No Comparison

2011-11-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

repost-but still a beauty

“By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I've committed myself and I'll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything's falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. Festoon me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules. My life is as close as my own hands, but I don't forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don't swerve an inch from your course. I inherited your book on living; it's mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will.” Psalm 119:105 MSG

A Beautiful Exchange

2011-11-10T02:11:00.000-08:00

"Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions." 1 Thess 1:2-5

More sharing:

Nov 8

Who ever lived here before me, blessed me heartily.
Loving these roses in my garden x

Nov 9

My son. Always up for a photo shoot,
though not always with Mama

Nov 10

I like the texture...

Welcome to November

2011-11-07T01:06:00.000-08:00

2011 is coming to a close! I am so excited about Christmas!

My family are all coming to spend it with us!

Yay! Yay! Yay!

Anyway - I had every intention of posting a photo every day for the month of November!

I am a few days behind...

Nov 1

Marine Parade Fountain, Napier
New Saeson, New Day, Fresh Anointing/Favour/Dreams
Flowing my way!

Nov 2

Ah yes, a good suggestion and a great way to step into summer
"If you're going to do it, do it properly."

Nov 3

"The Green Patch" in Waipukurau has what looks like a Phoenix to me!
I LOVE IT! Speaks to me of hope, renewing, uprising....
Can't be bad for a Church here to win a region! LET'S DO IT!

Nov 4

Beautiful garden surprise, we have a 'waterfall' of pink roses.
Gorgeous!

Nov 5

Church Bonfire - Guy Fawkes
(I didn't take this actually TBF did)

Nov 6

Pastor Helen Monk!
Phenomenal Woman!

Nov 7

So today is my husband birthday (The Big Fella)

I was going to take a pic of him eating cake forgetting that he is away for the next few days.

Instead, I took this.

This is a speaker in my car
Not overly interesting BUT I love music and I have THE BADDEST
stereo in my car - thanks to my awesome husband.
to coin a phrase #iamthankful

Phew! Up to date.

I loved this idea! The Uniform Project raising money to pay schooling for kids who can't afford it!

So In Love

2011-08-29T02:39:00.000-07:00

I love this song. I think it will be my summer anthem x

It's been so long since a 'feel good jam' was released, this song is a breath of fresh air to me.

Quick gym update - I have been going for about 3 months I think and it just keeps getting better and while I have actually only lost about 5kgs in weight, I lost six centimetres from my butt (OMgee!) and more from my waist and thighs (but the six of my butt alone was pretty shocking) I was upset at first saying "Oh no! I still wanna be bootylicious..." she glanced back and said to me "Oh, you're still bootylicious." Praise the Lord! Hahaha. So I do Step, Pump and Kick Boxing - it rocks!

I love the Lord. I gotta say.

Psalm 20:4, 5, 7

May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory

and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.

May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,

but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.

Just a collage of beautiful Aotearoa skies - I love where I live.

I Want You Back

2011-07-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

It's been forever!

I got a call from a girlfriend saying "You haven't blogged in a while..." so here I am.

I killed both laptops via someone else's disease ridden external hard drive :( they stopped scanning my husbands laptop at 8500 odd viruses found. Needless to say, I will not be doing that again.

I've had wonderful weekends with some of my beautiful nieces. My Dad recently travelled down for our Men's Conference and he and Ma brought three of the girls down - it was the best weekend!! (in spite of the lost hours of sleep)

They're so full of life!! I loved the squealing, (but not the screaming) they were so cute with the whoppee cushion. And the dog. Emptied a brand new bag of dog food, right in front of his run (I don't know how they got it out there!) and then proceeded to throw them at him handfuls at a time.

This beauty needs at least a day to warm up to me. The Big Fella too. She adores her Koro and her favourite word is "no"

She loves her cousin like crazy so being his Mama plants me on pretty good standing, but doesn't give me the Golden Ticket Access to kisses and cuddles as I like!

And we got to celebrate this little cherubs third birthday! Nothing spectacular - she wanted to go to Church for her birthday! We wanted to take them to Maccas for lunch but Ma and Pa got lost (I know - there's like ONE main street here, but anyway) so we had hot chips, cake and milo at home.

