Trust

I've come to the conclusion that there are levels to trust.

First, there is the level of trust that is perhaps more accurately described as "SCEPTICISM".

This very accurately describes how you feel when you first meet someone - and as you listen to them - observe them - you wonder - can I trust this person - should I trust this person.

The next level of trust would be "OPERATING".

This is perhaps the one we use most of the time - we are past that initial uneasy feeling of 'skeptical' trust - we generally feel comfortable around each other.

The third level of trust would be "TOTAL TRUST".

This is not easy to gain - and if lost - is nigh on impossible to get back - this is the kind of trust that says 'no matter what - I am with you' - the very deepest of friendships are based on this.

And then there is "INTIMATE TRUST".

This is the kind of trust that is intended between husband and wife - it is not something that can be forced or even learned - it is as close to a miracle as you can get - when two people become one as the Bible says - this is the level of trust they are at.

This is also the kind of trust that God intends for us to have in Him - we find it in Jesus Christ - Jesus and Jesus alone is the only one capable of causing this miracle of intimate trust between Creator and creation.

This is the essence of faith, and Hebrews 11:1 defines that as, "being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see".

Do you have that kind of relationship with God?

What a week!

It has been a week of things going wrong -
Cordless phone at hall on 2.4 ghz which interferes with wireless internet - replaced!
Internet - the white box blew - replaced it - it too was faulty - replaced again - antenna blew - replaced it - so today we finally got the internet back!
Fax - ceased to function - changed to other fax - wouldn't accept faxes automatically - so cleaned and fixed old fax - now working well!
Welfare printer - client borrowed power box and connection [if only they would ask] - to get replacement costs more than the actual printer - so cheaper to buy new printer - so did!
Automatic door to building - just loves to beep at you - goes weird as - one time today it took all of 4 minutes to open - then later today it almost squashed me before I got through it - I am firmly convinced it is demon possessed [lol].
Then to top it all off - towards the end of photocopying the newsletter - the photocopier starts making these weird noises - so go and see what it has to say - give me toner - so we do - it still goes beserk - says thanks one minute - and give me toner the next - real weird - so we talk to it nicely - talk it through each step of toner replacement [still using the same toner] - it works - it accepts it new addition and is now working well.
What can one say - well at least it's a short week - only 4 days of this!

My head might just explode!!!!!!!!!

Moving to a new place has you swinging like a pendulum - one moment it's wow this is great the next it's oh no not good.
Some examples:
WOW - I can vacuum - we have one of those outside thingies - so you put the hose in the wall and all the other stuff happens outside - so instead of going off somewhere while hubby vacuums - I can actually stay or even do it myself - but he's so well trained - I haven't had to do it yet.
OH NO - you are bombarded about this and that - and you have no idea who the person is - let alone what they are talking about - why do people assume you should know everything by now - it's only been a week - they only have that one thing - but I have their one thing and about 10 other people's one thing.
HOWEVER - I keep reminding myself this too will pass - I will survive - even thrive - I have done it before I can do it again - just one foot in front of the other - keep moving forward. Panic attacks on a small scale are good for the system - it keeps it alert and functioning - ready to cope with all that life might throw it's way.
SO - prioritize - prioritize - prioritize!!!!!!!!!

Welcomes

Well yesterday was 'welcome' day - in the morning we were welcomed at our corps - this was actually our third Sunday worshipping with them - it was really good because the majority of people had met us already and knew a little about us. So it was relaxed - we weren't strangers.
In the evening we were welcomed in the Divisional meeting - where lots happened - new officers welcomed - cadets farewelled - new lieutenants welcomed - new lieutenants installed. This was held at Waverley Temple - we have rellies there - plus folks from Clayton [the corps we went to college from] soldier there - and we know a smattering of people - but on the whole they were strangers - it is quite interesting at these things how you only talk with those you know - only catch up with your 'mates' - we only had one stranger talk to us - and turned out his daughter soldiers at our corps - so although a stranger there was a connection. By now you are probably wondering did I talk to any strangers - well if you know me 'duh' - in response I got a few smiles - most just looked at me like I was from planet ??? - as Julius Sumner Miller would say "Why is this so?" and my heart says the same!!!!

