Thursday, 15 January 2009
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Why I haven't updated...
... or emailed, or checked facebook, or been on the internet at all.
One thing that bugs me just a little is when people feel that they have to make a whole bunch of excuses to justify something that doesn't really matter. Even if they're honest reasons, it's usually just not necessary.
In spite of that, that is exactly what I am about to do now. Forgive me. :)- I was busy.
Not a word I like to use, but there isn't really another way to describe the marathon leading up to the end of the school year. The sheer volume of mess on my desk was overwhelming, everyone was stressed, and then they kept dreaming up new and exciting programs which required organising and paperwork and... well, time. Some days were ten hours long, without a lunch break. Others I didn't get home till 10pm. Thankfully, this wasn't every day, and even more thankfully, it was last year. - I was on holidays.
The plan was to catch up with everything as soon as I wasn't at work. But "everything" happened to be alot, and xanga and facebook just weren't put on high priority. Sleeping, cleaning, cooking, visiting friends, sleepovers, talking until 1am, going interesting places, all that sort of thing seemed to take precidence over sitting in front of a computer. - The internet was slow.
Very, very painfully slow. So slow that it was impossible to load any page that had more than one font and some sort of picture. This includes facebook, xanga, and my favourite recipe site. Very painful, it was. - There was no internet.
To remedy our turtle-pace web speed, we decided it was time to upgrade our plan. This seems to be an overly complicated task for our ISP, who informed us that it would be three working days before we would be on the new plan. In the meantime, there would be no internet connection at all. They appologised for the inconvenience. - My computer blew up.
I feel as though I should be saying, "My dog ate it." But seriously, it's true. In the process of upgrading the internet, we needed to get a new modem. And wireless card. My computer didn't like the wireless card, and went blue-screen as soon as it saw it. My brother reckons it was on the way out anyway, but I'm still sure it's his fault.
It really didn't bother me, and it still doesn't, not having a computer. It's really nice to not have to rely on it, and if it wasn't for the wonderful friends that keep in touch with me via the internet, I do believe that I could live without it all together. I actually thanked the Lord when it died. It seemed like such a small thing to hang on to. - The internet no longer works on my phone
With our old wireless network, I was able to check my email and facebook using my phone. Now we've upgraded, my phone doesn't recognise the network. Which means I could pay for it to have it's own connection, but I'm not that desperate. Not yet. - I didn't have a car.
Yes, I know that has pretty much nothing to do with computers and internet, but it's also true. The guys went camping for five days after Christmas. My car was invited. I wasn't. - I was on holidays.
Did I use that one already? By week three of holidays, I was trying to cram everything in, and sitting in front of a computer screen didn't sound very appealing. Now I'm back at work, and have internet access once again, but don't really think that's what they employed me for. Trying to discipline myself to sitting at a desk for 8 hours once again is challening enough.
Until then, may the Lord richly bless each one of you! - I was busy.
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
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How I go to and from work today
A friend drove me to the airport, in a four wheel drive.
Boarded a plane to Melbourne. A Boeing 737.
A friend picked me up in their Toyota Prius, and dropped me off at work.
My brother happened to be driving past at 4:30, in my car, no less. He took me to the shopping centre, before heading off to some business meeting.
Mum came along in the Tarago, and my little bro drove me home!
It's almost impossible to imagine I was in Queensland this morning. It was a nice break from the constant busyness of Melbourne, although it was a shame to miss the special meetings down here.
The idea that I would post more in the holidays turned out to be total fallacy! The holidays were just as busy as non-holidays, and then back to work for an even busier term.
So I make no promises that I shall update soon, or post photos, or do any such thing.
One thing I do promise is that God is just so good. Always. Forever. He is great.
God bless you all!Currently Reading
The Revelation of the Seven Seals
By William Marrion Branham
see related
Friday, 19 September 2008
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The Road Home
I know this is being taped. And when I say things here, I realize I'm not only talking to this congregation, but across the world. And I... Because these tapes go out to many, many nations, and they take them even back in the tribes in Africa, back in there, and they set there, and the minister takes it and interprets those tapes to the people, back in where they don't even know which is right and left hand. See? Way back into Australia and through there where people are--are--don't even... The only thing they eat is... The way they get sugar is take a little shell and dig out a bunch of ants and bite the back of them off like that. That's how they exist on getting their sugar. And they don't have clothing; they don't have nothing. They take an old kangaroo and throw him up on a fire, insides in him entrails and everything, and scorch it a little and then eat it. And that's--that--it's terrible. And remember, these tapes are played back in there. The Message you're listening to here is played back in there, by hundreds of missionaries taking these tapes and playing them back in there, and interpret It to the people.
