Life House Church

Beautiful Baubles

2012-01-05T15:16:00.001+10:00

I finally packed my ChristmasTree away yesterday! Every year I find myself almost reluctant to do it as itmakes the end of my holidays more of a reality, more final – time seems to speedup once the tree has gone and before I know it I’m back at work!

This year as I looked down atthe tub with the baubles and other decorations in it I thought how pretty theylooked but how that was nowhere near as beautiful as they had looked on full display,out of the tub on the tree! And that’s when I felt a blog coming on ….

It got me thinking of the“pretty baubles” in my personality, the talents and other “beautiful places” inmy life and heart, those things that make me uniquely me! Those qualities thatGod Himself has placed in me!

How often do I (and howwilling am I to) bring these out of ‘the tub’ and put them on full display, putthem to work for the benefit of others? This sentence from Graham Cooke reallystruck me when I read it; consider it in light of what I’ve just said in termsof stepping up, bringing out your God given gifts and talents for the purposeof getting alongside others to help them to stand and to grow:

“Welearn that we are a general gift to many and a specific gift to some. “

God designed you and I On Purpose for a very Specific Purpose!I know that I far too often have plenty of excuses for keeping my “beautifulbaubles” inside myself, in “the tub” so to speak! I am a mastermind atjustifying to myself (and to God) why I cannot step up and step out! (Nowif He’d only just realise and start listening to all my ‘excellent,logical’ reasons as to why I can’t or as to why I’m just not ready, not capableblah, blah, blah.)

Without meaning to soundarrogant, it’s not just others that I rob by not stepping out to be and do whatI’ve been called to do, both alongside them and at times for them, but it’smyself as well. Did you notice the butterfly in the tub? How liberated and freewould I feel if I was stretching my wings fully and flying instead of livingcramped in a ‘tub’ (usually by my own choice)!

As I was thinking about thisI recalled a quote from “Captivating” that really struck me a few years back whenI first read it:

“Then the time came when therisk it took

To remain tightin a bud was more painful

Than the risk ittook to blossom. “(Anais Nin)

Earlier this week whilstreading “Lioness Arising” another sentence jumped out at me:

“But the lionesses did notmove outside their enclosure until their hunger exceeded their desire to besafe.”

Both of these quotes, farmore eloquently than I could, put into words the thoughts and impressions I hadwhen I looked at the beautiful contents of my ‘tree tub”.

So really, I am left strippedof excuses and justifications for why I cannot fully display what God has putinside of me, both (and most importantly)to bring Him glory and to point toJesus as well as for the benefit of whomever He puts in my life.

David and I (okay mainlyDavid!) were cleaning the other day. I pulled out a little “strongbox” that westore important papers etc. in and I found a beautiful wooden pen that we gotwhilst living in the UK. I had put it in that box before we left to come toAustralia and there it had sat for the eight and a half years that we’ve beenhere! I tried to write with it but found that it no longer worked. Needless tosay it was relegated to the “rubbish” pile. That got me thinking ……

But you can work that one outfor yourselves so I’ll stop here.

PS Apologies to Stacey whom Ilater found out was given the pen by David who did not realise that “that wasthe rubbish pile”!!

Carolynxxx

Our Christmas Service

2011-12-18T22:14:00.000+10:00

What an amazing way to end our year!!!

I loved every minute of our service this morning. I loved having the kids up on stage (even if I had to go up as well to coax my 4 year old up).
I loved the awesome testimonies from some of our new comers.
I loved the amazing worship.
Then we followed it all up with yummy morning tea and great chats!

There was one point that I personally had my breath taken away as I felt the real presence of God. That point for me was listening to "O Holy Night". Whilst Anna, Sam and Tish sang I felt like I could possibly be listening to the angels in heaven. I felt so blessed at that moment, to not only know that I was in the presence of God, but that I was amongst His family of blessed children.

Next year for Life House will be full on and busy and we are all excited to enter it. However, now is the time to rest and sit with our Lord and recharge with Him until January 22nd when we all meet together again.

Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and/or loved ones, and may God bless your restful time with Him.

Debbie

Some thoughts God gave me...

2011-12-13T20:59:00.000+10:00

Isaiah 12

In that day you will say: "I will praise you, Lord. Although you were

angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord

himself, is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation."

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

In that day you will say; "Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make

known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;

let this be known to all the world.

Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the

Holy One of Israel among you."

I read this yesterday morning and these are the unedited thoughts I wrote after reading this...

I was immediately drawn to "The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song." Chris talked on Sunday of "Emmanuel - God with us". When I think of the Lord being my strength and my song I think of the strength physically and mentally that I need to get through the day, each day. We need Emmanuel to be able to have this.

"And my song", Christ spoke of how we can get certain songs in our head and heart some days and this is just a reminder of how our Lord is that song. We need to sing Him in all we do - in our hearts and out loud, proclaiming that He is our strength and our song. Why? Well, the rest of the verse says "for He has become my Salvation!" Without Him we would still be lost and without hope.

This whole chapter in my bible is titled, "Songs of Praise". I found verse one to be a little unnerving as it says, "I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me." I often read verses about God's anger and ones of how he was angry but now is not. I also wonder what I have done to anger God. We know God's anger is not something you want on you as it is fierce, and we also know He is not slow to anger. So, it should come as no surprise when we discover that God is angry at us for things we think may be permissible. I mean, we all know that sin in general is not good and that can make him angry. Also, not spending time with Him or reading His word or even talking to Him are definately things He could get angry about.

Think about it like this... You have this BEST FRIEND, I mean the best type, not just any old friend but your nearest and dearest. So, your BF wants to spend time with you (of course), and you know this as they are your BF and they have told you!

A day passes and you've gotten so busy you haven't even thought of them.

A week passes, no contact from you has been made. Although on Sunday you heard something that made you so proud to be their BF, Monday they sent you flowers, Tuesday they wrote you a note, Wednesday, they left you a magnificent painting, Thursday some of your other friends got together with you BF but you were too tired to join them, Friday you were to exhausted to even text them to say thanks for anything let alone being their friend. Saturday rocks around and you go to speak to your BF and you wonder why they are annoyed at you? Because after all they are your BF and they'll understand and forgive you for ignoring them, not reading their notes or looking at their handiwork or enjoying their gifts and not being bothered to spend time with them.

Sounds extreme, or does it? Our God is a jealous God!

Thankfully, as verse one eluded, He can turn away His anger to comfort us. This is a great reminder to not be selfish and take God for granted.

As an extra note here, can I tell you that I got all this before 5am in the morning, I had an extra ordinary day and did not tire all day!!! However, this morning when I had the same opportunity and shamefully chose sleep over spending more time with God was totally to my detriment and my day turned out VERY different!!! Guess what I plan to do tomorrow morning?? (Check with me to see how I went!)

Debbs

UPDATE: (Thanks to Ben for asking!) I was hammered!!! The enemy soooo was not happy with my commitment. I had gotten up to feed the baby and went back to bed at 1:30am and somehow managed to wake up at 4am to get up. I almost fell asleep when praying, so prayed with my eyes open. That was one difficult morning with many things contributing and all day I knew I had to keep my guard up. But by the end of the day, even though I was exhausted physically and mentally, spiritually I felt pretty good. Our God is awesome and He was my strength in many ways that day.

Thursday I got up early again and it was a very productive and joyful day again (almost on par with Monday), then today I didn't wake up early enough but I have sung praises all morning until I was able to sit quietly with God. (Thankful for a boy at kindy and a sleeping baby to make that happen.) I am looking forward to continuing this early morning catch up with my Best Friend!

Christmas is well on its way..

2011-12-04T20:16:00.001+10:00

Its been sooo long since I've even been on Blogger, and the first thing I want to do is apologise! So I'm sorry to you all for being to lazy to get on here and blog about things.

Secondly, I wanted to let you know about some fun things my family and I have been up to.

Watching everyone (well OK, not everyone, but a lot of people I know) put up their Christmas tree early, I became very eager to put ours up too. I saw them big and small, and the excitement of Christmas with 2 kids who are able to understand so much better what is going on this year than last, was almost unbearable. But true to form, the days flew passed and the first of Dec flicked passed.

Last year I made an adventure advent calendar, where instead of small chocolates or a toy, I wrote things for us to make or do on pieces of paper, made them into scrolls and read one aloud each morning. This year, things are a bit different with my older child at school, so I remade the adventures into cards, and when the 30th of Nov rolled into the 1st of Dec we pounced on what was in number 25.

Our activities so far have been 25-set up and decorate the tree (a tradition we want to do as a family every year), 24-Write and deliver Christmas cards (for miss P this one was a complete winner. We also added strawberry candy canes), 23- shop for a gift for your teacher, and today's 22-make a treat for your school friends (we made cookies, altogether, the four of us, as a family).

Why do I want you to know this? Because I believe the real meaning of Christmas is more than Santa, in fact the only reason we let our kids believe in Santa is so that there is no bullying from school friends, and even then he only fills the stockings. *Side note: why should he get the credit for our awesome picks for presents?? The real meaning of Christmas is more than the decorations, the cards and even the presents. The real meaning of Christmas to me is giving, Jesus was born to GIVE himself over to be crucified. God GAVE his son to the world to pay OUR price. So when we celebrate Christmas we want to celebrate by sacrificing our time, our gifts, our love to others, and make memories for our children to remember WHY we celebrate the way we do.

I've made sure that if a gift is to be bought, it is not to be kept by us, but given. If a treat is to be made, it is to be given to someone else. If time is to be spent, it is to be spent helping, encouraging or loving someone else, and my kids will grow up knowing that Christmas is more than the commercial buying, or decorating (fun as it may be).

I will keep you posted on how things go, but so far they have had fun doing a new thing each day, and I hope you aspire to give of yourself this Christmas, in one way or another!

Quiet on the blog front!

2011-09-16T13:31:00.000+10:00

It has been a bit quiet on here hey... sorry about that.

However, I do have a good excuse... I have been doing my part to grow our Lifehouse church family.

Wanna see?

This is Zion! He is our newest addition to our family!

(Photo by Sweet Hope Photography)

Faith like a child...

2011-08-10T21:40:00.000+10:00

Yesterday, something amazing happened when I was in McDonald's buying drinks for my family.
I went in to buy Brad, Asher and I a drink at lunch time, leaving my darling man and son in the car to play a game of "Rock, Scissors, Paper". Or so I thought.
By the time I came out something AWESOME had happened!
My husband greeted me saying, "Guess what Mummy, Asher just asked Jesus into his heart!"
Well... I nearly fell over! WOW!!!! All whilst I was buying milkshakes!

Apparently they had started playing the game and Asher said he was hot so Brad opened the doors to let the wind in. He then began to talk about the wind and how we couldn't see it but we could feel it, just like God.
Asher went on to ask how we feel God and Brad explained that we could feel Him in our hearts. Asher then wanted to know how God gets in our heart and was told that you have to ask Him to come in. So, then he did ask! Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

When I was told about it when I got back to the car, I added, "Asher, do you know that this means that you have the best friend in the whole wide world now that Jesus is your best friend!!!" He smiled really big at me and told me that he still loved his other friends though. I told him that was totally ok.

We have been praying for this day since before he was born. We have prayed that he would come to know Christ at an early age. When he turned 4 a couple of months ago, I had really hoped that he would recieve Christ into his life like I had at the same age for the first time. What was so amazing, was that we have chatted alot to him about being friends with Jesus and even talked about all this kind of thing before. But we could never have guessed that a completely unorchestrated conversation in a McDonald's carpark would ever be the place that he finally made that decision.

It is easy to doubt and second guess if his decision is real or not, but to a 4 year old mind and heart, I believe it is. This afternoon I asked him to explain to my brother, his Uncle Steve, what happened to his heart yesterday. He gave a massive smile and said proudly, "I let God in my heart!"

I want to say that I am so proud, but pride is not what I am feeling, it is true and absolute joy at the thought of a little soul that is saved! If this is how I am feeling I just know that there is THE biggest party going off in heaven right now!!!

Debbs

Don't worry, be happy!

2011-08-08T12:11:00.000+10:00

I know, I know, you have the song stuck in your head now don't you! Well you can thank Ben for that! This morning as he started his sermon he played that song, and then asked who hated it... no one said they hated it... poor Ben. Although, on reflection Ben, I am not the hugest fan of it. But I definately don't hate it. :)

As you can probably guess, he spoke about WORRY! Yep, something that, if we are all honest, we all struggle with. I don't think there is a single person in the world who hasn't at some point worried about something. I know people who sadly thrive on it! I used to be one of them.

Ben got up and this morning and publicly admitted that he was a "Worryholic" (maybe that should be ex-worryholic!) I would have to agree that I too, used to be a complete worryholic! Being a worryholic is completely exhausting and draining. It does crazy things to your head, your heart and well, pretty much your whole life. You second guess everything you say, do and at the end of the day when you need to sleep, it turns you into an insomniac! Yes, Ben, I can totally relate to the "rollercoasters" in your head at night.

The year I turned 21 was the year that worry and I finally came to massive blows. This was a year that should have been great for me. However, when I refer to the year I turned 21, you will hear limited things from that year. This was the year I did a Youth Ministry Internship, the year I had THE worst boyfriend ever, the year I first found myself in couselling and the year I got a tattoo. In short, the WORST YEAR OF MY LIFE! However, there is one story that I do tell often and that is the story of the one bible verse that is totally ingrained in my head and heart!

Phillippians 4:6 -Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I would worry myself to sleep at night, to the point where I got insomnia at times. I was anxious about everything, from thinking "Would my placement supervisor belittle me in front of other teachers or students tomorrow?", to replaying the conversation with my boyfriend over and over and trying to work out the part that I said something wrong to make him yell at me, to wondering if the sermon I had to do in front of the others in my course was going to be any good. The further I got into the year the more I had to give things over to God in EVERY situation that I worried about or was anxious about. The end result, I managed to finish my course, passing everything, and get a job far away from previously mentioned boyfriend and placement supervisor! Oh, and I managed to never ever worry again... AS IF!!!

I really wish that was the end of the story with me and worry. However, like any thing of our flesh it comes back and you need to fight it all the time. I realised just this past week that I don't deal well with anxiety/worry anymore, where once I used to embrace it and wallow in it now it does things to me like make me panic and get really emotional and I HATE it!!! This past week I found myself in a position where I realised I had stored up a heap of things to worry about and they hit me all at once. Guess what I did?

I literally said out loud, "I can't handle this anymore!" and went to my room and journalled and let it all out to God. This isn't always my natural reaction but it is becoming more normal for me thankfully.

Here is a song I learnt years ago, sung here by the Watoto Children's Choir, that I still like to sing in worrying times...

GUEST BLOGGER: Carolyn

2011-08-01T22:13:00.001+10:00

What did I say???

Sometimes just who you are gets you into trouble, you do not even have to open your mouth or do a thing!
I used to get incredulous about this, feel sorry for myself and rage against the “injustice” of it (okay, yes, sometimes I still do but I’m getting better, my raging is becoming shorter in duration!).

You know that irritating habit God has of speaking back to you during those times of “venting/raging”, when He won’t even allow you to indulge yourself in pity, for even just a little while, when He reminds you that it doesn’t matter what they’ve done or said to or about you, He expects more from you, He expects a better reaction!

It’s right back to His favourite, “character building versus your comfort”, attitude! God has been doing this to me a LOT lately (or maybe I’m just listening more!)

I will (grudgingly) admit to being aware that it is part of the price to becoming mature and it is especially part of Leadership training!! I guess the next step will be to work on losing the “grudgingly”, to go from, “Yes Lord I know, BUT....” to just, “Yes Lord!”. He reminds me that Jesus frequently, probably daily, faced unfair accusation and innuendo and that I am to, “count it all joy”!

As I said at the beginning, just who you are can get you into trouble! Here’s the thing though, it is not so much who you are as to Who is living in you! It’s the Holy Spirit within you who is actually bringing conviction, it’s your stand on the Word that clashes with their choices and life styles so that they feel uncomfortable around you, even when you’ve said nothing!

So take it as a compliment, I love the way “The Message” puts it in Matthew chapter 5: “Not only that- count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me.” (I especially love this next part!) “What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.”

The verses that follow this are the encouragement that you need to hold onto when it next happens.......(and it will....) “And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.”

When I read that it pumps me up sufficiently to say, “Bring it on!” (Until the next time! then the cycle of working through it begins again, but practice will make perfect one day!)
Carolyn

Neglected blog...

2011-07-24T14:33:00.001+10:00

Yes, I am very sorry but our little blog has been a bit neglected for almost 2 months now! I am hoping to rememdy this now.

