As part of ongoing research I am trying to find out how a church can help or assist in the local community.
Typically, the church has been an important link in helping those in need; unfortunately the reality is that often some needs are not recognised by the local church and go undetected.
Of course - help can only be provided if the church has the resources and the manpower to assist, but unless the church has the opportunity to make this decision, nothing can be done.
If you have any ideas on how the church can assist those in and around the local community, please let me know.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Living with Regret
When I was younger, time seemed to go so slowly and I just couldn’t wait until I grew up and became an adult. In contrast – now that I am an adult I understand that the reality is that life just goes way too fast and I got old really quickly!
With that in mind I have realised that I do not want to get to the end of my life and wish that:
• I had done things differently
• I had done all of the things that I wanted to do whilst I still could
• If I had just understood more I would have done a better job
• I should have learnt whilst I had the opportunity too
• If I had just learnt some self control and tolerance for others' opinions, maybe so many of my relationships would not have ended
• I hadn't let my fear control my life
• I hadn't let my arrogance and pride get in the way of so many opportunities
• I didn’t do something because of what others might think!
My advice today is "don’t live a life of regret and missed opportunities". Grab life with both hands and see what it holds. You just never know what God has in store for you just around the corner – if you put him in control of your life.
With that in mind I have realised that I do not want to get to the end of my life and wish that:
• I had done things differently
• I had done all of the things that I wanted to do whilst I still could
• If I had just understood more I would have done a better job
• I should have learnt whilst I had the opportunity too
• If I had just learnt some self control and tolerance for others' opinions, maybe so many of my relationships would not have ended
• I hadn't let my fear control my life
• I hadn't let my arrogance and pride get in the way of so many opportunities
• I didn’t do something because of what others might think!
My advice today is "don’t live a life of regret and missed opportunities". Grab life with both hands and see what it holds. You just never know what God has in store for you just around the corner – if you put him in control of your life.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
CAMBODIA
It is always such an awesome experience to go to another country and see how other people live life.
There are two things that constantly amaze me about Cambodia, but this year there were three.
1. I can’t believe how much the nation has developed since I was last there in 2006. The roads have less potholes and are so much easier and faster to travel on. The rubbish on the sides of the roads has been remarkably reduced which means that the city doesn’t smell like a dump anymore either.
2. The majority of people in Cambodia live in these little one or two room houses that are really no bigger than most Australian lounge rooms. They are happy with so little, which is a real contrast to our materialistic obsession to have every new gadget that comes out.
3. The people who tirelessly serve in that country, who continually endure the climate and the inconveniences of lack of modern medicine or water supply, for very little personal gain, are amazing.
It really does cause me to pause and think about the real reason God chose for us all to be born into such a wealthy country. Could it possibly be so that we could learn to give to others instead of ourselves, or is it something more?
There are two things that constantly amaze me about Cambodia, but this year there were three.
1. I can’t believe how much the nation has developed since I was last there in 2006. The roads have less potholes and are so much easier and faster to travel on. The rubbish on the sides of the roads has been remarkably reduced which means that the city doesn’t smell like a dump anymore either.
2. The majority of people in Cambodia live in these little one or two room houses that are really no bigger than most Australian lounge rooms. They are happy with so little, which is a real contrast to our materialistic obsession to have every new gadget that comes out.
3. The people who tirelessly serve in that country, who continually endure the climate and the inconveniences of lack of modern medicine or water supply, for very little personal gain, are amazing.
It really does cause me to pause and think about the real reason God chose for us all to be born into such a wealthy country. Could it possibly be so that we could learn to give to others instead of ourselves, or is it something more?
Monday, 1 June 2009
You're Not Perfect!
Over the past few weeks I have been talking about helping others. But how many of us actually look in the mirror and see what is really there? Look at it this way – sometimes we can look out of smudged sunglasses, through a filthy windscreen or an unwashed window and not actually see the dirt that is on the glass. We just look straight though it! But I wonder how many people can see it when they look at us – even though we can’t see it ourselves.
So often though we are so consumed with our own lives that we fail to notice someone else’s pain and hurt. So often we are so consumed with what we want, we forget to give to others in need. So often we are so consumed with our own pain that we deliberately hurt others to make ourselves feel better.
