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Saturday, December 27, 2003 Working Christmas DayBeing a cab driver I know the industry is under pressure to have cabs on the road Christmas Day. Its its a good day to work in terms of volume and to talk to people. I told most people that I had been to church, and tried to be cheery to all.At Christmas time people get stressed and tired forgetting things and making mistakes on the road -- I saw a smash every day over the last two weeks of working days. The commercialism dominates and is horrible. I worked until lunchtime, went home to have the meal with my family including mother and uncle, and handed over the car to the night driver Gagandeep so he could start at 3, a couple of hours early. It was good. # posted by Anonymous @ 5:49 am 0 commentsMonday, December 22, 2003 Christmas thoughts 1I'm not one for the usual Christmas carols service -- too long and the well-known readings and carols, but I went last night (330 people at our church Geoff) and I really enjoyed it. This year more than any other has been the shopping catalogue year and I just wanted to get away from that, to focus myself on Christ's birth and to learn something. (That's not too hard when Paul Barker is speaking.) It was a good night.I'm not having a break, we in the taxi business are under pressure to work on Christmas Day so I'm arranging with the night driver for him to take over early. I'll do 'till lunch-time and he will take over in the mid afternoon. That's fine by the management. Many blessings to everyone! Gary # posted by Anonymous @ 9:35 pm 0 commentsAuf Weidersehen....or however you spell it!This is my final post for a while..... we are taking a vacation for three weeks and I won't be able to access computers. Will be an interesting exercise to see if I survive:)) Meanwhile, Geoff is having a break too (as you might have noticed from the absence of posts from him!) and is sunning himself somewhere far from the madding crowd..... Anyone tempted to jot down some lines on here, please go for it! Love and the Blessing of God upon you all, Carol:) # posted by Caroline @ 4:24 pm 0 commentsPLEASE oh Please.......Is there anyone out there who reads this blog? Any readers who are not members? Any readers who would like to contribute?We, the participators would simple adore to have some feedback! We don't even know if it is a useful blog.... or a helpful one, or a boring one? or interesting..... In other words, Please could a reader "out there" email us and tell us. Thats what we are asking. Just a quick note to questspot@lycos.com would do the trick, and we would be so happy to hear honest feedback! # posted by Caroline @ 7:32 am 0 commentsWishing you....Well, it's almost time.Doesn't it come around fast? MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers and writers! Geoff and I wish you a very safe and happy time, and if you are alone for any reason during this time, then read this (the second part of the verse) , and know that you are not alone:) Lots of Hugs and Love Carol # posted by Caroline @ 7:25 am 0 commentsSo........Do all christians have a time when they had a certain experience, that made it "click" for them as far as knowing God goes?Either a word from someone, a verse read, a personal happening of some type. As far as I see it, God works so very differently with each individual. You only need to read the scriptures to see this in action! # posted by Caroline @ 7:19 am 0 commentsSunday, December 21, 2003 Our Fellowship Meeting This MorningLadies and GentlemenFriends Romans and Countrymen Anyone else left out...... This morning at our little home church meeting, we sang this hymn, and for some reason, it touched a most tender part of my heart and is still resonating two hours later. I feel the urge to type that hymn on here. The parts which touched my heart in a way indescribable..... I have made "bold". We would see Jesus, for the shadows lengthen Across the little landscape of our life. We would see Jesus, our weak faith to strengthen For the last weariness, the final strife. We would see Jesus, the Great Rock foundation Whereon our feet were set with sovereign grace Not life nor death with all their agitation Can thence remove us, if we see his face. We would see Jesus, other lights are paling, Which for long years we have rejoiced to see. The belssings of our pilgrimage are failing We would not mourn them for we go to Thee. We would see Jesus, this is all we're needing Strength Joy and Willingness come with the sight. We would see Jesus, dying, risen pleading.... Then welcome day, and farewell mortal night. # posted by Caroline @ 11:41 am 0 commentsFriday, December 19, 2003 Is debating good?I received an email from a very strong christian woman friend of mine today and would like to pass on a paragraph of her email. I had asked her if she still debates on message boards and lists etc, and this was her answer:Lately I have been thinking that is how the devil got Eve to sin in the first place. Debating God's word. Paul warns us against that. There is a difference between debating to convince people to accept your view vs. discussing in order to have a better understanding of God's word. I believe if there is sincerity of heart the Holy Spirit will give the same answer to each who diligently seeks. # posted by Caroline @ 11:08 pm 0 commentsA small miracle?Once upon a time, many hours ago, on a beautiful balmy warm evening about 11pm, a middle aged woman went to her husband who was having a peaceful and interesting time on his computer, and she took hold of his arm, and in a winsome voice, said:"Darling! The night is so beautiful! How about we go for a bike ride around the city?" How could he resist such a charming offer? So, he closed up his windows and they changed into appropriate clothing and went into their garage and brought