LIVE FREE WALK

For weeks we have been eagerly anticipating the “Walk For Her Freedom” event.  Finally the day had arrived and God blessed us with perfect Gold Coast weather.

On Saturday 17^th April at 3pm, we arrived at Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club on the Gold Coast Highway.

There was an excited atmosphere as 110 women, young and old gathered from South East Queensland united for a common cause.  We were honoured and privileged to have Julie Flatt and her dedicated team from Teen Challenge join us.

The T-Shirts supplied by Teen Challenge were very popular and worn with pride.  Many people stopped us during the walk to ask curious questions.  This was a great opportunity to raise awareness for our cause.

 The 5km walk was full of many different types of scenery.  We started beachside where the water was beautiful and inviting.  We crossed Tallebudgera Creek bridge and entered into the Burleigh Hedland National Park.  All the way being encouraged by Marshalls at regular intervals handing out lolliies and refreshments.

We passed families spending time together and children on swings.  We even passed 3 beautiful weddings that captured our attention and added romance to our day!  Many unique connections and special friendships were formed along the way.

Nearing the end of our walk we embarked up Burleigh Hill and then down eight flights of stairs where we were cheered by our friends and families upon our arrival at Don McSweeney Park, Marine Parade, Miami. 

The park was full of fun and entertainment including a jumping castle, BBQ, face painting and music.  Everyone who participated in the walk signed their names on an art mural to commemorate the day.

There was a lucky walker prize drawn at dusk to finish off a perfect day.  The prize, (which was generously donated for the day), was 2 nights accommodation, including breakfast for 2 at Peppers Resort, Kingscliffe. 

The team at Teen Challenge that birthed and pioneered the Live Free walk can be commended for the success of their first year.  800 walkers participated in 12 walks throughout the Northern Territory and Queensland.  We can only look forward to future years to come with the growth of awareness and participation.  We eagerly await the positive reports showing the impact our fundraising has had in women’s lives. 

A great day was had by all!

DO OUR POSSESSIONS POSSESS US?

This week I have witnessed such heartache and loss through total injustice through the sins of others.  My close friend came home in the middle of the day only to find her house had been broken into.  This type of experience (which I have never had to personally endure), would be devastating to live through.  Our homes should be a place of safety and haven for our family.  When there is a break-in it is a violation of privacy and security.

During the proceeding days that followed the break-in, my friend was making a list of all the stolen items.  This list was growing fast and full of priceless items, both financially and sentimentally.  There will never be a good enough explanation of what, when, where or how for any heartless crime.  So we go to scripture for comfort and reassurance.  I know the bible tells us......

• Do not to be materialistic and store up for yourselves treasures here on earth where moths and rust can destroy and where thieves can break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19)
• Whoever trusts in his riches will fall (Proverbs 11:28)

But surely these scriptures do not mean we need to live like paupers in order to save ourselves from the sins of this world?

Surely this does not mean that our hearts are not for the good of growing the kingdom of God because we may own nice possessions in our homes?

Of course not! But it does pose these questions to us.. 

Do our possessions possess us?

If we lost them all today...would we blame God?

What occupies most of our thoughts, time and efforts ... Kingdom Rewards or Earthly Rewards?

We can spend all our lives collecting and storing treasures on earth only to die and leave it all behind!

However, the bible also talks about leaving an inheritance to our children, not only that, but our children's children! (Proverbs 13:22)  I believe this can include physical as well as spiritual.

It is in times of need and despair that Kingdom rewards naturally accumulate.  This is because the body of Christ goes into action.. We become the hands and feet of Jesus on earth to comfort and support our friends in need.  I just love it!  

As we go from this page, lets be more intentional to store up Kingdom rewards in heaven.

Shoes In Church

Shoes in church  I showered and shaved............. I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer.......... As I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me...... Touching my own. I sighed. With plenty of room on either side....... I thought, "Why must our soles touch?" It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much. A prayer began: "Our Father"............ I thought, "This  man with the shoes.. has no pride.  They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!" "Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said............... a quiet "Amen." I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren't we supposed to look our best.. When walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky. It was time for the offering....... And what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft "clink" . as when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie. It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service...... As is the custom here. We must greet new visitors.. And show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow.............. And wanted to meet the shoe man. So after the closing prayer........ I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess. But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest. He said, "My names' Charlie.......... I'm glad to meet you, my friend." There were tears in his eyes....... But he had a large, wide grin. "Let me explain," he said......... Wiping tears from his eyes. "I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.'" "I know that my appearance........."Is not like all the rest. "But I really do try................."To always look my best." "I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk. "But by the time I get here........."They're dirty and  dusty, like chalk." My heart filled with pain............ and I swallowed to hide my tears. As he continued to apologize......... For daring to sit so near. He said, "When I get here..........."I know I must look a sight. "But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our souls might unite." I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever was said Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head. "Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part; "That the best of any man............"Is what is found in his heart." The rest, I thought,................ This shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul

The first time I read this I found tears falling from eyes.
How often does this truly happen in many churches today.  We become so insulated with the people we are regularly connected with that it is sometimes hard to look outside our comfort zone of complacency.

My word for 2010 is PERSPECTIVE!!
Everything in life reflects Perspective....
The man with the dirty shoes actually had a clean heart.  Sometimes our perspective of people on the outside can blind us to what is a deep well within them and therefore cannot see the richness and diversity of their relationship with Christ and what that person has to offer.  I know for me on many occasions God has given me a fresh perspective through the most unlikely source and experience.

Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up. James 4:10


Humbling ourselves means recognising that our worth comes from God alone.  To walk in humility means not to live according to our own independent effort.  Although we don't deserve God's favour, He freely gives us worth and dignity, despite our human shortcomings and sin. This is how He lifts us up so we can be His hands and feet here on the earth....thats bringing a little piece of Heaven to earth.


God views all people as equals.  Why is it wrong to judge a person by his or her economic status?
Wealth may indicate intelligence, wise decisions and hard work.  But on the other hand, it could be a sign of greed, dishonesty or selfishness.  By honouring someone just because they dress well, we are making appearance more valuable than character. This is polar opposites to God's perspective.

Conversations with God...

Come with me on a journey to awaken our souls to God's heart for humanity on the earth... As I continuously look to heaven for answers on the countless injustices in our world, I am gently reminded that we are all called to be God's hands and feet here on Earth. God has set Eternity in our hearts to be the driving force to activate the power of Grace in our lives. Only then can God's will be perfected and injustice eliminated so everyone has equal opportunities to fulfil God's purpose, plan and destiny in their lives.