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
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
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
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
Thursday, April 17, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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
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
Saturday, April 5, 2008
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
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
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