Nepal-bound.

In a few short hours, a small team of us will be flying to Nepal for a CMS GoExplore short-term mission trip.  CMS runs a few of these GoExplore trips each year, to a gradually increasing number of countries.  The purpose of these GoExplore trips is multi-faceted...  but they provide the opportunity to visit another country, to see what local ministry looks like, to get a feel for what it's like to live, work and serve in a different culture, to help you consider whether or not you could serve long-term in a cross-cultural context, to serve, encourage and help wherever possible, and maybe most of all, to be challenged and changed, and to personally grow in light of what God is doing amongst our brothers and sisters who may have a different language, culture and lifestyle. In a nutshell.

You can check out what CMS is about here.

So, we are the team going to the beautiful country of Nepal!  Five of us are going... and all getting pretty excited by now!!  I lived in Nepal for six months from August 2011 until February 2012, and I am so unbelievably thrilled to be heading back.  I still can't quite believe I have the opportunity to return so soon. Thank you God.

You may be asking, "so, what will you be doing over there?"  Excellent question.  I'll update what we get up to on this blog throughout the trip.  But it sounds like we'll have the opportunity to see and get a little involved with a few different things, including church-related activities, investing in relationships, checking out some of the health and development work going over there, and a few other things.  More to come...

For much of the time, we'll be doing most things alongside expatriate cross-cultural workers who work under an organisation called the International Nepal Fellowship (INF).  I had a lot to do with INF last time I was in Nepal, and they're a fantastic organisation, founded on solid Christ-centred principles, and with a real heart to see God glorified and people cared for in the name of Jesus.

You can check out what INF is about here.

INF have published a series of videos, which give a snapshot of some of the work that they're doing in Nepal.  Here's just one beautiful, touching story:

We leave late tonight from Brisbane International Airport.  If you'd like to pray for us, please pray that God would go before us throughout our trip, that we might be humble and teachable; ready to listen, learn and change as God grows in us his heart for the nations and the lost.  Also that we might shine the light of Jesus, wherever we are and whatever we're doing!  Also please pray for the work of CMS, and INF.

Hope you all have a great Saturday night!  Now, as one of my friends described it:  to the land of mountains and lentils! 

Beauty, Truth and Music

Do you ever have times when you feel like you've lost all confidence in who you are?  When you feel hopeless and defeated in the battles you're trying to fight - and start to feel the ache of doubt and fear that you are really accepted or loved... or even worthy of love?

I do.  It can be tough.  But the beauty of trusting in Jesus is that I am accepted and loved and worthy.  And this acceptance and love and worth is not because of me or anything I've done, it's because of what Jesus has done on the cross.  Which never changes.  However I'm feeling, or however much I mess up.  If it depended on me, what a shaky roller-coaster ride my salvation and assurance would be!  What joy and peace lies in knowing Jesus is the solid, unchanging basis of my worthiness.  Yet how easily I seem to forget even this incredible truth, in the midst of my failure, weakness and emotion.  So, I'm incredibly thankful for the Bible, for times of prayer, and for the counsel of good friends - all of which remind me of what the truth is.

Lately (and always!) I've also been finding music an incredible reminder of where my hope lies, and a way ti have truth living in my heart day-to-day.  Thank you, God, for artists who evidently share my very same struggles, thoughts and battles, and write music about them... and whose songs remind us of the Truth with which we fight these battles, and that we already have victory, because of Jesus.  Jason Gray is one artist that I absolutely love, for so many of his songs deal with the struggles I find myself in over and over again.  This song is really precious to me at the moment.

Tell me once again who I am.

The Practice of Art

"I can't draw!"

How often have you heard this phrase spoken by anyone beyond their primary school years?  Whenever the topic of drawing or painting comes up, I invariably hear this.  (Frequently, from my own lips.)  I've certainly never felt like I was particularly talented in the area of visual arts.

But I was challenged about this recently.  The comment was made that adults will often say that they can't draw... but in fact, it truly is a learnable skill.  Any primary school child can draw!!  Particularly in the early years, that's just what they do; it's how they express themselves.  But as the school years progress, we start to use primarily words and numbers...   Pursuing visual art and music etc is a choice made by but a few - presumably the artistically interested and skilled.  Yet, like most things, drawing and painting can and need to be practised... and they can be learned.  In fact, exercising creativity in this way engages different parts of the brain and helps to keep the brain active, as well as being a pretty cool form of relaxation and leisure.

