Best – and worst – bits 07. December 31, 2007

So some of my BEST bits 07…

* a beautiful holiday in Cyprus

* banter with friends + family

*feeling like a real journo reporting from the election count

*abseiling off the top of the Europa!! go me!

*feeling God define and give shape to my dreams

*Spark encounters

*Woodvale breakthrough – highlight of the year!

*Watching my movie of the year – ‘Once’ – luv luv luv it!

*Take That concert!!

*Kate and my ‘circus’ adventures!

*Rick cooking me tea

And the worst bits 07 –

*Confusion and disappointment

*Allergies

*Work frustrations

*leadership struggles on teams

*hearing the pain of kids who want to give up on life and God

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‘My child, never forget the things I have taught you.  Store my commands in your heart for they will give you a long and satisfying life.  Never let loyalty and kindess get away from you!  Wear them like a necklace; write them deep in your heart.  Then you will find favour with both God and people.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths.”   (Proverbs 3)

***

I feel like these words have been brought to my attention as I scan back on the year that’s gone and look ahead to 08.  This year has been an interesting one in my journey – bringing with it loads of question marks but showing me like never before that God is so good - above and beyond and even in the midst of my questions. 

I’m excited about 2008…Please God will you always be the Author of my story…

Perfect timing… December 20, 2007

I’m continuing to wonder about this ability of mine to attract sagas…since in my latest incident last night I almost set fire to my friend’s house – and all I was doing was giving out Christmas presents! ***

 Anyway - I’m feeling really challenged this week about how well or not I listen to God.  As I’ve re-read old journals I’ve scared myself at moments where I’ve known God has spoken – but then where I’ve gone on to join the dots and jump to conclusions instead of seeking Him.

But through all my bumbling and my attempts to live out His story for my life I see a really encouraging theme.  My Father is promising me that His plans will come about each in the perfection of His timing.  That gives me hope, it fills me with peace and it inspires me to continually echo Mary’s words for me life: ‘May it be to me as You have said.’

Betty Flintstone etc December 6, 2007

After sentimentalising about my workplace last night it was totally ironic to come in today and have to near enough dodge the verbal bullets during a few colourful arguments! Ah well keeps life interesting I guess?  Christmas work do is on tomorrow night – it’s fancy dress which is pretty random.  I’m putting in an appearance as Betty from the Flintstones – got the complete look going on – including the hugest, itchiest wig ever!

***On a total tangent read this quote the other day which I am loving – it just seems to crystallize my life’s passion: 

 ’Morality, in the context of a relationship with Jesus, becomes the voice of love to a confused community, the voice of reason and calm in a loud argument, the voice of life in a world of walking dead, the voice of Christ in a sea of self-hatred.’  (Donald Miller)

That is totally everything that I want my life to be about.

Pro-banter :) December 5, 2007

I think banter is such an immense gift in life…Can’t believe I’m actually blogging about this!

Just in after a mega 13 hour (or something ridiculous like that) day @ work and yet I’m feeling pretty blessed…because there were really fun times in there.  I love the people in my work!  In some ways on some days they become like family – we cook meals together, might even go out a walk together, laugh at each other and mostly just feel free to be ourselves.  I think that’s pretty unique.  I’m pretty thankful for that.

 ps – Why do so many sagas happen to me??! – To be fair it keeps me with a ready supply of stories to tell! But I have always wondered this  - and how some people just seem to have it all so together …Its just because I had several mishaps day and today was just average

Heart chats… December 2, 2007

Had the coolest, most honest God conversation I think I’ve ever had with two friends of mine the other day who don’t really believe in Him…

I liked it because it didn’t feel like I had to come up with super answers – it was natural and honest and two-way.  I found it interesting to hear my friends’ questions and observations on everything from denominations to doing joints to Jesus to the idea of sacrifice.

It made me think alot and made me pray that more of my interactions with people could be that real.  It made me pray that God would keep stimulating those guys’ curiousity about Him and the Life He offers.