Loving God means loving His people.
I wish that God would teach me an easy lesson sometimes. Instead his educating technique, though loving, is to drag me kicking and screaming (in the most ladylike way possible) through the fire furnace till He gets me molded into some better comprehensible shape. Its worth it in the end trust me, but boy, does it hurt.
God has really been speaking to me about being committed. But not just any commitment, but be being committed to His people. People are funny, amusing, intriguing and most of all people can be so frustrating. And as much as I love people, I can see why I chose IT as a career path now - so I dont have to deal with them. I could sit in a cubical all day facing a computer that would proberly be more reliable. A computer couldn't be a hypocrite, say mean things, or thoughtless words, and I don't even have to make it like me. Its just sits there - consistant, and predictable. But how boring would life be if we were all computers?
Sometimes I feel myself pulling back from people. Call it a gutt reaction, but trying to break an attitude that has always been love 'em and leave 'em is not easy. I've always been someone to emotionally leave something as soon as I'm not getting results. E.g "If youre not being nice to me, I'm not going to be nice to you. Yep. Fine. Whatever. I don't need you anyways." Yep, that was me in a nutshell.
Don't get me wrong, I love people (especially the ones who are nice to me) but for God to tell me to continue to love and serve the people who hurt me? Be committed to them regardless? God, you gotta be joking... Thing is, He isn't joking. Actually He's quite serious. Serious enough to put me in a place where I am constantly being challenged to fight the urge to pull back from His people. "Anna, If you love me, you'll love my people even when they hurt you." Ok God! God disciplines those He loves and don't I know it!
So how do you love someone who hurts you? With alot of God given grace. When you see people the way God sees them, your heart hardened by offence becomes softer. I really pray that God opens my eyes to see past the hurt to the wonderful and beautiful that He see in His people.
Thank God we're not computers.
God has really been speaking to me about being committed. But not just any commitment, but be being committed to His people. People are funny, amusing, intriguing and most of all people can be so frustrating. And as much as I love people, I can see why I chose IT as a career path now - so I dont have to deal with them. I could sit in a cubical all day facing a computer that would proberly be more reliable. A computer couldn't be a hypocrite, say mean things, or thoughtless words, and I don't even have to make it like me. Its just sits there - consistant, and predictable. But how boring would life be if we were all computers?
Sometimes I feel myself pulling back from people. Call it a gutt reaction, but trying to break an attitude that has always been love 'em and leave 'em is not easy. I've always been someone to emotionally leave something as soon as I'm not getting results. E.g "If youre not being nice to me, I'm not going to be nice to you. Yep. Fine. Whatever. I don't need you anyways." Yep, that was me in a nutshell.
Don't get me wrong, I love people (especially the ones who are nice to me) but for God to tell me to continue to love and serve the people who hurt me? Be committed to them regardless? God, you gotta be joking... Thing is, He isn't joking. Actually He's quite serious. Serious enough to put me in a place where I am constantly being challenged to fight the urge to pull back from His people. "Anna, If you love me, you'll love my people even when they hurt you." Ok God! God disciplines those He loves and don't I know it!
So how do you love someone who hurts you? With alot of God given grace. When you see people the way God sees them, your heart hardened by offence becomes softer. I really pray that God opens my eyes to see past the hurt to the wonderful and beautiful that He see in His people.
Thank God we're not computers.
Since when did an invite equal self worth?
I'm feeling perturbed at the moment.
At Sunset Coast we have a principal of not handing out personal invitations in the services as it can make people feel left out. Thats a good policy - its all about being sensitive to the feelings of others around us.
Lately I spoke to a girl who revealed to me how she was feeling left out because she wasn't invited to some of the things I was invited to. It was a sticky situation to be put in. What do you say to someone who says that to you? Its not like I have any control over it.
Friendship circles: if we don't hang around with the same friends one can't expect to be invited to the same things - even with my closest friends we don't have the same friends or hang out with all the same people. Its unrealistic to think that just because you a friends with someone that their good friends are automatically your good friends.
Its weird, its gotten to the point where I feel like I have to walk around on eggshells about where I am going, what I am doing, or even if it fits in with other peoples scheduals - just incase I offend someone or make them feel 'left out'. Maybe its just me lacking grace. Because though its an honor to be be invited places, at the end of the day if I don't get invited, it doesn't bother me at all. Thats just life - I get over it. Maybe I expect others to be the same.
