tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42806991153535803022024-02-21T16:55:55.191+11:00Life of an ordinary Aussie womanLife perspectives from an ordinary, big thinking, Aussie woman.
Totally biased and real...hopefully not too much rambling.Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-383085009960073772022-07-09T19:15:00.001+10:002022-07-09T19:15:50.072+10:00Blogging Resurgence!<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hello to any of you who may find this final blog post.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I wrote here on Life of an Ordinary Aussie Woman for around seven years; from 2013 till 2020.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Along with COVID-19 my life became turned upside down in many other ways.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I've taken what's now been almost two years to heal and find both myself and a way forward once again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Both myself and children are doing really well and the desire to write and post on my blog to connect with others has returned, yet writing here doesn't feel quite right...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So I am beginning a new Blog called <a href="https://ordinaryaussiewomanmovingforward.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">'Life of an Ordinary Aussie Woman: Moving Forward'</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Look forward to connecting with you over there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In grace and peace, Melanie.</span></p>Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-55052483941276299462020-05-01T06:04:00.000+10:002020-05-01T23:00:27.939+10:00Learning to be married...again.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIwU64Uax0Q/XqsuDpUExVI/AAAAAAAAKeI/P22XBpMCpNkgF9qE--hNiTmw_XgfxrB1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Learning%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bmarried%2Bagain.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIwU64Uax0Q/XqsuDpUExVI/AAAAAAAAKeI/P22XBpMCpNkgF9qE--hNiTmw_XgfxrB1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Learning%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bmarried%2Bagain.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">There are so
many analogies for life but the one that’s in my mind at the moment, is that of
a mighty river…The river of life.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, life is
like a river in so many ways. It can be beautiful, wild, dangerous and a still
a source of goodness all at the same time…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During this
epidemic of COVID-19 the river here in Australia is quite still for so many. Yet
this stillness brings about different things for different people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For some, it
may be a chance for quiet reflection, as they float along at a slow speed, or a chance
to stop and swim with their family rather than swimming laps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For others,
it may be a time where they hop out of the river all together and sit on the
bank, as the stillness was creating a stagnate pool around them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And still for
some others, it may be scary and intimidating as they notice the murkiness below
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then again, the
river may be a rapidly changing environmental ecosystem for others who are
experiencing all the forces of nature and elements of the different seasons and
they may feel they are up and down even day to day, or week to week…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjZH2oUMWk8/XqsupgTdkLI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/eXpgOHNNJVsuN3Ar60EvtOmYl5WbPZc3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mario-alvarez-M1YdS0g8SRA-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjZH2oUMWk8/XqsupgTdkLI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/eXpgOHNNJVsuN3Ar60EvtOmYl5WbPZc3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mario-alvarez-M1YdS0g8SRA-unsplash.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes life can
be like a river; a beautiful, wild, dangerous, sustaining river. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we travel
along the river of life, we all experience our own twists and turns…days of
sunshine and days of storms…times of rest and renewal and times of pain and
growth.</span></b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For long
time readers, my friends, I know you’re aware I began this blog site as a single mother;
well that was the beginning of 2013! I remarried June 2017…and it’s difficult
at times for me to fathom that next month will be our 3 years anniversary!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Over the
past three years you’re probably aware I haven’t written as many posts. Honestly
I haven’t really worried about it because I never desired to write on this blog
just for the sake of writing. When I began the blog I only wanted to write
posts when I felt inspired. Tonight as l looked back at my blog post history I realised
I actually haven’t written for almost exactly one year…however over the course
of the blog’s life there are 324 posts! This one will make 325…that’s almost unbelievable
to me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lately I’ve
been reflecting upon the wide curve, my river has been on over the
past three years, and it’s not just because I’ve had more time to think during
this period of social distancing…I think it’s because my river curve has finally began
to straighten out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You see, I’ve
been able to process recently just what a significant period the last 3 years
of marriage has been for me. Of course it has also been a significant period for
my husband and children too, however my reflection has been more personal
recently, upon my own journey as a woman…An Ordinary, Aussie Woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Three years
is an interesting length of time, that’s for sure! In this time, a newborn
becomes a young child; an apprentice becomes a tradesperson, a university
degree can be earned, Jesus was killed after three years of ministry, and indeed
a relationship can be truly solidified.</b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Over the
past three years, I have learned to be married…again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve learned
just how completely different being re-married is…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought I
knew about being married, and while I absolutely did in one sense, as I had
been previously married for 15 years, there is a whole other experience of
being re-married and that was completely new for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While I had
head-knowledge about remarriage, and lots of ideas about myself and new husband…life
experience is where the real learning is done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A three year
apprenticeship, if you like, to learn how to be married, again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3 years
spent learning about a completely different husband…I know it seems so basic
when you type it out…but it’s really significant in person – irrespective of
faith.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3 years
re-developing personal skills that had not been necessary for around five
years.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3 years of shaping
and moulding to be the right fit for each other.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3 years of
careful building to make a durable home on the unpredictable river.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3 years of
love. Love that includes hurt, joy, sadness, laughter, tears, blame, forgiveness,
sickness, health, distrust, loyalty, confusion, clarity, and peace</span> .</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3 years of
belonging to each other – the prelude to our marriage story that is yet to be
told.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember, marriage
is sacred as it’s the only union that makes a couple become family to one
another – So importantly, if I can leave you with any advice in regards
specifically to remarriage – If you’re older, and worn from being tossed out of
the dinghy into the river from a spouse who should have protected you, just be
prepared to grace yourself the permission to not be perfect, as you learn all over
again how to be married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Much love,
Melanie.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-63813062083030089952019-05-20T17:22:00.000+10:002019-05-20T17:22:03.866+10:00Punishment in a Plastic-Perfect World:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRbfEGHN8hvtWSzH1ihV195IBqwIcf-f_RbOMyEsQJKdifs5nky4LCuvHX-iKPEQSAclVILpH-1XxYdHyH8os3CK50q9tSEaeW2ALOVqcWgxDbaxg5srvzQEHq5OIOheLEVzOYQHi/s1600/mannequin-1208188_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRbfEGHN8hvtWSzH1ihV195IBqwIcf-f_RbOMyEsQJKdifs5nky4LCuvHX-iKPEQSAclVILpH-1XxYdHyH8os3CK50q9tSEaeW2ALOVqcWgxDbaxg5srvzQEHq5OIOheLEVzOYQHi/s400/mannequin-1208188_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">There is real danger when we not only believe others think the same as us, we expect them to, and therefore when we realise they don't, punish them by breaking communication due to our own false, self-righteousness pride. <br /><br />Today ignoring others and discarding precious people is the punishment served by those who think their own life is ‘plastic-perfect’. And yes, this can include some Christians. <br /><br />I’m not saying there isn’t a time to wisely walk away from some discussions which would gain nothing more than mutual animosity. And please be aware, this is not a post either promoting, multi-faith worship and/or multi-spiritual communion! <br /><br />I’m talking about times when people (even Christians) ignore the genuine efforts others (including other Christians) make to connect; the times when people just don’t even bother. The problem is this attitude does not come from a soft heart where real love can grow. It comes from a hard heart (a plastic heart), and ultimately a place of pride. <br /><br />Believe me, I know how easy it can be to make excuses in one’s head to avoid doing what our conscience actually knows is right! Excuses like; I’m too busy right now…I’ll just leave it to God…or I have more important things to do! <br /><br />Yes, excuses are made to avoid the more loving and therefore difficult task of connecting, and having honest, peaceful, non-aggressive, difficult conversations. <br /></span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The raw, the real, the un-pretty, the awkward, just don’t fit into a plastic-perfect schedule, and take precious time away from the beautiful life so many want to have and portray…Yet, discarding and rejecting others in my opinion has never been more prevalent and is the cause of so much loneliness and isolation. </b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br />Today so many people cut-off the very means to actually having a more meaningful life…real (sometimes messy) relationships. <br /><br />While conflict is awful, we need to ask ourselves honestly what we’re doing or have done to contribute? Are we guilty of feeling frustrated and putting the person down, or just ignoring and disrespecting them all together…? <br /><br />And as Christians, how honestly are we looking at ourselves in the mirror of truth? <br /><br />Yes, there are times when we should walk away, take a break, or even cease a relationship permanently. But this should never be done lightly, or too quickly. <br /><br />We need to be open to growing and examining our own heart through genuine prayer, and devotional scripture reading. For this is the real mirror of truth. <br /><br />Sometimes we can even get to a place of thinking we know what scripture says, so we find another Christian person for accountability and neglect the discipline of devotionally engaging with Jesus through His remaining Word. Accountability partners are fine, but if we’re honest we usually choose people who don’t really challenge us. <br /><br /> We need to STOP doing everything else we prefer to do and simply pray honestly, and read the Bible again and again and again in complete vulnerability. It is only then we will have our hearts softened and strengthened to obey His holy and loving ways. <br /></span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Plastic will melt in the fire of scripture and will be able to be remodeled.</b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br />The truth is our efforts are like filthy rags compared to the only Righteous One, Jesus Christ. All our good deeds and acts of charity, when done to only those who make us comfortable are mostly a way to please ourselves and make us comfortable in this world… <br /><br />We must reject the way of this world, for to live this way is to be an enemy of God. <br /><br />True peace and love will only be found living in humble submission to the complete Word of God which thankfully still remains in our Bibles so far (just read footnotes too). <br /><br />Submission to Jesus requires we know His instructions for us today, which we find in the New Testament. <br /><br />To understand our purpose, we need to understand the grand narrative of mankind and God’s heart, which we learn from studying Genesis through to Revelation. <br /><br />Remember the forgiveness of sins is necessary for a relationship with God, for it is our sins that separate us from Him. And forgiveness is freely available through a genuine prayer of repentance and committing your whole self to living with and for Jesus. <br /><br />But…this is just the beginning. What is required after the forgiveness of sins and commitment to Jesus as Lord?? <br /><br /><i>Micah 6:8 tells us, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”</i><br /><br />The command is not to do ‘ministry’…<br /><br />You see, God does not desire our religious observances. No, he does not desire plastic-perfection. He desires our hearts and soft hearts at that! He desires people to love and support one another, to not use and discard one another, or ignore others when they feel inconvenienced.<br /><br /><i>To Do Justice</i> = We should continue to do what is right towards others and for others. Yes, we should care about others, even those whom we struggle with and never see face-to-face…even those we sometimes think we are better than! We should continue to fight for Christian-Judeo biblical morality.<br /><br /><i>To Love Kindness</i> = This is not just being kind. This is a command to LOVE kindness. When we love something we nurture it and live with it. Kindness should be a part of who we are as Christians, a part of our character. We need to ask ourselves at times, how truly kind are we? How willing to be challenged and inconvenienced are we?<br /><br /><i>To Walk Humbly with God </i>= This is not simply walking in humility, for even those who belong to false religions of the enemy can walk humbly putting others first and obediently to commands. The command is to walk humbly with God. But this is not the external acts of ‘good deeds’. <br /><br />It’s the private acts like genuine heartbreaking prayer, confession, forgiveness, obedience to scripture when no-one is looking, and allowing Him to personally grow us through difficult times and experiences by remaining faithful. It’s NOT becoming more educated and liberal in theology, it is becoming more like Jesus until He returns or we leave this earth.<br /><br />If we know scripture, we know that nowhere is there an allowance for us to pick and choose verses, or interpretations we prefer to suit our own often hard ‘plastic’ hearts. <br /><br />We would know of the warnings regarding punishment coming for those who change one word, or twist it to suit their own desires or to manipulate others!<br /><br />It truly can be so difficult to pray for the strength to obey when we desire the complete opposite…to run the other way, to ignore, to disrespect, to argue, to listen to the smooth talkers, to win the day…<br /><br />But, Jesus said if we love Him we will obey Him.<br /><br />And the second great commandment after loving God first, is loving others as ourselves…so the next time we feel like ignoring someone, or disrespecting someone you think is lesser-than, let‘s ask ourselves if we would appreciate it happening to us?<br /><br />Remember, everything here will fade away and we all will stand before Him with no righteousness of our own… <br /><br />We need His righteousness. <br /><br />His robes. <br /><br />His Word. <br /><br />His life.<br /><br />So let us strive to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with Him, after we have repented from having a plastic heart. <br /><br />Let’s us not punish others who think differently by ignoring them because of pride and self-righteousness. No, let us not discard people like used goods…<br /><br />And if we should find ourselves one day, like a discarded plastic mannequin, may we place our hardened, plastic-self, into the fire of scripture to be remodeled…But not into an image that is pleasing the world, rather into the likeness of Him who alone is pleasing, and that is Jesus.<br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Let us reject the punishment of a plastic-perfect world. Let us reject arguing, slandering, ignoring and thinking we are so much better, and love God and each other in submission and humility.<br /><br />In Christian love, Melanie. <br /><br /> </span><br /> </div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-62199883525280816042019-03-11T16:19:00.000+11:002019-03-11T16:51:17.324+11:00Forgive them, anyway.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zS5oBOQd1I/XIX0f5ULRpI/AAAAAAAAJyg/99TyLBuNOJcMu33nS-vpu0EyBdV3TkbYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Forgive%2Bthem%2Banyway%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="902" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zS5oBOQd1I/XIX0f5ULRpI/AAAAAAAAJyg/99TyLBuNOJcMu33nS-vpu0EyBdV3TkbYwCLcBGAs/s320/Forgive%2Bthem%2Banyway%2Bpic.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By now many of you would have seen the poem “Anyway” online which was written by Mother Teresa of Calcutta. This piece of poetry, aside from promoting moral living, ultimately promotes forgiving others because this is both a biblical and conditional command. The Bible is clear we need to forgive because firstly, we have been forgiven and secondly we need to continue to forgive because we too need continual forgiveness…And scripture doesn’t hold back on the serious implications for those who don’t forgive…it keeps them out of the Kingdom of God…So “Anyway” reads as follows:</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive
them anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;">If you are kind, people may
accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;">If you are successful, you will
win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;">If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;">What you spend years building, someone
could destroy overnight; Build anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;">If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;">The good you do today, people
will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;">Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "lucida bright" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: -webkit-center;">You see, in the final analysis, it
