Off He Goes

This is as much as Tom would let me post of him on any social media...he tells me I'm 'cringe'. Bless me.

Today is another momentous milestone in our house.... the next to go off to school albeit college for the first time since he was 5 and a half. I shouldn't have to tell you that I was more than nervous and cried after he left this morning. I mean I wouldn't be me if I didn't. Tom looked happy enough, a little nervous but happy enough as he left with a couple of mates on their first day too. He doesn't have to walk far just across the road which I'm sure will play to his advantage when he sleeps in!

We are blessed really...to have faith in an amazing God. To have the power, strength and protection of the God Almighty. I prayed this morning for him and all the other kids nervously but excitedly starting school...any school. This is the generation that will be mighty in strength and passion to change the world. I firmly believe that. And we us parents get to guide them, love them, encourage them and equip them to do so. I also believe that it's no accident that God has moved us here across the road from the college.... it's a mission field all on its own! God is good.

"Make your tents larger!

Spread out the tent pegs;

fasten them firmly.

You and your descendants

will take over the land of other nations.

You will settle in towns that are now in ruins." - Is 54: 2-3

Just some questions

After a precious encounter with a beautiful mama yesterday these questions have been playing on my mind. What or who do others think Christians are? What does it mean when someone says they follow Jesus?

Firstly, a Christian is someone who fully believes that Jesus Christ is the son of God, born as a man, was crucified on a cross for ALL our sins, (past, present and future) and was resurrected into eternal life. That the bible/the Word of God is true and inspired by God Himself. Now that my statement of faith is out of the way.... what does all that mean? What does that life actually look like?

One of my favorite authors @bobgoff shared this this morning and it hit the nail on the head.

"When people ask me what it looks like to follow Jesus, I usually say....dealing with all the disappointments, tremendous joy, uncertainty, everything and having your mind change all the time as you learn how Jesus would of dealt with all those big emotions" Living life as a Christian does not vaccinate you from real life and all that it throws at you. You do not get to live in a bubble. It does not make you perfect, and you still stuff up multiple times... every single day.

Yes, we are called to live a higher life but not as we are better than those who don't follow Jesus but simply put, we are to strive to reflect the love of Christ to the world around us. We are never perfect nor are we going to be this side of heaven. Our kids will never be either...EVER. We still lose the plot, get tired of life's dramas, get sad, angry, stressed, depressed...sometimes we have trouble coping. But still, we rise...rise of the hope and strength that is Christ. We have reassurance, promises, wisdom, discipline and encouragement that is His Word, all wrapped up in His love, mercy and grace.

A word here about being in ministry albeit a pastor and pastors' wife with pastors' kids.... we are facing trials and the ways of the world just like you. The only difference is more people are watching and judging.

Let's pray for each other ah?? Lord knows we all need it!

Nurture & Nourish

Nurture & Nourish

Remember my post about my 'WORD' for this year.... well it turned out to be these two.

Today as I finalized my reflections and wrote out my goals for this year for all things.... personal, family, ministry (@loving_arms_nz), house and relationships. I can see the definite theme of these two words running through them all.

How do feel? I am excited. Such warm, cozy and intimate feelings rise up inside when I read these. Feelings of holding close those things that matter the most....my God, my people, my home, my ministry.... myself. I expect the last might be a wee bit of a challenge. Focusing on myself isn't something I'm crash hot about. Is anyone though?

I took the entire day today to get some work done including setting goals and completing some admin work. Not going to lie it's been tough.... even though I have told everyone to pretend I'm not here.... short story...they can't. I did sit for an hour or so and ate a massive almond croissant and enjoyed a coffee on my own at a local cafe where I ploughed through some it. Perhaps I should have stayed there all day .... I thought I'd share one goal from each category.... Personal - Seek 'Word before World"...always

Family - To be intentional about creating "Family Time" and scheduling it into the calendar.

Ministry - To finish role descriptions for key areas and to release those people to work their magic.

House - To create and maintain clean and organized living spaces.

Relationships - To make the connection with the people in my circle a priority and love on them.

There you have it, just a few. I tell you there is nothing like seeing what you want written down on paper to get and keep you motivated. I'm excited.

Do you take time to set yourself up for the year? If so, how?