Thoughtful Ramblings

There's something wonderful about seeing new places. As my holiday in New Zealand draws to a close I'm reflecting on the great times we've had while away. This is surely one of the most beautiful of countries. In the last week we've seen majestic mountains, geysers shooting water and steam up into the air, volcanoes with sulphurous atmosphetes, and glorious, albeit sometimes rugged, coasts. With many inlets and bays, some hidden and suddenly 'happenned' upon and others broad and expansive, the coast here is certainly magnificent. As I've travelled this way, I'm reminded of a wonderful story I read as a kid many years ago. I wish I could remember the name of the book. As we drove through the towns and over inlets in the Bay of Plenty region and the Coromandel Peninsular I could imagine how this story could be written. Maybe it's even based on this area. I do not know and perhaps one day I will find out. But for now, imagination will have to suffice....

As parents the example we set is important. In our world full of advertising and  marketing it is tempting to get caught up in the idea that we need things. This also teaches our kids that having stuff is important. Yet these things that seemed so necessary ultimately become clutter. I'm becoming so much more aware of what I buy and the motivation for buying it, but that marketing is pretty slick. And to be honest, I have plenty of stuff that I'm sifting through because I don't use it and for some things never have used it. What a waste. I want to set an example to my children and grandchildren that relationships, not things, are important, and that when we remove the things that get in the way, we have more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Here's a link for one of my favorite blogs that i follow that addresses this very thing. http://www.becomingminimalist.com/our-example/ Hope your enjoy the read.

Hi there, In my attempt to simplify I came across this great site that has all sorts of sensible ways to simplify and minimise. I love it because it takes a really practical approach to minimalism. I'm still working on this and making some progress; perhaps not as much as I'd like but progress is still progress hey. This blog is a little different because it talks about our propensity as human beings to compare ourselves to each other. The writer has some great tips on how not to compare. In the Bible, Paul also encourages the Galatians to avoid comparison. It's so easy for us to compare, but when we compare we don't do ourselves any favours. Paul reminds us to focus on our own call and walk and to be satisfied with a job well done. Galatians 6:4-5 NLT Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. [5] For we are each responsible for our own conduct. I ho...

Where I live it's usually fairly quiet in the morning.  Maybe the occasional bark of a dog, a plain going overhead or the low rumble of a car in the street. Sometimes i hear the early birds singing in the tree. Maybe they've caught their proverbial worm. Today though the noises are very different.  I hear the constant low noise of an air conditioner, traffic in the street that is likely a melee of bikes, scooters and cars all honking their horns at each other (and at anyone brave enough to cross the street). I cannot hear birds, or any animals, though they are here. I am in Asia. The constant traffic, the never ending beeping of horns in the street (so many different ways to send a message via horn) and the intense humidity give that away. I'm here for a reason, not just a holiday. I'm here because I believe God has brought me here to learn and to grow. I'm here because I love this city, this country, and its people. I don't live here and probably never will. ...

Today I'm doing what I love as I endeavour to take some time out. The last few weeks have been filled with many exciting and fulfilling things but they have also been quite stressful as I have been negotiating changes and transitions at work and at home. So today I visited and old haunt of mine. It's actually not that far from where I live but it is a place that holds many treasured memories over many years. And yes, for those who know me well, it is another spot down by the ocean. It also has the most wonderful rock platform filled with many amazing tidal marine creatures that cling to life sometimes in very precarious positions. They have been shaped by and adapted well to their environment and the ever changing tides, crashing waves and hot sun, and also the occasional violent storm. They survive and even thrive because they are well equipped for life on the rock platform. So today, as I take time out, I think about how well equipped I am to live the life that is mine. I...

I love watching the Olympic Games. So many athletes giving their all to achieve their goals. They can't afford to be distracted by anything. The smallest distraction could be disastrous for their preparation for and completion of their event. As I watch them I'm inspired by their dedication, their single focus and their self discipline. I want to have that kind of self discipline. I go through phases where I focus, maybe even hyper focus, and I know that I've achieved many of my goals. But to have success in life takes ongoing discipline and dedication. It takes more than just good intentions. I may never be an Olympian, but I can aspire to be like them in their dedication and discipline. This week I'm taking time to reflect on what is really important. What things have I left undone that need to be finished? What do I need to pick up again. I want this to be the week where my good intentions become action. A week where my action is focused on what is important; focus...