is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway.”</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />I, like many others I’m sure, love this poem for a couple of reasons. Firstly we know it's penned by someone who is legitimate in their life. Secondly, it is both so very honest and this makes it also truly encouraging. The honestly paired with determination to ‘do better’ despite what happens to everyone, is inspiring…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really am encouraged by this poem, especially when I’m not facing any challenges! But to be really honest, both this poem and command Jesus gives us to forgive others, are really difficult to put into practice…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are times when people really hurt you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are times when I am left shaking my head and feeling crushed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are times when I really don’t like people….both people in general, and yes sadly even specific people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are times when it seems people are so blind and short-sighted, even uncaring because of their own bias…so self-centered and inwardly focused that they are unable to self-evaluate and then project unfair and unwarranted attacks on others…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are days when we don’t even feel safe in our own homes, needing extra security and to implement safety plans, just in case someone does the wrong thing…but this is not to forget the cases of domestic violence and workplace incidents…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about the times when people are so hurt and no-one cares enough to even call? Or the times when a best-friend or family member takes advantage of you, time and time again? Or when you finally get a break and people still don’t congratulate you, or worse still make a cynical remark?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the days where you actually can’t stand the world anymore and don’t want to get out of bed…?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The truth is, there are times like this for all of us…yes, all of us. Even the people you may not know personally and whom you believe have the ‘perfect life’…yes, the ones you falsely believe nothing bad ever happens to…</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These times are unfair.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> These times are the worst.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> These times are impossible for us in our own strength to find forgiveness in our hearts. And in truth, some people never forgive and therefore never find the freedom and release it would bring them… </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Sometimes we can find forgiveness a bit easier when we practice seeing things from where the other person may be in their own life, or by focusing on all the good things we still have in our own life which promotes good self-esteem and empathy for the offender…we may even begin to feel a bit ‘sorry’ for the other person…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That being said, there are still times when our efforts just aren’t enough…the hurt just keeps coming up and coming up, time and time again. The offense, the hurt, the wound, the betrayal, and so on, is just all too much to bear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We need Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We need his love and help to truly forgive and be free from the hurt and bitterness…</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The commandment He gives is clear, Matthew 6:14-15 (CEV) </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“14 If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. 15 But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We need to pray and continue to pray for the ability to truly forgive and to truly let go of our hurts….for what is impossible for us on our own, is not with God! (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A14-15&version=CEV">Luke 18:27</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was recently encouraged by a wonderful story by ‘Entertainment Tonight’ in the US which tells the story of Patricia Heaton’s visit with World Vision to meet a Rwandan woman who decided to forgive the man that killed her family. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EntertainmentTonight/videos/602899143469320/UzpfSTExNzk2MTkwMTA6MTAyMTc5Mzc2Mjg5NzA1NjA/">See here on ET Facebook</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The impact of the decision the woman made is so far reaching into the lives of all involved, their families, and even Patricia Heaton. I truly hope it encourages you in your own life and in your decisions to forgive…to let go and to ‘let God’ handle the deal with the situation and your healing.<br /><br />Love Mel.</span><br />
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<br />Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-79287915367672676312019-02-15T00:28:00.000+11:002019-02-15T00:28:04.668+11:00VALENTINE'S DAY 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I often find myself reflecting quite deeply on February the 14th each year. Yes, this often results in a blog post here on Life of an Ordinary Aussie Woman…The reason, I think is because love and life, or life and love, can be such a mine field of mixed emotions for so many of us… <br /><br />It’s the one day of each year where love, whether it be romantic or committed or both, is thrust onto center stage. It’s there in our faces, no matter how hard we try to ignore it, or sleep the day away…it’s simply still there on our calendars… <br /><br />It’s a day where we may grieve the loss of loved ones, our singleness, or even poor past choices… <br /><br />It can be a day where we could feel alone, jealously, anger, bitterness, or resentment… <br /><br />It can be a day for some where they hide away, or wear a mask, or get drunk and send an inappropriate message… <br /><br />It can be a day for some to build resilience and face the day while being single in boldness… <br /><br />It can be a day for single parents to give a gift to their child or children, or single best-friend… <br /><br />It can be a day for some to pretend their personal relationship is all they hoped for… <br /><br />It can for some, be a day of healing… <br /><br />Or it can be a day for some to be overwhelmingly thankful and shower extra attention on their spouse… <br /><br />And, it can be a mixture of any of these or more…and that’s okay. <br /><br />Valentine’s Day for me this year has been a real mixture of different emotions, as I’ve reflected, processed, and CHOSEN to love my family. <br /><br />And while I know we should love those closest to us EVERY DAY, I still choose to acknowledge my nearest and dearest (especially my hubby) each Valentine’s Day because TRUE LOVE isn’t about me. <br /><br />TRUE LOVE is humble and sacrificial. TRUE LOVE is kind, patient and giving. TRUE LOVE is putting ourselves second, and also being gracious enough to accept it in return. <br /><br />And without TRUE LOVE, romantic gestures are sadly just superficial and done in vain… <br /><br />Happy Valentine’s Day everyone, and I hope you know the true love of Jesus, first and foremost – For without Him we have no hope of giving or receiving TRUE LOVE from anyone else because we only love because HE FIRST LOVED US (1 John 4:19).</span><div>
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Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-28933376592607773542019-01-22T16:29:00.001+11:002019-01-23T18:50:17.079+11:00HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT PERSON TO MARRY: 5 questions to consider.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIoihy_kOGPqtid-yKldYtedrDJGlrQa49GpWPNF9Nydd1cmOEODbeEKTMGWAHnPm7XCYJl_R3OrN5exUFmaF7gzHFsEQGjY5YNBsnhQOJGKpDJ_I21b5-tx-SI2wHfiu8EhpsHPV/s1600/Right+person+to+marry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIoihy_kOGPqtid-yKldYtedrDJGlrQa49GpWPNF9Nydd1cmOEODbeEKTMGWAHnPm7XCYJl_R3OrN5exUFmaF7gzHFsEQGjY5YNBsnhQOJGKpDJ_I21b5-tx-SI2wHfiu8EhpsHPV/s320/Right+person+to+marry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Marriage is hard. <br /><br />Really hard. But it’s also a wonderful blessing, so it’s really important that we’re wise in discerning if the person we’ve met or are possibly dating is someone right for us to marry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Marriage is a big commitment. There’s no option to just move-out discreetly with dignity intact, when you’ve made the public and legally binding obligation to become someone’s spouse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It’s true, no matter how civil and mature you both may handle the situation, marriage is always bigger than the two of you, and the painful ripples of separation and divorce go so much further than we could ever imagine, until experiencing it for ourselves… </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, it’s a lot harder than living with someone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The legal web of separating and dividing EVERYTHING is painful enough…but it’s not just assets. The rigmarole alone of changing your legal name, and furthermore to have it used by others is an emotional roller-coaster in itself… </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, marriage is hard, as it comes with not only the cost of commitment, it involves true faith, risk and vulnerability. Marriage is unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. It can be the worst when it was never right to begin with and also the best when based on friendship, commitment and compatibility… </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve heard many people say the first year of a new marriage is the most difficult and I would say eighteen months into my second, I agree. But thankfully this time around I was much wiser, thanks to God, and I made a much, much, better choice. And so, I want to write this post to hopefully help someone else. It’s based upon what I’ve learned over 17 years in my first marriage, five years of singleness, a courtship in my late, late 30s and now eighteen months of marriage. Let me know if it helps you, I’d love to know! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to know if you’ve found the right person to marry: 5 questions to consider. <br /><br /><b>1. Do I really like this person? </b><br /><br />The first and most important question is this. Do I like this person? As in, do I really like this person for who they are, their personality, core values and for how they value and treat me? Ask yourself, is this a person I actually WANT to be friends with? It’s important to realise that REALLY liking someone is different to infatuation because infatuation is selfish and consuming, whereas REALLY liking someone is respectful and healthy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don’t ask yourself, is this someone I could fall in love with? Because we can often associate lust, sex, and romantic illusions with love. I have found some people get caught up in the whole ‘sexual attraction’ topic. When in real-life, if you REALLY like someone first, you’ll probably find yourself sexually attracted to them soon enough, even if you weren’t at first sight! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you ask yourself, do I like this person, this is not meaning whether you consider this person a friend! If someone is in your ‘friend zone’ they will probably stay there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ask yourself, is this someone I would spend time with, even if I received no material benefits? Ask yourself, is this someone I honestly believe I will still REALLY like and consider a cool person in five or more years? Everyone changes and grows, do you really like this person enough to change and grow with them for the rest of your life? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You need to consider if you really like this person, or whether they are just filling a void? Loneliness for example, is difficult to endure and can be countered with a healthy relationship, but it cannot be the reason you are in a relationship with someone. Marrying someone to meet a need such as loneliness, financial pressure, to provide your children with ‘another parent’, or to counter the fear of being single ‘forever’, and so on and so on, is actually selfish, and will most likely ultimately result in heartache for the other person and great disappointment for both. We can distract ourselves for a long time and convince ourselves of so many things when our heart is impatient and/or greedy, but eventually the carousel-ride stops and we get off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You really need to answer a complete YES to liking this person for who they completely are right now, because believe me, there will come days in your marriage when you’re hurt or upset at your spouse, and this foundation will help you through because the person you REALLY like is their usual disposition, not the one who has just upset you. If you never really liked the person to begin with, the problems which arise will become the catalyst for discontentment and contempt. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>2. Do my family and trusted friends like this person? </b><br /><br />A huge indicator as to whether or not you’ve found the right person </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0v94DX5U2RuHnbOD9B7IQYfjv9igJdRRV_sI4JMTSUxyaXoZOaB0lM9Zknr3UyClpCvQfY4P-U4FeHoLc1oA7U-7o5OvsN8z-JZU8tC0JFqzuzAacVLsGNeFKpBwGobS1HjKIeJ2/s1600/child-1121178_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0v94DX5U2RuHnbOD9B7IQYfjv9igJdRRV_sI4JMTSUxyaXoZOaB0lM9Zknr3UyClpCvQfY4P-U4FeHoLc1oA7U-7o5OvsN8z-JZU8tC0JFqzuzAacVLsGNeFKpBwGobS1HjKIeJ2/s320/child-1121178_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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for you, is the approval from your close family (including your</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">children if you have any) and friends. If they’re saying things that are negative about him/her in regards to their observations around how this person treats you, your children, or them when you’re not around, then this is a true RED-FLAG! You need to wisely consider their words as coming from people who love you, and consider you own possible bias and blindness. If their comments are negative due to vain things like the person’s occupation or assets, then that’s a different, materialistic or social-class concern, and it doesn’t mean the person isn’t genuine, likeable, or right for you. <br /><br /> <br /><b><br />3. Do our values align? </b><br /><br />This is so important for a couple to make a lifelong commitment and solid life together. The Bible talks about people being “equally </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5tmFhWLXSo/XEanpTVQv-I/AAAAAAAAJtI/0LvqIN6IE_ABTF0E3fNzWgHSRkKQU8ODwCLcBGAs/s1600/horses-3352588_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5tmFhWLXSo/XEanpTVQv-I/AAAAAAAAJtI/0LvqIN6IE_ABTF0E3fNzWgHSRkKQU8ODwCLcBGAs/s320/horses-3352588_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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yoked”. This comes from a long time ago when farmers would bind their oxen together with a wooden yoke. The two animals needed to plough the farmer’s field side-by-side. Your future field together in marriage is your home. Your home should be a safe and loving place for you and possibly your children and even grandchildren to spend time together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You need to marry someone you can work harmoniously with. This isn’t to say you won’t have difficult times, as these happen to everyone. The storms that will come will be difficult to endure, but indeed when you’re harnessed with a partner who works with you and not against you, the burden is shared. An example of two people being of the same religion is not what being equally yoked means. This allegory covers areas such as; spending and saving, </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HDN9Q1AbmMyi03LK-qy3Uv3f1EN_tWffMNEkjQ1IR_YAkiY5u_itxA9lT_G4elhhZBDx4eOt3GQhBusQRTP_zLMJM5wqZPbPHUD3WYXMHWaC6qZThEQrvHnQd0UWLAsQYFI8OJt2/s1600/ethics-2991600_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HDN9Q1AbmMyi03LK-qy3Uv3f1EN_tWffMNEkjQ1IR_YAkiY5u_itxA9lT_G4elhhZBDx4eOt3GQhBusQRTP_zLMJM5wqZPbPHUD3WYXMHWaC6qZThEQrvHnQd0UWLAsQYFI8OJt2/s320/ethics-2991600_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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cleanliness, manners, forgiveness, reconciliation, ideologies, morals, health and fitness, use of medication, language used, generosity, children, dreams, interests, how to treat family, faith, theology, worldview and much more. What are your core values and do they align with this person’s? <br /><br /> <br /><b><br />4. Can I love this person? </b></span><br />
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</b><br />In our western societies, it’s my opinion that it’s more helpful to think of love as a verb meaning commitment, rather than as </span><br />
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something we experience and feel, due to the fact the word love as a noun in English, has become so tainted. To consider if you are able to love this person in action, try considering some secondary, similar questions; Could I be faithful sexually to this person even if I was tempted? Could I stay with this person if they became ill? Could I forgive this person if they betrayed my trust or seriously hurt my feelings? Can I put this person first, before myself and others? This is a tough question to contemplate and shouldn’t be rushed. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>5. Do I have peace? </b><br /><br />This question is two-fold. Firstly ask yourself, do I have peace in my heart in being with this person? Is the relationship upfront, honest and without baggage? Are they still legally married – HUGE RED FLAG! Is there something pulling on your conscience because you know something isn’t right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Secondly ask yourself, does this person bring me peace? Is this person someone you can be held by and receive nurturing, comfort, relaxation and love from? Life is hard and your future life-long spouse should be someone you can unwind and relax with. They should be someone whom you feel safe and peaceful with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">I truly hope these five questions are helpful to you in considering whether or not the person you’ve met and are possibly now dating is the right person for you to marry. As a Christian in my own journey I also prayed a lot through this process. I would like to encourage you by saying that patience is a gift from God, and is one we must choose to receive. We’re always learning and growing closer to Jesus while discerning, even if the outcome isn’t one we’d hoped for. His plan is always better, so it’s really important that we don’t make a poor choice and that we listen and use wisdom. The wait is worth it and necessary, as marriage is hard, really hard but also a </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><i>wonderful blessing.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Melanie.</i></span></div>
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Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-69375288056014696442018-11-26T14:32:00.000+11:002018-11-26T14:32:01.040+11:00Stevie Wonder: "Overjoyed": A hidden allegory?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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”… <br /><br />I can see you tapping your foot right now…Ahhh, morals, values, love and even God is sung about… <br /><br />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?” <br /><br />You see it’s the lyrics of ‘Overjoyed’ that I couldn’t help but hearing the voice of Jesus behind… <br /><br />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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">Over time, I've been building, <b><i>my castle of love </i></b><br /><br />Just for two, though you never knew you were my reason <br /><br />I've gone much too far, for you now to say <br /><br />That I've got to throw my castle away...</span><br /><br /><b>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, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14&version=NRSV" target="_blank">John 14</a>. </b><br /><br /> <br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">Over dreams, I have picked out<b><i> a perfect come true </i></b><br /><br />Though you never knew it was, of you I've been dreaming. <br /><br />The sandman has come from too far away, for you to say</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">come, back some other day... </span><br /><br /><b>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, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A15&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Mark 1:15</a>.</b> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">And though you don't believe that they do, they do come true, <br /><br />For did my dreams, come true when I looked at you <br /><br />And maybe too, <b><i>if you would believe</i></b>, you too might be <br /><br />Overjoyed, over love, over me… </span><br /><br /><b>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, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A1-2&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Romans 5:1-2</a>. </b><br /> <br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">Over heart, I have <b><i>painfully turned every stone</i></b> <br /><br />Just to find, I had found what I've searched to discover <br /><br />I've come much too far for me now to find, the love that I </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">sought can never be mine...</span><br /><br /><b>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, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+11%3A8&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Hosea 11:8</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+36%3A26&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Ezekiel 36:26</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A21-26&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Romans 3:21-26</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Isaiah 53</a>. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A1-6&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Luke 24:1-6</a>. </b><br /> <br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">And though you don't believe that they do, they do come true <br /><br />For did my dreams come true when I looked at you <br /><br />And maybe too, <b><i>if you would believe</i>,</b> you too might be <br /><br />Overjoyed, over love, over me...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">And though <b><i>the odds say improbable</i></b>, what do they know? <br /><br />For in romance, all true love needs is a chance <br /><br />And maybe with a chance you will find, you too like I <br /><br />Overjoyed, over love, over you, over you… </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><br /><b>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, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A26-27&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Luke 18:26-27</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Cor+1%3A18-30&version=NRSV" target="_blank">1 Cor 1:18-30</a>. <br /><br />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.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Do you agree 'Overjoyed' may be a hidden allegory from Stevie Wonder about the Gospel message?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Let me leave you with the song. God bless, Melanie.</i></b></span><br />
