Grace Alone

The Preston Salvation Army Band in which I am privileged to be a part of, is well into its 2009 Christmas Carolling schedule.

We are fortunate to be able to play carols in the streets of Preston (Victoria) and in a major Shopping Centre - Northlands.

In the Shopping Centre, the traditional carols mixed with Christmas songs are played and people gather around to listen and then move off to complete the last minute Christmas shopping before it's too late.

We have been able to make contact with people if they have has a spare minute and although it only may be a brief time in the busyness of the season, I can not help wonder if people really stop to take in the real meaning of Christmas.

I pray that we have been able to give some hope to people this Christmas, some small word as to the reason for the season and share some peace in this time of year.

A song that has been playing in my mind (albeit not a Christmas song) speaks of the Grace of God. In Christianity - Grace is defined as "unmerited favour" from God.

Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we can make
Is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace

Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.

Every soul we long to reach
Every heart we hope to teach
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say
Every tear we wipe away
Every sorrow turned to praise
Is only by His grace.

Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.

As we have had a chance again this year to spread the "Good News" of Christmas in our small corner of the world, I pray that people will understand that peace, strength and hope for the future can be found in the real meaning of Christmas, and those of us who profess to be Christians, go out with Christ as our cornerstone to a world in need of hope, peace and love.

Be Still and Know

God knows we are not strong all the time..... Sometimes all we can do is rest in His arms as he takes us through the journey of life... With Him we are safe.

Psalm 46:10a
Be still and know that I am God


Hide me now under your wings
Cover me within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know you are God.

I rest my soul in Christ alone
Know his power in quietness and trust

Find rest my soul in Christ alone
Know his power in quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know you are God




In thee O Lord, do I put my trust.
SACB 73


Resting in the Lord is not dependent on your external circumstances at all, but on your relationship with God himself.


In every trouble we should first seek to realize God's presence with us. Only let us enjoy his smile, and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for his dear sake.

All your anxiety, all your care.

An "old" song/hymn sung at our church hit me out of the blue today. I know it well and have sung/played it over and over for many years.

It sums up a great truth that there is nothing God can not do - all we need to do is bring our worries, concerns, thoughts, hopes, feelings, our past, present and future to God for him to take control where we think we have none.

Is there a heart o'er bound with sorrow?
Is there a life weighed down by care?
Come to the cross, each burden bearing,
All your anxiety, leave it there.

No other friend so keen to help you;
No other friend so quick to hear;
No other place to leave your burden;
No other one to hear your prayer.

Come, then, at once; delay no longer;
Heed his entreaty, kind and sweet;
You need not fear a disappointment;
You shall find peace at the mercy seat.

All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there,
Never a burden he cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus.

Edward Henry Joy SASB 246


With Christ's peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ's Peace.

How to handle rejection

Tonight as I sit typing by candle light (not to save power, but seeking some quite, uninterrupted solitude) I reflect on the past few days.

I seem to be focused on the past and dwelling on the "poor" results and rejection since my redundancy back almost 4 weeks ago.

I have reflected on what service I can do for God, in what areas, and also how can I better serve thee Lord ?

I have commented on stress and now know that it is not only effecting me, but Nat as well. Anxiety for both of us is playing a horrible part in our lives and we are only 4 weeks in. I hesitate to comment but, the devil is having a field day - or so it seems - with both of us at present.

I have been trying to make sense in everything that has happened over the past 18 months - the reasons why we are where we are at today - I have no answers !

I was reminded this week that I made a "half hearted" decision to "serve" in some capacity within the Salvation Army and whilst there may be still a slim chance, I am not sure how, what, where or when. It's easy to sit back and say "because I'm a Salvo - you should employ me", but how committed to God am I ? My commitment to the Salvation Army has been very strong - even through some "interesting" times several years ago, but I never stopped going and I never ceased my commitment to the Salvation Army.

See the problem !!

