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Thursday, May 17, 2007
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Fit To Drive
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Well, at this current moment I'm feeling very exhausted and empty and drained. It's amazing what can happen to your physical body after conducting a workshop.
At University we were trained up to run Fit To Drive workshop. The Victorian Police, RACV and TAC are really into it, and together we go into highschools and run this program. It's really quite good. When I trained up for it, I wasn't expecting to actually work in it. But two days ago, one of the main co-ordinators called me up asking me to help out. So I did. Today.
Anyways, enough about that. I have some news. In approximately 3 hours I will no longer be working in the job I'm currently working in ! Today is my last shift. I mentioned previously that I had some major life changes taking place... and well, this is one of them.
I'm so excited, I just got a job as a social/youth worker. Working with the Salvation Army in the city of Melbourne. The way it all came about was such a God thing. God's Hand was on it all the way.
Perhaps if I wasn't so tired I would share it. Soon. I will. When I'm more alive.
Anyways, after today i will no longer have access to the internet. Internet cafes here we come! |
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posted by Samantha Louise
2:15 PM
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Congrats! Where are you working with the salvos, up in Resevoir? I had some friends up there ...
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Sam,
Congratulations...hope all the changes go well. Love to come down and see your part of the world someday...
best wishes!
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Hey Miss Sam! Congratulations on your new job!
God is totally guiding your life! And it is so wonderful to hear He will be using you in these other new way in another job!
Good luck and God bless!
Thinking of you,
Steph
=)
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Hope you like your new job! Sounds like it might be an adventure.
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Dear samantha louise. Congratulations on the new job! I really hope that you enjoy the challenges and meet some great people.
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Sam,
Nothing better than a job given by God! Salvation Army does such amazing work! Can't wait to hear more about it and your adventures in it.
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Monday, May 14, 2007
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The Hurley Hoody.
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Dinner at my dad's. You beauty.
That's where I'm at right now. Sitting on my old kitchen table with my father next to me, staring at me with wide eyes to see how his baby daughter is handling life. Typical of all fathers, he hands me some cash in my hand. Knowing that he is struggling for money himself, it makes me realise how precious I really am to him.
Just as I am also precious to my Heavenly Father.
I really really really wanted to buy a new Hurley hoody. I know that sounds so materalistic and selfish and whatever else, but the truth is.. it's the truth. I wanted a new hoody. And at Christmas time I had been given a $50 voucher to a shopping center, which I had not yet used! So off I went to the shops. I find this hoody, as pictured, and loved it. It was $79.95. $50 was cool. But I didn't have the extra 30 bucks! My friend offered to pay what I couldn't afford. And, as a joke, I say outloud with my friend "haha God, if you feel like being cool, make this come up as a sale item on the computer... and give me $20 off.". I'm telling you. It was just a quick prayer up, one where I was joking. I wasn't even expecting it. I take it to the cash register, say hello to the sales man, he beeps it through and says casually...
"That will be $59.95 thanks"
My friend starts laughing. I go bright red.
"Uh... excuse me?" Just in case, you know, I heard wrongly.
"That's $59.95.."
"No no no ... I think you got it wrong... the tag says it's $79.95."
"Well you can pay the extra 20 bucks if you want... but they screwed it up... for some reason it's been put through the computer as a sale item, sooooo you get it as a sale item."
And with an awkward stunned look upon my face I hand him my $50 voucher and the extra $9.95.
"Sam..." My friend says, tears welling in her eyes from laughter. "Do you know how powerful your prayers are?"
I felt almost embarrassed. "I swear.. I was only joking!!!"
"Well.." She says. "God has a good sense of humour then." |
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posted by Samantha Louise
6:28 PM
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That is very cool, and very funny. God must have stuck his finger in there somewhere. What colour did you buy?
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Tuesday, May 8, 2007
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Stories of my life Bible Art
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 I love to write stories. I love to creatively share what is happening in my life. But what is so sad is that the two major stories that are currently unfolding, I cannot share in this. Wisdom says so. However, once the expected outcome arrives,.. trust me, I will be at this computer, fingers frantically typing away, sharing what exactly has been happening this year. I feel that the ending of this chapter is about to end... we'll wait and see.I've been chewing on a Scripture these past few days. So many thoughts and revelations are flowing through me. Before I share these thoughts I would love to hear what you guys have to say about it, particulary you Mike Messerli. I love to read your thoughts and your wisdom on different Scriptures in the Bible, so.. tell me what you get out of this passage. And then I will share what I got out. We can all learn together! :) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4
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posted by Samantha Louise
1:51 PM
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I know wisdom is good and all, but I want to know now! :D
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Oh and very cool picture there Christop!