Ok, so let me tell you about the happenings if you are out of the loop. As you saw, the boys arrived back from Boot Camp safe and sound and ready to go! We then had 3 Sundays of DVD's which were all fantastic and a great break for those usually doing stuff on a Sunday (like Krystal and I in Treehouse!). Then we have had Dave and Carolyn with some fantastic teachings, then we had little Peach's dedication last Sunday and Chris W today! So now you are slightly caught up, if you are wanting to hear any of the sermons then head over to the Life House Church website here. You can download our sermon podcasts to catch up.

As today's won't be up there just yet, I will let you in on a bit of sneak preview there. I don't usually get to sit in church as I am usually out with the kids, but this week Tish and Chris C gave both Krystal and I a rare break. I was so blessed as I sat in today as Chris W spoke on PER-SPECTIVE! Apparently he is doing a series we were told, as his last sermon was on PER-SERVERENCE, the series is entitled the "PER" series, can't wait to hear what's next. :) Anyway, it was super interesting to be reminded that God's perspective is so much better than our own and how often we go through life looking through the wrong "lenses" at our situations. I couldn't even begin to unravel all the things Chris talked about, but please go and download it this week. The most AWESOME thing about this morning, was not only sitting in church kid free, or hearing this great sermon, but it was after church had finished and the discussions I had with 3 different people about what was said and seeing how God used the same sermon in totally different ways for each person. Ahhh, perspectives are all different... good one God! I came home feeling really refreshed and with a newer outlook or perspective on a lot of different things. How awesome is our God!

The Boys are Back in Town.

2011-06-06T20:24:00.000+10:00

Yes it's true! They arrived home safe and sound yesterday afternoon from Boot Camp!

This photo isn't all of them of course, this was just the work crew, the men behind the scenes and up front.

After hearing just a few of the stories from camp, I know this was one awesome time for all the men who went. we are really wanting to hear some stories from you men who went so we can share them on here!

I know the men are counting down till next year already (stay tuned for the ticker to start again) and us ladies are trying desperately not to turn green with envy whilst we await our turn!

Debbs

One more sleep to go!

2011-06-01T21:47:00.003+10:00

Yes it's just one more sleep till our men head off for Boot Camp!

There is bound to be so many feelings going on in households tonight. I know in ours there have. Here are a few...
Panic (well more like flurry) ...
"Where's that bag?"
"Are floral or animal alphabet sheets my only options?"
"Do you need me to get anything done for you before I go, like do you need things from a high cupboard?" (OK, odd question but I am pregnant and he has seen me stupidly stand on a fit ball to get something down from high only to get stuck getting back down in a pregnant state before!... Phew glad I got that out)

Nervousness (not really, but some)...
For first time campers and those not knowing anyone, going alone.
Also from wives I think. Maybe just me.
For me I've never been pregnant while Brad's been away. Plus as Asher is totally besotted with his dad at the moment I'm hoping he will behave!

And there's Excitement...
Excitement from the men, I mean four days (almost) with no work, totally focused on God, no distractions, no nagging wives(not that any of them would have wives that nag), no kids, no chores etc! Who wouldn't be excited. (That is why we cry when you leave men, cause we wanna go! Oh and that we will miss you. Ok, and in my case I'm hormonal!)
Seriously though, I have seen Brad go off to his fair share of Boot Camps and each time I wonder what he will be like when he comes home. I am never disappointed by the man that returns. I was recently telling a first time Boot Camper wife that no matter what happens she will have a changed man that returns! How exciting!!

My prayer, and the rest of us not going due to circumstances or gender, is that these men will experience God and all He has for them. That no matter how many times they've been before (or not), that the message God has for them each individually will not fall on deaf ears but hit straight to the heart. Also, pray for their protection and the protection of loved ones at home as this is so opposed by the enemy.

I eagerly look forward to their return on Sunday and can't wait to hear the stories, stay tuned!!

Debbie

PS Sorry if grammar or punctuation is bad but I've had to do this post from my phone, had blogger issues tonight.

Lift up that sword!!

2011-05-23T10:09:00.001+10:00

I guess the place to start with these thoughts of mine is, do I consider myself primarily as spirit with a body or primarily as a body with a spirit? I suppose it depends on my grasp of how temporal this time on earth is, how I view my life in light of eternity.

I have been thinking about how crucial it is to develop a hunger for and love for the Word. We know that we are smack bang in the middle of a battlefield, whether we want to be, or like it, is totally irrelevant, we have no choice! It also does not work to have the mentality of dismissing “all this talk about warfare” or refusing to acknowledge it. The simple fact is that as long as you are breathing on this planet you are at war! Now how dumb is it to stand on a battlefield facing enemy fire and have not a single weapon with you or to have a weapon that you cannot lift and use because you do not know how it works! Sounds pretty ridiculous doesn’t it!

The Word of God is a mighty weapon but you need to have it inside you, you need to be able to utilise it properly. I have seen that over the past 24 years my growth spiritually as well as emotionally has been directly linked to my application of the Word to my life. At various times over the past 24 years I have spent a lot of time whining about how hard it is, how I don’t want to be this way but just can’t help it. What a load of rubbish, I just did not always want to apply the Word to my life (especially where it was a sword cutting!)

The Word is my plumb line, my mirror to look at my behaviours and attitudes. I often do not like what I see but that is how growth and change comes, by looking into the Word and choosing to let it dictate my responses and attitudes. It is jolly hard work; you need to be determined and consistent, you need to do things that you may not like or “feel” like doing! The alternative is to remain selfish and immature waiting for that “magic touch” on your head that will change everything and motivate you!

Satan is a master at lies and deception and an excellent counterfeiter. The whole point of counterfeit is that is so closely resembles the real article so as to appear genuine to most people. How on earth will you recognise the counterfeit if you do not know the truth!

The Bible talks so much about what the Word is how powerful it is. Just a few things spring to mind off the top of my head, there is so much more!

It is a mighty weapon- bondages and strongholds can be torn down by applying it. How much time do we spend binding Satan when we should be applying the Word to our situations?

It is, as I’ve mentioned, a mirror to take an honest look at ourselves, a plumb line against which to measure ourselves and then it offers us the means of change should we choose to apply it.

It is a lamp to our feet, it will instruct and guide us in where and how to walk, again, only of use if you apply it and follow its light.

It offers me strength and comfort but if I do not get into it how will I know what is available to me, how will I know what God really thinks of me and what His promises and provisions are for me?

Another scripture that comes to mind is, “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” You need to have the Word inside of you to use when you face temptation. Jesus himself resisted Satan by saying “It is written...”

To go back to my opening thought- how much do I care for and feed my spirit in comparison to the time spent on my physical body? Seriously make a comparison, it might shock you, it does me!

Carolyn

"It's not MY fault!"

2011-05-18T20:54:00.000+10:00

I just read a status update on a friends facebook page where she was saying that she was following a car today who's rear end was buckled. Above the buckled rear end someone had written, "This Was Not Our Fault!" I thought this was funny, and said that wouldn't it be good if we could put a sign over all our "incidents" in life like that!

It isn't always our fault when things happen (as we know), but we are usually quick to say that it wasn't our fault! I had a 'friend' when I was younger who always was right. You know the type of friend I mean? Well, I was in high school and I saw this friend a few times a week at church things, but for some reason every week on at least one of those times we would have an argument, which of course I NEVER won and I would go home and be sooo angry at her because I either knew I was right about it or that I knew she was and I hated that she was ALWAYS right! However, my very gracious mother would listen to my grievences and then tell me to call her to apologise. Can you believe that??? The thing was though, that I always would. Which didn't help her any I guess, because she then continued through life thinking she really was always right. Mum was right to make me do that when it was actually my fault. But what did this situation teach me? I would like to tell you that it taught me wonderfully spiritual things that I could impart to you, but alas, no. I did learn things though. I learnt never to argue with anyone because I wouldn't win. I learnt to say, "Sorry friend, it was my fault". I learnt to just suck it up and keep the peace. (Which isn't always a bad thing.)

Please don't misunderstand me and think that I never say "It's not my fault!" because I do, even (shamefully) when sometimes it is my fault and I have had to go to someone and admit I am in the wrong when I am. However, through out the years since the situation with this 'friend' I have found myself being told that it IS my fault from the enemy ALOT!!! I am sure this is a very common tactic that he uses with us too. Am I right, or is it just me? However, I think that God has been teaching me to be wiser, and know when it is or it isn't my fault. A few months ago a situation arose with another person who also likes to often feel they are 'right' and we had a bit of a disagreement, and afterwards for a few days I knew things weren't peaceful between us and I knew they had to be put right. So, what do you think my brain and every part of me was saying? That's right, "Debbie, call her and tell her you are sorry, assume the fault so things will be peaceful and you can move on!" I grappled with this for days, but something else in me was saying, "NO!!! This isn't your fault, and you stand your ground here!" I prayed and prayed and the more I prayed the louder the voice telling me to stand my ground got. By the weekend, that person ended up apologising to me and saying it was their fault.

I guess what I am saying is that either way, if it is, or it isn't your fault, think twice about it before putting up the sign. We can make ourselves look guiltier if we hastily put up the "Isn't my fault" sign without thinking, but we can also hinder someone else's growth if we put up the "It is my fault" sign too quickly as well.

Heavy- bend at the knees!

2011-05-16T11:14:00.008+10:00

A few weeks ago David and I went on holiday.When we were packing to go David was complaining about the weight of my case, my argument was that I was allowed 23kg so 23kgs worth I would take! It weighed in at 22kg and I nearly laughed out loud when they attached a “Heavy – bend at the knees” label to it! I had packed lots of “in case” or “what if” things in my suitcase which in the end I did not need or use. In fact I actually ended up being short of things I needed for the present day!

I’m not one to let a good analogy go to waste so here is what I realised …

I had about 5 smartish dresses for each evening meal and coordinating sandals to accompany them “in case” people dressed up for dinner, I did not even take one of them out of my case – I lived in one pair of thongs the whole week
I had a raincoat “in case” it rained (never mind I was on a tropical island – I’m sure it rains there sometimes!)
I had a hairdryer “in case” the one in the hotel wasn’t working properly.

What I did realise after the second day was, that I had only brought 1 singlet and 1 t shirt for 5 days – most unlike me, but at the time when I was packing I had David “nagging” me about the volume of stuff and got distracted!I had all the “in case” and “what ifs” covered but was not prepared for the “now” of each day as I had to wear my one singlet over my bathing costume top every day!!

As I’ve said, this got me thinking, how many of us spend most of our emotional and thought lives in the past (regrets) and how much do we spend worrying about the future, the “what if” or “just in case”, and we do not live in and enjoy today to the maximum? I admit I am guilty of this!

It is like my luggage, heavy baggage that requires you to bend at the knees! The problem is, you need others to help you carry that baggage because it is too heavy to lift on your own, just as David had to carry my case, (which incidentally is why he was whinging about it in the first place!) so we may not just be causing ourselves to “bend at the knees” so to speak but our attitudes and baggage will definitely also have an effect on those around us, those “helping” on our journey, mainly our family and friends!

We need to realise the “in case” or “what ifs” are baggage that needs to be left behind, cut off from our lives so we can stand straight, tall and unhindered to do what God has called and ordained for us to do in the now!

We cannot plan for every uncertainty but we can certainly waste a lot of years trying – I know, I spent a lot of years doing that.

Let go of the baggage, the burden and weight that uncertainty lays on you.

Life, especially in the times we are living in now, is uncertain and it is only going to get more so. We cannot control it so we are far better spending our energies on the only certainty – God!
He and He alone is the only one who can still your fears and give you peace. He’s the only one we should “bend at the knees” for!!

Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still and know that I am God.”
Burn this into your spirit!

Carolyn

To be, or not to be, sometimes there is no choice involved!

2011-05-06T12:55:00.001+10:00

Today, I read a wonderful piece from a woman, ~~you~~ ~~can~~ ~~should~~ ~~better~~ please read it here before you continue to read this...

In our lives we meet so many women who differ from us subtly or completely. Be it religious, political, child rearing/family, or career we all have an opinion, and no two are exactly the same. The way I discipline my children may be the same or different from you, and just yesterday I stood in judgement with another mother over the way someone else disciplined her child. (oh man, I feel terrible for admitting that).

The way we get swept into gossiping (if that's what you would call it), I look at what we were saying and I think "boy, it was like sharks in a feeding frenzy". One of us mentions someone with a different style, and we all jump in with our opinions and rip someone to shreds, while trying to promote our own way of doing it, "See, look at me, I do it this way, see I do what we are saying she doesn't", while feeling justified because "I'm not the only one who thinks SHE was doing it wrong".

For those of you who have Facebook, I posted Mandy's story to inspire thought, to open a discussion about how wrong we are to take on the task of judging other women by our OWN choices, our decisions and using them as the perfect measure. I wasn't disappointed when Debb posted the following,

"It is true that women don't always choose to have a career over a family, sometimes it just pans out that way. I know a few wonderful women who are in a similar situation. I must always remind myself as a woman who is married and who is a mother, that I am blessed, but so are these women who aren't married and aren't mothers. They are none less awesome women than I! We should stand with these women and not look down on them or even pity them. They are women and so are we!"

I agree!!!! Oh I so agree with it!!! We are all women, and we all should look after one another. So what if she chooses to go back to work after 6wks, so what if I choose not to go back to work, so what if she chooses to put her child into daycare, so what if I choose to be at home with my kids 24/7... its ridiculous that we judge each other because of choices we make for our own situations, let alone things that aren't choices, but just happen that way!!!

We all question our lives, what we should have done, or shouldn't have. We all wonder what would've happened had we have taken that job opportunity, or not taken that one. We all wonder what the grass is like on the other side, we assume that its greener, we assume that our neighbours are happier, we assume that its better, more lush and comfortable than our own. BUT every one has flaws, every one has ant hills and bugs and hills, and hard to mow bits, just like everyone has good days and bad, and we all wish, on occasion, for something else.

So I'm asking you ladies, to take a moment before you open your mouth in judgement over some one's parenting style, or their choices, and remember this story. Remember that sometimes we don't get to choose. Then look at your own life, look at how blessed YOU are to have what you have, or what you don't. And then I want you to take a breath, smile, and say "You know what, I'm not perfect either!" I will!!!

Tea, Talk and Chocolate Biscuits.

2011-05-04T20:18:00.000+10:00

Yep! All 3 of those were present this morning at Krystal's place. Last Wednesday our Life House Mother's Group officially kicked off. Although with it just being Krystal and I with Tish dropping in a little later, it wasn't a huge kick off. However, this morning Jude joined us and also Melissa, a mother who Krystal has met through her daughters school. We had a really great morning (spilling over to afternoon) with cups of tea, yummy food and plenty of chit chat. So, it's official! Life House Mother's group is here and is part of our church's activities!

If you know any mum's or mum's-to-be who are wanting to get out of the house, let us know. We meet at 10am on Wednesday mornings.

PS - you can bring your kids too, they like to hang out!

Things God won't ask...

2011-04-18T12:54:00.000+10:00

I found this and thought it was good to think about...

Things God won't ask on THAT day...
1. God won't ask what kind of car you drove.
He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

2. God won't ask the square footage of your house.
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3. God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet.
He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4. God won't ask what your highest salary was.
He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5. God won't ask what your job title was.
He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6. God won't ask how many friends you had.
He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7. God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived.
He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

8. God won't ask about the color of your skin.
He'll ask about the content of your character.

One for the Ladies!

2011-04-12T12:57:00.000+10:00

As the Men's Fight Club Boot Camp is fast approaching (which you need to make sure your man is booked in for!), I decided that maybe us ladies needed a little pick me up so as to not feel left out!

Some days are really great days, you wake up and can't wait to get into the day. Other days, which are unfortunately more often, you get up knowing the grind you are going to have to go through. I woke this morning unsure of which of these days I was going to have, although knowing that my house was in a bit of a state (actually 'a bit' is quite an understatement) I was thinking it was going to be a long drag of a day. Thankfully, my darling husband got up and got breakfast for our son, although after the two of them having breakfast there was but a drop of milk left over for yours truly... hmm... first blow of the day.

So, after seeing my man off to work, I proceeded to make up some powdered milk, not my finest choice knowing that my breakfast would have milk the same temp at tap water, but I knew I had to eat to get through the morning. (Should probably mention that its leading up to pay day, hence no groceries.) So, there I was making powdered milk and through a process I won't go into, I managed to get a bit on the bench, as I picked up the large cup of milk with a lid on, I quickly realised that the lid was NOT on. I found this out when milk poured all over my kitchen, down the cupboards into drawers (don't even know how) and all over me too of course! Blow two of the day.

My mind, completely stopped at this point as I tried to figure out what to do first. Should I shower, clean up, make more milk. Thankfully it kicked into gear and I decided a clean up is first. So I did as much as I could and then made more milk, ate and showered. After my shower I cleaned up more so as not to have the lovely aroma of milk hanging around and wondered how the rest of my day would pan out. I wasn't very hopeful. However God had other plans - THANKFULLY!