Where is my commitment to God ? Have I really had a "real"relationship with him ? Have I given up my all to follow - just to do my Masters will ? Probably not.

My daily readings have been a great help through out the past several months.

"in every trouble we should first seek to realize Gods presence with us. Only let us enjoy his smile and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for his dear sake"

How easy it is to pass the blame onto God and accuse him of letting us down. I have done this many times and even over the past several months have questions God's involvement in my life.

"Resting in the Lord is not dependent on your external circumstances at all, but on your relationship with God himself.

Well, tonight will require some time on my knees to reassess my relationship with God. I'm not expecting that God will grant my every want, but I will need some reassurance that he will provide all my (and Nat, Imogen, Maddison and Willow's) needs.

Lord I am praying for you to meet my need and I will continue to pray for some service advice too..

Strength for my weakness, Lord, impart;
Sight for my blindness give to me;
Faith for my doubting, Lord, I would crave,
That I may serve thee worthily.

Here at the cross at this sacred hour,
Here at the source of reviving power,
Helpless indeed, I come with my need;
Lord, for thy service, fit me I plead.

Bramwell Coles SASB 488

Immanuel - God with us

Today I completed my interview with a division of the Salvation Army and now I wait patiently for the outcome.

After the interview I met with friends, Lt. Cols Peter and Jenny Walker and explained my situation as I had briefly discussed this with Peter on Sunday afternoon. On the way, out Peter explained that not matter what happens - God is with us (me) - through all circumstances of life and what ever life "throws at us".

At this Christmas time, we often sing about Immanuel - God with us, and it was a timely reminder to me that no matter where I am in life's journey God is always there.

I make it difficult for him to be around me at times as I "wander" though life - sometimes aimlessly - but as I previously Blogged - He's always been faithful to me.

As I sit and enter this Blog, I wonder whether I have done enough time getting serious with my choices and serious with letting God have is way with my future - sure I have prayed, read my devotions, put my circumstances to Him and even stepped out in commitment to say - here am I my Lord send me. But I put restrictions on this and said I want to serve only in a business capacity using my current skills and knowledge base for work He appoints me to do - not much of a pledge in hindsight, but, having an application in for a significant role within the Salvation Army, I thought this would be enough.

Now, as doubts and anxiety start to surface, I again find myself looking for answers.

My devotions for Nov 30th read:
The band of disciples would undergo severe testing before they were transformed from hesitant followers to dynamic leaders. You may have made big mistakes in your life, committed sins you're ashamed to remember. Yet nothing is beyond Jesus' forgiveness. He can help you become the person he wants you to become, but you must allow him to forgive you and work in your life. He did this for these disciples - and they changed the world.

Well after 3 weeks of enforced holidays - hesitation is setting in - What if these interviews turn into no full time employment ? Where will this leave me (us) after Christmas ?

I need to be constantly stirred about my Faith journey and understand that;
"Faith may take you where you least expect it, but have faith that you are exactly where you are supposed to be."

I'm not sure that unemployed with a wife and 3 children to support is where I'm "supposed to be" and hence the struggle with where I'm at today and what the future holds for us - as time marches on, bills start to mount up and job prospect "dry up" (hopefully only for this Christmas period) - now comes the true test of faith.

"Faith is just a decision that we make to trust God and not worry. It's a small thing in our hands, but when we hold the key of faith, God can open many doors"

All Fired Up !!

There is a saying - "All dressed up with no place to go", well I'm All Fired Up with no place to go (yet).

Having made a conscious decision to want to do something better for my life and the lives of others, I now have to wait patiently for the right "fit" for the future.

I was very interested to hear our Territorial Leader (for the Salvation Army) put out the "call" for people to work for the Army in varying capacities. Usually it is a call for Officership (Ministers), but this year was different for me and as my circumstances and focus have changed over the past several weeks and months - I wait with anticipation for what God's plan is for the future - not only myself, but of my family too.

