No Monday-i-tis for me!

Psalm 121:1-2 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." 

Psalm 8:9 "LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

This could quite possibly be my Wordless Wednesday equivalent seeing as 

Monday is my day off!

I always forget about Wordless Wednesday and miss it.

Anyway today I did "nothing much"

I lay in bed till mid morning.

Had pikelets for breakfast (YUM) 

And watched a movie.

Then goofed with The Boys:

(Hmmm, young fella doesn't look sick does he... I think it was a father-son scam...)

Haha - he just loves the camera! 

Behind it, in front of it - he doesn't care as long as he's got it.

(I, on the other hand, prefer to be behind it)

Oops - clearly I missed the wordless part of Wednesday posts!

Ah - I'll try it next time!

It's a new season

I'm not a fan of Summer.

I don't like to be HOT.

I have survived balmy nights and scorching days thanks to a generous friend with an 'open gate' policy and her lovely salt water pool! I bless the Lord for Raewyn! She didn't even mind my midnight dips! (AND while beach swimming usually dreads my hair her pool jhuzed my curls - LOVING my hair this summer!) 

While I was on a Cruise to Noumea with my sisters; my husband (what a Legend!) moved our entire home! The need to move arose suddenly and we moved only twenty minutes away but My Big Fella packed and moved the WHOLE house!

I came back from holiday, voila, all done. Incredibly blessed! We haven't unpacked entirely yet but we have space for all our knick knacks and there is still room to breath!
We can sleep people marae style in our lounge! Yay!


My sweet, sweet nieces.
You know it's love when they are teething and it's 3am and you haven't gone to bed yet for pacing the lounge with them, you are due to be somewhere at 8am, but it's OK. No worries!

 

They stayed for the weekend. I cried when they left.

(What a sook, right. I think my husband enjoyed the novelty of a sobbing wife. 

I didn't mind the vulnerability)

Four of six! My two younger brothers are missing from this photo, occasions where we are all together and looking presentable are SO rare! Love that God moved me away so that I could love, appreciate and know my family better. I always thought we were close but moving showed me we were not. 

Every minute together is treasured now. Thank you God.

(Do you love that all three of us girls wear glasses the same style - maybe cos we all have round faces)

Praying Salvation for my brothers. Knowing Gods will "that none would perish" I thank Him for the day!

Television became a distant memory this Summer.

(though Facebook could do with a kick in the pants!)

I am loving board games! And parks. Snoozing under trees on warm sunny days.

Bonfires. (Oh bonfires!) Toasted marshmallows. Walking the dog.

SAUSAGES AND BREAD! Fresh fruits!

(I didn't pick strawberries this summer but BOY did I eat them)

Sharing: Life. Fully.

Getting a glimpse of Gods bigger picture.

My husband was ordained (I am a Pastors wife - eek) along with two others!

My son started at Intermediate (aaah!)

My Boss gave me an iPhone!

My sisters shouted me on a Cruise.

God is good. All the time.

All the time. God is good.

*************************

Psalm 119:30-35

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; 

   I have set my heart on your laws. 

I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; 

   do not let me be put to shame. 

I run in the path of your commands, 

   for you have broadened my understanding.

 Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, 

   that I may follow it to the end.

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law 

   and obey it with all my heart. 

Direct me in the path of your commands, 

   for there I find delight

Happy New Year!

Psalm 23

The Lord Is My Shepherd

That's Relationship!  

I Shall Not Want 

That's Supply!

He Maketh Me To Lie Down In Green Pastures 

That's Rest!

He Leadeth Me Beside The Still Waters 

That's Refreshment!

He Restoreth My Soul 

That's Healing!

He Leadeth Me In The Paths Of Righteousness 

That's Guidance!

For His Name Sake 

That's Purpose!

Yea, Though I Walk Through The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death 

That's Testing!

I Will Fear No Evil 

That's Protection!  

For Thou Art With Me 

That's Faithfulness!  

Thy Rod And Thy Staff They Comfort Me 

That's Discipline!
 
Thou Preparest A Table Before Me In The Presence Of Mine Enemies  

That's Provision!  

Thou Anointest My Head With Oil 

That's Consecration!

My Cup Runneth Over 

That's Abundance!  

Surely Goodness And Mercy Shall Follow Me All The Days Of My Life 

That's Blessing!  

And I Will Dwell In The House Of The Lord  

That's Security!