She went home singing "You Are Good" by Planetshakers! Neither of her parents are Christian, but now want a copy for her to listen to! Praise God!

She looks super bored! Haha!

This one's better!

I can't believe how fast the year has gone. You may already know The Big Fella was ordained in February, it has been all go ever since.

I feel like I have more time and yet I don't, I'm not even sure how that makes any sense :) but I am loving the change. The journey is fun. God is so SO good.

Autumn has come and gone. My favourite season.

Love the richness of colour and that it seems to linger even as Winter takes over.

Bed seems snugglier and the couch seems comfier. The sun seems to set more radiantly. Lots for me to photograph anyway - loving the iPhone gifted to me!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A musical interlude, my new favourites: The Civil Wars

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Psalm 103
¹¹ For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
      is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
¹² He has removed our sins as far from us
      as the east is from the west.
¹³ The Lord is like a father to his children,
      tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
¹⁴ For he knows how weak we are;
      he remembers we are only dust.
¹⁵ Our days on earth are like grass;
      like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
¹⁶ The wind blows, and we are gone—
      as though we had never been here.
¹⁷ But the love of the Lord remains forever
      with those who fear him.
   His salvation extends to the children’s children
¹⁸ of those who are faithful to his covenant,
      of those who obey his commandments!

Still praying God's wisdom will be my wisdom. Praying that my legacy will be beyond my years. Praying that God will take hold of this region. Praying for Partnership. Praying that "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."

Thanks for reading x

Let it all out!

2011-04-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a lot of blabbing on Facebook, but in all truth I am speechless about the weekend I have just had at SHOUT 2011.

No seriously.

"Jesus didn't come to make bad people good... He came to make dead people live" Bruce Monk

I'm fizzing. Fizzing.

Gold

2011-04-03T23:31:00.000-07:00

I love this song. I love Ben Harper actually. (enough not to notice how ugg those jamas are that he has on)

Anyway, this post is not about Ben.

I have joined the gym.
At the moment it feels like the biggest mistake of my life!
I am in pain! I have had to be coached after every session, by The Big Fella: "It'll get better. Your muscles won't be so sore." All sounds like blah, blah, blah at the moment.
On top of that I have already had the Instructor say to me:
"HOW BAD DO YOU WANT THIS?!"
"Pretty bad"
"ENOUGH TO GET UP AT 5.30 IN THE MORNING!!?"
"No."
"WELL NOT ENOUGH THEN!!"

Egad - if only she knew how hard it was for me to turn up at all let alone turning up again.

So I am torturing myself for the greater good.

As a Christian you hear the word "fruit" a lot and I have decided: If all you do is walk into Church and see me, then ~~being fat~~ maintaining my current unhealthy weight is a "No Fruit" scenario.

So. I'm doing something about it.
I have committed to a 6-month Get-fit Program.
I must attend a minimum of three classes a week (Pump, Step and Kick boxing)
I have a Food Diary
Attend their Nutrition Program.
I get measured and weighed once a month for my own information.

I'll keep you posted!

No Monday-i-tis for me!

2011-03-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-07T03:51:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

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.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2010-12-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas is my favourite holiday and what better reason to celebrate than

God Almighty sending His most precious Son for us.

Because He loves us.

I am and will be forever thankful to God who sees more and greater in me than I could've ever hoped for.

1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV 2010) "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

He is jealous for me

Loves like a hurricane
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by Glory
And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me

Oh how he loves us, so
Oh How he loves us, how he loves us so

He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by Glory
And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me

And oh, how he loves us so,
Oh how he loves us, how he loves us so

Yeah he loves us
Oh how he loves us
Oh how he loves us
Oh how he loves

We are his portion and he is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes
If grace is an ocean we’re all sinking
So, heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

He loves us
Oh how he loves us
Oh how he loves us
Oh how he loves

Yeah, he loves us
Oh how he loves us
Oh how he loves us
Oh how he loves

Jesus: Change My Life... please

2010-11-17T02:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-09-25T03:45:00.000-07:00

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.

