Dear eDiary – “Reflecting on September”

Dear eDiary,

As I sit here in my office at 7:54pm (and you are loved!) on a Friday night, struggling to finish my daily work and tossing up between whether I should buy another packet of Doritos from the vending machine or wait to go home and eat a proper meal, I can hear the sound of a man just outside my window, on a P.A. system, evangelising about God’s love!

So I think “Cool!” and I say “No!” to the Doritos, push out my chair and quickly run over to the window to check him out instead. Although as I look out, I’m a little disheartened by what I see. Through the blinds I see a street full of people – all ages, all colours, all creeds, walking, running, cycling, driving, all going past him, and not one of them stopping to listen.

Writer’s Reflection 17.09.09

For the past few days I have been praying about what it is that I should write in this week’s reflection. Praying for clarity and peace. Praying for inspiration. Praying to find the right words to say to bring you hope in your power to make a difference, however small it may seem. I wrote drafts and deleted drafts. I added quotes from gospel songs, and deleted quotes from gospel songs. I typed long reflections, and deleted long reflections. But as I prayed more and more, and offered it openly and honestly to God, I heard Him gently whisper back to me “Miranda, release it all in Me. Rest in Me. Pray with Me”, and so that is what I would like to do with and for you today.

Shout Outs – 09.09.09

To Jesse and Jody Manibusan – What an awesome experience that was! A huge and heartfelt “Thank you” goes out to you both!

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your manic schedule to come to our very own Parish in St Clair! We were estatic to have you, humbled by what you had to teach us, and in awe of the Spirit which is working so abundantly through you!

Thank you for the sharing your passion with our community, and most of all for reminding us of what it means to be ONE community, in ministry and faith, travelling together, with one mind and one heart! You are an inspiration to those around you and we look forward to seeing you again SOON! God bless you and your family abundantly!

Fountain of Faith – 09.09.09

“A fountain begins with one drop of water”

Siviu on Social Justice September: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden!” (Matthew 5:14) As we segue from the notion of freedom and how it is best achieved in our lives as young Christians, we focus this month on the light within us all, unique in its own means, but united in His all encompassing love…in our quest for eternal salvation. Following through on what we have shared and learnt the previous month, we hope to focus on a practical means in reaching out to our Brothers And Sisters In Christ, those in need especially. And so begins Social Justice September.

Writer’s Reflections 09.09.09

“To shine your light, first believe that you are one”

So often in life we find ourselves at a fork in the road – Trying to decide what path to take, asking ourselves “Where will this lead me?”

Uncertain and anxious, we try to make decisions for ourselves. Decisions based on what we want and where we think we should be. Sometimes we’ll lean so much on our own understanding that we become crippled by our own fears and anxieties, thinking “Why am I here?” praying “Lord, where are you?”

What we forget though, is that in these moments where we feel that God isn’t there, it was never God who had left, but us who had forgotten Him.

Writer’s Reflection 28.08.09

A very dear friend once told me that freedom comes when we are able to unpick the stitches of our lives. Of all that binds us, of all that holds us captive to our vices, to our fears, to others and to ourselves. And it’s not until we first realise that we are in bondage, that we can truly begin our journey towards freedom – slowly, often through great trials, but always trusting that God has a greater plan for our lives. A plan that He has fashioned with His own hand – knowing what we are capable of, knowing who He wants us to be, and knowing the deepest intentions of our hearts. For it’s only when we truly seek Him, that we can see the signs that He provides, lighting our way, saying “Do not be afraid. Do not worry. Do not cry. Just rest in me for I love you and I have this under control”  

Thank you for your wisdom my friend. Your courage and faith inspires me every day.

Today I want to say THANK YOU for the outpouring of faith and love that has been shown from each of you. From last week’s amazing YMN, to the overwhelming number of prayers and reflections offered, it’s pretty hard to ignore the humbling vision of  God’s hand moving through our ever-expanding BASICGIFT family.

So, today as we reflect on our own journey to freedom, we glance back at the road which we have travelled, we take what we can from the lessons we have learnt, and we move forward in faith, stronger than we were yesterday, and open to receive of whatever God has in store for tomorrow.

My prayer for you this week is that you never stop seeking to find God in your own lives! May you be bold in your faith! May you have stength, courage and wisdom! And may you trust that no matter where you are on your journey, no matter how often you may stumble, that when you walk in faith, you are exactly where you are meant to be.

God bless you and your loved ones abundantly and I look forward to seeing you again for our next edition of BASICGIFT eNEWS! Peace!

Fountain of Faith 20.08.09

“Your thoughts”

Jacinta on Freedom: I encourage those who look at their lives at the end of the day and do not like the person they have become, to go on a Fast to Freedom. Grab a journal, write down the habits you have accumulated that are controlling you, then intentionally change the way you think. Turn those habits into good character!! Next step: Write about your journey! There’s nothing better than seeing how far you’ve come. Don’t forget to enlist the power of the Holy Spirit, some good friends and some positive reading. Good Luck! Release those shackles!

Writer’s Reflection 20.08.09

Each day as I watch the events of the week unfold, rushing from place to place, trying to do everything at once and usually nothing at the same time, I think to myself, “Lord You are so good! So mysterious and confusing sometimes, but still so good! Although there are times when I can’t see where You’re going with things, help me to be open to Your will” , and no matter how large or how small my prayer is, He always finds a way to let me know “It’s ok Miranda. Rest in Me. I’ve got this under control”

Writer’s Reflections 13.08.09

A huge and heartfelt “Thank you!” goes out to our BASICSOUL Crew & Co. who led the Music Ministry at the Camp! You were all amazing! You witnessed through your gifts and you kept our spirits soaring throughout the whole weekend! Thank you to all those who organised and participated in last Sunday’s YMN, especially to Trina, Jayven and David!