Within minutes, my phone chimed with a message from one of my dear friends saying, "Over it! I'm getting a coffee after the school run if you're keen." Ahhh, another who hadn't had a great start to the day! SAVED! I then did the necessary thing of going out when my house was in shambles and went and had coffee. Even though we had 3 kids between us in tow, we managed to perk up our spirits enough to get through the rest of our day! I came home and looked around and wondered where and how to start with my mess. I thought, "Hmm, I need music!" Mamma Mia? No. Sister Act? No. Colin Buchanan? No. Something calming? No. Then I spotted it! My all time favorite band and album... Superchick - Rock What You Got! YES!!! On it went and off I went. I mean I really went off, Asher thought I was crazy dancing around sweeping, mopping and even cleaning walls (I think that shocked him as he has never seen me really do that!).

I love every song they have ever made, but on this album in particular there is an awesome song called "So Beautiful". The lyrics are really powerful for us as women to remember. There is a small part in the song that everytime I hear I just wish every woman could hear and know to be true. It states, "If every girl could see her beauty, we would be an army!" WOW right! How powerful would we all be if we really could see our beauty! Day to day we sometimes miss our beauty that God has given us, and we also can feel like we are alone, but God has made us not only beautiful, but He has also created special sisters for us to be our mirrors and to stand on the ugliest of days (or mornings). How awesome is that!!!

So my sisters, I am letting you know - you ARE beautiful and you are NOT alone!!!

You can listen to the whole song here at youtube.

Here below are the lyrics...

So Beautiful - Superchick
We are a thousand voices strong

We are each girl who sings this song
We are a beauty that is our own
And we are, And we are
So beautiful

We are light
We were born beautiful
We were meant to be more then these shadows of girls
They cut us down to size
Afraid we'll change the world?
But we'll fight for your right to be beautiful girls

If every girl could see her beauty,
We would be an army

We have dreams we were born to fufill
We were meant to be more than just fairy tale girls
We are the colors so bright
Each beautiful girl
We are the stars in the night
And we're changing the world

When every girl can see her beauty,
We will be an army

Who sharpens you?

2011-04-04T22:10:00.002+10:00

Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Iron sharpens iron- You will have various friends in your life but is there at least one who will be this for you?

Do you have at least one friend who is willing to push you to be more Godly in your attitudes?

Do you have in your life such a friend, a friend who has permission to challenge you where necessary to help you to grow, or will they just pet you and allow you to remain the same because they just say what they think you want to hear?

It is certainly easier to take advice, especially if there is an element of challenge in it, when you know that the person giving it cares for you and has your best interests at heart.

Not that your whole relationship is about challenging one another but there definitely needs to be this element in it.

The Word is clear, we were designed and placed here for a specific purpose, let’s mean business about discovering this purpose and growing and changing into the strong, whole, productive people God intends us to be.

Let’s be careful that we don’t have the Fairy Godmother syndrome.

“This is where we don’t want to be challenged, we want to be changed.”

Sometimes I think it would be sooo much easier (and preferable!) to have God sprinkle fairy dust over me and touch my head with a wand, but as lovely as that would be, it just doesn’t happen!!

We still have to climb the mountains, but having Godly friendships means that we have someone who can say, “Hey I’ve been there, let me tell you where I put my hands and feet to climb up, let me help you along the way.”
God is not a Fairy Godmother; He is much too wise to give us the easy way- the instant fix.

He knows we need to learn discipline if we are to grow into the strong, whole, productive people He designed us to be.

A few practical tips:

1. Take responsibility for your own growth

Do you really mean it when you say you want to learn from others- even if what they say challenges where you’re at and requires hard work and change; or do you get offended and give up?

2. Realise that people are busy with their own lives so don’t be too sensitive; they will make time for you if you ask, just because they aren’t falling all over you does not mean they don’t care, love is a decision and they will help if asked.

3. Do not for a moment think that, “I can’t talk to someone because no one is going through my exact situation.” Although situations vary, the lessons and principles learnt are applicable across different situations.
For example, if you need to learn to stand then standing is standing no matter what it is that you’re standing through!

4. “My Son, be attentive to my Wisdom- godly wisdom learned by actual and costly experience.” (Proverbs 5 in the Amplified Bible)

Do not despise the experiences of others, sometimes a person may see things in our lives that need speaking into; know that that person has your best interests at heart.

Let us work at earning the right to speak into each other’s lives, to speak encouragement, life and strength to each other, this is why we have been placed together, it is what we are meant to do!
Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Carolyn

Paying attention to little folk.

2011-03-27T23:19:00.001+10:00

When I was 4 I gave my life to the Lord, after my Dad telling me that I couldn't take my toys to heaven but that in heaven there were things better than toys. Now to my 4 year old mind I recall thinking, "Hmm... better toys!" so I was wanting in on this whole getting to heaven thing!

Our son Asher will soon be 4 years old. We have prayed since before he was born that he would come to know our Lord at an early age. We have been teaching him about God and Jesus as much as you can to a small child and we pray with him and incorporate God into everything in our lives. We have told him about how he can be friends with Jesus and how loving him and serving him is the best thing ever!

To our dissapointment, it can seem often that he is not interested or cannot sit still long enough to even sometime string a simple prayer together. That said, there have been glimmers of hope for us. Each night we ask what he would like to pray for (or for us to pray for). On the odd occasion that he has a sick friend he likes to pray for them. But, EVERY night there are two things he always wants to pray for and that is two special babies. One is our unborn baby and the other is for a special 'Aunty' and 'Uncle' who he knows want a baby too. (I know, cute right!) A few weeks ago he and I were driving to see his 'Aunty' and we were discussing how we had been praying and that God hadn't given them a baby yet. I asked Asher if he thought that God would definately give them a baby or if he wasn't sure. He replied, "Oh yes I know He will Mummy, God can do anything!" (Yes, I did have tears while driving.)

Then, today, Brad and I were talking about something in the car, totally engrossed in what we were talking about and Asher was, as usual trying to interupt. He likes us to talk to him to and usually interjects with,"Talk to me!" or, as was the case today, "Mummy I got a question a you!" (Yes that is what he says not 'for you'). We then turned our attention to him and asked what the question was. Both Brad and I were astounded when he casually asked, "How can you get up, up, up to see Jesus?" WOW! What do you say? I told him how he first had to be Jesus' friend and love Him and when we die we can go to heaven to see Jesus. We then had the inevitable comment of "I can't see Jesus anywhere.", which we responded to by telling him that He was in heaven, but that God (we will explain the Holy Spirit soon but haven't yet) is everywhere and even though we can't see Him, we can see things He does, like make the trees move with the wind and how things grow etc.

There are also times in our Treehouse (Sunday school) times when we get to have little conversations with little ones and the answers they give to the questions we ask are sometimes funny and truer than we could ever imagine. These times, and the conversations I have with Asher, don't ever last long and sometimes I wonder after a while if they really did take place at all, but it makes my heart swell with joy to know that my little man is thinking about my greatest Love. I can only imagine how it makes God feel. So next time you are in the presence of some little folk make sure you are paying attention, because you never know what insight you might recieve.

Small blessings.

2011-03-07T20:35:00.000+10:00

Whilst chatting with Krystal this afternoon, I was telling her how awful I felt as I had not blogged on here in a while. I also told her that I just had felt I had nothing to say. We get awesome guest bloggers who have awesome things to say and tell us so I was feeling a little unexciting.

However, when I think about it, there are lots of things happening that God is doing in my life. He has been blessing our family in many ways lately. Not in huge, change our lives around ways but in the everyday small things, like going grocery shopping and only spending half the amount we had budgeted for so we have plenty left for the fortnight. Also, our next door neighbours, after we had gone and offered them some things we were getting rid of (which they didn't need), offered us clothes for Asher in the next size up. (We had wondered how he was going to get through winter as he has grown so much since last winter.)

These situations which may seem insignificant, are actually God in our every day, in action. It is a great reminder of how He is always with us, never stops listening to us, and continues to provide for us all the time. Some days it is difficult to see past the slump we are in, or the daily grind we go through. But I challenge each of you reading this, no matter what your situation, good or terrible, to find at least one thing each day that God has blessed you with.

Speaking of small blessings, (although this one is a huge blessing), I would like to welcome little Peach to our church family! Congratulations Tish and Chris she is just beautiful, we all look forward to watching her grow!

GUEST BLOGGER: Ben writes from the heart

2011-02-22T18:23:00.001+10:00

The most pervasive evil present within the Western world is not poverty, or homelessness, or sex, or drugs. It is how comfortable we are with being comfortable. We are so used to our couches and our televisions and our iPods and our microwaves and our weekly Church services that we forget we live in a world at war. We forget the millions of starving people we can’t see and we forget the millions of unsaved people who are in desperate need of the Light of Christ. It is because we are. Like a horse with blinders on, we tread steadily forward, never fully aware of our destination.

I heard a story the other day of a man in China who was caught and detained by the police, who asked him, forcibly, to renounce his Christianity and apologise for what he had done. The man refused. The police kept him locked up for two whole days when, in the end, they gave him a pen and paper and pushed his hand against the table, demanding for him to write, at gunpoint. He wrote this:

‘I am sorry for wasting your time. I am sorry that you have kept me locked up here for two days when actual criminals are roaming your streets. I am sorry that I am not sorry.’

They mumbled a ‘That’ll do’ and let the man go.

Now this question is never posed to us in the Western world, is it? And I think we are far worse off because of it. Sure, we might feel a tad uncomfortable talking about our Faith to people at work, or people we don’t know too well, but mostly we get by quite easily. We are largely left alone. The politically correct culture we live in doesn’t like to persecute people for their religious beliefs, and so we are left to our own devices, never making waves, never being tested.

Is this actually good? I’m going to go right out here and say no, definitely not. We are made to feel comfortable in our complacency to the point where, when questioned in a friendly and un-hostile environment, most Christians would deny Christ, just to save face and avoid uncomfortable discussion. Just to avoid embarrassment, where there are warriors who are actually putting their lives on the line, day in and day out, to fight for the Kingdom of God, who are at gunpoint and refuse to renounce their Lord. Would we all be this brave? Why are we so comfortable being so weak?

I put it forth to you this – if you are comfortable in your life, if you have a nice home and attend Church weekly, if you have two cars and a mortgage and have worked the same job for the last 15 years, if the last thing that embarrassed you was a bumping into a lady at Church and making her spill her lemon cordial all over her shoes, I say to you now – do something with your life, before it’s too late. Go out there, ignite your passions and go hard at it. Forget what people will think. They are but a breath in the grand scheme of things. Forget what you may lose. Store your treasures up in Heaven, where thieves cannot break in and steal, where nothing rusts, where everything Jesus has for you is safe. It is no longer enough to be comfortable, to get by, to sit at the edges and let your heart perish. Get uncomfortable. Now. There are people who need you, and an army who needs more warriors.

Ben.

Rain and thunder, with a dash of lightning

2011-02-21T19:26:00.001+10:00

So as I sit here trying to figure out what exactly I'm going to write, its storming. This weather is my absolute favourite kind. I burn even just looking at the sun, and snow is lovely but Im not sure I could handle that much coldness. But rain... I love the smell, I love the sound, I love the coolness it brings after a day of sweating like a pig. ( Factoid #1- apparently pigs dont actually sweat, so that phrase confuses me).

I think I love the rain partly because I grew up in the rainiest place on earth (well thats my opinion) which is located on the very bottom of the South Island of New Zealand (Factoid #2- the indiginous New Zealanders, or Maoris, call New Zealand "Aotearoa", or Land of the long white cloud. A co-incidence, I think not!) and that God spoke to me when I was going through the romanced chapter of Captivating for the first time, on a rainy night just like this.

When it rains I think of what He said to me that night, when I felt unloved, unromanced, unappreciated and alone. When I needed him to speak into those wounds, He sent me the rain, and it felt like a great big warm cosy hug. It was a familiar sound, a romantic sound, a snuggle up with a loved one sound. He was my loved one that night. I curled up in bed, listened to the rain He sent just for me, and cried healing tears in His presence.

From that night, till now, I will always feel that big warm hug when I smell the first drops of rain, and I appreciate the way that my God comes through in all my situations.

Have you got a similar thing that always, without fail, reminds you of something awesome that God has done for you? I'd really like to hear yours.

Today's pick me up...

2011-02-15T21:19:00.000+10:00

Today I just didn't feel right. Do you get those days? Not really sick or anything, just not right in yourself. All morning I couldn't put my finger on it, I was praying continuously and asking God to show me what to pray and what was bugging me but I really didn't get an answer.

In the mornings I don't get much time to myself with a 3 year old wanting or needing me for something, so I had to wait till the best part of my day, sleep time! I started reading my bible for some inspiration and hoping it would get me out of this funk. Then I remembered that I had downloaded some podcasts on Sunday night. They were old sermons from the past few weeks at church and one from last year, so I listened to them all (Asher had a really long sleep today thankfully). Then once I had listened to the 3 I had, I remembered I had the first edition of the Spiritual Warfare podcasts that I had downloaded ages ago. The only reason I hadn't listened to it sooner was (and don't laugh) I didn't know how to listen to downloaded podcasts on my iPhone! (Thanks Dad for the help there!) After this time of listening without disruption I started to really pick up, and the rest of the day I felt so much lighter and it didn't feel as I was dragging a heavy weight around.

So, I guess what I am telling you all, is go and head to the Life House website and download both the AWESOME sermons (click here to get there) and the Spiritual Warfare podcasts (click here to get them). As our computer is extremely tempremental at the moment (which explains my lack of blogging here), I have to go to my parents to download these and put them on my phone, but trust me it is sooo worth it. Even if you have heard the sermons before, a second listen is definately beneficial.

So why are you still here, you should have clicked those links already!!!

When the right thing feels wrong...

2011-02-14T17:40:00.000+10:00

I recall a time in high school where one of my best girlfriends was struggling with weight issues. Now, she was not at all over weight, but the anorexia sure told her she was.

As her team mate on the girls’ basketball team, I saw just how much the illness had ravaged her already tiny frame. Where any normal weighted girl had some ‘meat on her bones”, she was nothing but bone. I remember seeing her half dressed, as we had just finished training, and being horrified that there was a gap where her tummy used to hold up her clothes. Her school tights were being held there by her boney hips and nothing more. Her tummy no longer even touched the elastic. Torn between loyalties, to my team and my best friend, I decided that her health and wellbeing was more important to the team than keeping her ugly secret.

So I went to the coach. She was removed from the team and until she was ‘rehabilitated” wasn’t allowed back. She was in and out of hospitals, and underwent many programmes to help her learn to see herself in a new light.

She would not speak to me, knowing that I was the only one she told her struggles to. I lost that friendship in doing the right thing, and I know that had I not have done anything she may well have continued down that path until the diseases damage was too severe to return from.

This past week I was put in a similar position, which left me stuck between a rock, and a hard place. I knew I was doing the right thing in letting the person above me know the situation, but boy did I feel like the worst person, worst friend, in the world. A part of being a leader is making hard decisions; I knew that when I agreed to take steps to become what God planned me to be, but knowing and doing are a world apart from each other.

I made one of the toughest choices I have ever made, by first seeking Gods perspective on it. I journaled the question plaguing my mind... “What do I do Lord?” I got my answer. And so I acted on it. It did not stop the bombardment I received from the enemy, and even now I wonder if my choice has damaged my relationship.

So what’s my point? When doing the right thing, the enemy wants you to think you are doing the wrong thing, wants you to feel guilt, or like you are a betrayer. He wants to stop you in your tracks so that he gets away with it. He wants you to feel like you are the one who should be ashamed for speaking up. He is set on stealing, killing and destroying everything and everyone in his path. He doesn’t want the truth to come out. His life goal is to separate us from God and he will use any and all methods to get into our minds and hearts. As I was making this decision, I was profoundly heaven touched with this scripture from Romans 8, “1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Thank you Lena) and I encourage those of you who are facing the same onslaught before, during and after making a tough decision, to seek Gods advice on what to do, and to get some prayer support for yourself, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20.

GUEST BLOGGER: Lena- On fasting

2011-02-11T07:21:00.000+10:00

I fasted for the first time in my life last week. It was wonderful and it was really awful! I ate dinner then started my fast at seven pm, I had no breakfast, no snacks, no lunch, only water. It was wonderful I felt so focused on God, so close to him, I felt like I was hearing Him more clearly than I had in a long time, I was having a great time until 2pm. My previously quiet stomach decided to put up a fight, I was shaky, light headed, feeling sick, no longer concentrating on God, by the time my fast was over at 7pm I felt so sick that eating made it worse!

The next day as I considered my first fasting experience I decided that I want to learn a little more about fasting. So here it goes.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” In the Message, “I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself”. As Paul says we need to beat (not physically of course) our body, discipline our body to ensure that our body and desires do not control us. Fasting is a battle of your flesh and your desire for food over God. One of the primary ways we experience spiritual breakthrough and growth is through prayer mixed with fasting (Jacobs, 2010, p84).

