and I'm ready to jump", directly using the experience of another character. I know some parts of the books are about romance, where I'm going "No, this guy's better for you than that one!", but that part is a very touching and special one.
So back to the verse in the title - sometimes it seems so unclear, but trust God, not your own understanding, always acknowledge Him, then He just might surprise you!
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Rejoice and be glad!
I seem to usually blog about things that make me annoyed, angry, sad ... it's just that when I see something like that I can't help but get my thoughts down. I've wanted to post about something happier for a while, and I think the happy something is in the pages of a very old book.
I'm referring to Pollyanna, a little girl who goes about life playing the "Glad Game". The purpose of this is to find something to be glad about in every situation. Yet again I find myself inspired by a fictional character. For example, when she is upset because it's raining which spoils her plans, she remembers the game and is glad it'll have to stop raining at some point as God promised He would never send another flood. Or even on the worst day of the week, "I can be glad it's Tuesday because it won't be Tuesday again for a whole week!"
Referring to my earlier reference to venting, what Pollyanna has to say about those, is that this is what makes it fun. If everything was good, you wouldn't have any game in finding the good amongst the bad.
Last night, thanks to a newspaper article and a couple of blog posts, I was thinking about adoption and kids who need to be adopted. Statistics given show that the people involved in adoption agencies and suchlike aren't getting enough kids adopted, or maybe trying too hard to find the perfect family. Or in other cases, people simply can't afford it and hence those kids can't get a home either, and they don't have all the time in the world.
It also mentioned how it is less likely that a black child be adopted than a white one, or there are other children considered "different" who families wouldn't even consider. But, as I also read last night, we can be glad that they are all special in God's eyes:
"Jesus loves the little children
all the children of the world
red, brown, yellow, black and white
all are precious in His sight
Jesus died for all the children of the world."
I'm not saying I see everyone as equal straight off, because I have to admit even I'm not perfect. Sometimes it seems glaringly obvious, and I have to remind myself Jesus sees NO distinction, and therefore that should be my attitude too.
Lastly although I don't watch much TV, I have been watching a bit of Tracy Beaker lately. This is a drama set in a children's home and although it's not the best lifestyle for a child, particularly one whose mother doesn't want them, we can certainly be glad of an imagination. Tracy always imagines her mother to be very special, beautiful, famous, talented, and most importantly a loving mother, who will come to fetch her some day. Sometimes it is easier to imagine things than to settle for the hard reality.
I'll finish with the theme song:
"I can make my world come true
all my dreams will see me through
doesn't matter what may come my way
believe me now, I will win some day".
I'm referring to Pollyanna, a little girl who goes about life playing the "Glad Game". The purpose of this is to find something to be glad about in every situation. Yet again I find myself inspired by a fictional character. For example, when she is upset because it's raining which spoils her plans, she remembers the game and is glad it'll have to stop raining at some point as God promised He would never send another flood. Or even on the worst day of the week, "I can be glad it's Tuesday because it won't be Tuesday again for a whole week!"
Referring to my earlier reference to venting, what Pollyanna has to say about those, is that this is what makes it fun. If everything was good, you wouldn't have any game in finding the good amongst the bad.
Last night, thanks to a newspaper article and a couple of blog posts, I was thinking about adoption and kids who need to be adopted. Statistics given show that the people involved in adoption agencies and suchlike aren't getting enough kids adopted, or maybe trying too hard to find the perfect family. Or in other cases, people simply can't afford it and hence those kids can't get a home either, and they don't have all the time in the world.
It also mentioned how it is less likely that a black child be adopted than a white one, or there are other children considered "different" who families wouldn't even consider. But, as I also read last night, we can be glad that they are all special in God's eyes:
"Jesus loves the little children
all the children of the world
red, brown, yellow, black and white
all are precious in His sight
Jesus died for all the children of the world."
I'm not saying I see everyone as equal straight off, because I have to admit even I'm not perfect. Sometimes it seems glaringly obvious, and I have to remind myself Jesus sees NO distinction, and therefore that should be my attitude too.
Lastly although I don't watch much TV, I have been watching a bit of Tracy Beaker lately. This is a drama set in a children's home and although it's not the best lifestyle for a child, particularly one whose mother doesn't want them, we can certainly be glad of an imagination. Tracy always imagines her mother to be very special, beautiful, famous, talented, and most importantly a loving mother, who will come to fetch her some day. Sometimes it is easier to imagine things than to settle for the hard reality.
I'll finish with the theme song:
"I can make my world come true
all my dreams will see me through
doesn't matter what may come my way
believe me now, I will win some day".
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Spirit of Christmas
There's something again making me want to rant etc! and partly about Christmas ...
