Get Talking - Optimism

Are you a person who sees the glass half-full or half-empty? I think we a call be a bit of both, depending on the circumstances. However, on the whole I think I'm more a glass half-full person. There have been many times in my life where the negative circumstances have been overwhelming, but I have been able to find something in that to make me laugh or smile and find joy. This brings me to the question for this week:

What are you optimistic about?

I am optimistic about my life (most of the time) because I know that God knows exactly what He is doing and I don't have to worry about what will happen because He has everything under control.

Get Talking - Family and Thankfulness

Oops! I missed last week. But I'll do double this week.
So, first question:

What's a family tradition you love?

One of my favourite family traditions is that every year we make a new Christmas tree decoration for each family member. I love it because our tree tells a story of the years gone by. We haven't done it every year, but we started in 1992, and since 2003 we have had a new decoration every year. Most are hand made, but some are memory things, like where the item was bought or the year my sister used clear glass balls and put the name of each family member inside. When it comes time for me to start a family of my own, I will have my decorations to use and keep the memories going. Yes, our tree looks very eclectic, but I like it that way. I'm not someone who likes a perfectly colour coordinated and matching tree.

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Question 2:

What three  things are you grateful for?

Three things I am grateful for today are:

• That God sent His Son, Jesus, to take my punishment so that I will not be separated from Him for eternity, but will instead spend eternity with Him in heaven.
• My family - we may not always agree, but we are there for each other.
• A day off. Seems trivial, but this term has been hectic with 2 jobs (which is why I missed last week), so I'm glad for a little time off to rest, recharge and get some things done that I haven't had time for.

Unexpected Christmas

I know I posted this last year, but I think it's a good reminder for every year.

God does unexpected things all the time!

Waiting

I've been waiting for a long time.

14 years for a husband.

4 years for another best friend.

Sometimes it makes it hard to remember that God is in control and has a plan for my life.

Sometimes it makes it hard to trust that God will really answer my prayers.

Waiting is wearisome.

Added to waiting is grief - 

for missing loved ones who have gone before;

for friends who are hurting because of choices they have made,

or choices that others have made.

It's hard to remember that through all the waiting and grief there is hope!

Hope that prayers will be answers;

that longings will be filled;

that loved ones will be seen again in heaven;

and that through all this God really does have my best interests in mind.

Made Alive!

I Will Rise!!

You Are NOT Junk

Skit Guys - God's Chisel Remastered from skitguys on GodTube.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Friday Fill-Ins - October 26

And...here we go!

1. Oh, that makes sense, now I understand.
2. It's a sure sign of insanity when you start answering your own questions out loud.
3. Are we having steak and 3 veg again??!.
4. My heart is lonely.
5. Do you believe in God? I hope you do because I would hate it if you aren't in heaven!
6. I'm a Christian, and I'm not ashamed to say so.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my Friday night date with my sister, tomorrow my plans include helping clean the church building and Sunday, I want to enjoy the fellowship at church and have a quiet afternoon!

Friday Fill-Ins - September 28

And...here we go!

1. The tale is told of true love - it's just too bad the movie version cut out all the references to God.
2. England is something that always makes me think of my ancestors.
3. To ensure you don't spend too much money don't go shopping.
4. Family is a fine thing.
5. It's never too late to draw near to God - just think of the thief on the cross.
6. I wrote a note on the back of an old receipt.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to another quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include serving with the kids at church and Sunday, I want to enjoy the time in creche, and the fellowship at The Gathering!

Inspiration from Cottage by the Sea - Robin Jones Gunn

So I've been reading Robin Jones Gunn's book, 'Cottage by the Sea' and right from the start there are things in it that have impacted me.
I've been going through a tough patch (for a variety of reasons) and there are things in this book that are like food for my soul. So here are some of them:

'I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.' Isaiah 45:3

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness and cheer you.
                                                                      - Irish Proverb


An Irish Prayer

May God give you
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.


May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart.
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of his love.


Wishing you always
Walls for the wind,
A roof for the rain,
And tea beside the fire;
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.


This is good book, but for me a hard one to read. It brought back a lot of memories from when my Dad was sick and we were helping Mum care for him.

