"You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The wilderness becomes a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!" - ps 65.11-13
This scripture, God made alive to me in 2010. I've come to realise that when it comes to the end of one year, you can look back - and see the harvest in the difficulties. When you come through the challenges, and have a bit of time to 'recover' - you can see God's goodness and His hand there, while you were struggling.
Things don't always look like what we expect. Sometimes we have a sort-of imprint in our minds of what 'abundance, lush pastures, joy, flocks of sheep and carpets of grain' look like.
After 2011, I found myself waiting for this amazing 'harvest' to arrive near the end of the year... only to discover, the harvest happened through the year. The greatest harvest was in my heart.
I leave 2011 knowing Him in ways I never would have before. Knowing He sits with those battling death, and never leaves. Knowing he is literally with you in every circumstance. Knowing He wills people to live more than we ever could. Knowing that He alone governs our breathing, our living, and our dying. Knowing He is the Healer. Knowing that He restores relationships. I have found myself challenged in some of the fundamentals of my faith, and leaving with a new 'knowing' in my heart that there is no other that I would rather rest my life upon - than the One who holds life together.
There were other harvests - some of those being the help that was extended to us through the difficulties - practical, emotional and spiritual help. Prayers, meals, help at home, help with childcare, conversations, listening ears, love and support in SO many other ways. Harvests in relationships with others... Sometimes its not until you go through difficulty that you realise the great things God has put in and around your life.
I've come to appreciate 2011 and each challenge.
I must say, I have great anticipation for 2012 in my heart - I am SURE that there will be fulfilments of some of the promises that we (and many others) have only longed for or dreamed of. I believe there is a harvest that follows faithfulness. God is good and is worthy of serving with everything you have. I know no-one greater and want for no other.
Happy 2012 everyone. May it truly be crowned with the goodness of God and a harvest that is visible to you for your life.
Showing posts with label the hand of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the hand of God. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Friday, May 6, 2011
Happy dance....!
It's not everyday that you visit the optometrist for your "regular" check up. (I haven't been for 4 years - supposed to go 2 yearly).
It's not everyday that your optometrist tells you - that your eyes have actually IMPROVED. Again. (Last time they had also improved slightly).
I've gone from needing a mild-med strength pair of glasses for close up work - to virtually not needing glasses at all.
In his words, "I think you see incredibly well - I wouldn't even give you a pair of glasses for the prescription you would need - the smallest possible."
Not a bad feat for the God who mastered the meningitis 6 weeks ago - with one of the major side effects being vision trouble. Up until a week ago I was having vision problems. Got someone to pray for me on Sunday - and wallah - Tuesday comes and I'm better than I was before!
My eyes also look perfect for someone who was so sick only a few weeks ago. There are special post-meningitis checks.
I love how He works - here I am, desperately wanting my very badly short sighted husband to be healed from his blindness - all the while getting healed of my own. haha!
[caption id="attachment_337" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Happy Dance!!!!"]
[/caption]
The funniest thing about it is - I actually like wearing my glasses on occasion!! Oh well, will only be very 'special' occasions now.... you'll know it's a bad day if you see them on my face.
x
It's not everyday that your optometrist tells you - that your eyes have actually IMPROVED. Again. (Last time they had also improved slightly).
I've gone from needing a mild-med strength pair of glasses for close up work - to virtually not needing glasses at all.
In his words, "I think you see incredibly well - I wouldn't even give you a pair of glasses for the prescription you would need - the smallest possible."
Not a bad feat for the God who mastered the meningitis 6 weeks ago - with one of the major side effects being vision trouble. Up until a week ago I was having vision problems. Got someone to pray for me on Sunday - and wallah - Tuesday comes and I'm better than I was before!
My eyes also look perfect for someone who was so sick only a few weeks ago. There are special post-meningitis checks.
I love how He works - here I am, desperately wanting my very badly short sighted husband to be healed from his blindness - all the while getting healed of my own. haha!
[caption id="attachment_337" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Happy Dance!!!!"]