As we fast, we deny our body and do not allow the physical desires to rule over us more than God instead, we give ourselves over to the complete control of God. The denial of our body sensitizes us to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Fasting can cause us to examine our lives and the Holy Spirit can reveal to us sin issues, wrong attitudes, and personal changes in our lives that are needed. It can cause us to hear with greater clarity the will of God for our lives. Fasting can dramatically increase the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In the early church many were sent out on missions with prayer and fasting, see Acts 13:1-3.

There are times too that fasting can bring the necessary breakthrough to a situation. Isaiah 58:6 NIV says “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” Or in the Message “This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get ride of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts”. Cindy Jacobs writes in her book ‘The Power of Persistent Prayer’ (2010, p99) that the “spiritual discipline of fasting is one of the most important and powerful weapons in our spiritual arsenal”. Don’t we all want to unleash this powerful weapon to see breakthrough in our own lives and that of our community?

Lena

Resources:
Cindy Jacobs, 2010. Power of Persistent Prayer. Publisher – Bethany House Publishers.

For guidelines on preparing for and breaking a fast see: Little Falls Creek Christian Centre – Water Fasting Guidelines.

Guest Blogger- Can you guess who?

2011-02-10T17:48:00.002+10:00

I have a confession to make. I love church, I love the people, I love Sundays and I love the kingdom. But I wasn’t really looking forward to starting up church again this year. Eek! Am I even allowed to say that!?

You see, our beautiful little church meets in a not so beautiful little school classroom. It is messy, painful to pack away and then put back in just the right spot, hot in summer, cold in winter, old, has bright fluoro lights and terrible acoustics. In fact, we can’t even use our sound system in it because it would be such overkill for such a small space.

We’ve been moved in there temporarily (for about 12 months) while our regular meeting place is renovated and boy, has it been a long few months so far! I don’t know if everybody else struggles with it as much as I do but being a worship leader and a somewhat creative person, I love to create an atmosphere in church…a place that inspires us towards heaven. Sigh. In this place it is nearly impossible, no, it IS impossible, to physically do that. And because it’s hard physically, it makes it harder spiritually.

BUT! God has really been speaking to me once again about small beginnings. In Zechariah 4 it says, ‘Who dares despise the day of small things?’…gulp! It also says ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.’ And, in more ways than one, that is what we cling to as a church.

Even though our surroundings are humble, if we usher our people towards the Spirit, revelation will come and amazing, life-changing things can happen. If we walk with the Spirit, heaven will come to US!

So if you too are in a season of small beginnings, can I encourage you to not despise them…maybe we can uncover the blessing in it and learn to love them together!

We're Back

2011-02-09T13:39:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

We've had such a surreal time over the christmas/new year break, with the extreme weather, here in Queensland. The park just down the road from me including some of the road flooded

Flooded

After the flood

But I am back, we were safe, we praise God for His provision for us during that time and His presence in the aftermath of the massive flooding.

Keep your words sweet cause you may have to eat them!

2011-02-09T13:09:00.000+10:00

On Sunday I listened to Carolyn share so many pearls of wisdom in her sermon, I just don't know where to start but I will try.
So, it was about the power of the tongue and what we know it's powerful it's always good to be reminded.

Ok so here are some pearls I want to share/remind you of...
- Words carry spiritual power.
- Words can kill or give life.
-The state of your tongue is a very sure guide to your spiritual condition.
- out of the mouth does the overflow of the heart come.
- You can determine your destiny by the way you use your tongue.

Check out the whole sermon on the Life House Church podcast here.

Christmas or Xmas?

2010-12-13T15:23:00.000+10:00

Yes it is! Can you believe Christmas is less than two weeks away? I have had the misfortune of having to go to the shops the past two days. I am not a huge fan of going to the shops with my 3 year old at the best of times but when it is school holidays and this close to Christmas it is even worse! Tomorrow I am meeting my cousin at Chermside (yes, the things we do for family). Yesterday Brad, Asher and I all went to North Lakes to get some stuff and when we were there I noticed a women's clothing shop all decked out for what I am sure they would call "Xmas" as there was big pictures in the window of bare trees with a star on top and all that hung on the trees were the words like, "WANT", "DESIRE", "YEARN", "CRAVE" etc. It was the first time that I thought that Christmas could look terrible. (Well, second if you include the first time I saw a black Christmas tree for sale.) I got to thinking though, do I enjoy Christmas or Xmas?

For as long as I can recall I have hated, yes hated seeing the word Christmas spelt Xmas and have always refused to write it that way. I have always felt that writing it Xmas totally crosses out the whole meaning of Christmas - Christ! Last year we were very definate in teaching Asher that Christmas was Jesus' birthday and we decorated in birthday style. This year we have tried to do the same but with less decorating going on unfortunately because of busyness. I've always loved Christmas, the smells, the atmostphere, the sounds, I think partly due to the fact that we got gifts for someone else's birthday was a big part growing up and then as I got older the idea that I could buy for others and bless them with gifts. But I guess I have grown up with the reminder of what Christmas means, not just every Christmas but every week and day since giving my life over to God. However it is still easy at this time of year to get swept up in the whirlwind that is Xmas. So what are you celebrating?

Inspiration for thought.

2010-12-03T13:18:00.000+10:00

Today I put on a CD for the kids to listen to. Its not one we listen to that often anymore as I think we listened to it too much when we first got it. Now this CD has some really great tracks, and one REALLY annoying one. They sing like they're from the wild west and they are kids that really accentuate it. It almost sounds like they are whining. It was when this song was playing that I actually listened to WHAT they were singing.

1 Corinthians chapter 2 verse 9. I'll let you look it up.

I think about what my eyes have seen, and what my ears have heard. I think about the beautifully created landscape that is the world, all the wonderful buildings, the magnificent mansions and houses that the mega stars live in, the beaches, the wilderness, the animals. Between ALL humans, everything... all the wonders of the world, all the good things, have all been seen or heard.

And no mind can conceive what God has prepared for those who love him. What does that even mean?? I can see wondrous things here on earth, but what God has prepared for me is infinitely better than anything I can imagine.

Can you imagine your dream house, dream area to live, dream furniture, dream car.... what God has in store for us who love him is INFINITELY better than your wildest dreams. NO MIND HAS CONCEIVED what God has prepared.

Do you think about what is waiting for you at the end of this life?

I'm not the only one, am I??

2010-11-18T23:18:00.001+10:00

So I have just gotten home from an amazing discussion group. We talked about the wonderous topic of rejection. Rejection for most women is something we always perceive to be happening to us. We are always on the outside looking in, wanting relationship, wanting someone to come close to us but not wanting them to come too close that we scare them away.

It all comes back to our perception. It's like a filter that we put on, it attaches to our wounds, our agreements, or our "bruises"(the wounds that have closed over and been healed but not yet fully gone), so that everything we see or hear goes through the wound-filter and into our hearts and minds. It doesnt take a whole lot for the enemy to add in a bit of his poison to make a situation seem like more than it really is. Just a whisper and the turn of a key to start up the wound-filter motor, sometimes just a nudge and we start it ourselves.

Take, for example, Debb and I, we used to hang out A LOT more than we do now, its not that we don't like each other, or that we have had a falling out or disagreement, we just have other friends and things that are filling our lives at the moment. Wound-filter/Satan says to me "you just aren't good enough for her, you're too much, you're not enough, she didn't really like you to begin with, she's not interested in hearing you blabber on about anything, just quit while you're behind". Where in truth I KNOW it's not like that at all and if I were to ask her if I had done something (or not done something) to push her away, or make her think any of those things I stated above, the answer would be a resounding "NO!". Well I would hope so.

Each of us feels these things more often than we are willing to admit, but just talking about it tonight really helped. Each of us is NOT alone, and we are all thinking about every situation we've ever felt like this and wondering if it was just our wound-filter/Satan pumping more poison into us.

The other side of this is when correction comes, we jump to "You're rejecting me, you're attacking me". When done in the right way, through The Truth (God's Word), correction is brought to you to help you grow and learn, not to cut down. While it might hurt, its done not to harm but to heal.

SO what do we do when we feel like this? The last few girls truth sessions have been the start of taking control of the wound-filter. We have the power to take the key from its ignition and dislodge its tubes from our hearts and minds. When you feel like everyone is rejecting you, when you feel isolated and alone, reach out to someone. There is always someone who will listen. Talking about all these "hidden" feelings is the start. Being able to share your journey, your heart, will help you. Sounds easy right? "Just talk about it..." I know its hard, reaching out, vulnerable, fear creeps in. Fear is not of God, and the more you give in to it, the more ground Satan has won from you. Take back that ground. Start with God. Start by asking Him to be with you, to help you, heal you. Ask Him to place someone in your life that you can be vulnerable to.

You are not alone,

NEWSFLASH: A talent arises

2010-11-15T15:32:00.001+10:00

As one giant of the pulpit takes a step back a new talent arises. From the depths of pain and heartache Christopher Walters stands tall, confident and wields a powerful message. This emerging talent captivated his audience, allowing them a glimpse of his heartfelt struggles over the past 5 years. He told of the heartache of infertility, the spiritual paralysis that followed and how through it all God was teaching him to trust.

As tears glistened in his eyes... Well seriously now, it was a great first sermon, a great sermon full stop. Well done Chris! Anyone who was there will agree. I know I was challenged and at times had to fight back a lump in my throat. My understanding of what it means to trust God has been expanded and Im sure the Lord will be bringing bits of your sermon back to me over the coming week.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

(Proverbs 3:5)

I especially liked the analogy of the battlefield. When the fight is over and weary soldiers are wounded or exhausted on the ground, I am still standing. I keep coming back to the feet of Jesus (paraphrased).

13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

(Ephesians 6:13)

Thank you Chris and Kelly for your vulnerability and honesty. We all look forward to next time!

Sam

God's cake.... Thanks Sam!

2010-11-01T21:00:00.000+10:00

Sometimes we wonder,
'What did I do to deserve this?' or
'Why did God have to do this to me?'

Here is a wonderful explanation!

Picture from here

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything
is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend
broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and
asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the
daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'
'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.
'Yuck' says her daughter.
'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'
'Would you like some flour then?
Or maybe baking soda?'
'Mom, those are all yucky!'
To which the mother replies:
'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves.
But when they are put together in the
right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why
He would let us go through such bad and difficult
times. But God knows that when He puts these things
all in His order, they always work for good! We just
have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all
make something wonderful!

God cares about you.
He sends you flowers every spring and
a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He can live anywhere in the universe,
and He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are
here we might as well dance!

To do or not to do?... that is the question.

2010-10-26T22:09:00.018+10:00

To do lists. Everyone has them, and some of us even complete them. I have about 25 on the go. OK, so that might be an exaggeration, but I do have a few written about, on all sorts of scraps of paper. Some of them look pretty, some of them look tatty and torn up. On some I have doodled flowers or made pretty corner decorations, obviously I was bored just writing down what I needed to get done let alone actually going through and doing the items listed.

I have one for housework, one for admin (which in itself is about 4-5 lists), one for morning routine, one for daily routine, one for crafty things, one for Christmas, one for next year, one for cooking, one for God time, one for 'spare time', one for the weekend, one for night routine, one for gift preparing. There's more, I'm sure of it, but I can't think of them all right now. Sometimes I think I spend more time writing the lists than I do actually doing the tasks.

And as I write down the tasks I have for the day, I wonder whether God ever had to write something down, then my mind wonders to what would he use to write something down with. In all seriousness though guys, what if God was as forgetful as we can be. "Oh, Krystal, oh man, I was so busy cleaning up after Jesus and his mates today that I totally forgot to check in with you for our usual scheduled meeting" or "Oh yeah, I've had that blessing lying around for a month now, and I keep forgetting to send it down to you". Or *insert your favourite excuse for not getting God time in*.

I am a master at coming up with something "better" to do. I'm pretty sure Ive blogged about this one before, but its still right up there, number one spot for the top ten struggles of the month.

What does your week look like?

2010-10-24T13:25:00.000+10:00

I hope you aren't weak this week, this is a good reminder to me to remain strong!

The Silence is deafening...

2010-10-21T23:13:00.003+10:00

So after a long break, I am going to try to get back into the swing of blogging (after a gentle prodding from... you know who you are...).

For those of you who have been hanging on every word, and waiting for the next blog, we're back. BUT we do need you to let us know that you are reading... Those who have, man, you rock! We really do appreciate you! A LOT!!

Over the past few weeks, life has jumped in the way of almost everything and while I know that excuse is weak, its the only one I've got! I have gotten closer to God and I have seen this same thing happen with my husband and my kids (did you know that a 2yr old and a 4yr old could pray up there with the elders of the church. Their little prayers are precious, and earnest.). We, as a family, are trying hard to spend time together more often and with a lot of our week nights taken up by meetings, bible studies, and other fun things, our weekends are spent growing together and learning more about each other.

As a part of our busy weeknights I have started attending a girls bible study (truth session), where we get our "homework", we study the scripture, we learn truths and we speak truthfully. It seems to be a bit different from other bible studies that I have been to, and sooo much more beneficial for us as women to come together and learn and talk about everyday feelings and attacks that happen to everyone of us at times. It helps us to know that when we go through these things, we aren't the only one!

So tonight we spoke about something close to our womanly hearts - rejection. Many of you, on the outside, will say "oh I'm too strong for that to bother me" or "I don't really feel that", or if you're like me, you hope you never have to feel that again. But all it takes is for one person to not talk to you at church, or for a group of people to leave you out (and probably not on purpose), and we spiral into despair, "no one likes me, no one wants me around, I am not worth it, I am alone". Our perspective on the situation always comes back to "It must be me, there is something wrong with me".

We spoke on how those lies can creep in, how the enemy may not orchestrate all of the situations where you feel like this, but my, how he inflames it, he flicks the "pain button" harder, makes us dwell on it. As Carolyn put it, "the bird may come and fly over your head, and you should shoo it away, but sometimes we allow it to build a nest....".

We also spoke about how the enemy wants us to feel segregated from each other, to make us feel that we are alone, that our relationships are broken. On our homework sheet, Carolyn wrote this "...recognising that you may, at times, have incorrect perceptions is the first step towards being set free! The enemy wants you to remain isolated; feeling misunderstood; believing nobody likes you; living out of and responding to each other from false perspectives!". As women we fight against the enemy in talking this through. Exposing the lies for what they are, and finding a way to combat them through The Word, reading through what God thinks about me, His chosen one, precious, beloved, the apple of His eye (it really does say that in of Psalm 17:8 (NIV)). When you read what He thinks of you, its sometimes as hard to handle as the rejection, BUT believe it. Put it in your heart. Read through The Word, it is truth, it is His words on paper.

New podcast up!

2010-10-14T22:07:00.000+10:00

Part 2 of the spiritual warfare chat is now on iTunes!
Check it out by clicking here or on the button to the right of the page! It even has a musical intro and ending!!! Very exciting!

GUEST BLOGGER: Ben

2010-10-12T10:42:00.000+10:00

Do you ever feel discontent? As though this is all there is, and you're unhappy. You look around, at your life, and every Sunday you take stock. I went to work. I came home. I sat on the couch and maybe I ate a nice meal and played a great game with the kids and watched television and at one stage I went outside and sat. The sun was lovely and warm. And I worked and worked and worked. And yet still. This is all there is?

This question is written on every human heart. And it is not just written. It is chiseled. It’s right in there, in the beating core. It’s one of those questions that can never be answered - and yet, it already has. If you’ll let it.

What I am speaking of is this - the ‘grass is always greener’ attitude that is commonplace in the society of today. I think we all have it. Even those of us who write blogs on the subject. And a lot of the time, the way that grass looks is not only greener, but more true. Often it is not another person who has this grass, and makes us feel envious in comparison (though this definitely happens). Often what we gaze at is the imagined grass of our ideal future.

It sounds like this - ‘Man, I can’t wait until I am in a relationship’ or, ‘Man, I can’t wait until I get a good car. This car is the worst! It always breaks down!’ or, ‘Man, I can’t wait until I get out of this relationship.’ or, ‘Man, I really want to be in a relationship with God. I can’t wait until that happens’ or, ‘Man, I can’t wait until the holidays! My stress levels are crazy. I really need a break’.

This drive to imagine an ideal future is never satisfied. Not ever. Even when we’re in a relationship, have the greatest car, are on holiday, have a million dollars and a resort to spend the rest of our lives in. Even then. And yes. Even when we are in relationship with Christ. Even then. Our ideal dreams are never realised. We never seem to be able to walk onto the grass. You have all this stuff? Great! Feel satisfied? Or do you now continue to work toward a different type of grass?

