2023 - What is Victory?

 This year, our church had the theme: Year of VICTORY. Initially, I was excited by this word. It felt that finally, we had  entered a year that would bring more joy than sadness. After many years of trials, we would finally experience triumph.

Then, we walked into the new year... I don't know what Victory means to you, but for me, it was a word I learned would have a different meaning to my expectations. 

It has been another year of trials. Finding ourselves in places we didn't expect, and couldn't understand. However, we never felt God had removed His hand from our lives. He has been with us through the valleys and the hilltops...although 2023 brought more time in the valley. We still don't know what our hilltop will look like. We just know God is in control. His will may be different to our will... or maybe His will is a surprise or a miracle. Either way, we are ok. We've been through so many trials, we know nothing will keep us down. 

So, we began this year in anticipation of an expected victory, and we come to the end with a different understanding of what that means for us, personally. It has been a tough, yet rewarding year. Both in unexpected ways. Be blessed...there are always rainbows after the rain 🦋

November

 I haven't been on top of the monthly posts... my mind is struggling to process the fact it is the 30th of November! Wasn't it just July?? Wow... this year has really flown! I have so many thoughts flowing through my mind, but nothing that calls, "Blog this!",or the urge to write fades like a passing cloud. These last 6 months have been a different kind of rollercoaster. Ups and downs...learning to thrive in the valleys, and make the most of the mountain tops. There have been more valleys than mountain tops this year. One year I may be able to say the valleys have been few and far between... but not these last few years. 

The main reason I haven't blogged as much...is I'm just tired. Worn out from the challenges of the year. Maybe I simply need to adjust my priorities, but for now, I will go to bed. Happy December! 🦋

Angels

Is it just me, or is the second half if this year flying through? 

I've been pondering what to write about, but the inspiration hasn't really peaked this month. 

My mind has been flowing with ideas, but nothing has prompted me to stop and write. 

One thing I've enjoyed during the last few months is that I have been experiencing an increased awareness of angelic presence in my life, which has been both encouraging and exciting. 

It's pretty cool to sense angels waiting for you as you enter through the work gates, then feeling them linking arms with you as you walk towards the entrance. I often walk from the train station, but I drove one day last week, and suddenly wondered what the angels would do when I drove by them...the next thing I knew, I sensed 3 of them sitting in my car with me! One in the front, 2 in the back. It was very encouraging. 

I will sign off here, and possibly write more on this another time. 🦋

A Beautiful Lesson in Compassion

Today I found myself explaining Dementia to a man with an intellectual disability. Why? Because he was genuinely concerned about another client's behaviour... he asked why they kept swearing, and why they were yelling at an imaginary person, etc. It actually turned out to be a beautiful experience. 

He was able to understand enough to ask further questions, such as, "Can the doctor help them get better?", "Will it kill them?"...  and expressed genuine compassion towards his peer, knowing their brain wasn't working like ours, and some of the behaviours that caused. He accepted the suggestion that we need to try to be more patient with this peer...and know they can't help doing funny things, and they don't mean to upset us. 

I was so blessed by this fairly short, but effective conversion between this client, another staff and myself. It made me think, if this man with an intellectual disability can try to not only understand something as significant as dementia, but also express compassion.. what is wrong with our world... people are so busy with themselves, they forget to treat others as they would like to be treated. Many react in anger, instead of looking to see what may have caused somebody to upset them. Many forget there can be underlying reasons, such as invisible illness, trauma, even just simple fatigue behind another's actions.

If a man with an intellectual disability can express this genuine compassion and desire for understanding... what's our excuse? 🦋

(I chose the above image from my camera...it reminds me of the mind gently & slowly switching off...)

Arrivederci to the first half of 2023

Well, we've passed the halfway mark of the year... a year that feels like it is moving way too fast! The year I began feeling confident that good things would happen, quickly became the year of faith tested, and unexpected challenges. 

Another rollercoaster where you don't know where your path is going, you just know it's moving, and there will be bumps and turns! 

I still don't know what the rest of the year will bring. All I know is I'm in God's hands. He knows all the details I don't, and understands everything I don't. 

