2 Reflections, Vaguely Connected

Numero Uno

Going back to work, I have been thinking about how I can invite Jesus to influence the decisions I make, the conversations I have and the people I see and work with when I am there.

Allowing God to be in every corner of my life and my faith to be evident to all is something I struggle to picture clearly and to put into action. I wonder whether I say enough to make clear the connection between God in my life and how I live, as others see me.

I want to live in a way that brings glory to Jesus and shows that God can touch our lives. However, I sometimes think that my life is more likely to raise the comment, 'She's a nice person.' It doesn't actually lead anyone to meet God in a world where there are any number of 'nice people'. And to some degree I am lying because I am not really that 'nice' when all of my life is under the spotlight.

I really want to know how I can be salt, or light, rather than just more sugar.

The second reflection

Apparently my generation (X) have a history of responding to sense of purpose in life, while the next generation (Y) connect more with the idea of authenticity, rather than purpose. I know that I have often reflected on the way knowing Christ has helped me to understand my life's purpose and that has given me a real peace and contentment in existence.

I would like to become more authentic - and by that I mean I would like there to be less difference between what I say/do and what I am - to express love because it is what I actually feel, not what I think I should feel. I want to spend less time thinking, 'What will *** think if I say _____ ?' and more time training my heart and mind to respond with love and light to any situation.

I have read 2 things recently and am trying to remember them, daily, while I puzzle out how to live them better.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8a.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Colossians 3:16a

What do you think?

Family

I can't resist posting this family shot snapped by our friend Sarah P.

Holidays

We have had the chance to go away for a relaxed holiday which has been fantastic. This is the lake near where we stayed in the Snowy Mountains. I learnt a bit about the Snowy Mountains scheme. It was a revelation to me that the primary purpose of the work was to bring water to the west of the Dividing Range and irrigate agricultural land, and that power is a by-product!

the Lake

dusk

fishing with Dad

I made it to the top of Mt Kosciuzko

part way up enjoying the view

Walking in the evening, as the sun set, we saw families of kangaroos munching beside the road. One of the regulars around the house where we stayed was a mother kangaroo whose joey had to fold itself up to fit into her pouch. The kids were fascinated.

Happy New Year 2010

2009 has gone, almost before I've had a chance to flip my hand goodbye. I really loved this post by Jean at in all honesty as I have had some similar reflections as I've travelled through December 2009.

It is so easy to look back and regret the things I wish I had done, the achievements I'd like to have to my name, the embarrassing and hurtful mistakes I wish I hadn't made, and the things I've just completely overlooked. It's easy to hear the old refrain, 'I'm no good', or 'I'm not good enough'.

But the reason I need to look back is to see, God, who is all good. I have so much to thank and praise him for. 2009 has been a year when my relationship with him has been refreshed in unexpected ways. It has seen the arrival of our youngest child, who has brought great joy to all of us.

Church has had difficulties this year, but in the middle of that God has done some cool things, and taught us again and again that he is faithful, that his love and grace are powerful. He has rescued me from all sorts of impending disasters in dealing with the people around me.

Not everything is perfect, but God is with me.

MERRY CHRISTMAS (belatedly)

Joy to the world,

The LORD is come. (trad. carol)

The true light, who brings light to all people, has entered the world, as John 1:9 describes the arrival of Jesus.

Lots of presents, lots of food. I felt more relaxed with my church family than my own extended family. Interesting...

Change Coming

I have been on maternity leave for the last 12 months and I have to return to work in 3 weeks time. I am beginning to prepare myself for spending chunks of time away from my almost-11 month old. I am finding myself thinking more about the tasks and responsibilities I will have to take up in my job.

This year has been an oasis of calm for me. I am a little afraid that busy-ness and rushing will seep back into life when I go back to work. Don't misunderstand me - I have had plenty of tasks to occupy me in the past 12 months. But there has been a freedom to stop and absorb the blessing around me. To marvel at the people I share life with.

My husband has been able to devote himself to work full-time while I have been home more. I really wanted to see him take full advantage of this - capitalise on it fully! He has found it hard to have so much time. He is looking forward to the restriction on his available time, because he says it makes him more efficient. Here's hoping that happens for me, too.

This is my final maternity leave (according to our best plans), and that has helped me to enjoy and relish it. I am also sad to leave this 'stage' behind me.

photo: stock.xchng

Children are sociopaths?

I really enjoyed this article from the Onion, and my eyes have been opened to the sociopaths living in my own house.

It just goes to show that anecdote and opinion can be used to back up any assertion. Brilliantly.

I love my little sociopaths, and I'm not sure I'd like to have one of the other 2%.