Brother William Branham, 1962 - "Countdown"
End of day. End of term, for that matter. I was glad to be able to finally let go of the stress of the day, the pressure of the last minute rush before the students disperse for the break the teachers and staff long so much for. Reflecting on the trials of the day, I kicked my shoes off, and slowly removed my hair pins. All twenty of them.
It had been a long term. Eventful, and not always in a good way. Character building, yes. But also one I was glad to say goodbye to. I was tense, and I knew it. The coffee, my first in weeks, had done little to help that. Other staff were turning to various means of release. Food. Gym. Other means I wouldn't condone. Chocolate. I needed chocolate. There was some in the glove box, hidden there for emergencies such as this. Tired, I sipped an energy drink.
Then came the quote. God, speaking in the way He always does.
Simply.
Personally.
Reminding me that forty-six years ago, He knew I would be listening to that tape at that particular moment. That He would know that I would need to hear just some identification, right at that time. And that the all of it was for me. All just for me.
I looked up, and there He was.
In simplicity.
Ominous storm clouds. The sunset below. And above, sunrays of silver and light. Beauty no camera can recapture.
God, in His universe. In His creation. Nature, reflecting His glory.
Reminding me of His greatness. That He, God very God, Who fills all time and space and eternity was there, present. That the very One who made the sun, the clouds and the very air I breath, still loves and cares.
All tension left. The chocolate suddenly meant nothing. How could it, when there was Him?
There I sat, in my car on the side of the road, watching the sun set, thanking Him, listening to His Word. Word that corrects and builds and teaches and confirms. Word that washes, gently removing the mire.
Over and over these past few weeks, He's been showing Himself like this.
Simply.
Personally.
I still long to know more of Him, more of His power, and His glory. But recently, it's been in the everyday, simple humble moments that He makes Himself most real. Showing me that He's not an additional accessory to my life. That He isn't just reserved to my prayer life or my church going. But that in everything I do, He is there.
Always there. Always present. Always before me.
Even in the work I do. The people I meet, and interact with.
Today I was asked, by one with a SoCal accent, "What do you like most about working here?"
Tough question for the last day of term. When the schedule is so tight, and more keeps getting squeezed into it. When everything that is under control suddenly falls apart, and you're the one left trying to keep everything together.
I answered, slowly.
"Every day is different, a new challenge... The country, the drive here, with no traffic, is awesome... and the people. I love the people. Working with Christians is great, being able to talk about the Lord, and share faith, is wonderful."
The Lord, again. It always comes back to Him.
That one point alone is one of the greatest blessings, and one of the greatest challenges. That not all see Him and reverence Him the way they ought.
This morning I was subjected to yet another Rob Bell DVD. At first, he made a few good points that stuck with me. For the rest, I sat there frowning at my growing list of reasons I can't agree with him. For some reason, he irritates me. Rick Warren annoys me, but this guy really irritates me. I think it's because he strikes me as a universalist. And, that even though he gets really excited about his own revelations, he can't exactly back them up in scripture.
But one of the things that did stick with me was, "Perhaps God is all around, and we just fail to see Him because we are too busy and too distracted."
Indeed, perhaps.
God, all around... In the common. Everyday. Simple. Humble.
I know I still need that shut away, closet time with my Lord. Pouring out my heart to Him. Soul travail. That I need to take time from the everyday, to enter into His presence. Alone. Personally. And that I need more of Him. So much more of Him.
But I'm also coming to realise, that I need never leave that Presence, either. That in the everyday, God is present. In all I do. And, should never be, can never be, seperate from the everyday.
Real. Always.
It's been a while since I last posted. Since the day of Mandy's funeral, actually. Thank you all for your prayers, for both myself and Mandy's family. I wish there was more I could say on this, but at the moment, I can't. But I do know God has been working in me, teaching me and moulding me continuously since then. Which of course always means numerous trials, but also many testimonies. Testimonies I hope to share soon. I think there are at least five posts swimming round in my head, just waiting to be expressed. Now that I am on holidays, I should be able to take the time and type more than I have been of late.
Until then, may God richly bless each and every one of you!
PS. I know that quote doesn't directly relate to, or give confirmation to my post. That's ok. I'm not preaching. I'm just sharing what took place during my day, and some of the many thoughts that encompass it!
PS2. We don't really eat ants and kangaroo entrails. Not any more.