With that said, I will continue to travel this ride  and find reasons to smile and be thankful. 5 months left to see God move. 

My Nonna

This month, as I am again reminded of Cherry Blossoms... almost 1 year since my Nonna's passing, I would like to honour her and tell you about this amazing woman I called Nonna. (Although Cherry Blossoms remind me of Nonna, she was always surrounded by Deep Pink Geraniums). 

Nonna was a young bride-to-be who, in the early 1950s, travelled on a ship from Northern Italy (Giavara) to Melbourne, Australia. My Nonno migrated a year earlier and set up a life here, in preparation of the arrival of his future bride. They were married a day after her arrival. Nonna was a seamstress, so made her own wedding dress. Unfortunately, her dress was sent on a different ship, and did not arrive in time - so she borrowed a dress. To this day, (to my knowledge) her wedding dress has not been worn. My sister and I often wore dresses made by Nonna.

My Nonna and Nonno (Nonni) were devout catholics. They brought up 10 children. My mum was the first child, and I was the 2nd grandchild. I grew up when my Nonni ran, and lived in a corner milk bar in the western suburbs. I have great childhood memories of this time... often visiting when the shop was filled with children from the catholic school across the road.

I remember seeing freshly made spaghetti drying/hanging along the hallway, in a straight line, on broom handles. I also remember using their "Outhouse", which was dark, and I always hoped I didn't see spiders. I remember when they renovated their bathroom to include a toilet. We were all excited! 

Our family gatherings (Christmas, Easter, Mothers/Fathers Day, etc) were often in the large lounge, or even in the actual shop front. As the family grew, they had long tables in the garage. I remember, one Christmas Day, sitting at tables in the shop front- a man kept tapping on the window because he needed milk! 

Nonna took pride in her cooking, and catering for her large family. Nobody made roast chicken maryland or potatoes like her! We loved being chosen to go to the shop fridge and pick out a soft drink (soda). My 2 siblings & I always chose sarsaparilla- to many adults' disgust! Haha! 

A family favourite was her Tuna Pasta- often cooked for individual visits, and ALWAYS enough to take some home. 

My Nonni retired & moved to Queensland for a few years, then returned close to Melbourne. This time, in the outer suburbs. The 2nd generation of grandchildren only know this part of their lives. We of the 1st generation remember our Nonno being stressed due to his business, while the 2nd generation only knew a more relaxed, retired Nonno.

Family lunches always began with mushroom risotto & ravioli in brodo (broth). A while later, a feast was set, including roast chicken maryland, roast potatoes, various vegetables & salads...and her precious stuffed mushrooms ,(which I didn't eat!). Then... desserts, including her famous Tiramisu, fruit & other sweets... and then...coffee. Oh, and her paper thin crostoli! My favourite. She would often make it just because she knew I loved it. Nobody, apart from my brother makes crostoli like Nonna! 

Growing up, we took all of this for granted. Now she's gone, the memories are truly precious. 

Nonna's faith was strong, like her personality. She was devout and stubborn. We often did not agree on faith - as my parents left the catholic church and brought us up protestant. My Nonno was more accepting- he would point his finger to heaven & say to me, "I see God looks after you". Despite these differences, I know Nonna loved me dearly. She quietly had my back in life's circumstances.

From an Intercessor's perspective, Nonna was a hard egg to crack! I spent 30+ years praying for her! As I grew older, and my intercession and prophetic gifts became stronger, the burdens to pray increased. God often showed me images of her as a child sitting in His lap. He consistently showed me He had her. It didn't look that way, but I trusted Him. While she was praying I would see the light, I was declaring her salvation. The enemy knew me well, and he had no problem letting me know. Neither did I have a problem activating my spiritual authority.  

A few months before she contracted covid, God showed me a picture of a glass jug. It was full of little papers, like you would place in a Thankfulness Jar. It represented all the prayers from everybody who had been praying for her over the decades. He then said, "I have all need. Now watch me work!" I can't explain how my spirit felt by those words... it was a promise and a challenge- to let go and let God. 