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Sam, I'm honored that you would want my thoughts, this is an amazing passage, and the teachings here are really exciting. In fact, most Christians don't "get it", and miss a wonderful blessing. I'll do my best to share my thoughts on these verses, and love your feedback, so here are my observations amid the verses you noted:
If then you were raised with Christ (raised with Christ? but I'm still "stuck here", what does that mean- raised with Christ? I think Paul is repeating a truth he teaches in Ephesians 1 & 2 as well- positionally, when I trust Christ as my savior, I am raised to new life and seated with him in heaven...even while I sit here in Texas I am spiritual alive in Christ, in fact Paul says Christ IS my life), seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (see Eph. 1:20-2:6 describing this, and my position in him. The "in him" theme is all through Paul's writings.) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Set your mind on the truth of where your life is- in Christ, not here. "When Christ who is our life"...what a concept. I do not have life in myself, it comes from him in me. It's his life in me that give ME life. Ian Thomas calls that the exchanged life. He says, "Christ gave his life for you, so he could give his life to you, so he could live his life through you." That's the idea Paul is describing in a nutshell. The exchanged life- Christ living HIS life in me and through me, and me resting in Him in the heavenlies...it's all so hard to understand because I sit here in my tiring body unable to understand the reality of what these words say. These words are linked to his thoughts in Ephesians written about the same time.)
This is very brief....I would love to sit down with our bibles and take a couple hours to talk about this....let me know your thoughts.
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force,
sounds good, but don't get started until you have read what Major Ian Thomas has written in this area. Life in Christ, life by the Spirit is full of content.
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Hey everyone,
Thanks for responding. I haven't been online for a few days, so I have only just read this! Force be willed... by did you take your post out? Good thing... your original posting was emailed to me! And I like what you had to say. So I'm going to copy and paste it here for everone to see:
Gday! I’m new to this world of blogging, and on my journey I’ve just stumbled across your blog. I thought I'd share with you what I get out of that verse you mentioned.
Firstly – I think this verse needs a bit more context. If we back-track 4 verses, we see: "Since you died with Christ....". I love it how Paul uses these two paragraphs in stark contrast to one another, drawing our attention to the latter of the two statements (as he does quite often in his writings).
Now, in the first paragraph, we see echoes of 1 Corinthians 6:20 (you were bought at a price…). We no longer belong to the world or it’s systems of rules and regulations. Through Christ’s death, we have “died with him†to these “principlesâ€, rules, systems and methodologies.
Therefore, just as He was raised, we too have been raised, through the Spirit (Romans 8:11). Not to fulfil our own selfish desires, but to live “life by the Spiritâ€. We now have an obligation to this new life which has been given us, because our life belongs no longer to ourselves.
On a side note – this doctrine of “life by the Spirit†is one which has been increasingly intriguing me of recent times, as I begin to realise just how significant this is to our Christian walks. I’ll be posting a blog of mine own on this topic very soon….
Anyways, I'm really excited to write my thoughts!!!! Not now though... very soon! hahaha.
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what a way to keep us engaged and in suspense! I look forward to reading your thoughts.
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Saturday, May 5, 2007
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Uni on a Saturday
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 It's a Saturday and here I am, basking in the glory of my university library.
Saturdays are supposed to be about sleeping in, making breakfast, walking around in your pyjamas. Going to see friends, enjoy the park, enjoy a hot chocolate at Gloria Jeans. Shopping for that new perfect outfit. Watching movies. Eating rubbish. Talking on the phone, reading a book, going out for dinner with your mates. Laughing, and generally having fun.
But, no, today my Saturday was experienced and enjoyed in a classroom. I had a uni class on today. Oh what fun, what excitement.
Despite the day of the week and the thoughts of what I could be doing. I did have fun. I love my uni course. I love what we do, what we talk about. I love the people I spend the day with.
Cheri asked me in a comment whether I studied Writing. No, I do not. I've never actually said what I did at uni. But what I'm studying is a Bachelor of Youth Work. It's kinda like Social Work but more... youthy.
Yesterday in class I got really passionate. We were discussing something and it was tearing at my heart strings. Before I knew it I was on my feet passionately exclaiming my thoughts and my heart. People sat there in shock. I sat down, also in shock. Afterwards the police officer who was joining us and the other professional youth workers who were training us approached me and said "Thank you. Thank you. We need people like you in the field." I wanted to grab them by the shirt and tell them that all you need to do is read and live the Bible. But I didn't.
Afterwards, one of my peers approached me. He said, "There's something about you, and I want to know what it is. Do you want to join me for a beer?" I told him I didn't drink alcohol but I would love to have a Diet Coke. So off we went and we talked for a good hour. About life, our dreams, values, inspirations. I told him my testimony and he told me what he believed in. After I shared my story he told me he would go away and begin to ask God for an experience of Him.
Something is happening in my heart. Something is changing. This year has been so hard but I'm feeling such a breakthrough taking place. So many miracles have happened in the past week. Just in one week alone I've seen God move in such a way that 5 people have been healed and 6 people gave their hearts to Jesus! I'm excited by everything that is going on. God is so good, so faithful, so awesome!