Being invited places doesn't mean anything, it doesnt mean people like you any more or less. If my friends get invited somewhere and I dont, its no biggie. I want them to go out and have fun and not be feeling guilty because I wasn't invited! I have my own things to do! And frankly, the little time I have of solitude is something I am relishing right now.
I'm definately not here to win a popularity contest and if people don't like me then so be it, as long as I am right with God and I know He loves me. I dont need an invite to indicate my self-worth and neither should she.
At Sunset Coast we have a principal of not handing out personal invitations in the services as it can make people feel left out. Thats a good policy - its all about being sensitive to the feelings of others around us.
Lately I spoke to a girl who revealed to me how she was feeling left out because she wasn't invited to some of the things I was invited to. It was a sticky situation to be put in. What do you say to someone who says that to you? Its not like I have any control over it.
Friendship circles: if we don't hang around with the same friends one can't expect to be invited to the same things - even with my closest friends we don't have the same friends or hang out with all the same people. Its unrealistic to think that just because you a friends with someone that their good friends are automatically your good friends.
Its weird, its gotten to the point where I feel like I have to walk around on eggshells about where I am going, what I am doing, or even if it fits in with other peoples scheduals - just incase I offend someone or make them feel 'left out'. Maybe its just me lacking grace. Because though its an honor to be be invited places, at the end of the day if I don't get invited, it doesn't bother me at all. Thats just life - I get over it. Maybe I expect others to be the same.
Being invited places doesn't mean anything, it doesnt mean people like you any more or less. If my friends get invited somewhere and I dont, its no biggie. I want them to go out and have fun and not be feeling guilty because I wasn't invited! I have my own things to do! And frankly, the little time I have of solitude is something I am relishing right now.
I'm definately not here to win a popularity contest and if people don't like me then so be it, as long as I am right with God and I know He loves me. I dont need an invite to indicate my self-worth and neither should she.
The Right to Land.
Its offical. I no longer have Permanant Residancy status in Hong Kong. On my trip in Hong Kong last June I was trying to reapply for my Hong Kong ID card which had long expired when I was 18.
Last week my mum sent me the paper work from the immigration department and my application for renewal for Hong Kong Permanent Residancy ID card had been revoked due to the fact I had'nt been back there for 7 years. Apparently under new legislation for chinese babies born overseas (like me) we have to go back every 3 years in order to still qualify for an PR ID card even though my parents are both HK citizens.
Instead I've been granted the 'Right to Land' which means I have the right to study, live, work in Hong Kong and not get deported but I can't recieve any government assistance or benefits. So basically I can't freeload of the Hong Kong Government. Drats.
I'm feeling pretty complacent about the whole ordeal. I mean after all, its not like I can't live there anyways - I just can't get government assistance. Plus the way things are going now the idea of living in HK permantly isn't really Gods Will for me right now. Grow where you're planted - and I am planted in Perth.
But thats not stopping my mum urging me to appeal the decision. Only problem is that I have to write this whole sob story of why I haven't been back in 7 years, and I just dont really have the time or the motivation right now. Till then, I guess I'll just have to exercise my Right to Land.
Last week my mum sent me the paper work from the immigration department and my application for renewal for Hong Kong Permanent Residancy ID card had been revoked due to the fact I had'nt been back there for 7 years. Apparently under new legislation for chinese babies born overseas (like me) we have to go back every 3 years in order to still qualify for an PR ID card even though my parents are both HK citizens.
Instead I've been granted the 'Right to Land' which means I have the right to study, live, work in Hong Kong and not get deported but I can't recieve any government assistance or benefits. So basically I can't freeload of the Hong Kong Government. Drats.
I'm feeling pretty complacent about the whole ordeal. I mean after all, its not like I can't live there anyways - I just can't get government assistance. Plus the way things are going now the idea of living in HK permantly isn't really Gods Will for me right now. Grow where you're planted - and I am planted in Perth.
But thats not stopping my mum urging me to appeal the decision. Only problem is that I have to write this whole sob story of why I haven't been back in 7 years, and I just dont really have the time or the motivation right now. Till then, I guess I'll just have to exercise my Right to Land.
Happy Single Valentines!
Its Valentines day today. This is my first Valentines in a about 6 years as a single woman, and what can I say? I'm feeling good.
