the lighthouse

I know all about scars (video)

2009-08-25T23:39:00.002+10:00

This beautiful song touched me so much, I just had to share it as a video. :) Please follow the link bellow, and I hope it encourages you as it does me.

I know all about scars

Oh Lighthouse

2009-08-21T21:26:00.004+10:00

Oh lighthouse, thou my safety
Now guide me onward home
Without your shining beacon
How I would feel alone

Shed your light around me
And never let me fall
The rocks and cliffs to warn me
And guide me to the shore

When I can feel the thunder
And see the lightning’s flash
Shine out brighter than the rest
And bring me safely back

For if I wander very far
From you, my faithful light
I fear to lose my very soul
My day is turned to night

Oh lighthouse, thou my safety
Now guide me onward home
And ever shine your light on me
Lest I shall fall alone

-Lucinda Ramsay

Pineapple slice

2009-08-21T20:21:00.003+10:00

Here's my latest creation - a yummiful pineapple slice!! :) Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Pineapple slice

• 4 T custard powder
• 1 T corn flour
• 2 T Xylitol*
• 2 Cups Soy milk
• 2-3 t imitation vanilla essence (or to taste)
• ½ T maple syrup (or to taste)
• Small tin pineapple pieces (drained)
• Packet of scotch finger biscuits

Mix custard powder, corn flour, and xylitol together with enough soy milk to make a paste. Add remaining milk, and bring to the boil. Once boiling, mixture will thicken very quickly. While still thickening, add vanilla and maple syrup. After mixture has fully thickened (and hard to stir), turn off heat, and leave to cool for a few minutes. Set out biscuits in a medium size baking tin. Add pineapple to custard, stir, and pour over biscuits. Spread out evenly, and set in freezer for 30 minutes or until firm enough to slice.

*Xylitol is a sugar substitute, twice as sweet as ordinary sugar. It is derived from corn and other natural fruit and vegetable sources, and has wonderful health properties, including protection against tooth decay. It is generally available at health food or bulk food stores.

Brighter Day

2009-08-20T22:41:00.001+10:00

Brighter day

Dimming now, the setting sun
The day is finally through
The troubles and trials I faced today
Are vanished into the blue

Each step I took, each cross I bore
They’re all now passed away
And though they felt so hard to take
There dawns a brighter day

Some say tomorrow will be the same
A never ending struggle
But I have faith, and look for hope
Through all my current trouble

Yesterday seemed so hard, I know
Then today my trials were worse
But somewhere, maybe, yes, sometime
My heart cannot be hurt

I’ve fought in many battles
I’ve had to see them through
And to this day I wear the scars
Of what I had to do

If only time could bend and change
I’d go and save myself
But oh, the change it’s made to me
Has been for my good health

Why people fight, and lie and hate
My heart just longs to know
Why did they do these things to me
And those that I love so

But people change and feelings grow
And not always for good
It is the saddest of all truths
I’d fix it if I could

Perhaps through trials I will learn
It’s not always about me
That there is more to life than just
What I can feel and see

If my heart is so easily broken
It shows I need repair
That I must fall upon the Rock
To climb out of despair

The fight will make me stronger
The fire make me clean
The battle scars that I must bear
Remind me where I’ve been

And if you’re sitting somewhere now
Feeling that you’re alone
That you’ve lost everything, and everyone
I’ve known what you have known

Sometimes we face things in our lives
That leave us battered, bruised

And though you may never get over it
My friend, you will get through

Dimming now, the setting sun
Your day is finally through
The troubles and trials you faced today
Are vanished into the blue

Each step you took, each cross you bore
They’re all now passed away
And though they felt so hard to take
There dawns a brighter day

-Lucinda Ramsay

Through the eyes of the blind...

2009-07-10T21:42:00.006+10:00

Gordon Mote is blind - but he can see the world just fine. Infact, personally, I think he sees things better than we can. Watch this youtube vid to see him perform a beautiful song for his wife, "If they could see you through my eyes."

Fashion, trend, social demands; they all force us to shape ourselves into moulds. No matter how well we fit into those moulds, the world is never satisfied with us. There's always something more, new clothes, new hairstyles, new trends...

