Stevie Wonder: "Overjoyed": A hidden allegory?

I’ve recently been enjoying old classics from the infamous Stevie Wonder. His old songs are really uplifting and ‘feel good’, musically delightful and also diverse. The lyrics are great…”Isn’t she lovely…” “I just called to say I love you…” “Ohhh baby, here I am, signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours…” “Superstition ain't the way”…

I can see you tapping your foot right now…Ahhh, morals, values, love and even God is sung about…

It’s the song however, ‘Overjoyed’ that led me to dig further into the person of Stevie Wonder, and asking Google, “Is Stevie Wonder a Christian?”

You see it’s the lyrics of ‘Overjoyed’ that I couldn’t help but hearing the voice of Jesus behind…

I even Google searched the ‘meaning’ to the song but only found an interpretation stating it’s the love between a man and woman…Yet my research said that Stevie had been a devoted Christian his whole life and so I’m wondering about a hidden allegory behind this song…bear with me because when you know scripture and the Gospels it seem VERY clear…Let me break it down, I think you’ll love it as I do. 


Over time, I've been building, my castle of love

Just for two, though you never knew you were my reason

I've gone much too far, for you now to say

That I've got to throw my castle away...

Jesus was the long awaited, promise Messiah. He came to love us into the Kingdom of God and assured His disciples and followers they would indeed each have their own ‘room’ in His Father’s house. He wants a personal, one-on-one relationship with each and everyone of us. Yes, he wants us to dwell in His castle of love. See, John 14.



Over dreams, I have picked out a perfect come true

Though you never knew it was, of you I've been dreaming.

The sandman has come from too far away, for you to say

come, back some other day... 

All our dreams cannot compare to what Jesus wants to gift us. He is the ultimate giver, who gives a gift of love that is incomparable to what we even dare to dream for ourselves. Jesus did come so far to become the bridge necessary for us to be reconciled to God as His children. Jesus was fully God and left His divinity to become a human being. He loved us and dreamed of us before we even knew. He offers salvation today and we need to repent and accept it and not send Him away for another day. The Kingdom of God has come near and is an open invitation to us all TODAY. See, Mark 1:15.



And though you don't believe that they do, they do come true,

For did my dreams, come true when I looked at you

And maybe too, if you would believe, you too might be

Overjoyed, over love, over me…

We may be so broken and hurt by this world, that we have become cynical. We may find it extremely difficult to even dare to believe that a love so genuine, real and trans-formative, is even possible. Yet if we dare to take a leap of faith we will find what we truly need…forgiveness, love, peace and incomparable JOY! Overjoyed and thankful over Jesus. See, Romans 5:1-2.


Over heart, I have painfully turned every stone

Just to find, I had found what I've searched to discover

I've come much too far for me now to find, the love that I 

sought can never be mine...

The Lord’s love, compassion and willingness to forgive is so amazing, Jesus willingly took the pain, suffering and death we should inherit as mortals because of our sin upon Himself as the only perfect substitute. He suffered and rose again because He is sinless. He rolled the stone away from His tomb, and will roll the stone away from our hearts so we can love and obey Him when we repent and commit ourselves to Him, in thankfulness and joy for the free gift He imparts. See, Hosea 11:8; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 3:21-26; Isaiah 53. Luke 24:1-6.


And though you don't believe that they do, they do come true

For did my dreams come true when I looked at you

And maybe too, if you would believe, you too might be

Overjoyed, over love, over me...


And though the odds say improbable, what do they know?

For in romance, all true love needs is a chance

And maybe with a chance you will find, you too like I

Overjoyed, over love, over you, over you… 


The Gospel is clear that what is impossible for man is not for God. There is no other way for peace and joy with God, except through repenting and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. We can never earn our way to God. The world may say the Gospel is improbable, but the Gospel is the Greatest Love Story of all time and all we need is the faith to pray and receive the best relationship of true godly love we will ever experience…a joy so incomparable. A love so pure. Human relationships are but a dim reflection at best… See, Luke 18:26-27; 1 Cor 1:18-30.

Yes, He is overjoyed when we repent and turn to Him and all the angels rejoice in heaven with Him…“Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10.

Do you agree 'Overjoyed' may be a hidden allegory from Stevie Wonder about the Gospel message?
Let me leave you with the song. God bless, Melanie.

FREE 40 Day Wellbeing Diet!

Women are truly gutsy!

So often they continue on in the face on immense difficulties. They just give, and give, and give, without caring very well for themselves.

With poor mental health being reported as being epidemic in proportion, the reality is we are probably struggling…and so is our sister, mother, or friend…There is so much I could write on this topic but today a fire is burning in my heart to not just comment…rather do something!

To be His hands, feet and voice, His love, His encouragement!

To turn an abstract idea of practicing self-care and wellbeing into plan for us to come together and do! 

Are you up for it?

In this post I’ve provided below a list of 10 TASKS for us to do each day for a total of 40 days. I’m calling it a ‘40 Day Wellbeing Diet’…Will you join me and others?

In the words of Lauren Daigle song's ‘Look up child’, we hear an echo of the current climate; “Where are You now, when darkness seems to win? Where are You now when the world is crumbling? I hear You say I hear You say, Look up child, Look up child! Where are You now, when all I feel is doubt? Where are You now, when I can't figure it out? I hear You say I hear You say, Look up child, Look up child!”

I know there are many of us who are looking up and calling out, but how many of us still feel ALONE?

How many of us REALLY KNOW how to practice good self-care?

Change starts with a decision of commitment!


I absolutely believe, you will not finish this 'diet' unchanged and I have two assurances to state this, science and faith.

Research is showing that personal wellbeing improves for individuals simply through practicing being grateful alone, significantly after one month. Academics are claiming the three pillars of gratefulness, empathy and mindfulness are the keys to good mental health. I personally have delivered programs in schools and seen improvement based on these keys...but what happens when we include God in the mix?

You see, I have a steadfast faith in God. The One True God of creation who is faithful to His Word that says all who seek Him will find Him and His peace.

Below is my ‘Wellbeing Diet’ which I would love for you to seriously commit to for 40 days. 

I’ve chosen 40 days as this is a biblically significant period of time for preparation of a new beginning (see The Flood, Jesus in the wilderness, 40 days Moses was on the mountain receiving The Law, 40 days given to Nineveh to change and so on).