Friday, 22 August 2008
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Mandy's Story
This is one of the hardest posts I've ever written. I'm sitting cross legged on the floor of my bedroom, still in funeral clothes, with tears streaming down my cheeks, which makes it rather hard to see the laptop screen at times. I hesitated whether I should tell this story. I had considered sharing it earlier, but I don't like to tell an unfinished story. Now this chapter is closed, I want to tell it for God's glory. And it is for His glory alone, for I really had nothing to do with it. I just happened to be there at the time, and am only telling what I have seen and heard. There are still more chapters to come, but being that they aren't finished yet, I can't share them. So if it seems that there are parts missing, just pray.
God bless you all, and thank you again to those who walked this journey with me.
To share how I got to know Mandy, I have to take you back to introduce you to her parents, Mike & Marg. I first met Mike almost five years ago, when I first started working. Mike was our postman, and would deliver the post each day. He continued to do this up until the end of last year. Mike would always, without fail, have a funny story or a joke to tell, some of these better than others. He usually came just before lunch, when I would be trying to get out of the office to go and eat, which isn't my most friendly time of the day.
I first met Marg about two years ago, when Mike was unable to deliver our mail one day so I went down to pick it up. Marg worked in the general store/post office, and that day was rather distraught over whatever the reason was that Mike wasn't able to deliver the mail. She was in tears, so I did the only thing I could do. I gave her a hug, and listened to her story. From then on, I began to pick up the newspapers on my way to work each morning.
Although both Mike & Marg grew up in the generation in which it was tradition to go to church each Sunday, neither of them were serving the Lord. Through his visits to my workplace, Mike began to enquire what made the school seem so peaceful, and through the encouragement of one of my work collegues, he & Marg participated in the Alpha Course, and began attending church with them.
Each morning Marg would see me I'd be rushed because I would usually be running late for work. Still she'd come over and ask me to give her a hug, and pray for her, because there was "something special" about me, and she hoped it would rub off on her. I was all together inexperienced at witnessing, so had no idea what to say, since they were already involved in a church, although she admitted that owning the shop made it very difficult for them to attend on Sundays, or any day.
For Christmas in 2006, they gave me a Christmas gift, so in return I gave them something small, as well as a CD to listen to. I also gave Marg a book, although she admitted that once she got home, she was usually too tired to read, but did enjoy listening to the sermon, as it was comforting. I didn't understand. It was supposed to be more than comforting. She was supposed to realise that it was the truth, and ask for more! I invited them to some of our Sunday evening services, but for some reason it never worked out for them to come.
Mike & Marg sold their shop at the end of 2007, and I stopped picking up the newspapers. We kept in touch though, and I occassionally dropped around to see them. Things got busy, and I didn't see them at all for a few months. It wasn't until June that I went around to drop off some cookies when Marg greeted me at the door, all emotional again. She told me that their eldest daughter, Mandy, had just been diagnosed with cancer of the brain, spine, hips and lungs, and only had two weeks to live. She appologised, but said that she was in no place to receive visitors, so I couldn't come in. I hugged her, assured her it was ok, and promised to come back in a week or so.
The next time I drove past, the gate was closed, which meant I couldn't visit. Then things were busy once again, with visitors staying, school holidays and camp, so it seemed difficult to go around. The Monday immediately after camp, 7th July, I decided that all our visitors could just wait a little longer for me to get home from work, and went to see them.
Marg greeted me with a huge smile, and asked me to come in. Mandy had moved in with them, so Marg could nurse her for as long as she could. She let me see her, asleep on her hospital bed in the lounge room. At first I was a little scared, because I have never had much to do with terminal sickness, but all Marg's stories about what a wonderful person she was allayed my fears. She told me that she was so happy to have Mandy home, but it was so hard because she couldn't leave her alone for a moment, because she was afraid to die. I gripped Marg's hand, and said, "But she doesn't have to be!"
Tears welled up in Marg's eyes, and she asked me if I was afraid to die. I said no, and shared with her very simply the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and told of His healing power. I was still a little afraid to share this with Mandy, as I wasn't sure if I could express it fully, and if my faith was strong enough to pray for cancer, so I asked Marg if Mandy would allow someone from the church to come and talk with her and pray for her. Marg replied that she wasn't sure how Mandy would respond to something "spiritual" but she would ask her and let me know.
On Tuesday she let me know that Mandy was very interested, so could we please come on Wednesday to pray. Brother Conrad, Sister Estelle & I went around at 5:00 that evening, and Bro Conrad spoke with her about Jesus Christ, salvation, and healing. This was the first time I'd actually met Mandy, and she just accepted me as though she'd known me all her life. When we first arrived, she was so sleepy she could hardly keep her eyes open, but as Brother Conrad continued talking, she grew more and more alert until she was almost sitting up on her own.