I've also been convicted of the importance of having the humble confidence to just try it... and to not be crippled by fear and pride, sometimes to the point of not even feeling able to start!  With art (similarly to most things in life), you'll make mistakes; some drawings will look ridiculous and, most likely, make people laugh.  You may never be as good as others, or as good as you'd like.  This always gets harder as we get older... we're adults now, and we like to pick things up right away.  We don't like feeling like children... like beginners.  But I think that's part of the value of pursing things like this - being willing to learn and grow.  Being willing to set aside our need to look competent.  We can then learn to explore things, to exercise abilities God has given us, to be creative, and to enjoy the world God has placed us in.

So.  On the weekend I pottered down to the beautiful, familiar waterfront near where I grew up and still live today - and I gave it a crack.  And yep, definitely made me laugh!  But I loved doing it.  Solitude by the bay;  relaxed yet focused.  It made me pay attention to the small everyday details around me like never before (although you wouldn't think it from the accuracy of the final result!!)  And I think paying attention is something that has real value.  Anyway, here it is...  to encourage others to have a go!  Do it.

You can get cheap art supplies at Crazy Clarks.

Enjoy.

EXACTLY THE SAME.  ;)

Hello Summer!

Summer is coming!  OK, I know it's still officially Spring for another two-and-a-bit months.  But it just feels like things are really warming up around here already...  it may be Spring, but Summer is definitely coming.

My little confession:  I've been a Winter Girl my entire life.  I adore Winter.  The crisp, clear blue skies;  rugging up in extra layers, and adding extra quilts at night;  the early sunsets, with shorter days and longer nights;  long, virtually sweat-free runs in the afternoon;  endless cups of tea;  hot dinners;  the tingly sensation of the cold air caressing your skin.  Winter is just beautiful.  But my love for Winter has typically led to my greeting Summer, with her long, hot, sticky days and warm nights, with a little sigh of resignation.

In the last couple of years, I've seen so much truth and beauty in the idea of "seasons" in life.  Life definitely has seasons.  These seasons can be defined by many different things... often by change.  Such as changes in our location, job / study / activities, emotional outlook, ministry, spiritual growth or dryness, or key relationships.  And others!  Yet, so often, we don't or can't recognise the season we're in, until the time comes where we can look back and see where we've been. See where God has led us - what we've learnt and how we've grown.  It's now so clear to me that every single season is beautiful.  Whichever it is, and whatever it brings.  Some seasons are full of pain, suffering, guilt, hopelessness.  Yet, even (especially?) in the midst of seasons like these, God is working in our hearts to teach and refine us...  flowing into the right kind of beauty, at the right time.

So.  Maybe it's all of these thoughts that keep swimming around my mind, but for the last couple of years, I'm seeing a lot more of the beauty of Summer, and am much happier to see her come back to stay for a few months.  I'm still sorry to see Winter go...  but genuinely excited about the arrival of Summer!

To celebrate, I thought I'd do a little List.

My Five Favourite Things About Summer
5.  Christmas... holidays...  a new year and new resolutions.  As soon as the weather starts to warm up, my mind starts to wander with excitement and anticipation towards these things.

4.  Flowers.  I love flowers!!!  How the world of Spring and Summer is filled with their happy, unassuming, sweet presence.  They also remind me of Matthew 6:28-30, and of God's care and provision for us.

3.  Summer dresses.  Of all the clothes I could ever wear, I think pretty, colourful, often-flowery dresses are my absolute favourites.  Sometimes I try to keep wearing them in winter with a jumper, but people usually find it a little weird, and express concern for my bodily thermal regulation and health.  So.  Definitely love pretty summer dresses in Summer.

2.  Conviviality.  The warmer months just feel friendly and convivial! It's easier to jump out of bed, and get out and about.  Heading early to the beach to watch the sunrise and eat brekky together.  The Wynnum Wading Pool once again filled with water, and soon afterwards with little bodies clothed in pink frilly togs and Ben 10 boardies.

1.  Driving at night with the windows down, the music up, and balmy air blowing your hair into knots. 100% happiness.

These are but a few!  I'm thoroughly enjoying the journey into this new season of the year... as well as the opportunity to reflect also on the seasons of faith and life.

What are your favourite things about Summer?

Music Monday #4

I'm a bit of a blog fangirl at the moment.  I love reading the blogs of friends...  the thought that goes into them, the chance to wade a little deeper into the ocean of musings, opinions and reflections... as well as the chance to share cool things like recipes, hairstyles, general interest stories about pretty much anything etc etc; as well as just to share what life has been bringing lately.

I try to keep track of a few blogs and websites about music, particularly Christian music.  Someone I discovered a little while back via blog was Audrey Assad, an American singer-songwriter.  Her music is memorable and beautiful, and her lyrics are God-glorifying and saturated with Biblical truth that I just love having floating around in my head.  Her latest album is "Heart".  Highly recommended!