The only way to get to the position in our lives where we are finally standing on that beautiful grass is this - there is no damn grass. There never will be. Once we can accept this fact we can look down, beneath our feet. The grass there may be mottled and in need of a mow. There may be a few weeds - but as soon as we stop comparing with that super grass of the future, the one beneath our feet tends to look a bit brighter.

I implore all of you reading this to look, right now, beneath your feet. And I don’t just mean in that wishy washy ‘be thankful for what you have’ mindset. That mindset is all well and good, and I encourage you in it. What I am after is something a little more substantial, something a little firmer to stand on. Because we lose that perspective so easily. We lose it in the day to day. It is easy to forget the blessings that we have.

What I implore of you is, once you have looked beneath your feet, stay there, and experience it.

If we keep looking to the future all we end up doing is arriving at the end of our lives with a startled look on our face. ‘That’s it? Wait. Where’s that green grass? I haven’t arrived yet!’ One day folks there will be no more future for us to look forward to. One day it will simply be the end. And then what have we enjoyed? What have we lived? Where have we been? We may have been around the world, experienced all that life has to offer - but were we present for it? Did we truly experience it?

The grass is greener right now folks. Just look down.

Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Not this is the future the LORD has made - nor, this is the ideal pasture, over there, some place apart from us. This is the DAY the LORD has made. So let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let us start experiencing the present. Walk a little slower. Don’t rush. It’s okay. Things won’t fall apart. Notice the sky above you, the concrete beneath your feet, the smell of certain things.

Be present folks. It’s the super grass. Trust me.

Take this scripture, which I hope is illuminated in a different light for you.

Luke 12:15-21 - Speaking to the people, he went on; “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.”

Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’

“Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods - who gets it?;

“That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”

That last sentence could also be phrased this way - "That's what happens when you fill your barn with FUTURE and not with PRESENT" God is here with us, in the here and now, in the PRESENT. He is not waiting for a certain set of criteria to be met before He's ready for us to be intimate with Him. He is not in some distant greener grass, way in the distance, in the FUTURE of our lives. He wants to love us NOW, and enjoy us, as much as we long to enjoy him.

Start talking to Him now. Waste no time on this. Start experiencing, and enjoying, God in the every day. He's ready there, waiting. Listen.

Don't get to the end of your life and have missed a second of it.

Ben

Something fun...

2010-10-12T10:38:00.000+10:00

iTunes, yup we're there too!

2010-10-07T09:01:00.003+10:00

Well, we are spreading out all over the internet... We now have a podcast on iTunes... How cool is that! To get to it click here, OR on our itunes link in the right side bar!

How awesome is the internet?!

GUEST BLOGGER: Carolyn

2010-09-23T14:39:00.003+10:00

The Story of the Rose that nearly wasn’t!

Do you ever have those moments when you feel ashamed of a thought you have had or an action taken? Well I had one of those last Friday, fortunately I felt ashamed (convicted) of my initial thought and quickly recalculated my action. After the past weekend at Sheer Beauty I am so grateful to the Holy Spirit for His gentle promptings that allow us to recalculate (providing we are listening of course! Sometimes I do, sometimes I push it away!)

So let me explain what I’m going on about! I must just point out that you really had to be there, at Sheer Beauty, to fully understand my gratitude to the Holy Spirit for His prompting. I was rushing around on Friday morning getting the last few things for the Sheer Beauty Retreat. I always tell myself that I will be completely packed and not be doing any last minute shopping on the actual day of a major event, but it somehow never works out that way!

Anyway back to Friday’s shopping – Leigh asked me on Thursday evening if I could organise a red rose for the weekend – hence the reason for the Friday morning shopping! (okay not the only reason, I did pick up a few other items as well- Cherry Ripes and other necessities!).

I had decided I’d pop into a florist and buy a single red rose as requested. Whilst I was in Coles buying the Cherry Ripes I noticed they had bunches of red roses on sale – two bunches for $16. They looked fine, just your normal small, short stemmed supermarket variety. I decided that I’d check out the florist and if the single rose was too exorbitant in price I’d duck back to Coles to buy the “$16 special”, after all I need to be a good steward etc. I’d even figured out what to do with the remaining 23 roses from the bunches. We had three Life House girls with birthdays over or near the weekend, (Krystal, Leanne and Chelsea). So my great plan was to split the remaining roses and give them to the girls at the retreat. I’m feeling a cringe factor just writing about this prudent plan to save a few dollars, in light of what I know now about that rose! Can anyone feel my shame!!

Anyway back to my story, with that plan B tucked into my head off I drove to the florist thinking it would be a pain to have to drive all the way back to the centre should the florist prove too expensive, but, mindful of being a good steward, I was prepared to make that sacrifice should I have to!

I walked into the florist and inquired whether or not they would sell me a single red rose. I then asked the price. Upon hearing that it was double the figure I’d decided to allow myself to pay I said thanks but no thanks (not that bluntly of course!)

I had not even reached the door when I felt ashamed of myself and my thoughts at that point were, “This is for my King, The King of Kings and I’m haggling over a measly few dollars, it is not too much for Him, He deserves the best, the most costly is not too costly to bring to Him. I am not taking to Him a “two for one Cole’s special”!. I repented, walked back in and said I’d take the beautiful single, long stemmed rose.
Having had no idea what that rose would be used for those of you who were there are fully understanding by now why I am so grateful for those thoughts that allowed me to recalculate my actions and walk back into that shop aren’t you ? Imagine David standing up there with a rose with a 15cm stem and the three birthday girls having handfuls of the same!

To try to describe what that rose represented is beyond me, I read this in a book by Shelly Beach and it gives a faint glimpse into what happened with that rose-

“He pressed my face so close to His own that I finally saw glimmers of my real self for the very first time reflected in His eyes.”

Carolyn

Sheer Beauty- Story number two

2010-09-20T08:04:00.001+10:00

This weekend has been powerful, awakening, life giving, uplifting, exhilerating, empowering, and also hard. I came home spent.

Our King, our Lord, our Warrior, our Saviour, our Brother, our Friend, our Lover came for each one of us. He comforted, embraced and engulfed our hearts.

I have never, in my life, experienced ANYTHING more special, more heart awakening, than this weekend with Leigh, Misty and all the ladies who joined me on this journey into healing.

Between the message Leigh carries from God, to the messages given straight from His mouth to my heart, I am devastated, broken and bruised but also healing. I am alive again, awakened to Him. The fire rekindled. He showed up, He asked the questions "I am here, will you choose me? Do you want to reign with Me? It will cost you everything...". He made His heart vulnerable to me, and in turn I made mine vulnerable to Him. I chose Him. I chose to say yes to His invitation to reign with Him.

I will run the race to my finish line, I will spend it all and die in His arms, I will sow here and reap in the heavenlies. I will wait for my Revelation 19 dress, I will wear the better-than-armani shoes of the Gospel of Peace. My fragrance will not be $500 an ounce, but it will be the most precious life of Christ. I may not ever have fancy jewelry, but I will be jeweled there. I will meet Him bare foot, barely breathing, in tatters, clothes ripped and worn. I will have spent everything I have. I am a princess on the way to my throne.

I AM destined to Reign.

Sheer Beauty 2010

2010-09-19T19:18:00.001+10:00

I am finally home and able to blog about this amazing weekend. I didn't want to miss telling you things as I recalled them, so I sat down this morning and wrote some stuff, then after the final session I wrote more and just now since being home I wrote more. This is a long post, so settle in and see how God has moved in my life this weekend. There will be hopefully MANY more stories to come from this weekend, so keep an eye out for them too.

(Written at morning tea time today)

WOW!!! How awesome, amazing and searing has this past weekend been for us ladies at Sheer Beauty!
I know searing seems like an odd word to describe the weekend but for me it was extremely searing. The words that Leigh Barkalow spoke came straight from God to me with the delivery of very sharp and fiery arrow right to my heart, my core. Pain I have pushed down for so long has threatened all weekend to spill out completely. I know that over the next few days and weeks I will need to allow that overflow to come. The tears that I've desperately tried to hold back have started to defy me and escaped my eyes.
For a long while God has been sending me an invitation. Persistently asking me to dance with Him. I keep replying "YES!"to Him, however my feet remain frozen on the spot, the fear of pain too great.

We were reminded this weekend that we have to be trained and then run the race that's been set. I must make my feet move, I must run to Him, my finish line. I must sacrifice my all, my life, my heart and my being to become His queen.

I've understood that He's restored my ashes to beauty, and made me a princess and that has been a free gift. However, to become the Queen, I must sacrifice everything. It takes training, hard work, endurance and for me, most of all it means moving my feet from their "stuck" position and wading through the pain and ache in my heart. The experience of this past weekend and having Leigh speak to us and even dance in front of us for God (yes dance, oh my it was awesome) has been amazing.

Thank you soooo much Leigh (and Misty) for the sacrifices that you have made to come and share with us. Also, thank you Jenny and Carolyn for making this weekend happen.

Now it's just up to me to allow my tears to dissolve the glue sticking my feet to this spot...

(Written after the final session)

OK! So we have just had our last session and WOWSERS!!! How to explain the finale? Well I am not sure I can but I can tell you that we had, in true feminine style - a Rose Ceremony. To try and explain that is a bit difficult hopefully someone can explain it in a later post, and to tell you what went on is also difficult as it was different for each of us. But for me, I was anointed with oil, and prayed over and told to go and reign as our name that we've been given says - "Designed to Reign".

This was also a time where the tears started to flow! My, oh my, did they flow. The pain and the hurt that had been stuffed down so deep for so long began to boil up and over and come out in tears. Fresh, healing, relieving tears. Then when the tears started to subside, someone would hug me or ask me what God had said to me, or I would ask what God had said to them and with every hug, look, story or word, new tears would flow.

The sounds of the sobs and the fragrance from the oil filled the room and the love of God, and the love for our sisters in Christ was so powerful and overwhelming that no one really wanted to leave. It will be a memory and moment that will last for a long time.

(Written tonight before starting to blog)

I just remembered, that during the midst of the final session time, a lady whom I had not actually had the chance to speak with over the weekend (and I didn't know) came across the room and said to me, "God told me to tell you from Him, "I love you, I love you, I love you."" As she said this she embraced me and a beautiful, warm embrace, then she handed me a note and said that God had also told her to give it to me.

After she left I opened the note and read it. However it wasn't until I got home that I realised that the page had writing on both sides and to my amazement, there were words on there that God had already shown me or spoken to me.

What an amazing God! What an amazing weekend!

We have some great photos to come from Sheer Beauty so stay tuned for those, but most of all look out for the changes coming to the women of Life House! What a powerful force to be reckoned with - women who are... "DESTINED TO REIGN!"

Anyone else excited much?

2010-09-16T13:45:00.021+10:00

One more sleep... I feel like a kid at Christmas...
Tomorrow, at around 2pm I will be picked up, to meet up with Debb and a couple of other friends at her house. We will then head off for a leisurly afternoon tea somewhere lovely. Then, when finished there we will carry on to Camp Somerset for our Sheer Beauty conference.
As I said to Lena this morning, I dont know what I am more excited about... time spent with the ladies who are going, hearing the message Leigh has for us, time spent with God away from normal day to day distractions, or just being on "holiday". Not to mention the food... This is such a unique experience for me, and its ALL very exciting!

Debb here, I too am totally pumped!!! I don't have any other expectations of the weekend, only the expectation that God will show up! I just hope I can sleep tonight with the anticipation...

No doubt you will hear from us after the weekend is over, and you will hear from other guest bloggers too... SO see you on the other side! Have a great weekend, whatever it is you will be doing!

GUEST BLOGGER: Lena talks about the Fete.

2010-09-16T13:01:00.000+10:00

After much advertising, counting down and a little bit of organising the Bray Park Primary School Fete Day was finally upon us. We woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed thankful that the spring weather had sprung and quickly packed the car full of exciting goodies to set up one fabulous stall.

We arrived on site to see Fete preparations well underway. After a quick study of the map and a quick chat to Bray Park's amazing fete coordinator, Ben and I set off to set up one fun and amazing stall. I mean, who doesn't love a jumping castle!!

With the Life House crew arriving one by one we quickly had the jumping castle filling with air, shade set up and the banner tied on. The Life House stall was complete and it was time to move the crew into preparing for what would become the most important stall of the day. The chips and dagwood dog stall!!

We flew around fetching chips, 'dogs', cheerios, heating devices, setting up signs, preparing gloves, figuring out how on earth does one cook these heart stopping snacks! As more members of the crew arrived they were sent out to lend a hand to our cooking comrades to serve some great burgers.

Then at last came the sounds we all had been waiting for, the official opening of the Fete. Taking a big breath, we charged into the unleashed chaos that didn't seem to end until our happy fete attendees had chomped their way through the entire chip and dagwood dog stockpile many hours later.

Those who ducked out on a quick break got to visit some great stalls, there was a second hand book stall, a plant stall, some great rides, an animal farm, arts and craft stall and so much more.

A quick visit to the jumping castle showed kids crawling all over having great fun and opportunities galore for the Life House crew to meet some of the Bray Park Primary School community.

As the sounds of the crowd began to recede it was time to pack up and trundle home. With our stalls all packed up some very tired crew members received some very grateful thanks from the Bray Park Community. It was a great day, lots of fun and hard work and it was very exciting to get out there meet the school community and to give them a hand.

A big thanks to everyone who helped out at the Fete last Saturday. Your hard work is certainly appreciated.

Lena

SHEER BEAUTY

2010-09-10T07:19:00.002+10:00

Hi gorgeous girls

Seven sleeps to go!! We are now on the final countdown for Sheer Beauty. If you want to know the EXACT time down to the second check out the cool countdown clock on the right hand side of this blog!

We (the Life House girls) are so excited and are looking forward to hosting you all at Sheer Beauty.

I believe that God wants to do some shifting and realigning of identities and I ask that during the week ahead you allow the Holy Spirit to begin preparing your hearts to receive what our Father has for you.

We girls hold many different roles at the same time – daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend.... This weekend is about you as daughter- not only your first role in life but your true identity- Daughter of the King!

You are a beloved, cherished daughter and this is what I trust you will come away from the weekend knowing and more importantly, BELIEVING!

Love

Carolyn xxx

Not long now!

2010-09-08T10:11:00.000+10:00

According to the counter on the right, in 8 days, 13 hrs and some minutes and seconds, we are off to Somerset Dam... eep, (picture in my head is a group of giggling school girls, jumping up and down with excitement).
I cant wait to spend some time away from everything and focus in on my relationship with God!
Its going to be awesome!

Break in transmission...

2010-09-08T09:38:00.000+10:00

Hi all, sorry its taken so long to write up here. I've not been well, and have been taking some time out to recover. I am finally over the worst, and it seems that I am feeling alot better on waking up this morning than the last few mornings.

While I was out of action, my poor hubby picked up the slack, doing washing and dishes and things for me and yesterday it all came to a point that I felt guilt and shame at my lack of doing "motherly duties". For the first time in I dont know how long, I had some sick days, and I was being whispered to. That I was a lazy loser. One mum who cant cope with the kids, and the house. Someone who shouldnt be all that she is because she cant handle it. I had argument points come into my head, for when Baz got home and asked if I had done something (anything). I felt the anger welling as I thought of his accusing eyes rolling when he asked if I had done the washing, and all the snapping and defensive reactions I would do back to him. I pictured the fight I would have with him. I organised what I would say in my mind, about all the things I do, and accuse him of not being supportive. As I stood in my kitchen over the sink, smoldering this anger over the dishes, I looked out the window and I heard the still small voice asking me "Is this what you want your husband to come home to?".

In that moment, I stopped my tirade of angry thoughts, I rebuked them. I thought to myself "this is not what I want for us, this is not the way I want to welcome him home' I reviewed all the things Baz has done for me over the last week, I saw that he was supportive, and helpful. I saw that I too had done some hard yards. And that what we have is a partnership. If one is lame, the other is there to lean on. And in the middle of my kitchen, I prayed a prayer of thanks for this man. For our family.

So, my thought for today is...

When you are in your most vulnerable state, do you forget to pray? Do you have a pity party, and try to invite everyone into the action?

I have been so lacking in my spiritual life over the last few days, and I feel that is the crack in my defense that the enemy used to get at me. Dont let the poison from the enemy seep into your heart... he roams seeking whom he may devour, and he will use any weakness to his advantage.

GUEST BLOGGER- Sam McKee

2010-08-31T20:40:00.004+10:00

Get up and Go!

On Sunday I ran the Bridge to Brisbane. My goal had been to run up the bridge, down the bridge and any thing after was a bonus. I hadn’t trained apart from the weekly game of soccer, but I figured I’d give it my best shot.

So after a very early start, I found myself waiting impatiently for the pros, semi-pros and fit people to start so that I could get going. What surprised me is that after about 5 minutes you set up a rhythm and it gets easier. Along the way the organisers had put signs every 200m telling you how far you’d run. If it wasn’t for these, I think I would have stopped at the 3 or 4km mark. But each time I neared a sign, there was another one just ahead. I kept telling myself “Just to the next one, just to the next one.” I ended up running 6.6km straight!