Forever 

That's Eternity!

I did not right this and make no claims to it.

It declares, the care, grace and wonder of God and I had to share it.

A year-ish a go I started blogging and have had highs and lows on display for all to see (sheesh!) but always, always, always God has held me. Encouraged me. Lifted me.

I'm forever grateful to You.

Jesus: Change My Life... please

I love my God.

I cannot tell you how much I heart this post... my life has become simpler since reading it.
I have, for a long time, been stewing on John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  mostly, I've been trying to figure out how I can live my abundant life. I still don't know BUT I am toning down the drama. (!!) I wouldn't have considered myself high maintenance however I am more than qualified in making life difficult and have been busy putting my qualification to good use! Naughty. Life has not been easy and I have not made wise choices or contributions.
How do I stop being so selfish? Do I immerse myself in all that is unfair in the world to sweep me out of my inward view? Do I pray it out? Do I decide it out? Is it as simple as a choice? Am I not busy enough? Am I too busy?
I KNOW; put God first and everything else will fall into place; but imperfection being what it is, I struggle so much, especially when I think I am always right and can fix all that is wrong with the world if only people would listen.
Again, cannot say it enough, I am so awfully grateful that God is God and I am not, He is grace when I need it most. He doesn't judge me as cruelly as I judge others.

___________________________________________________

Love our youth: This chap in the middle is Dalen.

He is Year 9, goes to an all boys school, predominantly PI and Maori, got a mouth on him like nothing else! (Makes up for his stature I'm guessing) You can hear him clearly in the above video, singing out of tune, but loving waiata with the boys!! I'm gonna miss hanging with these guys. My husband is stepping out of Youth into a new direction. I'm gutted actually. I have been so selfish and precious with my family time in my struggle to find balance and I haven't appreciated what was always in front of me. I do think I had a lot of growth on the cards - I was a lot grumpier as a Youth Leader than I am now, leaning more towards the love and less toward the discipline and structure. (Though... I am still grumpy - had a kid say the F word right in front of me while sitting in my lounge - BOY did he get it! Same kid actually.)

I will miss the vibrancy. The life. The laughter. I will miss the free way they live life, old enough to make their own decisions, too young to carry any real responsibility.

Still I need to ask God how we channel all that life into Him!

Blurry pic but it is clear our lounge is full... 

When we serve such a great God who does so much for us how can live life and not be CONTAGIOUSLY filled with Him.

How do we show the love of the Creator to those who need Him and don't know it yet?

God who intricately created each spot on each bloom of this flower

Each little knuckle on the toe of this foot....

He created this moment for my eyes to see!

How do I live life with such a wonderful God, and become so good at containing His splendour

When I should be letting it all out.

He has His best work on display for me daily...

And yet I feel like I keep Him locked away for none but me.

Job 26:7-10 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness.

I've ended up on a tangent. 

Still... any ideas.....?

Hymn

We had a phenomenal Women's Conference! Vicki Simpson was The Business! She said it was prophesied that she is a jack hammer and BOY was she! No mucking around, she jumped straight it and busted things up! AWESOME!! I officially LOVE Italians.

-----

My Mama used to sing this all the time:

I didn't come here to ask You for anything
Oh I just came to say: Thank You Lord.
You answered my many prayers that I forgot to thank You for
So I just came to say: Thank You Lord.

Maybe tomorrow
There'll be sadness and sorrow
And a thousand tear drops may fall....
But until I face tomorrows task
I have no special things to ask
Oh I just came to say: Thank You Lord....

I think in the bigness of this World we live in - with celebrity lifestyle and reality tv and people wanting more, more, more and now, now, now - we can sometimes forget the simple things...

A hug
A wave
A smile
A laugh
A please
A thank you
A hand to lift
An ear to listen
A shoulder to cry on
even
The place you rest

...they matter to me... they should matter to 'we'....

I have moved into the spare room.
This is probably not a good idea and it may not last long but I am loving my space and the bed (a queen) to myself and the quiet. I get to have my 450 thread count sheets with my too soft pillows on a too soft mattress. Our bed (a super king) was made, perfectly, for my husband. It is rock hard and I really don't like it - so mini, pointless I might add, protest is on the cards and I am in the spare room. So far three nights, last night The Boss Man joined me. I like to think he wanted to be near me, however, it has also been really cold in these parts so seeing as I am a walking hottie (lol) I think there is other selfish reasoning.