On the other hand, we have Christ. He is the mould, the only mould, and He never changes. But, unlike the world, He accepts us in whatever form we come, and He moulds us, slowly, patiently, lovingly. He looks beyond our outward appearance, and sees into our hearts, our thoughts, and our characters. If only more of us would close our eyes and try to see people for who they are, not what they seem to be. If only more of us would see through the eyes of the blind.

21 Economic Models Explained

2009-06-30T22:20:00.001+10:00

SOCIALISM
You have 2 cows.
You give one to your neighbor.

COMMUNISM
You have 2 cows.
The State takes both and gives you some milk.

FASCISM
You have 2 cows.
The State takes both and sells you some milk.

NAZISM
You have 2 cows.
The State takes both and shoots you.

BUREAUCRATISM
You have 2 cows.
The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away.

TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM
You have two cows.
You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows.
You sell them and retire on the income.

SURREALISM
You have two giraffes.
The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You sell one and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.
Later, you hire a consultant to analyze why the cow has dropped dead.

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND VENTURE CAPITALISM
You have two cows.
You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows.
The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island company secretly owned by the majority shareholder, who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company.
The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows.
No balance sheet provided with the release.
The public then buys your bull.

A FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike, organize a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk.
You then create a clever cow cartoon image called "Cowkimon" and market it worldwide.

A GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You reengineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows, but you don't know where they are.
You decide to have lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows.
You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION
You have 5,000 cows. None of them belong to you.
You charge the owners for storing them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have 300 people milking them.
You claim that you have full employment and high bovine productivity.
You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation.

AN INDIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You worship them.

A BRITISH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
Both are mad.

AN IRAQI CORPORATION
Everyone thinks you have lots of cows.
You tell them that you have none.
No one believes you, so they bomb the crap out of you and invade your country.
You still have no cows, but at least you are now a democracy.

AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
Business seems pretty good.
You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate.

A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION
You have two cows.
The one on the left looks very attractive.

Like birds in a cage

2009-05-29T23:25:00.001+10:00

A boy was walking happily across the street. In his hand he tightly held a small, rusty bird cage which contained three, tiny, frightened little birds. As they huddled together in fear, the boy shook the cage more and more as he walked. Halfway through the street a man stopped him and asked "what are you doing with those birds?" The boy answered "I'm going to have fun with them!" The man asked "what are you going to do to them?" "First I'm going to pull all their feathers off, then make them fight each other, and have all sorts of fun with them", replied the child. "Then what?" "Oh, that's easy - I've got some cats that would love them for dinner!" Rather horrified, the man asked "how much would you want for me to take those birds from you? $10?" "Well, ok..." said the boy. "But you really don't want those birds. They're only ugly little things, and really no good to you." The lad took the money, not understanding why the man wanted the ugly little creatures. The man lovingly found a nearby park with plenty of trees and bush, and set the birds free. Joyfully they escaped the cage that had them terrified for their lives, ever so grateful to the kind stranger who bought them to set them free........

.....Gleefully, Satan looked over the earth. "It's all mine now", he thought. "And boy am I going to have fun with them!" Jesus looked down in pity for the sorrowful creatures, captured in Satans cage. Inquiring, He asked "what are you going to do with them?" "Why," responded Satan, "I'm going to teach them to fight, and kill, I'll teach them to fornicate, and do everything evil I can invent." "Then what?", asked Jesus. "Why, that's easy - I'm going to kill them." With a tear in His eye, Jesus asked "How much would you want for Me to have them?" "Those sorry little creatures?" asked Satan. "What on earth would You want them for? They'll only hate You, mock You, and eventually kill You." "How much?", He again asked. "Well, if You really want them, You'll have to pay Your blood, tears, and life." "Done!", said Jesus. Satan laughed as He watched Jesus pay the promised price, thinking He'd won it all. But lovingly, Jesus paid the price, took us home, and set us free.

Are we as thankful as the little birds?

