We all woke up bright and early today and spent the day in a little town near the beach. The family were doing a street collection and I was there for moral support! I walked around quite a bit - and it was so nice to be free and independent for a little bit! And I got a few bargains which made it even better!
By the end of the day, I was shattered. But we still had to get home and have dinner, clean up etc etc. It's times like these that make me realise that I am not ready nor will I ever be to be as selfless as I see most wives and mothers being.
I love the Proverbs 31 woman. We have a on going joke in the house about P31 women (too long to explain). But my room mate loves serving and will always go the extra mile for others even when she's tired and so I always call her a P31. The Lord has shown me ways in which I can be more and more like the virtuous woman He wants to make into. He's revealed habits which I can begin now that will eventually become my character. I pray that He would continue to show me other habits which I can start now on this road to becoming who He wants me to be. I need to be less selfish not just to serve others outwardly but actually really and truly in my heart; in the deepest part where no one else sees but God, I want to be selfless.
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Day Twenty
The days are slowly coming to an end! I'm excited for all the Lord still wants to do in me during these next few days. And I'm super excited for the international youth convention!
I really need more self control in my thought life. I can't stop a thought form coming into my head but when it does come, I can choose what to do with it. The Bible clearly tells me to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ but usually I choose to let my thoughts run wild. Oh Lord please help me take captive of those thoughts; to bind them up and throw them at Your feet. May I no longer be captive to my thoughts because You want to take them captive so that I would only be captivated by You.
I really need more self control in my thought life. I can't stop a thought form coming into my head but when it does come, I can choose what to do with it. The Bible clearly tells me to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ but usually I choose to let my thoughts run wild. Oh Lord please help me take captive of those thoughts; to bind them up and throw them at Your feet. May I no longer be captive to my thoughts because You want to take them captive so that I would only be captivated by You.
Day Nineteen
My sister was supposed to fly home to my parents in the UK today but her flight was cancelled due to the heavy snow in the UK. I'm trusting the Lord for a miracle because I would really love for her to have some precious time with the family!
So today wasn't amazingly exciting... I helped do the food shopping and then pretty much just helped with cooking and stuff around the house. But I think after the weekend I needed a pretty chilled day. I would have loved to have gone to the beach but oh well!
I also hung out with a sister from Paris. Her English isn't very good and my French isn't very good either... go figure! But I think her English is better than my French because we spoke in English most of the time! And we went to go and visit one of the pastors because she needed to talk to them and I just hung out with their kids.
My sister's flight being cancelled put an unavoidable damper on my day. But the Lord is sovereign and I know He must plan in all of this. I can't wait to see how it all turns out :)
So today wasn't amazingly exciting... I helped do the food shopping and then pretty much just helped with cooking and stuff around the house. But I think after the weekend I needed a pretty chilled day. I would have loved to have gone to the beach but oh well!
I also hung out with a sister from Paris. Her English isn't very good and my French isn't very good either... go figure! But I think her English is better than my French because we spoke in English most of the time! And we went to go and visit one of the pastors because she needed to talk to them and I just hung out with their kids.
My sister's flight being cancelled put an unavoidable damper on my day. But the Lord is sovereign and I know He must plan in all of this. I can't wait to see how it all turns out :)
Monday, 20 December 2010
Day Eighteen
Today we went to a different church since we're away for the weekend. We went to the one closest to where we were staying. It was a church of mainly new believers and they were meeting in someone's house. There were about 50 people so it was packed and it was hot but it kind of made me feel like I was in an Early Church meeting! But the Lord has a message for us; for me.
When I surrendered to Jesus and I laid the burden of my past at His feet, He gave me a precious pearl in return. I was carrying a heavy load on my shoulders and it was weighing me down but Jesus took it all and gave me a precious pearl instead. How much lighter is His load? A heavy backpack compared to a pearl?! Lord Jesus thank You that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. And now I have this treasure (pearl) in me (an earthen vessel) that the excellence of the power may of God and not of me.
And as we run this race, we run together sharing our pearls that we may be united and encouraged by one another.
Then we went back to the lovely home and had a wonderful lunch. We had a lady over for lunch who I found quite difficult to handle. She said some very harsh things that were not directed to me but I took offense for the people it was directed to especially because one of them was sitting at the table with us. Something rose up in me which was ugly and I didn't like it at all. I had to run to the Lord with it and I ended up taking a much needed nap.
Why do I take offense so easily? Oh Lord help me. I'm still very much a "Let's all try to be nice to each other" kind of Christian which isn't necessarily a bad thing because we are called to die to ourselves. So sometimes instead of just being free to say what we think and feel we need to die and restrain ourselves for the sake of others. And sometimes, if we're not careful, we can use that liberty as an opportunity for the flesh. She seems to be a very free person and I know I need more of that in my own life but I struggled with some things she said. But at the end of the day I'm in her country and she should be free to say what she thinks or feels. Honestly cross-cultural conflicts are God's biggest sharpening tool for me and that's probably why He puts me in contact with people from so many different cultures. It's hard sometimes but I love learning from other people's cultures and experiencing life from their perspective. It's challenging and uncomfortable but it's well worth the fruit it produces. And I can see how my time in Bible College prepared me for moments like those. And also, pearls become pearls due to much friction and we too, become more beautiful through situations like that because if we allow them, they rub away the muck in our hearts and more of Jesus shines through. Merci Jesus.