She accepted absoultely everything without question or reasoning, and Brother Conrad prayed for her and annointed her with oil. She then professed that she felt better already, and was soon going to be up peeling potatoes and washing windows. She promised that when God healed her, she would spend her life serving Him.
Brother Conrad then put me on the spot by saying that I would drop around the next day, and as often as they wanted me to, to teach her more about God and being a Christian. I had no idea what I was going to do or say, but couldn't protest right in front of Mandy, so I just consented. We learnt about Mandy's crazy sense of humour, sharp wit, and even quicker toungue. Even when she was sick, she never let it get her down, instead always trying to make others feel happy. Brother Conrad then went back to the church to pray for an hour and a half before the service, while Sister Estelle & I went home to eat.
I wasn't able to visit on Thursday, but on Friday I went to see her. I was still a little nervous, as I didn't know where to start or what to say, but Mandy let me know how much she'd been looking forward to having me visit, and soon had me laughing at some joke. We read the Bible for a little while, and then she told me how God had spoken to her and told her to give up smoking. When she first got sick, she figured that the damage was already done, so there was no point quitting then, but she said after Bro Conrad visitted, God told her it was foolish to keep destroying what was healed, and He was going to help her quit. As far as I know, she finished the box she had, and never smoked again.
The next time I saw Mandy was on Tuesday. She was sleeping, so I left the Bible I bought for her, spoke breifly with Marg, and left. Work was back in full swing by this stage, so I was quite tired, when I called Marg to find out about going around again, I realised I had nothing to complain about. Marg asked me not to come until Friday, as she was going through quite a bit of pain. That was the Friday that I spent the day with Esther, so I came back to their place after dropping Ess off at the airport. Mandy had lots of questions, such as, "Can you explain Father, Son & Holy Ghost? That's never made sense to me. How can there be three gods?"
She then said she didn't know much about the Bible, so could I come once a week to teach her and Marg about the Bible. We agreed to meet every Monday night after dinner, and they would read together every day, and write down any questions that they had. Mandy said, "Because you don't mind if I ask silly questions. What's the point of having lessons on something if you can't ask questions?"
However, that was to be the last time I visted her at home. On Monday, Mandy went into paliative care at a nearby hospital. The pain had become too great for them to manage at home. My visits went from the intended one day a week, to almost every day, except for weekends. Some days we read. Some we talked. Some, Mandy was so sleepy from all the pain relief drugs that she just slept while I held her hand and prayed for her, with tears streaming down my face. And yet she never gave up her faith in Jesus Christ, or professing her healing.
The first night I went to visit her, I read the Bible, and then she asked me if I thought God could ever accept her, because, "I've got some doozies."
"Doozy what? Sin?" I asked. She closed her eyes and nodded. Conviction of sin is actually a glorious thing. I spoke to her of God's justice and love, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. As she usually would, she said it was so simple, and all made sense. We prayed togehter, me first, and then I asked her to pray. She said, "To be honest, I don't think I know how to."
"That's just it. Be honest. Talk to God like He's right here in the room," I said. She closed her eyes, and there holding my hand, she prayed her first prayer. It was precious. She prayed mostly for me, that God would bless me for what I was doing because it wasn't in vain. Right when you are feeling so small and inadequate, God has a way of letting you know He sees.
Brother Conrad & Sister Estelle went to visit her not long after she was admitted. Bro Conrad encouraged her, answered her questions, and prayed for her. Mandy & Bro Conrad both told me this story afterwards, and I want to share it just because it's part of Mandy's story, not because I want people to recognise me. Bro Conrad asked her, "Do you want to be like Jesus?"
Mandy replied, "What is He like? How can I want to be like Him if I don't know what He is like?"
Brother Conrad then asked, "Then who do you want to be like?"
Mandy answered, "Alysa. I want to be like Alysa."
Brother Conrad said, "That's not her... that's Jesus."
To think that someone who had known me for so little time could see Christ in me is overwhelming. Truly He is great.
Later that night, Mandy told me that she wanted to be like me, because she wanted to be able to help others the way I was helping her. She said when she was well she wanted to visit others in hospitals, and tell them about God. "Brother Conrad said something about being a missionary, but I don't really know what that is. I figure if I could just start with one person..."