A reason for it all

2009-05-25T10:09:00.001+10:00

I've seen hard times and I've been told
There isn't any wonder that I fall
Why do we suffer, crossing off the years
There must be a reason for it all

I've trusted in You, Jesus, to save me from my sin
Heaven is the place I call my home
But I keep on getting caught up in this world I'm living in
And Your voice it sometimes fades before I know

Hurtin' brings my heart to You, crying with my need
Depending on Your love to carry me
The love that shed His blood for all the world to see
This must be the reason for it all

Hurtin' brings my heart to You, a fortress in the storm
When what I wrap my heart around is gone
I give my heart so easily to the ruler of this world
When the one who loves me most will give me all

In all the things that cause me pain You give me eyes to see
I do believe but help my unbelief
I've seen hard times and I've been told
There is a reason for it all

2009-05-22T22:04:00.001+10:00

Taken from "My Princess" by Sheri Rose Shepherd (a daily devotional for women)

I am the Master potter, and you are the clay. I know your desire is to be shaped by me - to be used by Me. That is what I created you for - to be a vessel of honour. I want to fill you up with My love, My hope, My blessing, and pour you out to quench a thirsty world.

Even on those days when you feel broken and empty, I can still use you - as long as you are firmly held in My grasp.

I chose you because you have seen your own brokenness and have given every shattered piece to Me. No one can become a vessel of honour by sitting tall and pretty - filled to the brim with pride and self-confidence. Don't be afraid to empty yourself of what you think is valuable, and let Me fill you up with what is invaluable. Let Me hold you. Let Me fill you. Let Me pour out My blessings through you, and you will experience overflowing joy as My vessel of honour.
Love,
Your King and your Creator

The test

2009-05-20T09:15:00.002+10:00

John Blanchard stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way through Grand Central Station. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn't, the girl with the rose. His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin. The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind. In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner's name, Miss Hollis Maynell. With time and effort he located her address. She lived in New York City. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond. The next day he was shipped overseas for service in World War II. During the next year and one month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A romance was budding. Blanchard requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn't matter what she looked like. When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting - 7:00 PM at the Grand Central Station in New York. "You'll recognize me," she wrote, "by the red rose I'll be wearing on my lapel." So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he'd never seen. I'll let Mr. Blanchard tell you what happened:

A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose. As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. "Going my way, sailor?" she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl. A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes. The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her. This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be grateful. I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment. "I'm Lieutenant John Blanchard, and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?" The woman's face broadened into a tolerant smile. "I don't know what this is about, son," she answered, "but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should go and tell you that she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!" It's not difficult to understand and admire Miss Maynell's wisdom. The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive.

Updates

2009-05-08T19:50:00.003+10:00

Ok, so, for those of you who might sticky-beak here now and then, I'm sorry I've been so lazy. I kinda have a few excuses. :P

A.) We've got a place, finally, and have been moving in... converting two places into one isn't easy, believe me.

B.) We went camping!! :) Update on that soon...

C.) My boss has offered me a traineeship doing Cert II Hospitality - Food prep and customer relations - a fancy name for "waitress" :P But, it's a 1 year TAFE course, and it'll start me off in the hospitality industry if I choose to go onto Cert IV and become a chef... something I see very likely to happen. :)

So, camp!

We were blessed with messages from Pastor Bill Hughes again .... He's so lovely, and such a Godly man. :)

I was in charge of the youth class... though, not a whole lot went right. Maybe I was too tired? Or maybe they just find me too boring now .. lol..

Of course, we could always rely on our cameraman no.2 for both great video footage, and never-failing papparazzi work. ;)

The Giggles always provided us a smile ;)

And we had 5 beautiful baptisms (two below)

Ben always provided me perfect hilarious photo opportunities .... I don't know why ... he's just so good at it :P I never let the moment slip either ^_^

The beautiful item Gary and Ebony presented - How Deep the Father's Love for Us

Ooopp... there he is again :P (yes, I AM a papperazzi... mwahahahhaha)

Ok, so, the rare one I'll put on of me... we were all gathering around to watch the slideshow Tim had made of our wedding photos.. :)

Sorry dude, had to use this one :D

Laugh, Emily. I know you can't help yourself :P

Yay! A nice photo of us to finish on :) ... sorta... took a few attempts lol.

