Sale Vs. Reward
Last Tuesday I went to Koorong Bookstore in West Ryde! I was excited to spend my only day off at the bookstore! So off I went and ended up spending almost $200 on books!
What I gained most from that day was this: as I strolled along the aisle looking at the books, the titles and the authors names I felt the Holy Spirit remind me that one day my name will be on a book and it will be on thesr shelves too!! I felt that reminder so strong in my heart it made me excited!!! To have the confirmation of thr Holy Spirit that your dreams are His dreams and what you want is what He truly wants for you too!!
So I encourage you today to find out and align yourself with His desires and your journey will be even more rewarding!!
And as the day ended and a new began (Wed) I found out that Koorong was having a 20% off sale storewide starting from Wed! I knew that the Lord was testing me. I knew He wanted to test whether a sale was more important to me or not! But I've discovered that all I have is His and so whatever I am blessed with, it's not mine. It's only a gift from Him!
Knew it all along...
About 2 weeks ago I had an "interview" / "meeting" with my Pastor and a church leader. The "interview" was about my "calling" and what I wanted to do in the future. The "interview" was based on results of a questionnaire I took late last year.
Before the "interview" we were encouraged to pray and earnestly seek His purpose, direction and calling over our lives (I was in a class of about 10 students).
So I did as I was told. I prayed and knew deep down that teaching was it.
It came time for the "interview" and it was discussed and concluded that:
- My calling is to be a teacher
- I need to start writing a monthly kids story/booklet. This is where I can combine my 2 passions-writing and kids!
- I need to Focus on kids church ministry
- I need to increase my Bible reading, spiritual books. This is a common trait of a teacher. He/ she reads, questions, investigates and relays.
- As it was obvious teaching was my path I need to take on a course. I prefer Kindagarten teaching because I want to sow "fruitful" seeds from a very tender age. So I need to research TAFE teaching courses.
- And finally the questionnaire concluded 4 main things:
1. I am a perfectionist. I need to stress less!!!
2. I am a teacher.
3. I am a leader.
4. I am an encourager.
And to end the whole "interview" session, I knew that beyond everything else He wants me to teach life, just like His only Son! And that what Imma gonna doo!!!! =)
Wait... Wait... Wait for it...
Okey so here I am at work and as usual the store is quiet. I'm not complaining, mind you. It's just that though I'm appreciative of the "rest" I can get from working compared to my weekday job, I do feel bad the store doesn't take on any money for the day. And it's not because ofe but because the business centre the store is located. Hardly anyone comesby because all the officea around here are closed on the weekends.
Anyways, that is not the point of my post here. My point is that this morning I prayed that at least I can get 1 sale so at least for a Saturday the store made money. But knowing that today is dark, gloomy and raining outside I knew that it was going to be a bad day-sales wise.
And as the clock is ticking away no one bought anything until.....
Suddenly a lady came in and tried on a few dresses and ended up buying 2!!!
And that to me was only through God's grace over me. I knew that He had especially sent that lady here to make sure His promise of blessing for His children will not fail!!!
Thank you Lord! =)
So be aware and open to whoever or whatever comes your way because it could be the blessing you have been waiting for! =)
Worry yourself away...
During cell group last night we talked about our futures and sort of things we were worried about. The main jist of the sharings was that we should not be afraid of what our future holds. Whether we're gtaduating uni soon (me) or looking for a new job or simply doing something new in our lives, we should not be afraid.
I learnt last night from the sharings that I should not be afraid. Though I'm nearing the completion of my studies, unsure of what to do next etc. I must learn to not worry and believe that His word and promise to me will come to pass.
It reminds me of God's word for my life through a Pastor a few years ago. God said: don't worry. I am going to write the "notes" in your book of life. You just need to surrender the pen into His hands.
I just keep to keep a positive outlook and trust that in the midst of uncertainty, calamity or even darkness His words will shine and bring forth light at the perfect time!
So don't worry yourself away people!! And never lose hope!!! =)
I still love you...
I've been having an off day today. It started off with my running late to church and I was rostered to teach today. The day didn't start well. And as the hours went by I felt sick. Kept on sneezing and my nose was constant blocked. A headache was on it's way. I was sweating. I could feel a fever coming on. All I wanted to do was sleep.
During this time the kids had to practice a song they will be singing for Valentine's Day. And there was 1 particular child who did not want to co-operate. He was being quite difficult. I approaches several times throughout the practice without much luck until he finally answered me with "why do I have to listen to you? You're not my mum. You're not the boss of me!!" And that's when I almost cried. (Here's evidence of my 'cry baby' side). But I didn't cry!! But I was hurt! And I paused for a moment as the child looked me in the eyes with a regretful look on hia face. And all I could say was "I know I am not your mother or boss but as long as you're in Kidz Church you must listen and obey all the teachers." And he kept quite. Since that moment he tried to do everything he could to redeem himself. He helped pack the chairs up etc.
The lesson I want to share here is that we often go on about our days without realising that we are "hurting" God by doing "small" undesired and unpleasant things to Him. And because of His everlasting love He reprimands and disciplines us with love. And it is only because of His love for us that He does that.