Many times she was so sleepy that she'd drift right off to sleep in the middle of what she was saying, and her words would become all slurred. When I'd wake her and ask if she wanted to sleep, she'd insist that she wanted to talk, even though sometimes she couldn't remember what she had just been saying.
She was always full of questions, sometimes over the most simple things. I realised, that even though I didn't think I knew very much, when you begin sharing with someone else who has so much less, you realise how much you really do have. At times it was almost frustrating, because I wanted to give her so much, but only managed to squeeze in a sentance or two before she fell asleep. I felt like I was feeding her with an eye-dropper, while we were sitting in the middle of a huge, glorious feast.
Everything was so new to her, and the simplicity with which she accepted everything was so beautiful. Often she wasn't sure how to put things in to words, and would come up with some really cute statements. One day, she was quite down, and I asked her how things where. You had to ask specifically, or she would just tell you that everything was well. She had been in quite a bit of pain, and they took her for more x-rays. "But you know, through it all, even though it was painful, I told myself it doesn't matter, because I am healed. Conrad said I am healed."
"God said you are healed," I interjected quietly.
"Yeah, God did, but through Conrad, because Conrad is like God's messenger-stick," she answered.
Even when her other family members didn't understand, she kept a possitive profession. She tried to explain it to her husband one day, "There comes a time in life that you realise that everything you thought was important actually isn't. And everything that you thought wasn't important... really is."
Mandy celebrated her 47th birthday on Thursday, 31st July. She had all the family members that a little hospital room could hold, and even more cake. Gifts, flowers, balloons... she wanted it to be happy. She wanted enough cake for all the nurses and other patients. She even wanted me to be there. I wasn't going to go that night, thinking she would have all the family over and didn't want to intrude. But she insisted, and her husband also told me that she would want me there. It was a really special night. Mandy was the life of the party, cracking so many jokes and making sure everyone felt at home.
When I went to see Mandy on the following Monday, she was so awake and alert, more so than I had ever seen her. She looked so well, and she assured me it was because she was healed. She was actually able to talk without falling asleep, and that night, we read not just a few verses, but three whole chapters. She initially actually asked me to explain the book of Revelation to her. I did a quick summary, explaining who John was, what the Isle of Patmos was, what a vision was, and what he had seen. I told her how the prophet had opened it all and made it plain, but there were quite a few sermons on it, and it was quite deep.
She then wanted me to go to the start of the Bible, and read Genesis. We read Genesis chapter 1, chapter 2... and then she asked, "Why did God forgive Eve for eating that special fruit or whatever it was?"
I replied, "That's Genesis chapter 3..."
"Well come on then... read it!"
So I read Genesis 3, which she also wanted me to explain. "Otherwise it's no better than the Catholic church. They never explained anything!"
There are alot of wonderful truths in Genesis 3, such as the plan of salvation, and I tried to bring out what I could. After this, she was rather tired, so we stopped there.
As I was leaving, I asked if she wanted me to visit on the morrow. She replied, "No, if it's ok, I'll call you. Maybe we can catch up for coffee when I get back to Mum's."
She never called.
She went home on Friday, 15th August. Her husband was by her side, and assures me that she went peacefully. "She closed her eyes... took two breaths... and she was gone."
I never knew it was possible to love someone so much in such a short space of time. She taught me so much, and there is so much more I could add to this story, but somethings I will keep rather than tell. I thank God for the privledge of getting to know her, and share with her what I could. She was one beautiful person, who never took anything for herself, but always gave everything she could.
It makes me cry all over again to think that I shall never more in this life hold her hand and share with her the beautiful simple truths of the Gospel. That I'll never more hear her pray, or answer her questions. I'm going to miss her smile, and her super fast humour. But I know that the same faith that she fell asleep with, she shall rise with. That she took and understood all that she could, believed all that was given her, and made the most of her opportunity.
One time in hospital, I was joking with her, and commented about how she was so quick witted. She replied, "You haven't seen me in full strength yet. Just wait till I'm better..."
I smiled and said, "I can't wait."
I still can't wait. It won't be long now.
Saturday, 16 August 2008
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Thank you
Thank you to all those who have prayed for me in the last week. I thank God for you all, and for hearing and answering prayer!
Thank you to those who prayed for my healing... God has certainly heard and answered, for He alone is our healer! My particular thanks goes to the one brother who called me when I was at the lowest... when the chest pains were so bad, I could barely lie down (let alone move) with the tears streaming out of the corners of my eyes, praying, "God, it hurts too much to pray... can you make someone else pray for me!"Thanks bro... you know who you are, and your prayer & encouragement was exactly what I needed, and an answer to prayer!
