Hannah and Rosemary

Thoughts and Things

[hannahandrosemary]

Choices

Choices are part of our everyday experience - we decide what to eat, what to wear, what time to sleep or wake up. There are also bigger choices we make in life such as choosing our life path, career and relationships. These particular choices in life require more thought and direction. A Sailor out at sea will use sophisticated instruments to determine which direction to take in an open ocean, because there is a boundless sea with endless possibilities of destinations before them. We may face many possibilities in the bigger choices we make in life, but how do we know which way is the way God wants us to go? It says in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." When we are faced with making big decisions in life, God is there to direct us if we call on Him. It may seem like we are in the middle of an open sea with no idea of where we may end up, but be assured that God has great and mighty plans in store when we allow Him to be the Captain of the ship we call 'Life.'

[hannahandrosemary]

“This is Jesus to me”

Who is Jesus to me? Answer: “Life Abundant.” The poster design is a conceptual, yet personal response to the above statement. Accepting Jesus has had a ripple effect in all areas of my life as I follow His plan and purpose to live. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes to destroy…” which is what the enemy tries to do in our lives. My life was on a path of destruction until I met Jesus. By abiding in Him, His life overflows into mine as He speaks life through His word. As I abide in Him, I learn of the places He desires for me to go and the people He plans for me to meet. And there is still so much more to be revealed as He continues to pour out His love, plans and purpose at every step of life’s journey.

This is what the three circles represent (from inside outward): Devotion to God (incl. some of my favorite Bible verses) / Places God has taken me / People God has led me to meet. The dark area is still to be revealed by Him as the abundance of His life overflows into the still unknown.

[hannahandrosemary]

Step by Step

"A man's steps are of the Lord, how then can a man understand his own way?" (Prov. 20:24) God reveals His plans step by step. Sometimes we think we know where we are going in life, however what we plan or desire is not always what God plans or desires for us. There are three ways in which God reveals His will to us - to guide us and to fit us to guide others. God reveals His will to us in His Word, His voice is revealed in His providential workings and also through the appeals of His Holy Spirit. We just have to be pliable in His hands to follow wherever He may lead.

[hannahandrosemary]

I AM: Not What You Expect

Put me in a box of expectations, pulling out only disappointments, just to please your annoyments. Picking and choosing the weakest points, just to make your point…. My potential you don’t see, God is greater than you and me. His strength is made perfect in weakness, By this I turn to Him in meekness, And turn from the let downs, put downs and shut downs, Down on my knees I pray, It doesn’t matter what you say… “God, take away the distractions, And attract me to Jesus, Who frees us from lies, Revealing the enemy’s disguise.” So I didn’t meet your expectations. It’s OK, I’m not defined by my failures. God’s word tells me who I am, a son, a daughter of the Great I AM.

[hannahandrosemary]

Immanuel - God with us

'Tis the season to be jolly... Christmas is a time to celebrate, reunite with family near and far and reflect on the year that's been. For some of us, our year has been marked with hardship and pain and facing Christmas can only exacerbate our losses. But the greatest promise offered at Christmas time is the birth of Jesus, "Immanuel" (God with us), who is with us through good times and bad. I pray that whatever year you've faced, you will experience the peaceful trust of knowing that Jesus is by your side this Christmas and that His gift of life offers healing and restoration in this broken world as well as for eternity.

[hannahandrosemary]

Pursuit of Happiness

The pursuit of happiness is not to get what we want, but it is to get what God wants. God sees potential in us that if we choose Him and give all that we have and all that we are to Him, we allow Him to pursue the intents He longs for us and make them a reality. But this involves choice. We can choose His way, or we can choose our way.

Sometimes the choices we make can disappoint God. He can advise, warn or encourage us to choose Him, but He cannot force His way in our lives, otherwise He cannot be a God of love. Love requires freedom of choice and with that freedom, we can bring God the greatest joy or the greatest pain.

So the question is not what will you pursue - but who will you pursue? The hope of an abundant life through Jesus now and into eternity will not disappoint.

[hannahandrosemary]

All Things

"And we know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). How can Paul tell us that "all things" work together for good? Can someone who has just lost their job or lost a loved one suddenly through death say that all things will work out for good? Notice Paul doesn't say that all things are good, but all things work [out] for good. Paul's confidence to say this comes from the Cross where Jesus gave us His all - His own life - so that He may freely give us all things (Rom 8:32). Jesus has experienced all things and that is why we can go to Him with all things because He knows, He understands and He promises that He will make all things new again (Rev 21:5). (As adapted from David Asscherick, "God in Pain")

[hannahandrosemary]

What do I lack?

