Category Archives: Life

Damaged Goods.

“God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”
― Vance Havner

I run a small business from home which involves taking used or donated clothing and fabric, still in moderate condition, and turning them into funky, reversible shopping bags. I am currently in the process of revamping the business model to incorporate other products and services, however at the moment, it’s predominantly all about bags. The process of separating the good pieces, whilst strengthening and reinforcing the more worn out ones, is time consuming. It is no easy feat, but a task worth pursuing as some pieces are so unique, it would be a waste to throw them out. Perseverance is a labour of love, a fact creators of anything beautiful and unique are well aware. We see the potential in almost everything.

Our creator God sees more than potential. He sees purpose. He desires to fill and repair us from the inside out. As with damaged, discarded, worn out fabric, so are we lost, used and abused. We are tattered souls looking for a saviour to stitch us whole again, to make something beautiful, purposeful, and worthy out of our lives. Some of us look for spiritual healing, others physical. Without the healing power of Christ Jesus, we find neither spiritual nor physical, and will forever remain damaged goods.

Whether we choose to cry out to Jesus or not, we cannot fix ourselves, the world will not right all wrongs and recycled fabric will not magically become bags. Some of us look for a sign of God’s existence, maybe an audible voice or a dream, but a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given (Matt 16:4).

It is in the depths of our consciences, where Jesus speaks. He is the still soft voice prompting us to listen. This requires a humbling of the self, a bowing of the knees, a surrendering of pride, and a faith which trusts that with God, all things are possible (Mark 9:23). If at first, you do not find Him, try, try again and again and again. Never stop trying. God wants to be found by you. His grace is sufficient. Find healing, purpose and freedom in Christ, and be made whole again.

https://youtu.be/Rfmrh3QyHus

Death to the Little Guy.

“Bless you prison, bless you for being in my life. For there, lying upon the rotting prison straw, I came to realize that the object of life is not prosperity as we are made to believe, but the maturity of the human soul.”
― Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956.

Life is often unfair, one could argue we are predestined for a purpose. Metaphorically, we each represent a piece on the chessboard. There are the pawns which make up the majority, with the rest of the pieces being the aristocrats, ruling class and global elite.

The pawn is the least powerful, largely used as cannon fodder, and is only able to advance when supported by other pawns and powerful players. It is the most vulnerable when isolated, and whenever it is able to cross over to the opponent’s side, it is promoted Queen, an almost insurmountable task and often only made possible if it advantages what’s left of the ruling class. The word “pawn” derived from the French “peon”, is a Medieval Latin term for “foot soldier”, otherwise known as “peasant” or “farmer”. The pawn is the little guy.

According to Hegelian Dialectic, we are trapped in multiple states of being, but we refuse to see we are destined for either power, servitude, then death. Some of us are deluded into thinking we can make it across to the other side, to become kings and queens, aristocratic masters on the world’s domain or masters of our own minute universe.

As pawns on the chessboard of life, we are the little guys playing for a king to whom we naively pledged allegiance. Whether that king is Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, some multimillion dollar company, or Mother Earth. We are complicit in our own enslavement. Thinking we have power over our choices, we take sides and jump on band wagons indiscriminately because we think we know everything.

In fact, we know nothing, we have no power, and our choices are manipulated. Everyday, we are dialectically predisposed to choose how we spend our time and resources and most that time is made up by doing their bidding. Whether it be consuming their latest marketed gadget, ideology or poison. The system is set up against us.

The world’s system is an algorithm set up like a chess game with the programmers knowing the multiple, limited moves each of us can make and have made, with most of our moves and circumstances determined by our start in life, our birthplace, race, and inheritance being out of our control. We are either white or black. Whilst that may be the reality, God is yesterday, today and tomorrow, always in control.

Thankfully in Christ, we have a Creator to whom we can turn, a just King. He designed us with free will, the ability to choose right from wrong, and good from evil. Whilst He may not have invented the chessboard or the machinations behind every corrupt system, He is still on His throne, waiting for us to realise the futility and vanity of striving to get the other side. Instead, we can accept Him throughout the process, transcend the system and do all things with Him in mind as our true and loving Saviour. He paved a way of escape from serving the unjust kings when He sent His son to die for us.

Jesus is the panacea to life’s injustices, He loves the little guy. We can share in His victory over sin and death, and live a truly purposeful life. But with that comes a dying. We must die to our sinful nature, the desire to consume, and be lords and rulers of our own universe. Our lives need to be fully surrendered to Him.

