Lorna Cooper

24.12.1935 - 16.11.2006

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"

Phillipians 1:21

Today marks two years since my mum was promoted to glory after a long battle with ovarian cancer. Mum has received her 'well done good and faithful servant'.

I haven't seen a greater example of Christ's strength as I did in mum's last months. She bore pain that her doctor said was unimaginable. Never once did she complain, even using her time in hospital to witness the love and power of God.

I am thankful for her example of Christ's love, and that she raised me to understand a loving God who is faithful. I thank God for the miracle that she lived to meet her grandchildren, and that God gave her a few years of strength to create memories with Bella and Maddie.

Allan

WEST HOUSE 46

Monash Gippsland West 46, 1996.............. That brings back some memories....

In my second year at uni, I lived in campus accomm with 5 other people, all but one were strangers. It was purely through lost paperwork that I was placed in that house. You know what, that was one of the BEST years of my life.
Today, for the first time since late 1996 we were all together. Although it was just a few hours, it was like we had never been apart. We picked up where we left off, reminiscing about some strange times! The house catching fire. Communicating in Simpson's quotes. Making each other laugh while drinking/swallowing (yogurt was the best). Guns n Roses followed by Michael Bolton. The 'Binishell'. Churchill Charcoal Chicken Chippies.
Somewhere in there, mainly all nighters, we managed to study!
Our journeys have all been different, but the point at which our paths crossed was God's perfect timing.
As I sit here and reflect on my time at Uni (with a grin from ear to ear!), my heart is humbled by God's hand in those years. Thank-you Lord for each of the experiences I had and the friends I made. I have friends for life because of my time in Churchill.

Is there someone who crossed your path that you haven't thanked God for? Pray for them.

Bless ya
Penn

The Great South Land.....

It's been a while, but we have been so blessed recently... there just seems too much to share. Studies, children, provision..... where to start?
Recently, we were fortunate enough to spend a week travelling the Great Ocean Road. It is with a little embarassment that I admit that I had never seen it.
I was inspired by the creation that God has given to us to protect. However, the power of God was so evident to me through the ocean.
The weather changed quickly and frequently, man cannot control it.
The waves crashed on the shore, man cannot prevent it.
The 12 Apostles were once a part of the mainland. The force of God's ocean has sculpted this world known wonder. We can do nothing but watch it.
I pray that I will see the beauty in all of God's creation. It's all majestic artwork in His sight.

The Day Will Come

I had a vision a of my own day of judgement.
Jesus was standing centimetres away from me.
His eyes reached into my soul - I could hide nothing.
I could feel his pain as he looked into my eyes.
He spoke nothing.
He wanted to know why I had not been obedient when he called.
Why I had not taken opportunities to speak for him.
Why I had used excuses to justify my own failings.

The day will come when we will all look Jesus in the eye.
We will be held accountable.
Are you ready?

BRING IT ON!

OK, OK, so I didn't actually say what the step was..... it was a little intentional. I feel less overwhelmed and able to articulate it now!

Based on God's confirmation through our pre-college reading, last Tuesday Allan handed in his resignation at work. There were several scripture passages that led us to pray for confirmation that the job was our 'net', but the final word came from Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money".
For those who know a little about our past, giving up secure employment was a massive step. God knew what he was asking. This has been the most liberating decision! We have time to better balance study, family and ministry! We pray God will provide some casual work to fit in there somewhere, but it has to fit around God's work now!
Al finished yesterday, but the intervening week has been a whirlwind!

On Wednesday night we were covered with prayer at our corps. It was a special time as those who are praying and supporting us through our journey were filled with scripture and words from God which provided more confirmation, peace and assurance that this is the will of God for us.

On Friday we enrolled in two units at the Training College - God's hand was certainly in that, enrollments had closed! Next week we begin learning in Pastoral Care and Christian Leadership. We're so excited to not only be studying again, but there is the environment, the content, the practical applications. We just can't wait!

On Sunday Allan shared his testimony with the congregation, and although I was concerned about the reaction, we received nothing but encouragement for following God's calling and going forth with faith. Our corps family are so supportive of our desire to move in our ministry

On Sunday night we were blessed to be able to spend some time with our Officers and talk with them about our journey the next step in our application for officership. SOOOO much paperwork!

You know what, this may have been a long journey thus far, but God had never asked us to do more than we can handle. Could we have managed taking this step a year ago? NO. Were we ready last year to be so challenged in both our ministry and our commitment? I don't think so. God's timing is PERFECT.

Thank-you all for your love and prayers. We wouldn't be where we are without it!

So what next? Only God knows. How exciting!

With a step of faith.......

I shared some months ago that the Holy Spirit had been challenging us to leave our net and follow Him. What was the net? After much prayer it was this week revealed, and God asked us to take the step of faith - '"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."' Mark 8: 34-38.