The selfies we take, we deem, “very good.”  On-point angles and lighting arranged to please like they should. But when God takes your camera and goes beyond the surface, Stripping away the filter, the saturation and lighting, Exposed and transparent, what He finds is frightening... 

We got it all, "there’s nothing I lack!” Health reform, dress, duties fulfilled and executed; exact. Blinded as was the rich young ruler, that’s a fact. Coz to ourselves we got it down-packed... But then God tells us there’s three things we still lack.

He offers an unbiased evaluation of our spiritual condition, Because we can’t trust ourselves, don’t know what we’re missing. His camera pierces through to the thoughts and intents of our hearts, Where do we lay on the ‘holiness’ chart?

The Children of Israel ran out of faith on the borders of Caanan,  A similar situation is what we are facing; We need refined gold, faith in God. A faith that moves mountains, budded Aaron’s rod. Like Daniel, take on the lion’s den, Causes Peter to walk on water, Follows the eastern star, as did the three wise men.

We need white raiment, Christ’s righteousness, To cover us completely, we can’t afford anything less. Our own goodness is filthy, this we do know, Yet through faith in Christ, He cleanses us whiter than snow.

The eyesalve of the Holy Spirit will strengthen our spiritual eyesight, Come fill us, live in us with You we'll unite. Work upon our hearts and move in unexpected ways, So we can go home to see the Ancient of Days.

With just one penetrating, convicting glance, His words unspoken speak volumes of your circumstance. If we can’t trust ourselves or the collective wisdom of men, How should we move forward, then? Our case isn’t hopeless, God provides the remedy, That is readily available and in full supply, Don’t be shy, He wants you to have it, here’s the reason why...

The shop He runs is going to soon close, It’s disclosed that ‘when these things happen’ the enemy will throw his last blows. While you have time, the Shopkeeper offers, “buy from Me, You need no money, come and take it free!”

Heaven was maxed out to come and save you! Will you follow though and accept His invitation? Because for so long you’ve complained about waiting. I’m advocating He’s communicating that He wants you there! For He purchased you at an infinite cost. Heaven won't be the same without you, eternally lost...

Is there some wicked way within me, keeping me from You? Cleanse me, purge me, hyssop will do. Jesus, take my life and let it be, Consecrated Lord to Thee.

Our pilgrimage on earth is coming to an end. Today, we’re living at the knife’s edge of eternity future!

This Spoken Word was inspired by Pastor Shian O’Connor’s morning devotional at the 60th General Conference Session in San Antonio, Texas, July 2015. I was so moved by his message, I had to get a copy. I searched online to no avail... So I found his email and requested a transcript. Pr. Shian was so lovely and sent one back right away! When I read it today, it still moves me just as much as it did on the morning of the 6th July 2015. If you would like a copy, please send us a message and I’ll get you sorted :)

- Rosemary

[hannahandrosemary]

“Thank You”

Reflecting on two crazy years of studying, God has taught me just as many lessons through journeying with Him, as well as with my studies in the classroom. I'm thankful for the good times as well as the trials and it was during the hard times when God revealed more of who He is. The hardest test came when I was told that I was not guaranteed a job at the end of my course. I had mentally prepared to go back to Melbourne and set up a new life, yet there was no certainty of what the future held. Many times I prayed, asking God what He wanted for me and where He wanted me to go, however He never answered by telling me the answers to my questions. As I read His word, He kept saying to have faith in Him. Over a period of several weeks, these verses stood out: - Hope in the future (Jer 31:17) - Do not be discouraged. Be of good courage, hope in the LORD (Ps 31:24) - Do not worry about tomorrow (Mt 6:34) - No one notices the sparrow, but God does (Mt 10:29)

God never said, "You will go here" or "You will do that," yet these were the answers I preferred. Life may seem like a mess, but I came to realise through this time of silence, God's plans were being woven into the tapestry of my life. From His side, He can see the bigger picture coming together as the Holy Spirit threads and binds our will to His. It takes time and patience with each individual involved. Looking up from my perspective, I can't make sense of the picture being pieced together, but God wants us to believe that He knows what He is doing!

"No sparrow falls without His care, No soul bows low but Jesus knows; For He is with us everywhere, And marks each bitter tear that flows. And He will never, never, never Forsake the soul that trusts Him ever" (LHU 73.4)

God taught me three things through this whole experience: 1. Dependence: When my plans failed and the future became uncertain, is when I realised my need to depend wholly upon Him. God has to take away our self-sufficiency so that we don't trust in our own strength or abilities, but acknowledge His divine power. "It is through the Holy Spirit that every good work is accomplished, and the Spirit is given to glorify, not the receiver, but the Giver." (CC 365.4)

2. Discipline: Through trial, God tests our faith (Rev 3:19; Job 5:17, 18). I thank God for trials because they mean benefit. It is hard to not despise the chastening of the Lord nor faint when we are rebuked of Him, but we are better for it.