Maybe more soon... if I get the inclination ;P

Approved

2009-04-20T21:08:00.003+10:00

Well it's official... after months of looking and applying, WE HAVE A HOUSE! It's a 4 bedroom place with two living areas, dogs are fine, there's a vegie garden in the backyard, and it even backs onto a nature reserve - where Glen and I happened to have our first date. ;) It's so amazing!!!

We're signing the lease tomorrow, and can start moving in any time from then, so I'll grab some shots of it to upload soon. :)

"God is faithful to you
in little things
in big things
in all things."
-Ray Lessin

Simply Beautiful

2009-04-14T23:09:00.002+10:00

As a teenage woman in today's society, I, like anyone, find the pull to the world rather strong. Makeup, jewelry, fashion - it's like a magnet. And often times it makes me feel so left out, so different, so strange to be different. Sometimes it even makes me feel unattractive. But I'm reminded again and again that our adornment isn't to be outward, but inward. If our inward adornment comes first, then everyone will see something different about us. I hope for any of my sisters that struggle with these same problems this song will be an inspiration.

~Simply Beautiful~

Sittin’ in a crowd, the silence is so loud
The difference can’t be explained
The girls in their array keep on staring my way
And silently I sit in pain
But then I hear a voice calling me and say
You’re beautiful in every way

Chorus
You’re beautiful, simply beautiful
The twinkle in your eyes lights a million hearts each night
You’re beautiful, simply beautiful
Without the world’s array you live pure in God’s way
And that makes you beautiful

Sitting in a church the heart inside me hurts
With everything I’ve got I kneel and pray
“Lord You see in me, the sins that no one sees
How do I get through each day?”
But then I hear His voice calling me and say
I will strengthen you in every way

(Repeat Chorus)

And finally comes the day I’m dressed in my array
I’m waiting inside my room
Anticipation builds, the nervousness I feel
As I’m waiting for my groom
And as I walk down the aisle I hear him say
“You’re beautiful to me in every way”

(Repeat Chorus)

My lifesaver

2009-04-13T21:48:00.002+10:00

I have to share this story... It happened to me yesterday while camping, and I'm not sure if I'll ever forget it... I hope you receive the same spiritual lesson from it as I did.

For anyone not familiar with recent weather patterns, it's been raining a rather large amount in our area lately, more than enough for the creek water to be up when we went camping this weekend. It was beauty to our eyes, and only one thing on our minds - white water rafting! The boys tested the smaller rapids on Thursday as I cooked up dinner - it was a little too cold for me this afternoon, and probably good, as the water was a little dangerous. But with the following morning came a foot or two less water. So, being a bit safer but still fun, I gladly followed the boys in the truck to our destination. Loads of fun, and well worth the chillingly cold water that made it impossible to feel any limbs upon return to land.

So, after so much fun two days previous, we decided to try again, and still further upstream - say a good two hours "float" from camp. As we make our decent from the bridge into water, we realise that just up ahead is a huge log across the water leaving little gap to float underneath. Wayne and Joe take the lead, with Ashlyn close behind, and Glen and myself taking the rear. Everyone gets under fine, then I reach the log. With a split second, I crash into it, flip backwards, struggle for a quick breath, and am pushed under. I emerge the other side of the log, a little shaken up, but nothing much to worry about. I jump back on, and we're off and racing again.

We continue on for another 20 minutes or so, until we reach another rapids - seemingly the same as the last few we've gone through. But as we enter it, Ashlyn is pushed to the right, slammed into a large branch, and flipped off her tube - still managing to continue down safely without it. However, without any time to stop, I too am slammed into the branch, flipped over, and pushed under water. Sadly, I'm not as lucky to continue without my tube safely. Having been pushed backwards and flipped over, I continue to do summersaults through the waist deep water, hitting each rock and branch as I go. Barely able to catch some breath, I scream for help, but what can they do? Even I can't get myself upright...

I honestly can't remember how I stopped myself - perhaps I didn't. After tumbling a few times, the next thing I remember is standing up and holding onto a huge log, Glen floating passed me. Thinking my help is gone, I start feeling terrified. But, with determination, he stands, turns, and _walks through the rapids back to me_. I can barely stand, and wonder how he can walk. He walks behind me, breaking the current for me to be able to slowly get to the bank. There I sit, shake, and cry. I'd never been so terrified. The feeling of being pushed through rushing water, with absolutely no control, and struggling to grab some breath - I just can't write it.