I found myself reflecting afterwards that running Bridge to Brisbane is a bit like our lives. Setting up good routines (like getting up that bit earlier to have a decent amount of time with God) can be hard at first, but once the routine is settled it gets easier! We have one goal – Jesus! He gives us a step at a time, and while that can be frustrating sometimes, I’m sure we’d be overwhelmed if we knew all of what’s ahead on our journey.

Also on Sunday Lena spoke for the first time and she was brilliant! She spoke about one of her big passions – Prayer. There were too many little gems spoken to list them all here, but one that stuck out for me was about asking God how much time He wants us to spend on a specific prayer point. I know that I have often been guilty of moving on just a little too soon and not really sticking it out and wrestling with that thing God wants me to pray about. But if I can stick it out in a fun run, I sure as anything can stick it out in something a lot more important - prayer!

Sam

P.S. Check out the Life House Daily Prayer - it’s powerful!

GUEST BLOGGER: Richard Wheaton

2010-08-30T20:47:00.000+10:00

PRAYER...

What is it about prayer? I either don’t pray or I don’t know how to pray. Probably a bit of both. I know, for me, the Lord has been challenging me to step up in prayer over the last few weeks. Lena spoke on prayer on Sunday and I wanted to jump up and shout “Yes!” A few times, but my former Baptist background held me back. I did nod a few times and if you were sitting close by you may have heard a whispered “Yes!” occasionally.

I could not believe how much Lena crammed into that message. It was not just theory of prayer, it was practised. I have heard her pray and wow, if I were not on God’s side I would get out of the way pretty quick when she is in full flight.

When to pray, how to pray, what to pray and to top it all off at the end, she hands out a prayer in case you couldn’t think of one.

I think the approach I have used for a lot of my life could be best summed up in the words “shopping list praying”. For many believers, praying is just too hard or it takes up too much time. Well, according to Lena (and the Bible by the way) it’s got to be praying without ceasing. She says this prayer she handed out was not just a nice “bless me” prayer but would be a declaration of all the Lord said to us during Selah last year. This prayer is, quite frankly dangerous when it is prayed daily. Look out all you enemies of God.

Why would people pray when they think nothing is happening? Lena reminded us that Daniel started praying and prayed for some time before the answer became a reality. Maybe we give up too early. Who knows what defeats have occurred in the heavenlies because we gave up or just stopped before the answer got to us? It made me think about how soon I stop praying for something and just “leave it to God.” Yes, there are some things we need to roll over onto the Lord, but most of the time, as Lena reminded us, we need to be asking, seeking and knocking while the answer is coming, just like Daniel.

What could we, as a church, achieve for God? I think the story Lena told at the start of her message about how the Lord moved in power could happen here and many could be swept into the kingdom if we would pray how the Lord wants us to. The point that she made about asking God what He wanted us to pray is essential. If we pray what is on His heart He will bring it about. It is all about Him. Lena reminded us that the focus we need is to be on the Lord and His glory, not the situation. I will be waiting on God more for how to pray in the future, because He knows how He wants us to pray and He is willing to tell us.

I have read a lot of books on prayer where the authors share how they pray or maybe how others pray, but each of us is unique and needs to pray in the way the Lord has designed us to. That was a revelation.

Thank you Lena for sharing so much of what was on your heart and, I believe, what is on the Father’s heart with us on Sunday. I look forward to hearing of you being asked to go and speak on this topic again (or in fact any topic) in other places. You are such a natural up there behind that pulpit. Go girl!

Richard

Exasperation

2010-08-29T21:29:00.001+10:00

Back story- My kids are good kids, usually. They have their good days and bad, just like any other family. Not that long ago I confiscated all of my kids toys, after a threat to do so left me no choice.
"Put these toys away, or I will do it and you won't see them for a week". (By the way, so doesn't work!) "OK mummy, you do it." was the answer I got. So they were put away.

I'm left wondering, as I sit here writing this amongst the toys left out from a days worth of playing, if God feels the same way about me as I do with my children. Love them above most everything else, joyful at their returned love, but also sometimes exasperated...

I come to Him in prayer for things, people, situations, journeys in my everyday life. But I find excuses for not just sitting with Him. I know that He wants that from me, and, when I think about it, I do too. But I still find the excuses. I use this one a lot: "I should do some journaling, or some bible study... oh I'm too tired for that" then I'll sit and watch the TV for an hour or 2.

I know that God is patience, but sometimes I wonder if He looks down at me shaking His head in loving bewilderment (no, I don't think God can be bewildered really, this is my own inner reasoning and my comparison between Him and my life). You know the moments in your life you've looked back on, and you yourself shake your head in disbelief that you didn't listen to what God was saying, or you heard it and flat out refused. Where you tried digging your heels in only to be dragged along kicking and screaming. (as I'm sure you, who are parents, have dealt with your children like this at shops, in hair salons, in the grocery store, the list is endless)

The worst part for me is that when I do spend time with Him, I come away so much more at peace and refreshed and yet its still a war to sit and be with Him, even for just a few moments. I pray often during the day, about anything I am thinking about, but sometimes I forget to download some from Him. He is rest and peace, and I forget about refreshing my spirit in His.

Have you experienced this kind of struggle? Is it a daily fight like mine?

26 Second Challenge - Destiny Rescue

2010-08-26T15:51:00.000+10:00

Make A Difference!!! - 26 Revealed!!!

2010-08-24T08:42:00.002+10:00

I am so excited! Today I recieved this in the post!

(Ok, so this one is actually Krystal's - but she took such a great photo! And yes, she got her's today too!)

This is what all the 26 mystery was about.

I, that is, we - Krystal and I, have taken the challenge to stop child trafficking and want to challenge you to do the same.

Every 26 seconds a child is sold or forced into the sex trade.

Every 26 seconds a new child is taken from their home and family and forced to have sex with multiple customers every day of the week. One new child every 26 seconds!

To think that this goes on in our day and age is unacceptable to us and we have decided to do something about it. We have joined the 26 second challange to rescue these children and to prevent others from being recruited or bought.

Just this week we bought a 26 second challenge necklace and took the challenge to keep on telling the truth about child trafficking until at least 2 others have bought a necklace and commit to the same as we have. (That is, the challenge is 2 others each- just so you're sure)

Destiny Rescue is working to stop child trafficking, they are going into villages and towns raising awareness about the tricks of the trade, they are going undercover into brothels, finding and rescuing these children. Destiny Rescue's vision is to end child slavery in our lifetimes - this is a bold dream we want to invest into!

All we have to do is join the challenge. We already have! Join with us and be one who can wear the 26 second necklace (or dogtag for men) with pride, knowing that we did not sit idly by as these children were abused - we did something!

To find out more about this challenge and join up with me go to www.destinyrescue.org/26seconds .

The other really exciting thing about supporting Destiny Rescue is that this is an organisation and cause that the Ministers Fraternal in our area are supporting. There will be a....

FREE Community Event to

Make a Stand Against

Child Slavery and Human Trafficking

Rescue the sexually exploited

Protect the vulnerable

Restore the abused

Empower the poor

Be a voice

Saturday 6th November

Strathpine Community Centre

Gympie Road

Strathpine

5:30pm Sausage Sizzle

6:30-7:30pm Presentation

PG Recommended

What the Lord has done in me.

2010-08-22T15:00:00.006+10:00

I know you haven't heard much from me in the past few weeks, but I am back and I need to let you know about what the Lord has done in me.
To explain a bit first, I need to go back to last June. We were expecting our second child, which we were so very excited about (of course), however after just a few short weeks we lost our baby to miscarriage. Then, in December, we again were expecting and were trying hard not to be anxious about what might happen. We again lost this baby. So, after counselling, tears and time with the Lord, He finally gave me some answers whilst away on "The Calling" retreat in June. Then, in the lead up to Boot Camp I again found myself in the Emergency Room of the same hospital I had been twice before, only this time it wasn't a miscarriage but an ectopic pregnancy.

Why do I tell you all this, because through all of this people have been telling us how strong we are and I can tell you friends, we have not felt strong at all. Although, through all of these past few weeks I have felt blessed, amazingly ok and able to see things more clearly due to speaking more with God!

So, when my lovely husband just put on some music and the song "Hosanna" came on. The words really spoke to me today, as if for the first time.

Let the weak, say I am strong,
Let the poor say I am rich,
Let the blind say I can see,
It's what the Lord has done in me.

It is TOTALLY what the Lord has done is us!!!

I also wanted to share with you all the names we have given to our children which now reside with their maker. Our first was Macy Faith - which means Gift of God and Faith which is what we felt was the gift God gave us (more faith). The second was Amala Hope, which means Hope, Hope, because we still had extra hope. This last baby we have named Patience Joy - (tears still come as I write this) because in light of all that we have learnt at home and church we have paitience in the Lord and Joy because we want to consider it pure Joy when we go through these trials.

Psalm 126:5

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

P.S. I haven't told you all of this so you can feel sorry for me, or for you to have to say anything to me about it all, I simply wanted to share what God has done in me/us and for you to marvel at how awesome our God really is, and hopefully feel spurred on to have the same hope and faith that we do in Him.

Patience... do I HAVE that?

2010-08-19T11:30:00.002+10:00

Last time church met, David spoke about this fruit. And David's sermons seem to be SCREAMING out revelation for me. Sometimes I wonder if I really am as patient and calm as I ought to be. I sometimes catch myself getting frustrated at my situation, and/or someone close to me. Over the last few years, the feeling of waiting on my husband was a big thing for me. I waited, sometimes patiently, sometimes not so... I re-read all my journals from the time I learnt to do so in the HOW TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE conference, and even there I was waiting and being given promises.

God has come through for me, like I knew in my head he would, but I can now say I am a true believer in waiting, waiting for God's timing, because His timing is perfect!

PS, The things that stood out for me during David's sermon

The first big thing was that there are 3 different kinds of desert experiences:
1, Holy Spirit led - you are to learn from
2. Enemy attacks - you are to fight
3. Your sin - you are to repent.

Then that there is a place called Mount Trial, its where Godly patience is grown, and we are climbing up that mountain when we are on our journey through life. In James 1 is an explanation of trials and tribulations, and how we are to "consider it pure joy" to go through these things, in order to cultivate patience.

And then there was the difference between the worlds view, and godly view of patience. Passivity and patience... people say be patient, but they mean be passive, and being passive means you are not active and become submissive. Satan wants us to be passive, in order to make us ineffective Christ followers.

Jesus spits out this kind of patience, in Revelation 3:16.

Gods kind of patience= endurance, undergoing hardship and standing, staying power, persistance, unrelenting fortitude and with a sound mind. It means being active.

DAVID'S WARNING- "Being impatient, or intolerant of your situation, you will stand to lose your call, your ministry, your life and possibly even your salvation." The lesson you learn from it is to stand, to endure, and grow your character to be more like Jesus (as in James 1:2-4). He is raising us up to reign with Him. God gives us the strength to produce this fruit. We dont have to do it alone.

The 7 areas we learn patience:

Trials and tribulations
Endurance- steadfastness Jam 1:12
Service
Chastisement
Undeserved affliction
Doing good
Bearing fruit

Ask yourself these 3 questions

1 What am I facing right now?

2. Am I under attack?

3. Have I sinned?

and go from there.

And one final question:

What tree are you? Jude 1:12- Autumn tree, or Psalm 1:3- planted by the stream.

BOOT CAMP 2010 - David's Story

2010-08-16T22:20:00.007+10:00

What is the sign of a good Boot Camp?

Having a quiet time with God, on the side of a hill, with an icy wind blowing up the hill and making the trees sing. Watching other men of God scattered around, sitting and waiting on the Most High!

Or like a friend of mine said, “As you know, volume and laughter tells a lot about any event. There was plenty of both. In my humble opinion, I think that every man there would have enjoyed himself and been powerfully spoken to. If it didn’t fire them up, then they were either: - (a) dead, (b) non Christian or (c) there because their wives told them to be.” LOL!

Or tears as God touched men’s lives!

Or sensing the anointing of God and His move as He began to stir the Warrior Heart of each man present!

Or, as this was my 3^rd Boot Camp, and my 3^rd round of having gone through the DVD Series “The Band of Brothers”, still walked away with God ministering to my heart!

It was all this and more...

This year has been a very tough year for our small church. This Boot Camp is a testimony to our God and His faithfulness, in blessing us and granting us His favour, and so for me the greatest sign of a good boot camp, specifically this one, was the honour of being blessed by the presence of the Most High God, to Him be all praise and glory!

As one of the speaking team, I felt honoured in many ways. Being part of a company of men at Life House! Being able to represent our God before such a company of men who attended the camp! Knowing that as each man goes home; he has taken a step closer to being like his commander, Jesus Christ.

Another honour that is beyond words, is being able to share the pulpit with my son, I could only watch in admiration at what God has done in his life thus far, and give thanks to Him for having the privilege of seeing this young man begin this ministry. Throughout my ministry, as he grew up, I deliberately never pushed him into the ministry, even though I knew he had the call of God to minister into the church of Jesus Christ. So having seen him ‘encounter’ God, and come to this point, my gratitude, which is insignificant in comparison to the deed, and it goes out to my Heavenly Father.

Our team at Life House is young (there are a few older grey ones- but oh so mighty too). My Boys! Young Lions! I am so proud of them, and what and how they are stepping up and stepping into God and His Kingdom. To see them out and about on this mission, was a mixture of feeling ranging from pride to humility at the blessing of God on their lives. They have truly begun to understand the commission.

The final sign of a good Boot Camp, is hearing men, both spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted say they are coming to the next one and that they can’t wait for it to come around! Not only that, but they will bring in another man, captive by the enemy, and present him to the Lord to be set free (Jn 10:10).

Yes, I can’t wait for Fight Club Boot Camp June 2011, even though I am spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted.

It was a Good Camp!

BOOT CAMP - Chris Walter's Story

2010-08-16T22:10:00.004+10:00

Written Friday night during Fight Club's Boot Camp 2010. - By Chris Walters.

As I sit during a "covenant of silence", while looking out over Somerset Dam, I am truly amazed at how God's glory has been displayed over this weekend already. Even in more powerful and breathtaking ways than the sight of the golden sun setting behind a silhouette of tree filled mountains. It's enough to take ones breath away.

As I sit reflecting, I am prompted to share with you, my church family the thoughts that stir in my heart.

The first thing that strikes a chord in my heart is the pride of seeing/experiencing a new group of men bring the "Wild at Heart" message to Fight Club's second boot camp. Although we are only half way through the weekend, these men have delivered a world-class boot camp. Their words have pierced hearts and allowed room for God, our true Father to come and speak to us all, individually.

One thing that has stood out to me has been to see how many places the men have travelled from to experience Boot Camp, and many for the first time. The Gold Coast, Ipswich, Warwick, Chinchilla and North Brisbane, I don't think I have missed any. There is a fair chunk of South East Queensland covered here! I have had the privilege of speaking to many of these men and listening to their stories. Stories of what God has revealed throughout the weekend, wounds, agreements and names. God has already brought so much clarity to their worlds. They are being impacted, and greatly! There are lives being changed, mine included, for the better. The thing that really excites me is the thought that this will be noticed as they go back into their matrix, into their everyday life. The story here is growing. Life House's role in this is growing. This larger story is being revealed, bit... by... bit...

This weekend has given me a chance to reflect on how far I have come as a man over the last 3 years, and especially over the last year. To have continued the way I was going, as a passive, checked out man, would have been detrimental to not only myself but also my wife. Much of my thankfulness goes to John Eldridge and his team, for presenting the gospel in such a way that it comes alive. To that I am indebted.

As for this weekend, God has shown up to reveal more of a wound that needed further and deeper healing. I am now at a stage where, when God brings up a wound that I thought I had already dealt with, I am not suprised. I just understand that he wants the healing to go deeper as I go into the next stage of my journey. It hurt to go back into the wound, but as the Father spoke in the truth to replace the lie, the pain subsided, and the warrior heart grew some more.

Then, to my utter amazement, flowing out of this wound, God has given me a new name! A name of which has humbled me, I would even go as far as saying that it has scared me. The other names that God has given me I have found easy to accept. This name, however, has taken me aback. We do have a God that speaks to our very core.

I look forward to the rest of the weekend. It can only keep growing from here!

By the way, women, don't miss Sheer Beauty. In the words of Molly Meldrum, "Do yourself a favour....".

Chris

Men, let us know your story of the weekend. We know there are many more out there!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

2010-08-16T08:51:00.001+10:00

Our men have come home!

Welcome home men!

The one story I have heard so far, gives me much hope and joy for our future, our relationship, our kids! I am excited for the new man that has arisen from the ashes of the old, and the fire God has rekindled! Life here in Zschech house has begun a new course, one that I have waited for, for a long time!

