Water Saving

We continue with water saving devices.

Psalms 63:1 (NIV)

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Smart Family

In November the Smart Family will be having a reunion. This will be a great time to meet, and share stories, with family members we have not seen for many years.

In November 2005, while searching for Smart family connections, Gwyn captured this photo.

Psalms 104:24 (NIV)

How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Ancestors

Here is just a simple photo of some grass and trees. It is not very impressive.

To me this photo evokes memories. A little timber cottage, kerosene lamps, hession walls, smells, and old things. The resident in my memory who lived here was Great Auntie Annie Cecelia (Dolly) Rowe. It was also the place where my father was raised by his Grandparents Ambrose Barrett Rowe & Annie Susannah (Cloke). Ambrose died in 1937, and Annie died in 1948.

1 Samuel 2:30 (NIV)

"Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and your father's house would minister before me forever.' But now the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.

Rest

Just sit and rest for a while!

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Be Still

Moses delivered an amazing message to the Israelites who were being pursued by the Egyptian military forces. The message was to not be afraid, and stand firm. When faced with danger or opposition our normal response will either be to flee or fight. Here Moses message is to fight passively. With great strength do not fear, do not loose ground, stand firm, and be still. Now that is strength, to be still in a difficult situation.




Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Welcome!

What a joy it is to see some one who you have not seen for years and years.
I received a note the other day, which open with, “long time no see”. A huge surprise!

I think then about the people who are introduced to Jesus and his comment might be, “long time no see” but welcome!

Food for thought!


Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Just go for it!

What is it about ourselves that makes us the person that God created us to be?

If we are that person, why then should anybody oppose God and stifle, reject, destroy, God’s handiwork?

Some would say the playing cricket is a waste of time. Yes it does take time. Two training sessions each week, then Saturday (my day off), arriving at the Club rooms around 11am, and not getting home till well after 7 pm. Why spend so much time and effort? Firstly, I enjoy the game of cricket. Secondly it improves my health. Thirdly I am connected with people that are outside of the church community. Fourthly I give some enjoyment and humour to people watching me play. Fifthly I can frustrate the opposition bowlers. Sixthly, … well there is more!

I enjoy art, what would the world be like if the artist was stopped from creating?
I enjoy sport, what would the world be like if sports people were not allowed to play?
I enjoy music, what would the world be like if nobody made instruments, paper, printers, recorders, players, amplification, TV, etc?

I have even wasted time by dressing up in old clobber. But as that was for a Church service it may make a difference to some. Even better if you are Joseph, on the front cover of the War Cry, with Mary and baby Jesus. I have also wasted time in full uniform, with my BBb Bass, doing a promo for a TV Station – Wow, how that opened connection points in the Pub’s!

Just go for it in Jesus’ name!




1 Peter 4:16-17 (NIV)
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Reflect

I was shown a photo today of twins who are now 23 years of age. I remember when they were in primary school. The thing that amazed me was the age displayed on the faces. At first glance I thought that they were much older than 23. Then I began to wonder about their lives over the past 12 years, and what may have taken place during that period.

I thought then about myself. Do I reflect the burdens of the world, or the glory of the Lord’s ministry in my life?


Romans 8:35

(NIV)Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

Father's Day

Our little girl.

Letitia (Gladness) Tamara (Palm Tree) Celeste (Heavenly)

"The gladness of the palmtree is heavenly"

Following 13 years of marriage, God provided us with a miracle. The overflow included other couples who had been childless for over 10 years, when God blesses there are no boundaries!

Be True!

I have noted some comments from young people, who desire that people would deal with each other with honest ness and integrity. They have had a gut full of game playing and subterfuge. They want real relationships that are true in every aspect. It seems that so much of today’s society is built on ‘what I feeling now!’ attitudes, with little stability, and no secure foundation as emotions rise and fall.

The challenge for the older generation is to win, hold, and maintain the respect of the younger generation.


John 16:13 (NIV)
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Ministry

The restructure of our Community Support Service, has resulted in a massive increase in the number of clients we assist. We are currently using our staff at an optimum level of client contact. The projection after the first 2 months of this financial year is a probable historic record of new clients. Recently there have been a number of people who have relocated into our area for priority housing, from domestic difficulties in other cities. The area of Community Support has many ministry opportunities for our Corps (Church).




1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.