out their bicycles. As they hadn't been used over the winter months much, they were dusty. After dusting them off, they donned their riding helmets and gloves and with a small start, the wife realised her bike light was missing! Her husband sighed a little inwardly, as he noted that was typical of his wife ... to suggest something with sudden enthusiasm, and sort the details out later. He patiently sat on the swing outside as his wife scurried into the house to look for her bike light. She scrabbled into every drawer and bag and possible place she could think of, to no avail! After 10 minutes, she was sweating with the effort and worry of it all, and peeked out to the swing where her husband was swinging peacefully and eyes closed. That was a blessing! She, in desperation decided to ask God for help to find it. She prayed, asking Him to help, and at the same time, apologising profusely for asking his help on such a carnel thing! Well, she through her uncertainly of "using" God for such things, opened the next drawer (she had looked there earlier) and there it was! Thankyou Dear Lord! She woke her husband and slipped the light onto its little socket, but alas it didn't work! Oh no.... flat batteries. The Patient Gentleman (part English too!) said she could cycle behind him and they would buy new batteries in the city centre at a 24 hour convenience store. They set off, enjoying the evening, definately designed for cyclists to pair up and enjoy, with the wife unable to see the road, but crossing fingers there were no potholes. She realised belatedly she should have worn her sons hockey mouthguard. The batteries duly bought, they also puchased $3 large chocolate milkshakes each, and retired to one of the many quaint little benches on the bank of the river. There was a little light at each bench. Over the road was "The Strip" where many cafes and bars are in a long string down the road and many many people of all ages sitting outside eating and drinking. Lots of music and people strolling around. The Gentleman, by the little night light, supping on his milkshake, popped the new batteries in, but alas, they didn't work! He noted a totally corroded inner area and yet then tried his own batteries in to make 100% sure. No ... it was corroded and broken. He announced, with sadness, that it was only fit for the nearest rubbishbin. His eyes then lit up, as he decided to keep it for one of their small sons to practice his screwdriving enthusiasms on! The middle aged wife, (although young at heart) had some months previously gone against all of societies pressures and purchased a basket for the front of her bike. It had taken her weeks to find, but find it she did. In a very oldfashioned little bike shop, with the owner a little tiny bent over man, in his late 80's. Her children from that point onwards refused to be seen biking with their mother. She was sad, but stuck to her guns (basket). It was quite significant to note that as she would bike (somewhat ahead of her children or behind, but never with), that little belongings of her children would be tossed into Mothers basket .... here a sweater, there a drink bottle, but she smiled and said nothing. As mothers do. And so, the errant torch was tossed unceremoniously into the basket, and they continued biking in the beautiful evening (which had somehow with the passing of time, become morning instead of evening!) filled with the flavours of chocolate milkshakes, yet still in darkness. MMM (Mrs Middle-aged Mother) was thinking in very disgruntled manner that she HATED (yes she does have strong thoughts, and always longs for meek thoughts, but the strong ones win out most times) biking in darkness. Her dear husband nobly offered his light, (he being her husband of 23 years, sensed, rather than heard, her unhappiness at this plight) but she refused as she was also rather a proud person, only wanting HER light to be going, and nothing else would do! Five minutes later, as they were cycling past some bushes, she nervously noted someone flashing lights at them from the bushes on the side of the road. It was flashing so much that she was mightily distracted, and couldn't help herself from observing what was flashing at them. She traced the light to the source, and to her amazement, it was coming from her basket! Thats right! Her light was shining with great brightness! She yelled at her husband, who came to a sudden halt, thinking of course that something Very Bad had happened... and said with shaking (and stuttering) words, "L l l llook at this!!" He stared in amazement and announced that it was impossible. She said "well, here it IS!" After looking, they discovered the corrosion had gone and the light was working perfectly. They rode home, the wife for the first time in as many years, in silence. Both were deep in thought. After a while, they discussed it and together made the decision it was a small miracle from God. MMM just thanked God all the way home in her heart. Not because of the light now going, so much. But because God stepped in. She could have got home without the light. But the fact God listened, noted, and loved them enough to put His powerful touch into the picture ...... she couldn't stop thanking Him. Of course, being the woman she is, she regales this story to any listening ear, which is why (of course) she is telling it on this very blog! She is always expounding on the greatness of God, and feels that even though this might be a slightly "different from normal" way to view Gods greatness, that it won't do anybody any harm to hear the story! She hopes she has managed to provoke at least some enquiring minds into all readers here, that God can do anything if He makes the decision to do so! The End # posted by Caroline @ 9:52 am 0 commentsThursday, December 18, 2003 Praying For OthersWell well! I have had the most wonderful