Thursday, May 5, 2011


MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2009

27/12 don't confuse religious busyness with spiritual oneness with Jesus

page 13 of "Rest Assured":
Mary found it more important to listen to Jesus than to do for Jesus.
He was not saying that what Martha was doing was unimportant.
Rather, He was saying that if we have not spent time sitting [being grounded, like Brenda said] at His feet before focusing on our to-do lists, all our activity amounts to just so much pot-banging and dish breaking.
Our day can lose its focus, and our activities can lose their purpose without His guiding hand.

When Jesus said only one thing was needed, He wasn't exaggerating.
What is needed to move forward in our Christian walk?
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
looking into His face,
and hearing His words 
each day.
Why is this so hard for us?
Like Martha, we would rather be busy,
focusing on our abilities and our achievements.
But life is not about us.
Life is about Jesus
and what He can do through us.
On whom will [I] focus ...today?

Heavenly Father, 
Please help me to learn that spending time with You is the single most important thing I can get done in my day. Help me learn the priorities of Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name. 

BE,
THEN DO.
Church: "Be Still And Know That I Am God"
POSTED BY CATHY AT MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2009

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2009

26/12

LUKE 8:24

"JESUS GOT UP AND REBUKED THE WIND AND THE RAGING WATERS;
THE STORM SUBSIDED, AND ALL WAS CALM"

THIS IS STILL POSSIBLE FOR HIM TODAY! INCREASE MY FAITH, LORD!

McGUIRK:"SOMETIMES OUR LIVES ARE LIKE A STORM AT SEA. WHEN WE CRY OUT TO JESUS, HE MAY CALM THE STORM, BUT MORE OFTEN HE CALMS US IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM.

MOTHERS LIVE IN STORMS EVERY DAY...JESUS BECOMES OUR RUDDER AS WE SPEND TIME GETTING TO KNOW HIME AND LISTENING TO HIM SPEAK TO US... IF WE DON'T GET TO KNOW HIM, WE WILL LISTEN TO THE WORLD. ADVICE FROM THE WORLD IS LIKE HIDDEN SHOALS OR SHARP BOULDERS BENEATH THE SURFACE, WHICH RIP INTO OUR LIVES AND CAUSE A FLOOD TO COME POURING IN."

FATHER, THANKYOU THAT `NEVER WILL YOU LEAVE ME; NEVER WILL YOU FORSAKE ME' (HEBREWS 13:5)

THE HEART: POWER TO RAIN DOWN PEACE; WISDOM IN ANSWER TO PRAYER RE SETTLING LAURA AND PRAYING OVER A SITUATION WITH CHLOE; THAT STILL SMALL VOICE OF GUIDANCE AND COMPASSION

THE CROSS: WORDS WITHOUT THOUGHT

THE SMILE: FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS; JOY GIVEN; ATTITUDE CHANGED; BABY SETTLED; UNDERSTANDING; COMPASSION; GREAT SLEEP

THE BRIDGE: CHILDREN; EXTENDED FAMILY; EYES

THE TABLE: RELATIONSHIPS; CHURCH; SCHOOL; THE PICTURE GIVEN TO SIGNIFICANT OTHERS FOR CONFIRMATION
POSTED BY CATHY AT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2009

25/12 "REST ASSURED" NANCY MCGUIRK

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-8

"DO NOT BE ANXIOUS FOR ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.
FINALLY...WHATEVER IS TRUE,
WHATEVER IS NOBLE,
WHATEVER IS RIGHT,
WHATEVER IS PURE,
WHATEVER IS LOVELY,
WHATEVER IS ADMIRABLE -
IF ANYTHING IS EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY -
THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS."

(TURN MY WORRIES INTO PRAYERS)

HEBREWS 11:6

"AND WITHOUT FAITH, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, BECAUSE ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS AND THAT HE REWARDS THOSE WHO EARNESTLY SEEK HIM."

("PRAYER IS SIMPLY A WAY OF DEMONSTRATING OUR FAITH IN GOD")

THE HEART: ALL-KNOWING; GIVER OF HIS WISDOM; EVERYTHING GOOD; GRANTER OF HIS OVERFLOWING PEACE
THE CROSS: FEAR; POSSESSIVENESS, TAKING THE REINS,
THE SMILE: ANSWER TO QUESTION OF CHURCH THIS MORNING; CHILDREN; FAMILY SAFETY;
THE BRIDGE: TIME OF INTERCESSION
THE TABLE: ALLY'S, MUM'S AND CAMERON'S RESTORATION AND HEALING; BENNY'S ANTIOBOTICS TO WORK AND REST FOR HIS FAMILY; JOCK; DAVID; MYCHEL; MY ANKLES; SAFETY FOR TRAVELLING FRIENDS AND FAMILY; PROTECTION
POSTED BY CATHY AT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2009