It’s a holistic daily program to follow of 10 daily tasks. Use it like a daily check list for your wellbeing. If you do begin please email me at ordinaryaussiewoman@mail.com so you can join our group to receive encouragement along the way!

You can start this diet at any time as this will be ongoing, even if you find this post years down the track from now, still send me an email and you will receive support to follow this ‘FREE 40 day Wellbeing diet’ as I am absolutely confident it will help you! I also believe if you trial the 40 days, you will be encouraged to make these practices long term!!

The program and support is 100% free…no charge whatsoever as I am not a scammer, just a Christian woman looking to support other Christian women!

Also, if you want to follow this diet with your own church group please feel free…So here it is:

(Please feel free to change the the order of some things to suit yourself)

FREE 40 Day Wellbeing Diet:

1. Morning Mindfulness 1:

When you wake up, pray to Jesus! This prayer can be anything you like. Treat it as communication. Try starting it with, “Good Morning!” This is the time to ask Him to help you with the day ahead.


2. Morning Self-Care Nutrition:

Have breakfast, and take your prescribed medication and/or natural vitamins. I recently bought myself a pill dispenser so I don’t forget to take my vitamin and herbs, and it’s really helped.


3. Morning Mindfulness 2:

Listen to a Christian song, once, twice, or as many times as you like. You may like to get up early and listen to it while making breakfast, or while driving to work. The idea is to relax and focus (meditate) upon the words. Let the words soak into you. If you need song suggestions, just email and I can send you a link.


4. Daily Empathy:

Each day intentionally show kindness to three other people. This is not to be accidental, let those encounters be ‘extras’. The people can be anyone you choose; a family member, or friend online, anyone. Intentionally reach out and communicate some encouragement to the person. It can be in person, messaging, text, over the phone, whatever works. If they don’t respond simply leave it be and try someone else.

With this task, try to not take anything personally, and don’t make these conversations about yourself! This is a chance for you to give to someone else while expecting nothing back. This is practicing true empathy.


5. Daily Self-Care & Gratitude:

At some stage of each day, find a moment to treat yourself. Preferably while completely alone if possible. This 'treat time' is a daily task and therefore should not be postponed for other days, or accumulated. It can be quick or lengthy, that’s up to you and your schedule for the day. 

It could be eating a treat from the bakery, or painting your nails, going for a walk, taking a bath…anything that makes you feel special. And while you’re doing whatever you choose, do it while remembering every good gift, even the ones we give ourselves, come from God who loves us! Remember it’s okay to enjoy good gifts from God and be thankful.


6. Daily Encouragement, Healing & Growth:

You will continue to face challenges in every stage of life and therefore need encouragement. For your own encouragement, healing and growth, you need to know what God is saying to you. I would encourage you to download an app called ‘The Word For Today’, it has short daily messages based on the Bible that offer great encouragement and wisdom. They take only 60 seconds to read or listen to. You could read or listen to this before going to sleep each night. The app icon looks like this: 

If you can't access this devotional I would be happy to chat further about free devotionals via email.

7. Daily Love & Peace:

Before going to sleep each night, make sure you’ve told each person under your roof, at least once, that you love them and taken a moment to show it. It may be a five second hug, reading to your child, or being romantic with your husband...it all counts. If you’ve had an argument that day with someone, family or not, try your utmost to resolve it that same day, so you have peace with that person. Remember if we want peace within, we need to have it with others. We need peace first with God, ourselves, and also others.


8. Evening Mindfulness:

Each evening before sleep find some time (even five minutes) to think of three specific things you are grateful for. You may like to jot them down in a book, or just think about them. Either option is fine, just make sure you find a quiet spot alone to do this, and while jotting down or thinking whisper to Jesus how thankful and grateful you are that you have these things! 

This is not meant to be a time to think about what you lack and to pray for those things, perhaps try to do that in the morning. Rather trust He will provide for your needs in good time and simply be thankful for what you do have! Thank Him for the roof over your head, the food you’ve eaten, and your loved ones. If you need a list of things to be grateful for to help with this I’d be more than happy to send you one, or you could search for ideas online. Please note there’s no right or wrong way to practice being grateful. I personally don’t journal but love to paint while thinking about things I’m grateful to Jesus for, and often talk to him as I do.


9. Evening Prayer:

Before you go to sleep pray. Remember prayer is simply talking and communicating. Specifically take time in the evening to pray about forgiveness. This means forgiving others and seeking forgiveness yourself. Forgiveness is a huge blockage to good mental health. This is the time where you can let go of all your hurts and worries and hand them over to Jesus. If there is someone you are struggling to forgive, ask Him to soften your heart and help you with this. Remember He commands us to forgive so we can be forgiven, but forgiveness still is different to reconciliation. Forgiving someone sets us free, it doesn’t mean we allow ourselves to be hurt, abused or where we let ourselves be unsafe.


10. Daily Rest:

Over the next 40 days ensure you get adequate rest. If you struggle with sleep, include the hours you lie still with your eyes closed in this. Research suggests women need more than 8 hours rest at night. So make sure you get enough. If you struggle with negative thoughts, try to focus your mind on the positives of the day you’ve had, or on the message you read, or the song you listened to. You could focus on something calming like painting, or walking on the beach, and so forth until you drift off. But switch off any screens/phones and rest! 

So there you have it the 10 Task List for the 40 days Wellbeing Diet!

You may be thinking “WOW 10 tasks is a lot!”

But some only take minutes to complete and what this diet really requires is the following:

• Determination. Ask yourself when is enough, enough? When will your own mental wellbeing be a priority to you? 

• Sacrifice. Yes, you will probably have to reorganise your time to make room for this new diet in your life. You may have to limit yourself in regards to how much time you spend watching television, or using social media to allow for these new practices, but it will truly be worth it. 

• Commitment: To see any real internal change you will need to commit to the diet for 40 days. I am absolutely convinced however if you do, you will not only see an internal change within yourself you will want to continue. You will need to be 100% committed as when you begin don’t be surprised if things beyond your control happen that bring stress, as we have an enemy who wants to keep us trapped in poor mental health and ineffective for Jesus. 