Is it time to give your self a clean up? Are you critical and judgemental of other people all the time? Are you constantly talking about other people and how bad they are? Do you blame other people for what is wrong with your life? Do you know how to fix everyone else’s problems, and are you able to tell everyone else what their problem is?
Sometimes we really need to clean the glass through which we view others. In fact it is best not to look at others too closely at all. You see – we are all as bad as each other, just in different ways. Nobody is better than anyone else and nobody can make us react the way we do but ourselves. We do what we do and think what we think because we choose to.
If you really want to change, ask someone who is really honest whether you are any of these things and see what they say! But ask yourself first are you ready for the response?
So often though we are so consumed with our own lives that we fail to notice someone else’s pain and hurt. So often we are so consumed with what we want, we forget to give to others in need. So often we are so consumed with our own pain that we deliberately hurt others to make ourselves feel better.
Is it time to give your self a clean up? Are you critical and judgemental of other people all the time? Are you constantly talking about other people and how bad they are? Do you blame other people for what is wrong with your life? Do you know how to fix everyone else’s problems, and are you able to tell everyone else what their problem is?
Sometimes we really need to clean the glass through which we view others. In fact it is best not to look at others too closely at all. You see – we are all as bad as each other, just in different ways. Nobody is better than anyone else and nobody can make us react the way we do but ourselves. We do what we do and think what we think because we choose to.
If you really want to change, ask someone who is really honest whether you are any of these things and see what they say! But ask yourself first are you ready for the response?
Monday, 25 May 2009
Show Mercy To Others
I am a very blessed woman. I have a few people in my life who seem to accept me for who I am. They don’t try and change me or put conditions on our relationship and they don’t expect me to be somebody that I am not. They help me through understanding where I am at, and they also encourage me to keep going regardless of how many times I stuff up. They usually offer me sensible and valuable advice and sometimes point me in the direction of a different perspective. It is these people that I respect and admire most.
Mind you, relationships like this are never one sided. Everybody has faults and it requires that both parties in the relationship make allowances for each other. Since the creation of time human beings have been making mistakes – regardless of how hard they try not to. So the question today is how do we treat others who aren’t as perfect as we are ourselves?
The answer is simple! Treat others how you want to be treated and never, ever pay back a wrong with a wrong!
Why? I met up with a friend of mine this week who shared with me some personal stuff going on in their life that I had no idea about!
We cannot always know what is going on in someone else’s life, nor what they are going through, nor what they have been through. All we can do when someone does something that hurts or that we don’t understand, is show mercy. Mercy means to forgive someone regardless of whether they deserve it or not.
You just never know what is really going on in someone else’s life and there may even be a time when we will need that mercy reciprocated!
Mind you, relationships like this are never one sided. Everybody has faults and it requires that both parties in the relationship make allowances for each other. Since the creation of time human beings have been making mistakes – regardless of how hard they try not to. So the question today is how do we treat others who aren’t as perfect as we are ourselves?
The answer is simple! Treat others how you want to be treated and never, ever pay back a wrong with a wrong!
Why? I met up with a friend of mine this week who shared with me some personal stuff going on in their life that I had no idea about!
We cannot always know what is going on in someone else’s life, nor what they are going through, nor what they have been through. All we can do when someone does something that hurts or that we don’t understand, is show mercy. Mercy means to forgive someone regardless of whether they deserve it or not.
You just never know what is really going on in someone else’s life and there may even be a time when we will need that mercy reciprocated!
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
An Unrighteous Society!
How often do we complain to ourselves that the world is changing for the worse? But how often do we do nothing about it ourselves other than complain? I believe that in general our society is so consumed with ME that they have forgotten about other people around them.
Too many people today seem to lack the basic component of being able to identify right from wrong and moral from immoral. For me personally – trying or striving to always do the right thing is important even though often I undoubtedly fail myself - but helping others is easier than most people think it is.
God’s word tells us if someone is hungry to feed them. If someone is thirsty, we are to give them a drink. If someone is sick then we are to go and visit them. Basically, we need to make sure that if we can’t do these things ourselves because we are time poor then we should give money to someone else who can. And…if we are money poor then we should give or volunteer to others our time!