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<br />Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-4361341045462165032018-09-10T16:06:00.003+10:002018-09-10T22:23:46.077+10:00FREE 40 Day Wellbeing Diet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Women are truly gutsy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So often they continue on in the face on immense difficulties. They just give, and give, and give, without caring very well for themselves.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>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…<b>rather do something!</b></i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />To be His hands, feet and voice, His love, His encouragement!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To turn an abstract idea of practicing self-care and wellbeing into plan for us to come together and do! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Are you up for it? </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In this post I’ve provided below a list of </span><u style="font-size: x-large;">10 TASKS</u><span style="font-size: large;"> for us to do each day for a total of </span><u style="font-size: x-large;">40 days</u><span style="font-size: large;">. I’m calling it a ‘40 Day Wellbeing Diet’…</span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Will you join me and others?</b> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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!” </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I know there are many of us who are looking up and calling out, but how many of us still feel </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">ALONE? </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">How many of us </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">REALLY KNOW</b><span style="font-size: large;"> how to practice good self-care? </span><br /><br /><u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Change starts with a decision of commitment! </span></b></u><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I absolutely believe, you will not finish this 'diet' unchanged and I have two assurances to state this, science and faith. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Research is showing that personal wellbeing improves for individuals simply through practicing </span><u style="font-size: x-large;">being grateful </u><span style="font-size: large;">alone, significantly after one month. Academics are claiming the three pillars of </span><u style="font-size: x-large;">gratefulness, empathy and mindfulness </u><span style="font-size: large;">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?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Below is my ‘Wellbeing Diet’ which I would love for you to seriously commit to for 40 days. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">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). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It’s a holistic daily program to follow of <u>10 daily tasks</u>. Use it like a daily check list for your wellbeing. If you do begin please email me at </span><a href="mailto:ordinaryaussiewoman@mail.com" style="font-size: x-large;">ordinaryaussiewoman@mail.com</a><span style="font-size: large;"> so you can join our group to receive encouragement along the way!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">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!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The program and support is 100% free</u></b>…no charge whatsoever as I am not a scammer, just a Christian woman looking to support other Christian women! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Also, if you want to follow this diet with your own church group please feel free…So here it is: </span><br /><br /><i style="font-size: x-large;">(Please feel free to change the the order of some things to suit yourself)</i> <br /> <br /><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FREE 40 Day Wellbeing Diet:</span><br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">1. Morning Mindfulness 1: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span><br /> <br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">2. Morning Self-Care Nutrition: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span><br /> <br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">3. Morning Mindfulness 2: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Listen to a <u>Christian</u> 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. </span><br /> <br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">4. Daily Empathy: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Each day intentionally show kindness to <u>three other people</u>. 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.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span><br /> <br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">5. Daily Self-Care & Gratitude: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span><br /> <br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">6. Daily Encouragement, Healing & Growth: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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: </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>If you can't access this devotional I would be happy to chat further about free devotionals via email.</i></span> <br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">7. Daily Love & Peace: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span><br /> <br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">8. Evening Mindfulness: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span><br /> <br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">9. Evening Prayer: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span><br /> <br /><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />10. Daily Rest: </b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">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! </span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it the 10 Task List for the 40 days Wellbeing Diet! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">You may be thinking “WOW 10 tasks is a lot!” </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But some only take minutes to complete and what this diet really requires is the following: </span></span><br />
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<li><b>Determination.</b> Ask yourself when is enough, enough? When will your own mental wellbeing be a priority to you? </li>
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<li><b>Sacrifice. </b>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. </li>
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<li><b>Commitment:</b> 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. </li>
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<br /><br /><i style="font-size: x-large;">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.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Looking forward to hearing from you.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Email: <a href="mailto:ordinaryaussiewoman@mail.com" target="_blank">ordinaryaussiewoman@mail.com</a></i></span></div>
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Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-40651885728541163952018-08-31T19:49:00.002+10:002018-08-31T20:16:34.955+10:00Pastoral Care 4 Pastors?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. <br /><br />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?” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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, <a href="http://equip.sbts.edu/article/5-reasons-pastors-get-depressed-dont-talk/" target="_blank"> '5 Reasons pastors get depression (and why they don't talk about it'.</a><br /><br />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. <br /><br /><span style="color: #4c1130;"><i><b>Back Story: </b>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. <br /><br />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: </i></span></span><br />
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Less Blame:</span></b> 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. </li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Encouraging and Equipping:</span></b> 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. </li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></blockquote>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Increased Empathy:</span></b> 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 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A3-4&version=NRSV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:3-4</a> 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.</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Lack of Resources:</span> </b>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:</li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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… </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></blockquote>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Spiritual Attack and Liberal Theology:</span> </b>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! </li>
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<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>Lack of self-care, boundaries and self-awareness:</b> </span>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? </li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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! </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><i>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. <br /><br />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...<br /><br />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. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>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. <br /><br />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?” <br /><br />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.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Hope this post provides some 'food for thought' and also encourages you to uphold your pastors in prayer!<br /><br />In His Love and service (regardless of a human-given title), Melanie.</i></span></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-32032720873224143692018-08-29T01:22:00.001+10:002018-08-29T01:22:38.827+10:00Just STOP Scrolling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I feel like I need to say sorry...even though I don't feel guilty!<br /><br />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...<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I say resources because I was quite limited and restricted before becoming remarried in regards to time, finances and capacity. <br /><br /><b>Backstory: </b>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.<br /><br />When I had been single for around a year </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(in 2013)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 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. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.<br /><br /><i>You can see my art on Instagram just look up @mjsymesart</i><br /><br />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...<br /><br />I've been really encouraged by people who take the time to stop their 'scrolling' and like, love or comment.<br /><br />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... <br /><br />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?<br /><br />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...<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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'.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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...<br /><br />Love always, Melanie.</span></div>
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Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-79149177278318829822018-07-26T16:19:00.002+10:002018-07-26T16:26:13.953+10:00Am I called for ministry, and if so, what is my personal biblical model?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br /><b><i>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></b><br /><br />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. <br /><br />You see, I keep coming back to Jesus and the main 12 disciples, as this is the <u>biblical testimony</u> to the foundation of His Church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">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. <br /><br /><b><u>Jesus’ ministry was the one His Father gave Him.</u></b> <br /><br />Before His ascension Jesus commissioned all believers to take the gospel into all the world and make disciples…Why do we complicate this? <br /><br /><i>Why don’t we look to what we’ve been given? </i><br /><br />Scripture states from St Paul “Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called.”1 Corinthians 7:20. <br /><br />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! <br /><br />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… <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Just hear me out…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">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. <br /><br />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? <br /><br /><b><u>Jesus’ ministry was the one His Father gave Him. </u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>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. </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>So what have you been given? </b><br /><br />Maybe you’re young and single, just starting out in life and you need to follow Him to find this gift. <br /><br />Maybe you will look and see the family and job you have. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Try to not get caught up with the question and rest assured, whatever God’s will for you is, <u>it will fulfil His great commission</u> 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!<br /><br />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? <br /><br />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’? <br /><br />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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">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'?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />We're all called to ministry, period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of what I've said is </span><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Peace, Melanie.</span></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-33418279810177561982018-07-11T12:51:00.000+10:002018-07-11T13:00:58.440+10:00In My Burrow:<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5N63gLlKXc/W0VvrKyFvKI/AAAAAAAAJk4/TgmlYyYMx_Av9fujbTCx10DfVGpOzxs7ACLcBGAs/s1600/In%2Bmy%2Bburrow%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="743" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5N63gLlKXc/W0VvrKyFvKI/AAAAAAAAJk4/TgmlYyYMx_Av9fujbTCx10DfVGpOzxs7ACLcBGAs/s320/In%2Bmy%2Bburrow%2Bpic.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my recent watercolour paintings.<br />
@mjsymesart</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I haven’t written a blog post in around two months and recently I began to ponder as to why… <br /><br />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. <br /><br />But since the beginning of this year I’ve been in a season of ‘being in my burrow’. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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… <br /><br />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! <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>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. </b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />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. <br /><br />Our new home has been a sanctuary The Lord has provided us with for our wellbeing. <br /><br />Praise Him. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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’. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>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. </b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />I just want to say I am so thankful to The Lord for the rest He’s enabled. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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! <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />More money and new activities aren’t always the right answer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>A home cooked meal is more comforting than an expensive take-away one.<br /> </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>A clean home is more comforting and nurturing than a constantly untidy one.<br /> </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>An available parent is more comforting and helpful than Kids-help-line.<br /> </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>A peaceful and loving wife is more god-honouring than an exhausted and stressed one.</i> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />We NEED rest and worship. <br /><br />Rest and worship can take different forms for different people. <br /><br />Over the past six months I have been spending time in my burrow loving my kids but also painting. <br /><br />Painting for me is calming and relaxing and also produces much thankfulness in my heart towards The Lord. <br /><br />So this is what I’ve been doing and why I haven’t posted for a while… </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Less drama, less stress, less activity, less haste…Less is more…<br /> </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>More peace, more love, more time, more joy…Less is more. </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Thank you, Jesus. <br /><br />Thank you for my burrow and your love for us. </span>Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-91768038305335452682018-05-21T17:58:00.000+10:002018-05-21T19:35:45.289+10:00You Don't Make Friends With Salad...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">“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…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">You don’t make friends with salad…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A20-21&version=NRSV" target="_blank">John 15:20-21</a>. Scripture states one who loves the world is an enemy of God, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A15&version=NRSV" target="_blank">1 John 2:15</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A4&version=NRSV" target="_blank">James 4:4</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">You see it’s not just, “God so loved the world…”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><i>John 3:16-17 states:</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><i>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.'</i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">The world will be made new when Jesus returns and will be gifted to His faithful brothers and sisters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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! </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">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. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Our response needs to be one of humble repentance and faith in Him as our personal saviour, followed by commitment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">After hearing the message during Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding I was left wondering why the Gospel was not proclaimed…</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">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?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">The Bishop proclaimed a theatrical, safe message, to a world that likes Jesus but loves their sin more, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A19&version=NRSV" target="_blank">John 3:19</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A15&version=NRSV" target="_blank">1 John 2:15</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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! B</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">ut my heart breaks as I see so many Christians being led astray, so I feel I must say something!