In the words of Mother Theresa let’s “Do ordinary things with extraordinary love!” and be the change that needs to happen in our lives. I'm confident when you begin to take good care of yourself you will be healthier for others. Much love, Melanie.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Email: ordinaryaussiewoman@mail.com

Pastoral Care 4 Pastors?

With the recent news of an American Pastor taking his own life recently, many of us I’m sure felt shock, disbelief, and heartbreak alongside other emotions.

I’m also sure many of us would have thought… “Why would a Christian pastor with a loving young family take their own life? Surely that’s something only a ‘Judas’ would do?”

I’m sorry to write so bluntly, but I’m sure many of us would have been so shocked and thought just this, however good can come out of tragic circumstances if we keep soft hearts, and just keep talking from a place of love.

Having recently finished working in full-time paid pastoral ministry, and having mental illness in my family line, I would like to offer a small contribution to this conversation, as I read that “Depression is real with pastors. It seems to be pervasive.’ See,  '5 Reasons pastors get depression (and why they don't talk about it'.

Please note that what I’m about to write is solely based on my own experience and opinions. It is not therefore necessarily the ‘norm’ or the only advice or perfect solutions.

Back Story: As someone with mental illness in their family line, with immediate relatives having experienced anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, drug use and suicide along with other issues and often more than one issue at once, I know what mental illness can be like. Although I do not like it in any way, I’m also appreciative that today as family we can share about these problems openly. I just wish, still to this day that my own dad didn’t suicide.

As someone who has not only worked in a paid pastoral position, also for years in a voluntary capacity, I also know what a lack of pastoral care is like and what a wonderful necessary resource both good pastoral care and self-care is. Here are some of my thoughts for consideration to this now ‘world-wide’ discussion. I hope they could become both conversation starters and prayer points:

• Less Blame: A positive improvement within Christian groups is a less ‘blame orientated’ approach to mental illness. This is very helpful for Christians trying to live their life faithfully for Jesus, while working through their own personal ‘invisible’ issues. I know from personal experience that someone suffering from mental illness is not necessarily someone who is sinning, nor are they someone who has not dealt with something in their past. These could be factors certain individuals need addressing, however it’s presumptuous and arrogant to approach mental illness struggles in such a clinical, cold manner. People with these struggles need delicate pastoral care, understanding, someone to listen and empathy. They are already struggling, often not like themselves for their issues, so blame only makes things worse in their own minds. 

• Encouraging and Equipping: Contrary to what some may think, mental Illness struggles do not mean someone is unable to serve or work in a pastoral capacity. I’m personally of the opinion, from both personal experience and reading academic articles, that work is good for people with such struggles. Pastors may not share openly if they’re in a ‘bad patch’ with their elders, from a fear of being made to take time off. Enforced time off with no significant reason, is both disrespectful and inconsiderate. If anyone (pastor or not) shares that they’re having a ‘bad time’ and is not asking for time off, work will help them through it. Enforced time off could make a person feel they’re unable to manage their own mental health, and therefore add to the problem due to a lack of work to occupy their mind, and also creating a possible added financial strain. 

People with depression flairs need a reason to keep getting out of bed each day. People in a bout of poor mental illness often already know what they need as they’ve gotten through it before. What’s most needed is often simply a listening ear, and prayer. They do not need anything not asked for, even if you think it’s right; such as your advice, asking others to pray, notifying elders and so on. They need someone they can trust, who will remind them of all the wonderful things they have done, and who will encourage them by reminding them that God has good works still for them to do. They need to be encouraged and equipped, not burdened further and made to feel shame, embarrassment or like a failure. 

• Increased Empathy: For Christians who do not understand what mental illness is like, have you considered that pastors are not immune, not because of sin, rather because they are human and their own experiences with human fragility help them to be humble and empathetic. Think of St Paul with his ‘thorn’ and of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 that teaches us we experience suffering to know His comfort and therefore are able to comfort others. Many pastors are sensitive people. I know many pastors who rely on Jesus for their ministry everyday as it is very challenging for them. Let's not forget that many are able, like Jesus, to sympathise with others because of what they've experienced.

• Lack of Resources: This may seem like a strange point, given I’m writing as a Christian who lives in a first world country, but it has been my experience and here’s why:

For a start, being a Christian already limits the numbers of professional people available for Christian Pastors to talk through their issues with. I have honestly been met with the statement from more than one person, “You don’t need to debrief to a Christian, a professional psychologist is better than no-one!” To me as a mature Christian, this statement is honestly abhorrent. What do I have in common with an unbeliever? How could I share my issues and pastoral/theological concerns with someone who has no idea of scripture, theology, or a heart for God, others and prayer??? In a vulnerable state, why would I open myself up even more so to the enemy and unbiblical, liberal psychology?

In this situation I have been left to ‘find someone’ myself that I am comfortable with. However the next hurdle I have found is finding a mature, theologically-compatible Christian for faithful pastoral care. Just because someone is a Christian does not mean they are biblically sound and have the necessary life experience I need to be a suitable fit.

It is a challenge at times to find such a person but I do know The Lord provides for our needs, we just need to be persistent, prayerful and discerning in our search. Often having the assistance of others, or simply knowing we do is a good way for the burden to be shared.

I’ve observed that due to the lack of resources available to pastors oftentimes their wife or husband is their main pastoral carer. Sometimes this works great and other times it doesn’t due to a multitude of too many possible reasons to list here. We often assume other pastors would be a great resource, however they themselves are often in need, or I’m sorry to say, someone who is untrustworthy. Pastors are human and may possibly speak to others in the pastoral team about one’s concerns. You see, sometimes pastors want to appear to the church and their fellow pastors as ‘having it all together’ and/or as ‘spiritually mature’ and therefore don’t keep details shared private. Furthermore oftentimes pastors aren’t fully trained in Christian counselling and therefore are untrained for delivering professional Christian pastoral care/counselling/de-briefing sessions. 