3. He opens Doors: It can become easy to rely on people, rather than on God, ie. we can try to get noticed or make a name for ourselves. People see the external, but God knows the heart. Ps 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God." It seemed almost impossible to get a job, however God was working behind the scenes, weaving His plan into action, of which I couldn't discern. It was only two weeks ago when I found out that I was offered a job as a Chaplain/Intern Pastor, a door only God Himself opened. "O give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” (Ps 105:1)

Looking back at how God has led in the past and in the present reminds me to be thankful for His goodness and have the assurance of His faithfulness in the future. What are you thankful for?

[hannahandrosemary]

Francisco’s Story

On June 2015, I went to Mexico as part of a Share Him mission trip, which was an amazing experience. We met up with 20 other Aussies, 3 New Zealanders and 6 Finnish ladies in Southern Mexico in a city called Tuxtla Guitierrez to each preach an evangelistic series. Most of us arrived there as strangers to each other, but we left with a shared sense of mission and friendships to last a lifetime.

This trip impacted my approach to sharing the Gospel and really challenged my understanding of “soul-winning.” It is all God’s work! The following story is a snippet of God’s might and ability to save souls.

One day, I did visitation with my church in Tuxtla. We had a meeting about how to get people to come to the meetings (since they did not advertise the meetings and the church didn’t know much about the program we were running), so they left it till the last minute to advertise (Mexican timing). On the Monday night we met and discussed how to reach out to the community and I said I was able to go with them to do visitation, of which the elders agreed to do.

Two days later on the Wednesday, we visited some people who had attended a previous campaign the church ran and we came to a poor side of town and met a man and his family. As they talked in Spanish, I sat there wondering what they were saying. Later another man joined us who was in a wheelchair. He also lived in their home and we sat in a circle in their backyard. All of a sudden my translator asked me if I had something to share with them from the Bible. I didn’t prepare anything to share, but from the beginning of the trip I had been reading Psalms 23, which had been very comforting for me as I was really struggling with fear about doing evangelism.

After reading this text, the man in the wheelchair started talking to my translator. He spoke for 5 minutes then my translator began to tell me what the man in the wheelchair was saying...

His name is Francisco, and he used to be healthy. Before he became sick, he was married, however he contracted a paralyzing disease, which crippled his body. His wife left him and he lost his job. When he became sick, the doctors told him he only had 4 days to live and the only way he could live was if he could get 20 injections, with each one costing $700 each (total amount $14k for injections). Of course he did not have the money, but he went to stay in the hospital anyway. While he was in the hospital, another younger man was in the hospital at the same time and had the same disease. This man had purchased the 20 injections, but he died before receiving the medicine. The doctors decided to give them to Francisco, since they had already been paid for. Francisco received the injections and lived. Even though he is still in a wheelchair, his life was spared because someone paid the price for the medicine that he couldn’t afford.

As I thought about this story and how Francisco shared his experience after we read Psalm 23, a verse from that passage stood out: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (23:4). Connecting this verse to Francisco’s story, he realised God had been with Him during that time when he was near death and God spared his life. As he continued to talk to my translator during our visitation, Francisco shared how he wanted to come back to God and he decided to join us at the evangelism meetings that night. The elder of the church continued to pick up Francisco and his friend from their home and brought them to church every night of the meetings. The following Wednesday, Francisco made a decision to be baptised. God was working in a mighty way in this man’s life.

After meeting Francisco, I realised that God had spared his life. God provided the medicine that Francisco needed in order to live. There was an even greater story within Francisco’s story, which is the story of the Gospel.

Sin is a disease that leads to eternal death and we all suffer from it. However there is only one cure, and that is through Jesus dying in our place and paying the price for sin that we can never afford. Jesus offered His life in place of ours so that we might live. God invested the whole of heaven, which was the life of His Son, hoping for a return, which is us responding to His love by giving our lives to Him. Francisco made a decision to give His life to the One who gave His life to him. Though my friend is still wheelchair-bound and our only form of communication was by smiling and hand gestures, we both look to the hope of Jesus’ return. Francisco will be given a new body (as it says in 1 Cor. 15:53) that is incorruptible and we will speak in a language where we can understand each other. As Francisco gave his life to Christ, he made a decision that has eternal consequences. The decisions we make in this life affect our eternal lives.