A favourite (secular) song from an up and coming TV show, GLEE (sad I know) reads;

What do you say to taking chances ?
What do you say to jumping off the edge ?
Never knowing if there's solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay
What do you say ?

I know it's a long shot, but again it makes me wonder that what is jumping off the edge of my comfort zone will bring - not knowing if there is solid ground below or a hand to hold.

There are so many references regarding Christ the Solid Rock and How Firm a Foundation in the bible and in the songs we sing each Sunday that it is impossible not to know that looking back over the past, albeit sometime tough, we (Nat and I) have not strayed too far from this truth. We stepped out several years ago when we moved to North Queensland and he was always with us when we were so far from home. Moving back to Tassie 8 years ago was also a move that, I believe, was a part of Gods plan for us and, with the move to Melbourne for family medical reasons 18 months ago, I can only trust that God has got it all worked out.

Words that have been used for Vocal with a Brass accompaniment - "He's always been faithful" sums up this Blog for today.

Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of Gods hand in mine
Season by season I watch him amazed
In awe of the mystery of his perfect ways
All I have need of, his hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me

I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only and trusting his hand
All I have need of, his hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me

This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the story I've heard for so long
God has been faithful, he will be again
His loving compassion it knows no end
All I have need of his hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me.

I am looking forward with anticipation and some hesitation this week as my patience / endurance is tested yet again - with some more interviews in the latter part of the week.

I pray for guidance and wisdom to know what the (right) path is for my journey, and strength to "Let Go and Let God".

To Serve Suffering Humanity

What a great week !

I spent the week assisting the Salvation Army Bush Fire Relief Center in Whittlesea. During this time I meet some great people and shared in their interesting stories of life after February 7, 2009.

I have no way of comprehending the struggles some people have faced since this time and how people still are struggling to come to terms with the rebuilding process.

Whilst I have been struggling with my own circumstances over the past several weeks (months), I have enjoyed putting others first for a change and seeing hope in peoples eyes as the Salvation Army's efforts in the area are continuing over the Christmas/New Year period.

I had first hand experience today speaking with people about their personal circumstances and how the assistance given by the Army has been utilised to help get people back on their feet. I will not forget the tears of heart ache mixed with tears of joy as people came (sometimes reluctantly) to ask for help.

A quote from my devotions a couple of weeks ago read:
"God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the spirit in you"

This week has seen me in a different place and among people outside my "normal" circle - I hope I assisted in God's plan in some way, shape or form.

"Make your life a clear testimony. Be as the brook wherein you may see every stone at the bottom - not as a muddy creek of which you only see the surface - but clear and transparent so that your heart's love to God and man may be visible to all"

O Lord, whose human hands were quick
To feed the hungry, heal the sick,
Who love by loving deed expressed,
Help me to comfort the distressed.

What is divine about my creed
If I am blind to human need?
For you have said they serve you best
Who serve the helpless and oppressed.

Lord may your love translucent shine
Through every loving deed of mine,
That men may see the works I do
And give the glory all to you.

Malcom Bale
SASB 518

Where to next ?

Whilst I am still enjoying my "holiday" albeit enforced, I have had some additional time to reflect on the past 18 months since arriving in Melbourne.

Today, in some relative quiet time, I watched the NYSB on DVD as they played a well know "old" favourite arrangement - The Light Of The World".

It uses a beautiful tune "Aurelia" and used the words:

O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end
Be thou for ever near me, my Master and my friend
I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway, if thou wilt be me guide.

O let me feel thee near me; the world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me, around me and within;
But Jesus draw thou nearer and shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will.
O speak to reassure me, to chasten or control;
O speak to make me listen, thou Guardian of my soul.

O Jesus that has promised to all who follow thee,
That where thou art in Glory, there shall thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my friend.

John Ernest Bodie (1816-74)
SASB 862

As the search continues for employment and the right "fit" in service, I am mindful of promises made in he past and a few made in the present.

I am still hopeful that God's plans are made known before my plans (or self-will) stuff things up
- Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, my Master and my friend,

The 1st day of the rest of my life.