God, by His grace, has healed me completely, and I am so thankful!
Thank you also to those who prayed for me yesterday, when they heard of Mandy's passing away. Thank you to those who prayed for Mandy, and for those who are still praying for Mike & Marg, Mandy's parents. Thank you to those who have called, who have sent text messages, and have just been there. God bless you all.
I want to post Mandy's testimony some time soon, but don't have the strength to do it at the moment.
Above all, thanks be to our wonderful Lord for all He takes us through. Every trial is for our good, conforming us to His image, and for His glory. He has been teaching me so much, about faith, prayer, etc... and making me realise how small I really am, and how I lean too much on my own strength, when I am absolultely nothing without Him. I need Him more than ever, and am so thankful for His grace that continues to pick me up when I fail. He is so wonderful.
Thank you all... and God bless you.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
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Masters Grads
Lucia, Mo & Benard all recently completed their masters degrees, so on Saturday night we all (well, some of the "older" youth and uni friends) got together for a lovely meal (seriously, that curry was awesome!) and fellowship.
The grads gave speeches, and we sang a song to thank the Lord for making a way for them in the past, and in the times to come...
Then we sung something a little more lively...
Thanks to everyone for such a lovely time, and congratulations to our wonderful graduates!
Friday, 08 August 2008
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Friends, Camp & Snow
So much to say about the past few weeks, and I'm so overdue with this post that I'm forgetting alot of the details, that there's no way to know where to start!
I guess I'll start at the best place to start in these instances... in the middle!
Camp
Camp was wonderful... really it was. God really moved, touched alot of people, and spoke to many hearts, including my own.
Bro Howard Searle preached six services, all relating to the "full Gospel"... stedfastness, witnessing, signs & wonders & gifts, our confession, praise & worship, justification, sanctification, Holy Ghost, removing the idols from our lives... etc. Each service seemed better than the last, and God's presence was just so strong.
We had alot of guests from overseas this time, as well, with youth from New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya (ok, so I know that's cheating... I can't count the same person twice!), America, and Vanauatu (except, I'm not sure she qualifies as youth). We had believers from every state & territory in Australia except for WA & NT... it was so nice to catch up with old friends, as well as meet new!
There were also a few first time visitors who had been invited. One of them was Priscilla, a precious girl who goes to school with one of our young people. She heard about the Message for the first time, came to camp, and was baptised on Saturday in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesse, a young brother from Tasmania was also baptised. It's wonderful to see the Lord still bringing children into the fold!
This camp was fairly short, from Thursday afternoon, through to Sunday. Friday afternoon everyone pretty much slept. That was fun. Saturday afternoon was the baptism, and we tried to organise a youth sing-a-long after it, but that ended up being some mucking around. It was fun tho... there are videos on my YouTube.
The food was good, the weather was cold... as can be expected! The best lunch was when Bro Bennard tried to get us to say his last name. Davina: "How do you smell that?" Ah, good times.
Sunday afternoon the youth got together and practiced a song out in the carpark. That's on YouTube, too. We were all a little late for the evening service, well, the people I was with were, anyway. That ended up being somewhat embarrassing, but we fared fairly well. Afterwards, we headed back to Liz & Dee's for pizza. The youth were wanting to sing, but I was so tired I had to head home. I was so tired, I let DJ talk me into letting him drive, which was a big mistake. He's one scary driver. Kept forgetting to look the other way and stuff. At least it woke me up.
(If you recognise any of these photos, it's because they were mine first, and then stolen. But I assure you all these came from my own camera!!)
Esther Arrives
Now we've covered the middle of the story, we can go back to the start. Esther arrived ummm... I can't exactly remember the date now. But it was in the early hours of the morning. So a carload of us youth headed out to the airport after church on Sunday night, and waited and waited and waited (see sis... I DID wait for you!) until she finally came. Then we introduced her to Australian McDs, taught her how to reverse through the drive through (c'mon... it was 2am! How was I to know where the window was?).
We were driving down the freeway, just talking as we were on the way in, when I got my first glimpse of who Esther really was. She was sitting in the back seat, and we throught she was asleep. Suddenly she says, "I like Australia."
Why? Because you like the signs on our freeways?
"Because it's so good to hear young people talking about God. I feel like crying."
So, she cried. Ah, she's precious.
Esther stayed with me the first few days, sleeping while I worked. I still don't think that's fair, but thus is the life of a working girl. My brothers entertained her the best they could... I'll let her tell you about that. Then she went to stay with Lucia, which was pretty devistating for us. Lucia seems to have survived ok, tho.