When we reflect on what Christ has done for us, how do you respond to heaven’s greatest investment--the Son of God giving His life for you? All men have been bought with an infinite price. Ellen White says in Christ Object Lessons, “By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being. (COL 326.1).”

Will you invest in the One who gave us the “whole treasury of heaven?” Have you committed your life to the One who bought you with an infinite price? Your response today has eternal consequences, so what is your decision? Is God worth your time, your energy, your life?

- Hannah

[hannahandrosemary]

Bible promise.

[hannahandrosemary]

A New Heart, it’s a New Day.

The waves are hard and the boat is falling apart. What are you clinging to? That which leads to death? The tumult is inside, the storm is raging within. Jesus knows, His heart is breaking for you.

Don’t let Him wait any longer. He wants to come in. “Peace be still” He says. Can you sleep in the midst of a storm? Do not fear. The storm is passing. The sun is to shine on the horizon. His presence can penetrate the darkness. The bright beams of His glory illuminate the dark corners of your heart.

Can you see clearly now? He is here. It’s a new day. Don’t try to hide any longer. Let Him come in. The raging sea is now calm. The waters are still, now you can swim and not drown. “A new heart I will give you,” this He will do...

How did the storm disappear? It is the peace that passes understanding.

I wrote this over 2 years ago. The only hope during this tumultuous time was/is Jesus. He is the Peacespeaker. The Light of Life. I just had to trust Him to deliver me out of the storm that seemed overwhelming. 

- Hannah

[hannahandrosemary]

What Might Have Been.

There’s no need to audition for admission, In order to accept the gospel commission. Tradition is not the church’s mission, it’s A coalition achieved by Holy Spirit ignition. Heart transformation by the Divine Physician needs your permission, God’s proposition declares, Not to fear the opposition or their inquisition, They’re defeated competition! He has made full provision for the execution of the work. How will you respond? What’s your heart’s condition?

Friend, what are you doing to get the work done? You’re a chosen people, anointed ones, purchased by the Son. The harvest is plentiful, How about labourers? There are those too. Yet only a few; those not involved blame inadequate time and inconvenience, Not knowing that they’re deprived of the joy of a real-life experience, The sharing of the the good news with the harvest all around, Go out into the harvest, it truly abounds.

What might have been had you not made excuses? What might have been had you not chosen selfish amusements? What might have been if you just made some time? What might have been if you let your light shine? What might have been if you said yes instead of saying no? What might have been, only God really knows. How will you respond when He asks you face to face, When the reality of ‘what might have been,’ could have been, but wasn’t, because you didn’t cooperate?

Living at the tips of toes made of clay and the iron, Seek Him first while there is still time, God wants to pour out His Spirit sooner rather than later, As the gospel’s being spread throughout the whole equator. Humility of heart is what is needed at this time, For us to arise and let our lights shine.

Read Ellen White’s letter to the church at Battle Creek titled ‘What might have been.’ 

I have a strong sense that God will be moving in a powerful way during the upcoming (July) General Conference session. However, God cannot move unless we give Him room to move - so we need your prayers! Please continue to pray for our church leadership, pastors, members and the Holy Spirit as the conference approaches. #ourgreatestneed #100daysofprayer

- Rosemary

[hannahandrosemary]

Selfies and Prayer

Artwork by meaningful_word. 

Life is too busy; too distracted that we’re no longer attracted to the One who breathed life into us.  The longing for something more, what is it we need to adjust? Convicted, you know what you need to do, The free choice you have, will you follow through? So often caught up in our own selfish ambitions and deeds, Not stopping to ask, is this what I really need?

Self-love, self-indulgence, selfies, the self-oriented generation, Does not pause one moment to stop and praise Him. Day-by-day, the light inside, growing more dim; The countenance of oneself, becoming grim. Only when we recognise our true condition, Can God work with us, His purposes come to fruition.

Self is the enemy we most need to fear, In order for the light to appear, We need to adhere, And commune with the One who has set us free, The One who has lived for all eternity.

Through prayer, Jesus is brought to our side. Though perplexed, the fainting soul will renew its strength and become alive. Prayer is what the doctor prescribed, A spiritual resuscitation; renewed life.

Where are your eyes? Are they fixed on Thee? Or dependent on circumstances, only temporary. He's promised that He'll never leave your side, The discouraging tempest, leave it behind. His providence will guide you down the path, It’s already been marked from the very start. Because a plan is laid out for both you and me, The character you develop on earth will last through eternity.

Eyes cannot comprehend what He has in store for those who finish the race, Maintain your pace and you'll see your Creator, face-to-face. No longer displaced but embraced with grace, in a place where transgressions are gone, completely erased. My heart yearns for the day when I can finally go home, The glory of heaven, my mind will be blown!