evening tonight. We were (as a family) invited to a home for a Christmas night together.... a gathering of people from our church. I was not keen on going as I have not in the past felt edified in their presense.For the past few months I have been praying for these people..... not always easy, but God gives the strength to do His will. (I mean, who likes praying for people they don't really like???) Well, I went along to this gathering, slightly on edge, and not looking forward to a great night out. I prayed before I went that God would be with us all. The night turned out to be so in tune and harmony, and the presence of God was felt there ....... that all stayed till after midnight. A week night too! Noone wished to go home and break the beautiful spirit up. It was a miracle. I have full confidence that prayer changed them and myself. We talked and talked together of our relationships and experiences with God.... even the young children gradually crept in from playing outside in the dark, to listen. We talked on and on. The others in the other room came through and quietly sat to listen. People began to make brave comments.... people began to open their hearts and speak of very personal experiences with God to the whole group! Some of these people have NEVER opened up to anyone EVER! My heart is full. Thank you God, so very much, for tonight. # posted by Caroline @ 11:51 pm 0 commentsWednesday, December 17, 2003 The Aquarian GospelHi! Wednesday today and the kids start their 6 weeks school hols! Busy busy ... but nice to have them at home (in some ways:))Anyone heard of The Aquarian Gospel and/ or got any decent opinions to offer? I don't mean decisions made on one look at the site I offer here, but after a decent look. Thing is, I asked someone today and they ate me alive after seeing the front page!!! OKOK, back off..... and lets think about this! Take a look sometime. It's "different" if that helps? hee hee # posted by Caroline @ 4:30 pm 0 commentsTuesday, December 16, 2003 TranslationsI dread speaking with Stan these days, because he's costing me a fortune!He tells me about a new translation he has got onto and paints such a great picture, I feel very compelled to go and purchase it! Then JUST as I am reading and loving it better than anything else, he tells me of another one! Back to the shop (because he's a great salesman, I can tell you!) I go and buy the next one! At this point, I need a whole row of seats too! Maybe I could share yours, Stan?? # posted by Caroline @ 8:42 am 0 commentsComplete Dedication and CommitmentLast night I went for a walk, and this is how the conversation (orpart thereof!) between Jesus and myself went. I felt the strong prompting to mention it here this morning: (Carol speaking) I spoke to Him, feeling very happy indeed with the relationship I now have with Him .... "Jesus, the more I listen and talk with you, the more pleasure I get, surpassing all other pleasure possible. This makes me want all the more to help pass your love to others ... but it is a little hard sometimes to remain dedicated and committed." His answer was slightly chastening, but profound: "Carol! I am TOTALLY dedicated and committed to YOU! ALL THE TIME!! Thats what EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING is all about ...... commitment and dedication. The bottom line is LOVE! GOD IS LOVE!. Love is kind, strong, faithful (committed!) and loyal. Carol, if you truly love with MY LOVE you will be totally dedicated and committed to the wellbeing of everyone all the time!!!!!" Not a wasted word there, eh!!!!!!! I adore the way He personalises it and uses ones name! # posted by Caroline @ 8:38 am 0 commentsMonday, December 15, 2003 Christmas Finances!It's a time of year when, as well as focussing on what is most vitally important in our lives - the joy we know at the remembrance together of the birth of Jesus as a man (and what a man! as Thomas had the amazing revelation, when he finally saw him as "my Lord and my God"!) who lived and walked with us on this planet, there are the inevitable financial stresses. Unavoidable, to many of us I think. But here's some good advice and wisdom, 10 Financial Principles That are Biblical!Happy reading, and don't forget to use this time not only as a celebration of Jesus, the Lamb of God, coming amongst us - but as an opportunity to reach out to others in our community who may think of Jesus at this one time of the year. Especially the kids, many of whom have never set foot in a church! # posted by geoff @ 5:09 pm 0 commentsTuesday, December 02, 2003 Great is Your FaithfulnessGeoff,I'm glad you like the hymn, 'great is thy faithfullness', I would immediately change it to 'great is your faithfulness' lets get a little modern!!. Then Geoff I'd scrap it altogether for God knows that His faithfulness is great, in fact it is perfect and complete and God knows it. Why tell God what he already knows. Why sing hymns at all .... tell me please . I'm glad you like the breakfast at bsf. I thought it was going well 'till it got interrupted by the Leader. Why did he do that. What horrible things were you up to, or was I up to. Gary # posted by Anonymous @ 10:03 pm 0 commentsMonday, December 01, 2003 Speaker's List - Belgrave Hts Summer ConventionStan, we would dearly like you to join us at this convention, where we anticipate more solid teaching from the word. But we're slightly concerned that with pressure on seating (despite the new auditorium, which will be interesting to discover), we wouldn't be able to provide a spare row of seats in front of you to spread out your five or six translations (yep, we've been chatting with your mate, Ron!!)Anyway, for anyone within striking distance of Melbourne just after Christmas, here's the details. # posted by geoff @ 11:19 am 0 comments |
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