Whilst the ruling class and others around us seem to prosper with every shrewd, calculated, conniving move, Jesus promises to one day “pour contempt on them and cause them to wander in the wilderness” (Ps 107:40). He does not take us out of the game, instead He allows us to continue, to strengthen our faith in Him, and share His truth with others. Those who die to themselves, and choose to serve Him will ultimately be the victors. “….Death is swallowed up in victory.” (I Cor 15:54‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Just like the chess game comes to an end, this world is not our final destination, and will soon come to an end. Heaven and Hell are eternal, our souls are eternal, and though the powers that be, call us “peon”, Jesus calls us to Him, a Royal nation, His own peculiar people. Our servitude and striving for justice and goodness is not futile in Christ. There is power in being the blessed poor in spirit. We will see the kingdom of God. Trust Him.

“Blessed are the PEON in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the MEEK, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who HUNGER and THIRST for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” (Matt 5:3-10)
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Lockdown Hypocrisies.

  1. You told us to stay home for 2 weeks to ‘flatten the curve’. And so we did what you asked and 18 months later we are still locked in our homes.
  2. You kept brothels open but closed churches.
  3. You tell us you are “following the science” whilst subjecting us to arbitrary restrictions with zero basis in science.
  4. You said “we’re all in this together” while we lost our jobs and you got pay rises.
  5. You made us quarantine in small hotel rooms while making special rules for Hollywood stars.
  6. You keep Australian citizens from returning home while allowing Caitlyn Jenner into the country to film Big Brother.
  7. You refuse individuals the ability to visit relatives interstate but give special exemptions to entire football teams.
  8. You tell us that masks are unsafe, then change your mind and punish people who don’t wear masks.
  9. You tell us AZ is unsafe for under 60s, then only unsafe for under 50s and now urge us all to get it, sneering at us if we hesitate to follow your ever-changing advice.
  10. You said we can’t go overseas but that you simply must go overseas to pitch for the Olympics.
  11. And now, of course, you tell us that last year’s BLM march was safe but that our protest for freedom is a super spreader.

Author Unknown.

Melbourne Freedom Day Rally, 2021.

I attended Melbourne’s very first freedom day held on Mother’s Day at the start of our first lockdown back in 2020. Approximately a hundred people were present, compared to what seemed like a thousand police officers. It was highly intimidating, my daughters were petrified and worried we would be arrested, as so many were being dragged away by up to ten officers per dissenter. Today’s rally however, was remarkably different, it was truly a sight to behold as thousands gathered en masse in the centre of Melbourne to march against ungodly Covid mandates inflicted upon us by our treacherous government.

It started at Lonsdale St. and as the crowd grew and flags flew, an almost equal number of Victoria Police stood ready, encompassing about cries of freedom, laughter and unity. But nothing was going to stop the people today, there were too many of us. Melbourne came to life as the streets once again became the cosmopolitan, melting pot for which it was once famously renowned. Things felt “normal” again, we could have been at a Moomba Parade cheering on the floats or at a Grand Final Parade, it was oddly nostalgic. Though beneath the jovial facade was the sense that things were far from okay, we knew this was not a parade and we lamented the life we once took for granted. In amongst the crowd, rising above the noise was Hope, an Evangelist, a voice crying in the wilderness, Jesus.

Pray for Melbourne, pray for those who fear death, and “pray for those who rule over us, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Tim 2:1-4). At the same time, resist ungodly diktats according to convictions given you by the Holy Spirit, and submit, but do not obey (Right Minds).

To Mask or Not to Mask.

“If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?” Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956.

Nothing has caused more division as far as I know, than the age of Covid19. The debate goes beyond the left/right dichotomy, aligning people from all walks of life who otherwise would have nothing in common. The point of difference and unity is the mask, a literal representation of all that is wrong with today. It seems a tiny thing in light of the bigger issues, though unfortunately, it holds deeper implications and as such, has arguably become 21st century’s most divisive issue, even causing rifts in the Christian community.

Fall outs, arguments, and literal fights are breaking out everywhere, on the ground and on-line. The problem is, deep down we know it’s all one big fat lie, whichever camp you find yourself, whether Christian or not, we all know we are being lied to. Some of us either haven’t accepted it yet, or have much to gain from the lies. These are confusing and scary times, but take heart and remember, God’s word hosts a wealth of wisdom and has proven to be a source of strength.

‬‬We can hardly blame those who fell for the narrative, after all, mainstream media and the corporate oligarchs can sound quite convincing blasting repeatedly from zombie boxes. This is otherwise known as a type of brainwashing. God’s word says, they shall be sent a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie (2 Thess‬ ‭2:11-12‬ ‭KJV). It beggars belief that anyone would intentionally support an obvious lie, yet here we are with so many masking up complicit in that lie, so convinced that a mask will save them from dying.