Tomorrow begins another chapter in the continuing struggle for answers that I have been searching for for the past several months.


I have constantly been reminded that these struggles teach perseverance. I'm starting to question how many struggles and how long will it take - bearing in mind that the circumstances of this week have been an accumulation of several months situations.


My devotional readings continue to amaze me as each day new entries on the same theme appear with more poking and prodding and are helping me understand (albeit a little slowly) the process surrounding my circumstances.


Thoughts for today...


Some problems can be solved by careful thought or by rearranging our priorities. Some can be solved by discussion and good counsel, but some problems can be solved only by prayer. We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining, because complaining only raises our level of stress. Prayer quiets our thoughts and emotions and prepares us to listen.


Today the band played a beautiful arrangement called "From Earth's Confusion"


Prayer gently lifts me to highest Heaven
From earth's confusion to Jesus' breast;
My sin and weakness, my doubt and sorrow,
Are lost for ever in sweetest rest.
SACB 94


The problems that we run into will develop our patience - which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God and give us greater confidence about the future.


With Christ's peace we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ's peace.

God brings you into places, among people and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you.

I still do not know what a "definite purpose" is for my life, but I trust he knows best and all will be revealed in His time.

Future ??

What a week so far !! - Understatement of the century !!

What do you do when your future is unsure ?
What if the light at the end of the tunnel just went out ?
What happens when plans are thrown up side down and you don't now where to begin ?

A quote form my devotional reading "My Utmost" says;

When I stop telling God what I want, He can freely work His will in me without any hindrance.

Well it's time again to let God have is way - sure enough I don't have a clue !

As long as you maintain your own personal interests and ambitions, you cannot be completely aligned or identified with God's interests. This can only be accomplished by giving up all your personal plans once and for all, and by allowing God to take you directly into His purpose for the world.

Well, my plans, ambitions and future is up for the taking... God, they're all yours !

Paul's thoughts for this week !!

I have been trying to "up the time" spent on reading some daily devotional commentaries - not an enjoyable experience for me (reading that is)

I have found some very challenging ideas this week as another week of "struggles" with certain aspects of my life as been and gone.

I have found several verses in the book of James very helpful and inspirational this week.

James 1:3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow

James 1:5 If you need wisdom (don't we all) ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.. 1:6 but when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.

I have been praying - asking for some wisdom on decisions relating to employment for several months now and I continue to seek what the plans for my future employment have in store.

James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

So whilst I continue to seek Gods plan, I have stepped up the prayer and reflection - even visiting the "Prayer Room" at our church on Wednesday lunch time - again reading James and reflecting on several more verses that jumped off the page (so to speak)

James 5:16b The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Not sure if I would honestly call myself a "righteous" person, but I'm working on it.
Bring it on!!

F A I T H - Forsaking All I Trust Him

Not an easy thing to do - trust !

I have been trying to find some sense in the past few weeks/months of my employment circumstances and how better to "serve".

Nat and I (and Imogen and Maddison) came to Melbourne over 12 months ago for what I thought was God centred decision. Imogen's surgery and a great(?) job opportunity - all fell into place.

James 4 vs 10 (the Message) reads:
Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master, it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

This is what I did several months ago and now I find myself contemplating the same requirement - to get serious and do some kneeling before God so that I (again) can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

At church today, the Band commenced with the melody of the words of Charles Wesley:
A charge to keep I have
a God to glorify
a never-dying soul to save
and fit it for the sky

To serve the present age
my calling to fulfill
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Masters will

This has certainly been "stuck" in my mind for several weeks and with my faith being "tested" and my future not so sure, I have been trying to make sense of it all.

My devotional reading for Oct 31 reads:

But we do not earn anything through faith - faith brings us into the right relationship with God and gives Him His opportunity to work. Yet God frequently has to knock the bottom out of your experience as His saint to get you in direct contact with Himself.

