Month: March 2014

Posted in commitment, faith, God, Jesus, life, my thoughts

Commitment

Posted on by Marly

The word that strikes fear in many a person’s heart.  It seems such an uncomplicated word, yet it holds a huge amount of responsibility. 

There are so many things we must commit to in our lives.  From the mundane everyday things to the big commitments that come our way.  We have to commit to the decisions we make; to our jobs; to the people in our lives.  It’s a crazy thing, commitment.

These thoughts circle my mind as I think of my faith journey.  Early this season of Lent, I made a decision to commit my thoughts and time to God and hence give up something that was taking me away from Him.  However, I now realise that I don’t need to do that so restrictively to keep my focus on Him. 

I think I am safe, with God’s approval, to relax a little.  God knows that my heart will ever be for Him. 

My commitment to God is a lifelong decision I’ve made.  It may ebb and flow with the tides of life, but, nothing else really matters.  I love, Jesus, God, more than any other and He will always be First for me. 

My appreciation and commitment as a fan of my favourite band is something that helps me enjoy moments in my life.  And, really, in the long run, all music comes from God.

(Except maybe death metal….)

Posted in my thoughts, personal, rhythm

The Rhythm of Waiting

Posted on by Marly

I’m not really good at waiting, unless I have music to listen to. I’m currently at the doctors waiting to be seen. And, I’ve been thinking, music has always been a big part of my life.  From when I was very little. 

My dad’s stepdad is in a Jazz Band from Melbourne and my dad is very much into music. He learned vibraphone a long time ago and he has written a song with one of his best friend’s.  And he is to ‘blame’ for my music tastes.  Or at least my initial musical tastes.  I have of course branched out from artists such as the Travelling Wilbury’s.  However, without my dad, and to a lesser extent my mum (she has influenced me more when it comes to praise and worship music), my love of music may not be as well-nurtured. 

Of course, growing up in the church has also added to my music experience.  It is my belief that all songs come from God.

It’s interesting to think how life would be like without music.  I work in childcare, and think for a moment, we teach little kids through song and movement.  I mean, there are even songs about washing our hands.

Wash your dirty hands
Wash your dirty hands
Rub and scrub
Rub and scrub
And wash you dirty hands…etc

Even as adults we make up chants to help us get through the day.  “I can do it, I can do it…” Though it’s not really music, it’s got rhythm and that’s a musical construct.

Even if no music is playing anyway, we often tap our feet to silent music, the song that is playing in our heads.  Is it any wonder that the natural rhythm of the heart is considered music?  Rhythms exist everywhere.  And I think even people who have no sense of rhythm do have some sense of it. 

Life’s routine is a rhythm of a kind.

Profound thought is profound…

I’m not sure why I’ve become so introspective of late.  Could just be the fact that I have this time to ponder* things.

I have my iPod on shuffle and I’m listening to some songs for the first time ever….that’s pretty cool.

As it says in scripture, let us sing a new song (or listen to one).

*Just realised why Ponder Stibbons is called Ponder….he thinks a lot.

Posted in faith, God, Jesus, journey, life, personal

Sunday’s. The Lord’s Day

Posted on by Marly

This is the day
This is the day
That the Lord has made
That the Lord has made

We will rejoice
We will rejoice
And be glad in it
And be glad in it

For this is the day
That the Lord has made
And we will rejoice
And be glad in it

This is the day
This is the day
That the Lord has made.

I love when there are baby dedications at church.  It really makes me have more faith when parents want to dedicate their children to God.  I think it is so important that a child is brought up in the church.  I am also an advocate of choice.  Once the child is old enough they should be enabled to make their own decisions about their faith and beliefs. 

For me, growing up in churches has really enriched my life and opened my eyes to the importance of a servant heart and that life isn’t just about me. 

Sometimes, I wonder what my life may have become if I hadn’t grown in the church.  And, it’s hard to fathom.  It has been a defining part of my life and I think I’d be a completely different person.  And in fact, that makes sense.  Being a Christian means dying to oneself and taking up the cross of Christ.  It’s not an easy journey.  It can be exhausting.  But, the wonder of how awesome God is makes it entirely worth it in the long run.