Anyway then in the evening we packed up and went to a concert in the city. Our church choir was performing at a Christmas concert by the pier and we all went to support them. It was a wonderful night! And afterwards we went back home, unpacked, ate and went to BED!
Thank You Lord for an amazing weekend :)))
When I surrendered to Jesus and I laid the burden of my past at His feet, He gave me a precious pearl in return. I was carrying a heavy load on my shoulders and it was weighing me down but Jesus took it all and gave me a precious pearl instead. How much lighter is His load? A heavy backpack compared to a pearl?! Lord Jesus thank You that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. And now I have this treasure (pearl) in me (an earthen vessel) that the excellence of the power may of God and not of me.
And as we run this race, we run together sharing our pearls that we may be united and encouraged by one another.
Then we went back to the lovely home and had a wonderful lunch. We had a lady over for lunch who I found quite difficult to handle. She said some very harsh things that were not directed to me but I took offense for the people it was directed to especially because one of them was sitting at the table with us. Something rose up in me which was ugly and I didn't like it at all. I had to run to the Lord with it and I ended up taking a much needed nap.
Why do I take offense so easily? Oh Lord help me. I'm still very much a "Let's all try to be nice to each other" kind of Christian which isn't necessarily a bad thing because we are called to die to ourselves. So sometimes instead of just being free to say what we think and feel we need to die and restrain ourselves for the sake of others. And sometimes, if we're not careful, we can use that liberty as an opportunity for the flesh. She seems to be a very free person and I know I need more of that in my own life but I struggled with some things she said. But at the end of the day I'm in her country and she should be free to say what she thinks or feels. Honestly cross-cultural conflicts are God's biggest sharpening tool for me and that's probably why He puts me in contact with people from so many different cultures. It's hard sometimes but I love learning from other people's cultures and experiencing life from their perspective. It's challenging and uncomfortable but it's well worth the fruit it produces. And I can see how my time in Bible College prepared me for moments like those. And also, pearls become pearls due to much friction and we too, become more beautiful through situations like that because if we allow them, they rub away the muck in our hearts and more of Jesus shines through. Merci Jesus.
Anyway then in the evening we packed up and went to a concert in the city. Our church choir was performing at a Christmas concert by the pier and we all went to support them. It was a wonderful night! And afterwards we went back home, unpacked, ate and went to BED!
Thank You Lord for an amazing weekend :)))
Day Seventeen
Wow, what a great day! We're away for the weekend in a lovely home by the seaside! It's a beautiful big home set on a mountain so as you can imagine the views are amazing! My favourite... mountains on side and the sea on the other side.
We spent the afternoon swimming, eating, making smoothies, goofing around, playing Wii and just enjoying each other's company. What a blessing this has been! I'm so overwhelmed by the Lord's goodness to me right now :)
But I really want to go to the beach. Just once. It's not asking too much is it? Lord, please?
After reading 1 Samuel 15 today and seeing Saul's impatience I was confronted with the impatience in my own heart regarding several things. Lesson of the day... "Be patient. Whether it's for a trip to the beach or for your future... just be patient."
We spent the afternoon swimming, eating, making smoothies, goofing around, playing Wii and just enjoying each other's company. What a blessing this has been! I'm so overwhelmed by the Lord's goodness to me right now :)
But I really want to go to the beach. Just once. It's not asking too much is it? Lord, please?
After reading 1 Samuel 15 today and seeing Saul's impatience I was confronted with the impatience in my own heart regarding several things. Lesson of the day... "Be patient. Whether it's for a trip to the beach or for your future... just be patient."
Day Sixteen
Today was a pretty relaxed day. I was exhausted after yesterday so I got to sleep in this morning. And then I had an oh-so-sweet time with the Lord! I've been reading through 1 Samuel and today I was on chapter 8 how the Israelites asked ("Sauled") for a king just to be like the other nations even though they were set apart. But God gave them what they asked for because they insisted even after He had given them a glimpse of what a king would do to them. They "sauled" for a king and they got "Saul." And it made me think how in my own life I often ask the Lord for things or opportunities like so and so. I may not say it put loud but in my heart it's because somewhere I want to be like that person. But God has made me unique, He's gifted me uniquely and He has a unique purpose and plan for my plan. He has set me apart. So my prayer is that I would learn to see in the Spirit those things I should "saul" for and not just "saul" for my flesh because then I will end up with a "Saul" and Saul was not a good king and the Lord rejected him in the end.
Then after that refreshing time in the Word, I helped around the house a bit, had lunch, curled the lady of the home's hair (she'd never curled it before) for a wedding she was going to and then I rested. In the evening I was babysitting les enfants. We got KFC and watched "UP." What a great movie!