To continue, in most scenarios, Pastors cannot be pastorally cared for by anyone in their own congregation. I know of many churches where this is not permitted. In all circumstances it’s dictated that Pastors need to be the one giving the pastoral care. They must be the bullet-proof, strong head of the flock. In Bible College I found this also to be the premise taught and encouraged. A Pastor is advised to pastorally care for others, with his/her own boundaries in place to protect themselves. While boundaries are necessary in ministry work, I think this absolute insistence is why most Pastors don’t have real friends close by they can call on outside of work hours. It’s why most take time off far away, alone. Isolated sabbatical is often referred to as necessary, like Jesus going away from the disciples to pray alone, and is actually mandated in some denominations, without asking the pastor what they would prefer.

Do we consider they already pray alone each day, and may be more extroverted, needing friends close by to have fun with? Yet this standard is not just issued from denomination apostles, I found it’s also an unspoken cultural norm in some congregations. I found some people treat pastors as commodities to serve their own needs. They desire a spiritually mature pastor they can call on in times and vent to…plus having the title of pastor is always handy when a referee is needed! This may sound harsh and cold but it has been my observation of some Christians. Being a pastor is often for many a lonely cross to bear…

Scripture is always our best guide, and while we often read of the disciples struggling, I also read of Jesus being friends with his disciples, being supported, encouraged and comforted by them. Furthermore I read this in the reports of tears by Paul and his fellow believers when leaving. The early church met in homes and shared everything. The clergy/laity divide is something the church invented for its own advantage and I believe has backfired.

• Spiritual Attack and Liberal Theology: Pastors minister on the front line, and it’s not disputed that they come under spiritual attack often. They need support and prayer daily. With more and more reports of poor mental health being presented by clergy we’re beginning to hear about this today more often. I’m not going to say why as that would be foolish. There could be many, many reasons for this and we simply do not have every answer. Some ideas regarding what seems to be a rise revolve around modern diets, lifestyles, or simply more people speaking out. Whatever the reason not all are just spiritual. Some are, let’s not ‘throw the baby out with the bath water’, so to speak…But let’s also not get so modern with our ideas that they become unbiblical and spiritual reasons are no longer even a possibility. And please let’s not get so liberal that ‘suicide’ is a valid Christian option! Or heaven-forbid we become so liberal that the theology of suffering is considered antiquated and no longer a blessing for bearing His Name! 

• Lack of self-care, boundaries and self-awareness: Self-care is mentioned a lot in pastoral circles today! That’s because it’s so important. Yes, we need to practice self-care to manage our own well-being and therefore mental health but we also need to manage our own boundaries with ourselves to make us more self-aware. Now this is totally my own opinion but it’s based on personal experience and I think is therefore worthy of consideration. As I said earlier we hear a lot about boundaries with others, but what about ourselves? Let me ask you, why do so many in pastoral care suffer from burn out when they learn so much about the importance of self-care? 

I think many may stop practicing self-care as over time they lose the ability of being self-aware from a lack of personal boundaries’ due to ministering from a place of desiring to please others first and God second without even knowing this!

I also think people become ‘burnt-out’ because they indeed stop practing self-care…but what about the why? Why do they stop practicing self-care? I believe they become so run-down from a lack of personal boundaries, in their desire to please God that they lose the ability to be self-aware and get to a place of being unable to really see their own desperate need for respite.

When we serve, and serve, and serve, without putting out own personal boundaries in place to ensure our own time for private prayer, reflective time, fitness and friends…we really are people pleasing, not God pleasing and Pastors must know this! They must have personal devotional time, praying, meditating upon Jesus in a personal and meaningful way, and of course through the personal reading of scripture and churches MUST allow this.

When we serve, and serve, and serve, paid or voluntary, we can become so run-down we can lose the ability to be self-aware and this, I believe, is how burn-out happens.

The truth is there will always be need. The Gospel is always needing to be preached, and to be heard. People will always be hungry but we need to step and go where He leads, not just where we think. He also leads us into times of rest.

After two years of intense pastoral care/counselling ministry I was in need of a break and The Lord led me into an enforced one due to some circumstances beyond my control. In all honesty I’m not sure I would have otherwise…But my prayer is always for Him to guide me. I struggled early on for a time with false guilt, as I discovered sometimes the job title gives us a sense of being a mature Christian, when we’re simply still ‘jars of clay’…sometimes the title pastor gives us a ‘human assurance’ rather than His peace, and this shouldn’t be so…Sometimes it's just so difficult to not feel 'lesser-than' and compare ourselves to others in ministry we think are "so much better than us as they don't need a break!" Or to feel this MUST be what other's think of us...Sometimes we're our own worst enemy...

Please be assured, I am passionate about this subject as I am someone who has experienced what poor mental health is like both personally and professionally in ministry.

There isn’t a day that I don’t wish my own biological dad didn’t believe suicide was a valid option…possibly that his only way to Jesus was through the afterlife rather than here and now.

There are days when I read or hear news that absolutely breaks my heart, especially horrific details of abuse so often to women and children and I cry inside…”Come, Lord Jesus”…I also know what anxiety is like and how it can physically change someone at times and I think, “How long, Lord Jesus?”

Yet more often there are times I experience great joy, His amazing peace and His love from other Christians and I am strengthened and encouraged to continue on till He returns or calls me home.

Hope this post provides some 'food for thought' and also encourages you to uphold your pastors in prayer!

In His Love and service (regardless of a human-given title), Melanie.

Just STOP Scrolling!

I feel like I need to say sorry...even though I don't feel guilty!

Life has been full and I haven't felt inspired to write very often, so I am sorry if you've been missing my posts here on the blog...

I have chosen to write 'full' rather than busy, because it's not that I haven't had time to write, rather my days are often full with other things.

I'm still homeschooling my three sons and along with their study, keeping house and family time, I've been blessed to now have the resources to focus more on my own art.

I say resources because I was quite limited and restricted before becoming remarried in regards to time, finances and capacity.

Backstory: I've always been an artistic person. In secondary school I excelled in fine arts, dance, music and drama. In final years I felt the need to 'choose' one, so I only enrolled in dance alongside more academic subjects. I chose dance because this was the subject my mother had spent the most money on educating me privately. If you know my blog and story, you'll know I became a performing arts teacher and worked in this field for over a decade. Over the years I did some fine art and textile projects at home. I always loved to create.

When I had been single for around a year (in 2013) I decided to enroll in an art class. It had been a long time since secondary school, but I went for around a term and loved it. I continued after at home, as I found it too difficult to attend class as a single mother. 