She's very crafty

2010-09-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Cracks me up the double meaning for the word 'crafty' and the care you must have when using it in 'mixed' company.

Anyway - I have a fabulous friend who is very crafty and seeing as I am a Craft-Amateur, I leap on every little thing she deems 'simple' but this one has step by step instructions with photos and even the photos are gorgeous. So here I share: The Purl Bee

We have a Women's Conference next weekend - probably should've posted this a long time ago - but should you find yourself at a loose I would love to meet you! Come on down!

Equippers Women

While I cannot guarantee you will meet Crafters, you'll definitely meet Gifted women, passionate, with a heart after God.

What else is happening at the moment...

TODAY - two of the sweetest people I know are getting married!! About time many would say, but God's timing is perfect - they were made for each other in the sincerest sense of the words... I love a good wedding and am determined not to cry (seeing as I have to sing shortly after the Bride arrives and knowing a runny nose will do me no aide!)

And the sweetest engagement too: They had agreed to no presents for their anniversary and decided on a picnic dinner at the beach... then he surprises her with this box.... a photo of his hand, with the engagement ring sitting on top, two glasses filled with her favourite sweets, yummy grape juice - who knew romance was still so alive and well!

Hm, wedding anniversary next Weds - not sure if we'll do anything - nine years seems a little flat to celebrate - never know maybe I'll get a surprises too! Haha.

Ok, I better get going - usually I leave the Getting Ready too late and then I'm in a flap!!

Hugs to you!

Uh oh!

2010-09-02T00:49:00.000-07:00

How do you keep up when you have subscribed to a lot of reads? (is this the time consuming part of blogging...? Geez I'm an amateur.)

I went and checked out Widge and then I looked at what she reads and found bliss in a tea cup and there I found Small Town Stories which I couldn't figure out how to follow so I guess that slays that one for me anyway BUT THE LIST WAS NEVER ENDING and so I find myself here asking the question: Should I quit while I'm ahead?

Anyways, life seems to be getting back to 'settle'

I've thrown a tanty lately, like a spoiled brat, though (again like I spoiled brat) I think it was well deserved of it's receiver... I think we have made progress.

Also I am trying to relax a bit. I love the REALity of fellow bloggers and sometimes I actually am a little over cautious I think. Sometimes I completely clam up and say kaka, blah blah blah, nothings. Other times I have been like a tap with no off valve!

So expect me more relaxed (cos that is what I am praying for)

I complained to a friend about the complaining of my friends and she said to me

"Sweetie. I think it is about calling."

to which I replied

"What are you trying to say?! I need to suck it up?!" (can you hear my annoyance...)

she (with a deep sigh) replied

"Yes. You do."

So apparently I am a 'Carer' My attitude can be pretty average when I say to God "But I can't be bothered..." I know now, I need to get educated! People talk to me for a reason (and please hear me - I love to be here for my friends, for anyone but don't complain to me over and over and over and over and then tell me you didn't ask God or attempt any of the things I suggested - that is about the point when "I can't be bothered") but I need to be on my game if I am to be any help to anyone! And you know what else... I need to get back to loving me. Busyness leaves little me time - so now, my new word is NO. Honestly I am not good at NO. Knowing I am busy I try and squeeze people in everywhere I can, but it is not good for me (or my family - no one likes a cranky wife!) So.... maybe I'll be on here more, maybe I'll watch more movies MAYBE I'll read some books (haha - I am actually reading the Chronicles of Narnia, I am a book behind my boy and he is loving having someone to discuss the books with - it's nice for us)

Anyway - again - I appreciate the eye-opening the blogging has done for me. Thank you Ladies!

I love worship.

Air I Breathe

(hm, I'm not sure how to post a video from youtube not sure if this has worked)

My solace. My comfort. My refuge.

2010-09-01T04:10:00.000-07:00

^{Psalm 18}

¹ I love you, O LORD, my strength.

² The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

³ I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

⁴ The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

⁵ The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.

⁶ In my distress I called to the LORD;
       I cried to my God for help.
       From his temple he heard my voice;
       my cry came before him, into his ears.