Comfort Zone - Reality Check

This week I have seen 3 examples of people living in poverty - right in the streets of Brunswick.



All this while I sit and each my lunch in a small cafe - realtively comfortable with myself and my situation.



Day 1 say an elderly gentlemen trying to by a pie with sauce with a few coins that probably added up to 60 cents. I sat and watched whilst I ate my sandwich and drank my Coke Zero and did nothing as he was dismissed out of hand and was asked to leave the cafe.



Day 2 say a similar incident as I sat at the same cafe and ate the same lunch when a out of nowhere a stranger asked for a "spare 50 cents". I said no only to realise that I indeed had change in my pocket and as I turned to see if this was legitimate, the stranger had disappeared.



Day 3 came and as I sat by the window of the same cafe, another elderly man who had seen better days reached for the ashtray and picked up a used, squashed cigarette that had been left there and asked the next passer by for a light.



Well this has certainly made me uncomfortable this week and as I sit now in some relative comfort and quite, I question my Christian "attitude" towards my neighbour... I think I needed to do more - even some loose change would/could have helped - I know money is hard to come by and probably not the be all and end all to peoples problems - Should I have done something ?



This week has certainly been a test for me and as I am contemplating my "service" for God, I think I have failed my first test.



I know there is something better for me to do with my time and as I struggle with my current employment situation, I can only pray that God will give me strength to face whatever lies ahead and the opportunities in life are not wasted.



I have updated an electronic version of the Bible on an old Pocket PC and have found several readings from a devotional called My Utmost. This now forms part of my updated devotional plan which, if I'm honest, was sadly lacking in substance.



The first day refered to Matthew 6:33 - Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously and he will give you everything you need.

It is well with my soul

One of my favourite pieces of music is "On a Hymnsong" which uses the words:

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to know
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Today, the band had the privilege to play this tune in our service - Only a small group as some of our members where away with the MSB. We enjoy a special place in worship and music is very much an integral part of our worship at Preston.

Life can get very hectic and stressful at times - some times we need to take time and take stock of what our "lot" is in life - whether it good, bad or ugly, it is great to know God is in control.

Knowing this fact, it helps us to sing the refrain - It is well, It is well with my soul.

Day 7 - All Over

Well it's been good while it lasted.. Back to school and work for Imogen and me tomorrow.

Nat is now overdue and over IT! Another week before the next appointment, then Thursday and Friday next week for inducement - if she has delivered prior to this.. BRING IT ON !!

Patience and endurance - growing thin I'm afraid

Thought for today

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins

Colossians 1 vs 9-14


Song 579

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater
He sendeth more strength as our labours increase
To added afflictions he addeth his mercy
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace

When we have exhausted our store of endurance
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, his grace has no measure
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth, and giveth again.

Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)

6 Down - 1 to go

6 Days in isolation with only 1 day remaining.

It has been great being at home for the past 6 days - I even achieved some excellent work results too.

I have enjoyed my "isolation" and am not sure if I want to go back to the normal routine of day tot day life.

Our new addition has still not arrived - much to Nat's discomfort, but I think baby no. 3 will be here soon. Once delivered and home, I can enjoy some well deserved holidays - for a few weeks anyway.


Thought for the day..

I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already on it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to wine the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.
All of us who are spiritually mature should have the same attitude.

Philippians 3 v 12 - 15a (NT)


Hard to believe sometimes that we are not perfect. Some people would like us to believe this is true.

How difficult it is sometimes to forget what is behind us and look to the future, to the unknown - perhaps a little scary and we prefer to rest on what we know, more so that what the future could possibly hold.

How straight are we running towards the goal ??

Sometimes I think it more a zig-zag than a straight line. There are so many obstacles in our path, it makes it very difficult to focus on the goal at hand. Life throws a few curly situations at us from time to time and we are often so busy to even understand that we may have strayed of the "straight and narrow" even for a short time. Maybe we've gone so far off the right path we can see our way back.

