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
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
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?
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?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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
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
Saturday, June 28, 2008
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
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
Friday, June 13, 2008
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