⁷ The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry.

⁸ Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.

⁹ He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.

¹⁰ He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.

¹¹ He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.

¹² Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.

¹³ The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.

¹⁴ He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies ,
great bolts of lightning and routed them.

¹⁵ The valleys of the sea were exposed
       and the foundations of the earth laid bare
       at your rebuke, O LORD,
       at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

¹⁶ He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

¹⁷ He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

¹⁸ They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

¹⁹ He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

²⁰ The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

²¹ For I have kept the ways of the LORD;
I have not done evil by turning from my God.

²² All his laws are before me;
I have not turned away from his decrees.

²³ I have been blameless before him
and have kept myself from sin.

²⁴ The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

²⁵ To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,

²⁶ to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

²⁷ You save the humble
but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

²⁸ You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.

²⁹ With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.

³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect;
       the word of the LORD is flawless.
       He is a shield
       for all who take refuge in him.

³¹ For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?

³² It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.

³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.

³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

³⁵ You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.

³⁶ You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.

³⁷ I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

³⁸ I crushed them so that they could not rise;
they fell beneath my feet.

³⁹ You armed me with strength for battle;
you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

⁴⁰ You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,
and I destroyed my foes.

⁴¹ They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
to the LORD, but he did not answer.

⁴² I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind;
I poured them out like mud in the streets.

⁴³ You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;
you have made me the head of nations;
people I did not know are subject to me.

⁴⁴ As soon as they hear me, they obey me;
foreigners cringe before me.

⁴⁵ They all lose heart;
they come trembling from their strongholds.

⁴⁶ The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!

⁴⁷ He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,

⁴⁸ who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.

⁴⁹ Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to your name.

⁵⁰ He gives his king great victories;
he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

2010-08-31T02:55:00.000-07:00

Would you keep a friend around who lied to you all the time?

Seriously - what is with the mind and the things we tell ourselves, the things we take seriously and the things we ignore.

I'm not really sure what I'm trying to say here.

Ok, I'll start with me. Everyday I have to tell myself: I'm awesome, I'm funny, I'm good at my job, I'm not a d!ck, I'm loved, I'm valued, I'm kind. Because everyday I forget. Seriously. I'm 32, and the only thing I am certain of is that Jesus Loves Me as I am and He created me for greater. Yet, still, with the everyday reminders. What does it take to get to that space of absolute confidence? To live in that space. I just wanna be there.

I'm sick. I think that's why I am so BLERGH (you have to make that sound aloud to know exactly what I mean by it)

It's actually pretty straightforward Romans 12:02 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Am I being dumb? Should I paint it on a canvas and hang it next to my mirror so I see it everyday, is that all it's gonna take? Or is it a work I am desperately in need of (the answer is 'yes' isn't it?) Is it a work in progress?

Oh Jesus, I'm glad you have me.

Is it OK to change the name of my blog?

2010-08-27T02:23:00.000-07:00

Are there rules?
Is it confusing?

Feel like I'm in a new space?

Is that normal?

Does it happen?

Seriously I need your thoughts on this. (plus - I have not been at this long)

Yes sir!

2010-08-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

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"

Phew!

2010-08-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

So this is the beginning of Creative Me - not the flashest start, but a beginning none the less!

Thus far I have painted two pictures; Prep'ed a third....

One hasn't photographed well so no pic

The second is this...

Psalm 27:13-14 - I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord

It may look... messy to some, maybe pointless... but I stare at it, turn it, look at it upside down, cast my eyes across it from the side... it makes me think. Now I just need to find a home for it! :o)

I also found these treats that I am hoping to work wonders with! Pictures are taken with flash off because it kept reflecting off the couch

I have no idea what I am going to do with these but they were fifty cents.

Retro napkins, potentially... well ANYTHING - pencil cases, coin purses, baby bibs, softies

And then there were these gorgeous little Crown Lynn Willow mugs

They're so cute I could kiss them!

I really appreciate the kindness and support of you, my fellow Bloggers.

I have been introduced to a new sphere of people who are ENCOURAGER'S, teachers and learners, unashamed, brave, adventurous and loving.