[/caption]The funniest thing about it is - I actually like wearing my glasses on occasion!! Oh well, will only be very 'special' occasions now.... you'll know it's a bad day if you see them on my face.
x
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
I WILL LIVE to tell the story...
Ps 118.17
I will not die, but I will LIVE
to tell what the LORD has done......
Almost three weeks ago, I lay on death's doorstep.
It started with a headache. So severe I could not get out of bed. I was so tired, but could not sleep for the pain. It was so intense, I failed to even put 2 & 2 together with any other symptoms my body was facing.
The rest - which I realised while being questioned by my GP was, I had such a stiff neck, I couldn't stand any light, I was running a high fever but freezing cold, I couldn't stand to straighten my legs, I had to lie down. I felt incredibly nauseated - even drinking one sip of water was enough to make me want to vomit.
The pain I was experiencing - was MUCH, MUCH worse than labour. I visited my GP - hoping for a jab in the butt to be sent home to get over my "migrane". Of course, being pregnant - they couldn't give me anything.
Next I knew I was being checked head-to-toe for a rash and sent straight to ED at our local hospital. The GP phoned in advance and sent me with a letter - so I could be seen "immediately".
I arrived, could hardly walk in the room, let alone tell them my name or write. They took my letter and I sat down. The room was busy - full, of really unwell people. I saw the nurse, who checked me and told me it "will not be long" before I got to see the doctor.
Three and a half hours later, my husband, mum and miss "alsmost 2" at my side, I was still waiting. I lay on a small couch in the busy main corridor of the hospital - because I could not bare to be upright. I kept my eyes shut and periodically faded in and out of "awareness" - which I figured later was consciousness. I shivered with cold and couldn't stand any noise.
They called my name. By this point, I could barely stand, nor walk. I could not control my body in the least. I was beginning to convulse, hyperventilate and cry - at the same time.
The nurse ordered blood tests be done immediately, drip was inserted because I was severely dehydrated. My fever was running high.
The doctor was in shortly after, and I was checked all over and asked a multitude of questions (for the 4th time). He left to talk to his boss, and the nurse stayed with me.
The first few drops of morphine - were literally like heaven (haha). For the first time, I felt much less pain and could open my eyes.
I sobbed and sobbed - "what about my baby....??"
The doctor returned. I had meningitis. He suspected it was viral meningitis due to some of the onsetting symptoms I had, he was happy to diagnose me without any futher tests.
He told me that they cannot treat viral meningitis. It is also not considered "dangerous" like bacterial meningitis is. They would give me some pain killers and send me home, that I would have a headache and be sick for a couple of weeks and then start to come right.
But I was given a choice. Little did I know - the choice was likely to mean the difference between life and death.
If I left, and got worse, I had to come back to ED. And join the back of the line in waiting again. I would not have returned. The wait was too agonising and traumatising as it was, let alone to do it a second time.
He said the other choice, was to have a lumbar puncture done - which would actually diagnose whether I had bacterial or viral meningitis.
I felt incredibly compassionate towards the other very sick people who were in the waiting room, waiting for a bed in the ED. I felt swayed to go home.
But deep inside me somewhere - I knew something just wasn't right.
So I asked for the lumbar puncture.
The LP wasn't as bad as I expected (or had been told by others). It's not a nice thing to have done, but I did not care for fact that it would help make me better.
A couple of hours later, I was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Much to the doctor's surprise. An ultra-sound was done to check baby - and there was lots of movement and a perfect heart rate. *Sigh of relief*
Mum had taken miss "almost 2" home for dinner and bath, hubby then had to leave to pick her up and get her to bed. Later, without warning, I was collected by two people with plastic gowns from head to toe, and masks on - and delivered to my room. The masks and gowns were part of my life for two days - until I was no longer "contagious".
I felt like an enemy of the human race - biological warfare waiting to be released or something. At one point, I had five medical staff in my small room, peering at me from behind their peculiar costumes.
For the next 8 days I lay in hospital - in a room completely dark. My visitors actually thought I was sleeping - but I couldn't handle even the faintest light. I could not read or write. I could not even bear to look at pictures.
I could maintain an upright position for only 5 minutes, before suffering excruciating pain and needing to sleep.