Art became an enjoyable hobby while studying theology via distance. I often photographed my artworks and used them as blog images. Now with returning to homeschooling and being at home more, I've been able to focus on gaining more skill in painting...and this has been an amazing new chapter and adventure.

You can see my art on Instagram just look up @mjsymesart

It's been interesting too in the ways my art has been connecting me with others. I've met many new people and also reconnected with others. Art has become a new bridge...

I've been really encouraged by people who take the time to stop their 'scrolling' and like, love or comment.

I've been encouraged because while we see so often our world in chaos, I know it takes a conscientious effort for someone to stop, comment and encourage, when it's so much easier to just keep scrolling...

With the recent passing of a relative, and my boys growing up so fast before my own eyes, it makes me think about how we treat even our own families while we still have them...Do we stop and look up from our screens to give praise, encouragement and thanks...or do we just 'keep scrolling', passing up the opportunity to stop and say something nice, even when we get nothing in return?

I know many of us do, but I just want to say what I'm saying now to encourage us to continue to do so...and to say how important and refreshing it is to have 'real' friends and loving family members, even if we can only count them on one hand...

These truly beautiful people are the ones who care and respond even when there is absolutely NOTHING for them to gain by doing so...I have found in life they are quite uncommon.

To me these are the truly beautiful people, and while I stumble and falter at times, I want to be like them and I want to be remembered like that...as someone who stopped, noticed and encouraged, while expecting nothing in return.

I want to love freely and give freely...reaching out, both in real life and online...to love like Jesus, who taught costly godly love...the love that sacrifices by reaching out and making an effort when there's no personal gain...the love that encourages more so than reprimands...the love that loves those who aren't just our 'friends'.

So I hope we can 'Just STOP Scrolling!' and connect more...yes, these are tough times and our world is so often just a mess...but if we just stop scrolling and connect I'm sure we'll find a weight is lifted, both for the other person and ourselves.

While we can't control the world or other people, we have the choice to either complain, or decide to be someone who lives differently...

Love always, Melanie.

Am I called for ministry, and if so, what is my personal biblical model?

Okay weird title, I admit it, but it’s an actual legitimate question Christians are asked in Bible College here in Australia, and also some may personally consider. Over the course of my own Christian walk I have thought about this question many, many times, but not only that, I have also questioned the validity of the actual question itself and continue to do so from a heart of genuine pastoral care for the Church.

I first began bible college knowing I had been asked (along with every other believer) to follow Jesus with my whole life. I knew that a part of this new journey was growing in sound bible knowledge and furthermore without a ‘degree’ in Australia I would be basically unable to work full-time in ministry.

From my experience at Bible College, I found that knowing I was asked to follow Jesus with my whole life from scripture was no longer enough of an answer. We were challenged to really ‘test the call’ and to dig into scripture to find our personal ministry model; for example the Shepherd, or the Feeding of the Five Thousand, or the Woman at the Well, to name a few.

I personally felt the example of the disciples following Jesus where He led them was solid enough. I pondered why I needed to ‘peg down’ my personal calling when I felt my calling to follow, was both personal and inclusive of all Christians based on scripture. I wondered why I had to choose one ‘model’ when being 'adaptable' seemed to me to be more scriptural. When I questioned the task I was advised to just follow the process, and prayerfully choose a model. I was assured this was okay as it could change down the track. I wasn’t really satisfied but I did what was asked.

Over the years I’ve pondering this ‘foundational task’ for future ministry direction, my personal answer to the question, and indeed the validity of the question itself for our own wellbeing.

Let me quickly just say this post isn’t meant to be an in-depth, theological response rather I hope, a point of discussion and further consideration.

I am still wondering today the purpose of the question, its validity, and furthermore it’s influence on the Church…I’ll try and keep this brief.

You see, I keep coming back to Jesus and the main 12 disciples, as this is the biblical testimony to the foundation of His Church. 

His ministry wasn’t just one of feeding, or healing, or teaching. His ministry was establishing His Church before dying and rising to life, for the final sacrifice and atonement for sin, so we could be forgiven and reconciled to God as His children for eternity.

Jesus’ ministry was the one His Father gave Him.

Before His ascension Jesus commissioned all believers to take the gospel into all the world and make disciples…Why do we complicate this?

Why don’t we look to what we’ve been given?

Scripture states from St Paul “Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called.”1 Corinthians 7:20.

This is NOT a scripture to ‘do nothing’. It is not even asking us to question or ‘test’ our call. 1 Corinthians 7:20 assumes the calling of all believers, and encourages them to look at what they’ve already been given as the basis of their ministry!

It doesn’t ask the believer to look for a specific biblical model.The New Testament wasn’t even established. Scripture always advises us to be led by God and not our own ideas…by His perfect Spirit and not ourselves…

Now I’m not trying to disregard the question and task altogether, it may indeed really help some people to discern their next step. And discernment for one’s ‘next step’ is always valid, in fact it's crucial.

I am concerned however about it being used ‘religiously’ for ministry foundation, when I don’t see it in scripture and therefore of the negative affects it may have on some believers and their families.

Just hear me out…

You see, sometimes our plans seem good at the time, but rather than working out to be Kingdom building they become more self-fulfilling. And sometimes when circumstances change for believers, they’re left feeling disillusioned as their ‘vision’ was crushed. It seems their foundation was more in an idea and based on the success of their 'ministry', rather than the unchanging truth of their inherited worth and calling because of their identity in Christ. 

The ego is all too easily inflamed, and I do think having a too-specific, personal calling, when it’s not found in The New Testament, oftentimes is fuel to this fire. Honestly, just try to have a humble conversation with someone about ‘your calling’, it’s extremely difficult to do.

We sadly hear of too many leading pastors coming into shame. Sometimes we hear years later, testimonies from the victims of frustrated and abusive leaders, who were very different people behind closed doors when no-one was watching. Where was the loving, patient, discipleship raising there?

Jesus’ ministry was the one His Father gave Him.

He was faithful in His task as the Messiah, The Christ, the Saviour of the World. God who became a human being, to establish the foundation of His Kingdom, before dying and raising to eternal life. We are to continue with Him, building His Kingdom by spreading the Gospel and making disciples, as He told us prior to His ascension. This is The Task we have until He returns.