Why you ask? Its not like I have a boyfriend (or anything close to the sort) to celebrate it with. And don't even get me started on the issue of valentines day because as we all know, it's so overated and secondly, my mans' going to be showing me he loves me 365 days a year... But thats a whole other story.
No, actually I'm tonight I'm going to be spending it with people I love - which is what I think valentines day is all about: showing people you love them, friends family, the whole shibang. I try to do this everyday, but its just nice to do something a little bit extra special!
Tonight Ruth and I are taking some of our single girlfriends out to dinner - its going to be awesome. I haven't been on a girls night out in a while so its going to good fun!
Nothing like spending quality time with people you love to bring on a bout of the warm fuzzies!
Why you ask? Its not like I have a boyfriend (or anything close to the sort) to celebrate it with. And don't even get me started on the issue of valentines day because as we all know, it's so overated and secondly, my mans' going to be showing me he loves me 365 days a year... But thats a whole other story.
No, actually I'm tonight I'm going to be spending it with people I love - which is what I think valentines day is all about: showing people you love them, friends family, the whole shibang. I try to do this everyday, but its just nice to do something a little bit extra special!
Tonight Ruth and I are taking some of our single girlfriends out to dinner - its going to be awesome. I haven't been on a girls night out in a while so its going to good fun!
Nothing like spending quality time with people you love to bring on a bout of the warm fuzzies!
Do you really want my advice?
The perplexed individual: "What do you think I should do about this?"
Me: "I think ....Blah blah blah."
The perplexed individual: "Uhm. Yeeeaah... Nah."
Have you ever felt like noone ever really listens to what you have to say? I have to admit: my pet peeve is people asking me for help and then totally disregarding my advice/opinion. The way I see it is like this: if you don't really want my advice - don't ask me. Then it just saves me the hassle of feeling dumb and rejected, and saves you the hassle of wasting your time (and breath).
I don't know, maybe my advice is just crap. Maybe what I am saying is not what they want to hear, or they just didnt understand. The other day I was talking to someone and they mentioned they were having problems with their computer, I then went on to say "Oh maybe its this...... or have you tried this....?".
They sort of looked at me with a mixture of surprised blankness - proberly because they didn't know that I knew anything about computers (hey I didn't do 2 years of Computer Science & Multimedia at uni for nothing!) and secondly they proberly didn't even know their computer had one of those thingy-majigs. What would a woman know about these things, right?
Its funny how looks can be deceiveing.
Me: "I think ....Blah blah blah."
The perplexed individual: "Uhm. Yeeeaah... Nah."
Have you ever felt like noone ever really listens to what you have to say? I have to admit: my pet peeve is people asking me for help and then totally disregarding my advice/opinion. The way I see it is like this: if you don't really want my advice - don't ask me. Then it just saves me the hassle of feeling dumb and rejected, and saves you the hassle of wasting your time (and breath).
I don't know, maybe my advice is just crap. Maybe what I am saying is not what they want to hear, or they just didnt understand. The other day I was talking to someone and they mentioned they were having problems with their computer, I then went on to say "Oh maybe its this...... or have you tried this....?".
They sort of looked at me with a mixture of surprised blankness - proberly because they didn't know that I knew anything about computers (hey I didn't do 2 years of Computer Science & Multimedia at uni for nothing!) and secondly they proberly didn't even know their computer had one of those thingy-majigs. What would a woman know about these things, right?
Its funny how looks can be deceiveing.
Everythings changed, everything is different!
I have to honestly say, life is good.
Recently a girlfriend I haven't seen in a long while said to me over the phone "Anna, you sound really happy." Her comment surprised me a bit and after a brief think I had to agree. I am happy, and I guess its showing.
Over the past month or so I've had that Planet Shakers song ringing in my head, the one that goes: "Everythings changed, everything is different...!". Even on my morning runs I find myself singing it in my head. Its true everything has changed, and everything is different!
Over the course of this summer so much has happened, I've been to so many new places, done so many new things, made so many new friends, gained a new home and a new sister, been financially secure... For the first time in a long time I am actually feel complete. My life is so abundant now. I couldn't even ask for more, and I know I only have God to thank for this.
It utterly amazes me where this journey has taken me. And when I think about it I can't help but feel thankful and utterly in awe at Gods hand in my life. I thought I was happy before, but this seriously wins hands down. It feels like my non christian friends are missing out, it really does. There is such an abundant life to had in God, but how do you explain to someone your life being turned 180 degrees? I couldn't even imagine back then.