I never knew how the wriggles and kicks of a tiny baby could be such a relief. The baby is alive. But even more, I am alive.
I had meltdowns in the middle of the night. I had panic attacks in the night (and day). I felt depressed and alone, but any visitors made me physically and emotionally exhausted.
One morning, I couldn't even open the small packet of jam to put on my toast. I called the nurse, in tears, who opened it - then I couldn't even use my knife. The sheer frustration of wanting to do a simple task, but physically not being able to, was terrible.
I desperately wanted my God to come and make me well, sometimes I wondered why all this had happened and where He had got to. But I knew He would never leave me, nor would He make me sick, or "allow" me to be sick.
People came to pray for me, my family was desperately praying for me, my friends were desperately praying for me, my church was desperately praying for me - people I don't even know were crying out to heaven for me.
And I can truly say that I am SURE, if it weren't for God, I would have died. I am greatful for the prayers of many warriors who cried out for me in my despair. And who are still crying out for my total healing.
I finally came home. Still in incredible pain, afraid of light and unable to do most things. My arms were like those of an addict from all the IV's and blood tests. My husband, looked glazed and stressed. His busiest time with his work, an incredibly ill wife and a demanding child.
Then came the helps. Dinners cooked and delivered every night. Babysitters, house-cleaners, people just to sit with me. Vouchers for special trips to a cafe. What stars I have for family, friends and wider church family.
Each day since coming home, I have improved. I can now read and write again. I can stand light although sometimes get a slight headache or uncomfortable feeling. I am barely in any pain apart from my back and tailbone are still quite sore.
My brain is sometimes still slow, speech sometimes slurred and occasionally loud or sharp noises still hurt my head. I am off balance - which makes me afraid of large groups of people or things like crossing a busy road/carpark. I cannot hear or see as well as I could.
I recognise that there is not only the physical damage on my body (which I believe I will make a FULL recovery from), but there is also a lot of emotional trauma which I am working through.
BUT...
I am greatful. I am so greatful to be alive that the very thought moves me to tears. I am greatful to be able to hear/see and do most of the things that I used to. I am greatful to tuck my sweet little princess in at night, and experience the joy of her laughter - even just one more time. I am greatful to look my husband in the eyes and tell him I love him - even just one more time.
I am greatful for all the people who have been pouring themselves out for my benefit. Because they believe in me being well again.
I am greatful to be given another chance at life - because I sure didn't live the last chance I had as much as I wanted to.
I am greatful that I serve a God who WANTS to heal people. Who DELIGHTS in healing the sick and doing miracles. A God who is real, and who loves fiercely.
I know, that as I lay there fighting for my life, in the darkest moments - He truly sat in the chair next to my bed keeping watch. Willing me to rise again. Willing me to live.
x
I will not die, but I will LIVE
to tell what the LORD has done......
Almost three weeks ago, I lay on death's doorstep.
It started with a headache. So severe I could not get out of bed. I was so tired, but could not sleep for the pain. It was so intense, I failed to even put 2 & 2 together with any other symptoms my body was facing.
The rest - which I realised while being questioned by my GP was, I had such a stiff neck, I couldn't stand any light, I was running a high fever but freezing cold, I couldn't stand to straighten my legs, I had to lie down. I felt incredibly nauseated - even drinking one sip of water was enough to make me want to vomit.
The pain I was experiencing - was MUCH, MUCH worse than labour. I visited my GP - hoping for a jab in the butt to be sent home to get over my "migrane". Of course, being pregnant - they couldn't give me anything.
Next I knew I was being checked head-to-toe for a rash and sent straight to ED at our local hospital. The GP phoned in advance and sent me with a letter - so I could be seen "immediately".
I arrived, could hardly walk in the room, let alone tell them my name or write. They took my letter and I sat down. The room was busy - full, of really unwell people. I saw the nurse, who checked me and told me it "will not be long" before I got to see the doctor.
