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! 🦋