Does it mean my life is perfect? Far from it, but I know I can live every day in Gods grace and help. Revelation: Lifes not perfect but I'm still happy, when your joy comes from God nothing can phase you!
"The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." - Proverbs 19:23 (NIV)
Recently a girlfriend I haven't seen in a long while said to me over the phone "Anna, you sound really happy." Her comment surprised me a bit and after a brief think I had to agree. I am happy, and I guess its showing.
Over the past month or so I've had that Planet Shakers song ringing in my head, the one that goes: "Everythings changed, everything is different...!". Even on my morning runs I find myself singing it in my head. Its true everything has changed, and everything is different!
Over the course of this summer so much has happened, I've been to so many new places, done so many new things, made so many new friends, gained a new home and a new sister, been financially secure... For the first time in a long time I am actually feel complete. My life is so abundant now. I couldn't even ask for more, and I know I only have God to thank for this.
It utterly amazes me where this journey has taken me. And when I think about it I can't help but feel thankful and utterly in awe at Gods hand in my life. I thought I was happy before, but this seriously wins hands down. It feels like my non christian friends are missing out, it really does. There is such an abundant life to had in God, but how do you explain to someone your life being turned 180 degrees? I couldn't even imagine back then.
Does it mean my life is perfect? Far from it, but I know I can live every day in Gods grace and help. Revelation: Lifes not perfect but I'm still happy, when your joy comes from God nothing can phase you!
"The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." - Proverbs 19:23 (NIV)
What The!?
I think this is absolutely hilarious... My buddy Andrew and I are the faces for the ECU Advantage Project... What the!? I knew we did had done a photoshoot for it last year but I didnt really think they would use the photos on their advertising material!
Check this out:
The poster...
The Brochure...
The buzz sheets...
Soon to be on a bus stop near you... Oh my gosh, how funny!
Check this out:
The poster...
The Brochure...
The buzz sheets...
Soon to be on a bus stop near you... Oh my gosh, how funny!
To be entrusted with much.
"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." - Luke 12:47-48 NIV
I have been entrusted with much and don't I know it. The fact that God has placed me where I am in care of new christian girls is something I am still coming to terms with. He knows I can do it by His strength, so why am I still so scared?
In all honesty, my flesh does not want to do this. It feels way to hard, it seems beyond me. And I would be more than happy to go on my merry way, serve in His house and just forget this whole leadership thing! Yet God believes I can do this, and logically I know in His strength I can do it (Hello!? We serve an all powerful God! He can do anything!). Yet why can't I fully believe it myself? Why can't I fully get it in my head and believe it with all my being that God will carry me through this? Why is there still doubt?
Overwhelmed. I think thats the only best way I can describe it. God loves people, and these girls are precious to Him. Hes entrusted them to ME, and I know so much more will be asked. I dont know about you, but to be entrusted with what is valuable and precious to God is something I find a little more than intimidating.
Like the passage says, because I know His will for me, I need to get ready for the task at hand and I need to be obediant. I need to be a empty vessel for Him to work through me. I have no idea what I am doing. I'm just making myself available to be used.
I am up for this challenge, but am I scared? Like you wouldn't believe.
I have been entrusted with much and don't I know it. The fact that God has placed me where I am in care of new christian girls is something I am still coming to terms with. He knows I can do it by His strength, so why am I still so scared?
In all honesty, my flesh does not want to do this. It feels way to hard, it seems beyond me. And I would be more than happy to go on my merry way, serve in His house and just forget this whole leadership thing! Yet God believes I can do this, and logically I know in His strength I can do it (Hello!? We serve an all powerful God! He can do anything!). Yet why can't I fully believe it myself? Why can't I fully get it in my head and believe it with all my being that God will carry me through this? Why is there still doubt?
Overwhelmed. I think thats the only best way I can describe it. God loves people, and these girls are precious to Him. Hes entrusted them to ME, and I know so much more will be asked. I dont know about you, but to be entrusted with what is valuable and precious to God is something I find a little more than intimidating.
Like the passage says, because I know His will for me, I need to get ready for the task at hand and I need to be obediant. I need to be a empty vessel for Him to work through me. I have no idea what I am doing. I'm just making myself available to be used.
I am up for this challenge, but am I scared? Like you wouldn't believe.