Perhaps we need to spend some time and ask God to help us get our focus back, show us the way and give us the courage to let him take the lead.

Song 586

I do not ask thee, Lord,
That all my life may be
A easy, smooth and pleasant path;
'Twould not be good for me.
But O I ask today
That grace and strength be given
To keep me fighting all the way
That leads to God and Heaven!

Fannie Jolliffe (1862-1947)

Day 5 - A little freedom

Some freedom at last - even if it was for a few hours. Great to catch up with family and friends.

Spent the rest of the day relaxing with the football (Hawks let me down again). Caught up with Merlin, Prince Arthur and Sir Lancelot too - Good times.

Not sure if the Blog will continue as many people said they had seen it as it now updates Face book. I may need to be careful what I say..... (I'm a little shy too)

Still on the religious note - with the SA Training College beckoning ( or so says our CO's ) .. ... We sang another song today speaking of the will of God.

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiners fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You my Master
Ready to do Your will


As a musician (?) it's easy to assist in worship and, with God's help, bring people closer to God through music.

I wonder some times if we are "in tune" with him. I have the privilege of sitting between 2 MSB Members who offer their musical wisdom freely - especially over the past few weeks about my tuning and being a little "sharp" in places. Sometimes on Sundays I don't feel "sharp" - a little flat mostly - and to get "in tune" with the band takes concentration, patience, perseverance and listening closely to what's happening around me. The same can be said to get "in tune" with God.


If I'm honest, I don't think I even know what Gods will is in my life at present. I believe moving to Melbourne, worshipping at Preston SA and playing in the band is all part of the plan - but I think I'm missing something, somewhere (Sandy & Daryl - if you reading this.... No call to Officership - sorry)


I think I need to spend some more time in pray, reading the bible and perhaps stop to listen a bit more - I'm sure the answers will come.


Some questions still need to be answered...

If we aren't doing His will, how do we know if we are ready to do it ??
Are we doing it already and we just don't know it ?? Is this good enough ??
If we are doing His will, are we doing it well ?? What should we do to step up our efforts ??
Should we be doing more ??
What more can we do ??


My prayer for today...( and for the future )

If on my soul a trace of sin remaineth
If on my hands a stain may yet be seen
If one dark thought a weary mind a weary mind retaineth
Then wash me, Lord, till every part be clean.

For I would live that men may see thyself in me
I would in faith ascend thy holy hill
And with my thoughts in tune with thy divinity
Would learn how best to do thy holy will.

Day 4 - Nothing to fear

We have survived another day. Feeling relaxed and well. Nothing much completed today - but isn't that was Saturdays are for ??

Still no addition to the family with time ticking away to "due date". Stubborn comes to mind.. Not sure where that comes from ?

Saw a friends comment on Face book about the will of God.. Some choruses came to mind that talk on this subject - Not an easy one for most of us to think about - we tend to go through life thinking about our will and what we want. Being a christian is not easy and sometimes we forget that others are more important than ourselves and doing Gods will should be paramount!


Doing the will of God
Doing the will of God
The best thing I know in this world below is doing the will of God.

Sweet will of God, still fold me closer, Till I am wholly lost in Thee.

At thy feet I bow adorning
Bending low and lower still
Giving up my all to follow, just to do my Masters will
Giving up my all to follow, just to do my Masters will

Day 3 - Still no issues

Day 3 draws to an end with much work completed from the laptop at home. I think I have acheived more in the last couple of days as the disruptions were minimal (even with a 5 y.o. and 3 y.o.)


No results in as yet - Imogen is fine. No symptoms for any of us. Will be let out of isolation soon.


Nat's still resting up for the new arrival and has had a quiet day at home too. We are hoping for some movement soon as Nat's mum has arrived to assist where she can. Any help is appreciated.


I have been led of late to check out some of the passages higlighted in my "old" Bible. I came accross some interesting verses highlighted some time ago (I'm talking years) and still find the relevance amazing.