Thank You Jesus for another wonderful day!
Then after that refreshing time in the Word, I helped around the house a bit, had lunch, curled the lady of the home's hair (she'd never curled it before) for a wedding she was going to and then I rested. In the evening I was babysitting les enfants. We got KFC and watched "UP." What a great movie!
Thank You Jesus for another wonderful day!
Day Fifteen
This morning I went for the mid week meeting with my wonderful roomie. She had also invited someone for the first time so that was nice. The message was just what I needed to hear and again it confirmed many things in my heart.
The passage Luke 10:38-42. And I felt the Lord saying to me,"Always be at MY feet before you get on YOUR feet, Buhe." I'm always so quick to what to "go" and "do" for the Lord but the greatest treasure there is for me is what He wants to do IN me. It's not about what I can do for Him but what He will do IN me. In Peter we see the written will of God for our lives: our sanctification - the work He wants to do in us to make us more like Jesus. Also that my strength is not in doing this and that for the Lord but it's simply in sitting at His feet and being with Him. If my strength was only found in what I could do then when all those works were taken away I would be finished but my strength is in Jesus who will never leave me or forsake me. And praise the Lord for that!
Then we went out for lunch after the meeting with one of the Zim pastors. Then we went to see the volcano and that was fun! Then we went to visit a kids club funded by the EU for under privileged children. It reminded me so much of the one I used to work at in the UK but obviously the children are different and they all spoke Creole! But it's funny how kids will understand you even if they don't understand what language you're speaking in!
And after a loooong day, we went home to a lovely meal with the lovely family! Praise the Lord for a great day!
The passage Luke 10:38-42. And I felt the Lord saying to me,"Always be at MY feet before you get on YOUR feet, Buhe." I'm always so quick to what to "go" and "do" for the Lord but the greatest treasure there is for me is what He wants to do IN me. It's not about what I can do for Him but what He will do IN me. In Peter we see the written will of God for our lives: our sanctification - the work He wants to do in us to make us more like Jesus. Also that my strength is not in doing this and that for the Lord but it's simply in sitting at His feet and being with Him. If my strength was only found in what I could do then when all those works were taken away I would be finished but my strength is in Jesus who will never leave me or forsake me. And praise the Lord for that!
Then we went out for lunch after the meeting with one of the Zim pastors. Then we went to see the volcano and that was fun! Then we went to visit a kids club funded by the EU for under privileged children. It reminded me so much of the one I used to work at in the UK but obviously the children are different and they all spoke Creole! But it's funny how kids will understand you even if they don't understand what language you're speaking in!
And after a loooong day, we went home to a lovely meal with the lovely family! Praise the Lord for a great day!
Friday, 17 December 2010
Day Fourteen
Today I was helping out with the numbering of tins again! We had a great team going and the Lord helped us to get everything done by lunch time! Then we went and had our lunch at the mall and hung out for a bit. It's always so lovely to spend time with sisters in the Lord and just share hearts. I always walk away feeling refreshed. Reminds me of a verse,
"The mouth of the righteous is a well of life..." Proverbs 10:11a. And it's true. Our mouths can be a well of life. We can speak into each others lives and help each grow in the Lord. What a blessing!
Then we went to Curepipe and got the bus back home - it took forever! Ha. Wonderful day all the same.
"The mouth of the righteous is a well of life..." Proverbs 10:11a. And it's true. Our mouths can be a well of life. We can speak into each others lives and help each grow in the Lord. What a blessing!
Then we went to Curepipe and got the bus back home - it took forever! Ha. Wonderful day all the same.
Day Thirteen
So today was absolutely splendid! In the morning my roomie and I went for a run. Most of it was uphill so that was an "uphill struggle." Hahaha. But it felt good all the same :)
Then when I got back I had sometime to share my heart with the lady of the house. I was sharing with her about my past and how that still sometimes comes back to hanut me and stops me from growing in the Lord because I'm still holding on to all the bad things I did. She really encouraged me to forget the past because God's forgotten so why should I still hang on to it. When Jesus died on the cross He said, "It is finished." He finished everything on the cross. And now by His grace I no longer live in condemnation of the past but I can live in confidence and faith that I am saved and my sins are no more. I didn't actually realise how much this was a trap for me until last night at the prayer meeting. I realised that I often disqualify myself from serving the Lord because of what I've done but really it shouldn't be that way. The Lord has saved, redeemed and delivered me so I no longer have to live in bondage of sin but I can have the victory! She also encouraged me to be violent about fighting against the thoughts when they come to my mind. To take every thought captive into obedience with Christ! She also spoke into my life and encouraged with how she could see where the Lord has called me and why. It was really encouraging and challenging and it confirmed a lot of what I had been seeking the Lord for. So I was just finished at the end of our conversation. She prayed with me and I literally felt the burden of my past lifted off me. I had taken it to the foot of the cross and left there this time - never to pick it up again. What a freedom!
