When some people imagine brotherly love, they think of things like nagging, bothering, teasing... maybe even a poor role model... all those things that the world depicts as the extent of a 'brother-sister relationship'.
What I know to be true, however, is so much more. Aside from the necessary bothering and teasing, which is naturally a big part of our relationship, there is this bond between my brother and I that is stronger than steel. He means the world to me.
If you have met Alex, then you probably know him as this enthusiastic-to-say-the-least, willing-to-do-anything-for-God, not-so-normal kind of guy. You've probably gotten to see him at his finest at camp, or at crossroads. You have maybe even had the privilege of hanging out with him outside these settings. But what you might not know about Alex is that he is also this incredible, strong, devoted brother; a true man of God.
When God made Alex, He was thinking of me (and probably of some other things, too...)
He was thinking of the kind of role model that I would need to keep me grounded, to keep me out of trouble. He was thinking of all the times that I would need someone to rescue me. He was thinking of all of the words of encouragement and wisdom that I would need along my journey - that Alex would deliver. He was thinking of all the times that I would want to talk, and all the times that wouldn't feel like talking at all. He was thinking of the times that I would need a brother, in the truest sense of the word.
Alex, you are more important to me than you will ever know. Your guidance has meant everything to me, even though sometimes I haven't let that on. Your gentle heart makes you such a good role model to me and to everyone you meet. And your willingness to serve God - THAT is what sets you apart.
I love you, Alex. And I miss you heaps.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Monday, 5 December 2011
A Grateful Heart
Here, I have gained a new perspective on relationship. I see the way that the people here interact and grow together, I see the way they are intensely aware of one another’s needs, and I see the way that they honour one another. I see awareness, compassion, and real love.
I am beginning to see through these relationships what it looks like to throw myself into what God has in store for my life. He has given me relationships that speak truth and purpose into my life - ones that nurture and grow my faith and my love for God. They expand my knowledge of Christ, and support me I gain God’s heart for the world and step out in my faith.
I hear God’s voice - I see His character - within each of our relationships. You are so good to me, each in your own right. I want you to know that you mean the world to me. I have found freedom in our openness together. I have found companionship in our love for one another. I have found friendship in our loyalty. I have found family in our familiarity.
You make a difference in my life; a difference, dare I say, that spans the gap between life and death. You hold me accountable, you encourage persistence, and you inspire me to pursue the life that God has for me. You have helped me to become a Woman of God.
You have spoken freedom into my life.
I am, and forever will be, so grateful.
I am beginning to see through these relationships what it looks like to throw myself into what God has in store for my life. He has given me relationships that speak truth and purpose into my life - ones that nurture and grow my faith and my love for God. They expand my knowledge of Christ, and support me I gain God’s heart for the world and step out in my faith.
I hear God’s voice - I see His character - within each of our relationships. You are so good to me, each in your own right. I want you to know that you mean the world to me. I have found freedom in our openness together. I have found companionship in our love for one another. I have found friendship in our loyalty. I have found family in our familiarity.
You make a difference in my life; a difference, dare I say, that spans the gap between life and death. You hold me accountable, you encourage persistence, and you inspire me to pursue the life that God has for me. You have helped me to become a Woman of God.
You have spoken freedom into my life.
I am, and forever will be, so grateful.
Truth
It's been a whirlwind of information and processing concerning lectures in the last four weeks. We have covered Spiritual Warfare, Holy Spirit, Evangelism and Lordship. Our speakers have been incredible, and each very unique.
The teaching that I receive here is different from anything that I was taught in school. EVERYTHING IS APPLICABLE, no matter where you are at. And what is TRUE within this people-focused growing environment is different from what was true in school. What I was learning back home was "true" outside of my life - despite my existence. Like, whether I exist or not, gravity is a truth. But as well as all of those academic truths, I feel like there is a lot more to truth here. There are these extra laws, extra truths: they are constant, like the academic ones, but they are equally adaptable to each individual. What makes them true is my life. Outside of my life, these truths are just words, but because of my life and the lives of others, these truths come alive, and become absolute.
The very best example of this that I can think of is God's love. It is very real, almost tangible... a lot like a force. It is constant, but it is to be experienced in a multitude of ways, and for each individual it looks just a little bit different. Moreover, what makes love true is that it is a gift. It is offered to us as a truth, but what breaths life into that truth is that it is received individually. It's true to begin with, but it's the way that it applies to people that makes it real.
The teaching that I receive here is different from anything that I was taught in school. EVERYTHING IS APPLICABLE, no matter where you are at. And what is TRUE within this people-focused growing environment is different from what was true in school. What I was learning back home was "true" outside of my life - despite my existence. Like, whether I exist or not, gravity is a truth. But as well as all of those academic truths, I feel like there is a lot more to truth here. There are these extra laws, extra truths: they are constant, like the academic ones, but they are equally adaptable to each individual. What makes them true is my life. Outside of my life, these truths are just words, but because of my life and the lives of others, these truths come alive, and become absolute.
The very best example of this that I can think of is God's love. It is very real, almost tangible... a lot like a force. It is constant, but it is to be experienced in a multitude of ways, and for each individual it looks just a little bit different. Moreover, what makes love true is that it is a gift. It is offered to us as a truth, but what breaths life into that truth is that it is received individually. It's true to begin with, but it's the way that it applies to people that makes it real.
Outreach Update
OUTREACH IS IN FOUR WEEKS!!!
In only four weeks time, the lecture phase of my DTS will be over, and we will be heading out to our outreach locations. We are going to BYRON BAY for our first two weeks to work with young adults and to do some networking and evangelism, and then we are off to CAMBODIA. In preparation, my team has been learning about Cambodian culture. We've each been presenting on different topics such as food, family, and political history. As I learn more, Cambodia is finding a significant place in my heart. It's people have a super rich story, they are hard working, and they seem to value life. I can't wait to be immersed in this culture!!
I have been fundraising over the last few weeks, and have raised $2600. This is thanks to some very generous individuals, and to lots of answered prayers. I still need to raise $1400 by december 20th, so keep praying. If you would like to donate, it is pretty easy. Just fill out this form (and send me a quick email to let me know so I can thank you.)
http://ywamnewcastle.com/payment.php
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray about this!! God is so faithful and I can't wait to see Him come through and get me and the rest of my time off to outreach on time!
In only four weeks time, the lecture phase of my DTS will be over, and we will be heading out to our outreach locations. We are going to BYRON BAY for our first two weeks to work with young adults and to do some networking and evangelism, and then we are off to CAMBODIA. In preparation, my team has been learning about Cambodian culture. We've each been presenting on different topics such as food, family, and political history. As I learn more, Cambodia is finding a significant place in my heart. It's people have a super rich story, they are hard working, and they seem to value life. I can't wait to be immersed in this culture!!
I have been fundraising over the last few weeks, and have raised $2600. This is thanks to some very generous individuals, and to lots of answered prayers. I still need to raise $1400 by december 20th, so keep praying. If you would like to donate, it is pretty easy. Just fill out this form (and send me a quick email to let me know so I can thank you.)
http://ywamnewcastle.com/payment.php
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray about this!! God is so faithful and I can't wait to see Him come through and get me and the rest of my time off to outreach on time!
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