Just like that boy and I today. I reprimanded him only because I love him and want to see him grow in the correct way. So if God is disciplining you today, if He is "tightening" the belt around your waist remember that He is only doing that because He loves you.
So just behave kids!! =P
Deciphering the message
I learnt a few very important things from last week's sermon and I thought I'de like to share it here as it has blessed me a lot!
-it stirs God's heart if we give without Him having commanding us first!!!
-God provides for my needs not my lifestyle!!!
-if we understand God's provision then He will surely reward us!!!
-we have to change our lifestyle to fit God's provision in order to reveal His abundance for us!!!
-if you give what you have then God will give you what you don't have!!!
All these things I know I've been learning personally over the past few weeks, which is why it has even more significance in my life and I hope it will be the same for you! =)
Faith that produces!
Last Sunday the preacher was sharing about his faith and how it brought results for him and his family.
So last Monday I wanted to grasp his faith and practice it in my own life. So when I got up in the morning I prayed and believe and asked, just like the preacher, for blessing and customers. But when I was at work on Monday and it was 1pm, I had made no sales so far. I was down and a little upset. But I just kept on reminding myself of the preacher's message and his faith that brought results. And so I said to God 'I know that if you did it for him, I know you can do it for me!' And I just kept reminding myself of that and soon after that I got really friendly and easy going customers who bought from me!
I was so happy by the end of the day and I just praised God! Because I knew it was only by His grace and love over me!
So start putting your faith into action and let it produce for you!
It maybe small but it may mean a whole lot for someone else...
I woke up last Sunday and after praying I thought 'hmm... what am I going to buy today?!' I usually buy something new every week from something as small as accessories or as big as shoes or clothes. It's pretty bad since I'm supposed to be saving but I just feel like I need to 'treat' myself after a hard week's of work.
But that morning as I was thinking of what to buy, God interrupted my thoughts and gave me this thought: instead of buying something for yourself (where it will never be enough) why don't you give the money to someone in Indo? But I thought who? And God reminded me of 4 of my aunty's house helpers in Indo. So that day I told my mum to send some money to them, the money I was going to use to buy something.
The lesson I learnt here was:
-learn to give and not just receive
-use your money effectively
Your gift may seem small to you but it may mean a whole lot to someone else. Think about that and begin to be receptive!
Transformed.
The other week I was reading an article in the SMH titled 'Lives transformed in shadow of death.' It was an article about two drug smugglers and about how their lives have changed since they've been in jail.
As I was reading it it made me feel sad and I felt sympathy for them. The article made me feel as though these people have truly changed. It's strange how something as bad as being in jail can change someone so dramatically. It made me hope and believe that they have made a difference by being in jail. And then a sudden thought came through my mind: we're they doing all this "good" just to get a lenient penalty? That was my logic and media analysis mind questioning but through faith and belief I thought everyone gets a second chance, even if you're a prisoner. I realised there and then that we too are sinners and we are no different to them. The difference is He paid the price for our sins and are now set free. So who are we to judge them any other way. Think about that...
Everything is from Him, so everything is for Him...
I was asked to work with my manager at the clothing store 2 weeks ago. So far I've never worked with my manager there so when I heard that I'll be working with her, I was quite scared. Scared because I wasn't sure what she was like and I was afraid that she wouldn't like me. As per usual I was doubting myself and my capabilities.
So the night before I went to work I was already nervous but I prayed and just asked or calmness in my heart, mind and spirit.
The next day on my way to work I just kept a positive attitude, I prayed. And throughout the whole day at work everything was fine. I learnt that there was nothing to be afraid of-not even my manager! I learnt that His Spirit was with me the time. I felt calmness and learnt that I don't need to fear humans. The only person I should fear is the Lord because everything I have is from Him and should be given back to Him. I will never be able to "please" and "satisfy" humans but I have the correct mindset-that only God can be pleased then He will surely make sure everything that I do will be pleasing to the human eye.
So make sure you're pleasing the right person!
Reap and you will sow...
I've been learning a lot lately about giving and receiving. I truly believe in the saying "you reap what you sow." Sometimes you don't fully understand it until you go through it yourself and so this is my own personal story of 'reap what you sow.'
A few months ago (for Christmas) I gave 2x financial offerings to two different Pastors. I was just moved to give them something and without giving it a second thought I "sowed." And a little over 1 month I received a phone call from my college. They asked me to come in and speak to the press about my experiences during my time in college. I agreed to do it since I always try to help out wherever I can because I did enjoy my time in college. And before I hanged up the phone the lady said that I would get paid for coming in. And guess what?! It was the exact amount of money I had "sowed" by giving to the Pastors! I was sooo amazed by God's grace and provision over my life. Not even for a second I thought I would be gaining anything back by giving to these Pastors but truly it was proof to me that the saying 'reap what you sow' is true and to this day it's no longer just a saying but a reality in my life.
So happy sowing people!!! You never know how much or in what way you will reap! It will surprise you! =)