Firstly this morning on the radio they were talking about online businesses' orders not arriving before Christmas. They interviewed some couple who had ordered online for their kids' Christmas presents and were now told it wouldn't get to them until after Christmas. There was some comment about "they've always got what they wanted before" so they "didn't know what to say to them". Well, my thought was, it's an opportunity to teach kids they're not always going to get what they want! I don't fully approve of the Santa thing either to be honest. On to something else...
This thought was brought to mind thanks to a blog post I read today, about how unfair it is that so many people are unable to adopt, and therefore lots of orphans are still living in poverty, some maybe being sent to an institution if not adopted. Are THEY going to get what they want? Do they expect it? No. Some will not even understand what Christmas is, and in this country (and other developed ones) kids are just spoiled. They expect to get what they want, without question.
I heard of this song recently too, A Christmas Carol, about a little girl who responds to Santa's question of what she wants with "all I want is someone to take me home". That's what those kids would ask for if they got the chance, and for those here not getting presents in time: It's not the end of the world. You'll get them eventually, but there are some kids who will not ever get anything like that. We've got so many blessings we take for granted, and while I am certainly not perfect either, it's definitely something important to think about.
I will say also that not every child around here thinks only of getting. The local papers have been a bit happier in the past month, with titles like "The true spirit of Christmas". This is about a young boy from up here who has cancer and considers himself one of the lucky ones as he will be home for Christmas. For this reason he started an appeal for presents to be given to the children who will not be at home this Christmas. And of course this has had tremendous support and despite not-ideal weather conditions, everything arrived!
Some people will have an enjoyable Christmas this year; some, through no fault of their own, will not. For those complaining, remember what you DO have. This Christmas, let's think of others and remain happy and cheerful just to have family get-togethers, even if we haven't got all the presents we want.
Firstly this morning on the radio they were talking about online businesses' orders not arriving before Christmas. They interviewed some couple who had ordered online for their kids' Christmas presents and were now told it wouldn't get to them until after Christmas. There was some comment about "they've always got what they wanted before" so they "didn't know what to say to them". Well, my thought was, it's an opportunity to teach kids they're not always going to get what they want! I don't fully approve of the Santa thing either to be honest. On to something else...
This thought was brought to mind thanks to a blog post I read today, about how unfair it is that so many people are unable to adopt, and therefore lots of orphans are still living in poverty, some maybe being sent to an institution if not adopted. Are THEY going to get what they want? Do they expect it? No. Some will not even understand what Christmas is, and in this country (and other developed ones) kids are just spoiled. They expect to get what they want, without question.
I heard of this song recently too, A Christmas Carol, about a little girl who responds to Santa's question of what she wants with "all I want is someone to take me home". That's what those kids would ask for if they got the chance, and for those here not getting presents in time: It's not the end of the world. You'll get them eventually, but there are some kids who will not ever get anything like that. We've got so many blessings we take for granted, and while I am certainly not perfect either, it's definitely something important to think about.
I will say also that not every child around here thinks only of getting. The local papers have been a bit happier in the past month, with titles like "The true spirit of Christmas". This is about a young boy from up here who has cancer and considers himself one of the lucky ones as he will be home for Christmas. For this reason he started an appeal for presents to be given to the children who will not be at home this Christmas. And of course this has had tremendous support and despite not-ideal weather conditions, everything arrived!
Some people will have an enjoyable Christmas this year; some, through no fault of their own, will not. For those complaining, remember what you DO have. This Christmas, let's think of others and remain happy and cheerful just to have family get-togethers, even if we haven't got all the presents we want.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Walking in a Winter Wonderland....
It's that time of year again: Christmas is coming! As much as I'm sure we ALL enjoy all Christmassy things, I just want us all to remember, firstly the reason for the season: Jesus. Loads of people just don't know and you don't get much mention of Him, or of anything Christmas related, in the pantomimes and everything. I love the pantomime, but we need a good mixture.
And all those people in the poor countries who don't have what we have. I heard a talk from someone who went to Cape Town on mission recently and some things you don't want to know. At the same time, it was also proof that prayers do work, that through those mission people, and us who pray for them, God is changing lives for the better still.
With everything that goes on now I just want us to remember those two things. I think a lot of bloggers have written about those things more so recently.
"Crackers and turkey and puddings and cream, toys in the window that I've never seen. This is the Christmas that everyone sees, but Christmas means more to me. It's somebody's birthday I won't forget as I open the things that I get. I'll remember the inn and the stable so bare and Jesus who once lay there."
On that note, life is good and I don't want to write anything negative just now so .... enjoy the festive season!
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