Fast forward to June 26, 2022. That night I had arranged with my parents to visit Nonna in palliative care, the following morning. I had the urge to search Youtube for Italian worship music, to play during our visit. As I listened, my spirit stirred. Something big was happening, and I just couldn't stop streaming these powerful worship songs. My spirit wanted to  keep going, but my mind told me to go to bed, because I needed to get up early. 

God reminded me of another vision - the rock with dripping water. It appeared the water (prayers) would not affect the rock, but over time, the persistent dripping would eventually corrode/break down the rock. That night, God showed me the rock broken in half! What an amazing vision to go to sleep with. 

Well, June 27th 2022 was the day my Nonna went to be with Jesus. She was 97 years old! I had such a peaceful sleep that night.... and awoke to a text message with the news she had passed away in the early hours of the morning. My plans to visit were cancelled. Although I was sad I didn't get to see her, I also realised that God had used me the night before. The battle had finally been won! I felt peace in knowing I had done far more for her, spiritually than I could have done physically. The peace was deep, supernatural peace. 

I must acknowledge there were a few other family members who also engaged in the battle for her soul. It was a team effort. We had our individual assignments. I can only share my own experiences. I do know, during the funeral, we, the intercessors all shared that same, supernatural peace. 

After 30+ years' of warfare intercession, the assignment was over. The burden was lifted. I truly believe she is with Jesus.

I want to encourage those who feel like their prayers are getting nowhere. Before asking if there's any point in continuing to pray... this  war for one soul lasted many decades. But in  the end... God's will prevailed. Don't give up! If God gives you a burden, He has the answer! 🦋

Unexpected message

Last night, out of the blue, my husband received a message. As requested, he showed me the message. If the sender sees this, know your message was received and accepted. The past is in the past. 

Faith Hope Love

 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13.

This has been an unexpected season! I began the year with a renewed hope, and the word, "Fresh". As the weeks progressed, I found myself on a path, where I was asking, "Huh?" "How did I get here?", "WHY am I here again?" "I thought this path ended". "Why has life been so tough, contending for what others take for granted?" 

Throughout this season, of these I am sure: God knew. God knows. God has great plans for me.

I don't know what the rest of this year holds. All I know is I have faith. I am loved. I refuse to give up hope. 

During this season, God has lavished me with His love. I've always felt His love, but this year has brought a new, deeper level. I have friends who have held me up in prayer, and I have felt that supernatural covering so strongly. I'm travelling a familar, yet also unfamilar journey. Those who travelled with me in the past, remain in the past. God has orchestrated a new group of faith filled people (again, with some unexpectedly familar friends) to travel this current journey with me. Seriously, I did not see this coming, but I feel extremely blessed. It's another way of God showing me how much He loves me. 

The photo is of my new necklace. I love this necklace... I wear it to work, and when I see myself in the mirror, I am reminded of the faith of a mustard seed. Sometimes the simple things can bring the most joy. My faith, at times has felt like a mustard seed, but that is enough to move a mountain! So, with my mustard seed, and my friends' faith & prayer covering, I believe we will move this mountain. (Check out Faithbracelet.co They currently have a BOGO Sale!)

When I am asked how I'm going, I can honestly say that I feel peace, as if I'm sitting calmly in a dinghy, in the middle of a stormy ocean. I have  no oars, just my mustard seed. I don't understand why the waves are crashing so fiercely, I just understand that God loves me enough to give me peace....faith, hope, and so much love. 

If you are travelling this journey with me, I appreciate every single prayer and act of love. I am truly blessed to have you in my life right now. 🦋

Prophetic Encouragement - Don't limit God

 

During the last few months, I've found myself questioning my discernments for others, simply because God has given me the same vision/message for multiple people. The first time I shared the picture, the feedback was positive. I was encouraged that I'd "hit the mark". The second time, I felt less confident, because the picture was not 'fresh', but I chose to step out in faith and share it anyway. I've learned that my visions are usually spot on or resonate with those I've shared with. 

Well, as with the first share, the second person also confirmed that my vision for them had "hit the mark". This has happened multiple times.