Saturday
Saturday was my first day off since she got here, so we decided to go shopping. There was some mix up in communication, which, yes, I admit, was probably my fault, so the shopping trip ended up being a tour of the undercover carpark. At least we saved money tho, yes? I think I'd rather drive than shop, anyway.
That was the day the guys were picking up DJ. We thought they would be doing something fun, but being the interesting sort of people we are, the most exciting thing they could think of was heading back to the M's, and fixing the lawnmower. So us girls decided to go and gatecrash their party, and discovered that DJ was pretending to sleep, so that he didn't have to fix the mower. We completely uncovered that plan, tho.
Then we all headed off to youth group, which is always a really good time. I think we finished the Hebrews book in this meeting. After youth, we did a major car-shuffle, because I had too many guests and not enough seats, and managed to get everyone down to our place. We cooked up kangaroo for them, which explains the scared expressions on their faces. Either that, or it was just being at our house. Which I think scared them enough, anyway. Then we had one of those impromtu sing-a-longs, and I think I have vids of that one, too.
Sunday
Sunday we had two great services, but I'm going to be honest... I can't remember what they were, because I left my notes at home. So we'll skip straight to lunch. We managed to get most of the youth down, to eat and sing. It was a really good time, or at least, I think so! There's more videos on YouTube, and I'll see if I can upload some more. Bro Blessing taught us some new songs, and being that the talented Bro Joel was absent, I attempted to accompany them on the piano. Being that I can't play by ear, it was alot of fun, and great experience. The guitars covered me pretty well, so I don't think everyone minded too much.
Monday
Actually, let's go back to Sunday night. We had no less than six extra people staying over, which my wonderful Mummy bore so graciously. She's great, my mum is. The plan was for them to do Beulah's hair, sleep, and then come to Phillip Island the next day. Half ended up pulling an all nighter, half had to go home, and the other half... wait, there's only two halves in a whole. Beulah's hair ended up taking a total of sixteen hours, so that is a whole story in itself. It still looks good, tho!
We had a great time at Phillip Island... except, I forgot to recharge my camera battery, and then I left it at home. DJ's camera was broken, and when it decided to fix itself, the battery was flat. And I'm not sure what happened to Renee's photos... Renee?! So, I have no photos. But it was a good day. First we went to an Australian animal park, and fed the kangaroos, looked at the koala's, and there were probably other animals as well.
We had lunch at the chocolate factory, which was another experience in trying to get everyone fed. Including those who refused to eat. Then we headed to Amaze'n'Things, and had a great time with all the optical illusions, and getting lost in the maze. I gave up (hey, I've done it before!) but the guys wanted to find every flag. Not sure if they succeeded in the end. We were supposed to play mini golf, but it started hailing, so we got a refund. I wasn't complaining about that. :)
The plans then were to head down to the Penguin Parade, but we'd left it a bit late, and it was raining. Instead, we (eventually!) ended up getting pizza and (eventually!) running up and down the beach. That was actually really nice. Really cold, too. Still no photos.
Tuesday
There were much more interesting plans for Tuesday, but Beulah's hair wasn't finished. So of course the hair had to be done. Those of us girls who weren't tied down with hairdressing did a quick shopping trip, in which we learnt of Claire's shopping obsession. We had dinner at Beulah's, and got to know the guys & girls from NZ. Hilarious people. Salem & I cooked... which meant the guys went out and got pizza. Prayer meeting that night was particularly good, with all of us really entering in and praying for camp.
Wednesday
Tanya invited all of the girls to come up to her place to paint. Esther, of course, was still doing Beulah's hair, so she didn't paint. Those who could, drew, and those who couldn't, painted. I couldn't paint, but I had fun trying. Sis Estelle cooked this awesome meal, and everyone went back for seconds (unlike when Salem & I cooked the night before!)
Camp started on Thursday, but you already know all about that. I went back to work on Monday, which was terribly unfair, and all the guests seem to have been successfully entertained elsewhere. I do recall lots of late nights tho, and spontaneous acts of randomness, which meant it was entirely impossible to keep up with everyone, let alone gain adequate sleep.
Saturday - Snow!
This would now be the third Saturday since Esther arrived, and definately the coldest. We had forty people get together, and drive seven cars up the mountain two hours to the snow. I love travelling, especially with a full car, and in convoy. So that was plenty of fun right there.
