[talk: A Down Under Mother's Day]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

OK - that might be early for some - but for me, it's today. And it's been a bit sad without my family, but still a lovely day and I got to Skype them and let them know how much I love and miss them.

I was at Hillsong this morning and the Word was spectacular - I was so challenged and encouraged. So I wanted to share briefly on what impacted me ...

First off - "Desert Song" was sung during worship ... which completely overwhelmed me. If you do not know the story, it was written after a tragic loss of a 24wk pregnancy ... baby Max lived for a few hours and then went into the arms of Jesus. I had the privilege of meeting Max's mother, and I wept and wept during the song - for my own loss in Shalom, for her loss in Max - for all the losses and burnt dreams some feel with the fear of no children at all.

But after worship, the speaker proclaimed that this is NOT to be a sad day - but a day where we look to the future. Her husband brought up the truth in the story of Abraham and how he was NAMED the "father of nations" before he had children. He needed to rise up and act like a father before he was one ... I thought that was beautiful - rising up to the gift that children are, whether your own or not.

Julia spoke on "Legacy Lessons" and what you are leaving behind to the generations following. What will be said of you ... so challenging, so inspiring. She gave a few points (I'm just scanning my notes right now ...). One: Give selflessly ... LISTEN ... James 1 tells us just that, to be quick to listen. And she told of how much she appreciated how her mother listened and validated her, even when she was perhaps a bit off in how she felt. What a testament - to sometimes not use moments to teach, to impart what we think is wisdom - but to just be still, to hold our kids, to listen.

Two, to Express My Christianity. She told how her mother worshipped, and how it affected her. And how her mother was never ashamed of what Jesus did for her. Also - how she was an encourager in the faith - and I was challenged by these words: "Don't wait to be the person who wants to be encouraged - but rather, be the ENCOURAGER." How brilliant.

Finally, to Be There. Be Present. When someone needs you - be there. When your kids need you - be there. Obviously, we can't ALL be there for EVERYone ... and we tend to hide behind that whole mentality that it's all too overwhelming. But no, we CAN be there for our circle, and we NEED to be there for our children and family.

Ok ... can you see how wonderful these words were?

So - for you - the mom of many, the mother of few ... the one who dreams of more, the one who dreams of one ... to the mom of the lost, to the mom of the chosen ... to the mom who weeps, to the mom who rejoices ...

To you all - may this day be a day where you and I rise up to Proverbs 31 ... be clothed in dignity, have our children called us blessed because we have been responsible with the gift HE gave us ...

Happy Mother's Day.

[vacations: I Think It's Day 4 ...]

This post is for the benefit of my mom *grin*.

Yesterday, my dad, mom and aunt left Sydney for Auckland.  I, however, stayed behind so that I could hook up with friends here for the weekend.

Mom.  I am GOOD.  Alive.  The baby's good.  And no, I haven't lost my passport *GRIN*.

I spent yesterday afternoon wandering the streets of Sydney.  I had thought about bringing my camera but there was so much walking to do, I thought I had better not push it.  Of course, like always, I regret now not having taken it with me.  

It's not often that I have 5 hours to just look at buildings and parks ... to window shop and eat gelato.  It was lovely - except I think that I'm only one of 3 pregnant people in all of Sydney!!  It's soooo funny ... the LOOKS I get.   Like I'm an alien ... people look at me, look down at my belly and look away with looks of ... well, unbelief.  It's pretty funny.

So what did I do all afternoon?  I ended up walking into a salon and said, "GO for it."  It took up a good hour and a half ... loved having my head massaged and all of that.  And yes - a LOT was cut off ... it's cut shorter than chin-length now.  Not REALLY what I wanted, but it's hair.  And being pregnant, my hair grows SO fast that it'll probably be chin length by Sunday *laughing*.

Then my friends picked me up - we went to a pub for some yummy food, then off to a practice at Hills City Church ... there's a special being done on Sunday for Mother's Day that they were practicing for ... 

After that, my friend KF and her friends MF and JM took me to see "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past".  I had a great time!!  The movie?  Ah ... not the worst movie I've seen ... not the best.  But we laughed so much ... MF is SUCH a character!  And the funniest part of the night was when we couldn't get to the car because the mall had everything blocked off ... lots of wandering and frustration ... and hilarious comments.

Ok ... now?  Well - I'm not on my computer, I'm on BF's.  So - no uploading of any pics ... and as I said - no pics were taken yesterday except for at Hills church.  

I'm hoping to keep taking pics - but I'm feeling a bit self conscious ... I don't want people here thinking it's odd that I'm taking photos of gatherings and such ... for me, it's my vacation - it's what I'm doing and what I want to remember ... I basically photo-journal.  So - if I bring my camera tonight for dinner at B&K's friend's house - I hope that I won't look too ridiculous ...