Three and a half hours later, my husband, mum and miss "alsmost 2" at my side, I was still waiting. I lay on a small couch in the busy main corridor of the hospital - because I could not bare to be upright. I kept my eyes shut and periodically faded in and out of "awareness" - which I figured later was consciousness. I shivered with cold and couldn't stand any noise.
They called my name. By this point, I could barely stand, nor walk. I could not control my body in the least. I was beginning to convulse, hyperventilate and cry - at the same time.
The nurse ordered blood tests be done immediately, drip was inserted because I was severely dehydrated. My fever was running high.
The doctor was in shortly after, and I was checked all over and asked a multitude of questions (for the 4th time). He left to talk to his boss, and the nurse stayed with me.
The first few drops of morphine - were literally like heaven (haha). For the first time, I felt much less pain and could open my eyes.
I sobbed and sobbed - "what about my baby....??"
The doctor returned. I had meningitis. He suspected it was viral meningitis due to some of the onsetting symptoms I had, he was happy to diagnose me without any futher tests.
He told me that they cannot treat viral meningitis. It is also not considered "dangerous" like bacterial meningitis is. They would give me some pain killers and send me home, that I would have a headache and be sick for a couple of weeks and then start to come right.
But I was given a choice. Little did I know - the choice was likely to mean the difference between life and death.
If I left, and got worse, I had to come back to ED. And join the back of the line in waiting again. I would not have returned. The wait was too agonising and traumatising as it was, let alone to do it a second time.
He said the other choice, was to have a lumbar puncture done - which would actually diagnose whether I had bacterial or viral meningitis.
I felt incredibly compassionate towards the other very sick people who were in the waiting room, waiting for a bed in the ED. I felt swayed to go home.
But deep inside me somewhere - I knew something just wasn't right.
So I asked for the lumbar puncture.
The LP wasn't as bad as I expected (or had been told by others). It's not a nice thing to have done, but I did not care for fact that it would help make me better.
A couple of hours later, I was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Much to the doctor's surprise. An ultra-sound was done to check baby - and there was lots of movement and a perfect heart rate. *Sigh of relief*
Mum had taken miss "almost 2" home for dinner and bath, hubby then had to leave to pick her up and get her to bed. Later, without warning, I was collected by two people with plastic gowns from head to toe, and masks on - and delivered to my room. The masks and gowns were part of my life for two days - until I was no longer "contagious".
I felt like an enemy of the human race - biological warfare waiting to be released or something. At one point, I had five medical staff in my small room, peering at me from behind their peculiar costumes.
For the next 8 days I lay in hospital - in a room completely dark. My visitors actually thought I was sleeping - but I couldn't handle even the faintest light. I could not read or write. I could not even bear to look at pictures.
I could maintain an upright position for only 5 minutes, before suffering excruciating pain and needing to sleep.
I never knew how the wriggles and kicks of a tiny baby could be such a relief. The baby is alive. But even more, I am alive.
I had meltdowns in the middle of the night. I had panic attacks in the night (and day). I felt depressed and alone, but any visitors made me physically and emotionally exhausted.
One morning, I couldn't even open the small packet of jam to put on my toast. I called the nurse, in tears, who opened it - then I couldn't even use my knife. The sheer frustration of wanting to do a simple task, but physically not being able to, was terrible.
I desperately wanted my God to come and make me well, sometimes I wondered why all this had happened and where He had got to. But I knew He would never leave me, nor would He make me sick, or "allow" me to be sick.
People came to pray for me, my family was desperately praying for me, my friends were desperately praying for me, my church was desperately praying for me - people I don't even know were crying out to heaven for me.
And I can truly say that I am SURE, if it weren't for God, I would have died. I am greatful for the prayers of many warriors who cried out for me in my despair. And who are still crying out for my total healing.
I finally came home. Still in incredible pain, afraid of light and unable to do most things. My arms were like those of an addict from all the IV's and blood tests. My husband, looked glazed and stressed. His busiest time with his work, an incredibly ill wife and a demanding child.
Then came the helps. Dinners cooked and delivered every night. Babysitters, house-cleaners, people just to sit with me. Vouchers for special trips to a cafe. What stars I have for family, friends and wider church family.