24/12

1 PETER 5:7
"CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM, FOR HE CARES FOR YOU."

("MY CHILD, GIVE ME ALL YOUR WORRIES AND CARES FOR I AM ALWAYS THINKING OF YOU AND EVERYTHING THAT CONCERNS YOU")

THE HEART: MY HEAVENLY FATHER; MY PROVIDER; A DIVINE HUG; A FATHERLY SMILE; THE TOUCH OF MY ABBA'S HAND ON MY FACE, LIFTING MY EYES TO HIS

THE CROSS: PRIDE, WORRY, DESPAIR, ME-ATTITUDE, DEFENSIVENESS

THE SMILE: PEACEFUL HOME ENVIRONMENT, RESTORED RELATIONSHIPS, OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE, TEACHABLE MOMENTS, RAIN, BREEZES, VERANDAHS, FAMILY

THE BRIDGE: EYES, MINDS, PROTECTION, REVELATION

THE TABLE: MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP, CHURCH, THE PICTURE, LOST, BUSY DAY STILL PEACE-FILLED, CHLOE, DECLAN, LAURA, FAITH STRENGTHENED ALONG THE JOURNEY, HOLY SPIRIT REVELATION, SPEECH, JOY IN ALL SITUATIONS
POSTED BY CATHY AT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2009

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2009

Wishlists 2009

CHLOE
Pollyanna DVD (1950ish with Hayley Mills not the more recent animated version)

Multi-coloured bear nightlight in this week’s Woolies catalogue $15

China doll with jeans and a toy dog – this sounds like something she’s seen at Home Art

Row boat (see Declan)

DECLAN

Walkie-Talkies

Row boat (inflatable); though I’m not sure where we’d use it?

Water gun (Chloe’s going to take care of this one)

“Big Monster Truck” NB about $400 – a no-go, but he knows this.

Swings

Brio battery-powered engine to go with his wooden trainsethttp://w3c.shopsafe.com.au/featuredmerchants/brio_battery_powered_engine_yogee_com_au.htm

Making a go-cart with him (and possibly Chloe)http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/go-cart-manual-709232/

A tyre swing (our other swing has finally disintegrated (it was Gary’s from his childhood!) (for Chloe as well) http://www.yardgames.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=70_75&products_id=673

An easy to fly kite to fly on the local oval nearby (for Chloe as well)http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Pocket-Kite-Take-Anywhere-NEW-Yellow-Red-or-Green_W0QQitemZ250454529145QQihZ015QQcategoryZ137897QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m444QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DCRX%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DSI%252BUA%252BLM%252BLA%26otn%3D10%26ps%3D63



LAURA
Beatrix Potter stacking blocks found in stores alsohttp://www.totstoddlersnursery.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=126&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=1023&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=28&vmcchk=1&Itemid=28

http://www.organicsaustraliaonline.com.au/category316_1.htm
sunscreen for walking

Sleeveless rompers (no legs) size 00

Family-size sun shelter for beach/ pool

Jolly Jumper –the original (now has extra support at back and comes with a pigtail hook and the traditional door/ beam clamp)

Laura has heaps of soft toys as well as her first doll!!

GARY
Yellow passionfruit vine
Potato-vine (fast growing)
Bagged mulch
Coffee machine cleaner

CATHY
Hair colour
Terry white voucher (for photo development)
POSTED BY CATHY AT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2009
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PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN FROM BRING THE RAIN BLOG

"Here are the events and verses I chose:

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)


I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, those in need, etc., etc. As a mother, it has been so pivotal for my children to hear me praying out loud over them, and I want to commit to do this every day (seven times a day!) for the next week. If you care to join me, just copy these verses onto index cards (or, if you came here from Jessica's blog, feel free to print them on pretty scrapbook paper and embellish your little heart out....:))"

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2010

Interruptions 5/1

p.29 of "Rest Assured" :
See interruptions as opportunities. For all that comes your way has been filtered through the Father's loving hands.
And I want to remind myself that every little home or family or friend "thing" is also an investment, just like these quiet moments are an investment in my growth, my relationship with God, and my journey.

The heart: My Provider; my strong tower; my rock
The cross: forgetfulness re chn's teeth and eating habits; defensiveness; petty things
The smile: a strong husband who can set me an example; money for groceries; the times when L is chatty and cheery; the times when C shows compassion and practical helps; the times when D obeys straight away and when he shows his blossoming creativity; patience and strength and endurance for other times:)
POSTED BY CATHY AT TUESDAY, JANUARY 05, 2010

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2010

Growing through failure 4/1

Joshua 8:1 "The LORD said to Joshua, `Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged'". My initial thought is "easier said than done". Discouraged, disappointed, blue, joy-lacking, grey, feeling deserted and lost - this is where I am today; not great company; a hermit in some ways (or a turtle, not wanting to stick my neck out), thinking I have nothing to offer my friends; I'm all given out; empty... "Please fill me LORD; fix me; comfort me; mend me; mould me..." 
"The Potter's Hands" is my theme song - I must post the lyrics sometime...
Now Father, what is it you want to teach me today?
Ah... Peter STUMBLED!