Today we took that step, a BIG one. I don't know where our feet will land, but I know the rock beneath us is Jesus. I choose not to live a life of regret wondering what I missed out on because I would not follow God.
I can't tell you I'm not scared, but we feel such peace. In fact, we are so excited about what God has in store that we want it to happen! Part of the excitement is the unknown, and just that were doing all in faith!

To you I say, has God asked something of you that seems too big to give? Compare that to giving the life of your son. Seems insignificant now doesn't it!?!?!
When you are fully obedient to the calling of God, He will honour that faithfulness.

Penny

Mainly Music

After much prayer and planning, our playgroup has adopted the Mainly Music format, and for the last few weeks of term we have been 'test running' it. For those who aren't familiar with it, Mainly Music is kinda a playgroup to music, with a very strong focus on ministering to the children and families.
Week one saw three new families, and the return of an 'old' playgroup family. Praise God! May it be that this is just the start of greater things to come.
I've always found children's ministries a challenge, but I love to sit with the other mums and just show them the love of God through my friendship. Being a parent to a participating child allows me to lead by example. I pray that the example I show is pleasing to God.
And praise be to God for the team that are behind this change in evangelism. Their passion, and enthusiasm are such a blessing and a HUGE answer to prayer.
My prayer focus in the two weeks off is that God will bless this ministry, and use it as a stepping stone to meet the needs of a community who need Christ.
Bless ya
Penn

Shackles (Praise You) - Mary Mary

What a Weekend!

It's the weekend we have been holding our breath for.

Saturday began at 5.50am when Bella woke up to her 8th birthday. It's hard to believe our Arabella Rose is already 8.... where did the years go? We shared breakfast at home with Grandma and Granddad, baked cakes and then shared Bella's favourite lunch - Fish and chips.

Following lunch, we met some friends at the pools with 2 cakes, because today Harrison turned 2! Yes 1 day after the other! I don't think Harrison really gets what's happening, but he sure loves cake!

And today brought another blessing, Bella was enrolled as a Junior Soldier. She says the best part of the day was having her photo taken lots with her prayer pal!
We were challenged during the sermon to be our brother's keeper - keep an interest in each other. During some quiet time we prayed for a person God brought to our mind. Michael was greatly on my mind. Mick is an important part of our family. He and I have been friends since we were 4, we were enrolled together as Junior Soldiers, and he is Bella's God Father.
Mick came to church today to at Bella's request. My prayer is that her love for Jesus will shine and touch Mick's heart, that he will reconnect with God.

Bless ya
Penn

I Can Only Imagine

Come, Change the World.

We've been blessed to share in Candidates Weekend over the last few days. WOW. God is moving in our church, and raising leaders to take up their cross and change the world in His name.

Firstly I praise God for the ministry of Len & Marney Turner. The Holy Spirit surrounds them and is reflected through them. The prayer and passion they brought to the weekend glorifies God.

As for our journey, we feel more at peace now than we have for a long time. The Lord placed the right people with us to answer our questions, reconfirm our calling, heal our hearts and challenge our mind, soul and ministry.
What does the future hold? What year?
Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'".
In God's time.
What now?
With a renewed vision we return to the Gully to be the fishermen God has called us to be.
Bring it on!
Al & Penn.

The Big Boy Bed

Today we pulled the cot apart and brought in a new piece of furniture - Harrison has a bed. He'll happily tell you that he has Bob on his doona while he is pretending the bed's a trampoline. And he get's very upset that the dog is trying to claim it for himself!
Harrison has outgrown his cot, change table, highchair and pusher and we removed all the other baby paraphernalia. My little man isn't a baby anymore. It's all a little strange since he isn't two for another three weeks.

Well, you know what this means.
No, we aren't having any more children - pregnancy doesn't agree with me. It struck me today though, I'll never again bring my baby home for the first time. I don't know that I had ever realised there would be a time when we wouldn't have a baby in the house.

HOWEVER, as Allan put's Harrison to bed (again!), I thank God for the three beautiful children that we have. Bella, Maddie and Harrison bring us such joy.

And now as Harrison gets up for the fourth time in 5 minutes - make that 5 times, I laugh and reflect on the verse God gave us when praying about managing to raise a third child;
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to his word." Psalm 119:9.

And now (as I type one handed because I'm holding Harrison), I pray that God leads, guides, challenges, blesses, inspires, protects and grows us as parents and as a family.

Love to you each
Penny

Do birds need 3 TV's?

I saw something today that I hadn't seen before..... we have accumulated SOOOO much STUFF.

Where did it all come from?
How long have we had it?
Why hadn't I seen it before?
What am I going to do with it?
Do we need two sewing machines when I can't sew? For that matter, do I need to keep my incomplete year 10 sewing assignment?
What on earth did I think I was going to do with mums maternity dress?
How many times does Al have to watch his Ferris Bueller VHS before he accepts he is not that suave?
And Happy Meal Toys.... do they breed?

Recently God has shown us that he will provide what we need. Check out Matthew 6:25-34.