The Lord had given me a verse on the way to prayer meeting last night and I didn't know why but today I fully understand. The verse was Psalm 103:10
"He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities."
And if you read on Psalm 103:11-12
"For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
And as if this wasn't enough confirmation, tonight at home cell the Lord spoke clearly again! One of the elders was sharing his heart with us. He shared about a time in his life where he would constantly think that the elders were out to get him because every sermon they preached would sound as if it was directed to him. But then he realised that God was directing it to him because it was everything he NEEDED to hear. And God is more than able to meet every one of our needs because He knows us through and through (Psalm139). So He always knows what we need, when we need it, how we need it and how much of it we need! So I was so blessed by what he shared. Afterwards he asked if anyone needed prayer and after much resisting I finally stood up and he prayed for me. He really prayed for me. He prayed things that no one could have known about me. He prayed exactly what I'd shared this morning. He prayed for God's call on my life and confirmed everything I had been seeking the Lord for that day. I tell you I was finished before the Lord. I wept. And what a sweet release I felt! The Lord is so faithful! He knew exactly what I needed, how I needed it, when I needed it etc etc. All glory belongs to Him!
Oh and I also had a fantastic time babysitting the cutest little boy and girl. The same boy as last time plus his little sister. We played, we laughed, we cooked, we sang French songs (yay!) and we played with their puppies. They have seven of the cutest puppies ever. I could have cuddled them all day long!
All in all a pretty good day! Praise Jesus!
Then when I got back I had sometime to share my heart with the lady of the house. I was sharing with her about my past and how that still sometimes comes back to hanut me and stops me from growing in the Lord because I'm still holding on to all the bad things I did. She really encouraged me to forget the past because God's forgotten so why should I still hang on to it. When Jesus died on the cross He said, "It is finished." He finished everything on the cross. And now by His grace I no longer live in condemnation of the past but I can live in confidence and faith that I am saved and my sins are no more. I didn't actually realise how much this was a trap for me until last night at the prayer meeting. I realised that I often disqualify myself from serving the Lord because of what I've done but really it shouldn't be that way. The Lord has saved, redeemed and delivered me so I no longer have to live in bondage of sin but I can have the victory! She also encouraged me to be violent about fighting against the thoughts when they come to my mind. To take every thought captive into obedience with Christ! She also spoke into my life and encouraged with how she could see where the Lord has called me and why. It was really encouraging and challenging and it confirmed a lot of what I had been seeking the Lord for. So I was just finished at the end of our conversation. She prayed with me and I literally felt the burden of my past lifted off me. I had taken it to the foot of the cross and left there this time - never to pick it up again. What a freedom!
The Lord had given me a verse on the way to prayer meeting last night and I didn't know why but today I fully understand. The verse was Psalm 103:10
"He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities."
And if you read on Psalm 103:11-12
"For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
And as if this wasn't enough confirmation, tonight at home cell the Lord spoke clearly again! One of the elders was sharing his heart with us. He shared about a time in his life where he would constantly think that the elders were out to get him because every sermon they preached would sound as if it was directed to him. But then he realised that God was directing it to him because it was everything he NEEDED to hear. And God is more than able to meet every one of our needs because He knows us through and through (Psalm139). So He always knows what we need, when we need it, how we need it and how much of it we need! So I was so blessed by what he shared. Afterwards he asked if anyone needed prayer and after much resisting I finally stood up and he prayed for me. He really prayed for me. He prayed things that no one could have known about me. He prayed exactly what I'd shared this morning. He prayed for God's call on my life and confirmed everything I had been seeking the Lord for that day. I tell you I was finished before the Lord. I wept. And what a sweet release I felt! The Lord is so faithful! He knew exactly what I needed, how I needed it, when I needed it etc etc. All glory belongs to Him!
Oh and I also had a fantastic time babysitting the cutest little boy and girl. The same boy as last time plus his little sister. We played, we laughed, we cooked, we sang French songs (yay!) and we played with their puppies. They have seven of the cutest puppies ever. I could have cuddled them all day long!
All in all a pretty good day! Praise Jesus!
Day Twelve
I spent most of the morning just praying and seeking the Lord. It was refreshingly wonderful! Then we went to the prayer meeting in Quatre Borne this evening and it was such a sweet time of prayer. But other than that I spent the day at home. I went to the shops to pick up a few ingredients for dinner and helped make dinner but other that it was a pretty chilled day :)
Monday, 13 December 2010
Day Eleven
So church today was absolutely amazing! The title of the message was "Sin Cannot Be Ignored in the Church."
God hates sin and it's ridiculous of us to think that we can ignore the sin in our own lives as well as the sin in our brothers and sisters in the church. Nowadays as Christians, we are more interested in being nice and loveable than speaking the truth in love. The true gospel is an offence. Jesus didn't always say things that were politically correct or nice but instead He spoke the truth in love and thereby people's lives were changed.