If we don’t start looking after others instead of just ourselves then our society is going to continue on its self destructive pattern and a whole generation of children are going to grow up with no role modelling of how to think and care for others. What a selfish and self absorbed society it would be then!!
Let’s make the change now and be a generation who hunger and thirst for integrity and righteousness. The way to do this is to make sure that we first “do it ourselves”. Together let's start to look for ways to change and show our kids how to care for others.
Too many people today seem to lack the basic component of being able to identify right from wrong and moral from immoral. For me personally – trying or striving to always do the right thing is important even though often I undoubtedly fail myself - but helping others is easier than most people think it is.
God’s word tells us if someone is hungry to feed them. If someone is thirsty, we are to give them a drink. If someone is sick then we are to go and visit them. Basically, we need to make sure that if we can’t do these things ourselves because we are time poor then we should give money to someone else who can. And…if we are money poor then we should give or volunteer to others our time!
If we don’t start looking after others instead of just ourselves then our society is going to continue on its self destructive pattern and a whole generation of children are going to grow up with no role modelling of how to think and care for others. What a selfish and self absorbed society it would be then!!
Let’s make the change now and be a generation who hunger and thirst for integrity and righteousness. The way to do this is to make sure that we first “do it ourselves”. Together let's start to look for ways to change and show our kids how to care for others.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Mothers Day
What does it really mean? Mothers Day is the one day that is set aside for all children to show appreciation and acknowledge the things that their mum does and show them some love back! However – my experiences through-out the years of Mothers Day has rarely been like this and I will admit that once or twice I have been left a little upset about their attitudes and efforts.
This year my family tried – they really did. My sons set their alarms the night before so they could get up and make me fruit salad with yogurt before I went to church. Unfortunately, one set his alarm for pm instead of am and the other only made it in time to help DAD put the final touches on my brekky. At least they tried.
I have rarely found a Mothers Day that is actually about the mother or the gift for that matter. Too often mums are still required to do what they do. But this year – I did really feel appreciated and valued because I received the best gift yet.
Let me explain how. You see my daughter got her self into a sticky situation by making a bad choice that required that I run interstate to rescue her this Mothers Day. And as I was heading for my early afternoon flight I started to wonder what I had done wrong. And then it hit me. I hadn’t done anything wrong – in fact I had obviously done something very right. You see the best present is knowing that in times of need my kids know where to turn and what is needed to fix the mistake that we all inevitably make on our journey of life and learning.
I am actually really proud of all my kids. That is what I got from Mothers Day this year. They have all made decisions that I don’t necessarily agree with, but then again – who of us doesn’t regret some of our past and wish we had done things different? It was a great day for me. My girl came home and admitted she was wrong! I will take it when I can
Feel free to share your Mothers Day experience
This year my family tried – they really did. My sons set their alarms the night before so they could get up and make me fruit salad with yogurt before I went to church. Unfortunately, one set his alarm for pm instead of am and the other only made it in time to help DAD put the final touches on my brekky. At least they tried.
I have rarely found a Mothers Day that is actually about the mother or the gift for that matter. Too often mums are still required to do what they do. But this year – I did really feel appreciated and valued because I received the best gift yet.
Let me explain how. You see my daughter got her self into a sticky situation by making a bad choice that required that I run interstate to rescue her this Mothers Day. And as I was heading for my early afternoon flight I started to wonder what I had done wrong. And then it hit me. I hadn’t done anything wrong – in fact I had obviously done something very right. You see the best present is knowing that in times of need my kids know where to turn and what is needed to fix the mistake that we all inevitably make on our journey of life and learning.
I am actually really proud of all my kids. That is what I got from Mothers Day this year. They have all made decisions that I don’t necessarily agree with, but then again – who of us doesn’t regret some of our past and wish we had done things different? It was a great day for me. My girl came home and admitted she was wrong! I will take it when I can
Feel free to share your Mothers Day experience
Monday, 4 May 2009
BAD LEADERSHIP
In the movie Remember the Titans the captain is having a shot at his star player for his slack attitude and the player replies “attitude reflects leadership captain!”