Wayne and Joe make their way back through the bush to find us still sitting on the bank. Convincing me that the quickest way back to camp is through the water, I slowly climb back in the tube, trusting that Glen has control of it. With Wayne leading the safe way down, I kick off and follow, hardly daring to look where I go. Glen follows close behind, while losing air from his own tube. It's not long before he has to share mine, as we hobble home through the water.

With fear of being pulled backwards, I nearly screamed as Glen tried to jump on the back of it. So for my safety, he simply held on to the back, which meant he exposed the lower half of his body to the dangerous rocks as we travelled through the rapids. It seemed he came out with more bruises and bumps than I did.

What seemed an eternity later, we came to another spot with a huge log, but no room to go under it. To get through, you would have to stop at the log, climb over, and keep going, all through terribly fast moving water. Too terrified to face it, I begged Glen to walk me around the bank through this spot, which he agreed to. However, we stopped and waited to watch the others go down. Wayne went down first, slammed into the log, and went under. I literally started crying as I saw him finally emerge, bleeding from his head. I felt like I was in a nightmare - though, I'm sure my fear made things feel a million times worse than it truly was. We made our way to the bank, and to what felt like peaceful safety.

Fastforwarding through more water, we eventually got off near camp, and walked home. I asked Glen to finish the trip with the guys, and I would walk home. Still he wouldn't leave my side, always walking in front of me to make sure of my safety. I'd never felt so terrified in my life as when I was in that water, but never so safe as when Glen was leading me. Walking back, I started thinking of the events that had happened, and the Spiritual significance...

Life can be likened to the water. It has its calms and its rapids, its deeps and its shallows, its wides and its narrows. At some point in our lives, we come to a "rapid". This can hold temptation, trial, sorrow, or anything that tears us from God. We fight against it, but it's useless, the pull is too strong, and eventually it takes us with it in whatever direction it chooses. We fall off our raft of safety and into the cold dark waters. We stumble and tumble, we trip and we fall, and often will hit against the many rocks life throws on our path. These are our mistakes, our shortcomings. Somehow, we manage to stand for just enough time to call for help. Thinking our last hope has just floated away, we despair and think all is lost. But, Christ leaves His comfortable place in heaven, His safety, and comes to where we are. He walks the distance we can't, and breaks the tide for us so we can walk to safety. He walks the path before us, and bears the pain to lessen ours. We make it to the bank, and realise our weakness, and cry. We see the bruises in our flesh, and the pain in our hearts, and fear going any further. But He whispers "it's the only way to safety." Pulling together our broken pieces, and trying once again, we make it down slowly, limping home, back to where we should never have left. But this time, we're not alone. Every step of the way He's right there leading us. He's the One behind and before, taking all the bangs, all the pain, all the bruises. He bore the pain so we don't have to. He never leaves our side, not even for a moment, cause His first priority is our safety, no matter the cost. He doesn't let go until we're home safely, and even then, He still bears the marks that remind us both of what we've gone through together.

It seems like our hearts are broken, just as, right now, my body is bruised and sore. But what we never realise is how much Christ took for us, and the pain He bore to keep us safe and afloat. If only I realised more what both my earthly, and heavenly guardians bear for me - I'd probably complain much less.

It mightn't seem like much, but to me it felt like life and death - and a lesson I'll never forget.

Rope

2009-04-08T10:03:00.002+10:00

Glen was watching a doco last night while I was on the computer... I wasn't paying much attention to it, but suddenly got a little interested when they tested different "ropes".

One girl made a rope purely from hair, braided together. She would interlock the next lot of hair with the previous, and thus made it long enough to climb down a building.

Another guy made a rope purely of toilet paper! Toilet paper, the weakest possible thing to create a "rope" from. He did the same process of braiding and interlocking.

Would this ever work? Well, they tested both ropes by climbing down this building with them, and both worked! They supported the weight of the person relying on them, and didn't break under the strain, even though all odds seemed against them.