P. 23 of "Rest assured": Failure is just a stepping-stone to maturity, a place where God meets us in our day of disappointment and extends a hand. All He asks is that when He says, "Follow Me", we grasp His hand and let Him pull us upward and onward, into the image of His Son.

"Heavenly Father,
 I have failed You and others so many times. Thank You for not giving up on me. Thank You for calling me to continue following You no matter what I do. Amen."
 
POSTED BY CATHY AT MONDAY, JANUARY 04, 2010
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2010

2nd January 2009 Guilt: true or false?

p.21 of "Rest Assured":
"True guilt comes from the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-8 Jesus is speaking about going to the Father: "But I tell you the truth, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world  in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement...."). We are supposed to feel guilty when we sin. Guilt moves us forward. The results of being convicted of true guilt are the fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5:22-23 "... is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."), but the results of false guilt are shame, unworthiness, and condemnation.
... If a Christian is guilty and the Holy Spirit is convicting her, she will be mobilized. But if the guilt is false and the devil is condemning her, she will be paralyzed... thank God for the blood of Christ that removes the stain of all guilt." 

 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4:16

POSTED BY CATHY AT SUNDAY, JANUARY 03, 2010
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2009

A Personal Invitation from Jesus is found in Matthew 11:28

"Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."
http://kathrynkuhlman.com/prayer-request.html

I periodically pick up a Kathryn Kuhlman book; reading it, I feel a connection with the Holy Spirit and His Power and compassion for those lost or misguided in a maze of self-help, alone-ness, plodding one step at a time, trying their best to be happy at least on the outside, but struggling to find their purpose and certainly not realising the Father-heart of God and the desire Jesus has to walk with us and help us be all we were created to be.

I claim for Ally, David, Mychel, Belinda A, Jock, my Dad and Mr B the same healing in the Holy Spirit's power that He gave to people at KK's gatherings:
Matthew 19:26
 "....with God, all things are possible."

When I need to be reminded that God can still do miracles, I read Kathryn Kuhlman's book "God can do it again". There's a testimony in there that talks about a young man who had an accident at 23 years of age and suffered a severe spinal injury. His name is Fred Burdick. He tells how God healed him, a sceptic, through the prayers of his two little girls and his wife.

In the power of Jesus' Name. Amen.
POSTED BY CATHY AT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2009

30th December "My power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9

p.18 of "Rest Assured": If you want others to see Christ in you, they need to see your human weakness. Our need for Christ, not our self-sufficiency, draws others to Him."
          Thorns are given to keep us from boasting about special opportunities; thorns come in the form of your pride taking a beating; hurt from a friend; an illness to slow you down...

p. 19 ibid: " The only way to experience the power of Christ is to come to the end of everything in self....As we let loose of everything we normally hold on to - reputation, achievement, pride - and cling to God's sufficiency and grace, others will be encouraged to see Him as their resource as well...."
"Every time you receive a thorn, remember that roses grow in the midst of thorns...see your thorns as necessary for revealing the beauty of Christ in you." 
 
POSTED BY CATHY AT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2009

29/12 "Spirit Song" by John Winter, 1979

We sang this on Sunday and it is very much my prayer:
O let the Son of God enfold you 
with His Spirit and His love;
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
O let Him have the things that hold you,
and His Spirit, like a dove, 
Will descend upon your life 
and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus,
come and fill you lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus,
come and fill your lambs.

O come and sing the song of gladness
as your hearts are filled with joy;
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His Name.
O give Him all your tears and sadness,
give Him all your years of pain,
And you'll enter into life in Jesus' name.

Jesus, O Jesus,
come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus,
come and fill your lambs.

POSTED BY CATHY AT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2009

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2009

28/12 Digging Your Roots Deeper

John 15:12 "Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful"

James 1:2-3 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

p.15 "My unspiritual reactions, not their actions, cause the pain of pruning.
      So when trouble comes my way, I know it's only going to become major trouble if I let it. And if I do, then I know God will use it to prune and perfect my faith - to cause my roots to go deeper and deeper into Christ so I'll be ready for the next storm that hits"

The heart: wisdom, understanding
The cross: lack of joy, purpose;
"stinkin' thinkin' "
The smile: morning time, picture of church etc, big sleep yesterday, watching dvd with GG, lambs song
The bridge: A, S, C, D, L, M, D, C
The table: revelation of the picture to other significant people by the Holy Spirit, my ankle swelling, A, M, J, D; joy-shine
POSTED BY CATHY AT MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2009
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