How many employees don’t like their place of work because of they believe their boss is unethical, immoral, uncaring, unjust or just an idiot? I am sure that most of us have experienced this at some time or another. But imagine what bad leadership can do to a whole country.
The people in Cambodia have had the worst kind of leaders in their recent history and are now struggling to get back on their feet. The government is corrupt and the young people today are basically living in a nearly lawless society that on the whole, lacks integrity, morals and values. When the leadership is bad, the results will eventually be there for all to see.
God tells us that those things that are done in the dark will be bought into the light. So many people today believe that they can do, say and act how they want to and not get found out. But God tells us that eventually we will all be found out.
So…what is the answer to all of this? Live an honest life. Make sure your intentions towards others are always honourable and good. Think of others. Try to think about how your actions will affect those around you. Help others less fortunate than yourselves and stop being absorbed only in yourself.
There is a whole world out there that needs your input!!!
How many employees don’t like their place of work because of they believe their boss is unethical, immoral, uncaring, unjust or just an idiot? I am sure that most of us have experienced this at some time or another. But imagine what bad leadership can do to a whole country.
The people in Cambodia have had the worst kind of leaders in their recent history and are now struggling to get back on their feet. The government is corrupt and the young people today are basically living in a nearly lawless society that on the whole, lacks integrity, morals and values. When the leadership is bad, the results will eventually be there for all to see.
God tells us that those things that are done in the dark will be bought into the light. So many people today believe that they can do, say and act how they want to and not get found out. But God tells us that eventually we will all be found out.
So…what is the answer to all of this? Live an honest life. Make sure your intentions towards others are always honourable and good. Think of others. Try to think about how your actions will affect those around you. Help others less fortunate than yourselves and stop being absorbed only in yourself.
There is a whole world out there that needs your input!!!
Thursday, 23 April 2009
DO YOU FEEL SWAMPED?
Is it just me or has this year already picked up with tremendous speed. Already we are past Easter and into Term 2 and gee I already feel like I have had a whole year’s worth of stuff happen.
Let me ask you – what has already happened to you this year? Have you had many crisis, dead lines, loss of job, family issues, felt under enormous stress and pressure, not to mention all of the financial issues already this year?
Has someone already been nasty to you, hurt you, stood on your toes, not considered your feelings, been ignored, wanted something from you, or even passed you over or overlooked you for a really great job opportunity?
Thank God for the Easter break and celebration and I mean literally we should thank Him. If it wasn’t for our yearly celebration of Jesus dying on the cross and then His resurrection on the Sunday – non of us would be able to stop and relax from the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with our families.
I wonder if God always intentioned it that way. Did God intentionally plan for us to celebrate Jesus death at this time of year so that we 2000 years later, in our busy and all consuming lives, would be able to stop or at least slow down?
I must remember when it is my turn for our grand introduction to ask the big guy himself! I wonder???
Let me ask you – what has already happened to you this year? Have you had many crisis, dead lines, loss of job, family issues, felt under enormous stress and pressure, not to mention all of the financial issues already this year?
Has someone already been nasty to you, hurt you, stood on your toes, not considered your feelings, been ignored, wanted something from you, or even passed you over or overlooked you for a really great job opportunity?
Thank God for the Easter break and celebration and I mean literally we should thank Him. If it wasn’t for our yearly celebration of Jesus dying on the cross and then His resurrection on the Sunday – non of us would be able to stop and relax from the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with our families.
I wonder if God always intentioned it that way. Did God intentionally plan for us to celebrate Jesus death at this time of year so that we 2000 years later, in our busy and all consuming lives, would be able to stop or at least slow down?
I must remember when it is my turn for our grand introduction to ask the big guy himself! I wonder???
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Easter
Easter is a great time of year to again acknowledge the reality of God and His Son, Jesus.
Our two major holidays every year, Christmas and Easter, celebrate the existence of Jesus Christ. We are also in the year 2009 which means we as a worldly collective group of people acknowledge that it is 2009 years after the birth of Jesus.