Death is a part of life and living means eventually dying. Human beings are a resilient folk, having survived multiple plagues throughout history. We are still here. Let the evolutionary process do its job, stop partaking in the lie and pacifying people’s fears by wearing a mask. Embrace faith over fear. If we, being children of the Most High are the light of the world, perhaps it is time to lose the masks, proclaim the freedom we have in Christ, and encourage others not to live in fear, “for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Eph‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭KJV).

Whilst masking off is not the same as proselytising in the frontline on the Gaza strip, it can be almost as scary. People actually pray before going out mask off.‬‬ Sure it might take time for others to draw those conclusions but allow God to work through you. Let His word go out freely, in love, boldly, let your countenance shine as the light in this dark and fearful world. God says to fear not, ‘”peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27, KJV). The world can promise you peace if you do everything their way, but it is not God’s peace that surpasses all understanding.

For those who mask off daily enduring the bitter looks, the grumbling behind masks, the verbal abuse and the passive aggressive stalking, and intimidation tactics, continue smiling. We know death comes to us all and it may not come through the virus, but we also know masks will not protect us when our time is up. Those who don that mask daily do not know better, let’s show them there is nothing to fear by smiling at death. And if they happen to ask you where your mask is, maybe tell them where your faith is instead.

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?””
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15:55‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/114/1co.15.55.nkjv

https://youtu.be/pog8l1mdVzA

Are you found in Christ?

Besides being locked up in Communist State Victoriastan, we have also recently endured extremely low temperatures, severe biting winds and falling debris everywhere. The state is a literal, spiritual, and economic mess!

So this morning when I received a text re: a power outage at the kids’ school, deeply suppressed feelings of fear and panic floated to the surface. My mind leapt forward to apocalyptic end time movies wherein people are storming their local grocery stores, raiding them for supplies, and I saw myself without power, heat or any form of communication, looking very small, and feeling truly vulnerable.

In that same moment, a text came in from my pastor re: tonight’s Bible Study. Naturally, I shared my fears and proceeded to interrogate him as to whether the Church had a plan for a time where there will be fuel shortages and power outages, making it impossible for us to fellowship. I don’t know any people of faith neighboring me, my church is all over the world. I suggested it might be worth investing in bikes as another means of travel for when that time ever arrived. “We need a plan!” I messaged desperately.

This was sent in response.
1 John 5:4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” Amazing how God’s word is always a calming voice, alleviating all fears.

At the end of everything, all we have is our Faith and Jesus or faith in Christ. Are you in the faith?
Praise and worship in times of angst and fear, allow God to take you to that higher place and FEAR NOT.

He is coming soon. Maranatha.


https://youtu.be/GUUpIedQ60A

Our Story.

“…..Preach good tidings to the poor;
to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
They shall raise up the former desolations,
And they shall repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.” (Isa 61:2-4)
 
Formerly a home-schooling family of nine, on a single income and a tight budget, we learned to value everything, rarely threw anything out, and always tried to look for creative ways to recycle. We would practice textiles and design using old clothes, moderately worn out linen or marked down fabric purchased from op-shops.
 
Building on the philosophy which underpinned the quilting industry, our family business was born. Beauty for Ashes has been 20 years in the making but we now intentionally rescue, restore, and re-purpose fabric into reversible, washable, funky bags.
 
Having recently survived a critical life event, our desire is to pay forward our blessings to others who may be or are going through similar situations. As with our philosophy on unwanted fabric, we believe there is no life too far gone or beyond reach. Every life is valuable and with the right tools and support, restoration and transformation is possible.
 
When you purchase the Beauty for Ashes bags, you are in the business of restoring, empowering and re-purposing lives. No two bags are alike and are as unique as each individual’s fingerprint. Made at home, with love, by a loving Australian family.

This Momentary Marriage. A Parable of Permanence. By John Piper.

This Momentary Marriage. A parable of permanence.

By John Piper.

Jesus draws three conclusions in Mark 10:8–9. He says (1) in verse 8, “So they are no longer two but one flesh.” In other words, since God said in Genesis 2:24, “They shall become one flesh,” therefore Jesus concludes for his day and ours: “So they are [now] no longer two but one flesh.” Marriage is that kind of union—very profound, just as Christ and the church are one body (Rom. 12:5).