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6%3A9-20&version=NRSV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:9-20</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1%3A8-10&version=NRSV" target="_blank">1 Timothy 1:8-10</a>, </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A18-21&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Romans 1:21-18</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">But those who love sin don’t want Jesus in schools and I'm not just talking about state schools.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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! </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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 <u>the right to say no</u>, 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 <b>obey them</b>, <u>not to give consent</u> 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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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…</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">People who love sin hate men. Have you noticed? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">They often love kids but </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">despise</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> 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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><u>They hate godly maleness that represents Jesus and The Father.</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">While so many preach love, respect, tolerance and world peace, they absolutely want to do away <u>traditional Christianity</u> 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...</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">There is no ecumenical, one-religion, love your way to Jesus gospel message…</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A1-11&version=NRSV" target="_blank">John 8:1-11</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">We may still sin, but we live repentant lives, making choices each day that honour Jesus and scripture, and therefore imitate His life. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A1-2&version=NRSV" target="_blank">1 John 2:1-2</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">But Jesus is returning and who will we be greeting Him with? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>It is not loving to say to someone that their own loving actions will save them…that they don’t need transformation…</b></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Jesus said there will be many who call Him Lord but He will say He never knew them. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A21-23&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Matthew 7:21-23</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Jesus urged us to remain alert and prayerful so we are found ready when He returns. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A44&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Matthew 24:44</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">God is love but the beginning of wisdom is fear and reverence for Him. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+1%3A7&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Proverbs 1:7</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A31%E2%80%9346&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Matthew 25:31–46.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>How often are we looking into the mirror of scripture compared to the neon signs of the world?</b></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14%3A15-24&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Luke 14:15-24</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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.</span></span></div>
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<br />Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-36665950463408926262018-05-06T18:07:00.001+10:002018-05-06T18:18:45.039+10:00LOOKING FORWARD!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember when I had been a Christian for a few years hearing a message that troubled me. <br /><br />A woman shared a testimonial type message in which she began by sharing about the wonderful blessings and changes she had experienced as a new Christian...All that part was fine, I loved hearing about the positive, life-changing stuff similar to my own experience! <br /><br />However the message then suddenly changed to a ‘warning’. The woman began to speak about her life-changing experience, that to me at that time, seemed far from positive. She spoke about a major life-changing event she had no control over that changed almost everything for her, except her faith in Jesus.<br /><br />This stranger spoke about this challenge as a ‘sudden blow’ like a 'king hit' that impacted her so much she felt as if she had been knocked out and left laying on the floor! She spoke about this challenge as being the most difficult thing she'd ever experienced in her life. A challenge that God had allowed, but one He was still helping her through. This woman continued to speak about her life as both incredibly blessed, yet also marked by pain enabling her to minister to others. She then went on to ‘warn’ listeners to be ready for such an experience…of being suddenly hit by a hard blow that would change everything and leave you changed forever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>This stranger spoke about her life as one that by staying close to Jesus continued to bloom in the wilderness. </i></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Her message hit a raw nerve with me, and while I didn’t disagree with the things she said, her ‘warning’ troubled me. I thought to myself, “But that’s your experience! It doesn’t mean it will happen to me…” <br /><br />Looking back and thinking about her message now, having experienced my own wilderness and extreme life-changing challenges, I can appreciate more fully what she was trying to express...<br /><br />You see, challenges do come to God’s children and we do find ourselves in the wilderness at different times during our lives. There are so many things that can happen which knock us to the floor and we have no control over...and the bible doesn’t promise an easy road, quite the opposite for bearing His Name – Jesus.<br /><br />It’s hard to hear a warning when times are good.<br /><br />Yet challenges do come that we have no control over.<br /><br />The death of a loved one.<br /><br />Abuse.<br /><br />Betrayal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Displacement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Abandonment.<br /><br />Indeed other people hurting us can have such an impact we can be left feeling insecure, disillusioned, isolated, alone, unable to trust, anxious, depressed, fragile and weak. And yes, all this can happen when we are faithful children of God!<br /><br />The only solution during these times is to <b><i>look forward</i></b> to the promise of restoration and healing we can experience – Both in this life, and the age to come when Jesus returns.<br /><br />Scripture warns us of challenges and wilderness experiences, of betrayal and hurts, yet it also assures us of God’s faithfulness and of the blessings that will come. Listen to Isaiah 51:1-3 which has been a comfort to me:</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>‘Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> 2 Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many.</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> 3 For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.’</i></span></b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It can be so difficult to comprehend unexpected, life-changing challenges we have no control over, when we know we’ve been trying our best to be faithful Christians. But this verse addresses such people, ‘you that purse righteousness’!<br /><br />Furthermore as Christians are we are children of God and therefore descendants of Abraham through Jesus Christ. So we too are included in this section’s promise to have our wilderness environment become ‘a garden of the LORD’ and become so grateful we cannot help but sing praise!<br /><br />So when we find ourselves in difficult times, when everything around us seems uncertain and unstable, let us choose to focus our minds on the unchanging character of God and upon His promises. Let us <b><i>look forward</i></b> in expectation of better times to come, where we too will have a testimony of His faithfulness to share with others, encouraging them to stay steadfast in their faith…For what is faith if one doesn’t have a vision of what is to come that’s better than now?<br /><br />Indeed, why would we need faith in Jesus if we have everything we need here to be fully satisfied? Yes, we can impact others and our environment now while we await His return, but this current world is not meant to fully satisfy us, as Jesus’ Kingdom is yet to fully come. For as children of God we are citizens of heaven working as His ambassadors until His Kingdom is fully established, when He returns to both save His faithful followers and destroy His enemies.<br /><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Looking forward</i></b> is the only way to stay positive and keep on keeping on, when the real, heart-breaking and challenging things in life happen. <br /><br /><b><i>Looking forward</i></b> takes intentional effort from us. We must be committed to prayer and studying the bible for enlightenment. <br /><br />Popular psychology can help in some ways, but ultimately it doesn’t support our faith and quest for godly understanding. <br /><br />I've never appreciated the term ‘moving on’ from traumatic life events, and it seems modern psychology is now agreeing. ‘Moving on’ suggests we forget and leave hurts behind. I have always preferred ‘moving forward’ which admits our life experiences stay with us (even the negative ones like grief), but although they do stay with us, we can heal and move forward with Jesus – We are then shaped by our experiences not broken by them. Modern psychology is now agreeing with this…but expects people to look inward to move forward, rather than <b><i>looking forward</i></b>.<br /><br />Looking inward can be helpful, yet it is limited. During wilderness times, people looking inward are left to look at their bareness.<br /><br />However when we’re in the wilderness and we <b><i>look forward</i></b>, keeping our eyes on Jesus, we see past the bareness to ‘the garden of the LORD’ that is to come. We dream. We imagine. We see past the present, looking beyond. We have a future dream that is so much more than we could ever create for ourselves. We have a future dream based on much more than our own limited talent and resources. We have a future dream that is real.<br /><br />And, when we begin to <b><i>look forward</i></b>, we begin to move forward…one step and day at a time.</span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_eKpGtJ0W8/Wu62rjCewsI/AAAAAAAAJhM/w35N70FOPcM8_NIbVLWBLfbzCy_Qhn-zQCEwYBhgL/s1600/people-2598752_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_eKpGtJ0W8/Wu62rjCewsI/AAAAAAAAJhM/w35N70FOPcM8_NIbVLWBLfbzCy_Qhn-zQCEwYBhgL/s320/people-2598752_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">When we begin to <b><i>look forward</i></b> we cultivate our wilderness with anticipation, eagerness, excitement and thankfulness, preparing our hearts for what is to come. Preparation does take time however we know the LORD desires a great harvest from our lives, so this cannot be rushed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Again, the only solution during challenging times is to <b><i>look forward</i></b> to the promise of restoration and healing we can experience – Both in this life, and the age to come when Jesus returns. And to look forward we must be diligent in looking after our relationship with Jesus through prayer and studying the Bible.<br /><br />If you need a bible study resource, my husband and I offer free bible study posts on our website <a href="http://www.studyscripturetoday.com/">‘Study Scripture Today’</a> free of charge, as we truly desire to encourage and equip others in their faith and relationship with Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Keep <b><i>looking forward</i></b>, Melanie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-7095177738161942562018-04-07T14:42:00.000+10:002018-04-07T21:15:01.463+10:00In My Distress<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In life no-one is immune from pain and suffering. <br /><br />The anguish people can feel over death, betrayal, abandonment, bankruptcy, illness, suicide and many other major crisis can cause even long term physical and mental health problems. Yes, even the Christian…even a great man or woman of faith.<br /><br />How do I know this? <br /><br />I know this from personal experience, personal testimonies, and scriptural accounts.<br /><br />From experiences throughout my life I do know what it is like to be distressed. To feel overwhelmed with responsibility. To feel abandoned, betrayed. To feel alone. To feel so exhausted mentally and physically that I am unable to leave the house. To have very little money in my bank account. To have a family member suicide. To see loved ones abuse both themselves and those around them. To lose sleep and cry until I feel dehydrated. To be cut-out of people’s lives. To feel trapped in the cycle of grief and loss and continually need to re-forgive both others and myself. Yes, I know. Furthermore I’ve experienced all of these things while being a faithful Christian…<br /><br />I’ve also known however that I have a choice…For I retain a choice, even when I feel as though my experience is not based on any choice I initially made. I know I have a choice as to how I will respond.<br /><br />I can let the pain debilitate me or I can call upon The Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Jonah said it so well, “I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.’ Jonah 2:2</i></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Sheol means the underworld of the dead. <br /><br />So inside the belly of a huge ocean mammal, Jonah felt totally alone and so distressed he compared his experience to what he knew of hell. <br /><br />Have you ever felt as if your life was like hell?<br /><br />Sometimes I hear sermons about Jonah and sometimes I think they are too idealistic…Sometimes I think they focus more on the consequence than the experience.<br /><br />We hear often about Jonah disobeying God’s instruction and trying to flee from the task he was assigned…resulting in Jonah being on a boat, a storm coming, him getting thrown overboard and swallowed by the whale and given a second chance to obey.<br /><br />But what about the important lesson of the prayer he prayed while being inside the ocean mammal?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>“I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.’ Jonah 2:2 </i></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />The important lesson for us all to know is that even a man of God such as Jonah needed to call upon The Lord in his time of distress…I mean do you know any Christian who makes no mistakes and ALWAYS obeys God in their life? <br /><br />So maybe we’re a little bit too focused upon Jonah’s mistakes…because even later he still makes mistakes. Perhaps we should be encouraged more by Jonah’s journey and The Lord’s steadfast faithfulness throughout this book. Just like Adam and Eve, perhaps we focus more upon the sin rather than The Lord’s faithfulness?<br /><br />Yes, no-one is immune from pain and suffering because of the fall of man instituted by Adam and Eve, but God is greater than man and has always had a redemption plan, for He is good and faithful.<br /><br />Yet we do have a choice, we always retain that. We get to choose how we will respond.<br /><br />Will we be like Jonah and call upon The Lord in our distress?<br /><br />When I feel incredibly weary from burdens I choose to call upon Jesus, for I know He sees all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I take encouragement from Isaiah 40:27-31:</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>‘Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel,</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. 30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.’</i></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />The Lord sees all my troubles and does not grow weary as I do. He continues to work things out for my benefit because He is faithful. He answers me when I call out in anguish to Him with rest, the ability to forgive, and a renewed energy and focus.<br /><br />He does this for me, even though I don’t deserve it. He does this for me even when I’ve been in the wrong, just like Jonah. Why? He answers the prayer I’ve prayed in faith because He is faithful. My simple belief in Him, not my ‘good deeds’, is all it takes for Him to respond and for relief to come. <br /><br />I know the pain and suffering I experience in life does not make me any less His daughter or any less a Christian. Needing His strength and help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of humanity. Facing persecution is not a sign of rejection from God, it is a sign of rejection from the world and therefore is a blessing. Isaiah 41:8-13 is an amazing promise from The Lord:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>‘But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; 9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; 10 do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. 11 Yes, all who are incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. 12 You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. 13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.”</i></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />The Lord is good and faithful. As human beings made in His image we retain our free will to either seek Him or reject Him. <br /><br />Faith simply means believing with assurance of what has not yet happened or what we cannot ‘see’ or totally prove. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hebrews 11:1 states it perfectly: ‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’</i></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Great men and women of faith were not perfect and they absolutely lived their lives in the full experience of humanity with its brokenness and fragility…yet they called upon The Lord, not because they did amazing things, because they had faith in Him.’</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hebrews continues in 11:6: ‘And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.’</i></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />So if you find yourself in distress, do not despair for that is to lose hope in God and that is a terrible place for anyone to be in as it opens the door for the enemy to plague people with terrible thoughts. <br /><br />If you are in distress exercise faith by calling upon The Lord. Seek His ways and wisdom for your path and you will indeed find comfort, rest and renewed focus and energy. Remember no-one is immune. Prayer is a wonderful healing gift we have to find release and freedom from pain and shame and to soften our hearts.<br /><br />Remember Jonah although he wasn’t perfect he was a servant of The Lord and called upon Him in his distress. The Lord answered because He is faithful, not because Jonah was.<br /><br />If you feel overwhelmed and distressed you can always email (even anonymously) and we will pray for you. Our email is ordinaryaussiewoman@mail.com<br /><br /><i>God bless, Melanie.</i><br /><br />
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<br />Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-79085017911800177032018-03-01T11:32:00.001+11:002018-03-01T11:45:11.814+11:00Worry & Anxiety<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So many
people today suffer from worry and anxiety. It can be so terrible, even
incapacitating people at times. It can hinder some Christian people from
living in the freedom Christ offers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are
many factors to consider and I don’t want to say to you reading that I know your
personal situation. There are discussions surrounding mental illnesses such as anxiety, that
consider factors such as diet, genetics, spirituality and environmental conditions
for example. However as someone who has suffered from anxiety I would like to
offer a pastoral consideration that I feel I don’t hear often enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Searching
the scriptures diligently for strength, encouragement, and answers.</span></b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During times of great stress, I've known
scriptures that advise not to worry, such as ‘look at the birds’ and ‘cast your
anxiety upon Jesus for He cares about you’. However during times of great stress I
then have felt anxious because I have been anxious, when I know I shouldn’t be!
