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Friday, July 30, 2010

To walk away with your head held high.

Over the last couple of days I have been challenged to look at how other peoples actions and words affect the way I view my daily life.

I struggle just like everyone else to hear what people say about me behind my back or even sometimes to my face. It can be comments on how you look, your height, weight, dress sense, sense of humour, lifestyle choice, sexuality, even your level of intelligence. To know that someone can be quite judgemental or harsh and often not considerate to emotions can really make you question how these people live happily with themselves when they are so full of either hatred or the need to put others down.

Often and I know it is the case for me, what happens in our past, shapes our response but as well as that, the way in which we deal with those memories shapes the future for us.

I have come to an interesting conclusion that I realised has been sitting there and maturing for a number of years.
We need to keep in the forefront of our minds our own self belief as well as our spiritual belief. If we live with honesty and integrity about ourselves and our lives. The comments and actions of others should only be reminders of how sad and mean the world can be, not an excuse for us to start doubting our importance in the world. I would love to see the day, when no hatred consumes this world, but I am reminded that as there will always be sin to the last day of this earth, so there will always be War, Slander, Hatred, Murder and deceit.

The only thing I find I can do now to combat this terrible problem is to suck up the air, hold my head high and continue to walk on my journey following the lamp that lights my path.

Monday, July 26, 2010

All That I Am

For some reason in the last day or so the words to 'All that I Am' (William Himes) have been in my mind.
I remember at the conference the moment when we sang this song and the presence I felt in knowing that this prayer and challenge was resonating in me.

the words:

All that I am, All I can be,
All that I have, All that is me.
Accept and Use Lord,
As you would choose Lord,
Right now today.
Take Every Passion, Every Skill
Take all my needs,
and bend them to your will.
My all I'll give Lord,
For you I'll live Lord,
Come What May!

To truly and humbly pray these words are so important for me in these days. May we all offer this prayer to God that we will fully give ourselves to his plan for our lives.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Feet on the ground!


Well the time from leaving Sweden, returning home and now going back to work has defiantly flew faster than the plane that brought me home.

Tomorrow I face my congregation to share part 1 or a two part recap and talk about my experiences. For once I had a night off in which I could 100% focus on this task.


Looking over 400+ photos and notes that I might use to jog the memory (I feel somewhat older for some reason), I discovered a few interesting little memories that I had forgotten about during the week.


One such memory was a photo I had taken of the paths we were walking on. In fact I took it accidentaly and really liked it so I kept it.


It reminded me looking back at it though tonight, just how much that represents my life.


It is uneven, rough, worn and not smooth.. but it is necersary for moving in the right direction. I reflected on this thought and sat in wonder of just how many other people might travel that same path I did and not even realise the wonder that such a path could behold if we thought it in the same way I did.


God has used me for many years in ministry. God has also made me, knows me and knows that even though I am not perfect in any stretch of the imagination, I am able to be used in a way that brings joy to others and singing to the angels in Heaven.


My life might not be smooth sailing, it sure isn't easy sometimes and I'm sure people pick my flaws, but for those I am able to Bless with my ministry and with my gifts, May they see God in me, and take that step down the unstable road towards him.


He can do more than we can ever ask or Imagine! According to his Glory! Take the Step!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Home, Exhausted but Energized!

Well at 9:35am AEST I disembarked my Flight at Mildura Airport (MQM) and realised that my extremely amazing journey had come to a short end. This journey hasn't really ended because I will continue to use what I've learnt about myself, my walk with God and the experiences I have gained.
The flights allowed me to rest, but I found my mind still racing thinking in silence about what all the notes I have written are really saying to me. I made a point of writing as much as I could when I felt urged to do so.
I am exhausted, but I do know that I am also energized knowing that there is a journey I have started which will energize me and inspire me.

I was once again stopped in my thoughts briefly by the song I can only Imagine. This song is becoming a constant song in my mind and also in my worship. It's popped up in a show I did, the conference just after I wrote the phrase as it entered my mind, my ipod when I turned it on and put it on random, My computer on Itunes... It's everywhere. God is trying to tell me something in this song, I wrote notes during this song and reading over them quickly shows me that God has spoken to me, I just have to prayer and ask God to show me what he means by the inspiration and challenge of this song in my heart.

I'm home and happy to be home, but also happy that the conference taught me a great deal about myself, including my faults. Now the emotion of the days are over, but my heart is still beating strong to stand firm in faith and seek God!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Inspirational Motivation

Today
marks the end of the World Youth Convention!

Words cannot express the emotional rollercoaster ride that has been 4 days and the sense of belonging and holiness that I have been blessed to be a part of. If it was enjoying the music and worship or hanging around and seeing cultures display their 'own' form of Army, one thing is for certain. It's moving throughout the world and is not dead as some would have you believe.

I am going to keep this short because it is 3:30 local time in Stockholm. The sun is already coming up and I am waiting for my Friends from Haiti to Leave before I climb into bed for a super power nap.

I want to just say though, that I am going to spend time in silence over the next couple of days lettng this new info and experiences settle in my heart so I can make the wise decisions on where to go. These ideas will also form future blogs.

I hope that one day I can really sit with my friends and share this important information to all that I speak too.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

So Much to Think About







What an amazing journey the last 4 or so days have been. Not only am I on the complete other side of the world, I'm hanging around 1000 delegates of at least 90 countries praising the name of Jesus but searching for the longing that is in the movement that is the Salvation Army.






The Reality is though that just like a library that is full of books is often not used to it's full potential, my mind is reminded of just what I might be able to offer this world other than a few things that I do well.