So what have you been given?

Maybe you’re young and single, just starting out in life and you need to follow Him to find this gift.

Maybe you will look and see the family and job you have.

Maybe you have a burning desire for a particular ministry that doesn’t neglect your nearest and dearest, and need to knock on some doors to see if God opens them for you.

Try to not get caught up with the question and rest assured, whatever God’s will for you is, it will fulfil His great commission to all believers. Be assured all your work is ministry, even if it is unpaid, and unsung by others. Your children will NOT be neglected!

It’s helpful for us to remember that scripture states leaders MUST have their own households in order before having the responsibility of pastorally caring for others. And this leads me to another question. How many of us actually have a relationship with future leaders where we visit them at home and therefore can truly attest to this which is necessary for Bible College acceptance? How many of us today who attend church actually meet together in our own homes outside of a meeting?

Furthermore Bible College is 3-4 years full-time and here in Australia’s often far away from one’s home church and family. With professional standards and legislated protocol, how is it even practical for teachers or clergy to know their students personally and pastorally ‘behind doors’?

My heart truly is for Kingdom building, and this means sharing the Gospel and raising disciples through His love. Oftentimes we don’t need to go looking for a 'ministry' because it’s right in front of us…if only we are humble enough to accept it, for the unglamorous, often frustrating, and difficult work it is!

How better would our church communities be if families really prioritised their own children and homes first and foremost? How 'cleaner' and 'healthier' would our churches be if we realised our own personal growth and loving others was 'Kingdom building'?

Yes, there are still many who do offer this example but my heart is for this to spread like wildfire. Families who fight, day-in day-out, for the health and faithfulness of their own family, first and foremost so they are a 'true light' to others.  Families who live and breath The Word of God, and therefore impact our world not in their own strength but by His power.

We're all called to ministry, period.

I think we would do better to examine our own actions and heart to develop a god-centered focus, more than examining scripture to developing a ministry-model. 

All of what I've said is my heart, not just for you, but for my own home too. I don't think it's really anything new that hasn't been already said by someone else...But I do hope it strengthens and encourages you. You are precious to Him, irrespective of anything.

Peace, Melanie.

In My Burrow:

One of my recent watercolour paintings.
@mjsymesart

I haven’t written a blog post in around two months and recently I began to ponder as to why…

You see I love connecting with others via this blog but I also don’t want to just write for the sake of posting, and well, I just haven’t been inspired to write. This has been somewhat different for me, as for around five years I don’t think there’s been a month go by without a post.

But since the beginning of this year I’ve been in a season of ‘being in my burrow’.

A season of laying low, recharging, and focusing upon caring for my kits, and for this I make no apology…I’ve come to realise I’ve really needed it, and that’s okay.

After our wedding a year ago, I found I was quite run-down and by the end of last year I was really exhausted. You see, although I had been a single parent of three children for five years, technically I had really been single parenting for over a decade, as my ex-husband worked far away.

Fifteen years of parenting, caring, cooking, cleaning, disciplining, teaching, along with obtaining a degree and working in ministry full-time for two years while single takes a lot from someone…

But throughout the difficult journey of single parenting The Lord had promised me through scripture a new, permanent and beautiful home, where we could rest, and He has done just that!

Although I knew I needed rest when I resigned from chaplaincy at the end of last year to home-school the boys, it’s only now, feeling more recharged that I’m able to see more fully what The Lord was providing me. When you’re used to being quite active it can be difficult to comprehend ‘enforced rest’. Being a ‘doer’ it’s sometimes really hard to let go, rest, and relax, but sometimes circumstances and seasons force us to for our own good.

So since the beginning of this year I’ve been home schooling the boys again, and working at helping us all gel as a family, and to be completely honest, this has pretty much all I’ve been able to handle…even with the terrific help from hubby.

Blending people into a new family takes love, boundaries, patience and time. Even for myself. Simply accepting my new hubby’s loving help, although readily welcomed, actually took an adjustment, as I was so used to doing it alone and therefore struggled with some false guilt.

Over the last six months I’ve been able to recharge, safely and securely in the comfort of my own burrow. My kits have been able to feel security and comfort in a new and permanent way.

Our new home has been a sanctuary The Lord has provided us with for our wellbeing.

Praise Him.

There’s still been many challenges but we’ve been able to deal with them better as we haven’t been so ‘stretched and thin’ – If you know what I mean.

It seems so often that people today are ‘stretched and thin’ in their lives, and I’m contemplating that it’s not only the adult who suffers…the children often suffer too.

Like the mother who is so run down her breast milk is no longer sufficient for her child, so our children suffer when we run ourselves thin trying to ‘have it all’.

Why do so many of us women feel guilty today when we stay home and mother our children when they’re over the age of say ten? I think we know the answer, yet this is not intended to be a blaming blog so I won’t go there.

I just want to say I am so thankful to The Lord for the rest He’s enabled.

I am seeing the benefits and this is wonderful confirmation to combat the negative, self-doubting thoughts I’ve had, just as we all can have.

All of us here are now more settled than we’ve ever been, and our stress levels are much, much, lower, and although money has sometimes been challenging, these benefit are something money can’t buy!

In my burrow I’ve found myself away from much of what’s going on outside my door…So sometimes I’ve felt guilty. Yet the refreshment of less pressure and also less drama has been a welcomed change.

Yet there’s been plenty of times where I felt I should be doing more for others. Serving more. Giving more. Just more, more, more.

I have found in life, oftentimes, less haste, selfishness, drama and consumerism always produces a better quality of life for everyone. So I just continue to let go of the negative thoughts.

In reality we were in need, and The Lord provided. Our change in circumstances led to an ‘enforced rest’ where I’ve been able to focus solely on taking care of us and I’m beginning to really feel the benefits.

Now it’s not like I wasn’t taking care of us before…it’s just that I needed to slow right down and do only this for a season.

Sometimes in life we feel so much pressure to ‘have it all’ and we often foolishly compare our lives to others who seem to have it so. We beat ourselves up on the inside for feeling ‘less than’. We run ourselves thin and can become angry and this can result in us becoming bitter towards others, as we are so exhausted and in need.