Each day since coming home, I have improved. I can now read and write again. I can stand light although sometimes get a slight headache or uncomfortable feeling. I am barely in any pain apart from my back and tailbone are still quite sore.
My brain is sometimes still slow, speech sometimes slurred and occasionally loud or sharp noises still hurt my head. I am off balance - which makes me afraid of large groups of people or things like crossing a busy road/carpark. I cannot hear or see as well as I could.
I recognise that there is not only the physical damage on my body (which I believe I will make a FULL recovery from), but there is also a lot of emotional trauma which I am working through.
BUT...
I am greatful. I am so greatful to be alive that the very thought moves me to tears. I am greatful to be able to hear/see and do most of the things that I used to. I am greatful to tuck my sweet little princess in at night, and experience the joy of her laughter - even just one more time. I am greatful to look my husband in the eyes and tell him I love him - even just one more time.
I am greatful for all the people who have been pouring themselves out for my benefit. Because they believe in me being well again.
I am greatful to be given another chance at life - because I sure didn't live the last chance I had as much as I wanted to.
I am greatful that I serve a God who WANTS to heal people. Who DELIGHTS in healing the sick and doing miracles. A God who is real, and who loves fiercely.
I know, that as I lay there fighting for my life, in the darkest moments - He truly sat in the chair next to my bed keeping watch. Willing me to rise again. Willing me to live.
x
Saturday, November 13, 2010
I ♥.....
I'm totally loving a few things right now - thought I'd share......
Summer salads with YUM dressing! - they are SO more delicious than unhealthy stuff - I just seem to forget!!! Tonights tea (for me) was.....
[caption id="attachment_128" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="chicken ceasar salad - YUM!"]
[/caption]These bronze stiletto heels..... I bought these baby's for my wedding and never wore them - but I'm loving rocking them out at the moment!! Looking forward to them featuring in my outfit at a friends wedding soon!
[caption id="attachment_129" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="oooooohh, ahhhhh!"]
[/caption]Belated birthday cards, and gifts..... one especially made by my precious friend 'Rachel Kate' - check her out and her awesome makings - right here > http://www.stephengartonismyhero.blogspot.com/
What's even better - is it perfectly (I mean ABSOLUTELY perfectly) matches my heels!!!! AND will go great for the wedding~!
[caption id="attachment_130" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="gorgeous hand-made clutch..."]
[/caption]So, for this wedding, I have a borrowed dress, my stilettos and thought - I need a bag - but money is a bit tight, didn't really want to buy one - and looksee above - YAY!!
I love how God knows the little things that are important to us, and uses other people to meet them. It wasn't a need - just a nice touch that I wished for. He wants me to look good - and appreciates my effort. Totally love His finishing touch to my outfit....
This baby is a sure hit for me right now too....
[caption id="attachment_131" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="to check on 'progress'"]
[/caption]And lastly (maybe best of all) another birthday gift - this incredible book. An autobiography by an amazing man, who preaches to crusades with millions (YES millions) of people in attendance..... what a journey
[caption id="attachment_132" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="real life - incredible story! thank you mummy & daddy in law - I know you believe in me..."]
[/caption]What things are you loving in your world???
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
I always wanted to dance....
When I was a young girl, I always dreamed and hoped, that one day I could be a ballet dancer, or be good at gymnastics.
I totally love shows like dancing with the stars. I love the rythmic gymnastics in the Olympic games - I could watch people dance for hours. Modern dance has lead to hip-hop, and jazz and other genres - and I certainly love watching a good, clean dance piece.
Well, in my recent 'journey' - I realised that not having the opportunity to dance as a little girl - (the finance being one reason, and having an 'unlikely' dance figure being the other) - had actually left a bit of a hole in me. Quite a big one.
A part of me, in need of redemption - by the Lover of my Soul.
Now I'm a rather out-going person, but tofrollick unskillfully and prance around 'dance' where others can see me (apart from husband and child) is TOTALLY out of my comfort zone.