I also have signed on as a follow of TC Speak (Blog) and noticed a heading "Knowing You" which is one of the songs that keeps getting "stuck" in my head and has again give me inspiration, comfort and strength.




All I once held dear, built my life upon,
All this world reveres and wars to own;
All I once thought gain I have counted loss,
Spent and worthless now compared to this.

CHORUS:
Knowing you, Jesus, knowing you
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, you're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
And I love you Lord.


Now my heart's desire is to know you more,
To be found in you and know as yours,
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All surpassing gift of righteousness


Oh to know the power of your risen life,
And to know you in your sufferings;
To become like you in your death, my Lord,
So with you to live and never die.




One bible verse stood out 12 months ago ..


Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
James 4 v 10 (Message)

Day 2 - Come and Gone !

Day 2 in isolation was very rewarding on the work front. Got a heap done with minimal disruption.

Everyone OK here in Mill Park - nothing to report really.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring - probably more of the same. TV, work, movies, work, facebook, work (all before lunch)

Still no movement on the baby front - being a little stubborn me thinks! I think we're ready just want to get on with life.

It would be nice to get out for a walk/drive/shop - anything really - and it's only day 2.

Some more time for reflection over the next 5 days.

Be still and know that I am God
Psalm 46 v10

Day 1 - Almost complete

So far so good. All is well in the "No Go Zone".

We are all well and showing no signs of Swine Flu. Still expected to be quarantined for some time to come, although some restrictions maybe lifted. Imogen has been tested - expect results later in the week. We will lay low for the rest of the week and see what happens.

I have worked from home all day and the Boss has given me whatever time I need at home - Good idea, don't want to spread anything around (rumour, fear and trepidation).

At least I have been able to help around the house (between e-mails) and Nat's had a reasonably restful day.

We have received many calls, e-mails, Facebook messages, offers of supermarket runs and even a food (cake) parcel. All of which we are very grateful for and we are lucky to have people who care and put our needs before theirs.



I'm looking forward to spending some (quality?) time with the family and prepare the way for the new addition to the family - Was hoping it would be sooner rather than later - but now not so sure !

Maybe an early night and a sleep in tomorrow is in order (fingers crossed).


Thanks again for the kind thoughts

Lord make me like You
Please make me like You
You are a servant
Make me one too
O Lord I am willing
Do what You must do
To make me like You Lord
Just make me like You

7 Days in isolation

Well, Swine Flu... What's that all about ??

Today we were notified that Imogens class has to be quarantined for 7 days due to a student being diagnosed with Swine Flu.

Not only the students, but parents as well.

I can now start my extended holiday in isolation with the family in our Town House. Small and Cosy ?? What will each day bring ?? I would expect we will be over each other by day 2.

It will give us some time for reflection on the things of life and maybe bring 1 more new life into the world too.

-

Here's hoping for an "enjoyable" isolation.

-

The King of love my shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am his

And he is mine for ever.

Henry Williams Baker (1821-77)

Day 1 - The journey begins

A reasonable night had by all with coughing from 1 room and very little movement from the other womb.

Imogen's off to the Doctors this morning for tests - Maddison wanted to go too. I would expect test results by later this week or early next week - fingers crossed.

I'm not sure how the day will pan out - I have work that needs to be done from home, but a little restricted in what I can achieve. Thankfully Internet, E-mail and Mobile Phones all operational.

Many thoughts go through my head whilst trying to get to sleep - this issue I blame God and The Salvos for (in a good way!).


Music is ispirational and comes from God and The Salvation Army has a wealth of music that is used to inspire, uplift and comfort.


Last night was no different.......



When shall I come unto the healing waters?
Lifting my heart, I cry to thee my prayer.
Spirit of peace, my comforter and healer,
In whom my springs are found, let my soul meet thee there.
-
From a hill I know,
Healing waters flow;
O rise, Immanuel's tide,
And my soul overflow!


Albert Osborn (1886-1967)