But if only we gave ourselves permission to be deemed ‘lazy’ or ‘needy’ in the eyes of those who don’t know…maybe then both us and our families would be much better off.

More money and new activities aren’t always the right answer.

A home cooked meal is more comforting than an expensive take-away one.

A clean home is more comforting and nurturing than a constantly untidy one.

An available parent is more comforting and helpful than Kids-help-line.

A peaceful and loving wife is more god-honouring than an exhausted and stressed one.

I know some couples who seem to be a ‘power-house’ from what they post online…And honestly there have been times when I’ve compared myself and felt inadequate. I have felt my family wasn’t ‘as good’. But this is a tactic from the enemy to keep us from loving better. Busyness is a problem today…striving for worldly stuff is not the answer…loving Jesus and others (including ourselves) as He does, is.

Jesus was the most selfless, humble, unassuming person to ever live here on earth but he also practiced good self-care by often spending time alone and recharging. He went away from the crowds and prayed. He also said of Mary, compared to her busy and stressed-out sister Martha that she had chosen better.

Yet what we don’t always think about is how doing this benefits others. Jesus practiced self-care so that He was able to continuing ministering to others. Mary wasn’t the one who was ‘snappy’, it was her busy-busy sister, Martha. We need to take care of ourselves so we can be healthy for our families.

We NEED rest and worship.

Rest and worship can take different forms for different people.

Over the past six months I have been spending time in my burrow loving my kids but also painting.

Painting for me is calming and relaxing and also produces much thankfulness in my heart towards The Lord.

So this is what I’ve been doing and why I haven’t posted for a while…

Less drama, less stress, less activity, less haste…Less is more…

More peace, more love, more time, more joy…Less is more.

Thank you, Jesus.

Thank you for my burrow and your love for us.

You Don't Make Friends With Salad...

“You don’t make friends with salad”, a famous line turned jingle, from American cartoon, The Simpsons. A show where the star is an unhealthy guy who makes fun of his healthy-living Christian neighbours, amongst other things…

You don’t make friends with salad…

This means you don’t ‘make friends’ living a healthy life, and this is also exactly what the bible tells us is the reality for followers of Christ. Jesus Himself warned us of the persecution for bearing His Name, John 15:20-21. Scripture states one who loves the world is an enemy of God, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4.

You see it’s not just, “God so loved the world…”

God doesn’t love the world and its sin. He destroyed it once with the flood and saved only one family. God loves people for which He made the world for!

God loves people so much He wants to save them from their sin, to then transform them to become His children who will live with Him for eternity when He destroys sin once and for all with fire, and renews the world for their inheritance.

This is why Jesus died; to die the death our sins sentence us to, so that we would, like Him, rise to eternal life because we are forgiven and cleansed by His blood and redeemed by His love.

John 3:16-17 states:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.'

The world will be made new when Jesus returns and will be gifted to His faithful brothers and sisters.

Love and fire were themes present in the recent famous sermon delivered by the American Episcopal Church, Bishop Curry, at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

I recently commented on social media to some friends that although the message contained a truthful premise that ‘God is love’, it was a also a message of self-salvation when the Bishop stated that love makes us children of God, without preaching the need of repentance and spiritual rebirth…the vital role Jesus alone holds to make us children of God.

The Bishop said of Jesus, “He didn’t sacrifice his life for himself, or anything he could get out of it, He did it for others, for the other, for the good and well being of others. That’s love.” 

While Jesus’ sacrifice is an example for how we are to live, the Bishop left out the Gospel from this message…Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sin, so we can be called children of God. Jesus alone makes this possible and His resurrection proves this! Our response is not just one of loving good deeds, that is a works-based doctrine…good deeds come later when He comes to live in us. Our response needs to be one of humble repentance and faith in Him as our personal saviour, followed by commitment.

After hearing the message during Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding I was left wondering why the Gospel was not proclaimed…Why wasn’t the truth proclaimed to the world that love Himself died for our sins, so we can be saved and transformed to live lives in the freedom from sin He alone offers?

A Google search showed me that love was proclaimed in this sermon rather than repentance, salvation, and transformation, as this branch of the Church of England in the USA condones homosexuality, and ordains practicing homosexuals…

It then made sense as to why a worldly, feel-good message, about love while mentioning Jesus, without delivering the full Gospel message was delivered. If the good news Gospel message of salvation and transformation was delivered they would need to say that one must change to be a child of God and they can’t say that given their stance on homosexuality. The Bishop proclaimed a theatrical, safe message, to a world that likes Jesus but loves their sin more, John 3:19, 1 John 2:15.

Now I know there are people who will accuse me of being negative and unloving of other Christians by stating this for it's true you don’t make friends with salad…even when it’s well seasoned! But my heart breaks as I see so many Christians being led astray, so I feel I must say something!

Indeed I often refrain from writing posts here that many be considered too heavy, or interpreted as negative and critical. I try to share the Gospel as faithfully as I can, yet I don’t ever want to state the opposite of what someone will find in scripture. The world will lead you astray, the Bible (as it still is) will not.

The bible is clear, still in the New Testament, that homosexuality is a depraved sin one commits against their body which is to be a temple for God, see 1 Corinthians 6:9-20, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, Romans 1:21-18. 

Yes, this is along with adultery and fornication but when we read Romans it’s clear this brokenness is further down the slope. Similar to illicit drug cocktails being even more dangerous than alcohol and cigarettes…But it seems we can’t say this today in fear of offending someone and being accused of hate speech!

Yet I challenge people who would charge me with such to spend the time I have with broken young people trying to make sense of their mental unwellness due to drugs and depraved sexual activity…and with the children of parents who live in this depravity…I challenge them to actually spend time with me and talk about case, after case, after case.

In Australia recently we were warned what a pro same-sex marriage vote would bring. The masses laughed and called us names, like intolerant, ignorant, bigoted and fear-mongers.

Well here in Victoria where I’ve resigned from being a School Chaplain, we now have the depraved mandated curriculums; Respectful Relationships and Safe School, both of which are linked to pro homosexuality and advocates of paedophilia. It’s also been announced the national chaplaincy program is no longer being funded. I can’t say I’m surprised given the small minority against Christianity in schools yelling loudly to get their own way. They don’t want Jesus in schools, and the truth is as a Christian Chaplain this is what you ARE... ‘Jesus in the school’ and if you're not, then why be a chaplain which is what some providers and school principals were already trying to do by changing the title of employees to 'well being worker' and so on.