Psalm 33:6 NLT The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. I love this. For me, it's not really about whether God loves me or not. I simply know that he does. What i love to read, and what really helps me in my faith, is acknowledging who God is. When i meditate on this, everything else find its rightful place.

iTea in Corrimal is a wonderful business providing a range of black, green, white and rooibos teas along with many other exotic tea blends . I'm not sponsored by then in any way but I do love their tea and their friendly service. You can also buy online. The website is bellow. http://www.itea.com.au In a recent newsletter they shared some information on the origins of high tea which I thought I would share with you. Happy reading. Have you ever wondered about the origins of the indulgent High Tea? It was one of Queen Victoria’s closest friends, Duchess Anna who had a hand in creating the afternoon tea. Anna complained of having “that sinking feeling” one late afternoon. She wanted something small to satisfy her hunger until dinner time. And so the afternoon tea was born. When the rest of the high society women became aware of this new event, which was perfect for eliminating their afternoon ennui, they took it upon themselves to transform it into a serious affair. ...

I had to get new glasses today. Not because my eyes have changed but because I've managed to lose two pairs in the last 2 weeks. They must be somewhere close but no matter how much or how carefully I've searched they are not to be found. So a new pair it is. I'm aware that this almost certainly means the other pairs will now magically appear from nowhere and despite my careful search will probably be somewhere obvious. I'm thankful we can afford a health fund to allay the cost. The frustrating thing for me is that I try so hard to keep track of these things. I don't deliberately put them dien to lose them. I do put them down and because my mind is thinking about so many other things, I simply can't remember where that is. This has always been the story of my life. Part of my desire to simplify is to make my life not more manageable. I want to make time for the things in life that really matter: time for God, time for relationships, time to volunteer, time to w...

I've been working on simplifying my life. There is a reason for this. Over the years I have realised that I seem to spend less time doing what I really love and more time dealing with stuff. Sometimes my stuff and sometimes other people's stuff. It may be physical stuff and sometimes it's just emotional baggage. So it's time to simplify. To make room for the things that really count. To make room for deeper relationships and to do the things I truly love; to make room to support those that have nothing. I'm simplifying how I do things at work so that what I do is more productive and more effective. I'm trying to simplify the stuff I own. This is easier said than done. I have so much stuff. And I'm challenged by that because so many people in this world of ours have nothing, or very little. And I have so much that it literally overflows and crowds my life. Now I'm one of those people that can work even when there is stuff around. I like noise and knowin...

"intelligence alone is not a predeterminated feature of success in life and work. Intelligence as represented by IQ ignores aspects of personality, emotion and behaviour that are equally, if not more l…" Understanding Emotional Intelligence: Strategies for Boosting Your EQ and Using it in the Workplace by Neilson Kite, Frances Kay. http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Understanding-Emotional-Intelligence-Strategies-Boosting-You/book-wrEy_ZCNgkmnJzOesSUbJQ/page1.html

Today I'm back down by the water. You've probably guessed by now if you follow me on any form of social media that I really do love the ocean. It is my 'go to' place when I want to walk and think. Today though it's much colder and I'm hoping a brisk walk will warm me slightly. The change from the warmest April day on record yesterday to a cold blustery one today is probably not that unusual for this part of the world, or this time of year, but it does always seem to catch us by surprise. We Aussies can be a funny lot like that. Anyway, today as I walked towards the beach I noticed what seemed to be a massive ship offshore amongst all the others waiting for their turn in port. As I walked further and was able to gain a different view, I realised that it was actually two ships waiting and not one. You may wonder where I'm heading with this. But here's the rap. What was the difference? Simply a different angle giving me a different and new perspective on...

There is something wonderful about the ocean, its steady rhythm, the unending pounding of waves as thay reach the shore with their towing pinnacles of white rising to the sky and the thunderous crash as they collapse upon themselves. There is a constancy that is somehow reassuring and yet there is a latent power and surprise that expresses itself most fully on those days where the sea seems angry and terrible, powered by unseen energy, driven by the wind. This is when I love it the most. I've lived near water for most of my life. I'm blessed now to live where both mountain and sea are not only visible but accessible. Today, I'm on the headland, watched over by the faithful lighthouse, as the waves crash mercilessly on the rocks below and the wind, a strong nor easter, cools the heat of the almost ended day. There are ships on the horizon waiting for their day in port,  their call to action and to offload what precious cargo they possess. The strength of the breeze means ...

Loved this when I read this quote from "Family On Mission" by Sally Breen, Mike Breen - "As we see in Jesus, being submitted means that we are prepared to set aside our own agendas for the greater good. It means we are able to set aside our own personal desires and ambitions for the purposes of the blessing and growth of the group that we’re called to lead." Start reading this book for free: http://amzn.to/1pZ5CLO

Welcome to my new blog. I've added this one to my list to express my thoughtful ramblings. Hope you enjoy the thoughts, ideas and ramblings found on this page.