God doesn't care how many times He uses the same vision or image to speak to people.

We all read the same bible, yet find different words or sentences resonate with us individually, and also during different seasons. We could read the same bible verse one hundred times, and each time, receive a new insight, or different perspective.

A further example is the above picture of Cherry Blossoms. You could tell me what this picture means to you, and it will be specific to you and what your heart needs to hear. To me, that picture is a reminder of God's love and hope. The circle of life. God continued to show me visions of Cherry Blossoms last June- when my 97 year old Nonna (grandma) was in palliative care, after contracting Covid. I'd spent decades praying for her salvation. It felt like an uphill battle, but I, and a few other family members persisted to intercede for her. It was a tough battle! The enemy knew me well! God continued to encourage me now and then, that my (our) prayers were making a difference. The last vision He gave me, a few months before she died, was of a glass jar. Our decades' worth of prayers were all collected in that jar. God simply said, "I have all I need. Now watch me work!" 

I can tell you, I slept well the night before she left us. I'd spent the night streaming Italian worship music, and I felt a sense of strong activity in the spiritual realm. The following morning, I felt a supernatural peace that she was with Jesus.  The battle was over. My long-term assignment was over. The enemy finally lost!

I'm sure there are many more stories relating to Cherry Blossoms. Each one unique. Each one personally encouraging. Each one strongly resonating with the same image of those beautiful flowers. 

So, the lesson I've learned is, don't be afraid to share the same vision with different people. If God wants you to tell somebody something, trust HIM. He knows what will resonate, and He is not limited by our insecurities. Those Cherry Blossoms were healing to my soul. That doesn't mean they can't also bring healing to your soul. 🦋

March

What a crazy month... I forgot to write a post! 

February was an AMAZING month, and March has just flown by! I loved every second of the Seers & Dreamers Gathering in Sydney. I finally met many online friends in person, and made new friends. I remember finishing work on the Wednesday, before my flight on Thursday morning. My body just naturally relaxed, in a much-needed, but also unexpected way. Even though my 4 days in Sydney were packed with activity, my body remained relaxed. As soon as I began work after returning home, I hit the ground running!

Now, as March comes to a close, my body is again in need of a rest! 

This has been a big year so far. I don't know for sure where this current path will lead. I just know that nothing is a surprise to God. I feel like I'm surfing a new kind of wave. As always, I persist. I'm riding new waves, and finding old waves rush towards me. Familiar, yet fresh. New elements of unknown added to the known. I never expected to again surf the familar waves. But, God knew. God knows. He has me in the palm of His hand, and that's really all that matters right now. 🦋

Riding the Waves of Life

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6 NIV

2023... What a year already! I was recently thinking about the last 5 or so years of my life, and realised it was a season of learning to ride the many waves that came my way! 

Small waves and big waves. Waves representing character growth, family situations, shock health diagnoses and 'young' deaths... Spiritual waves of adversity and realising some waves were caused by other people who should have known better ... Waves of navigating the covid season and lockdowns. So many waves! Sometimes you don't even realise you're in the water... Then a big wave hits! You either ride it or fall. It doesn't matter which way you go, as long as you keep going. 

I've been knocked down enough times to know the only option is to get back on the board. Falling is part of leaning and growing. The water doesn't harm you if you choose to keep getting back up. Each time you fall, you can get back up, stronger and more determined to ride the next wave. You can be better prepared, and wiser. Waves stop catching you off guard when you learn the signs. 

The last few years have turned me into a strong surfer, metaphorically. I've never actually tried to surf, physically. But spiritually, I surf a LOT. Personally, getting back up has required an attitude and heart of forgiveness. So many waves have come from unexpected sources, and tested my heart. 

I would say, the 2019-2022 season especially, was a season of becoming a stronger surfer. This season brought out the worst and the best in people. It exposed true colours and attitudes of the heart. I learned, if I was going to keep riding the waves, I needed to surf alone, or carefully select who I trusted to be in my circle. Too many people wanted to push me off my board, or stop me from moving forward. I couldn't pray with people if our attitudes and prayers were not in alignment. So I learned the boundaries of my own lane, and diligently stayed there. 