I am willing to confess right now, that often I don't do a lot of things well when it comes to the walk. I read my bible, pray, try and live my life in a Godly way, but I fall short... way short sometimes. Does that sit well with me?? To be honest, it hurts me deep to think that I'm not doing what I signed up for to the Full letter of the Promise.....






I am humbling sitting at my computer not to just write another blog, but to pray to God tonight that he may guide me in his journey, show me his calling and reveal to me the areas of my life that need to be examined. In addition I have a load of info and challenges that I have started to process.. This will be done with God and the mentors and friends that I hold so dear.






Please Pray for me and the other delegates at the World Youth Convetion. We are really Rocking Stockholm, but we also need to rock our own hearts and our own countries and communities.






The Army is Mobilising like you wouldn't believe

Thursday, July 15, 2010

What a Trip into the Unknown!

There is nothing quite like a 30 hour travel trip which covers nearly 20,000km to make you appreciate just how big the world is.

I am into my second day of my trip to Sweden, and eventhough I am still struggling with the language, the place is wonderful and I'm slowly learning about just how to convert the money in my head to work out if I am getting a bargain or if I am spending too much money... hehehe

Our contingent have many varied dynamics and I am enjoying the oppurtunities to learn about each person and hopefully develop good friendships and relationships with them all.

I am reflecting a great deal though on my purpose in this life and what I am doing to both make a difference and also serve in the best possible way.

Life is a constant journey, and sometimes the roads are lit and sometimes you have to wait in the dark or tread carefully. Making it personal is only half the answer. We need to then take what is personal and share it with others so that they too, can be the light when we find darkness.

I had an amazing day today doing some sightseeing. There is lots to probably share here, but I need to really take in the memories and realise just what an impact this journey so far has already had on my views on life and all that is contained in it.

Changes are to be made, Challenges are to be met, Experiences are to be shared..... Time will tell me when this is right.... God's time not mine!!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

To be Loving and Generous

It's 2:04am... yep early morning for some, bed time for others. I'm finally winding down from an emotional, thought provoking, fun and stressful day all in one. There is nothing like knowing that you have been blessed in all parts of your life by a thought a shared experienced and a moment where you hear that voice saying 'humbleness brings you all the blessings you need'.

My day started by honouring the life of a Mildura legend. Milton Whiting passed away earlier in the week. For people who don't know Mildura's History. Mr. Whiting was a statesman, gentleman and champion for all people from all walks of life. He was a member of parliament, community social worker, Father, Grandfather, Inspiration, Mentor, Business advocate and most of all a Man of God.

I had the honour of playing the last post at his funeral because as well as his public life, he was a POW in WWII. His daughter who also happened to be an ex teacher of mine and a current council member asked me to perform this duty and I was honoured to do so. What I wasn't expecting was the learning that came with this oppurtunity.
I was again reminded the overall importance to cherish each moment I get to spend with family and friends and the love that I can show them as they continue to show me their love and support. I also was reminded that we have a charge to also do this to our neighbour and also to strangers. The people who spoke about Mr. Whiting, spoke of his generousity and his willingness to help others. I truly think that there is no greater gift in life than loving and helping each other, friend or not to find their journey in life and hopefully find not only the physical but the spiritual journey as well.

After this wonderful experience I was able to do something else that I haven't done for a long while but did enjoy in my past. GOLF!!! I'm a little rusty of the tee, but I did have a great time with two good friends as we sliced, hooked and chipped around the golf course. Mildura Golf Course is lovely and close to home, so I might have to look at Membership... Best part is that we all want to do this activity more often so my scores and shots will hopefully get better... time to hit the driving range when I get back from my journey overseas.
Then came a glorius moment.

As you might know... I love performing on stage. There is no safer place for me than standing under the lights performing to an audience. It is the one place where nothing in the world that worries or hurts my core, can get to me. I am finding another joy though at the moment. Being able to mentor others to perform is amazing and I was once again blessed by the 'Nun' Item in Gang Show.
It's amazing that Scouts are open to doing christian songs as part of their show and even better that I get to choose the songs for the show as part of a team. I can only imagine tonight turned into a 'awesome' moment of goosebumps and I'll admit a little tear running down my cheek.

I believe that the last couple of weeks have been a huge spiritual journey for me. I was asked my opinions on a couple of spiritual matters the other day by a friend. I found myself able to answer them quite comfortably but still wanting to discover what makes this such a commitment in my life.
I know God is at work with me and the oppurtunities that present to me, but I also know that I need to continue to seek his guidance. Part of this image of God is to imagine what he has in store for me.
I don't know what my trip overseas is going to bring. I don't know if this will be just another journey experience or if it will change my life forever in a drastic way. I'm actually feeling in my life that no matter what happens, I can trust him to show me his wonder.
Was the tears of joy, adoration or fear. Probably all of the above, but I know that he is generous, he is loving and my heart is blessed everytime I get to see others share the experience of spreading the message of Love, Grace and fogiveness, even if they don't know the impact that it has on people.

Love Life, Live Love.

Don.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Friendship, Loyalty and Grace

I have spent a lot of time recently thinking abou the reason why I have the friends I do. I have thought the following over the last couple of days.

To be a friend is to Love a person even with their dents,
follow their lives and be there to celebrate their successes and support in thier trials.
It is to be forgiving when you disagree and assertive when they need guidance.
It is being honest when you don't want to hear it, but tactful in how you present it.
A thought when you need to smile and a smile when you seem to lose yours,
a lighthouse when you get lost and a boat when you want to set sail.
warmth when you need a hug and a fan to cool you down when a little heated.
A brick to keep you grounded and a set of wings to let you soar.

But when it all comes down to it. A friend to me is what I see when I look into the eyes of those who I believe God has placed in my life to fill the hole that would otherwise would be an empty void in my precious and amazing journey that I call life.