Biting the bullet

It's my day off - Brian's at cricket - I could just slack off - but no I decided to bite the bullet and head off to the office and see if I could make it work for 2 people - so before cricket we took the desk & filing cabinet from the quarters and dropped them into the hall office - then went home, made sandwiches for cricket - had a bite to eat - then on his way to cricket Brian dropped me at the hall to create order out of the chaos.
A constable rings for much needed assistance - I'm new - know where nothing is - but scrounge around and adequately [I hope] fulfilled the request - and will face the consequences on Monday when our welfare worker returns from holidays - and I'm sure to find out the 'proper' way to do things.
So in between all of this - I actually managed to make the office workable - well - time will tell. The real beauty of all this is I now know what we have in the office and where it is - and I must admit there were some very pleasant surprises - and we now have a clear run for next week - which is panning out to be a busy one.
Monday is sorting out keys etc... with CT
Making and sending invites to the women of Bible Study and Home League - so we can get together on a more social note before these events start in earnest.
Meeting our Welfare worker - and gaining some understanding of her role and how we fit into that.
Tuesday - the normal [?] stuff - plus catching up with Corrections - to view our contract with them - and how that will work for us - and we have one client working that day.
Wednesday - prep day - fortunately we have till Easter mapped out - it is now a matter of fleshing it out - putting life into it - preparing the powerpoint etc...
Thursday - PSP meeting at Moe - still don't know what PSP stands for - guess I will after this.
Friday - public holiday - Brian's sister is coming to see where we are now - so lots of relaxation.

We have arrived

Well we arrived safely at our new home - it is a lovely home - and when we are unpacked it will be great!

We started work on Wednesday - it is a huge learning curve - not only a new corps but also a new Divisional team. So much to get used to.

We have been busy finding our way around the corps - trying to find the best way to organise an office for two people to work in when it is only big enough for one - and only set up for one.

Sunday is our welcome & installation - and then it is right into it all.

An added bonus is the fires & drought - just those little extras that really add spice to an appointment.

God has promised to supply all our needs and I for one am keeping Him to that promise.

The following mirrors my feelings

I need the Lord, my Maker,
As rivers need to flow;
As flowers need the sunlight;
And seedlings need to grow;
As marksmen need a target,
And arrows need a bow.
I’ve feigned my independence,
But failed to improvise.
I need the One I’m made for,
As eagles need the skies.
You’re my breath and my light,
My food and my wine.
I’m the brush, you’re the artist,
I’m the string and you’re the harpist.
Tune me for your glory.

I need the Lord, my Maker,
As falcons need to see;
As the clay needs a sculptor,
And a lock needs a key.
As a ship needs a rudder;
And coral needs the sea.
I’m done with empty living;
Success that’s make-believe.
I need the One I’m made for,
As creatures need to breathe.
You’re my strength and my hope,
My peace and my shield.
I’m the hands, you’re the healer,
I’m the sword and you’re the victor.
Wield me for your glory.

I need the Lord, my Maker,
As an arm needs a hand;
As a babe needs its mother;
And a dove needs to land;
As a car needs a driver
And a glove needs a hand.
I’m tired of ‘great achievements,’
Of life that’s just a game.
I need the One I’m made for,
As deserts need the rain.
You’re my life and my joy,
My truth and my guide.
I’m the song, you’re the Singer,
I’m a well and you’re the water.
Fill me for your glory.

General Albert Orsborn [C.B.E.]

I was born on Uncle Bertie's 64th birthday - and I love his writings - his songs - his pilgrimage with God - here are some words he wrote which can be sung to 'Stand up for Jesus' [Geibel].

Fear not, nor be discouraged,
Ye people of the Lord;
For angel guards surround us
According to His Word.
The Master, who esteemed us
As jewels in His sight,
Will surely never fail us,

Though earth and hell unite.

To God be glory,
For His redeeming grace;
We'll trust Him 'til the race is done,
Then see Him face to face.

Though Satan, to accuse us,
Appears before the Throne
The King of our Salvation
Will vindicate His own.
The Blood of the Atonement
For ever must prevail;
We rest on the assurance
That Jesus cannot fail.

The witness of God's presence,
Serene and calm within,
Can keep us every moment
Free from the toils of sin.
We trust Thee, Holy Spirit,
Our souls are in Thy hands;
We do not fear the tempter,
While Thou art in command.

I'm so grateful that God gave him this gift to write words that speak to our hearts and minister to our very being. Thanks God!

2007

Happy New Year!

2007 has arrived and it's all about new beginnings - we have now moved our daughter into a rental property - and she is reasonably unpacked - just those bits & bods you don't really know what to do with them. It's a bitter/sweet feeling - but one we approach with confidence knowing that the last 20 years 10 months and 4 days have prepared her well for taking full control of her life. It is great to have these 10 days to be around if needed - and then its off to the country for us - and yes - all those new beginnings - just the two of us - new home - new people to minister to and with - a new town to get to know our way around - and yet in all that is happening - it feels so right - this is all in God's timing and God's plan - so come on 2007 we're ready for you.