I was thinking about the Spiritual lesson in this. Always thinking of a rope as our faith, I got to thinking how some of us have the least faith, the smallest hope, the weakest rope.. but as long as that rope is anchored in Christ, it doesn't matter how weak it appears to be, it won't break under the pressure. Some of us have true ropes, made from the strongest of materials - perhaps these of us are the ones who have faced trials and tribulations and come through the better. Others are made of 'hair', a fairly strong substance, but never imagined for such a task. These are those of us who have silent faith, never seen to anyone - a silent strength built for the task. And some of us have 'paper' ropes - the ones who have faced trial, and fallen. The ones who have backsliden, who seem to have nothing left. But yet, when faced with the challenge, meet it with every strength they have, and come through the victor.

Never judge a person by their faith. They may seem hopeless, lost, and wavering in their beliefs. They may be ready to throw everything in, and feel they've lost it all. But if they give it one last try, you might just be surprised. Perhaps, even, that person is you?

These walls won't hold much longer

2009-04-06T08:56:00.000+10:00

Ok, so I'm feeling pretty low tonight ... so, here's a really positive poem - might make me feel a bit more confident? ^_^

These walls won't hold much longer

These walls won't hold much longer
For soon I will break free
No longer will you see my image
But you'll see Christ through me

These prison bars contain no threat
I have full con-fi-dence
For there is living fire inside
God's given another chance

The roof, its just not high enough
To contain me when I soar
For I have set my goal at heaven
And nothing less or more

The world, its just not big enough
To contain my joy inside
I've finally found a friend at last
A Rock in which to hide

The ocean's just not deep enough
To express the greatest worth
Of treasures God has given me
Far greater than that of earth

For now I wait in patience
Until my lesson's learnt
Until God says I'm ready
And my reward I've earnt

But soon I'll show the world
Of all He's given me
These walls won't hold much longer
For soon I will break free

Thai Vegie Stir-fry

2009-03-28T17:54:00.002+11:00

Due to popular request, here's my recipe for Thai stir-fry ... if you do it right, it tastes quite authentic.

Serves 4-5

Vegies:
1-2 broccoli heads, cut into small flowerets
2-3 carrots, julienned
½ bunch shallots cut into 2 inch strips
Dozen beans, headed + tailed, cut into 2 inch strips
Dozen snow peas, headed, tailed + stringed
2 medium onions, halved and sliced into ½ cm thickness
1 large red capsicum, julienned
4-5 mushrooms, quartered
¼ sugarloaf cabbage, cut into large chunks
400-500gms hard stir-fry tofu, cubed, fried

Flavourings:
Dark soy sauce
Chilli relish (Asian section of supermarket)
Sesame oil
“Thai Basil and Garlic stir fry sauce”
Water
Granulated garlic
Fresh basil leaves
Cashew nuts
Fresh chopped chilli (optional)

In a large wok or frying pan, heat a little oil on highest temp. setting until nearly smoking. Take ¼ of all vegies and add to fry pan, except for mushrooms and tofu. Keep stirring vegies while adding a small amount of dark soy, a few drops of sesame oil, 1 t chilli relish, 1 t basil stir-fry paste, granulated garlic to taste, and a small amount of water. Cook and stir until vegies look fairly cooked, and add tofu, mushrooms, cashew nuts, basil leaves, and fresh chilli. Stir through, and serve immediately.

Top with fresh bean sprouts, and serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles.

Repeat process for remaining ¾ of ingredients.

"Stand your ground, you're being tried"

2009-03-27T23:24:00.000+11:00

Are problems closing all around
And heartache heard in every sound?
Do you wish for peace but all breaks loose?
Is the world closing in, around on you?

There's no escape, you think thats it
Your entire world just falls to bits
But from the distance you hear a cry
“Stand your ground, you're being tried”

Are battle scars now deeply set?
Your rivers of tears make all things wet?
The sun is setting on the battle field
You feel you've lost and ready to yield

Commander not found, but He is there
You offer up one final prayer
And from the distance you hear the reply
“Stand your ground, you're being tried”

Your family is all but fallen apart
And with each fight it tears your heart
There seems no reconciliation here
As you shed another silent tear

The very last friend you seem to own
Has now left you to suffer a broken home
But from the distance you hear the cry
“Stand your ground, you're being tried”

With childhood gone you face the teens
And life is closing in it seems
Confusion is beginning to set on in
What's happened to where your life begins?