God does not like or tolerate sin so why do we tolerate it in the church. Bad attitudes, envy, jealousy, strife, fornication, adultery, competition, lack of submission, pride, lying, deceiving, stealing etc etc. We see it and we turn a blind eye to it. That should not be so! If we are walking the road of the cross and truly desiring God to make us more like Jesus then we need to let go of our pride, humble ourselves and repent before Him.
A Christian who never repents, never truly grows. Without repentance there can be no spiritual maturity. Repentance brings growth. When we realise the true state of our hearts and how far we are from the mark (Jesus) we need to repent and ask the Lord to change our hearts. What may seem like a small attitude towards a brother or a sister may fester into a really bad attitude thus bringing division in the body of Christ. God's heart for the church is for us to be united and too often we allow division in so easily.
For a long time my own heart was unrepentant but for the last 6 months the Lord has truly been showing me the power of repentance in my life. He's also over the last few days shown me the importance of allowing Him to expose my life before my brothers and sisters in order for me to grow. And it's hard, my flesh doesn't like it one bit but my Spirit thrives on it! And I would most certainly rather feed my spirit and let my flesh starve to death.
I used to be so consumed with how the Lord would use, where He would use, what He would do with me and around me but so often forgetting what He wants to do IN me (Santification).
God hates sin and it's ridiculous of us to think that we can ignore the sin in our own lives as well as the sin in our brothers and sisters in the church. Nowadays as Christians, we are more interested in being nice and loveable than speaking the truth in love. The true gospel is an offence. Jesus didn't always say things that were politically correct or nice but instead He spoke the truth in love and thereby people's lives were changed.
God does not like or tolerate sin so why do we tolerate it in the church. Bad attitudes, envy, jealousy, strife, fornication, adultery, competition, lack of submission, pride, lying, deceiving, stealing etc etc. We see it and we turn a blind eye to it. That should not be so! If we are walking the road of the cross and truly desiring God to make us more like Jesus then we need to let go of our pride, humble ourselves and repent before Him.
A Christian who never repents, never truly grows. Without repentance there can be no spiritual maturity. Repentance brings growth. When we realise the true state of our hearts and how far we are from the mark (Jesus) we need to repent and ask the Lord to change our hearts. What may seem like a small attitude towards a brother or a sister may fester into a really bad attitude thus bringing division in the body of Christ. God's heart for the church is for us to be united and too often we allow division in so easily.
For a long time my own heart was unrepentant but for the last 6 months the Lord has truly been showing me the power of repentance in my life. He's also over the last few days shown me the importance of allowing Him to expose my life before my brothers and sisters in order for me to grow. And it's hard, my flesh doesn't like it one bit but my Spirit thrives on it! And I would most certainly rather feed my spirit and let my flesh starve to death.
I used to be so consumed with how the Lord would use, where He would use, what He would do with me and around me but so often forgetting what He wants to do IN me (Santification).
2 Corinthians 7:10-11
"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter."
From this passage we can see that repentance is necessary for salvation but further than that the fruit that repentance produces is wonderful. This is why repentance should be preached not only to the unbeliever but also the believer in the church. Ever wondered why you feel as though you've lost your zeal? Or lost your fear of the Lord? Or lost your diligence in serving the Lord? Ever wondered why your congregation is not growing to maturity? Or why they are so bound by sin? Well maybe it's because repentance needs to take place. Ask the Lord to show you the true state of your heart; the very depths of it and reveal to you where you need to repent. Repentance is a great and precious gift and my prayer is that pastors and teachers all over the world would get over their fear of man and teach repentance to their congregations for lasting growth to take place.
I'm so glad that the Lord has opened my eyes to this. I'm experiencing a freedom & a love in my walk with the Lord & with others that I haven't experienced in a long time. It's a beautiful thing.
Lord please continue to work in my heart. I'm keeping my heart open. I want a deep, deep work in my heart - one that will last for eternity. God You are so good.
Day Ten
Wow, I cannot believe I've been here for ten days already! Well, today I spent the whole day at home! It was wonderful though! My body feels really tired - granted because it's been a crazy, hectic, non-stop year for me and I think it's all catching up with me :)
During my quiet time this morning, I felt the Lord really comforting my heart. I'm seeing the true state of my heart and I'm also seeing where I want to be and I'm still very far. But the Lord brought great comfort to my heart, that in His timing He will "perfect that which concerns me." (Psalm 138:8). He's always been faithful to do what He promises and I know He will continue to be. I'm running the race of santification not just the race of serving the Lord. I'm done running that parallel race that seems good but is lacking power. I want more of the Spirit's work in my life. I want more of Him and less of me. I've been running the "good works" race for too long and I'm tired. But now I'm running the race of santification where I run and don't faint because my strength is being continually renewed.
And I had a splendid skype date with Betty! I love that girl so much.
God thank You for comforting my heart and stilling my heart to just wait patiently for You to work in Your timing. Your timing is perfect in everything and I fully trust it but help me to trust You more.