I can’t tell you the number of students I worked with who REFUSED to talk and work with anyone but me after initial chats, but the percentage was incredibly high. While colleagues were baffled and scratched their heads as to why I was so effective with youth and their families, I knew the only difference between me and the other professionals (yes I am fully accredited) in our network, such as psychologists, social workers, youth workers, counsellors and so on was I brought Jesus into the situations, and He was with us in EVERY conversation. The people were drawn to Him, not me. 

But those who love sin don’t want Jesus in schools and I'm not just talking about state schools.

I knew under Australian law as a School Chaplain working in state schools I was not to proselytize and that was okay. But when mandated curriculum introducing students to sexual activity they most likely wouldn't learn elsewhere, along with gender fluid theories being taught as proven science was mandated, I knew I'd have to resign, as to be a team member one must be on-board, and silence can be interpreted as consent by many.

Furthermore when I was left with no option but to place my own children back in state schooling, I just couldn't knowing what I knew and due to the amount of bullying they'd faced every time they'd been in one previously. I chose to again home-school. Our schools really are getting worse and worse...and believe me it's not only Christians who are saying it!

My heart breaks also for American families. They're plagued like us with Christianity being banned in schools, bullying, and the sexual perversion of their children, but furthermore with the terrorism of mass shootings! There are also many, many Christians overseas who are being killed for their faith, and in the following countries home-schooling is illegal with parents facing criminal charges and incarceration; Sierra Leone, Greenland, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Trinidad, Tobago, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, North Korea, South Korea, Turkey, Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cypress, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, San Marino, and Sweden.

I've always said my own children are my first ministry and I mean it with every ounce of my strength. When Jesus comes I want us all taken, so I will not shirk my responsibility. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for Christian families living in these countries.

This morning on Australian news we were told all public school and library books are now to undergo ‘gender testing’ and books such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Winnie the Pooh for example, are most likely no longer acceptable for our children, with their gender-based language and stereotypes.

The irony here as someone who has spent a lot of time with students in state school libraries, is I was often alarmed by the literature available containing material which worked as a contagion for student issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, and occult experimentation...yet they want to ban books with gender based characters! Why? To encourage gender fluidity which leads to sexual promiscuity and experimentation with those of the same gender. 

Recently on the news a woman discussed a new assertion that parents should gain permission from a toddler to change their nappy/diaper. This was met with irate criticism from many Australians saying it was absurd. Now while I believe it's absolutely important for children to learn they have autonomy over their own body, and therefore the right to say no, the truth is predators trick young children into audibly giving permission when consenting to playing a 'game' or 'keeping a secret' for sexual abuse to take place. Children need to be guided by their parents to obey them, not to give consent to whomever they in their developing mind think they should give it to. Children need to learn from loving parents discernment regarding whom to trust, and the difference between changing a nappy or being instructed how to wash their genitals, compared to sexual abuse...Furthermore that as a parent (not an equal) the child can tell them anything, and they have the power as adults to do something about it and will always believe them.

Then off-shore today in American news, there was a woman campaigning for legislation to ban words from use. In particular the word ‘man’ as she finds it offensive and believes it’s a human right simply because language evolves. She is also positive about other people petitioning for other words to be done away with…

People who love sin hate men. Have you noticed? 

They often love kids but despise people who hold traditional family values and although once they wouldn't say it to your face, only behind your back, now it's outright slander...including death threats.

Yes, people who love sin hate strong godly men with a passion...yes, they hate godly upright women too, but men have really been abused in our Western societies for years now.

They hate godly maleness that represents Jesus and The Father.

And while homosexuals may say they ‘love’ men and maleness, we know this is untrue when we look at the Mardi Gras and Drag Queen costumes which mock maleness through queerness. The sad truth is these ‘men’ so desperately need to know the godly love of The Father, yet they look for it in other human males, dressing as harlots to attract it.

While so many preach love, respect, tolerance and world peace, they absolutely want to do away traditional Christianity and free speech. They are deceived by the enemy into thinking when they get what they want they will be happy. While the truth is they will remain unsatisfied, broken, plagued with mental instability and unsaved for when Jesus returns...and the children will suffer the most...

There is no ecumenical, one-religion, love your way to Jesus gospel message…Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

Yes, love makes a way for people to come to Jesus, but this is so they will repent and change, not stay broken in their sin. We are to be His hand, feet and voice, not a Band-Aid.

Love makes a way, but this is so we can be a light in this dark world, living in holiness while we await His return. ‘For it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16.

We are forgiven but this does not mean we are to continue living in deliberate sin. Jesus said to the woman who was to be stoned for adultery she was forgiven but also to go and sin no more, John 8:1-11.

We may still sin, but we live repentant lives, making choices each day that honour Jesus and scripture, and therefore imitate His life. 1 John 2:1-2.

Loving others does not mean we don’t speak out for truth…It does not mean we don’t bring the salad when everyone else brings meat. It does mean we will be ridiculed and persecuted...slandered and attacked...and not invited to many barbecues...

But Jesus is returning and who will we be greeting Him with? 

It is not loving to say to someone that their own loving actions will save them…that they don’t need transformation…

When the rapture happens there will be many who are left and claim it didn’t happen because they’re Christian. But all you need to do is look at the world news to see the signs it’s not far off.

Jesus said there will be many who call Him Lord but He will say He never knew them. Matthew 7:21-23.

Jesus urged us to remain alert and prayerful so we are found ready when He returns. Matthew 24:44.

God is love but the beginning of wisdom is fear and reverence for Him. Proverbs 1:7.

Don’t be fooled. Jesus saves those who repent and belong in dedication to Him. He told us there will be a separation of ‘goat and sheep’ at final judgement, meaning those who belong to Him and those who don’t. Matthew 25:31–46.

How often are we looking into the mirror of scripture compared to the neon signs of the world?

No, you don’t make friends with salad, but as faithful followers of Jesus you will eat in the banquet hall of the King and Kings, Luke 14:15-24.

If you haven’t repented of your sin and given your life to Jesus do it today and be free. He is coming. Amen, come Lord Jesus.