What a horrible cycle…This has often led me to</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> wonder, “Why?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though
I know during difficult times I pray more, I still wonder why. I wonder, "Why do
I suffer like this when I don’t think not having anxiety would alter my
relationship with Jesus?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve often
consoled myself with the fact experiencing anxiety enables me to empathise and care for
others who suffer with worry and anxiety too…Yet I still sometimes think, “Why?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Something
that’s really helped me is thinking about my anxiety as my internal ‘warning
alarm’. Sometimes it’s triggered by slight things and other times it’s triggered
by very real things. The struggle can be in discerning the difference.</b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I honestly
believe there are many, many people who suffer with extreme anxiety because of
their rejection of Jesus. I remember I was living in rebellion for a number of
years before I suffered my first panic attack. My internal alarm began to sound
but I had suppressed it with work, pleasures and secular psychology. I’m glad I didn’t
suppress it completely with medication…not that medication isn't appropriate at times or can’t help people!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I suffered
for almost a decade before I gave my whole self to Jesus for a new beginning
and healing and it’s now 13 years later. My healing still continues. I know I
am not like I used to be, I am so much better than how I was, but I still
sometimes struggle due to challenges and life stressors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A different part
of scripture (to usual) that has really helped me regarding my internal alarm
system (anxiety) is Proverbs 3:21-35. I’ve highlighted sections that spoke to
me. I hope it helps you too.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Proverbs
3:21-35 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The True
Security:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">21 My child,
do not let these escape from your sight:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>keep sound <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wisdom and prudence,</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">22 and they
will be life for your soul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and adornment for your neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">23 Then you
will walk on your way securely<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and your foot will not stumble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">24 If you
sit down,[a] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you will not be afraid</b>;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when you lie down, your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sleep will be sweet</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">25 Do not be
afraid of sudden panic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or of the storm that strikes the wicked;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">26 for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lord will be your confidence</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and will keep your foot from being caught.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">27 Do not
withhold good from those to whom it is due,[b]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when it is in your power to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">28 Do not
say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it
with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">29 Do not
plan harm against <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">your neighbor</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who lives trustingly beside you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">30 Do <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not quarrel</b> with anyone without cause,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when no harm has been done to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">31 Do not
envy the violent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and do not choose <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">any of their ways</b>;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">32 for the
perverse are an abomination to the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but the upright are in his confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">33 The
Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but he blesses the abode of the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> righteous</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">34 Toward
the scorners he is scornful,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">humble he shows favor</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">35 The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wise will inherit honor</b>,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but stubborn fools, disgrace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Footnotes: </i></span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">Proverbs
3:24 Gk: Heb lie down, </i><i style="font-size: 14pt;">Proverbs
3:27 Heb from its owners.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wisdom and
Prudence: These two words really hit my heart, as a very real and practical
solution for anxiety. For I know from life experience how much calmer I feel
when I know I am honouring The Lord in my life decisions, and being a good
steward with what He has granted me with rather than constantly indulging. I
have found consciously exercising wisdom and caution, in decisions regarding my
life is really important. But I have also found I cannot do this without
consulting The Lord in prayer, and through scripture reading/study. I cannot
help but think of people not sleeping at night, due to huge financial burdens
that may have been best to avoid committing to. Our flesh always demands more
but there is no life in our flesh. There is only life in Christ. Peace comes in living not only with Him but <i>for Him.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have found
when I continually seek The Lord and connecting with Him through scripture my
anxiety improves. Christian music also helps. It is only by connecting with Him
and listening to Him through scripture that I find rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This section
of scripture also encouraged me by reminding me to ‘love thy neighbour’ and to ‘not
quarrel’, because the truth is when I don’t feel great I am sometimes easily
irritated and cranky. Loving others who are not my immediate family, and
suppressing the urge to argue are two great practical applications that are
usually not high on my agenda when I’m anxious or feeling low – yet they take
the focus off me, and help me to rise above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Lord
blessing the home of the righteous really comforted me, as I can often become
stressed and concerned for my children. Even though I may at times feel less
than ‘righteous’, I know that The Lord is reminding me of His righteousness imputed to me through Christ, not from works! The Lord loves me and
my family and therefore blesses my home. I find great comfort in this
scriptural promise.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To conclude
this section states God shows favour to the humble, and the wise will inherit
honor. So again I am reminded the best way for me to combat anxiety is living
in reverent submission to Jesus. I fight this battle best ‘on my knees’ which
means praying, and actively engaging with Jesus through scripture. A very
practical approach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>With much love,
Melanie.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-56238206009559346692018-02-26T16:30:00.002+11:002018-02-26T17:09:34.398+11:00Stop: Make Yourself Happy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c35QzfjIK0I/WpOaXanh1jI/AAAAAAAAJa4/_4_fNuPOhmEy_4aUBTCha5uXHgolSdjRQCLcBGAs/s1600/people-3163556_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c35QzfjIK0I/WpOaXanh1jI/AAAAAAAAJa4/_4_fNuPOhmEy_4aUBTCha5uXHgolSdjRQCLcBGAs/s320/people-3163556_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop looking to others for fulfilment and
happiness.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop trying to fix and change our loved ones.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop being afraid of looking in the mirror of
scripture.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop and take care of our own life.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Are you unhappy? </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Chances are, if you’re reading this then you probably aren’t happy a lot of the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Do you find yourself wanting your loved one to ‘change’ or
meet more of your needs?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i>Do you find yourself trying so hard to make them ‘happy’
through acts of service, you’re somewhat depressed and even resentful?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Do you find you give no time to yourself and spiritual needs
because you’re ‘so busy’ giving to your loved one, or busy ‘working’ that you
feel drained and exhausted…no matter how your beautiful your pictures posted on
social media are?</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of us know the benefit of working on ourselves prior to
being in a relationship…of preparing ourselves to be mentally and physically
well for another person…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">But I wonder why this often goes out the window when we get
into a relationship???<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why do I read plenty of articles about ‘making yourself
ready’ for singles and then the opposite for married people…For example, how to
let your spouse know you love them…how to rekindle your love…how to reset your
wife…and so on and so on…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am actually tired of reading articles such as, “Husband, I need you
to….<i>fill in the blank</i>” or “Wives,
your husband needs more…..<i>fill in the
blank”…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In marriage people sometimes try so hard to give, and give, and give
that they lose themselves. They then become bitter and lose their happiness. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Marriage becomes an idol and the reality becomes life
was happier and a lot easier when the person was single!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you feel this way, the good thing is you are recognising
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">You now need to understand that another human being will
never ‘make you happy’ long term, nor have they EVER been meant to fulfil you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>You need to look after your own happiness, just as you did
when you were single. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Healthy happiness is both attractive and contagious to your
spouse…It will encourage them to do the same for themselves...</span><span style="font-size: large;">this is also called
living as a healthy, mature adult.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The problem is we’re fed a lot of rubbish from Hollywood.
Why? Because mature, healthy relationships do not make interesting fiction and we know what we internalise we imitate. Films are so popular as they're a
form of escapism but we really do need to exercise wise discretion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, it is nice when our spouse does loving deeds for us, and they should, but for heaven’s sake we need to stop sucking them dry…go to ‘The Source’ for
real refreshment and transformation and make yourself happy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Problems arise in every relationship. Relationships with our
spouse are no different to ones with other loved ones in our lives. Problems with a spouse are more intensified however because we simply spend more
time together under the same roof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Truth Bomb <i>(Warning)</i>: There is no way you can ‘bullet-proof’ your marriage or
relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Even as a Christian you will be
allowed to face problems and challenges for your own benefit; so that you grow
and mature. You will never be in a Christian ‘bubble’. No amount of self-sacrificial
giving to another person will make you and your relationships immune.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You need balance. Time for your
own recharging and happiness and time to give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are with someone who
demands all your attention, service and time, that is an unhealthy, and abusive
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop looking to others
for fulfilment and happiness.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop trying to fix and
change our loved ones.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop being afraid of
looking in the mirror of scripture.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need to stop and take care of
our own life.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One way I decided to take
responsibility for my own happiness is to write a simple ‘daily’ list of the
things that are ‘core’ for my own happiness and wellbeing. The list simply is a
concrete reminder of what I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy for my
loved ones. My list is particular to me. It is not all I will do each day that
will contribute to my own happiness and wellbeing but it is simply my
essentials that I must do in order to not ‘run dry’ or ‘burn out’…or find
myself looking to unhealthy options for ‘refreshment’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my simple list of things
that are absolutely core and essential for me personally. My non-negotiables. I
encourage you to write one that is non-taxing, and personal for yourself.
Remember this list is NOT ALL we will do each day that is beneficial, rather it
is simply the core, non-negotibales.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">My daily list:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Begin my day alone with Jesus, praying
and reading scripture devotionally.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Eat a healthy breakfast and take
my Amino Acids.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Listen to at least 1 worship song
and meditate upon Jesus while listening.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Write a ‘to do list’ and check it
off.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do at least 1 beautiful thing for
myself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Tell my family I love them.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your list could include a daily walk,
or visit, or anything you recognise is core to making you feel happy. If you have important things that are only weekly or so on, you could schedule these activities into your diary, or write them in your planner or upon your calendar...whatever works for you as a concrete reminder. Add to your list anything
that is beneficial for the continued renewing of your mind with the unchanging
truths found in scripture alone. Whatever way helps you to give your empty cup
to Jesus for the filling of His soul-quenching love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We need to stop looking to others to 'make us happy' and take responsibility for our own happiness and maturity!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>With my love, Melanie.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-24610948224957339822018-02-18T16:45:00.000+11:002018-02-18T16:56:41.733+11:00Mission to where? Finding Significance.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjam04rzTb3N4jr_2UP5ftPOocXX0CSgL6OdnLrMIaS7lw_9bhCxaEIQfpWbgwWAdQVFgqP85dUsAVAtFXnNsl_L7PB1mlp7tie6EPmSSRHbYTq9wujB0Tza06X4UMFS46BQqjH7k/s1600/Finding+Significance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjam04rzTb3N4jr_2UP5ftPOocXX0CSgL6OdnLrMIaS7lw_9bhCxaEIQfpWbgwWAdQVFgqP85dUsAVAtFXnNsl_L7PB1mlp7tie6EPmSSRHbYTq9wujB0Tza06X4UMFS46BQqjH7k/s320/Finding+Significance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes I
have felt as if my life is not enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s not big
enough. Not grand enough. Not exciting enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That I am not
making enough of an impact in this loud, huge world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Do you know
what I mean?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is times
like this that when I see others achieving, and receiving praise, self-doubt plays
on my mind. I begin to self-evaluate and analyse my choices over and over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I feel small
and insignificant. I can feel ‘stuck in the rut’ of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I begin to
question my life’s mission for I long to have a life that is significant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A life that
counted for something when I am gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Yes, I feel
like this sometimes, even as a Christian.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I feel like
this when I am tired from caring all week for my family. When I am enduring another
‘hot flush’ or feeling anxious from perimenopause. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can feel
like this when other people’s problems and poor choices weigh upon my heart, or
when my own children are continually challenging me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, I feel like this sometimes, even
as a Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we can
see so many, so many people, with loud, impressive lives (yes even within the
Church) we can begin to feel insignificant…Can you relate?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yet I know without
knowing scripture we have no foundation for when the self-doubt comes. We can
falsely think Christianity is all about making the loudest noise, to make a
difference in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But when I
come humbly to scripture I find peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I find peace
because I read nothing about loud, impressive, flashy lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I find peace
because I read that salvation is God’s work. Salvation from my sin and continued
forgiveness by having been made a child of God, is only possible through Jesus
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My high ideas, standards and ideals
all melt away and I find rest again.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So when I
begin to feel insignificant and the self-doubt comes, I turn in prayer to
scripture to refocus, and find reassurance once again for my life’s mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I understand
my desire for significance is common, human vanity. I know that I am loved and
my value rests upon Christ in me, and nothing else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All of
scripture is clear. And I state ALL because we need to read all of it, not just
favourite verses. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We need to
read it ALL – Old and New Testaments. Letters as a whole. Books as complete
works.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s my
opinion people struggle to comprehend scripture and ‘trouble’ passages as they
call them, as they read scripture from an analytical perspective rather than a
personal, self-reflecting one. They address scripture as an ordinary book,
rather than a powerful supernatural one. They read without praying first to
Jesus and Jesus alone, for a softened heart and enlightenment…praying with a heart
that desires to be changed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Scripture as
a whole makes things clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #073763;">It’s God’s mission
to <u>make us His children</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #073763;">It is our
mission to <u>make disciples</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #073763;">It’s the
Church’s mission to <u>mature disciples</u>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We read
right throughout the Holy Bible from Old to New Testament, God’s desire and plan
to forgive and redeem us to become His own children. We read it from Genesis
right through to Revelation. We read of God’s perfect standards, our human willful
pride, and of His amazing patience, fair judgements, and love. We learn about
His offer of forgiveness when we repent, and of what it means to be His child,
compared to a child of the world, and therefore the devil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We read that
it is <u>our mission</u> to make disciples and of the lives of those who have
done so before us. Of lives that have given up everything in order to reach
others. Of lives that have paid the price and cost of being a disciple themselves
who love Jesus and others above everything else the world offers. We read of
the life-long tireless efforts, not big, flashy lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We read of the
church’s work in strengthening and <u>maturing believers</u>. We read Paul’s
letters that The Lord has provided us with for maturity. We read of mature
believers working hard, giving much, and leading quiet, holy lives…making and
raising disciples while they themselves are maturing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Jesus does
not put heavy burdens upon us, we do.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus simply
says we are to be found ready when He returns. We are to be found ready by
loving, for love does not sin or hurt others. We are to be found making
disciples and this is a life-long effort that begins in humility by loving our
own family first and foremost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We need to
stop comparing ourselves to others and desiring to be loved by everyone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We
need to stop desiring to be significant for this is just human vanity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s just
simply live lives that truly love others, openly, honestly and faithfully to be
found ready as we read the disciples did. Let’s promote Him above ourselves and
draw near to Him each day to find rest and peace. Then if later He raises us
up, so be it. His Will be done and not ours. Let’s care more about our
character rather than our status, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace
to the humble.” James 4:6b<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Love Melanie.</span></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-38591948390850371942018-02-14T19:45:00.001+11:002018-02-14T19:48:20.048+11:00Valentine’s Day 2018: How much is too much?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYt3xKGCa6I/WoP2WW67CWI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/Y6Vp354CXQQT-ePeePFuU_ALqNvvz5a5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Valentines%2Bday%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYt3xKGCa6I/WoP2WW67CWI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/Y6Vp354CXQQT-ePeePFuU_ALqNvvz5a5ACLcBGAs/s320/Valentines%2Bday%2B2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here we are
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another 14<sup>th</sup>
of February, so yet another Valentine’s Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking back
over Life of an Ordinary Aussie Woman, I’ve written about this day a few times.