During my quiet time this morning, I felt the Lord really comforting my heart. I'm seeing the true state of my heart and I'm also seeing where I want to be and I'm still very far. But the Lord brought great comfort to my heart, that in His timing He will "perfect that which concerns me." (Psalm 138:8). He's always been faithful to do what He promises and I know He will continue to be. I'm running the race of santification not just the race of serving the Lord. I'm done running that parallel race that seems good but is lacking power. I want more of the Spirit's work in my life. I want more of Him and less of me. I've been running the "good works" race for too long and I'm tired. But now I'm running the race of santification where I run and don't faint because my strength is being continually renewed.
And I had a splendid skype date with Betty! I love that girl so much.
God thank You for comforting my heart and stilling my heart to just wait patiently for You to work in Your timing. Your timing is perfect in everything and I fully trust it but help me to trust You more.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Day Nine
Thank You for last night Lord. A group of us were supposed to go and visit a home for handicapped ladies but in the end we had to go to the men’s one so only the boys went. So the ladies went to a cute little patisserie that was close by and shared gateaux and our hearts. There was a 15 year old Mauritian girl with us. Her heart for the Lord blew me away! She just wants more of the Lord. She’s been saving up for youth convention by babysitting her little sister for her mom. Her determination to seek You really touched me.
And thank You for today. I really enjoyed putting the numbers on all those tins! The fellowship was sweet! We were numbering tins for a street collection for a diabetes organisation run by a lady in the church. I think we had like over a 1,000 tins J.
I’ve been so blessed reading through 1 Corinthians over the last couple of days. There’s so much in there that has answered many of my questions during this time. So thank You Lord for your faithfulness in leading me to 1 Corinthians.
“Let all you do, be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
Day Eight
Today I spent the day babysitting one of the pastor’s little boys. He’s eleven and reminds me so much of my little brother! We had a fun time just watching cartoons and laughing. Then after we’d had lunch he told me he wanted to go on a walk to the shops because he had Rs50 pocket money and he told me his mom had said it was ok. So without even thinking twice about it we locked up the house and went to the shops. We had a lovely walk and took loads of pictures! We’d only been back in the house about 5 mins when his dad came back and he was frantic because he had come by the house earlier and we weren’t there and he didn’t know where we’d gone to. He’d gone all over looking for us and had finally decided to come home. He didn’t have my cell phone number so that made matters worse. He said I should have called to let them know where we were going because I’m new to the area and anything could have happened. I felt so bad. Like, I haven’t felt that bad in ages! They reassured me it was okay but just to check with them next time because after all I am the adult and I should not just take the child’s word for it. So as you can imagine the flood gates opened and I cried. Then they felt bad that I felt that bad. Ayo!
But I learnt a valuable lesson. As good as our intentions can sometimes be, we can still make grand mistakes! Earlier that morning, I had taken it upon myself to clean the house as well just to bless them and I felt very good about myself for doing that but alas after that whole palaver the cleaning was nothing in comparison. I needed to be humbled and boy was I. I hardly know these people and now all of a sudden our relationship was thrown into the deep end and forced to swim. And I can only pray that this is the beginning of a lasting relationship between me and that family. They are all so precious and my heart is just to serve them, mistakes and all.
Day Seven
Thank You for another day in this life changing adventure You’ve brought me on.
I spent some precious time with the mother of the home today. It was such a precious time. Her mother recently passed away like 2 weeks ago. So she was sharing with me what the Lord had done in her heart and the victories she’s faced since. It was so encouraging. Merci mon Dieu pour ton coeur. And thank You for the encouragement she had for me about my family and my situation. I love it when older women speak into my life like that. It drove me to spend sometime interceding for my family.
Thank You for the plan and purpose You have for my life mon Dieu. I want to trust You more every step of the way.
Day Six
“As iron sharpens iron so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” I am being sharpened by all the people around me. And if you can imagine iron sharpening iron it makes a grating sound and it hurts. The two pieces are grating against each other, they’re chipping away at each other, removing all the rough bits. And it hurts but it produces a sharpness that could not come any other way.
Home cell was amazing tonight. Again the theme of restoration and rebuilding came up. And Lord thank You for showing me that in order for a real and lasting work to take place in my heart, I need to be real with the family I’m staying with. I need to just be myself and take down those protective walls I so easily put up when I’m in a vulnerable situation. Thank You for the sister who prayed over me and her heart of encouragement for me. I was truly blessed.
And the amazing dinner we had and all the people who came over was such a wonderful end to a wonderful day!
Day Five
Today, the girl in the family had to go to Port Louis for her driving test so me and another girl went with her. While she had her test, we shopped around. I got some good deals which I was very happy about! The driving test was passed and everyone was very happy! We went back home and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. And then in the evening, I went to the prayer meeting in Curepipe and it was amazing. Again the Lord spoke to me about how He was restoring me and someone fully prayed about the restoring work of the Lord in our lives! What sweet confirmation.