Do we really NEED the rest of it?
Penny

A Royal Flush

I installed a toilet!
(How was that for a first line!?!?!?!) Yes, you read that correctly! Only 6 weeks after my uncle dismantled it for repairs (and then flew to Alice Springs the next morning) I got tired of Allan's toilet being out of commission.
'Allan's toilet?' I hear you ask - you girls know what I mean!
Anywho, back to my intro line.... Plumbing jobs we used to leave to Bill (Al's dad) who was a plumber before he was an Officer. Today I found myself thanking God for the example of Jesus that Bill lived. So before I start blubbering, I want to share a bible passage which is higlighted in the bible given to Bill by his employers when he left for training college:

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 11:14

Penny

Heart to God Hand to Man

Doing God's fishing right here!

I know I've been a bit slack, but not really, just VERY busy.

I wanted to share with you some words that God has been throwing in our face for a few weeks now..... "'Come follow me.' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men'. They immediately left their nets and followed him" Matt 4:19 & 20.

Gonna pick at this a little.... We have been trying to understand what 'net' it is that we aren't leaving. Is it our house? Believe me, with the interest rate rises and the maintenance we can't afford to do, I would walk away tomorrow. Never thought I'd say that, but there it is.
Is the net Allan's job? That hasn't been particularly secure lately. The manufacturing industry being what it is, and imports getting cheaper...... After many years of insecure employment it has been a comfort to know there will be a pay check next week - don't know if that's a reality anymore.
Could the net be our corps? We thought we would never let go, but we are itching to spread our wings. So much of who we are is wrapped up in our church.... now we see who we aren't also.
All possibilities? Maybe all three are part of the picture. Don't get me wrong, God has much for us to do and learn and we are honoured to be able to do so. I just pray that the fire in my gut to move on is part of the process.

Finally, the 'immediate' part... don't get me started!

Thank-you for your love and prayers as we continue this journey. Hangin' out to see what's round the next corner... bring it on!

Shalom
Penny

Chosen to be a (Junior) Soldier

"Having asked God for forgiveness,
I will be his loving and obedient child.
Because Jesus is my saviour from sin,
I will trust him to keep me good.
And will try to help others to follow Him.
I promise to pray, to read my bible,
and by His help,
to lead a life that is clean in thought word and deed.
I will not smoke, take harmful drugs, or consume alcoholic drinks"
Junior Soldier Pledge

Bella began Junior Soldier preparation classes this week. It's hard to describe the emotion! And the pledge.... doesn't it just say it all?!?!
We thank God that He entrusted us to raise our daughter. Now to see her excitement making her own decision to follow Christ - PRAISE GOD FOR THE FAITH OF A CHILD!
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these'." Mt 19:14

Arm Yourselves!

Satan should come with a label - "CAUTION, fires without warning". Don't be fooled into thinking the safety is on, he is active and can hit you when you least expect it. Yes, he got a shot in at me today, and I did not see it coming. I was riding a wave of Holy Spirit excitement when I was king hit. Satan cast doubt in my mind.

If I sound defeated, I apologise. I am certainly not. Just a little more wary of how Satan works. He failed with this attack. I am more passionate about sharing the love of God than before, and I'm determined not to let him undermine the authority of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

It has got me thinking though about how underhanded Satan can be. Remember that Simpsons episode where the devil reveals himself to be Ned Flanders - "it's always the one you least suspect". Although I wasn't sure that I agreed with that, 2 Corinthians 11:14 says "...for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light". Scarey thought, hey?

Satan does come with a warning label. It's a very detailed one which tells stories of just how cunning he is. Fortunately, it also tells of the power that Christ has over darkness. Arm yourself with the word of God, so that when Satan does reveal himself, you are protected.

Bless you
Penny

Timbrells, tutus, and flaming coffee!

OK, so it took a while, but we have finally figured this out! I have no idea who is going to read this, but thanks for sharing our journey. We hope God blesses you through the wierd yet strangely normal lives of the Cooper household!

On Friday we, as a family, went to the Creative Kids Camp concert, which our friend Mitch had attended. Although it went over Harrison's head, the girls were fascinated by the dance, singing, drama and music. These are elements of worship Bella and Maddie have not been exposed to. Campers came and spoke to the girls and gave them balloons which made them feel a part of the experience. Thank-you for the blessings you all shared with us.
What an inspiring group of young people! I wish I could have bottled their enthousiasm! Each glowed with their excitement and love for their Lord and Saviour. I pray that the passion they showed will be infectious when they return to their homes and schools and they will witness the love and grace of God to those around them.
It had us thinking that these young people aren't the Army of the future, they are today's Army. Each one plays a part in sewing seeds, ministering to others and the building of God's kingdom. Imagine what The Salvation Army will look like under their adult leadership if we nurture and encourage the young people in our congregations now.

The concert inspired our Bella to want to attend next year, and as fearful as I am that she wants to leave me (so to speak) what a joy it is that the ministry of the campers touched so close to home! It was strange that a 7 year old had no idea what a timbrel item was though!

May you see the love of God in the children around you.

Penny