And this is what I want to impart to any child I may have.  Of course that’s a future prospect as I have no children, yet.  I have no husband yet, either. 

My parents keep trying to get me to look for someone.  I mean sure, I turn 30 next year but marriage isn’t the ultimate goal of life.  Yes, God has created us for relationship and marriage is a good thing, but marriage isn’t something to strive for.  Relationship with God through Jesus is. 

Of course, I want to get married one day.  And I want children. I admit I’m getting clucky, and my biological clock is ticking.  However, I’m first concentrating on refocusing my heart on Jesus and serving from a position of humility and love.

Amen.

Posted in personal

Physical bodies, not perfect

Posted on by Marly

Today I was reminded how imperfect our human bodies are.  At work, I bent over and now my back is out of whack.  I’m currently at mum and dad’s laying down on my side, contemplating life, God and wondering how it came to this. 

Of all the days for this to happen as well.  It was such a good morning.  The kids were so sweet.  They always put a smile on my face.  Dad came and got me.  So, grateful that I have medical practitioners in my family.

Also, so thankful for the amazing girls I work with.  If it weren’t for them I think I’d feel a lot worse.  And hey….at least I can still walk. Even if it is like a crab. 

Posted in personal, working with children, worship

Work. Behaviour management. Argh

Posted on by Marly

Imagine you have nine four year old children two of them who won’t listen.  One of those two is the instigator, the other is a follower.  What would you do?

I’m almost at the stage of tearing my hair out and it’s only Wednesday lunchtime.  The threat of not joining in play sessions etc doesn’t seem to work and I honestly do not know what I should be doing.  I feel out of my depth, even though I’ve known these children the whole time they’ve been at the centre.

It’s amazing to stop and think that I’ve been at the centre for almost three years.  It feels like a lot shorter.  But, seeing the children puts a stop to that thought.  A lot of them were in the baby room when I started. 

Crazy, eh?

Lovely story though: Yesterday afternoon as I was leaving work, the big boss’ son called out bye to me, and his dad said he liked how he greets me.  I live for those moments. 

Though, after last night’s session on Worship at team night, I feel that I need to alter my attitude a little more.  I still have moments where I feel mad toward the children, but then I think that’s not what Jesus would feel.  If I have a servant heart in my daily work, and do it all for God’s glory…my perspective will change. 

Everything I do should be for the children.  For the centre.  And ultimately for He who created us. 

That will be my prayer, daily.  That I will worship God in everything I do.

Amen.

Posted in 2013, 2014, life, updates

Update on my life.

Posted on by Marly

So, it’s been a long time since I’ve written on this blog.  And, so much has happened.  I’m coming into my third year at my childcare centre and we are in the middle of preparing for one of the many Jewish festivals that they celebrate. (It’s a Jewish childcare centre).

I’ve helped my friend with her short film and I’ve done many exciting things in the past fifteen months or so.  Saw Simple Plan again for the third time.  And, I got to meet the guys again thanks to a friend here in Perth. 

I’ve recently joined a new connect group and as it is Lent I’ve decided to give up something.  Namely, Simple Plan.  So, this is the last time I’m referring to them until after Easter. 

I’m trying to eat healthier and spend less money.  It’s not easy, because I think I’m an impulse buyer.  I also have a habit of buying when things come out, right away.  I need to practise restraint or ask for things as gifts instead.  For birthday’s and Christmas. 

I’ve been writing more of The Baker Tapes, which has been starting and stopping.  I have up to chapter five completed and started on chapter six.  It’s interesting that writing wise it’s a lot easier to write about the guys in A7X than it is about, you know which band. 

I’ve also been reading a lot of good books.  Started a devotional with my friend and finished a few good novels recommended by my mum.  I think that when I read a lot it really aids in my writing.  There is, I believe, a correlation between people who read a lot and can write well. 

Footy season starts in four days.  Collingwood play Fremantle on Friday night.  I can’t wait for the season to kick off.  Though I have been getting more into the summer cricket this year.  So, so stoked that Australia won the Urn back.

Last but not least, I’ve been refocusing on God. 

Shine Jesus Shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze Spirit blaze
Set our hearts on fire

Flow river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your Word, Lord
And, let there be Light.