So in this journey of freedom finding - I have discovered something - I can dance like a six year old - in front of my Daddy (Jesus) - and He thinks I'm LOVELY!!!!!(Even if every other human being thinks I'm nuts.) And you know what - if I'm dancing for Him - I don't really give a stuff what anyone else thinks.
I have long thought that if the church could just get FREE and dance before our King - maybe we'd do better than the night clubs at reaching people. We need people who are FREE, (who don't need a dose of liquor in them) - just loving God and loving themselves & each other.
Young people just LOVE to dance. Most people just LOVE to dance.
Friday night youth - yes - I danced...
Sunday morning church - yes I danced...with ribbons! mind you, I had two beautiful, FREE, 6 year olds standing beside me, ribbons in hand, not caring what the 300 or so other people in the room thought.
Was it fun - HECK YES!!!! Did it make my God smile - HECK YES!!!! and I couldn't help but laugh when I got a very approving grin from the other side of the room - my Daddy in law.
So God is redeeming this area of my heart - where this unlikely young woman in the eyes of the world - looks at the face of my Creator - and JUST WANTS TO DANCE.
I am DANCING - and loving every moment.
Perhaps my next shopping expedition will be looking for tights & a tutu.
I totally love shows like dancing with the stars. I love the rythmic gymnastics in the Olympic games - I could watch people dance for hours. Modern dance has lead to hip-hop, and jazz and other genres - and I certainly love watching a good, clean dance piece.
Well, in my recent 'journey' - I realised that not having the opportunity to dance as a little girl - (the finance being one reason, and having an 'unlikely' dance figure being the other) - had actually left a bit of a hole in me. Quite a big one.
A part of me, in need of redemption - by the Lover of my Soul.
Now I'm a rather out-going person, but to
So in this journey of freedom finding - I have discovered something - I can dance like a six year old - in front of my Daddy (Jesus) - and He thinks I'm LOVELY!!!!!
I have long thought that if the church could just get FREE and dance before our King - maybe we'd do better than the night clubs at reaching people. We need people who are FREE, (who don't need a dose of liquor in them) - just loving God and loving themselves & each other.
Young people just LOVE to dance. Most people just LOVE to dance.
Friday night youth - yes - I danced...
Sunday morning church - yes I danced...with ribbons! mind you, I had two beautiful, FREE, 6 year olds standing beside me, ribbons in hand, not caring what the 300 or so other people in the room thought.
Was it fun - HECK YES!!!! Did it make my God smile - HECK YES!!!! and I couldn't help but laugh when I got a very approving grin from the other side of the room - my Daddy in law.
So God is redeeming this area of my heart - where this unlikely young woman in the eyes of the world - looks at the face of my Creator - and JUST WANTS TO DANCE.
I am DANCING - and loving every moment.
Perhaps my next shopping expedition will be looking for tights & a tutu.
Monday, November 8, 2010
'Moments' I'm totally digging!
Ok, I'm totally digging a few things right about now.... so I'm just taking a "moment" to appreciate life....
[caption id="attachment_99" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="our baby birds, are learning to fly!"]
[/caption]Our lawn is really long at the moment (thanks to a broken lawn-mower) - but there is a carpet of gorgeous yellow dandelions!! How I love spring!
This fine piece of fitness equipment....
[caption id="attachment_101" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="mmmmm hmmmm, my rowing machine"]
[/caption]By the way - today is day 6 - did 35 minutes of rowing plus some core exercises. See here http://arnaliseharris.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/my-30-day-challenge/ if you don't know what I'm talking about.
The aftermath - from special moments, with a special group of young people - where their lives were changed forever....
And learning... (well trying to) the art of photography....
[caption id="attachment_105" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Just dawn...... at the youth camp"]
[/caption]
Friday, October 29, 2010
Gold mining
I'm sure many people wonder - what do you do when life throws changes, and challenges at you, that you didn't initiate...
When every part of you aches, your heart breaks over and over, so many misunderstandings - and there's emptiness in so many once treasured memories, photographs, conversations, moments....
Sometimes it feels like we are just like onions.... made of gold. You peel back one layer, and you just find more gold underneath. Hidden gold, beauty that only a Creator could put there.