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posted by Samantha Louise
3:00 PM
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Wo0hoo! Your on fire sam! :D
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I love that you didn't hold back Sam. You let your light shine. And instead of ridicule, people were attracted to it - well the ones you talked about anyway :) I like that. I love the fact that you see your fellow Youth Work students as being in need of God's love just as much as the youth you are being trained to help.
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You are an amazing woman of God sam!!! I luv u heaps!
I do miss chatting terribly though!! :(:(
Sorry I haven't been around lately..finally just posted a blog after a few months.
Call me??? or email me??
Would luv to chat :)
LUV U!!!
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Dear samantha louise. Youth work hey? I always wanted to get into youth work when I was at uni, but then I graduated and got a 'corporate' job and any creative and out of the box thoughts were obliterated from my mind amongst talk of bottom lines and touching base. Ahh.
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Thursday, May 3, 2007
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Awkward shoe moments.
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 I am wearing these really sweet blue shoes/heels from Sportsgirl. These are the shoes that I wear pretty much everyday to work. However, it is so awkward. Perhaps I'm just too clumsy. I keep falling over. The shoes have stretched and now I fall. And I always seem to fall as I'm running across the busy main road... cars heading towards me... shoe falls off my feet... I keep running... I run back and grab shoe... freak out as I see oncoming cars... hair is waving everywhere... stumbling... fall over... heat padding my face... pick myself up... fix clothing... keep walking... trip again. All so very awkward. |
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posted by Samantha Louise
11:19 AM
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I'm sure there are verses in the Bible about God not letting you stumble - maybe try reading those hehe
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haha! I would love to be able to wear heels to work :p But I can't walk in them (stilettos & anything above an inch) let alone wear them all day :p
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That's hilarious Samantha! Maybe it's time for a new pair of shoes... wouldn't want you to get hurt.
Be blessed my dear sister in Christ!
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Heel grips my dear! They are sold at most shoe stores and chemists. They will save you!
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Wednesday, May 2, 2007
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The boy.
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 The 13 year old boy smirked at me from across the room. I ignored him and continued on with what I was speaking. But out of the corner of my eye I could not help but see that boy making gestures, crude jokes and laughing at the non-laughing parts. Afterwards I hanged out in the highschool's hall, meeting teenagers and connecting with them. Telling them stories of when I was attending this school. A year 10-er approached me, fidgeting with his hands, tugging at his school tie, nervous smile on face. "I err... I've been sick... Could you pray for me?" He says, eyes diverting my own. "Sure! I would love to!" Excitement is caught in my throat. Looking around I gather some christian teenagers to pray with me. We stood there in the hall, and placed our hands on his shoulders. The other teenagers looked at me, waiting in expectation of what to do next. And as they stared at me I noticed the 13-year old bounding towards me. Purposeful steps. Sarcastic grin on face. He laughed as he noticed us placing our hands on the year 10-ers shoulder. And in mockery, he copied. Without hesitation I proclaim a prayer of healing, asked God to bless this boy, and generally encouraged him. After we prayed the 13-year old stood there in stun silence. The year 10-er grins, nerves having fled, and tells us how he is feeling better already. I pat him on the shoulder and tell him he is a champion. His face is beaming and he runs off to tell his friend. And I notice the 13-year old boy, following me around, watching my steps. I turn to look at him and smile. He looks back at me and blinks.
"That prayer stuff is pretty weird heh.." He says, chewing on his lip in thoughtfulness.
"Why do you say that?" Curiosity hangs on my every word.
"Well, when I put my hand on that guys shoulder... when you prayed.. I felt a jolt go from my hand, up my shoulder, into my chest. And now... well I had this bad cough for ages.. but now.. it's gone." A small smile begins to creep across his face.
Laughing, I give him a high-five and wink.
"God is pretty powerful you know!" |
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posted by Samantha Louise
2:36 PM
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Woohoo go God. He can heal two people at a time!
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as we say in Texas, "AWESOME!"
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Ah God works in the most mysterious of ways!
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Tuesday, May 1, 2007
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Stalker of the blogs.
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 Talk about the smallness of blogging.
Yesterday after uni I was wandering around the city and I walked past this guy.
I absolutely LOVE his blog because it is so random and always has nice photos hahaha.
But man, it was freaky seeing him face to face. Funny thing is, he had no idea who I was. He just kept on walking, right past me, down Swanston street. So I turned around to follow him and work up the courage to go "HEY!!!! I READ YOU!!! And you read me!!!". But fear swallowed that up.
When I realised I was bordering on to being a stalker, I stopped following and kept going on my way.
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posted by Samantha Louise
9:12 AM
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:) That's funny!
Hey email me your address and I should be able to post you that picture tomorrow.
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Congrats on the job. :)