Oh - and why all the initials of people here?  Because my friends back home will know who I'm talking about *wink* ...

Ok - must run ... 

Have a good one!!

[vacations: Day Two]

Would you believe that we spent almost 5 hours in the upstairs lounge?

That's where we had breakfast, but then my dad watched the hockey game - and my aunt and mom took in the view while having wonderful conversation. I Skyped home ...

But once 1pm rolled around, we decided to get moving and we chose to go and look around the shops. And let me tell you, there is a LOT of shopping to be done in this city. I'm not REALLY a shopper - I like deals and I like to shop when I have a plan ... so yesterday was more like window shopping, and taking in the city. I bought a couple of things for the boys, but haven't found anything for my hubby yet. Oh well. It's only day two!

The most impacting thing that happened, was something totally unplanned. After a wonderful dinner at a cafe recommended by KF, we headed back to the hotel lobby. There, we settled in for some more conversation when a very drunk young lady asked if she could join us.

She was highly entertaining to start with. Extremely blunt - to the point of bringing us into fits of laughter. She told us she used to be a back up singer for Celine Dion - and then broke out into "Near ... Far ... WhereEVER you are...". She talked about "energy" and being drawn to us. She made fun of each of us - not intentionally, but just because her "tact muscle" didn't exist under the influence of alcohol.

But as she stayed, we started asking her questions - and her mood quickly change. She started to cry, saying that she was so lonely, so unhappy. That was when we each took a moment to share about God with her ... to which she said, 'Oh, I'm sorry. I don't believe in God." And then she would cry.

She stayed with us for about a half an hour ... and as soon as she realized we weren't going to drink and party with her, she moved on to the next table. By the end of the night, the police were asked to come in and take her away.

I have no idea what seeds, if any, were planted. I don't know if she'll remember a thing about last night. But it was a reminder to me that the broken and lost are everywhere. And that talking about the redemptive love of God is not something everyone has heard.

She definitely impacted our group ... even as I sit here and type, I hear my family talking about the experience ... we pray that some way, some how, last night mattered.

[talk: Read This.]

Ok - two posts in one day?

I'm supposed to be getting ready for dinner, but came down to check my emails. Instead, I slipped over to a friend's blog, and wanted to wanted to share this link with you. Many of you already go to this site, but CW shared such a fantastic post that I wanted to share it with you.

Take a moment and be SO encouraged!! I know that I was!!

I'm here!!!

I can hardly believe it - but even as I type this and look over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge ... I still have to pinch myself.

Our flight was uneventful - a few bumps, but I actually found them relaxing as I slept ... strange, I know. But a real relief that I may have kicked this "fear of flying" thing!

We arrived yesterday at 8:30am Auz time, and met my cousin Lance. We made our way back too the hotel, which is only blocks away from the Harbour, and then walked down to a Cafe for some brunch.

It was important to us that we try and get on Auz time, so we thought we should just keep going - and so we took a 45 minute ferry ride to Manly (great name, eh?) and walked through the little town to the beach.

After, we came back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. Lance suggested a Thai restaurant, so we gladly went. It was MIGHTY spicy for me *grin*, but I still got enough to eat ... and the conversation was lovely.

By the time 8pm rolled around, I could barely keep my eyes open. We chose to walk back to the hotel, said good bye to Lance and then headed for bed. My folks slept in the bedroom and I slept on a cot in the living area ... but it was so comfy, that I fell asleep instantly.

I woke up at 4am ... then rolled over, back to sleep - and arose at 7:30am. It's SO great to be on Auz time already!!

Right now, I'm typing from the breakfast room in the hotel ... Auntie Ruth is taking in the view from the deck, my mom is catching up on her emails, and my dad is trying to figure out how he's going to watch the Canuck game in 2 hours *grin*.

Me? Well - I Skyped my family last night, and today ... Tias is very emotional, but getting better knowing that we'll be able to talk every day. Josiah is Josiah ... he's 2 and just thinks it's cool that Mommy is on the computer.

My hubby says all is well ... sure hope so - it's only been a day or so :-).

The plan today is - nothing :-). I might find a salon and chop off my hair. Or digi scrap in the park just below ... I am feeling relaxed and content. I miss my home and my boys, but with Skype, I feel that I am still connected a little and can keep up to date with what's at home.

Tonight we're heading for dinner tonight at the Sydney Tower ... and I am taking it all in.

This already has been a trip of a lifetime. I am so grateful. Having one on one time with my parents is such a gift ...

And to you all - wherever you are - stop and give your mom a call. Give your dad a hug. Our parents are gifts that we take for granted ... our legacy is what they've given us ...

So to you, today, I wish you all the best of what today can be!!