It was cold this year. Freezing. I'm sure it was a few degrees below 0, and it was definately the coldest I ever remember being at the snow. Two scarves, two pairs of gloves... and I still froze. That's why I didn't take many photos... it was too cold to take my gloves off! We had heaps of fun on the taboggans, etc, (vids on YouTube) so that kept us warm until we stopped for lunch. Then we burried some of the guys in the snow, and built snowmen and snow sphinxes and snow lambs and snow elephants. Well, everyone else did. I stood around and froze while trying to take photos.
Sunday
Bro Charles preached Sunday morning, and in the evening we listened to "Confirmation & Evidence." A few of us stacked it on the taboggans (the day before, not Sunday!), including myself, which I know isn't very ladylike behaviour to be broadcasting to the public, but there's a testimony attached so I guess it's ok. I didn't realise until the next day exactly how much I'd injured myself, until I tried to raise my arms in church the next day. Ouch. Especially my left. I didn't really worry about it, and tried to ignore it best I could. Then on Sunday night, I was at the altar praying for someone else, when Bro Kwesi claimed healing for all those who needed it. I didn't think much of it, until I went back to my seat, and discovered I had absolutely no pain in my arms whatsoever. Praise God!!!
Afterwards
DJ flew home on the Monday, and Esther went up to see the dear people in W'gong. (She still can't say the full name, and we had so much fun trying to confuse her!) I went back to work. Well, I was already back to work, but work came back to work, so things got a bit busier. I did, however, manage to get the Friday off work, and went in to the city early to pick Ess up from the train. We sat in Starbucks (this was back when they still had Starbucks in Australia, obviously, and only my second time to ever visit one in Australia) and talked for two hours. That was the best. Just sitting, trying to keep warm, ignoring the music, drinking mediocre coffee, but having real fellowship.
Then, I saw some police standing out in the shopping centre. I asked Ess if she wanted to go talk to them, and she asked why. Being the very spiritual person that I am, I said, "Because they might be lost." Inferring, we could witness to them. Whereupon Esther asked if I was serious. Being the carnal sort of person that I am, I didn't want to deny my spiritualness, and replied, "I'm scared."
That caused Esther to jump up, pick up her bag, and run out the door saying, "That means we have to do it!"
I sat glued to my chair, thinking that she couldn't possibly be serious. "Sis... I thought being honest would get me out it it!!"
"No, that's got you into it!" and then ran after them. I had no choice but to follow, even tho I couldn't see where they had gone. Not that I wanted to know. In fact, I was praying the whole time that we wouldn't find them again.
But we did. Several times. One time was while they were sitting under a sign that said "Last Days." It meant for the sale, of course, but Esther instantly assumed that it was of the prophetic nature, and took it as a vindication of her mission. She did, however, see the sales-light when I pointed out that we were in a shopping centre. We eventually did find them, and Esther did witness to them. I provided the moral support, from a distance. And thought up all the really good things she could have said, and provided them for her convenience at a later time. I'm really helpful like that.
We then spent what was probably only 20 minutes, but felt like 2 hours, shopping. Met up with Matt for lunch, went on the tram, went to the museum and looked at the gift shop, went on another tram (does anyone have any idea how hard it is to convince Esther to get off a tram? She'd sit on one all day long!), then went to the airport. That was another adventure. Not the getting there. The getting the luggage through there. Then saying goodbye. Esther made sure she left before either of us had the chance to cry. She's so mean sometimes.
So that was Esther's visit. Too short, but very sweet, and such a blessing. God taught me so much in such a short space of time. And He's still teaching me so much. More than I can post here, in this post anyway. Maybe another time.
A word about my "currently reading" ... it's good. I'm recommending it. It's been a while since I enjoyed reading a book so much that I haven't been able to put it down. In fact, I liked this book better than "Azusa Street" for revival history. Bro Bevington was Methodist, so some of his terminology is a little different, but even still, God was such a reality to Him that I've been very much challenged by it!
Today is 08-08-08. Such a cool date. One year, one month and one day ago, 07-07-07, we went to the snow... Today we gave all the kids off school, but the rest of us had to work. Interesting day, too. But that also says alot about how long it's taken me to get this post up. I first started it about two weeks ago... internet time just isn't as common as it used to be! This post still isn't quite finished, because there's more pics to add, but it will do for now.
Thanks for reading this brief summary of Esther's life in Australia. If you want to hear more, you'll have to hear it from the Queen herself. Unless DJ does a post, that is...
Currently Reading
Remarkable Miracles
By C. G. Bevington
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Alysa21
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- Name: Alysa
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- Member Since: 4/30/2005
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Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7
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