Selfish Selection

Something I have been thinking about of late is selection. Inclusion and exclusion and the process which separates the groups. It is natural for us to gravitate towards those that we know, those with whom we share something, but by doing this we are excluding those whom we do not know.

With everyday behaviour this is expected to a degree and this is how relationships are formed, by spending more time with one another. However, what it is which I have been thinking about, more than leaving that person standing over there all by their lonesome with nobody to talk to is the way we choose what we talk about with whom. We choose who to tell the funny stories with, who to be open and closed with. We choose how much a person can know about us, but we also choose how much a person can hear about God.

God, who loves us so very much, made a way for us to be with him once more through Jesus Christ his son. And He did this for everyone, for all people, that all may be saved, and yet we choose not to speak of this to some people. We choose. What right do we have? Are we so perfect and right that we are able to choose who has the greatest privilege and honour of knowing our creator? No.

We are all sinners. We are afraid. Ashamed. Forgetful. Indulgent. Proud. Insecure. Selfish. We continue to turn from the Lord to our own ways. And yet he continues to allow us to do his works, to spread his word. So let us speak up and out. Let us not shy away but proclaim faithfully and passionately that Jesus Christ is our personal Saviour and the Saviour of ALL!

To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done!

Real Fairytale

I found myself in a predicament today where my car ran out of fuel and broke down at an intersection in the suburbs. After thinking for a little bit I decided  not to call the RAA as it would be faster just to get some more fuel myself. So I ran across the road and asked someone for help but they were unable and pointed me up the road. On my way up an officer stopped me to find out what was happening and then called for the police to help with the build up of traffic before dropping me off a little further up the road to find some help. Quite kind of him. I asked a second, third, and fourth person for help however none were able. Finally I came to a workshop and explained my predicament yet again and an older man there said that he would take the time off to give me a hand.

In the brief time I had getting to know this character I was encouraged so much. What has happened to such hospitality and generosity? How many would be willing to drop what they are doing to help out another in this day and age where time means everything?

A larrikin who lightens the mood and makes you laugh. A godly man who's had his lot in life. A family man who speaks warmly and lovingly of his mother and mother-in-law. An individual with his own character and a different hat for each day of the week.. Monday, Tuesday, ..., Sunday, and Someday - in case he is not sure which day it is. A man who asks for nothing in return and offers to do more than that which is asked. In his own words he is the knight or prince in shining armour come to sweep the damsel in distress up onto his galloping horse.

I told him that it was my adventure for the day but I didn't mean the whole thing, I meant meeting him. It was a humble reminder of what it means to live out our lives for God. How such a small action on our behalf can make such a huge difference to another. While I was only with him for 15-20 minutes I will probably never forget the kindly gentleman who helped me out this morning, although he says he is no gentleman.. 'I'm too old to be a gentleman' ..I would beg to differ.

This I pray. That young people today would continue to turn to and learn from the older generation. That we may be able to live our lives for him in faithful service and proclamation. That we may always remember the small things do matter. That we may take the time out and give a helping hand when it's needed and take thanks and criticism humbly when it's given. That we may not be afraid to be ourselves or be above asking for help when we need it. That others may see God shining through us even from a brief encounter. And ultimately that Jesus is our prince in shining armour, always there to pick us up.

Relief

Have not got much to say today.
You know that feeling when you feel like a weight has been lifted off of you, like you have just shed your winter coat and everything feels so much lighter, but you never realised how heavy that weight was before it was gone, that is was even there? Gee, is not that a great feeling.. Praise the Lord.
And something else. You know when something goes right, like what is above, and you get caught up in thanking whoever it is that has caused these things to happen, has alleviated you from that weight? That is all very well, but so often we get caught up in thanking them and forget to thank the real provider of all good things, our Father in Heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us shout with joy and sing with praise that we may credit all these things to Him.. Praise the Lord!
That is All.

Names

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."          -William Shakespeare (Juliet)

I would agree with this however there is more to a name than simply a word. It helps us to grasp an identity. We hear the name or word rose and we identify with the sweet smell. If it were known by another name we would have the same identification, the same reaction, however, it is not.

I hear my friends complain about their names. How they do not like them, or they are too long, or if only they weren't so plain, or spelt a different way, or had a different meaning.. I figure we were each given a name quite intentionally and our name has now become a part of our identity so why not live up to it?! Have you ever seen someone or you yourself had to pick a name for a newborn. Such deliberation and careful consideration, we should each be happy to have such a name which was chosen just for us. So do not be ashamed of your name. The name does not identify you though, but you provide identity to the name so make it something great!

The meanings of names I find should be an encouragement to us. Some mean prince or princess, or love, or strong, or gods child, or wisdom, or tile maker, or hill, or stream. Some meanings are obvious as to how encouragement can be sought, however others not so much like tile maker (tile makers are persistant and hard working with an eye for detail) or hill (a hill cannot be hidden, it stands out for all to see). If one looks up their name though there is often more than one meaning so I hope that each of you can take encouragement from your names but do an even better job at defining them in a new way through your own life.

I looked up each of my names (including my surname) recently and thought that I would share all of the meanings which I found (some had more than one).

Like a Lion, Brave as a Lioness, Shining Light, Fierce One, Strong, Brave, Valiant, Clear, Bright, Famous, Glory, Battle, Famous Warrior, Renowned Warrior, Safeguard of the People.

I do not know about you but that sure gives me encouragement. I see this and think I sure hope I can live up to my name and then I think no, I sure hope that I can define my name that when others hear it these may be some of the qualities they think of. I guess also it depends on how you see your life to how you may read such meanings. My life is for Christ and if I let him show through me than I dare say that such things will shine forth. This I pray anyhow.

That is all.

Beginning

It seems to me that many people begin blogs by saying why they are writing them or what they are going to write about so I figure I may as well do the same.

I have had blogs before which have lasted a little while until I have eventually deleted them. Past blogs have been titled sanguine serendipity, surrealist's paradise, and odyssey obsession - that I can think of. It has always been about word play and then the content has been

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  a) so abstract that you will either know exactly what I am thinking or have absolutely no idea what I am talking about,
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  b) so trippy to look at that you space out before you even get a chance to read anything
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  c) so dream like and obsessive that you start to live in some sort of alternate reality.

As you can imagine I deliberated for quite a bit before deciding to start up a new one, and then for even longer about the title. I kind of wanted to keep away from the word play but I just cannot help myself. I was going to call it Ray of Light but it seems that the space is already taken.. so Single Flame it is! It comes from a passage in the Bible, something I have been challenged about recently and which I will probably elaborate on in a later post, but for now.. Matthew 5: 14-16

'You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.'

We are each but a single flame yet so much light can come from us. I guess my hope for this blog is that it can be a testimony to my light. Whether I talk of myself or other things happening, that God may be using me and shining through me so that my ray of light is one that stands out amongst others, one worth following to it's true source.

So, there is no real clear content or outline for what will be in this blog over time, but I hope if anyone ever ends up reading it that you find it as enjoyable to read as it is to write. Oh yes, and if there is anything which you would like me to talk about, just comment on a post and I shall make every effort to respond to your request!

*grin*