The same goes for the coal... You peel back a layer of pain and ugliness, and you just seem to find another layer of the 'stuff'. Stuff.... sorrow, grief, pain, wrong dealt to us by others, wrong that is a consequence of our own choices. Wrong perceptions of ourselves, wrong perceptions of others. There's so much 'stuff.'
[caption id="attachment_55" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="He holds my coal in the palm of His hands....."]
[/caption]
This past year I have been on a journey. I have seen some parts of me that have been very ugly. I have faced some very deep pain that has been imbedded in me from a long time ago.
Thankfully, the journey has been led by someone who is far greater than myself.
I've discovered that God is part of a great exchange. He doesn't want to let us live in our pain. Sometimes we can think that we have it all together, and then another layer gets peeled back. Ouch.
He is wholeness. He is life. That is what He has for us. He is my Daddy - and He's good. All the time.
I have learnt that a battle shared is a battle won. Victory was never meant to be one person's alone. We are made to stand with each other and lead each other to victory.
You never know the depths someone is being taken to through lifes circumstances. If we all got a glimpse of each other's pain, we'd be a lot more patient with each other.
[caption id="attachment_57" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Gold mining - commonly done in rivers and water"]
[/caption]
Recently, I have decided to, and made a conscious effort to see the gold in people. I want to peel back one layer of gold, and find another. I want to honour people for who they are, not who they are not.
[caption id="attachment_58" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Coal mining - usually done underground in caves"]
[/caption]
I have chosen (against my will many times) to speak good of people, when I could find many valid bad things to say.
I create life with my words, and my actions. I also create death.
When coal is mined - then burned; it covers everything around it in soot. We could all go hunt for coal, BURN it - create smoke so everyone can see it and many can feel it...
Gold just doesn't get burnt.
I think the world would be a different place if we all went gold mining.
[caption id="attachment_59" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="The world is full of gold, if we just look for it-"]
[/caption]
When every part of you aches, your heart breaks over and over, so many misunderstandings - and there's emptiness in so many once treasured memories, photographs, conversations, moments....
Sometimes it feels like we are just like onions.... made of gold. You peel back one layer, and you just find more gold underneath. Hidden gold, beauty that only a Creator could put there.
The same goes for the coal... You peel back a layer of pain and ugliness, and you just seem to find another layer of the 'stuff'. Stuff.... sorrow, grief, pain, wrong dealt to us by others, wrong that is a consequence of our own choices. Wrong perceptions of ourselves, wrong perceptions of others. There's so much 'stuff.'
[caption id="attachment_55" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="He holds my coal in the palm of His hands....."]
[/caption]This past year I have been on a journey. I have seen some parts of me that have been very ugly. I have faced some very deep pain that has been imbedded in me from a long time ago.
Thankfully, the journey has been led by someone who is far greater than myself.
I've discovered that God is part of a great exchange. He doesn't want to let us live in our pain. Sometimes we can think that we have it all together, and then another layer gets peeled back. Ouch.
He is wholeness. He is life. That is what He has for us. He is my Daddy - and He's good. All the time.
I have learnt that a battle shared is a battle won. Victory was never meant to be one person's alone. We are made to stand with each other and lead each other to victory.
You never know the depths someone is being taken to through lifes circumstances. If we all got a glimpse of each other's pain, we'd be a lot more patient with each other.
[caption id="attachment_57" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Gold mining - commonly done in rivers and water"]
[/caption]Recently, I have decided to, and made a conscious effort to see the gold in people. I want to peel back one layer of gold, and find another. I want to honour people for who they are, not who they are not.
[caption id="attachment_58" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Coal mining - usually done underground in caves"]
[/caption]I have chosen (against my will many times) to speak good of people, when I could find many valid bad things to say.
I create life with my words, and my actions. I also create death.
When coal is mined - then burned; it covers everything around it in soot. We could all go hunt for coal, BURN it - create smoke so everyone can see it and many can feel it...
Gold just doesn't get burnt.
I think the world would be a different place if we all went gold mining.
[caption id="attachment_59" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="The world is full of gold, if we just look for it-"]
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