One song that is resonating deeply with my heart at the moment is "O My Soul".
I am so convinced of the value of preaching the words and promises of our Father to ourselves.  Circumstances, emotions, the whispers of Satan, our idols, hardships...  so many things can start to threaten our trust in God, if we allow them.  But the God of the Bible is faithful.  He's absolutely true to his word, and we can stand by faith in his promises... none more so than the promise we have in Jesus.

So, whatever the season in which we find ourselves, remembering the Word of God, and reminding our own souls of the hope and life we have in Jesus is just so important.
The Psalmists knew this.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
     and why are you in turmoil within me? 
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
     my salvation and my God.  (Psalm 42:5-6a)

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.  (Psalm 62:5-6)

Audrey's song, "O My Soul", is a precious illustration of preaching truth to your soul.  So, for this reason, I'm keeping the words of this song, as well as the words of my Father, tucked deep in my heart.

Your worries will never love you
They'll leave you all alone
But your God will not forsake you
O my soul.

Don't lie to yourself, O my soul...  just love your God.
 

Another reminder of all this is a fantastic worship song we've just started singing at church...  Where we declare:  We will stand as children of the Promise.  We will fix our eyes on Him, our soul's reward.  'Til the race is finished and the work is done, we'll walk by faith, and not by sight.    

 

I love Jesus.  Yet everyday I struggle to stand firm in Him alone, amidst the pull of my own pride, idols and fears.  But I'm fighting to always hold His truth before my eyes.  To really live as a child of His great promise in Jesus.  For I can have complete confidence in His promises, and that it's in His strength that I fight...  and there's nothing that is more worth fighting for.  Will you join me?

A Little Sidewards Glance...

I still remember a race my brother ran when he was in Grade 1.  (Probably only because my parents caught it on tape, and we've watched it as a family a couple of times since.)  It was the "little kid" version of the 100m sprint... so it was probably the 50m sprint or something! 

My brother's white blonde head was there somewhere towards the edge of the long line of boys on the starting line... his little, five-year-old, excited face alight with anticipation.  The beep gun goes off, and a crowd of knobbly, Grade One knees start dashing with all their might towards the finish line.  My brother was pretty speedy, and ended up a close second.  Fun footage of a "first athletics carnival"!

But more interesting than the race itself was something my Mum and Dad always commented on when watching it back...  Throughout the short race, James kept on glancing sideways - constantly checking the position of the other boys, how they were running, how fast they were, how he compared.  And it may well have cost him first place.  The advice from my parents?  "Good race!  But next time, don't keep on looking to the side - it's better to look straight ahead, and just run your own race."

I think that was good advice.  And I think, to a certain degree, it's good advice for the Christian life as well.  Obviously, we don't run in this life alone... in fact, we run in community.  Running alongside one another, spurring each other on, encouraging and challenging and helping one another.  But it can be so tempting to keep on glancing sideways and constantly compare ourselves with one another... how much we've grown, our strengths and weaknesses and personalities and how they match up with those of others, how fruitful we perceive our ministries to be, what we've "achieved", how good our relationships are...  Anything and everything.  Leaving us feeling either smugly superior or dismally hopeless and always falling short.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

We don't run alone.  We are surrounded by people, past and present, who tell us of God's faithfulness and spur us onto deeper faith and Christian maturity.  Yet, because of their very witness to Jesus, we fix our eyes on Him Alone... letting go of everything that holds us back, and running to him with all our strength and all our focus... whatever our speed, and whatever our "journey" looks like.

But comparison with others is deadly.  
It distracts, and puts us in danger of not finishing the race.

Here's the thing.  While we're anxiously glancing sideways at the people running beside us, using all our mental, emotional and spiritual energy in analysing how we "measure up", we are no longer looking towards the finish line.  We've taken our eyes off Jesus.  Our identity, our security, our progress, and our direction is no longer grounded in him.  We're drifting.  We can get distracted or lost, or trip and fall, never finishing the race.  We can't run with joy and confidence, because, as long as other people are our yardstick, we'll never measure up.  There's always someone running faster, or with a better style / less effort / a bigger cheersquad... than us.  And it can lead us into the deadly valley of discontent, envy and works-based fear.