Thank you Lord, for the stories that are unfolding, for the lives lifted, for the eyes and ears opened, for the hearts' journeys to health, for the fires rekindled, for the passion restored, for the relationships bonded, for the message you delivered, and for the men who recieved it!

Welcome home warriors!

Boot camp is here...

2010-08-12T16:22:00.001+10:00

All the boys who are going to boot camp, should have left by now. I am excited that my hubby is going, and that he was rather anxious about his ride being later than he predicted. This, to me, was a sign that he really was excited about going!!

Right now I just pray they get there safely, and that God touches each and every man this weekend, revealing more of Himself to them, and more of who they are in Him! It warms my heart to think that Baz is able to go this time, and that he had planned on going since the end of last year.

For all the Girls who are staying behind, pray our men stay safe, and that Gods hand be on everyone associated with Boot Camp, that His protection be over the camp site, over each man, and over each mans family!

Cant wait to hear how it goes, and get some blogs from the men about their experiences!!!

GUEST BLOGGER: Jenny talks about Kids Hope!

2010-08-09T09:33:00.002+10:00

I’d love to think that everyone knows about ‘Kids Hope’, but I know that isn’t the case. For those who aren’t in the know - this wonderful program is headed up by World Vision and involves churches partnering with a local school to mentor kids ‘at risk’. The basis is one church - one school - one mentor for one child - one hour per week.

I began mentoring a 9 year old girl. For this little girl, her nine years had included many things that a child should never have to see, hear or endure. Those events had hugely impacted this little girl’s life in a very negative way. I thought I had something to offer her and could make a difference her life…. But what I could never have imagined, was how much difference she would make to mine! Meeting with her became so rewarding. She’d greet me with a gorgeous smile when I entered the classroom, jumping up immediately. Building relationships is the most important part of Kids Hope, and as schoolwork was really not her ‘thing’, we mostly just made things together. We did try to read each week, but often this meant I would read to her while she was crafting, and we grew to really enjoy each other’s company. A highlight for me was when her violin teacher told her that her lesson time had to be changed. This brought the instant response “I can’t come then, that’s my Kids Hope time!!!” There was no way she was going to miss out on our time together! Wow that made my heart sing! God was really using me with this kid, even though she didn’t know it.

I’d been mentoring for around six months when I was asked to take on the co-ordinator role. At first I thought ‘Yeah, I suppose I could do this - I’ve got the skills.’ God however, had other plans, and very quickly grew in me a real passion for Kids Hope that was not there before. I still find it hard to believe just how simple it is for us to positively impact the lives of these precious kids! The time spent (just one hour a week) with them, is a ‘gold plated’ investment in their long term potential.

At the end of the year, teachers are asked to complete a report on each of the children involved in the program, and the results are mind blowing! I was sooo excited to read how these kids had blossomed during the year - socially, emotionally and academically. Some kids are slower bloomers than others, but the overwhelming response was extremely positive. Kids Hope is all about building relationships. That’s the most important thing, but amazingly, we’ve seen flow on improvements in academic results even if no ‘work’ gets done in the hour!

My original Kids Hope child has now graduated from the program. I still get to catch up with her around school though. She still greets me with her beautiful smile, will often seek me out to tell me her latest bit of news and is still doing well. It would be awesome to see all our kids being mentored all the way through primary school, but the numbers of children in need of a mentor outstrips the number of available mentors.

I now have a new little friend - a boy in year two who has just turned eight. This week we declared a ‘no work session’ - in honour of his birthday! We had a fabulous time together and I’m just loving meeting with him each week.

In the words of Kids Hope…. I can be ‘Jesus with skin on’ to this little boy, and I thank God for the opportunity!

Jenny

For more info see World Vision's Kids Hope webpage here.

I wish....

2010-08-06T08:33:00.001+10:00

Her beauty, his money, their house, that job, that car….? Have you looked at something, and wanted it, and even wished it was yours?
Have you ever wished for something?

The last few years I have noticed my minds eye has been fixed on what I have, rather than what I haven’t. Yes I would love to have a house to call my own, and yes I would love the best of everything for my kids, and myself. But I am also aware that God has treasures for me, better than anything in the world, and I am storing those up in heaven. While I haven’t taken a vow of poverty, I do have some nice things; I also know that these things aren’t going with me into eternity.

I had some time to reflect upon what I have vs. what I haven’t got. I took stock of my life, my family. What I found was…. Amazing!

It’s not often that I get time like this, even in the bathroom I get interrupted with calls, “mum, I need…”, “mummy, where are you…”, “Hun…” So when I had the time to actually think about it, it surprised me. I am blessed beyond what I EVER thought I could be.

I have two happy, healthy children, and a husband that loves the three of us. I have a roof over my head; we have all the things we need to be comfortable, we have food for our bellies, running water that we don’t have to travel to get, its right there, in our taps! We live without physical “conflict” we aren’t in a war zone! We sleep comfortably; we wake up in the morning with choices… Thinking about this as I type I find more and more things that I am soo grateful for!

Sometimes in the day to day of life, with its ups and downs, we forget the things that matter, the things that make everyday worth waking up for… and the One who gifted them to us. Take some time now, reflect on what you have, change your perspective to focus more on the things you DO have, rather than what you don’t. It’ll change the course of your day, perhaps even your week, and who knows, maybe even your life!!

2010-08-04T08:31:00.000+10:00

CHRIS!!!!

(Picture from http://everythingaboutfood.net/ideas-for-birthday-cakes.html)

GUEST BLOGGER: Ben!!

2010-08-04T08:27:00.002+10:00

Mount Up

Recently God has placed upon my heart the need for rest. And resting properly. How many of us know how to do this, in Him? I struggle with it. I really do. Sure, I’ll feel physically rested. Sitting down on the couch can do that for me. And sure, I can feel rested emotionally - watching an engaging movie, or having a chat with Lena, can do those things for me. What I really struggle with, though, is being rested spiritually. Is this just me?

Even now I’m multitasking. I’m three places at once. It’s late at night and I feel as though I should be in bed. I am watching a DVD out of the corner of my eye, to check the timings for our conference coming up (I’m running the technical side of things). Beside this document I have a movie website forum running, about the television show Lost. And I am writing this.

On our boot camps I can find solace. The enforced quiet times I find very beneficial. But even that term makes me a little sad. Enforced. I need to be forced to remain still in Him? Why? It’s so awesome. I could do it every day.

God placed this scripture on my heart the other day -

Isaiah 40:31

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

They will mount up with wings like eagles if they wait on the Lord. Like eagles! I’m not sure what wings I mount up with nowadays. Wings made of two slices of stale, old bread. Wings made of just my arms. Whatever it is - I haven’t been waiting on the Lord, because spiritually I just don't feel well-rested.

So - how to practice this? I have no idea! I am slowly learning. I am finding, simply, that I need to start doing things more slowly. That’s right. Slow down! For instance, I tend to wake up, have breakfast, shower, brush teeth, jump in car, get dressed at some stage (preferably not in the car), and head to wherever I’m going. In the meantime I’m listening to music, watching movies, singing to myself. What I’m not doing is simply living - enjoying the simplicity of the moment I am in.

I find that life is enjoyed in the every moment. Not in the future - not where you might be heading. And not in the past. I find it’s unhealthy to live in both. I need to slow down, and even stop sometimes, and appreciate what it is that I’m doing in the every moment.

I had this in mind as I walked from one side of Uni to the other the other day. Normally I walk at breakneck speed - I put my iPod in, and I almost jog. Head down and zoom. When I get there I sit, and wait for the teacher, and check my emails on my phone, and think about what time I need to leave to pick up Lena from work, and think about my conference organizing... This time, though, I walked differently. I slowed down. To a snail’s pace. I was one of those annoying pedestrians who just dawdle. I did it on purpose. I made sure to not put in my iPod and insulate myself from the beauty that surrounded me. And there was such beauty that would have gone unnoticed! I noticed things such as young love - a couple holding hands and smiling at one another. The grass. The way the trees were swaying, the cool breeze on my back. I breathed. You know? I breathed.

God gave me at our last boot camp the image of the bird as one to be admired. During one of the enforced quiet times. I was sitting, being still, and a bird, very small and black, hopped on the log right beside me. And it didn’t move. I remained still. And the bird hopped there for what seemed like a forever. I smiled. And God said, ‘Remember.’ - and that was all. ‘Remember what?’ I asked, and all I got was a sense of Him smiling.

The thing that He has impressed upon me, over the course of the last year, is that birds are always in the moment. They never think about where their food will come from, or how sad they may be about an instant in their past. No. When they feed their babies, they enjoy it, they don’t lose it by being elsewhere all the time. I don't want to get to five years later look back and see none of what I did. Life is lived in the in-betweens.

I want to be like a bird. I want to be in the every moment.

Isaiah 40:31

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles...

Mount up with wings like eagles. I think that may be a metaphor for fierce bravery. I also think, that for me at least, it may mean something a little different as well...

Ben

2010-08-02T20:59:00.001+10:00

Happy Birthday Mum!!!

Lotsa love from

So far so good.

2010-08-02T17:08:00.001+10:00

I think we have done well to keep you coming back! :)

If you are reading, YES IM TALKING TO YOU, we love to hear your thoughts, ideas and comments, BUT we'd like to hear them first hand! Comment here, let US know what you are thinking, answer or ask a question. Give us something to keep us going!

Thank you to those who comment frequently! And thank you for continuing to visit!

AND

As the storm rages...

2010-08-02T13:16:00.003+10:00

...where do you find peace?

David spoke on this topic yesterday, and many things from those words stuck out for me.

What do the words peace and peaceful mean to you?

Before yesterday I never gave it much thought.

Dictionary.com says Peace = a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, esp. in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbours.

Or the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.

Or freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.

There are lots of definitions, I’ve found the best definition for me is:

Peace is the result of resting in a relationship with God. Peace is a tranquility, a state of rest, that comes from seeking after God, or, the opposite of chaos.

The word "peace" comes from the Greek word eirene, the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word shalom, which expresses the idea of wholeness, completeness, or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by the outward circumstances or pressures. The word eirene strongly suggests the rule of order in place of chaos. When a person is dominated by peace, he has a calm, inner stability that results in the ability to conduct himself peacefully, even in the midst of circumstances that would normally be very nerve-wracking, traumatic, or upsetting...Rather than allowing the difficulties and pressures of life to break him, a person who is possessed by peace is whole, complete, orderly, stable, and poised for blessing. (Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Rick Renner)

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no matter what the conflict.

The thing that really got to me though, is that peace does not mean you must be passive, a push over, or what the world tells us, as Christ followers, we should be, or should act like. Just because we are Christians does not mean that we are to be feeble, and meek.

Romans 16:20 says that God, the God of peace, will crush our enemy

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Does that fit with your view of peace?

We are to fight for it. Have you been in a spiritual storm, and found that you have "no time" for God, no time to rest and restore the peace? I have. You have to fight hard and sacrifice to keep that peace.

I have found that peace, I have found it when the storm is raging on all sides, and things are flying about, and lives are being turned upside down, and I found my peace in God. Looking to Him, and for Him in the midst of it all, in taking some time and making it His time, focusing in on Him and His Word.

So, I ask you again, where do you find your peace? Do you have peace in this tumultuous world?

GUEST BLOGGER: Anna!!!

2010-08-01T19:56:00.001+10:00

Whatever is Lovely

A couple of weeks ago I was feeling a little overwhelmed with the birth of my second child only days away. So far for me, it's been a hell of a year...and I don't say that in the throw-away, crass kind of way...I actually mean it's been a hell of a year. And though I knew the wonder and absolute consuming love that comes with having a baby, I also knew that my everyday life was about to get a whole lot more messy and complicated. Anxiety and deep-seeded dread started to build in me and as my heart tried to fight it, I could feel my spirit getting battle-weary. That is, until I heard these lyrics in a song...

Give me eyes to see more of who You are

Let what I behold still my anxious heart

Take what I have known and break it all apart

For You, my God, are greater still.

(The Greatness of Our God)

It was then that God quietly delivered this little diamond-encrusted revelation into my spirit - 'If you keep your eyes on my face, it all becomes simple. Fix your eyes on me.'

Immediately, the atmosphere became calm and steady and I knew that all impending circumstances could be waded through successfully if I allowed this revelation to simply graft itself into me. It was again confirmed to me in Carolyn and Chris's sermons the last couple of weeks, particularly when one of them spoke on this verse...

'8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.'

Phillippians 4:8

It goes on to say in verse 9...

'The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.'

And so I resolve to keep my eyes fixed on Him and on all things lovely...which brings me to share with you the most lovely of all lovely things...my beautiful, freshly 'hatched' daughter. To me, she is an absolute vision of purity and goodness. Looking at her makes my heart draw heavenwards...I hope this photo does something similar for you.

Love Anna

Who's holding your hand?

2010-07-30T12:09:00.001+10:00

(Image from weheartit.com)

As I sit here, thinking on the week that was, I thank God that I have him.

How did I go through 21yrs without knowing and leaning on Him?

I have had a whirlwind of ups, and crushing downs. BUT through all things He has been with me, showing me the joy in all situations. Bestowing peace on my heart, and strength in my spine. Helping me, guiding me, showing me glimpses and giving me hope. This all in the few years since I raised my hand and asked Him to rescue me.

I think about my time before God, and I see His hand in my life then too. Saving me without me really knowing He even existed. He had a plan, and that plan is still unfolding. I relate that to watching my kids, and how I feel when they go off course, and I feel the heart freeze that God must have felt, watching me fall in spiritual potholes and stumbling along not really knowing my direction.

I wonder now, about the direction my life is headed, and I hope that His face is beaming with love and compassion, as I start to follow His lead on my own two feet. Just like I do with my children, who are needing my assistance less and less. And just like them stumbling on cracks in the road, I know there may still be potholes that my feet will find, and I might even get a scrape or two or three, but I know... God will be holding my hand, and helping me back to my feet.

For I am the LORD, your God,
       who takes hold of your right hand
       and says to you, Do not fear;
       I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Who is holding YOUR hand??

GUEST BLOGGER: Carolyn Thomas!!!

2010-07-28T13:38:00.001+10:00

What sound do you make?

Today I was introducing the topic of sound to my year 3s as part of their science lesson. I duly placed the ruler on the edge of the desk and tapped it repeatedly to get the “twang” (I’m sure we all remember that one!). I then proceeded onto the elastic band, stretching it between my fingers then “plucking” it to make sound. We talked about the movement causing vibrations which created the sound. (Okay, all you Science Boffins – they are only 8 years old!)

Those simple illustrations made me think of the sound I make when there are vibrations in my life. During my sermon two weeks ago I made the statement that, “Our whinge point is not our actual threshold!” (speaking from personal experience of course !)

Vibrations are good right! They reflect movement, change. The only problem is that often we need to be tapped or stretched to get moving! So what is my sound, my response to the vibrations in my life? I hope I’m whinging less than I used to!

PS David sliced his finger down to (and including) the tendon last night as he was sharpening his “chef’s” knife to cut the roast – now there’s reason to whinge- cold roast! We are praising God for His protection as he did not slice into the tendon more than 10% so did not need surgery just stitching!

Carolyn

Fete Fever

2010-07-28T13:05:00.000+10:00

Come on down to Bray Park Primary School's Fete!

It's going to be a great day, full of fun and plenty of opportunities to meet the members of the Bray Park School community.

There's also a fantastic opportunity to help out, more info coming this Sunday!

Saturday 11 September 10am - 4pm Hopetoun St, Bray Park

More 26?

2010-07-27T21:55:00.000+10:00

What treasures do you have?

2010-07-26T12:55:00.001+10:00

As both Krystal and I were in Treehouse yesterday and the sermon wasn't being taped, I can't talk about what I learnt in there yesterday. However, I can tell you what we were discussing in Treehouse!

We talked about Matthew 6:19-21. Which says,

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth

and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy,

and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Both Krystal and I had fun explaining what "treasure" you could store in heaven and what you couldn't.

Trying to explain about the treasure in heaven was interesting. I would love to know other's thoughts on this.

What treasures are you storing up in heaven and how would you explain that to someone else?

Welcome to the newest member of our LH family!!!

2010-07-23T18:27:00.003+10:00

26?

2010-07-23T17:52:00.000+10:00

Hmmm.... Any thoughts?

So many things, so little words!

2010-07-22T15:14:00.003+10:00

I have so much going on in my head, that I just dont seem to have the words to share with you all.

Type type type... delete button. Type, type, type... delete, delete, delete. Nothing I write here seems right. I have blog writers block, and Im NOT liking it!

Have you ever had so much on your mind you dont know where to start, or how to start sorting through it?

Suffering and smells...