Ok, what is on my heart at the moment:

My marriage: We are very busy. We hardly see each other AND he is really... irritable and irritating. Next weekend we are spending time together, not doing Church (though I think we will, we both love the house of God) but I'm praying God will breathe a fresh appreciation into my marriage - I don't want to be stale.

My future: I have not completely let go of my Waikato roots. I miss my whanau so much, miss the ease of their company, the laughter and hilarity that only comes when you know someone inside out. Anyway, I know I am called here but I would go home tomorrow if I could.

I need to load photos soon so much has happened that I am not adding... see you soon.

Yes sir!

I am a daughter of The Living God!
________________________________

I'm not letting go!
I'm holding on for more!
I'm living what You've got for me!
Pushing through fear
Shaking off all doubt
I'm ready now!
Knowing You're with me to the end

I'm gonna live for You!
I'm gonna live for You!
I'm moving forward!
I'm breaking ground!

Knowing You're with me, Lord
I will run the race of my life
Never losing sight of who I am
In You

I know

I can

Live a life of Overcoming
Live a life of Victory
Live a life of Freedom
Live a life of Joy
Live a life of Peace
Live a life of ... everything You have for me....

I'm gonna live for You!
I'm gonna live for You!
I'm moving forward!
I'm breaking ground!
________________________________

Thanks for making me a fighter!
________________________________

Sometimes life and everything in it seems so....... AGH!

I remind myself WHO I AM.
Ever thankful that He loves me still.
So pleased that He has not given up, like I often want to.

Thank you Lord.
________________________________

"Makes me that much smarter

Makes me work a little bit harder

Makes me that much wiser

Thanks for making me a fighter

Made me learn a little bit faster

Made my skin a little bit thicker

Makes me that much harder

Thanks for making me a fighter"

Here we are!

^{Psalm 139: 07-18}

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!

 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.

If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—

    but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.

   To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body 

      and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

      Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it.

 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, 

as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

 You saw me before I was born.

      Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

   Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

      They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!

   And when I wake up, you are still with me!

I AM SO BLESSED! 

Beautiful nieces who adore my son and love having a giant for an Uncle.

 

(Oh I love that frown!)

Our little Diva! She is a package of exuberance and life of the party. Creates her own fun, independent. And yet she is also happy to sit and draw and wait...

Keeps us all on our toes! Adorably loving she greets you with an excited squeal before throwing her arms around your legs. Premature birth hasn't stunted her capacity to love!

Chocolate Muffin - a sweet surprise, too cute for words, she does not hold onto her affection, she will shower you with giggles and cuddles (well - sometimes she needs a little persuading!)

                                                        

My big brothers littly, I donot know her so well but I love her just the same.

She is beautiful like her ma but loves to chat like her pa. I love to see traits.

The newest little beauty she is incredibly observant and again sooooo loving. I shall call her a snuggly monster, she is deliciously cuddly, moreishly kissable.

These two are my cousins! Quite different from each other, the oldest loves to learn and values order. Her sister is a mama's girl. Again both are loving, generous and kind with their time and with their affection.

On the right is my cutey cousin - growing up with the nieces, another sweet addition to the whanau, these two and the youngest above are all the same age.

We also have a male addition (same age as the three girls) but I can't find any photos of him :o(

Oh here he is... not the most flattering. I don't really know him either.

Every life a miracle. I am thankful because for a long time there was only one. My son.

Slowly but surely God has blessed us with increase, and it is a joy to behold!

Truly makes my heart glad! Gorgeous little versions of us, only better!

I believe that God would pour only the best of us into new life. These honeys are testimony!

More thoughts

"...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

My husband received a promotion and we moved to Hawkes Bay five years ago. 

I was rather relaxed about the whole thing considering how much I rely on and love my family. 

And I was leaving my Bestest. I didn't drive at that stage, I was a little anxious thinking about moving to a new place where I knew no-one. I didn't have a job either. I was aware of these 'problems' but strangely at ease. 

Arriving was another story.

Things were very different. I wasn't used to seeing mob (gang) members walking around town proudly patched up. 

I wasn't used to walking past Maori in the street and they didn't look me in the eye or acknowledge me. Actually, I was disgusted. When I said 'Kia ora!' and they still didn't acknowledge me, keeping their eyes on the ground. 