You can read those posts if you like by clicking the links…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://lifeofanordinaryaussiewoman.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/valentines-day-2014.html" target="_blank">'Valentine's Day 2014'</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://lifeofanordinaryaussiewoman.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/to-one-i-love-this-valentines.html" target="_blank">'To The One I Love This Valentine's Day' (2016)</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://lifeofanordinaryaussiewoman.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/your-love-never-fails.html" target="_blank">'Your Love Never Fails: Valentine's Day 2017'</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Each past
post was written while I was unmarried…yet I sit here today as a married woman,
so I’m forced to ponder if now writing on this topic would be like rubbing salt
into open wounds for some people who read my blog. I would never want to do that as I know how
it can be a challenging day at different times during our lives for many, many
different reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I do however
love to use the blog as an encouragement for others and therefore I have once
again decided to write down my thoughts on such a day as this…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am sitting
here thinking, “How much is too much?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know of
people who refuse to celebrate Valentine’s Day remarking it’s a money making
day for Hallmark…I sit here also as an Aussie and think of my friends who
remark, “It’s an American tradition and we’re not America!” I think of people
who resent the day for how it makes them feel and I think of the people who
declare, “I show love every day and don’t need a date on the calendar!” while
pondering, how much is too much?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So I try to
think objectively as 1. An Aussie, 2.Someone who knows what it’s like to be
single and grieve loss on this day 3.As someone who also dislikes commercialism
tainting special times (yes, especially Christmas!) and 4.As someone who also
tries to show love EVERYDAY to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My thoughts
quickly travel to other ‘special days’ such as Christmas and Easter, family
holidays and birthdays. So I wonder do we really need to purposefully stop each
year to reflect upon Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection? Do we really need to
stop and purposefully spend quality time as a family each year, or eat birthday
cake every time it’s someone’s birthday (that’s a lot of cake each year)? Do we
really need a day to celebrate romantic love?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am left
with my own answer which is this. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No, we don’t need to do any of these things
above, in fact sometimes our budget doesn’t allow it. Everyone is entitled to
their own choice to keep whatever traditions they choose. However we cannot
ignore that we do keep our traditions, as being purposeful and keeping cultural
traditions is important to HELP show others we love them. Plus m</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">any things in life which are great fun and show we care, can be free or inexpensive when we take a little time and think creatively.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While
Valentine’s Day has previously been about romantic love, here in Australia over
the past decade or more, I’ve noticed a change. It seems Valentine’s Day has
become more of a day for anyone to reach out to those they care about and show
some love. I know of young people who use it a chance to show appreciation and
friendship love to others. I know of single people who use it as a day to send
messages of love and support to their other single friends. And I know of some
people who still do extravagant romantic deeds on this day (like my husband who
proposed this exact day last year)…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And again I
ponder how much is too much?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe when it
comes to love and support I say there’s no such thing as too much…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, we can
show love every day, (indeed we should)…Just as we can think of Jesus’
sacrifice and triumph every day and be thankful (indeed we should)…Yet it is
good to take a moment, to stop and be purposeful in our actions…and this is how
I personally feel about Valentine’s Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, in
short, reach out and tell someone you care this Valentine’s Day…They may just
really need it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Love Mel xx<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-23880165168958406342018-02-09T16:35:00.001+11:002018-02-09T16:48:17.670+11:00The outer expresses the inner: More than being lean.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBC__k0PR1aYuoVlg-2wMB5WOaoBj8861Bcz1aiK0yMtB7gqGTcf6TSEH4B5qbe6X51CuM4eg6BQ_iFuMgKM9i6vhKWg8x7d04RgYm9Z67YRaGcO1jIZjdAe63AwPHSsUefrJyr87/s1600/training-828726_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBC__k0PR1aYuoVlg-2wMB5WOaoBj8861Bcz1aiK0yMtB7gqGTcf6TSEH4B5qbe6X51CuM4eg6BQ_iFuMgKM9i6vhKWg8x7d04RgYm9Z67YRaGcO1jIZjdAe63AwPHSsUefrJyr87/s320/training-828726_1920.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus said outward qualities are only an expression of the inner
person. That it is from the heart either love or hatred comes forth. What
externally enters a person (such as food) has no value to change the inner. You can read it <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+15%3A1-20&version=NRSV" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I decided this week to try and eat more healthily and
lose some weight. This was a decision to actively work towards better physical health,
yet I know it doesn’t matter how lean I am, true beauty comes from how I
love the people in my life…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe it’s natural to look for external things to
fulfil us and give us joy. We all enjoy new exciting things and feeling special.
However it’s actually altruistic day-to-day giving that truly makes life so
much richer, and more meaningful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The character Anne of Green Gables when declaring her
love for Gilbert in the series, declares this so eloquently;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><i>“I went looking for my ideals outside of myself and
discovered it’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.
The dreams dearest to my heart are right here…”</i></b></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What good is it then if we’re super lean and fit, and/or
mega wealthy and a horrible person? How rich is our life if we’re super popular
and well known, yet awfully alone for lack of a true friend? How good really is
our life if people can’t honestly write a decent obituary for us when we die?
Is it really okay for young people to get great grades at school, or know all
the answers at youth group, yet at home disobey and disrespect their parents?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Does any of this even matter? I think <b><i>yes</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So as I look from an external perspective at my body and
work towards the shortish goal of becoming physically more healthier, I’m also forced
to look at my heart, as I struggle with very real physical challenges that come
with this goal, such as cravings and tiredness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Lord challenged His people in the Old Testament <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+58%3A3-9&version=NRSV" target="_blank">(Isaiah 58:3-20) </a>when he declared they only fast to quarrel and fight. He told them this
would not profit them any favour with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The saying, ‘the means sometimes justifies the end’ is
not true. Life is a journey and we need to have personal integrity in all
situations and emotions we may experience along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Scripture says it perfectly, “we are but a vapour” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A14&version=NRSV" target="_blank">James 4:14</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps+103%3A15&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Psalm 103:15 </a>and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+pet+1%3A24&version=NRSV" target="_blank">1 Peter 1:24</a>). Yes,
our life here is incredibly short. We could be gone tomorrow or Jesus could
return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yet honestly even though I know all these truths in my
mind, I still struggle for I am in my human skin. It’s only by sticking close to
Jesus and Jesus alone that I can be an authentic loving person, even when no
one is watching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can relate to ‘Anne of Green Gables’ for the dreams dearest
to my own heart are here with me, and therefore how I treat them and myself
matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I do believe it’s natural to look for external things to
fulfill us and give us joy, as we all enjoy new exciting things and feeling
special. However it is altruistic day-to-day giving that truly makes life so
much richer, and more meaningful and I’ve found Jesus is the One who makes it
possible to live this way, while we remain embodied in selfish and demanding,
human flesh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead of facing a difficult problem and later praying, “Jesus,
I’ve done it again, please forgive me...” </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Perhaps we should pray, “Keep me from temptation by
changing my heart to be like yours…”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Then the inner will change the outer. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We will make good
choices that honour The Lord, ourselves and others. We will be beautiful and
healthy from the inside out. This doesn’t mean we won’t ever stumble or
struggle, but we will be much healthier people because we will look much deeper at our hearts and need for Jesus to be within us. When we keep our eyes upon Him who
sees all, we will be able to live more altruistically and find meaning, for
this life is but a vapour and we need to be ready to meet Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In love, Melanie.</span></div>
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Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-14496445882244769282018-02-01T21:25:00.001+11:002018-02-04T14:26:30.752+11:00Let It Flow.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_O2vcFuAPI/WnLqEXV4LnI/AAAAAAAAJY0/hE_7sxDMxOAMPgWeXX268i6ZboE-cgb3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170409_151921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_O2vcFuAPI/WnLqEXV4LnI/AAAAAAAAJY0/hE_7sxDMxOAMPgWeXX268i6ZboE-cgb3QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170409_151921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some people
who have been long time readers of the blog will know, I’m a creative person
who loves to make beautiful things. For example the majority of my blog post
pictures for years were my own photographs of where I lived, or of art pieces I
made or drew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had
studied fine arts at school like most people, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I
returned to ‘art class’. I wanted to get back into art and knew my skills
needed polishing. Plus I had been single for a year and also wanted some
healthy, adult interaction. It was around the same time of beginning this blog,
as the blog too was a healthy, expressive outlet for my creativity and a way to
connect with others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fast forward
to the end of 2016 when I met my now husband, and we connected both as mature
Christians and as creative people. It wasn’t long until we found out about
acrylic pouring and began experimenting with this modern art technique. It was
a great way for us to connect and bond. We were able to see each other’s temperament
when things didn’t go quite to plan!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsoi5FtUdYu6JyM9HStJ-WkfBz5VcUWFBJEh6be1TXvpdwIjOLIxkRK1yvFuYhsuMvYhfTKg5sDEuil7ELWdGNonqQkJ9USOfnbQoow_6rcQbkheDbz_4XXCzFq0ZIx6MQPt7511P/s1600/IMG_20180130_142725+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsoi5FtUdYu6JyM9HStJ-WkfBz5VcUWFBJEh6be1TXvpdwIjOLIxkRK1yvFuYhsuMvYhfTKg5sDEuil7ELWdGNonqQkJ9USOfnbQoow_6rcQbkheDbz_4XXCzFq0ZIx6MQPt7511P/s320/IMG_20180130_142725+%25282%2529.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my recent paintings, 'Ocean Swell'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Acrylic
painting has an expression, “let it flow”, as you let the fluid paint run and
expand over the surface. It’s mesmerising as the paint reacts with the insoluble
silicon and makes incredible ‘cells’ bursting with colour. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It can be
quite a tense wait to see what will organically form before your eyes, before
you’re able to do anything else…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So much has
happened for me over the past year, more than I could have ever imagined possible
in such a short amount of time, but after settling in together as a family we’re
back to creating paintings and it’s got me thinking about how just like with
the paintings, we must ‘let it flow’ in life to remain in God’s Will. By this I
mean going with things naturally, patiently waiting then reacting when we can
see what we’re dealing with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At times in
my life I have felt anxious about remaining in God’s Will, to the point where I’ve
made myself stress so much I was not very joyful. I know I put this burden upon
myself, but sometimes it’s difficult when we’re not sure about what our next
step should be…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have found
as I’ve journeyed along and tried to discern His Will for my life, that as long
as I’m not sinning it’s been fine to step on some ‘steps’ to test whether or
not they’re for me. There have been times when I’ve been absolutely sure of His
Will and it has happened (like when I met Richard) and other times when I’ve
been sure something was right and it didn’t work out…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In those
times however I needed to patiently wait and ‘let it flow’ to discern further
in regards to what my next step should be, if anything. Just like acrylic
painting, it can be a tense time waiting to see what comes to the surface and
what the next step should be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently I
resigned from school chaplaincy to return to home-schooling the boys as I knew
they needed me. I was quite sure that while they studied I should as well. I
planned to complete a Graduate Diploma in Christian Counselling. I prayed about
it, and it all seemed to ‘fit’ in my mind. Yet as life began to ‘flow’ and I
began doing some schooling with the boys, I quickly realised that progressing
with the study at this time would be too much for me. Before the course
officially began I cancelled my enrolment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYkg3G3bIOxL9yZNlA0TJ2SkyIzFhGkZQt0utIy8oOyyIalzEQtteBb-GZbJeTShYbeWWq6-O7U_FdcrwCUc7bVliV3W79gOfC3QAG_eIeFK2qD5Sl44K-kZe-kfnztUP7CfiGecQ/s1600/IMG_20180131_232959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYkg3G3bIOxL9yZNlA0TJ2SkyIzFhGkZQt0utIy8oOyyIalzEQtteBb-GZbJeTShYbeWWq6-O7U_FdcrwCUc7bVliV3W79gOfC3QAG_eIeFK2qD5Sl44K-kZe-kfnztUP7CfiGecQ/s320/IMG_20180131_232959.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Pink Tulip on black gloss' I painted this last night.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was finding that come late afternoon and evening, I had no energy left for further academics.