But yet still so many people struggle to accept the reality of his birth and death, denying that He is the Son of God who came in the flesh to die for our sins so that we are able to spend eternity in Heaven with Him and our loved ones. Australia is generally renowned for having a Christian foundation, but … you would not know that with the decline in church attendances over the past decade or so. It does not say in the bible that if we believe, we must go to church! So what are the benefits of going to church for someone who does believe in Christ?
I heard about a TV show the other night where a young man was dating a girl who he had no intention of marrying. So basically, he was going out with her to occupy his time until something better came along. I am sure that most of us can understand this, but I would not like to think that some boy was dating my daughter because he didn’t have anything better lined up!
He was challenged to talk to a pastor who taught him how God saw and thought about what he was doing as found in the bible. Needless to say this young man had no idea that what he was doing was wrong in the eyes of God.
So … what do we gain by going to church? We learn about life and about how to love each other the way God tells us to.
Why not come along this Easter Sunday for a fresh start and begin a new relationship with God? Services start at 8:30 and 10:30am.
Our two major holidays every year, Christmas and Easter, celebrate the existence of Jesus Christ. We are also in the year 2009 which means we as a worldly collective group of people acknowledge that it is 2009 years after the birth of Jesus.
But yet still so many people struggle to accept the reality of his birth and death, denying that He is the Son of God who came in the flesh to die for our sins so that we are able to spend eternity in Heaven with Him and our loved ones. Australia is generally renowned for having a Christian foundation, but … you would not know that with the decline in church attendances over the past decade or so. It does not say in the bible that if we believe, we must go to church! So what are the benefits of going to church for someone who does believe in Christ?
I heard about a TV show the other night where a young man was dating a girl who he had no intention of marrying. So basically, he was going out with her to occupy his time until something better came along. I am sure that most of us can understand this, but I would not like to think that some boy was dating my daughter because he didn’t have anything better lined up!
He was challenged to talk to a pastor who taught him how God saw and thought about what he was doing as found in the bible. Needless to say this young man had no idea that what he was doing was wrong in the eyes of God.
So … what do we gain by going to church? We learn about life and about how to love each other the way God tells us to.
Why not come along this Easter Sunday for a fresh start and begin a new relationship with God? Services start at 8:30 and 10:30am.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Grandparents
What would we do without them? I have been so blessed as one of my grandmothers is still alive. She is 87 years old and has always been a part of my life. My nana has always been there for me no matter what I seem to be doing wrong. My nana loves me unconditionally and never seems to be shocked about anything that I have done. And this has caused me to question “why is this so?”
The answer is simple. Grandparents, by the time they are grandparents, have lived a good many years experiencing life already and nothing really surprises them anymore. They are wise beyond their years and it would seem to me that they understand that everything is a passing phase.
But what about those of you who have lost both of their grandparents already or whose grandparents - because of distance or family breakdown - just aren’t in the picture anymore? Who do you go to for advice, knowledge, comfort and unconditional love?
The elderly in our society in general are excellent role models for the younger generation today. They look at things from a different (wiser) perspective than us younger parents and are much needed in the grand scheme we call life.
If you don’t have your grandparents around anymore – why not look around for a friendly elderly person to be your childrens’ adopt-a-grannie. The benefits will be life changing.
The answer is simple. Grandparents, by the time they are grandparents, have lived a good many years experiencing life already and nothing really surprises them anymore. They are wise beyond their years and it would seem to me that they understand that everything is a passing phase.
But what about those of you who have lost both of their grandparents already or whose grandparents - because of distance or family breakdown - just aren’t in the picture anymore? Who do you go to for advice, knowledge, comfort and unconditional love?
The elderly in our society in general are excellent role models for the younger generation today. They look at things from a different (wiser) perspective than us younger parents and are much needed in the grand scheme we call life.
If you don’t have your grandparents around anymore – why not look around for a friendly elderly person to be your childrens’ adopt-a-grannie. The benefits will be life changing.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Embarrassing children
Have you ever been in the position where by you are embarrassed by your child’s behaviour? If you have, join the club!
I have just gone through this experience again last week with my soon to be 17 year old. Being asked to front up to the principal’s office as a teacher and pastor is not the most rewarding experience I have had this year. My baby, my angel this time has got himself into such a situation that he was suspended for three days.