By the time we got home I was starving! And of course dinner was absolutely amazing! I think someone’s going to have to roll me back to Zimbabwe at this rate! Ha.
My challenge today was “set your mind on things above, not on things on earth.” And I pray that may be my challenge everyday forever. Because we live in the world sometimes we don’t realise how set our minds are on the things of this world. Especially concerning things like money, holidays, cars, houses, clothes, education etc. I need to guard my heart against being attached to the things of this world. On my own I cannot do this, but the Spirit who lives in me enables me and strengthens me. Lord please keep my heart open to You!
Monday, 6 December 2010
Day four
This morning was church in Trianon. Once a month all the ctmi churches around Mauritius gather together for a special service. And it certainly was a special service! Miki was sharing on getting the victory over what the enemy has stolen from us. It was so apt to what I'm going through. And again the Lord spoke to me about restoring the years the locusts had eaten away. The Lord has brought me here to restore me and build me up again in Him. I know it's not going to be easy but I am excited to see what the He does.
After church, we had an amazing lunch outside! It was roast chicken with potatoes and les legumes whose name I don't remember right now but they were amazing!
Then we played a card game called "onze" which is French for "eleven." It was fun!
In the evening, we went to a lovely Chinese restaurant with another family. The family I'm staying with was giving thanks because 2 weeks before I came, their granny had died. And everyone was so supportive so they just wanted to say thank you with a nice meal. It was beautiful to hear how they've become closer because of it and how they want it to remain this way. It was so wonderful to be a part of that.
I'm finding it really hard to establish relationships with the family. The language is so difficile pour moi. Mais I must keep trying and putting myself out there. Lord please help me and strengthen me to be a blessing.
"Soldiers are made in times of battle."
After church, we had an amazing lunch outside! It was roast chicken with potatoes and les legumes whose name I don't remember right now but they were amazing!
Then we played a card game called "onze" which is French for "eleven." It was fun!
In the evening, we went to a lovely Chinese restaurant with another family. The family I'm staying with was giving thanks because 2 weeks before I came, their granny had died. And everyone was so supportive so they just wanted to say thank you with a nice meal. It was beautiful to hear how they've become closer because of it and how they want it to remain this way. It was so wonderful to be a part of that.
I'm finding it really hard to establish relationships with the family. The language is so difficile pour moi. Mais I must keep trying and putting myself out there. Lord please help me and strengthen me to be a blessing.
"Soldiers are made in times of battle."
Day Three
Ahhhh allergies! I think I slept for a total of 3 hours last night. I couldn't breathe very well and that made me panic and made it even worse. I prayed but still felt really tight. Then I asked my roomie to pray with me and I felt so much better. Well, then we were up early because the church was holding a "marche en pousse" (flea market) in the area and we were going to help. I ended up doing face painting for the kids and I really enjoyed that. It was a long day especially considering my lack of sleep the night before. But we had a lovely day and I had some authetic Mauritian food - Ferratta which is a kind of savoury pancake with a curry filling... SO good! And I got some good deals too. All in all the church made about Rs50,000 which is excellent considering it was all second hand stuff. Praise be to God!
We had a lovely fish curry that evening and started to watch a movie but I was too tired to watch all of it.
Today I learnt to serve not even when it hurts but especially when it hurts and to do it in the Spirit with a smile :) Very character building, I'll say.
Bonne nuit!
We had a lovely fish curry that evening and started to watch a movie but I was too tired to watch all of it.
Today I learnt to serve not even when it hurts but especially when it hurts and to do it in the Spirit with a smile :) Very character building, I'll say.
Bonne nuit!
Day Two
So I woke up today really refreshed and ready for the day! There's a lovely breakfast table outside the kitchen under a litchi tree and those of you who know me will know I love having breakfast outside. We had fresh baguettes with an array of spreads and fruits - so good!
I spent the morning relaxing and reading. I had a wonderful time in the Word and the Lord really spoke something to my heart. All the stuff I'm experiencing now; all the emotions and heartache caused by seemingly small things is suffering I must endure to produce character in me. If I have a problem with someone or something and I immediately go to them and tell them my problem, there's a lack of maturity there. I need to go to the Lord first and hide myself in Him and ask Him to show me His perspective on the situation. And when I do that He will give me a heart for that person, He will help me to see them as He sees them and sooner or later what seemed like such a big issue earlier will become trivial. We get upset or annoyed with people because we don't carry God's heart for them, but when we ask God to give us that heart, He does something powerful in our hearts. And that's not to say we should never address any issues, but rather wait on the Lord about it before we address people.
At our ladies meeting 2 weeks ago a sister had shared on this and I was really touched and repentant of all the times I had put my hand in someone else's life without a good heart towards them. But at the time I didn't realise that the Lord was preparing me for this time when I would have to deal with many situations where I want to say something and the Spirit just stops me and reminds me to go to the throne of grace FIRST. I'm learning and I definitely haven't "arrived" nor will I ever but I love the growth that takes place in my life.