I complained to my mother about that! Lots of other things, people are quite cliquey and I noticed a lot of what I called 'small town thinking' as if nothing else existed outside of Hawkes Bay. 

The service was awful (it still is) You could walk into a store, slowly do two or three laps of the shop and not have a single assistant actually assist you or even acknowledge you are there. When people bump into you they carry on walking like nothing has happened. Again, no acknowledgement. It was a shock to the system. Actually when we first moved here I was yelled out of two stores by the owners! 

Literally walked in the door and told to "Get out!" 

I have assumed prejudice was the factor because seriously the only thing you could assume about me could be based on my skin colour, right? Or maybe  they were weightist. Lol.

Anyway, life has been a steady journey here. I have walked it rather casually, meandering along the path. 

Taking the scenic route my Dad would say. Predestined. 

I thought we had made a rather foolish mistake at first - how could I be called to such a place? 

"You often see a need, because you are called to fill it." 

Hopelessness is a killer. It is easier to think change can not happen, then it is to hope that it will. 

It is easier to believe that you cannot make a difference than it is to believe 

"Every great change in history started with someONE, somewhere!"

To own being: "...the change this world needs!"

God bankrupted heaven when he sent Jesus Christ.

He did this for me. But it is not mine alone. Christ died for all.

I need to live with more purpose!

The Hope Of All Hearts

I was surprised at my surprise today when the preacher said
"You are important! What you do matters."
I pondered this: Two weeks ago at Connect Group, I asked the Crew to pray for me and said "Just guess guys! Whatever comes to mind!" expecting them to pray for The Big Fella and I and our financial security (it is always a concern to me, I have a teeny bit of trouble letting things rest in the palm of Gods more than capable Hand) what they actually prayed for was me. Just me. ONLY. Me. (I'll say again that I do not like to cry but) I cried. It was a very touching, nice, prayer time. I, seriously, can get caught up in the busyness of our life, and just go, go, go. And here was God taking me aside and once again showering me with his love. I didn't know that I needed it but I must have otherwise I wouldn't have cried, right. Anyway, things were said, similar to the above "You are important. What you do matters. You are a Leader. I admire you. I look up to you. You inspire me."
I'll be frank and say: Sometimes I've looked at my life and asked "Who would want this?" but that very question helped me realise today that I've been doing it wrong.
I've been topping up, when I should be overflowing. Almost like a Pak n Save petrol station; pulling in, entering the necessary info, getting what I need and pulling back onto the 'road'.
I have no idea what it looks like to give out of overflow - I simply cannot comprehend it. Nor can I comprehend doing more than what we do right now, but I'm excited that there is more! I'm excited that, as always, God provides hope. Luke 11 says "...he will get up and give you what you need because of your shameless persistence. And so I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you..." NLT

Thankful

Romans 8:26-29 (The Message)

 "Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
 God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun."

I love this. I love what it tells me (and I have said it before)

1. God knew me from the beginning
2. He shapes me.
3. He loves me.
4. Jesus is the model of my life.
5. He called me by name.
6. He planted me on solid foundation.
7. He is with me to the end.
8. He will complete what He has begun.

I love too that the Holy Spirit makes prayers out of my "...wordless sighs and aching groans..." Boy, I have a lot of those.
I continue to rest. Assured that God hears
1. My frustration when I can't verbalise it.
2. My tears, cried, when I don't have the strength to speak it.
3. The wordless songs I sing.

I Need You More

More things I love

Been thinking about this a bit.

I prefer:
Music over movies.
Sunsets over sunrises (alas, I am living on the East Coast of beautiful Aotearoa)
Lush landscapes over rugged terrain.
Friends and family over fame or fortune.
I love tea and toast with a dear friend!
Happy with a fresh loaf of bread and jam for dinner.
I love to watch the BBC Series of Pride & Prejudice.
None of his subsequent roles have tarnished Colin Firth - he will always be Mr Darcy to me! :o)
"Ever After" is my favourite Cinderella movie.
The toasty warmth of a fire.
Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie. (mmmm - delicious)
The smell of fresh baked bread. (and the taste of it)
Butter!
Flowers.
A stroll.
The rain when I am tucked in bed.
I love how the sound of rain on your car stops suddenly when you drive under a bridge.
Soups and casseroles in the winter time.
Scooped ice cream from the shop seems to taste so much better than from my own freezer.
That cinema movies and dvds are cheaper on Mondays!
Snoozing.
Painting my nails.
Retro television.
Platform gaming.
Karaoke. (woohoo)
Black sand beaches.
Connection.
The moment you realise you have found a friend for life.
Kisses from children who adore you. The look on their faces when they see they are loved back.
Cheerios/sausage rolls and tomato sauce.
Birthdays and Christmas.
Relaxed Summer Barbecues.
Standing, sitting, basking, in the Presence of God.
Recognising His goodness.
Answers to prayer!
Testimonies!