Our wise and loving God has made each of us unique, with our own gifts, personality and opportunities.  We each have our own challenges, sins and struggles.  We have our own journey in following Jesus.  But we know that he who began a good work in you will bring it completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) 

Sometimes, it isn't easy to keep your eyes fixed on the finish line.  Other people can seem to keep breezing past us, seemingly with minimal effort when we're really struggling... and it can be so tempting to keep glancing sideways, trying to somehow justify to ourselves that we're "doing OK".  But we just end up choked by the anxiety of inadequacy.  
Let's not play the deadly Comparison Game.  Let's train and discipline ourselves to keep looking forward to our precious, loving Lord Jesus.  Let's fight for this.  I know that I need this, probably more than anyone!  I need to look and run towards Jesus with every bit of strength and focus I have.  It's going to be hard at times.  But it's worth it.  I'm absolutely convinced of this.  We have incomparable love and treasure in Jesus;  through the undeserved grace of God towards us.  So, let's run this race together, all fixing our eyes on the finish line... looking to Jesus alone.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3:12-14)

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)

My First Ever Meme!

So, a little meme has been circulating the blogosphere, and I'm one of a few bloggers who was tagged by the lovely Danielle.  Making this my first ever meme!  I'm just a little bit over the moon.

I love lists.  There was sort of a mini "in-joke" that, during "get-to-know-you" games in our Bible study group last year, I was seemingly incapable of ever giving a simple answer, but rather, always battled a compulsion to give a "Top 3".  There are just so many things to be celebrated and considered in so many areas... it's so hard to narrow it down!!  (Probably a weakness more frequently than a strength in my case, I suspect.)  But, that aside, the theme of this little tag-along meme is Five Things I'm Excited About or Looking Forward To.  So, without further ado, let's go!

1.  This meme!  Not going to deny it, I've secretly always wanted to be "tagged" to participate in one of these.  There's something joyful, relational and fun about it!  And as already mentioned, I love lists ;)

2.  Passenger.  It's been true love for a little while now between me and this one-man-band from the UK, with his simple, beautiful melodies and insightful lyrics.  He thinks deeply about life and relationships, and I find myself constantly fascinated, amused and saddened by the reflections captured in his songs.  His CDs have been going round and round and round in the car... and I still get excited when it reaches the end, and begins all over again!  And to top it all off, I was able to see him live in concert last week!!  I'm sad it's over, but still excited about his music and how incredible he was.  Oh, and while I'm being excited about music, Owl City's latest album has just come out!!  Hopefully will grab a copy tomorrow.  Bring on the Synth Pop Sunshine!

3.  Our Grade 11 Growth Group.  I've had the privilege of leading and growing with a group of beautiful high-school-age young women for the last 3.5 years, some of whom have been in the group since Grade 8.  Others have joined more recently, as well as another gorgeous, godly young adult woman as a co-leader.  In fact, God has grown our group in such a way that our now-quite-large group will be branching into two smaller groups.  There'll be loss and grief with aspects of the change, but I'm constantly amazed by the way that God is continuing to draw his daughters to himself here in Brissy... and that I get to be a small part of it, and help support them (and learn from them!) as they grow to know him more.  Honestly, nothing is more exciting.

4.  Books.  It feels like I'm just drowning in good books at the moment... I've bought a few, been lent a few, have re-discovered a few on my bookshelf that I've never read but want to...  I always find it to be a challenge to set reading priorities, and decide the books in which to invest precious reading time - but what a blessed, wonderful challenge!  I'm genuinely excited about what these books might contain, and what God may challenge me with, and teach me though them.  How good are books?!

5.  Nepal.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, I spent an unforgettable six months in Nepal from August last year.  In God's incomprehensible grace, I have the opportunity to return to Nepal for three weeks at the end of this year, with a small team of people.  So excited!  Nepal is a beautiful country, filled with beautiful people, and I simply can't wait to go back with others, and again see what God is doing there, first-hand.

6.**  Finally, my birthday!!  It's five days until my birthday, and I still get excited about it.  There's just something fun and joyful about birthdays!  Also, this particular birthday is one that's a bit special to me :)

So, that's it!  Actually, a couple of the above are rather "out-of-the-ordinary", and exciting in their distinction from usual weekly events...  But you know, I think it's actually the more everyday things - the activities, relationships, joys and challenges of the Ordinary - that can be the most exciting and life-changing.  It's actually really precious to take a moment to celebrate them.  So thank you, blog and any readers :)

Oh, and I suppose I should pass this on!  FUN!!  OK, Chelsie, Josh and Catriona - consider yourselves tagged.  Look forward to reading your lists!

 (**  Whoops.  Cheated and listed six things.  But I could hardly leave my birthday out ;) )

Ebay. Taking Internet Dating to a Whole New Level.