Come to Jesus as you are, without delay. Believe that the word of Christ is true; His promises will not lead you astray. He can guide you all the way through the grey and the dismay, This process begins on your knees, pray.

‘...prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence.’ - Steps to Christ, pg. 95. You can have access to boundless resources! Wow. 

- Rosemary 

[hannahandrosemary]

14 things the ocean can teach us about relationships.

Over a year ago, Mary, Hannah and I were bodyboarding in Ocean Grove, Victoria. While bodyboarding, we compiled a ‘what the ocean can teach humans about relationships’ list. After sharing this list with a few people, several insisted that we should post it on this blog - so here ‘tis. This is intended to be read from the view of a bodyboarder/surfer. 

1. There are many ups and downs.

2. You have to wait for a good wave.

3. You shouldn't waste your energy on a bad wave.

4. Some waves look good on the horizon, but when they come around, they're not what you thought they would be...

5. Everyone knows what a good wave looks like and everyone tries to catch it. However, the timing and position of the rider and the wave must be in-sync.

6. Don't catch a wave that has just broken - guaranteed poor ride.

7. Don't try to catch the rebound wave after you just missed the wave you intended to catch - short lived and unsatisfying.

8. If you try to catch all of the waves, you will get tired and drown.

9. You may spot a good wave, but if you are not prepared and/or the timing isn't right, you won't catch it.

10. Sometimes there's a good wave on the horizon, both you and the wave know what's coming. You're prepared to take each other on and then.....a surfer gets in your way. Refusing to move. Urgh.

11. Sometimes one will come and sweep you off your feet - unexpectedly.

12. Some beaches have better waves than others. Be prepared to drive that bit further/put in more effort to get that good beach and good wave.

13. The shallow sea shore waves aren't long lasting.

14. Don't be disappointed if you missed that good wave. Be patient and wait for the next good wave. It'll be worth it.

[hannahandrosemary]

Poem on “Humility” Written by our friend Janelle C.

I take the wheel, Cause I think I know what is real. I take control, I drive my life, The crash always ends in strife.

After all what do I know? Blinded by pride now I am low. Once again God burst my bubble, He is teaching me to become humble.

The journey of life is not all about me, Jesus wants to set my heart free. Free from my prideful, sinful ways, He wants me to delight and drive in His rays.

This is my prayer, Jesus take the wheel, I am blind and only You know what is real. Help me to see others through Your eyes, Showing Christ-like love so others can see Your name lifted high.

“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hallow of his hands?” Proverbs 30:4

[hannahandrosemary]

Depending on the Light

At 5.30am I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock to get ready for a one hour hike to see the sunrise recently at “The Pinnacle” (Grampians National Park). My friend Shane mentioned that a backpacker from the hostel we were staying in was going to come with us to lead our group on the hike, however as we left that morning I asked Shane where our guide was, to find out that he wasn’t joining us for the hike. At this point, I was slightly concerned because I’ve done this hike before and I knew it was poorly marked, which would make it difficult to find our way to the top while hiking in the dark. As we arrived in the Wonderland Carpark (ironically that’s what the carpark was named), it was literally a wonderland because we were all unsure where the beginning of the track was. All we had were phone lights, a bike light and one flashlight to guide us for one hour in complete darkness. 

Venturing along the track, it was a narrow path at times, but as we ascended towards the rocky plains, the path disappeared before our feet. So we huddled together as one person with the brightest light went forward to find the marker on the rock face, which led us toward the right way. At times while searching along the rock we couldn’t see any markers, meaning we had to backtrack until we discovered a marker we missed. Even though we were all inexperienced on this particular track, it didn’t matter because all we needed was a source of light to find our way. As long as our lights didn’t run out of battery, we were going to make it to the top of the mountain to see the sunrise. After one hour of ascending steadily, we made it to The Pinnacle and the view was worth it.

To see the Son (Jesus) rise as He returns to this earth very soon, we must learn to depend on the source of light, His word, to guide us along the narrow path which leads to eternal life.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.“ (Matthew 7:14)

Christ is "the light of the world" (Jhn 8:12) and He promises to be our guide in this dark world. As we get closer to the pinnacle point of the end of time, prophecy is being fulfilled and signs of Christ’s soon return are appearing all around us (Matt 24:3-14). As we learn to depend on Jesus to give us the right directions though His word, His way will lead us to the best view this world will ever see, "the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matt. 24:30). The sufferings we endure now while following Him are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom 8:18). Eternity is on the horizon and it will be worth it!

- Hannah