I wonder if kids ever grow out of it? Do they ever stop embarrassing their parents? I must remember to ask my mum!
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
We are who we are because we are!
Do you ever wish you could go back in time and change some of the mistakes you made? I do! But the reality of my life is this…
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t have the life experience I have now to help others and understand their pain and guilt.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t have the wisdom to know that it wasn’t the right choice to make anyway.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made my kids wouldn’t know that it is OK to fail.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t be able to relate to my imperfect children.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t know what it means to be forgiven or to truly forgive someone else.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t need God in my life.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t be ME!
Nobody is perfect. It is through our mistakes that we learn, grow, mature, and get wisdom!
Jesus Christ was the only perfect person to live and he did it because he always knew that we can’t do it right – no matter how hard we try.
It is ok to fail!
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t have the life experience I have now to help others and understand their pain and guilt.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t have the wisdom to know that it wasn’t the right choice to make anyway.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made my kids wouldn’t know that it is OK to fail.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t be able to relate to my imperfect children.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t know what it means to be forgiven or to truly forgive someone else.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t need God in my life.
If I didn’t make the mistakes I made I wouldn’t be ME!
Nobody is perfect. It is through our mistakes that we learn, grow, mature, and get wisdom!
Jesus Christ was the only perfect person to live and he did it because he always knew that we can’t do it right – no matter how hard we try.
It is ok to fail!
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
God cares for you
Last week my little chat let you know that anytime you were feeling stressed or worried about something, like you were having trouble coping or if you were just having one of those weeks, you could send me an email or even sms me and I would send up a little prayer for you.
A few people emailed me within 24 hours with a simple “Please pray for me this week!”
So…I just want to say it again that if anytime you are feeling a little overwhelmed with a situation in your life:
• maybe your kids are being a little disobedient;
• maybe you are having problems with someone at work or even a neighbour;
• maybe your relationship needs a little help
Please remember that I am here to not only pray for you, but you can call me for an anonymous chat over the phone, or we can meet in person.
We all need someone to talk to every now and then; I know I do.
Remember that God really does care for you!
A few people emailed me within 24 hours with a simple “Please pray for me this week!”
So…I just want to say it again that if anytime you are feeling a little overwhelmed with a situation in your life:
• maybe your kids are being a little disobedient;
• maybe you are having problems with someone at work or even a neighbour;
• maybe your relationship needs a little help
Please remember that I am here to not only pray for you, but you can call me for an anonymous chat over the phone, or we can meet in person.
We all need someone to talk to every now and then; I know I do.
Remember that God really does care for you!
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Not a good time
Do you ever have a day or a week, or even a month where you just feel like shouting to the world that
“This is not a good time to tackle me on anything that may upset me?”
I do! Most of the time life can just cruise on by but every once in a while life just becomes too much to cope with and you want to bail out on everyone and everything for just a little while and hide.
Unfortunately, that is not always possible – and we have to continue on with our families, our lives and our jobs. How do people do that? How do people continue to cope when all they want to do is scream!
If this sounds like you at the moment – why not give me a call or send me and email and we can chat about how stressful life is. I do have some tips for you though…
1. Exercise – it is really important to release those nasty stress hormones.
2. Cry – always makes me feel better – mind you if you are doing it too much you really need to see a doctor.
3. Talk to someone – find someone to download onto. And if you have run out of friends to listen – I am always here.
4. Pray – You can either pray yourself, send me an email and ask me to pray for you, or give me a call and I can pray with you.
Just remember – you are not alone!
“This is not a good time to tackle me on anything that may upset me?”
I do! Most of the time life can just cruise on by but every once in a while life just becomes too much to cope with and you want to bail out on everyone and everything for just a little while and hide.
Unfortunately, that is not always possible – and we have to continue on with our families, our lives and our jobs. How do people do that? How do people continue to cope when all they want to do is scream!
If this sounds like you at the moment – why not give me a call or send me and email and we can chat about how stressful life is. I do have some tips for you though…
1. Exercise – it is really important to release those nasty stress hormones.
2. Cry – always makes me feel better – mind you if you are doing it too much you really need to see a doctor.
3. Talk to someone – find someone to download onto. And if you have run out of friends to listen – I am always here.
4. Pray – You can either pray yourself, send me an email and ask me to pray for you, or give me a call and I can pray with you.