...and much, much more.

Thanks for letting me share bits of my life with you!!

xx

Precious Hope

Breath of life.
You're everything to me
Breath of life.
You're all I long to be.
Breath of life.
I'll never be the same
Breath of life.
Breathe new life.
Breath of life.

You refresh my soul with your love.
You bless my heart with your grace.
You honour me, when it seems least deserved.
And when I call on your Name, I know it does not go unheard.
You incline Your ear to me,
You lift me.

Breath of life.
You hold me in Your hand.
Breath of life.
The rock on which I stand.
Breath of life.
Your promises are mine
Breath of life. You give me life.
Breath of life.

That is where I'm at with God today. That is today's love song. Have been challenged as to whether I really KNOW the goodness of God. I believe I do. He will never leave me, nor forsake. He does not lead me in to a battle I cannot win. Christ died for me therefore I already have the victory. God is good, we will rise and fall but He is constant and always there. He is good.

*

*

*

These are my sisters!

Well the two on the outside, April, in the middle, is my baby sisters best friend, and equally as awesome as if she were related by blood. I have not always honoured my sisters the way I should, I have not always shown or told them how much I love them, treasure them. But I do. I love you. There is not another like you in my life, or even on this planet. I am here for you always, as you are for me. I adore you. xx

Only You.

David Crowder Band

"Take My Heart, I Lay It Down
At The Feet Of You Whose Crowned
Take My Life, I’m Letting Go
I Lift It Up to You Who’s Throned


And I Will Worship You, Lord
Only You, Lord
And I Will Bow Down Before You
Only You Lord

Take My Fret, Take My Fear
All I Have, I’m Leaving Here
Be All My Hopes, Be All My Dreams
Be All My Delights, Be My Everything

And It’s Just You And Me Here Now
Only You And Me Here Now"

*deep breath followed by a deep sigh* I am so grateful to my God!
I get embarrassed at the regularity of needing God's grace poured out on me, but I am learning to love me as God loves me. 
To see me as God sees me. To honour myself as God would have me honoured. To honour others in the same way (Love thy neighbour etc) I recently listened to someone talk about the Israelites building altars all the time when they had left Egypt. He finished saying "Why did they build altars? So that from that day onwards whenever they passed them or saw them, they were reminded of what they had overcome." 
Wow! Building an altar so that they would remember what they had fought for and won!
Praise Jesus. PRAISE Jesus.
I don't know how, but I will be building altars. Whether it be in the form of a power offering or significant sacrifice, I am going to build an altar to God. Even just to say "Thank You Lord for what you have done in me."

God is so good.

I should really go to bed, but the Hope of God outweighs my tiredness.


GOD OF MIRACLES


Sorry for the burden of my last post. I have had a long week, but not a battle like the past few. I have tried not to 'think' (or overthink, as is my tendency) about things and just live. And love what I am living. 
I want the best of all that God has for me.
I am so thankful that I can sing. 
Worship must be my favourite thing to do!


Well for those of you who don't go to my Church (and that is like... all of you, lol) I wrote a song last year:


I WILL WAIT
In You God, 
I find my strength in You.
In You God, 
I find my rest in You.


In You God I find my strength,
In You God I find my rest,
In You God. In You.
My hope is found in You
There's no substitute
All I need I find in You, Lord!


I will wait on You - You're all I want. You are all that I need.
I will run to You - my goal, my prize. My everything.
I will rise with You - On Your Word I stand


I am not defeated!
I will stand strong!
I will not be shaken!
I will overcome!


It is my first - I hope it will be my battle cry forever. "I will wait on You..." 


I'm going to talk to God about writing a song out of the song He sang over me.
I know I am not the only one that God sees and I am confident I am not alone in needing to hear it.


I'll keep you posted as to how I get on.