Friday Fill-Ins - August 31

And...here we go!

1. You don't have to be a genius to figure out that I want to get married one day (sooner rather than later would be nice).
2. But it's the way it shatters that matters (Violet Crumble, I want to eat you).
3. Basically, there is a dream that I am still waiting to come true.
4. How I interpret life is differnet to how you do, but that's ok because life would be boring if we were all the sam.
5. If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God. (Genesis 28:20-21) 
6. I believe God has a plan for my life - He just hasn't revealed it all to me yet.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include going to Paperific and doing as many make and takes as I can and Sunday, I want to serve the families by being in creche and enjoy The Gathering in the evening!

When We Stand Together by Nickelback

I've really been enjoying listening to this song every time it comes on the radio, but it wasn't until I watched this clip that the meaning of it really 'struck a chord'.

Listen to the words ... I mean really listen ... and look at the pictures shown as you do ...

This is what the Church - God's people - must do for us to be effective in the world at bringing people to Christ. This is something we have been hearing a lot about at Suburban Baptist Church for the past month. Read the passages in the Bible where it talks about the Church being the body and how each part is needed for the body to be whole. Then listen to this song again!

Friday Fill-Ins - October 28

And...here we go!

1. Beware of cute children - they can steal your heart.

2. I have never been to the snow.

3. And since we are  surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)

4. _____ spirits?

5. Where can I go from Your spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:7-10)

6. Soup and bread is one of my favorite meals when it's cold out.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night at home watching episodes of The Man from Snowy River and listening to the rain falling outside, tomorrow my plans include going to my cousin's birthday party and Sunday, I want to enjoy the fellowship at church and have a quiet afternoon!

A Song From and For the Heart

2 weeks ago I was a leader on LF8R Camp, which is a winter camp for teens that is run by my church in conjunction with CYC at Forest Edge in West Gippsland.
During our worship time, there was one song that particularly touched my heart, and this was it - Lord of Lords by Brooke Fraser.

Friday Fill-Ins - April 21

And...here we go!

1. Pardon me, I have something to add to this conversation.

2. That was a good deal.

3. I was surprised to find that I really like spinach.

4. Reading is one of my favorite forms of entertainment.

5. Hi, my name is Beth and I like colourful socks.

6. The sun is hot on summer afternoons.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being quiet at home after a busy day, tomorrow my plans include working on my Uni assignments and Sunday, I want to enjoy church, celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead and is now alive, and probably work some more on my Uni assignments!

God's Grace

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak....

"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright.

I stopped the lad and asked, "What do you have there, son?"

"Just some old birds," came the reply.

"What are you going to do with them?" I asked.

"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time."

"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?"

"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."

The pastor was silent for a moment.

"How much do you want for those birds, son?"

"Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!"

"How much?" the pastor asked again.

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?"

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.

The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story:

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.

Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"

"And what will you do when you are done with them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.

"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!"

"How much? He asked again.

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."

Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price.

The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit.

Teaser Tuesdays - Feb 15

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Bible by God

'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.' Psalm 46:1 (NKJV)

Friday Fill-Ins 2011-3

And...here we go!

1. So many of us don't think about eternity and where we will spend it, but that is something we can choose in this life-time. In fact, it is the most important decision we will ever make.

2. God is there and in control even in hardship.

3. Those who are accepting of the free gift that God offers us will spend eternity with Him.

4. I am waiting quietly.

5. Light is in both the the sky and the Son of God, but it is the Son of God who gave the light in the sky.

6. God is in charge of all that is ordinary and extraordinary.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to time at home, tomorrow my plans include cleaning the church building and Sunday, I want to enjoy the fellowship at church and whatever else the day entails!

Friday Fill-Ins #203

So...here we go!

1. I wish there was such a thing as a money tree.

2. Mmmm... chocolate...that's what I'm thinking.

3. Please bring yourself and we'll have a great time together.

4. God is so amazing.

5. One of my fondest hopes is that I will get married and have children.

6. God you have provided for me what I needed once again and I just wanted to say thank you.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being at home, tomorrow my plans include finishing something I started today and Sunday, I want to enjoy church and whatever else ends up happening!