Then (2) the second conclusion Jesus draws is that this union of one flesh is the creation—the work—of God, not man. He says in verse 9, “What therefore God has joined together . . .” So even though two humans decide to get married, and a human pastor or priest or justice of the peace or some other person solemnizes and legalizes the union, all of that is secondary to the main actor, namely, God. “What God has joined together . . .” God is the main actor in the event of marriage.

Then (3) Jesus draws the conclusion at the end of verse 9: “Let not man separate.” The word translated “man” here (“Let not man separate”) is not the word for male over against female, but the word for human over against divine. The contrast is: “If God joined the man and woman in marriage, then mere humans have no right to separate what he joined.” That’s Jesus’ third conclusion from Genesis 1–2. Since God created this sacred union with this sacred purpose to display the unbreakable firmness of his covenant love for his people, it simply does not lie within man’s rights to destroy what God created.

Jesus did not come simply to affirm the Mosaic law. He came to fulfill it in his own consuming, forgiving, justifying obedience and death, and then to take his ransomed and forgiven and justified followers into the higher standards that were really intended when all of Moses is properly understood.

Empty promises.

In the silence of harsh words unspoken
The air grows thick with empty noise,
Frozen smiles tell a lie, as little ones giggle on cue,

A house full of stuff that will never make a home,
Collecting dust and resentment.

A melancholic kind of joy breaks my heart, while it aches for a time gone by and one that may still be,

Caught between the past and the future, there’s no time for the present,

Meanwhile, the play goes on.

A pound of flesh.

A pound of flesh.

The pound of flesh, which I demand of him,
Is dearly bought; ’tis mine, and I will have it:
If you deny me, fie upon your law!
There is no force in the decrees of Venice:
I stand for judgment: answer, shall I have it? (Act 4, Scene 1. Merchant of Venice)

The courtroom scene in The Merchant of Venice gives a compelling account of the human condition as it highlights the hypocrisies of religion and the law. Although Shylock seems to be getting a fair trial, he’s already condemned, as the court makes a mockery of words like mercy and justice. Shakespeare’s courtroom scene vividly paints a picture of man’s pride, life’s injustices and the consequences of being unable to forgive.

Obviously, Shylock endured much persecution, pain and degradation at the hands of Antonio and the Christian Venetians and undoubtedly, we are able to empathise with his hurt and desire for justice and revenge. We see in Shylock a picture of a man who has been hard done by for much of his life. Despised by men and even by his own daughter, he’s marred with bitterness, pride and vengeance. Justifiable though he may be, he’s not entirely innocent.

As much as it’s possible to understand Shylock, we are torn between seeing him get his pound of flesh and waiting with bated breath for him to show some semblance of mercy. We want him to rise above his circumstances, forgive the Venetians and accept the offer from Antonio. We plead for him to prove himself better before the court and the audience, to extend the virtues of forgiveness, humility, kindness and mercy.

We often see this scene played out daily in our own lives. We’ve all seen people unable to forgive, hardened by anger and vengeance. Bitterness, pride and hatred are like scars on their faces. I’ve seen it in my children when they fight, in my family and amongst friends. We all want our day in court, revenge…. a pound of flesh. Alas! The reality is, life simply is not fair. The courts get it wrong many times; people make mistakes and accidents happen. I almost killed a boy today, or at least very nearly seriously injured him. Thank God, I was driving less than the speed required. Had I been going just 5km faster, instead of him bumping me, it could’ve been me running him down and over. I couldn’t even imagine what it would feel like to live with the guilt of taking someone’s life, let alone a child’s life. How could his family ever forgive me? How would I forgive myself? There are people who live with that kind of guilt for much of their lives. Forgiveness frees us of such unproductive and destructive emotions.

We have all been hurt and we have all at some point, caused pain in others. The fact is, no one is better than the other, there is no one innocent before God. Just like the Venetians who backed Shylock into a corner and Shylock who lashed out from his corner wielding a knife. We are all just a bunch of filthy, rotten sinners in need of a Savior. A Savior who will whisper, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” “Love your enemies and pray for those who use you and persecute you.” Liberating advice, loving advice, gracious, humble, life-giving advice.

Eventually, we see Shylock’s relentless pursuit of justice and revenge come to a bitter end. He is brought to an excruciatingly painful low, forced into submission and humiliated in the presence of his enemies. We walk away from this scene with genuine sorrow in our hearts for the man. But we walk away knowing that the day will soon come when we all shall see justice. A day when we all stand before the true judge to give an account for every word spoken and every dirty deed done in darkness. Until that day comes, do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
Luke 23:34 (NKJV)