Interestingly, since I’ve made the decision to not study at this time, I have
found a renewed energy for acrylic pouring. I am less stressed, and Richard and
I are really enjoying making art together again. Yes, God is good, all the
time. It’s we who often put the burdens upon ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have found
sometimes we just need to relax and ‘let it flow’. I believe organic, spiritual
growth, is a wonderful blessing from The Lord that is natural and healthy. When
we get anxious and stressed our vision can become clouded…worse still we
can panic and then push for our own will, rather than His.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Letting it
flow, isn’t being complacent, it’s patiently waiting rather than reacting too
early. It’s expectantly waiting for assurance on the next step. The next step
may be to continue forward or to retreat back, and either is fine when it’s His
Will. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He really loves
us so much He doesn’t burden us beyond what’s good for us, rather He wants to
grow us naturally and organically. Organic growth is a process that requires we
stay close to Him as our gardener. Just as Jesus said we must remain grafted
onto God’s vine through Him, we cannot be obedient to His Will without being
connected to Him as His children. When we are secure in our relationship with
Him, it makes it easier to relax and ‘let it flow’ while we patiently await to
see what forms and becomes clear before our eyes…Indeed waiting and letting things
flow can be very wise indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He calls us
to peace, and there is so much peace in relaxing and trusting Him, as we stay
close to Him observing, and letting it flow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With much
love, Melanie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-63834457805172343432018-01-14T01:27:00.002+11:002018-01-26T23:51:03.632+11:00Another Teen Suicide: Building resilience in youth through true hope.<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ6Ywqtmojk/WloW5G3ptAI/AAAAAAAAJVc/1GRsAutz25Ua3Aaw_NEt10WLpIZzynj3gCLcBGAs/s1600/portrait-3052137_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ6Ywqtmojk/WloW5G3ptAI/AAAAAAAAJVc/1GRsAutz25Ua3Aaw_NEt10WLpIZzynj3gCLcBGAs/s320/portrait-3052137_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">A youth suicide from bullying is once again headlining news here in Australia at this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">It moves me to my core as a mother of 3 teenagers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">It moves me as a professional who has worked with children and youth for over 20 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">And it moves me as a Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i>I am deeply grieved thinking about the loss of a wonderful young life, and I admit I cannot bear thinking about how this family must feel or to extend this thinking to my own teenage sons…yet I do, as I not only believe what I say, I try to live what I say.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">For those of you unaware, I made the decision recently to stop working as a school chaplain caring for the wellbeing of other children and youth, to be more present with my own 3 teenagers who like many others are facing their own struggles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">After two years of chaplaincy I have returned to homeschooling my boys who have often faced bullying and isolation in school. Honestly it’s not an easy job to homeschool my children but I also know the limitations of schools and will not shirk my responsibility to care for my own children God has blessed me with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">From my study and experience I’ve been taught that we need to work towards building resilience in the children and youth we work with…or grit as one academic calls it. The ability to bounce back from set-backs, to have a positive internal belief that you are worthy (aka a good self-esteem), and an understanding that you never stop learning (growth mindset).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">With staggeringly high and alarming statistics in Australia today concerning mental health issues such as psychosis, anxiety, depression and suicide, along with a massive decline in church attendance, schools have taken on the wellbeing role of community for many Australian children and youth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">While schools do not want to replace the role of parents or upset people, family values, morals, ethics and progressive cultural beliefs are very much a part of education today, as they have been for a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">It’s my personal belief that a large number of people working in Australian schools today feel they are only putting ‘band-aids’ on problems beyond their abilities or control, and are mostly reactive in their wellbeing rather than proactive. It seems as if the problem of family dysfunction which results in bullying and poor mental health has ‘overnight’ become an epidemic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Again we’re hearing via the media a call for more public awareness and people sharing about their own experiences of bullying to help create a culture of change. And while this has some merit, (similar to the #metoo sexual harassment movement) this is also reactive rather than pro-active.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">We know from psychology in order for people to be more resilient they need to have a hope for the future, beyond what they’re going through at any particular time. We also know that to have a hope for a better tomorrow or optimistic outlook, it begins with cultivating a grateful attitude or character for what we have rather than a focus on what we don’t…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Now if I’m sounding preachy that’s probably because what I just said sounds similar to what’s in the Bible. Yet I assure you this is modern psychology…you can look it up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">So many schools (which now include wellbeing education) instruct mindfulness to students. These sessions instruct class members how to focus upon themselves and to thank themselves for what they have; to breath deep to relax and see energy (bubbles) float off themselves, and so on and so forth. The education department now teaches students how to be a good person based on the premise that this makes a good citizen, rather than this is moral righteousness. They teach our children that we come from nothing or a big bang which eventually became an ape, and expect our children to have gratefulness and a hope for the future…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Many people today in Australia look down upon families who are Christian and furthermore upon those who are Christian and homeschool…yet they also feel helpless and ill-equipped to deal with their own family problems. They do not comprehend what is happening to their child from a ‘good home’…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><i>No family is perfect or immune from problems, not even Christian homeschooling ones.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">The best families able to fight this epidemic I believe are the ones willing to fight in love as a soldier of Christ, and take on the responsibility of equipping their children with true self-belief, gratefulness and hope that comes from Jesus alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">This is true pro-active parenting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">It is not a ‘band-aid’. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">It is the anchor for one’s soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">The enemy comes to kill and destroy. The enemy will take out as many lives as possible, and the poor children who do not know the truth about this life are like sheep to the slaughterhouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">So many young people today find life meaningless and disappointing. They do not get to experience true joy and fulfilment, as they don’t know the Creator and Saviour. For them life is a puzzle with too many missing pieces…escapism suddenly become very appealing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Psychology basically tells us that gratefulness leads to optimism, optimism leads to resilience, resilience leads to good self-esteem and good self-esteem leads to good mental health. But this will always remain a theory with missing conviction…It is a lie of the enemy that tells us we’ll be fine on our own...We can do all things on our own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">God tells us through His Word that we are fallible human beings born in a sinful state, separated from Him by sin, and that we need forgiveness and reconciliation only possible by His own sacrificial atonement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">He tells us of the lacking state we find ourselves in, and of the joy He is willing to give us when we repent of our sins and give our life to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">He tells us that upon the cross He died a death that can become ours, so that we will live eternally in the new world that is to come. He tells us He gave His life as a human being in trade for ours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">He then tells us that all things are possible for His reconciled children, through Jesus Christ who will give them the strength and courage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">The world tells us we can become resilient on our own by being grateful to ourselves. The Bible actually says this…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Suffering as Christians produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope (Romans 5:3)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Let me paraphrase it for today, with some modern psychological wording:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Hard circumstances as Christians produces grit, and grit produces decent hardworking human beings, and decent hardworking people create optimistic communities.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">So many young people are not equipped to face challenges as they have no foundation for suffering and persecution. Sadly so many have no foundation as an anchor in the storm of bullying or poor mental health. Also sadly many feel they have no adults in their life to whom they can turn to for the support they need. From experience I believe this is because they are looking for the missing puzzle piece. They are looking for God’s genuine agape love. They are looking for support from people with something they don’t have – a strong core and anchor who is Jesus. Yet sadly there aren’t many Christians here in Australia in comparison nowadays to the majority.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>Young people today need to hear they are not accidental creations…or highly advanced mammals. They need to hear they are human beings created in the image of a loving and awesome God who wants to become their best friend. They need to hear they struggle in this world because of sin as we all do, but there is a solution provided if they choose to repent and follow Jesus. They need to hear of God’s love displayed upon the cross and of the ‘good plan’ He has for them which is why the enemy wants to snuff them out...</b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Let’s not give our kids an ‘Aspirin’ when we can take them to the Great Physician. Let’s not be satisfied with more awareness of mental health…Let’s go forth by the grace of God and live the Gospel to all whom we encounter! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">By His Grace, Melanie.</span></div>
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Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-61370366260956879712018-01-09T16:57:00.002+11:002018-01-10T20:50:31.479+11:00Freedom in Euthanasia?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyfxw9_Es_4/WlRYZ1nIAII/AAAAAAAAJUI/Jk5x5DYYV4sjgYybxGpPZsHqnlPNoXLYgCLcBGAs/s1600/Freedom%2Bin%2BEuthanasia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyfxw9_Es_4/WlRYZ1nIAII/AAAAAAAAJUI/Jk5x5DYYV4sjgYybxGpPZsHqnlPNoXLYgCLcBGAs/s320/Freedom%2Bin%2BEuthanasia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Euthanasia
has become legal in Victoria, where I live in Australia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On November
the 29<sup>th</sup> 2017, my state became the first in Australia to legalise assisted
dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People have fought
for the right to have the legal freedom to suicide (with assistance) if they
are able to convince a doctor they are suffering while living and continuing to
live will only extend their pain and suffering…so a compassionate plea is made to
have their life ended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>My own biological dad suicided some years ago.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was
mentally unwell at the time and if this law was passed I think he could have
convinced a doctor to grant and assist euthanasia. He could always deliver a
compelling argument. Yet my dad was more than likely (I am not a clinician)
mentally ill all, or most of his life…and he still had marriages, children and successful businesses…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am left to
ponder, what did he gain from his suicide other than a quick fix for his pain?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Could he not
have gained more from therapy, such as restored mental health and relationships
with others? The law in Victoria once said yes to this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><u>The truth is
as human beings we don’t like suffering in any form.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We don’t
like to see others suffer and go through pain, so we want a quick fix to
relieve their misery. You may wonder what is wrong with this? Yet is this not
alike putting a lame animal “out of its misery”? Yes, we don’t like others to
suffer and we certainly don’t enjoy it ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most people
do not like suffering in any form. Who enjoys self-sacrifice and suffering for
their family? I know I don’t. I recently stopped work in order to care more for
my family by Homeschooling again and have needed to take stock of less income and
recognition, for the huge work I will be doing…I mean we all love our kids but it’s
a huge sacrifice to be around teenagers 24/7 with their hormonal outbursts and
negative behaviour at times (sorry just being honest). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who enjoys
therapy sessions to heal from trauma? Seriously! Who likes going over the
details of horrific events to ‘process’ and deal with the junk in your head?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who likes
working hours and hours to pay bills and provide? Yes, even when you ‘love’
your job and are really good at it. It’s tough to consistently work to a high
bar and give your best to often ungrateful strangers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who enjoys
working on broken relationships? Who wants to suffer in loving someone else who
is struggling to show the same love back? What’s more, who wants to suffer monogamy
when something new is on offer? How often today do we hear the catch-phrase, “Live
your truth”... In other words “be as selfish as you want”!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once upon a
time we used to treat gender issues as psychological disorders, but so many
today can’t be bothered with the long hard journey needed to deal with these
problems…So now these issues have a different label, and the quick-fix hormonal
treatment/surgery is offered. Sadly today we don’t often hear about the
wonderful success stories of people recovered from gender related psychological
disorders with the help from wonderful clinicians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once upon a
time when a female was pregnant out of wedlock, she had to ‘suffer’ by the
having the child. Nowadays she can go to a clinic and have an abortion…even if
she is married and simply does not want the child or pregnancy. Again sadly we
don’t often hear anymore today of the wonderful outcomes of the woman and the ‘unwanted
child’. We don’t hear of the incredible bonds and life experiences when people
rally to raise the child together or of adoption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today there is a cultural narrative
in the West told to us and our children that in order to experience freedom, we
must be free from any hardship or suffering. In order to be agents of positive change
in our world we must embrace all truths and personal choices as valid.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And we are beginning
to face the consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
consequence of a rapid rise in family dysfunction and mental illness diagnoses…the
production of even more dysfunctional, broken, lazy, selfish and disrespectful,
adults and children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And the
truth is, even for simply claiming this I will be hated upon, as the narrative
is so embedded. It is deeply embedded already in common people who don’t want
to do the hard yards of suffering for a better outcome and who are blinded by
the seductive lights of the lustful depraved world that will suck their souls. The
sad truth is that the common people are actually truly hungry and thirsty for
change and a better life, yet they’re dying from starvation and thirst due to
their own stubborn pride and laziness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone WANTS
change but it seems today most are not willing to suffer for it to occur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone
WANTS change but again it seems today most are unwilling to be the change themselves. The question they
ponder is, “Why can’t everyone else…?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today so
many of our family and friends are believing the lie, that in order to
experience freedom, we must be free from any hardship or suffering. The lie
that truth is personal rather than factual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Euthanasia is
therefore now for most who live this cultural narrative, a ‘no-brainer’. Why
would someone suffer if they can be free from pain? Furthermore, why would God
be against this if He doesn’t want us to suffer and not be happy? This then
logically leads to the new ‘gospel’ that God accepts all truths and changes,
just as we do culturally because the bible is a work of literature and
problematic for modern-day issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a
lie that keeps people trapped. People trapped in their illness and dysfunction,
when Jesus came to heal the sick and set the captives of sin free for eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>The sins we
see today are not new…regardless of how old or new one’s cultural lens is.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Change and
suffering is hard. But God does not change. He changes us and this is true
freedom. This is the True Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">God does not
leave you dead in your sin. He gives you forgiveness and His blessed Holy
Spirit to live with a new desire to live according to His ways as in scripture
through Jesus Christ alone.</span></b></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Death is not
freedom. Without forgiveness of our sins and being reconciled to God as His
children through Jesus, death only leads to eternal separation and suffering,