Just remember – you are not alone!
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Why God, why?
I often hear the question asked “If God is real then why does He let bad stuff happen?”
Good question! It was my own inability to answer this very question that led me to call myself an atheist for eight years.
But now…I believe I have an answer that fits with me.
When God created man he gave him free will. The will to choose between right and wrong, and the freedom to make mistakes! God wants us to choose to do the right thing but when we don’t – there is a consequence. And sometimes that consequence can affect others and the effect can also continue for a long time to come.
Do I believe in my heart God chooses for this to happen – no I do not! What I do believe is that the modern day man is more inclined to think only of himself, and little of the consequences or the effect his actions will have on others.
There is so much poverty in the world because there are so many greedy, selfish, materialistic people (& leaders) who think only of themselves.
So many people die in car accidents because of the mistakes made by others or themselves (including parts malfunctioning).
People die in fires – one reason may be because people are careless and don’t think before they throw out a cigarette butt on to the dry barren land.
Bad stuff happens and there really isn’t much we can do to prevent it happening, but…we can show God’s love to others by the way we as individuals respond to others in need.
All around the world, in Cambodia, in Australia, and in our local community, people are hurting, suffering and going through some really bad times. If you are able and you feel you should, why not show others the reality of God in your life by offering to help those less fortunate than yourself.
If you would like to know how you can start to help, please contact me.
Good question! It was my own inability to answer this very question that led me to call myself an atheist for eight years.
But now…I believe I have an answer that fits with me.
When God created man he gave him free will. The will to choose between right and wrong, and the freedom to make mistakes! God wants us to choose to do the right thing but when we don’t – there is a consequence. And sometimes that consequence can affect others and the effect can also continue for a long time to come.
Do I believe in my heart God chooses for this to happen – no I do not! What I do believe is that the modern day man is more inclined to think only of himself, and little of the consequences or the effect his actions will have on others.
There is so much poverty in the world because there are so many greedy, selfish, materialistic people (& leaders) who think only of themselves.
So many people die in car accidents because of the mistakes made by others or themselves (including parts malfunctioning).
People die in fires – one reason may be because people are careless and don’t think before they throw out a cigarette butt on to the dry barren land.
Bad stuff happens and there really isn’t much we can do to prevent it happening, but…we can show God’s love to others by the way we as individuals respond to others in need.
All around the world, in Cambodia, in Australia, and in our local community, people are hurting, suffering and going through some really bad times. If you are able and you feel you should, why not show others the reality of God in your life by offering to help those less fortunate than yourself.
If you would like to know how you can start to help, please contact me.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Don't wait until it's too late
A friend of mine in her early forties recently had a heart attack and spent five weeks in hospital.
When I caught up with her the other day she explained how this near death experience had caused her to start considering the possibility that God really does exist.
I understand my friend’s reluctance in believing in a God that she cannot see, because for eight years of my own life I was also a devout atheist.
I did not have a near death experience but I got myself into such a dark spot that I could not find a way out. The only option I had was to ask God that if he really existed then I needed his help and … you know the answer.
I believe it is normal to go searching for God when we have nowhere else to turn or no other options left. But…I often wish that I had believed in His existence long before I did, because I know in my heart that had I asked for His help a lot earlier, my life never would have got as bad as it did.
Please don’t let your life get to the point of being at the depths of despair before you consider the notion of His existence.
When I caught up with her the other day she explained how this near death experience had caused her to start considering the possibility that God really does exist.
I understand my friend’s reluctance in believing in a God that she cannot see, because for eight years of my own life I was also a devout atheist.
I did not have a near death experience but I got myself into such a dark spot that I could not find a way out. The only option I had was to ask God that if he really existed then I needed his help and … you know the answer.
I believe it is normal to go searching for God when we have nowhere else to turn or no other options left. But…I often wish that I had believed in His existence long before I did, because I know in my heart that had I asked for His help a lot earlier, my life never would have got as bad as it did.
Please don’t let your life get to the point of being at the depths of despair before you consider the notion of His existence.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)