2022 brought waves of change. I rode many of those waves, until I realised I needed to start surfing in a different body of water. Where I'd felt alone & frustrated by the water I was in, the new body of water refreshed me and reignited my spark. I had outgrown the previous water. The waves of change carried me into a new season. 

My point is, life is full of waves. You can either use them to help you grow and overcome, or you can let the water envelope you and suck you under. The waves will come, big or small. The question is, Will you choose to surf or let life's challenges pull you down? 

I know I have faced many big waves, and at times, been briefly sucked under... But.. I choose to always pick myself back up. The big waves come, and now I meet them with new strength, wisdom and determination. The devil is a liar. There is ALWAYS a way back up/out/over/through. The waves are just a challenge for you to prove that. 

Trials will come, but God promises to stay with us and give us a reason to rejoice (1 Peter 1:6) and joy does come in the morning! (Psalm 30:5). 🦋

"A Man Called Otto"

 

"Based on the comical and moving New York Times bestseller, A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower whose only joy comes from criticizing and judging his exasperated neighbors. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol, leading to an unexpected friendship that will turn his world upside-down".  https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_man_called_otto

 I recently saw this movie with my mum and sister. I wasn't sure what to expect, apart from it being a comedy of sorts. It was much more! What a beautifully constructed story...yes, it was funny, but it was also sad, relatable and thought-provoking. When the end credits rolled, nobody in the cinema moved! Everybody just sat there in a peaceful silence... It was just amazing how one movie could touch so many people. My sister said the man behind her was crying. I think everybody cried. 

It was funny seeing Otto behave as a grumpy, old man. It was also touching to see the underlying reasons for his grumpy facade. He had a tender heart, and his actions towards others, although rough and often abusive- had caring undertones. He was a good man, who just needed somebody to penetrate his outer shell. 

The reality of mental health and grief were addressed. How good people often struggle, and how important it is to just 'persist' - a simple "Hello" when passing by, or an invitation to lunch, knowing the answer will probably be a gruff No. 

It makes you think... How many people push others away simply because they are hurting? How many hard shells hide a soft interior? Sensitive and caring people who can't find a way to be happy - who just need a little help by being loved and seen by those around them.  

This is a very touching, funny and thought-provoking movie. Prepare to laugh - and bring tissues!

***TRIGGER WARNINGS*** "IF", MENTAL HEALTH

***SPOILER ALERT***

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* If you struggle with infertility (IF), just be aware this is respectfully addressed in the movie. 

* There are references to suicide that may affect some people. The scenes are thoughtful and respectful, but they are there. 

****END WARNINGS/ALERT****

2023 - Change in the air

 Happy New Year! 

After a busy end to 2022, including getting sick before Christmas... and feeling extremely grateful to see my family for Christmas, the turn of the calendar page brought a sudden shift. 

On January 1st, Something in the air changed! 

I woke up feeling indifferent, then went to church. As soon as I entered that environment, my spirit quickened to a shift in the atmosphere. There was a new joy. People were happy - it felt as if the "Happiness Barometer" jumped a few new levels overnight! 

It felt as if God was up to something. Like all the challenges of 2022 were placed in a box, and He put the lid on top. Out with the old, in with the new. During the pre-service prayer time, there was an amazing sense of His presence, anticipation and expectation. I saw/sensed helium balloons all over the room, being popped. Breakthrough was beginning! It was almost overwhelming in the most beautiful way. 

I woke up feeling indifferent, and after church, my spirit was energised. Whatever this year holds, I am in anticipation of what God has planned for me, His church, corporately and individually. There is an old song -  "God is up to something good, something good, something good..."  The word I was given for this year is FRESH, and all Sunday, this word was confirmed. This is a fresh season. I am excited to see where He takes us this year! I can't remember the last time I felt excited by a new year. Each previous year, it has been about survival. Maintaining peace and hope amidst the storms and challenging times. 

How awesome it is to feel excited again! 🦋