also called hell. And yes, this is what Jesus said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus said, “I
am the way, the truth and the life and no-one comes to The Father except
through me”. (John 14:6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus said
for us to take up our cross of suffering and follow Him and His ‘yolk’ is
light. He said we will endure suffering for bearing His Name, but He also said for
us to ‘take courage’ for He will be with us, and we have a great reward coming
of eternal life upon the new earth that is to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Euthanasia
is not freedom, it’s just another quick-fix that leads to continued brokenness rather
than healing. Brokenness on the other side of the grave, and brokenness for the
people left behind. It is not compassionate to let people make wrong life-altering
decisions. It is not compassionate to tell people a false gospel that leaves
them trapped in their sin. I would not like to be a hospital chaplain today who
is unable to share the true Gospel due to legislation….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What have we
become?</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>A product of
our own choices.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I made the
best choice in life and found true healing and freedom from my rebellious, lazy,
and broken human nature and His Name is Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Yes, today
there is a cultural narrative in the West told to us and our children that in
order to experience freedom, we must be free from any hardship or suffering. In
order to be agents of positive change in our world we must embrace all and
truths and personal choices as valid. This is a lie of the enemy.</i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is
true freedom and the ability to heal, through enduring the pain of transformation
when we give our heart and life to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The true
love of Jesus which we CAN HAVE through Him looks like this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Love is
patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It
does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not
rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes
all things, hopes all things, <b><u>endures
</u></b>all things.” (1 Corinthians 1:4-7, NRSV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no
freedom in living your own truth – It will only lead to enslaving and breaking you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">True freedom
is found in Christ alone. It will lead you on a road of healing and love that
is not easy, yet leads to peace and joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In His Service, Melanie.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-8461596046620951692017-12-04T17:51:00.002+11:002017-12-04T17:51:42.236+11:00Bone from my bone, flesh from my flesh: Christian Marriage & what redefinition can't change.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hy-kuS5MNuk/WiTqjOw-6YI/AAAAAAAAJPs/5umzotfmkLUGOEuYTzdD2EfGzktXAnqpgCLcBGAs/s1600/bone%2Bfron%2Bbone%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hy-kuS5MNuk/WiTqjOw-6YI/AAAAAAAAJPs/5umzotfmkLUGOEuYTzdD2EfGzktXAnqpgCLcBGAs/s400/bone%2Bfron%2Bbone%2Bpic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This weekend I awoke around 2:30am on Sunday morning in
excruciating pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The pain was heavy and overwhelming so much that it awoke me from
sleep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">There was no way I could ignore this pain and go back to
sleep for there was no position I found comfort and relief from. The pain was
in my upper back between my shoulder blades, and extended down into my lower
back. I felt sick and my left arm felt a bit strange.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In desperation I awoke my husband and he got me some
tablets. While crying in pain and confusion, we sought some explanation from
Google, as I knew I hadn’t strained it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">With my symptoms aligning with possible heart attack for a
female, and the pain not easing we called for medical help. I ended up in
hospital, not returning home till around lunchtime.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was given the all-clear for any heart attack, blood clots
or lung trouble, and the only thing we can think of is a likely MSG food
reaction, because we’d dined Saturday evening at a local Chinese restaurant
which we later found out uses MSG unless requested otherwise. My older sister
is allergic to MSG and it seems most likely I am now also. After returning home
I slept and slept, awaking briefly on and off. I finally felt mostly better
Monday morning. I am very relieved I have been given the all-clear medically. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">The biggest benefit for me personally however has been
experiencing the faithful agape love of God through my husband, as we
transition through the ‘honeymoon’ period into more and more becoming one…Bone
from bone, flesh from flesh. Yes, the miracle God does through the covenant of
marriage, where a man and woman from different family lines, join to become one. An
illustration of what all people can become with God through Jesus Christ. For
through Jesus all of us who are born separated from God, can be forgiven to become members
of His family. A spiritual re-birth through Jesus Christ gives us the DNA we
need to be God’s children.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Family and relationship are so important to God. Jesus healed
people restoring them back into their community and as a way for them to see
who He was – As a testimony that He was and is, the way for them and us to
become reconciled as God’s children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">My eldest son said to his brother’s today, in regards to
them needing to get along better, “We share 50% of the same DNA!”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It made me think again about how important family is, and
therefore the sanctity and importance of Christian marriage…especially when
relationships and marriage today have become anything but godly. It made me think more about what marriage truly represents, and what any skewed perception or redefinition cannot change...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It made me think of Adam’s declaration, “Bone of my bone,
flesh of my flesh” and of the scriptural command for husbands to love their
wife as their own body.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">For me the difference between worldly relationships (which
in the past I have experienced) and the ones as a Christian covenant, is the
first have a value but the second ones are beyond worldly value. Let me explain…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The first type of relationship is more self-serving like a commodity…even the ones where a piece of paper is signed with
the mind, rather than the heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">A worldly relationship expires when it no longer meets the
needs of one or both people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">A worldly relationship often grows cold when circumstances change.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The second relationship is a marriage where a man and woman
become one. They become family and therefore loyal to each other, irrespective
of circumstances. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just like the Christian whose life changes after becoming a child
of God, a Christian covenant marriage is a permanent family-bond.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I left home in the ambulance, my husband could not
return to sleep. He stayed awake and prayed for me, flesh of his flesh, bone of
his bone…his wife. When I came home and slept he continued to stay awake and
care for our boys, because we are his family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I am not saying that relationships and marriages that are not Christian-covenant ones are void of commitment and love...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The most beautiful thing about a Christian covenant marriage
which no law can redefine, is that when the music and glamour of the celebration
fades, in Christian marriage we are left with God’s blessing of the bond of
family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Worldly relationships where one person says to another, “I
will not give you……..(fill in the gap)” are not true agape love. They do not
represent God’s love which welcomes us as family who share in His love, and
inherit everything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">My advice to those not married is to not treat yourself as a
commodity, for someone else to purchase or use. Find peace and purpose in
gaining a new spiritual DNA through Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are a child of God, remember you are royalty, and a
part of a family that is beyond all the riches of the world. Therefore walk in
dignity and graciousness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Furthermore marriage is <u>not</u> the most important thing in the world –
<b>Family is</b>. Becoming a part of God’s family is the most important and therefore
Christian marriage should reflect this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let me repeat marriage is NOT the most important thing in
the world – <b>Family is</b>. And therefore I need to add, that as children of God –
also known as the Church, or the bride of Christ – We need to treat each other
as brother and sister with God’s agape love – AS FAMILY – whether we’re married or single!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">When the music and glamour of good times fade, as Christians
we are left with God’s blessing of the bond of family. As his children and
therefore as brothers and sisters, single or married, we are family and should treat
each other as such.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Christian marriage and Christian family, as a reflection of the covenant God makes with us to become His reconciled children through Jesus reflects the truth about life which no redefinition can ever change. Thanks be to God!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Love Melanie.</span></i></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280699115353580302.post-10392170575428819262017-11-26T16:23:00.001+11:002017-11-26T16:38:16.852+11:00No more Zest!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uY6bJ13DATs/WhpLs5JuY-I/AAAAAAAAJOs/AMnL22WVVxEO10oig7pAEvdGBFeWZj18gCLcBGAs/s1600/spotlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="370" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uY6bJ13DATs/WhpLs5JuY-I/AAAAAAAAJOs/AMnL22WVVxEO10oig7pAEvdGBFeWZj18gCLcBGAs/s320/spotlight.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes we can be exactly on the right road we are
meant to be travelling on, when the surface of the road changes, or what was
a clear run becomes congested with traffic and we begin to panic…We may even
begin to doubt ourselves and wonder am I still on the right road?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Suddenly those brightly lit exit signs which we didn’t
take notice of before, catch our attention, becoming an option and only add
another layer of confusion and uncertainty. Those of you confident enough to
drive in big cities, I’m sure would know what I mean.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This experience however, I believe directly parallels
that of a spiritual experience we can go through as disciples of Jesus…and I am
speaking from experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over the past nine months I have gone through some major
changes once again in my life, specifically getting engaged and married. A
major change that I felt made me consider other options for ministry…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was working full-time as a school chaplain and knew between my husband and myself I was the only one of us that could
re-locate for work. Where he lived was also much more suitable for us as
a whole family and it made me realise it would be best for me and the boys to relocate. Due to my commitment to ministry, we still considered living
apart on some weekdays and travelling to be all together mid week and each
weekend. However we knew as a couple in their 40s with teenage children this
wouldn’t be sustainable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every time I looked online and spoke to people I kept
hearing that chaplaincy in the city my husband lives in would not be an option.
I looked into hospital chaplaincy, parish ministry, and courses but none of
these options seemed right at this time for me. I did not know how things would
work but I just knew these weren’t right. I did not have The Lord’s peace to pursue
any of these options. With no real surety it came about that I began to
consider returning to my previous occupation of teaching performing arts. This
time however it would be different. This new venture would be a performing arts
school that was completely Christian in all aspects. Christian morals, values
and content would be a prominent feature. Although I had some reservations about
opening a performing arts school again and had no chaplaincy work (as I
resigned so we could all be together) the boys and I all moved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I moved I had no work for 2 months and although this
was somewhat challenging as I kept looking and applying for work without
success, I still had The Lord’s peace being sure that I actually needed a time
of rest and this is what The Lord was providing me with at that moment…But as
for what was next I still had no idea for sure!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had heard from a local chaplain, school chaplaincy was
impossible to get in this new city, months prior to moving, so when I saw a job
in a nearby small country town I applied. The position was 3 days a week for
six months, then in 2018 was to change down to 2 days. I thought, “Okay this
could work and with 2 days next year in chaplaincy, I could perhaps teach
performing arts on other days…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although I still didn’t have 100% surety and motivation
to teach again, I decided to ‘test’ and see if this indeed was what I was meant
to do next…</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> People I spoke to seemed really excited about me running
a Christian performing arts school. I had an offer of a building too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These things really did seem confirming.
However I just couldn't shake the question, “Why am I going off the road of full-time
school chaplaincy? Why would I go this far to veer off?” I was confused
thinking, “I have my degree and a lot of valuable experience, so why would I
become married and need to change this?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was however determined to be faithful to whatever I was
being asked to do, or give up, so I pushed forward, all the time praying, with
advertising for the performing arts school. My bank account got hacked and I
felt awful, however again, I received a lot of ‘likes’ and the interest seemed
confirming. This however was also alongside me beginning to have a wonderful
ministry in my new school and the desire to engage in more chaplaincy and
ministry. All I knew for certain was whatever The Lord’s path for me was, I
would have His peace completely when on it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I advertised through regular schools, waited and prayed.
No calls came.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Again I felt confused.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So I continued to wait and pray and asked specifically
for confirmation with calls to come. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No calls came.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then my school’s principal spoke to me saying how happy
they were with me and asked me if I could continue working for them for 3 days
per week next year. My heart leapt inside and I said yes immediately.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Still no calls came. Somewhat confused and excited at the
same time I decided to call my supervisor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I called I mentioned my school wanting me to stay on
for 3 days next year and I also asked if there was any possibility of any
school chaplaincy coming up locally in my city…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And then he said something along the lines of, “Well it
just so happens…maybe this could work…what great timing…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have since met with this new local school and have been
offered the position of being their school chaplain next year for 2 days a
week. It was a great fit for both the school and me, and now I finally have The
Lord’s peace…along with again having full-time ministry work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have cancelled the performing arts school endeavour and
contacted the handful of people who had been interested. None of them have
expressed concern the school is not going ahead, and all expressed their belief in the value of school
chaplaincy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yet, it was a tough time.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was indeed distracted and concerned by my change in
circumstances and the brightly lit ‘exit signs’.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And the truth is the exit paths weren’t ‘bad roads’...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 bible stories which came to mind and have brought me
comfort recently are Abraham and Isaac <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>and David and Solomon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The first was with Abraham when God asked him to
sacrifice Isaac. God needed to be first, and Abraham needed to be obedient.
Abraham was willing to give up a part of himself (his own flesh and blood son)
in order to put The Lord first in His life. Through this experience I felt I
needed to be willing to give up the ‘chaplaincy’ part of myself which I do
love, in order to keep humble and The Lord as number one. This was a really
tough experience for me but one I know helped my heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The second was when King David wanted to build the temple
but The Lord said no it was for his son Solomon to do. You see, I believe
having a Christian performing arts school is not wrong. I believe it is a
wonderful ministry, yet I don’t believe it is what The Lord is asking me
personally to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Discerning can be a rough time. No matter how much faith
we have, it can be difficult waiting and processing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My husband Richard and I over the last few months have
begun a new Christian website called, <a href="http://www.studyscripturetoday.com/" target="_blank">‘Study Scripture Today’</a> and I have
published a comprehensive guide-type post there on discernment using the word ‘peace’
as an acronym. If you need clarity and help with discerning The Lord’s will and
path for you feel free to check it out: <a href="http://studyscripturetoday.com/how-do-i-know-gods-will/" target="_blank">'How do I know God's will'.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Love Melanie.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">P.S: So much for school chaplaincy being unattainable in
this city! Yes, nothing is impossible with God!</span></div>
Melanie J Nashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07281594081730475964noreply@blogger.com1