Posted in faith, God, Jesus, journey, my thoughts

My Story

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Why do I follow Jesus?
I follow Jesus because He is my life.  He is my Lord and Saviour and He gives me strength and courage to do life.  I know He is always there for me, even when people aren’t.

When did I start to follow Him?
I don’t really have an exact time that I can definitely pin down.  For me it’s an ongoing journey.  I’m sure there was a point that I decided for myself that He is real and for me, but Jesus has always been a part of my life.

What have I done, as a result of following Him, lately?

Lately, I find myself being challenged to serve in my everyday.  At work especially.  I work in childcare and it is so easy to get frustrated and to want to just walk away, but setting my heart on Jesus helps to centre me, and remind me that life is not all about me.  And that He is bigger than all my cares and worries.

Posted in my thoughts, NBL

Pro Sports and me.

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
The first time I went to a professional game of sport that I can remember, it was actually basketball.  The Townsville Suns.  Funny story, they had to change their name to the Crocodiles because the Phoenix Suns in the US were going to sue them for being called the Suns.  Which in some ways helped their brand.  The name change that is.  The Swamp is now well known in the Aussie Basketball lexicon and I couldn’t imagine them being known as any other team.  In fact, I wrote about ‘the Swamp’ in one of my Simple Plan fanfics. 
I can still picture the Swamp, or more formally, the Townsville Entertainment Centre.  We used to have our school Presentation nights there.  I think my year was the last year to have it there, and then they moved it to the Civic Theatre.  Smaller venue.  But, anyway, the Townsville Entertainment Centre was a big part of my life…what with going to the basketball quite a few times.  Funny, I think I’ve been to more Basketball games than AFL games.  The atmosphere was always electric, and the actual game? Fast paced and exciting.  And we had some good players on our team.  Rob Rose, Brad Davidson, Derek Rucker, Sam Mackinnon, Peter Crawford just to name a few. 
It’s funny, I talk about how I’m not interested in basketball so much, but I always ask my NBL loving fans how the Crocs are doing.  It’s not the same level of interest that I have for the NRL.  I still have a very soft spot for the NQ Cowboys.  But, I guess what it boils down to is anything Townsville related gets my heart pounding.  I miss Townsville, I guess.  I’d live there in a heartbeat.  If there was the perfect job for me.

There, I said it.  I would move back to the Ville if there was suitable work for me there.  But, since It’s kind of a small city, that’s highly unlikely to happen.  But, I can still dream, right?
Posted in Easter, God, Jesus, my thoughts, prayer, Saviour

Conversations about God

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

This is the last full week of work before the Passover/Easter break.  My thoughts have continued to be turned to God and what He did for me on the Cross.  I’ve also had some fun watching the kids at work learning about Passover and again I think about how Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb. 

For me and, I know, many Christians, the period of Easter is the most important in our walk with the Lord.  The fact that He gave His life for us is humbling.  Even more so is the fact that He conquered death.  We do not need to fear Hell if we put our trust in Jesus and accept Him in our lives.

I pray that this Easter more of God’s people will accept the call of He who Created us. 

On an interesting aside, I was talking to my friend and she told me that at her church the Pastor was explaining the meaning of Eve and Adam eating of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.  The Pastor explained that it was sign of their disobedience and wanting to be separate from God, a metaphor of them rejecting God in their lives.  This is sin. 

That encouraged me, because it was like a light going off in my mind.  I realised this could be the one thing that vindicates my views on evolution.  If eating of the fruit is a metaphor, then it doesn’t necessarily negate human evolution. 

Humans at some stage in their evolution could figure out God existed then decide that they didn’t want God to rule them, and this would be where sin entered into the world. 

It doesn’t negate the severity and importance of sin, but at the same time evolution within the human species could be accepted. 

Amazing.  God is amazing.

Though, that’s all just minor in comparison to what He did for us on the Cross.  This is what matters to the people of this world. 

And I am forever grateful to God for what He has done for me.

Thank You Lord for sending Your Son to die for me on the Cross.  Thank You Lord for defeating death.  For death is what we deserve, but You so loved us that You sent Your only begotten Son. For You did not send Him to condemn us, but to be our Saviour.

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

Commitment

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

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 marlytheadoptee

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 marlytheadoptee

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 marlytheadoptee

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 marlytheadoptee

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 marlytheadoptee

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.

Posted in Random, working with children

Blogging

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

So, I haven’t written on this blog in so long.  Probably because I now have Tumblr.  And I’ve been Facebooking a whole lot more, as well.  A lot, and I mean a lot, has happened since I typed anything on this particular blog site, and I have to say it would take forever for me to list everything, but maybe I could start with the highlights?  So, here goes:

  1. Paul and I have been together for 19 months and our relationship is progressing, no matter what my parents think.
  2. Riverview is about to release their first worship album since ‘And Sing’.  A studio offering called “Beginnings” and I am super stoked to hear the heart for God in these songs
  3. I saw Simple Plan live in June of this year, and I met them.
  4. I’ve been at my job for almost fourteen months now and there have been a lot of staff changes and a lot of emotional upheaval.  Though it is exciting, watching the children growing and learning every day.
  5. I’ve turned 27.  
  6. I had sinus surgery.  
  7. I’ve made headway on my Cert III
  8. I’m considering early learning childhood education in the long term
  9. I went to my ten year school anniversary.
  10. And…I’ve endured the emotional rollercoaster which is the AFL season.
Speaking of which, I’m still stoked that Travis Cloke is staying a Magpie.  And I’m excited for 2013.
Anyway, I’m really not sure what else to write, so I’ll sign off for now.   I have to go feed my friend’s dog and cats as she’s away on a mini holiday.