2010-07-19T18:06:00.003+10:00

A fresh new week has arrived. Whilst getting out of bed on a cold Winters Monday morning isn't the easiest, I hope that coming to check in here warms your heart.
Last week David talked about Joy and having it through trials, and yesterday Carolyn (his wife, for all who are unacquainted with her) talked about going through those trials and suffering. We did warn you in our blurb about our church that if you are into the lovely, nice, pew warming messages then we aren't that place. Carolyn led us to Romans 5:3&4 where it says,

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Carolyn talked about how not all struggles and trials we go through are from the enemy, and that sometimes God allows us to go through them, so that what the enemy means for our demise, if we respond correctly, God will use to build us. Another thing she said was to do with perseverance, she said that it is not originally in our spiritual life that we will develop it. It is almost always in our everyday life that we develop this. If we are faithful with the day to day little things then God will give us more and give it in our spiritual life.

Whilst I found every thing she said was great and as she spoke I took stacks of notes, when I got home last night I felt like I still wasn't quite getting something. You know the times when you are listening and trying to hear something in your soul and its just not getting there... that was where I was. I was also beginning to think that maybe I hadn't ever really gone through suffering, which I know isn't true, but what if the suffering I had been through wasn't really as big as what was to come. Panic was starting to set in a bit. So, I sat down and asked God what He was trying to say to me personally with all of this. He reminded me that Suffering isn't always a bad thing. He also reminded me that He had sustained me through many trials already and that those trials had been building character in me. The penny dropped. I also asked why I didn't feel like my character was much, to which He reminded me of a an agreement that I had made my whole life which only recently came to light. But that is another story....

One more thing I am pondering is attached to another verse Carolyn gave, 2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such task?

I was reminded today of this verse when we had a drain cleaned at our house, and the smell that resulted from it was just horrendous and I wondered if that was a deathly type smell. Whilst the verse indicates that being a death smell to someone is what we are meant to be, I am wondering if my fragrance of life smell is up to scratch? Like I said, still pondering. If you have extra insight to this verse I would love to hear it!

via weheartit

One more thing: I was told last night that there are lots of you who are reading this blog, if you are we would love to know about it. Join the "Follow" link on the side bar and leave us comments - we love it!

Another week is almost up...

2010-07-16T13:21:00.001+10:00

and have I had quite a week. Nothing like Debbs, sorry Debb, mine was actually good events.

I started into my role in the church. I knew it was coming, and I was very apprehensive, and anxious about whether I am capable to do what God has called me to. Half way through the meeting with David , the anxiety was released, and I was excited. I was listening to David talking about what my role would consist of, and I felt that God was telling me in His still, small voice, "This is it, this is where you step out, this is where you trust in Me and follow My lead." I sat there, saying yes to whatever David said I was to do, and it felt great! Better than great! He was describing everything that I know I was built to do.

Also this week, actually this morning, I had a feeling of bleugh-ness. Of not wanting to make good on my promise to continue with Kids Hope. After a slow start, and a disappointing first term at it, I wasnt sure I wanted to carry on. But I did, this morning I went in the hope that my boy would be there. After a late bus finally arrived, and I got to the half way point, I called the school, he was there. I met with him, for the second time ever and it seemed he was just as happy to see me, as I was to see him, although that maybe because I saved him from having to do spelling.

Then, on Sunday, I will be doing our kids programme, Tree House. And from the sound of what the other leader has planned, it is going to be a really great lesson, and so fun!

The lesson I learned this week is to listen to and follow God, and now that I have tasted the Joy that comes with stepping out in faith, I consider myself addicted. I am in "BRING IT ON" mode, I am fired up, ready and willing to get into the groove of this new season of my life.

What is it that God has taught you, or shown you this week? Have you focused in on Him? If not, that is my challenge for you... look for the touch of His hand in your life this week.

Calmness amongst the craziness.

2010-07-14T23:04:00.000+10:00

I don't know about you, but boy, some weeks can be clear sailing and others, well, the boat seems to capsize. Most weeks can contain a mixture of both for most people. This week is only half way through and there have been some waves that have really rocked my boat, so to speak, and not in a good way.

A broken dining chair leg, a wave of bills, throw in a few bad hair days and a bathroom sink (yes, the bathroom sink)! That has been what's happened to me this week, and whilst accidents, bills and unruly hair are usually the norm for us here, what happened today almost sent me hurtling through a huge wave, threatening to capsize my emotional well being. OK, maybe that is a little bit dramatic. Let me explain the situation...

This afternoon, an unusual urge to want to clean overtook me. Which is nice, seeing it doesn't happen often - me wanting to clean that is. Anyway... while giving the basin in the bathroom a quick once over I heard a huge crack and then the unthinkable happened, the bowl gave way and fell clean off the counter top. I should probably tell you that we have a very odd glass countertop with a glass bowl, which is all see through. (It always baffles visitors who can see their feet while washing their hands.) It is usually attached (obviously) and I have never even considered how it was attached - until today. Thankfully, it didn't break, but the pipe came out and all so its a bit of a mess. Also, the plumber was scheduled to come tomorrow anyway!

Why am I telling you of my little woes? Well, it was a timely reminder of two things for me. Jehovah Jireh and Joy! I don't need to tell anyone who eats food and has a roof over their head that finances can be a real struggle, and today when all this happened and I was also confronted with the bills mounting, a wave of despair started to wash over me. However, when I cried out to God about it, I felt complete peace, and Him telling me that it was going to be ok. He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. I mean, seriously, if we can't trust the One who made all creation, who can you trust? I have no idea where all our provisions will come from or when, but I do know who will provide them. As for Joy, well with this knowledge and with the peace, I can find joy.

I know that what I am going through may seem insignificant to what you might be going through lately, but no matter how big or small your problems and struggles are, you can rest assured that there is only one way to have calmness amongst the craziness.

What are you reading?

2010-07-13T12:22:00.000+10:00

At present, I have a few books on the go! The one that I am reading most of the time is a book about Psalm 91.

¹ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ^[a]

² I will say ^[b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

³ Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

¹⁰ then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

¹³ You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴ "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

The book goes through each verse, explaining them, and giving examples of the power of it, when used in prayer. There are war time stories of miraculous safety, both from old wars and the "war on terror" today, there are "homeland" stories of police officers and general public. Stories of everyday people who are living extraordinary lives following and believing in God, and the protection He promises.

After reading this book, and reading through this Psalm, I am believing and claiming these promises for myself! Remembering back only a few short months ago, sitting in panic mode in an ambulance with my not-yet-2 yr old boy, after his febrile convulsion. Praying and hoping that it wasn't a serious illness. Had I known this verse as personally as I know it now, I wonder if I'd have panicked as much, or whether Soren would have had this happen at all. I recommend this book to anyone! Just as it was recommended to me. A good and clear look at God's shield of protection that we all can wield!

PS. What are you reading?

Our Pastor, David, shares his experience at the calling!

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The Calling Retreat hosted by Life House Church, with Gary Barkalow, teaching about “the Art and Journey of your Calling”, was thus far the highlight of my year. Looking back on my weekend retreat to try to find a specific highlight is difficult. It was such a complete experience! The speaker, the level and content of his teaching, the camp settings, facilities, food, people attending, the Holy Spirit, all came together in a profusion of beautiful colours that spanned across the full spectrum of my senses. Let me explain myself, every sense was stimulated in a fantastic and positive way, and so I come away from my weekend, exhausted but elated and satisfied!

Views at Camp Somerset

Spiritually and mentally, it will take me months to process the profound teaching, and get it from the point of receiving to the point of application as a daily, unconscious habit. Emotionally, I found the settings a balm to my soul as I soaked in the countryside and spectacular settings and displays of God’s artistry throughout the day. Food was great, company even greater. As a church we have two more retreats at Somerset this year, and I’ll be attending them both, Fight Club Boot Camp (and one as a worker as it is a woman’s camp – SHEER BEAUTY), but I’m still looking forward to going off, and separating myself from the Matrix and having a Selah moment again, I can’t wait!

Going back to the content of the message this weekend, it was great to know and to understand the weight of the call within us, it was great to begin to understand that our whole life experience is used by God to expose the gold within us, our unique call, and to bring it to bear for the extension of the Kingdom of God. It will be good to meditate and to chew over this teaching in the months to come.

¹³for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

Gary on Brisbane River

Spending time with Gary was a wonderful experience and privilege. We as individuals and as a church got to know Gary when he was part of the Ransomed Heart team, through the DVD series of the Band of Brothers. Now we know him personally.

We are all grateful that he travelled to us from the far side of the world, and spent time, his life with us.

Thanks from us all here at Life House and from all those on the Retreat! It was wonderful to get to know you.

Gary & Calen, Queen St Mall

As a church, we have been focusing in on three areas. How to hear God personally, secondly, How to live from our hearts, and thirdly we have now begun to look at our calling.

All this we have done against the backdrop of living our lives as disciples of the King within and for the Kingdom of God. This might not sound like much! However, when you begin to push into areas such as these, you will find that you are definitely opposed, and you will find that you definitely have an enemy who hates and actively opposes you. To know that God speaks to you personally and to actually learn to hear from God personally for yourself is a different matter altogether. To begin to know what your heart is as a man or as a woman, in light of biblical interpretation, and not churchanity, and then begin to learn to live from it, are two different things entirely. These are hard paths to walk. But freedom is the prize!

As a church we have been trying to walk on this journey, and it has been exciting to say the least. Once you hear God, and have encounters with God, you begin to find out that He will start to deal with your heart. He led us on this exciting journey of discovery.

Gary & I after the Retreat

Just remember something, when I use certain words, these words carry a weight of experience and life. E.g. the word ‘exciting’! It is exciting to watch an action movie; it is exciting to take a ride on a roller coaster. It is also “exciting” when after hearing from God personally He begins to lead you on a journey, and ‘things’, events; conflicts; battles begin to stir up the emotions. Life and the weight of our life, as Gary said, the vein of Gold placed within us, comes to bear, through ‘exciting’ times. Suddenly you begin to discover, that as opposed to a ‘couch – movie’ adventure, you life is a real life adventure! The difference is you are the central character to the story, and you have to personally handle the emotions, choices and consequences of your story, and it's a live fire exercise, as real life always is -a live fire exercise, i.e. you always use live rounds!

The moment you begin to Hear God personally, He will begin to call you!

To begin to understand your Call, I think is the third step in being a disciple. This retreat will enable us as a church to understand the “weight” that God has placed on us and how He begins to reveal it to both us and the world. This retreat has helped us to begin this next phase.

David

Week one...

2010-07-10T21:40:00.000+10:00

So this week has seen the "birth" of this blog! YAY! It has seen me step up and out in ministry and it has seen my child find the "terrible twos"! While it has been a challenging and tiring week, for me, it is ending on a high note. My husband and I were able to attend a birthday party, Hoedown themed.

I loved the family feel at this party, as we all ate and chatted and laughed and pinata-ed. I watched as everyone moved from group to group, chatting, and it all seemed easy. Everyone knew everyone, and yet only a few were related, in the blood line/marriage kind of way. Yes, we are all joined by God, but this party seemed the epitome of the closeness our church has grown to. The family-ness of our congregation.

Everyone was welcomed personally by our hosts, and it didn't seem to matter who you stood/sat next to there was conversation, there was relationship. It really got me thinking about all the trials and tribulations we, as a church and as individuals, go through to grow and learn in Christ, and how those times make the bonds of friendship stronger and sometimes evolve into something much deeper.

Our love for God and our willingness to open our hearts to Him, and follow His lead have brought us together, to function together with Him to impact our community, to change our world. He has knitted us together for this purpose. And we are growing and moving forward in this together as a family. A family of friends.

Thank you, my family of friends, for the journey isn't complete without you!

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.

~Johann Schiller

2010-07-09T14:22:00.000+10:00

As the week draws to a close there are a few things I thought I would share a few things from my week.

Firstly, last Sunday we heard about how we have the ability to love unconditionally, but we have to choose to use that ability... not an easy thing to choose. But you have to expect that what you are going to hear in a church sermon that starts with a huge WARNING, has to be at least a little bit difficult to swallow. So, that has given me one thing to start to try and do this week. Love unconditionally. Hmmm, I would like to say that I am getting better at this... but I know I have a long way to go.

Secondly, I had two nights this week that I caught up with different friends. One where we were discussing how God can romance us (women) and the other about what God is calling us to. Both were very exciting to talk about, which led to two late nights. However, I am seeing both of those things being shown to me more and more in my every day life by God. Yesterday, I spent time with God, listening to some music and dancing. I mentioned in our first post that dancing is something I like doing but it is something I haven't done in a long time. So I took time out to dance just for God, and it was so freeing that by the end I was sobbing with feeling of having a long lost friend return. Its not that God and I have been distant we just haven't been intimate for a long time. I know that something huge is welling up in me, but to say what it is, I can't quite put my finger on it.

Ahh... the mysteries of God. I am so relieved that I am finally starting to try and embrace His mysteries, rather than throw tantrums at Him demanding answers all the time. (I did say trying!)

How about you? How has your week been? What have you learnt?

I really want to know!

image via weheartit

The Calling Retreat 18th - 20th June

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This was a 3 day event starting Friday evening and ended on the Sunday afternoon. We had great teaching from Gary Barkalow from The Nobel Heart.

Where to start to explain...

First, some pics from the weekend...

We started with this...

By the end of the day the set up crew had turned it into this...

It was a great time away in beautiful surroundings...

eating great food (this was just breakfast)...

and hanging out with wonderful people...

But it was the words from Gary and the time spent alone with God that made this weekend so amazingly memorable. I was recently asked to write what I thought about the weekend. Here is what I wrote...

WOW! Is the first word that comes to mind. My whole life I have pretty much felt like the feather from the beginning scenes of Forest Gump. Just floating to and fro with not much real direction. Seems lovely, but its felt completely pointless at times. Since the retreat, for the first time in a long time (maybe ever) I have seen that all the to-ing and fro-ing have been for a purpose! What a relief to know that my calling is something that I have kind of known about for a long time. I am now embracing the mysteries of God and of my calling instead of being fearful of them and impatient to know it all. I loved the quote that said “It is never too late to be what you could have been!” I truly believe that and am so excited by it. Also Phil 2:13 It is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases Him. Oh that is sooo astounding that verse I love it!!! Thanks to Gary for being committed to help others on this journey!

I was truly blessed to be able to attend this great weekend. I too am also excited about the up and coming retreats especially Sheer Beauty!

If you attended The Calling Retreat, leave a comment below to let us know what you found great and memorable about it!

Exciting times ahead!

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Pretty soon our men are going to be off on an quest. A quest to find themselves, to find God, to find who they are and who they were created to be.

I am excited for them, I cant wait to hear back from them, about their quest to Camp Somerset, about their journey with God before, during and after! That's next month fellas, if you haven't already, sign up for the adventure! Registrations close 31 July.

Then, guess what girls... OUR TURN! Sorry guys but, being a girl and all, I am a little more excited for this one, cause I AM GOING! I'm excited to up the level of my personal journey with God, and with my captivating friends!

I hear some fun things are being planned for us, with Leigh Barkalow as a guest speaker. I'm expecting amazing God given revelation, beautiful serene surroundings, and gorgeous women to share the moment with!
For me everyday life is so busy, sometimes disrupting and even cutting my time with God, these weekends away are the perfect way to reconnect with Him, to rekindle that fire, to refresh and rejuvenate, and to discover myself the way God sees me and wants me to be. Registrations for Sheer beauty close on the 4th of September, don't miss this opportunity! I know I won't!

Welcome to Life House Church Blog!

2010-07-06T12:01:00.002+10:00

We are a Church that is committed to helping people along life’s journey. Life House is a Church that is Christ centred, people empowering and activating. It is a Church that is exciting, helping people to live from the heart, walk in the Spirit and hear God personally. Life House is open to all and helps ordinary people to live extraordinary lives by releasing them into the ministries God has called them to. Feel free to look around our website here and look at what we do.

No matter where you are at in life, we hope that this is a place that you can visit and enjoy reading where others are at too. Lets start by introducing you our resident blog writers, Krystal and Debbie.

Hi, Debb here, I am really excited about this new blog. You will be hearing from me regularly and about the things that go on in my life both within the church and in general life. Just a little about me, I'm married to a fantastic and gorgeous man, and have a cute but mischeivious 3 year old boy. I love to dance and spend time with my friends. All sounds a bit ordinary to some maybe but I have the added bonus of living every day to the full with my Creator and Best Friend - God!

Ok, Wow, what an intro... how to proceed after that! Well, my name is Krystal, I have a precious 4yr old princess, and an adventuring little 2yr old boy, with my wonderful husband. I love love love all things creative, crafting, cooking, I'll give anything try! I hope to inspire you, to make you laugh, and to let you in on what it means to be in the company of Christ.

So that is us! You will also hear from other contributors as time goes on. Let us know any suggestions, ideas or general comments you might have!

Krystal & Debb