But growing, you're learning the lesson here
It won't be long, so have no fear
You're only young and facing life
So “stand your ground, you're being tried”

Ill health has come to ail you
The sky is gray, no longer blue
Why would God have permitted this?
Its just unfair, thats all it is

You wish to die, as it seems the way
To end your suffering of present day
But death is only what fools would try
You must “stand your ground, you're being tried”

This life is trying, and full of pain
There comes a new trial with each new day
But tears of joy will flow as much
As tears of pain, sorrow, and such

There's beauty in flowers, and not just thorns
Your heart may be healed, where once it was torn
Life's burden is heavy, I can't deny
But “stand your ground, you're being tried”

When life is nearing its final end
Don't be sad and gloomy friend
There's much more left after setting sun
Your life in God has just begun

Stay firm and true until the day
The saints are raised from earthly graves
See the present as temporary life
“Stand your ground, you're being tried”

Whenever you feel like giving in
To sorrow, temptation, or some loved sin
Don't give up, there's another day
Fall to your knees, my friend, and pray

“Lord, I'm sick of all my woes
Trial follows where ever I go
But all my needs You have supplied,
So I'll stand my ground, I'm being tried

-Lucinda Ramsay

"I Am"

2009-03-27T23:15:00.001+11:00

I AM

I was regretting the past
and fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
"My name is I AM"

He paused.
I waited. He continued,
"When you live in the past
with its mistakes and regrets,
it is hard. I am not there.
My name is not I WAS.

When you live in the future,
with its problems and fears,
it is hard. I am not there.
My name is not I WILL BE.

When you live in this moment
it is not hard. I am here,
My name is I AM."

Helen Mallicoat

Interview with God

2009-03-26T23:06:00.001+11:00

An Interview With God

With my newly acquired title as a journalist, I decided to strike a high note.

"Come in," God said to me, "so, you would like to interview Me?"

"If you have the time," I said.

He smiled and said: "My time is called eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?"

"None that are new to you. What's the one thing that surprises you most about mankind?"

He answered: "That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.

"That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.

"That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.

"That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived..."

His hands took mine and we were silent. After a long period, I said, "May I ask you another question?"

He replied with a smile.
"As a Father, what would you ask your children to do for the new year?"

"To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved."

"To learn that it takes years to build trust, and a few seconds to destroy it.

"To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.

"To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. There will be others better or worse than they are.

"To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

"To learn that they should control their attitudes, otherwise their attitudes will control them.

"To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.

"To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.

"To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to show their feelings.

"To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.

"To learn that while at times they may be entitled to be upset, that does not give them the right to upset those around them.

"To learn that great dreams do not require great wings, but a landing gear to achieve.

"To learn that true friends are scarce, he/she who has found one has found a true treasure.

"To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they forgive themselves.

"To learn that they are masters of what they keep to themselves and slaves of what they say.

"To learn that they shall reap what they plant; if they plant gossip they will harvest intrigues, if they plant love they will harvest happiness.

"To learn that true happiness is not to achieve their goals but to learn to be satisfied with what they already achieved.

"To learn that happiness is a decision. They decide to be happy with what they are and have, or die from envy and jealousy of what they lack.

"To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different.

"To learn that those who are honest with themselves without considering the consequences go far in life.

"To learn that even though they may think they have nothing to give, when a friend cries with them, they find the strength to appease the pain.

"To learn that by trying to hold on to loved ones, they very quickly push them away; and by letting go of those they love, they will be side by side forever."

Unknown

God give us women

2009-03-26T22:45:00.001+11:00

God Give us women who know what it means

To pray and work behind the scenes,

Who know their God in such a way,

Who will cling to Him, let come what may.

God gives us women with hearts aflame,

Who will raise their children to be the same.

Who look to the ways of their household well,

Yet yearn for those who are headed to hell.

God give us women who will fast and pray,

For her husband and children night and day.

Whose heart is submissive in everything,

Who honors her husband, for he is her king!

God give us women who will stand the test,

Who in big or small things, will do their best.

Who know that all they say or do,

They do as they would do to You.

