happy photo!

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/panda-babies-have-the-cute-market-cornered-20110928-1kwux.html

This photo made my day!

A love that does not change...

                               

God is often described in the Bible as the One who never forsakes us. In Jeremiah 31:37, God says that He would reject His people only "if the Heavens above could be measured." (which they cannot be). God never leaves us, He never rejects us, He is always there for us. 

 "The people of Zion said,

   "The LORD has turned away

   and forgotten us."

    The LORD answered,

   "Could a mother forget her nursing child

   and not have compassion for her own infant?
Even if a mother could forget,

  I will never forget you.

   I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,

    You are continually in my thoughts."

 Isaiah 49:14-16

http://www.linkwitzlab.com/orion_challenge.htm

Monday Manna Promises

Some of my favourite promises from the Bible (some old, some new):


"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro the whole earth to show Himself strong in the behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9


"For the weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of this world but are mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4


"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James 1:12


"For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." Isaiah 51:3




image: http://wordlesstech.com/2011/03/12/perfect-rainbow/

the pursuit of Happiness

I have a very humble garden on my balcony. The other day I was transfixed by the beauty of this lavender flower. Despite many many blessings in my life, I often allow little things to rob me of joy and get me depressed, irritated, anxious or stressed. My friend Anna J got a phrase stuck in my mind a while ago- "Attitude of Gratitude!" and I've been repeating it to myself as a cure for whenever I feel tempted to complain. Here are my favourite happiness quotes:

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. 
-Rabindranath Tagore


Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.
 -Leo Tolstoy.


The only way to avoid being miserable is not to have enough leisure to wonder whether you are happy or not.  ~George Bernard Shaw


Happiness is not having what you want. It is wanting what you have. – Unknown


"Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full." John 16:24


The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.  ~Mark Twain


"The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Here's a photo of a little person that gives me great joy. Photo (and chook) courtesy of my sister.

Monday Manna on Money

I had buyers regret last week after buying something online. Or rather, as I read an article about the situation in Somalia, God's Spirit whispered to me, "Did you really need to buy that?" Hmm, the concept of need/necessity can be pretty subjective! Would you believe it, I struggled for a day and a half on this issue before returning the item. I could have given some other money to charity and kept my prized item of clothing but then I would just be giving out of my abundance rather than actually sacrificing for someone else. I don't think I've ever had to sacrifice for someone else! So the problem wasn't the money, it was my heart- God knew that at that moment, I cared more about that item of clothing (and how awesome I would feel wearing it) then about the kids in Somalia. God loves us too much to let us live a small, selfish life. I know that if He left me to myself, I would devote all of my time and money to making myself comfortable in this life, trying to have all the fun I can and just pursuing my own interests and goals. But God has much bigger, longer-lasting dreams for us! I guess we need an eternal perspective...

"Money has great value, because it can do great good. In the hands of God's children it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, and clothing for the naked. It is a defense for the oppressed and a means of help to the sick. But money is of no more value than sand, only as it is put to use in providing for the necessities [necessities!there's that word again!] of our life, in blessing others, and advancing the cause of Christ." -Christ's Object Lessons.

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. Command those who are rich in this present age not to be proud, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Timothy 6 excerpts...

P.s. How rich are you? Check out your salary compared to everyone else. http://www.globalrichlist.com/

Monday Manna on a Tuesday- Faithfulness

"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines... " Song of Solomon 2:15

"Those who neglect the little things will not be prepared to endure severe tests when they are brought to bear upon them. Remember that character building is not finished til life ends. Every day a good or a bad brick is placed in the structure."- E. White

Likewise, it is faithfulness in the little mundane things of life that can bring us great happiness. Faithfulness not just in doing the duties we have been given but also in showing kindness and compassion to whoever we interact with (particularly family). These little acts of faithfulness, "... help make up the sum of life’s happiness; and the neglect of these little things makes up the sum of life’s bitterness and sorrow."

"We cannot always do great things but we can do small things with great love." Mother Teresa.

"He who is faithful in the little things will be faithful in the big things..." Luke 16:10

Be faithful in all that God has given to you! Time, money, the people in your life, your health, your talents, your soul.

image: illustration by Jean de La Fontaine

Self-Discipline

Written on a billboard that I drove past last week...

"The pain of self-discipline is less than the pain of regret."

I admire (and am confounded by) the determination of athletes, who endure pain and deprivation to reach their goal. Cadel Evans once completed a stage of the Tour de France with a broken elbow (or arm or whatever it was). I would not even dream of riding up such ridiculously steep inclines!! 


Paul says: "Everyone who competes in the games is self-disciplined in all things. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:25

I'm not so good at self-discipline. However, it doesn't matter if there are certain admirable character traits that we lack (either by nature or because of our past choices) because God gives us a new character as a spiritual gift. When we allow Him to lead us by His Spirit, we receive the fruit of the Spirit also... "love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, humility, self-control and faith." (Galatians 5:22, 23).

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons and daughters of God." Romans 8:14

The gift of the Holy Spirit is a blessing that brings with it all other blessings. 


image: http://www.heleneyoung.com/2011/07/never-give-up/