You have stimulated a freedom in me that I did not know was capable, by allowing me to share my strange life/thoughts/behaviours/ with you and offering a wisdom I do not possess because you have lived and experienced a life that I have not. "I thank my God every time I remember you!" Phil. 1:3

YOU'RE AWESOME!!!

And finally this:

Hebrews 12 :2-3 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Oh! One last thing: here LOVE IT!

Creative me

2010-08-10T03:54:00.000-07:00

Oh dear - it is Day 6 and I have made NOTHING.

I have a painting on the go but am not happy with it so it won't be gifted to ANYONE in the state it is in :o(

AGH! This Winter Challenge is harder than I thought it would be *help* and I set it myself... what was I thinking! Am I yelling? I'm anxious and nervous - this is not how it was supposed to happen.

Well I will keep you posted my friends.

In the meantime - here is a wee clip/poem that I am loving right now.

How To Be Alone - Tanya Davis

Thinking aloud

2010-08-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

Breathless - I love the ease of this song, carefree and sweet.
Loving the first two lines of the chorus:

"I get so breathless when You call my name

I've often wondered do You fell the same?"

I don't know - are all songs written for me and God? Maybe :o)

A Hawkes Bay sunrise. An Artist at work.

...................

So I suffer some serious craft envy!
I want to be a photographer, a painter, a knitter, a sewer, a poet, a songwriter...
Agh! The list is endless!
I am enjoying the cruise around Blogland and checking out the recommendations of my fellow BlogBella's. I love seeing what has been cooked or cleaned up, painted, found, MADE with their own hands. The things that have caught their eye as being beautiful, in places I would never have thought to look! Or a song that makes me weep for it's simplicity.

My boys looking for sea glass.

Somehow I've convinced the Gents in my life to look for sea-glass - we don't find much, have managed to find bits of teaspoon and random stones. LOTS of smashed bottles - on their journey to sea smoothed brilliance - poxy stones, pumice, shattered shells. In my head I am creating something incredible from scraps, someone elses rubbish, but in reality my hands cannot translate what my mind dreams up.

Too frustrating, but I just keep dreaming. One day it'll happen!

We are doing a Winter Challenge at Church this month.

(pushing your boundaries a little you are challenged to do something that causes a stretch - it can be anything, spiritual, physical, mental etc)

I am challenging myself to create. I am hoping to make one thing a week for the month of August but I'll be happy if I make only one thing for the month! I am a pretty harsh critic of myself so my goal is to make something that I am happy to gift.

(Egad! Causing me to palpitate already!)

..........................................................................................

Check out these shoes! They are my favourite colour and look so cute on.

Actually it has a matching pair at my girlfriends house. It is a rule of mine not to own shoes that I know someone else has but I could not resist these.... I have rarely worn them but they are from No1 Shoes, so I don't feel so bad about it :)

Well.... I am going to post this now. Hope/trust you are all well.

Til next time...

Jehovah Elyon

2010-07-20T04:28:00.000-07:00

"My hearts aches for you my God

My soul waits for you my God

I've come far to find you here

In this place will I draw near...

And your spirit soars with me

To the highest heights

From where I'll not look back

I'll keep trusting you

For I know

You are faithful

My God

For I know

You are faithful

My God"

(I cannot explain or begin to describe the absolute adoration I have for my God!)

Not a lot too say but I felt like writing something :)

I... have been restless.

Like I am on the edge of a 'Faithcliff' but am not sure where or when I am supposed to 'leap' and I am excited and anxious and nervous and... restless.

Pray for me. I'm also a little scared!

Confident that I am in the palm of my God, it is in me that I lack confidence.

Do I have it in me to achieve what He has prepared?

I know I do. I know it. He would not have called me if it were not mine.

So what am I freaking out for?

Fear of failure

"...for I know, You are faithful my God..."

"...and your Spirit soars with me, to the highest heights

from where I'll not look back

I'll keep trusting You..."

Oh, man! It is a scary place for me.

Here we are!

2010-07-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

^{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

2010-07-16T03:53:00.000-07:00

"...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!