God give us women full of grace,

With hearts serene as they run the race.

Whose desire is not for a life of ease,

Who long the most their Master to please.

God give us women who find great delight,

In the lot that God gave them in life.

Who embrace with joy the little things,

Who fulfill their duty with a heart that sings.

God give us women with a vision clear,

Who live in reverence and Godly fear.

Who abide in Christ all through the day,

And seek to please Him in every way.

~Mary Troyer~

God can move your mountain

2009-03-26T22:40:00.001+11:00

God Can Move Your Mountain

When things seem so impossible

And life’s so hard to bear,

God can move your mountain

Before you reach despair

He’ll never leave you or forsake you-

Trust in Him always.

Be anxious then, for nothing

And never cease to pray.

So keep on climbing higher,

Be patient while you wait.

For God is never early

And also never late.

~Author Unknown

For the greatest sinner

2009-03-26T09:38:00.002+11:00

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

We all sin, we all fall, and I've come to realise this a lot lately in my own life... but there's always help for us when we do fall. I hope you'll all find some encouragement in these words.

"None are so low, so corrupt and vile, that they cannot find in Jesus, who died for them, strength, purity, and righteousness, if they will put away their sins, cease their course of iniquity, and turn with full purpose of heart to the living God." 2T 453

"We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." SC 64

"Satan may whisper, 'You are too great a sinner for Christ to save.' While you acknowledge that you are indeed sinful and unworthy, you may meet the tempter with the cry, 'By virtue of the atonement, I claim Christ as my Saviour. I trust not to my own merits, but to the precious blood of Jesus, which cleanses me." SD 224

"Lord, I want to be a coffee bean!"

2009-03-24T23:15:00.002+11:00

Hey all... was feeling a little low tonight, and remembered this story I read once. It meant a lot to me then, and still does now ... hope it will help you all through whatever it is you're facing right now too. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee... You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again. A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity .. boiling water . Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

Unexpected

2009-03-24T18:39:00.001+11:00

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp --
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbour
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake."

"And why's everyone so quiet,
So sombre--give me a clue."
"Hush child," He said, "they're all in shock.
No one expected you..."

I Know All About Scars

2009-03-24T18:29:00.002+11:00

"I Know All About Scars"

Mark Bishop
Possum Run Music/Centergy Music

Verse 1

You've always been there for everyone else.
You've always been brave and strong.
But lately I've noticed that your smile has faded,
And I can tell something is wrong.

I've heard the prayers of those who love you.
I haven't forgotten your pain.
So if you've been searching for someone to talk to,
I promise that I can relate.

Chorus

Cause I've been broken, I've been betrayed.
I've been rejected, I've felt afraid.
I've cried out to God, "I don't know where you are."
I know the pain you're going through.
And I can more than promise you,
I'll do what it takes to mend your broken heart.
I've been right there where you are.
I know all about scars.

Verse 2

Life can be filled with love and laughter.
It's beauty surrounds us each day.
I used to stand and stare at the sunset.
And I used to watch children play.

But I've known the pain of losing a close friend,
I've heard angry words from my foes.
And still I remember that cross on a hillside.
So take it from someone who knows.

Repeat Chorus

Bridge

And everything you're feeling now, I've been feeling too.
And I'm the first one to know, now that I'm a part of you.

Repeat Chorus

Wedding photos 1

2009-03-24T17:29:00.004+11:00

On our doorstep...

2009-03-24T16:06:00.010+11:00

These cheeky little wonders landed on our doorstep looking for food, the second week of our honeymoon.... how could I resist ? :D

Mt. Tambourine

2009-03-24T09:20:00.011+11:00

Welcome

2009-03-23T10:09:00.003+11:00

Welcome to my humble a-blog. :) I make this in hope that I can find writings, quotes, photography, even recipes that will point our minds to the Lighthouse - Jesus. In these days of uncertainty and trouble, it seems like life is just one big storm decending upon us. We must never lose sight of the light that is before us, guiding us through the storm, and onto safety with Him. Jesus truly is the Lighthouse in these dark hours of earth's history!

"I thank God for the Lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shone a light around me
That I might clearly see
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
Tell me, Where would this ship be?"
-The Lighthouse

~Lucinda