In the afternoon we went for ice cream with 2 children we were babysitting and some other young ladies in the church. It was such a sweet time of fellowship. Then we went home and I made banoffee pie with the children! Then we climbed onto the roof (the view was amazing - perfect for star gazing!) and got some litchies. And by the time bed rolled round I was shattered!
Merci mon Dieu pour un autre jour!
I spent the morning relaxing and reading. I had a wonderful time in the Word and the Lord really spoke something to my heart. All the stuff I'm experiencing now; all the emotions and heartache caused by seemingly small things is suffering I must endure to produce character in me. If I have a problem with someone or something and I immediately go to them and tell them my problem, there's a lack of maturity there. I need to go to the Lord first and hide myself in Him and ask Him to show me His perspective on the situation. And when I do that He will give me a heart for that person, He will help me to see them as He sees them and sooner or later what seemed like such a big issue earlier will become trivial. We get upset or annoyed with people because we don't carry God's heart for them, but when we ask God to give us that heart, He does something powerful in our hearts. And that's not to say we should never address any issues, but rather wait on the Lord about it before we address people.
At our ladies meeting 2 weeks ago a sister had shared on this and I was really touched and repentant of all the times I had put my hand in someone else's life without a good heart towards them. But at the time I didn't realise that the Lord was preparing me for this time when I would have to deal with many situations where I want to say something and the Spirit just stops me and reminds me to go to the throne of grace FIRST. I'm learning and I definitely haven't "arrived" nor will I ever but I love the growth that takes place in my life.
In the afternoon we went for ice cream with 2 children we were babysitting and some other young ladies in the church. It was such a sweet time of fellowship. Then we went home and I made banoffee pie with the children! Then we climbed onto the roof (the view was amazing - perfect for star gazing!) and got some litchies. And by the time bed rolled round I was shattered!
Merci mon Dieu pour un autre jour!
Day One
I arrived at the Mauritian airport at about 1545. I was exhausted but curious and excited.
My host met me at the airport and I experienced my first awkward cultural moment went she went to kiss me on either cheek when I was just going for a hug! You've just got to love cultural differences! Later I discovered that the men are free to do that too. That's been a bit of a challenge sometimes but when I feel very comfortable, I just extend my hand instead.
We arrived at the house and I was shown to my room for the next month. I'm sharing a room with a lovely young girl from South Africa. She's my age and the Lord works mightly in and through her. She has such a love for the Lord, His Word, the truth, the church and serving. I can tell the Lord has much for me to learn from her.
The family I'm staying with is Mauritian and the dad is the pastor of one of the churches here. They are such a real family. There's 2 other young people who live with them too plus they have 2 of their own children and now they're hosting me. Their such open people and I looking forward to learning from them and sharing my life with them.
The language barrier is a little frustrating. Everyone in the house can speak English but they prefer to speak in French. Sometimes I just sit and watch them talk. I get some words here and there but for the most part I'm LOST! I'm sure with time, I'll start to pick up more! I didn't do four years of French in school for nothing.
We had a great meal tonight. One of the young guys that lives here made it. It was rice with a lovely chicken casserole. There was a lot of excitement too because the dad had just had a grand opening for something he'd designed/built and Princess Anne was there. Him and his wife got to meet her!
By the time bed time came, I was shattered! Thank You Lord for bringing me here safely! I know You brought me all this way for the reason and I'm excited to see what You want to expose in me and what You birth in me. My heart is in Your hands, please mould it and shape it into what You want it to be.
Bonne Nuit!
My host met me at the airport and I experienced my first awkward cultural moment went she went to kiss me on either cheek when I was just going for a hug! You've just got to love cultural differences! Later I discovered that the men are free to do that too. That's been a bit of a challenge sometimes but when I feel very comfortable, I just extend my hand instead.
We arrived at the house and I was shown to my room for the next month. I'm sharing a room with a lovely young girl from South Africa. She's my age and the Lord works mightly in and through her. She has such a love for the Lord, His Word, the truth, the church and serving. I can tell the Lord has much for me to learn from her.
The family I'm staying with is Mauritian and the dad is the pastor of one of the churches here. They are such a real family. There's 2 other young people who live with them too plus they have 2 of their own children and now they're hosting me. Their such open people and I looking forward to learning from them and sharing my life with them.
The language barrier is a little frustrating. Everyone in the house can speak English but they prefer to speak in French. Sometimes I just sit and watch them talk. I get some words here and there but for the most part I'm LOST! I'm sure with time, I'll start to pick up more! I didn't do four years of French in school for nothing.
We had a great meal tonight. One of the young guys that lives here made it. It was rice with a lovely chicken casserole. There was a lot of excitement too because the dad had just had a grand opening for something he'd designed/built and Princess Anne was there. Him and his wife got to meet her!
By the time bed time came, I was shattered! Thank You Lord for bringing me here safely! I know You brought me all this way for the reason and I'm excited to see what You want to expose in me and what You birth in me. My heart is in Your hands, please mould it and shape it into what You want it to be.
Bonne Nuit!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)