I'm not a huge Ebayer.  It's been good to me a few times in the past... it provided me with my first washing machine for $56 (it lasted about 3 months, but you know, for that price - fair enough.  It had probably had a tough life).  As well as with a uni textbook on Principles of Surgery (or something) that was out of print.  Stoked.
But that said, I'm certainly not on there often... Until this last week.

I've been following one particular listing with abnormal interest. A Mr Peter Westbrook has put himself up for auction - with the highest female bidder being taken on a date to Grill'd in Southbank - "definitely amazing". honestly, I just loved everything about this offer!  He just looks nice, Grill'd is yummy and healthy, and all the money bid on the date goes towards a good cause (the Every Child Matters Foundation). 

My favourite line in the original item description:  

"No catches - apart from the great one you will have when you win the bid!!"

It started at $20.  When I first saw it a few days ago, it had already climbed to $450... 

but finished on $1500!  Now that's effective fundraising.  

I hope Peter and his date have a happy time at Grill'd...  

The chickpea pattie burger is delish.

Meaningless?

It's been kind of a tough time recently.  Largely self-inflicted, really... not thinking in helpful ways about things, and not holding tightly enough to the Promises that I so dearly need to cling to (and for which this blog is named!).

Anyway.  So, you might think from this, that starting a series on Ecclesiastes (with its catch-cry of "everything is vanity/meaningless") an odd choice.  But on the weekend, I did just that, and started listening to Matt Chandler's series on this book.  Fantastic.  I'm a bit of a fan of Matt's.  He typically gives solid, Biblical teaching, and is passionate and engaging.  He spoke about how Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, explored all avenues for pleasure and fulfilment... and had spectacular resources for doing so - greater riches, wisdom and opportunity than any of us will ever have!  He explored seeking satisfaction in parties, women, riches, investing in home and garden (except his "garden" was basically a forest. Why bother with a vegie patch when you can have a forest?!)... et cetera.  But when he got to the end of it all, found that it was all meaningless, or a "vapour".  Temporary and unable to provide lasting joy.

Here's a little of what Matt said:

Ten years ago, you had in your mind this picture of what you wanted life to look like ten years from now, and you thought if you could obtain it, or get to it, you would be happy and satisfied.  The last ten years, you have put all your energy – and whether you did this consciously or subconsciously, you did this.  Most of you thought: “if I could get out of school, if I could get a good job, if I could find my husband or wife, if I could have children, if I could make enough money to go on vacation, if I could get a car that actually ran half the time… if I could get this, if I could do this…"  And you begin to work that ten-year plan.  Now, the reality is, if you’ve met those goals, you probably don’t even know it, because you’ve already replaced that ten-year plan with the new ten-year plan, because what you thought would satisfy you, has not.  So what happens is you work the next ten-year plan, and then you work the next ten-year plan, and then you work the next ten-year plan, and then you will die, and get painted up like a clown and put in the ground.  That’s it.  And almost all of us, whether we’ll admit it or not, have bought into the philosophy that what we need to finally make us happy is more of what we already possess. 

 Wow.  There's some real, painful truth in there.  And if this is where you stop, it could actually be pretty depressing!  Chasing things that - although they may be good things; great things, even - don't give us lasting joy and life.  And (as we were reminded tonight at church in looking at Hebrews 3 and 4), not a single one of us can cheat death.  Dying is inevitable for all of us, and we'll have to leave behind all we sought and worked for in this life.  

But there is hope.  It's Jesus, and what he did on the cross to conquer death and sin, and give us eternal life.  And he's the only one who gives meaning to all our toil and the things of earth.  They are a vapour, but they point to one who is permanent and forever.

Our challenge is to not be fooled by the busyness of life, and our explicit or subconscious Ten Year Plans...  to not be so caught up on the treadmill of life that we forget that we're not actually going anywhere with all our toil and our seeking... but that only Jesus takes us where we need to go.

That sound, it’s hypnotic.  If I put on my headphones, I can almost pretend I’m not on the treadmill at all.  It can maybe, just for a few minutes, make me forget that even though I’m running, I’m not going anywhere.  Here’s the bottom line.  You can take that step or you can let the treadmill continue to hypnotise you into thinking that your life is forward-progress.  But in the end, there is nothing under the sun that brings lasting fulfilment.  You have to look beyond the sun.  The groove cannot be filled with the temporal.  It has to be eternal.  And the invitation from Jesus continues to echo through eternity.  Come and thirst no more.

Turns out a reflection on the "meaninglessness", or rather the temporariness, of the things of this life (even the good things), and the eternal hope and pleasure and joy that is found in Jesus, was just what this momentarily-despairing young woman needed!  And ultimately, what we all need.

God is good.